August 22, 2023 — Lawrence/Geist

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Lawrence at Lucas is a game and a celebration

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By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

ing and coordination. Doing it every four years means most students will have the opportunity to experience it once.

“I think doing it every few years keeps it special and keeps the excitement there,” he added.

FOOTBALL

Lawrence at Lucas is returning for a third time Sept. 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium, with football teams from Lawrence North and Lawrence Central high schools and Fall Creek Valley and Belzer middle schools competing for trophies and bragging rights.

The last Lawrence at Lucas event was four years ago. Director of Operations for Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Grant Nesbit said the schools are friendly rivals and the high schools compete annually for the Bell trophy, named for longtime coach Dwaine Bell.

The first time the game was played at Lucas Oil Stadium was in 2015.

“About every four years or so, we get the opportunity to go down there and have a big event,” Nesbit said. “We have our marching bands come down, our middle school bands, both choirs from the high schools come down, and (we) just really try to make

it a big celebration of the school district.”

He said the event has attracted about 6,000 to 8,000 people in the past.

“It’s a big celebration of the district and the school as much as anything and everyone really comes out for it,” Nesbit said. “It’s a fun night and we have a lot of students performing and It’s just a great community event for us.”

He said the district doesn’t rent out the stadium annually because it’s a big expense and the event requires significant organiz-

Although the Lucas Oil Stadium event happens every four years, the game between Lawrence Central and Lawrence North is an annual event. The current holder of the Bell Trophy is Lawrence Central, which won 21-3 last year.

“That’s always our biggest game of the year,” Nesbit said. “That game has been going on since 1976, when Lawrence North opened.”

This year’s big celebration starts at 5:30 p.m. with the first game between Belzer and Fall Creek Valley seventh-graders. Those schools’ eighth-graders play at 6:30 p.m., and the high school varsity teams start their game at 8 p.m.

A link to buy tickets to the Sept. 1 Lawrence at Lucas event can be found at the school district’s website, ltschools.org.

Fridays at the Fort offer access to the arts

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

Arts for Lawrence’s artistic initiatives are breathing life and creativity into the City of Lawrence.

for the community.

Ward said he loved the Juneteenth celebration that Arts for Lawrence presented in June, for example.

CONCERT

The second-to-last Fridays at the Fort Concert Series was presented Aug 11 at the Arts for Lawrence Fort Ben Cultural Campus Amphitheater, 8920 Otis Ave., in Lawrence. The event is one of Arts for Lawrence’s programs making the arts accessible to everyone.

Arts For Lawrence Executive Director Elana Thompson said the free and public event creates more inclusive opportunities within the community.

“It’s to make arts more available to everyone,” Thompson said. “For people who may not be able to afford to go downtown to see the symphony or to see events. It’s right here in our own backyard.”

The series also gives additional opportunities to those who are interested in dance and playing music, said Thompson. The Aug. 11 event featured the Indianapolis-based dance company, Crossroads Dance Indy, and the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra.

Lawrence residents David Ward and Chunia Graves said they enjoy Lawrence because events are always being organized

“I was surprised we even had a Juneteenth thing,” Ward said. “There were way more people than I imagined that showed up.”

Graves said Arts for Lawrence programs have shown diversity, celebrating different backgrounds, such as Latin and Hispanic cultures.

“That’s going to attract so many more people than just those that are from Lawrence,” Graves said.

The last event of the Fridays at the Fort concert series is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug 25 at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus Amphitheater, featuring Pork & Beans Brass Band. Thompson said the event is free to attend and is supported through donations. For more, visit artsforlawrence.org.

Lawrence North Wildcats fans wear hunting gear during the 2019 Lawrence at Lucas event. (Photo courtesy of Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township)

Attendees gather on the lawn of Fort Ben’s Cultural Campus during the Aug. 11 Fridays at the Fort concert. (Photo by Edward Redd)

Council announces tentative court settlement

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

appropriate,” the settlement states.

GOVERNMENT

The Lawrence Common Council’s meeting packet for Aug. 16 included a settlement agreement between the council and Mayor Steve Collier’s administration, which could lead to dismissal of a months-long court case between two government branches of the City of Lawrence.

In the proposed settlement, the council would agree that its investigation into Collier regarding the 2022 budget reversion was complete and the council will take no further action. In return, Collier would agree to recommend and approve appropriations to pay for the council’s outstanding expenses related to the investigation and the court case.

There is no gag order in the agreement.

“Nothing in this agreement shall restrict the right of any party from making public or personal statements regarding the litigation or the investigation as they deem

The appropriations needed to pay the council’s outstanding bills total about $335,000. The funds will go to law firms that provided services to the council during its investigation of the mayor’s administration, and during the litigation process.

At deadline, the settlement had not been approved by the council or signed by Collier. It is not yet posted on the Marion County Court’s website. Messages seeking comment from the council and Collier’s administration were not returned in time for publication.

The Aug. 16 Lawrence council meeting took place after the publication deadline. For updates, visit youarecurrent. com.

BACKGROUND

Collier’s administration filed a petition March 23 in Marion County Superior Court over the council’s decision to appropriate $250,000 to investigate who was at fault when the city’s 2022 budget was not submitted to the state by deadline in late fall

of 2021 and reverted to the previous year’s budget.

The council started the investigation in late 2022-early 2023 after learning that the city had been operating for all of 2022 under the 2021 spending plan.

Collier’s petition asked the court to declare the appropriation null and void, based on state statutes that say an appropriation cannot be made without the mayor’s recommendation. Collier’s petition also asked the court to rule that the council was at fault for the 2022 budget issue, because it allegedly failed to provide details needed for that budget to be submitted on time.

In its response to the petition, the council alleged that through the petition and other actions, Collier’s administration was attempting to avoid investigation. The council’s response denied specific allegations in the mayor’s March 23 petition and included counterclaims against the mayor’s office.

For more stories on this topic, search for “Lawrence Court Case” at youarecurrent.com.

Cruise Indy Car Show — The fourth annual Cruise Indy Car Show and Car Cruise will be presented from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Indiana Spine Group parking lot. New this year is a partnership with Cars and Coffee. Participants will start at the Cars and Coffee location at Meridian Mark, 11611 N. Meridian, Carmel. People who just want to show their cars can go directly to Indiana Spine Group. There will be a DJ, Folds of Honor Raffle, food, face painting, Cruise Indy swag and a scavenger hunt for children. To have your vehicle judged, register online at CruiseIndy.com before midnight Aug. 24. For more, visit CruiseIndy.com or call Sandra at 651-278-0812.

500 Festival opens KidsFit registration

— Registration is open for the 10th annual 500 Festival KidsFit Program for the 2023-24 school year. KidsFit participants are invited to accomplish their final 3.1 miles in their own wave at the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K May 4, the same morning as the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in downtown Indianapolis. Interested teachers and group organizers should register their school or group at IndyMini.com/KidsFit.

Collier

IPL’s Fort Ben Branch becomes a Certified Autism Center

news@geistcurrent.com

The Fort Ben Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library is the first library branch in the state of Indiana to become a Certified Autism Center through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.

Brown, is spearheading a bigger initiative to earn the Autism Certified City designation through IBCCES.

ACHIEVEMENT

To receive this certification, Fort Ben Branch staff completed training to better understand the educational, behavioral, social and emotional needs of people with autism and sensory sensitivity. The branch also had an on-site review by IBCCES to provide additional insights and recommendations to enhance accessibility, including creating sensory guides in library areas.

“The library aims to recognize and value all the ways in which people differ, both seen and unseen, while fostering an environment, collection and services where everyone is celebrated,” Fort Ben Branch Manager Shelby Peak stated. “This designation is a significant milestone in our pursuit of this goal, and I commend the Fort Ben (Branch) staff for their dedication.”

To qualify as a Certified Autism Center, a

facility or organization must ensure that a minimum of 80 percent of its public-facing staff completes autism-specific training program through IBCCES. Funding for the

training and certification was sponsored by the Indy Autism Project and Easterseals Crossroads.

The Indy Autism Project, created by Ali

“The Fort Ben (Branch) Library is a monumental first step to creating a more accessible city for everyone,” said Brown, who represents Lawrence on the Indianapolis City-County Council. “This is the first library in the state of Indiana that, from the ground up, had autistic individuals and those with sensory issues in mind as they created the space. This is what the Indy Autism Project was founded to do — make spaces more accessible for those who are neurodiverse and, in turn, make spaces more accessible for everyone. I could not be more proud of the Indianapolis Public Library team for what they have put into our new library. I am so grateful.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 36 children in the United States has been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder and an estimated 2.21 percent of adults in the United States is autistic.

The Fort Ben Branch is at 9330 East 56th St. It held its grand opening Aug. 19. For more, visit indypl.org.

The new Fort Ben Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library offers a “comfort room” for people needing a quiet place. That could be nursing mothers or people with sensory sensitivity. (Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Public Library)

Lawrence man charged with homicide

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

had fled the scene prior to officer arrival.”

Woodruff stated that officers broadcast the suspect’s vehicle information, which was located within an hour by a McCordsville police officer, who notified Lawrence police.

CRIME

A 53-year-old Lawrence man has been arrested and charged with the Aug. 13 murder of his 27-year-old son, according to the Lawrence Police Department.

According to a news release from LPD Deputy Chief Gary Woodruff, police responded around 11 p.m. Aug. 13 to a call regarding an incident between family members at an apartment in the 7100 block of Foxborough Drive.

“First responding officers discovered a severely injured unresponsive 27-year-old male later identified as Oliver Johnson, who was declared deceased at the scene by first responding medics,” Woodruff stated. “After speaking with a family member witness, officers quickly identified a suspect as 53-year-old Rolf Johnson, who

Lawrence and McCordsville officers stopped the vehicle in the 11000 block of Pendleton Pike, taking the suspect into custody without incident.

In response to a request for additional information, Woodruff said Oliver Johnson apparently died from a single gunshot wound. Both men resided in the apartment.

Johnson faces a preliminary charge of murder, according to the news release. A final charging decision will be made by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.

According to the Marion County inmate search page, Johnson is in custody. No bail had been set.

Johnson

Lawrence resident to direct 4th Wall production

news@geistcurrent.com

The 4th Wall Players is holding auditions for its original adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast: Not Your Parents’ Fairy Tale” at 6 p.m. Aug. 22 at 5215 David St. in Lawrence.

THEATER

The play, directed by Lawrence resident Alan Keith, will be performed Nov. 10-12 at Fonesca Theatre, 2508 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis. Keith is a co-founder of Fourth Wall and is a member of its board of directors.

“The most exciting part about ‘Beauty and the Beast: Not Your Parents’ Fairy Tale’ is having the opportunity to see all the creative elements coming together and bringing a brand-new show to life.” Keith stated in an announcement about the auditions. (The) 4th Wall remains a group who is interested in showcasing artists in all aspects and bringing something exciting to the table to encourage nontraditional theater-goers to expand their horizons.”

The play has been in the works for years,

according to 4th Wall. The script was written and published in 2018.

According to the announcement from 4th Wall, those auditioning for a part don’t need to bring anything prepared. They will be asked to read sections of the script.

The 4th Wall Players was founded in 2011 by Keith and Josh Gibson.

More information about the auditions can be found at facebook.com/Players4thWall. Interested parties may also reach out by email at players.4thwall@gmail.com.

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Fourth Wall Players is holding auditions for “Beauty and the Beast: Not Your Parents’ Fairy Tale” Aug. 22. (Photo courtesy of Fourth Way Players)

Todd E. Schmidt, MD Interventional Pain Management

Vincent Alentado, MD Neurosurgeon

John J. DePowell, MD Neurosurgeon

CHS senior golfer sets sights on defending team state title

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School golfer Michaela Headlee is looking to complete her high school career with special memories.

“My goal for my final season is to most importantly enjoy all the time I get to spend with my team, but ultimately, I want to finish the season with an individual and team title,” Headlee said. “Being able to experience the feeling of winning the state title last year has motivated me even more to want to win it again, and I will work as hard as I can to make it happen.”

Headlee finished second individually in the IHSAA state finals as a freshman. She tied for 12th in 2022 as the Greyhounds won the team state title. She tied for 21st her sophomore year.

Headlee said the two aspects of her game she is really focused on improving this season are her chipping and irons.

“Michaela is a talented player and has a

MEET MICHAELA HEADLEE

Favorite athlete: Tiger Woods

Favorite movie: “Elf”

Favorite subject: Health and Wellness

Favorite vacation spot: Florida

competitive drive that is unmatched,” CHS coach Kelly Kluesner said. “She is really fine-tuning her game, focusing on managing her shots based on course conditions, the weather and how she feels her swing is that round. Michaela never gives up. She will fight to the end of every round. My favorite part of Michaela’s game is her mental side.

“While watching her, you wouldn’t know

is seeking

strong finish

if she is 6 under or 6 over. She can stay even-keeled, a trait that is hard for so many adults.”

Headlee said she has always had a strong competitive drive in everything she does.

“My dad once asked me if I liked winning,

and my response to him was that ‘I don’t like winning, I just don’t like to lose,’” she said.

Kluesner said Headlee is mentoring the younger players and helping them understand the culture of the team.

“I do want to be a leader this year even more than other years,” she said. “Our team has many new faces this year and I hope to let them experience the great culture on our team before I am gone. It also helps that I have other great senior leaders to set good examples.”

Headlee said she leads by example while fellow senior Claire Swathwood, who has committed to the University of Memphis, is the more vocal leader.

Headlee will play golf for Purdue University next season. She will be joined by her close friend Samantha Brown, a Westfield High School senior. Headlee said she liked the idea of playing with Brown.

“I loved the whole campus and facilities that I’d have access to,” Headlee said.

Headlee said she was impressed with the coaches.

“I think it’s a good fit for me,” said Headlee, who started playing golf at age 3 and began playing tournaments at 6.

Michaela Headlee

a

to her Carmel High School golf career. (Photo courtesy of Michael Hoffbauer Photography)

Headlee

CREATIVE HEALING

Fort Ben Cultural Campus to host annual veterans art festival

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

For the second consecutive year, the Fort Ben Cultural Campus in the heart of Lawrence will host the Indianapolis-area’s Veterans Creative Arts Festival, set for 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 25.

Kristina Gmutza is a creative arts therapist with the Indianapolis VA and one of the organizers of the annual festival. She works with Tonya Jackson, a music therapist with the Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine in support of Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts network.

Gmutza said the local festival is a juried show, and local winners can submit their work to the national competition. National winners are announced in December, according to the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, and are invited to attend the 43rd National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in spring of 2024 in Denver, Colo.

Although winning is great, the festival is about so much more. Jackson said creating art, whether it’s visual, performance, written or musical, is a way for veterans — or anyone — to heal emotionally, mentally and physically.

“A lot of VAs do have music therapists and art therapists. A few have dance therapists,” she said. “That component of the whole person and whole healing and using art to connect with other veterans, connect with yourself and do that hard work.”

Veterans creating art together is especially helpful, she said, “because veterans usually open up more when they’re around other veterans because they understand each other and then when you have a passion for something, it just creates that really wholesome environment and that healing environment for everybody.”

Some veterans use art to express their struggles, she said; others simply enjoy the creative process. Any mode of artistic expression is healing.

“There’s so much research about (it), and there is for music as well,” Gmutza said, “(About) what happens in our brains when we’re doing engaging and creative activities. And I really love the idea that I can just trust the process, that when someone’s doing art

with me in a therapeutic setting that whether or not we talk it all through or figure it all out with our words, that whatever needed to happen in our brains has already happened through the art.”

Jackson said feedback she’s received from veterans is: “Finally something that made me feel better that wasn’t a pill.”

Even those who are not skilled can benefit from art therapy, Gmutza added.

“You don’t have to have any art skills, any music skills, any dance skills, any drama or writing skills,” she said. “Therapists have their way of helping you be successful and find a way to open that outlet up, to tap into your natural creativity. I think a lot of people don’t realize they have this natural, innate creativity. Therapists are good at, really skilled at, trained to bring out in people that natural creativity.”

Gmutza said having their work displayed publicly can validate a veteran’s artistic journey. She said two veterans she works with who participated in the 2022 festival didn’t consider themselves artists previously, but now they do. One has had her work displayed in galleries and the other has been successful in the NFT digital art world.

“Besides all the benefits in therapy or mental health or wellness, I think that the Creative Arts Festival really, really helps veterans have this identity and the meaning

and the accomplishment,” she said. “And now they’re calling themselves artists or musicians, when they didn’t think they were before. That’s really powerful for me, really impactful.”

Gmutza said the festival has about 65 submissions so far, including paintings, drawings and performances.

“We have a stage performance. The musicians will be performing their music live,” she said. “I think we might have some poetry readings happening this year, too, so that’s pretty amazing.”

To be eligible to display their work at the festival, a veteran must be receiving health care from a VA medical clinic and have their

artwork submitted by a staff member of that VA clinic. They don’t have to be receiving therapy. Different VAs present their own art festivals leading up to the national competition, Gmutza added.

She said that prior to holding the Indianapolis-area festival at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus, they hosted the event at the VA hospital. Gmutza said it made sense to move it to Lawrence in part because of the community’s military history as home to the former Fort Benjamin Harrison, and because of its strong arts community led by Arts for Lawrence.

“(The Fort Ben Cultural Campus) is a beautiful space,” she added. “They have this wonderful outdoor space and it’s just really, really well set up for what you would think of as an art festival. And their Fridays at the Fort (concert series) are hopping, I think that’s when I first thought about it is when we I went for Fridays at the Fort and there’s kids on the musical swings and there was a magician there and people brought their dogs and there’s just lawn chairs everywhere and everyone was enjoying the music and people were dancing and (it) seemed like the perfect spot to host host the Creative Arts Festival.”

She said that Arts for Lawrence and the City of Lawrence are great partners for the event, providing chairs, tables and other support.

ON THE COVER: Volunteers set up the 2022 Veterans Creative Arts Festival at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus in Lawrence. This year’s festival is 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 25. (Photo courtesy of Kristina Gmutza)

NOT JUST FOR VETERANS

The general public is encouraged to attend the Veterans Creative Arts Festival.

“Family, friends, anyone who’s interested in coming to see what local veterans are expressing creatively through the arts are welcome,” said organizer Kristina Gmutza, a creative arts therapist with the Indianapolis VA.

In addition to the artwork and performances, she said there will be several food vendors, and community partners

will have informational booths about arts opportunities and resources for veterans.

“So, veterans, their families (and) the community members can get more information about what’s going on locally, both for veterans and just in the community,” Gmutza said.

The festival is set for 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8920 Otis Ave., in Lawrence.

Mary Hester’s glass fusion decorative bowl was among the artwork on display during the 2022 Veterans Creative Arts Festival. (Photos courtesy of Kristina Gmutza)

Natasha Mathisrud’s pastel, “Eye on the Future,” was one of the pieces in the 2022 Veterans Creative Arts Festival.

Discerning when to choose

Commentary by Terry Anker

Art of finding lost friends

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

ESSAY

We all want to be in control of our own world. We want to be the one making the choices and setting the course. Even if we choose to be someone who refuses to make choices, we still demand that we get our way in choosing not to choose. Whew. The problem with so much choice is the inevitable accountability that goes along with it. For every decision we undertake, we necessarily have omitted countless other options. Although it is terrific to believe that we are the ones in the driver’s seat, it is usually way easier to be a passenger.

Mostly, we find ourselves living a life governed, perhaps even constricted, by our previous decisions. Where we go to school and work, who we marry, if and how many children we might have all become determining factors in the various trajectory of our existence. As we grow from adolescence into adulthood, the gravity of our choices becomes more apparent, as does the frivolity. We learn to invest in the

long-term, appreciating that deferred gratification often leads to better outcomes. We learn that wartime British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was right in positing that, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” While Churchill was confronting perilous military setbacks during World War II, the admonishment is a good reminder for all of us. Each day that we survive to make another, better choice is a good one. As we extend ourselves into relationships, the choices of our children, parents, spouses and partners all serve to complicate choices. If they defer a decision, does it necessarily fall to us? If they make a bad choice, what is our obligation to pick up the slack? For choosy choosers, what are the legitimate boundaries?

Anatomy of TV series withdrawal

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Friends, it’s the end of an era. After 10 months of dedicated time and energy, I have finally finished “Grey’s Anatomy.” I know!

It’s very difficult to find friends nowadays. I don’t mean make friends. That’s easy. I mean, find them. Like, where the heck are they?

HUMOR

When I lived just outside of New York City and I wanted to meet a buddy at Grand Central Station, I simply said, “See you under the clock at noon.” This was where everyone met. On some days, several hundred people were crammed under the iconic timepiece looking for friends, lovers and drug dealers.

Everyone knew where the “The clock” was. If you didn’t, there was a good chance you were from another planet. It was like saying, “Now, which Empire State Building do you mean?”

But things are different now.

I was meeting my friend Bob for coffee the other day at one of my favorite places for breakfast, Le Peep. I told Bob to be there at 9 a.m. sharp because I had a doctor’s appointment at 10:30. It was 9:15. Where was he? He’d never been late before. When I told the waitress that I was waiting for a friend, she suggested he might have gone to a different Le Peep by mistake.

“Does that happen often?” I asked.

“Which Le Peep should I call?” she asked. “Which one did he go to?”

“Well, if I knew that I wouldn’t be here now.”

I tried his cell again.

“Hello, this is Bob.”

“It’s Dick, where are you?”

“I’m at Le Peep. Where are you?”

“I’m at Le Peep, also,” I told him.

“I don’t see you.”

“I’m at the Le Peep next to Kohl’s.”

“Which Kohl’s,” he asked. “The one next to the Walmart or the one next to Kroger?”

“The one next to Kroger.”

“The Kroger near the Monon or the Kroger near CVS?”

“The Kroger near CVS.”

“The CVS across from McDonald’s or the one next to Dairy Queen?”

We finally determined his location.

“Bob, I’m running late, but I’ll come to the Le Peep where you are. I’ll have to hurry so I can still make my appointment.”

“Should I order for you?”

“No. I’m bringing an omelet with me.”

HUMOR

What started last October as a fun way to engage with my younger daughter over a beloved series quickly turned into a near obsession as I got sucked into to the trials and tribulations of the young surgeons at Seattle Grace. Before I realized it, I had even surpassed her viewership (which was only through Season 13, the quitter!) and ended up solo watching the longest-running medical drama in history (although between my perimenopausal shenanigans and plethora of alternating joint issues, I could give “Grey’s” a little competition). Now, 420 episodes later, I have summited TV’s Mount Everest and am left with a sense of accomplishment, obviously, but also with a mild case of post-achievement depression and a few frostbitten toes.

I mean, seriously, what am I supposed to do now? For nearly a year, I have filled my evenings and weekends with Meredith and Miranda and Richard and watched doctors and patients grapple with diseases and

trauma and messy relationships. I’ve borne witness to plane crashes and explosions, hospital mergers and personnel changes, medical mysteries and groundbreaking surgeries. And I’m not exaggerating when I say at this point, I could probably perform an emergency trach successfully (although for the life of me, I still don’t understand what a Whipple is). “Ten blade, Bokie!”

I’ve laughed, cried, screamed, contemplated, criticized, empathized — really been in my feelings with this show. And now I have nothing (because “Succession” reeks). Alas, it’s the end of an era. My “Grey’s” era. Peace out.

“Oh yes. Every day. You see, here in Indy, we now have several Le Peep.”

“I told him to meet me at the Le Peep just off 82nd Street.”

“Well, we have a few that are just off 82nd Street. How about an omelet while you wait?”

“Could you call and see if he went to a different Le Peep?” I asked. “He’s not answering  his cellphone.”

By the way, in this column I am trying to make a very serious point about the importance of accurate and precise communication. Be exact, leave no room for doubt and you will avoid any confusion. I would be happy to explain this to you in person.  Let’s meet at Starbucks tomorrow at 9 a.m. Don’t be late.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

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

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

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

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

Actors bring chemistry to ‘Grumpy Old Men’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Longtime friends Eddie Curry and Jeff Stockberger have built a strong stage chemistry through the years.

MUSICAL

The Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre regulars will appear in “Grumpy Old Men: The Musical” Aug. 24 to Oct. 1 at the Indianapolis venue. Curry plays John and Stockberger plays Max, who have been feuding for years.

“It’s scary, actually,” Curry said of the chemistry. “We communicate with a mere look and know what the other is thinking. We work off each other well, on and off stage. We read each other. We know when and when not to push, or when or when not to pull, that sort of thing. I always feel on my game when working with Jeff.”

Stockberger said there is no one he trusts more on stage than Curry.

“We weirdly share a brain when it comes to most things, but especially when we are performing together,” he said. “I always know he has my back on stage and will continue the momentum of the show when we take turns performing in scenes.”

Stockberger and Curry met in 1989 while working at Galveston Island Outdoor Musicals.

“We spent two summers in Galveston, then by the mid-1990s we were working together at Beef & Boards and have never really stopped since,” Stockberger said.

The musical is based on the 1993 movie, “Grumpy Old Men,” featuring Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon. Stockberger said he and Curry weren’t very familiar with the show, so they went on a few road trips to see other productions.

“It helped us discover how we wanted to play these roles and the general tone we wanted to set for the show,” Stockberger said.

Stockberger said the cast includes other longtime friends, including Beef &

“Eddie, Ty Stover, Doug Stark and I have known each other for decades, but I believe this will be the first time the four of us will be singing a song together in a show,” Stockberger said. “That’s going to be a blast.”

Curry said cast chemistry is important to how the show plays to its audience.

“The cast that we have put together for this show has that chemistry in buckets,” Curry said. “This is going to be a really fun ride.”

Sarah Hund plays the neighbor, Ariel, who both men are interested in romantically.

“I love Ariel because she sees the positive side of every situation,” Hund said. “She is a free spirit who finds joy and possibility in everyone she meets, and she never hesitates to encourage others in the direction of their dreams. On top of that, she is perceptive, intuitive and well-educated. And she knows how to have a good time.”

Hund has performed in several shows with Curry and Stockberger.

“We’ve had several different working relationships, as fellow actors, stage managers and actors, directors and actors, and so on,” she said. “After working together on so many projects, we understand the rhythm and science of each other’s comedy styles. At this point, we’ve developed a shared language, shortcuts

to communicating that make our jobs infinitely easier. It’s always a pleasure to create characters and tell stories with people you like and admire so much.”

Hund said the “hardest part of being on stage with Jeff Stockburger is keeping a straight face when he’s up to his hilarious antics. But I am always up for the challenge.”

Curry said his character is one of a series of father characters he has had fun playing the last couple of seasons.

“Each one (is) more flawed than the other, yet each one finds his way to some kind of redemption, or at least redeemable act by the end,” Curry said. “John Gustafson, played by Jack Lemmon in the movie, is a great guy, loved by all, except by that one moron that lives across the street. In my case, he sits across the dressing room. The most fun thing for me is going to be sharing this show and the insults with my moron friend, Jeff Stockberger.”

The challenge for Stockberger is to take his character, Max, who could be easily unlikeable, and have people identify with him.

“Max is a good guy,” Stockberger said. “He’s just let his grudge with John add unnecessary negativity to his life. There are a lot of good opportunities for laughs and quite emotional moments with this character that will be fun to explore.”

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE

One Night of Queen will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 25-26 in the Symphony on the Prairie series at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Vocalist Adam B. Shapiro’s Made in Indiana show is set for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

“FOUR OLD BROADS’

“Four Old Broads” runs through Aug. 27 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY CASH

James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash is set for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCHES

Prog Rock at the Irving Theater — TuNer, featuring King Crimson band members Trey Gunn and Pat Mastelotto, will perform in concert at 8 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Irving Theater. ProgJect, featuring the music of Genesis, Peter Gabriel, ELP, Yes and Rush, is set for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27. For more, visit attheirving.com.

Singer lends voice for charity — Singers

Ashley Nicole Soprano and Mary Evans are lending their voices to the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease by performing “Music to Remember” at 7 p.m. Aug. 23 at The Cat in Carmel. Doors open at 6:15 with light refreshments. Tickets are $30 each, and all the proceeds will go to the Indianapolis Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which takes place Sept. 30. For more, visit thecat.biz.

Edwards Twins to return to Feinstein’s

— The Edwards Twins, who use state-of-theart makeup to perform a variety show as legendary superstars, returns Oct. 20-21 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The Edwards Twins had a sold-out show at Feinstein’s in October 2022. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

Boards owner Doug Stark

Eddie Curry, left, and Jeff Stockberger appear in a previous production of “The Odd Couple.” (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)

Hund

Fishers couple’s variety show set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

When Ryan and Lauren Ahlwardt decided to put together a variety show, they did some homework.

ENTERTAINMENT

“We’ve been studying clips of ‘Sonny and Cher,’ the Rat Pack, Carol Burnett, etc., to create comedic and musical moments of our own that will fit the nostalgic and classic ambience of Feinstein’s,” Ryan Ahlwardt said.

Ahlwardt’s first variety show Aug. 18 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel was sold out. His second show is set for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1.

Ahlwardt, a Fishers resident, said he approached Hotel Carmichael’s staff in early June about creating a regular night of music, storytelling and comedy at Feinstein’s.

“Since I host ‘Indy Now’ on FOX 59, I thought ‘Indy Nights’ would be a perfect name for the new show with Lauren and our friends,” he said.

Ahlwardt, a former Straight No Chaser member, and Lauren Ahlwardt are vocalists. The special guests for the two shows will be singer-songwriter Michael Luginbill of Straight No Chaser and mentalist and magician Jon Mobley. The band for the Sept. 1 show includes Randy Melson, bass; Troye Kinnett, piano; Matt Mellinger, drums; and Stephen Scharbrough, electric guitar.

“Lauren and I knew that we wanted to create something that we would want to watch when we were discussing the initial vision of the show,” Ahlwardt said. “Our friendship began over 20 years ago at IU when we sang in Straight No Chaser and Ladies First. We loved to make each other laugh then and still do now. Every comedic moment that will happen in the shows all came from Lauren. She has a theater degree from IU and was a member of the ComedySportz improv comedy troupe in Indy for several years. She’s created a wheel of celebrities and singers’ faces that audience members will spin for us to impersonate throughout the night.”

Ahlwardt said they will feature some arrangements of songs by Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, Whitney Houston and some theme songs from 1980s and ‘90s TV shows.

Ahlwardt

Pentatonix to harmonize Ruoff

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

There is a reason why Pentatonix vocalists’ voices blend so well together.

CONCERT

“We’ve grown a lot together and we’ve seen each other through so many stages of life,” group member Matt Sallee said. “It just brings you even closer together. It brings richness to the music. It’s a really beautiful journey and we really do love each other.”

Sallee joined the group in 2017 after original member Avi Kaplan left. The other four original members are still part of the a cappella group founded in 2011.

Petantonix will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 26 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. Lauren Alaina is joining the tour as a special guest.

Pentatonix won the third season of “The Sing-Off” on NBC in 2011. Sallee said he was inspired by both the show and the group, and his high school group attended a workshop with Pentatonix in 2012.

“It was a full-circle moment,” Sallee said of joining the group. “I was doing a cappella in college and then did it professionally. I thought I would do something like it, but to

join the group was a blessing. I don’t take it for granted.”

Members Kirsten Maldonado, Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying grew up together and attended the same high school in Texas. Kevin Olusola joined before “The Sing-Off.”

Sallee said they usually sing classic covers like “The Sound of Silence,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Hallelujah.” There is a medley of originals the group performs from its 2021 album, “The Lucky Ones.”

“I really like singing ‘The Sound of Silence’ because I expand from the bass register to my higher tenor register,” Allee said.

Pentatonix released a single called “I Rise” earlier this month.

For more, visit livenation.com.

ALL THAT JAZZ

Pentatonix is set to perform Aug. 26 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Live Nation)

Left, Dysfunktion Brass, from Indianapolis, performs Aug. 12 at the Carmel Gazebo.

The inaugural Carmel Jazz Fest was presented at six different sites Aug. 11-12 around Carmel. (Photos by Adam Seif)

Right, Tim Cunningham plays the saxophone Aug. 12 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts.

Blueprint for Improvement: Kitchen transformation in Zionsville

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 1997, this home’s kitchen had great bones, but the curved island configuration and impractical desk obstructed the room’s natural flow, necessitating a makeover to improve form and function. A new appliance arrangement, custom cabinetry and updated finishes resulted in a wow-worthy space that is as functional as it is stylish.

THE BLUEPRINT

• The neutral palette brightens the space, while chic gold accents add warmth and elegance to create a timeless appeal.

• Statement lantern pendants provide a touch of style without dominating the visual space.

• Removing the desk and relocating the refrigerator and double ovens provide increased storage space and an improved aesthetic.

• A knife block drawer, charging drawer and hidden microwave keep essential elements out of sight but within arm’s reach.

• The new island provides ample work and gathering space without interrupting the room’s flow.

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

PUZZLE ANSWERS SPONSORED BY SHEPHERD INSURANCE

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE:

Presidents: BIDEN, BUSH, FORD, NIXON, OBAMA, TAFT; Genres: FANTASY, HISTORY, POETRY, REFERENCE, ROMANCE; Cities: CARMEL, COLUMBUS, CONNERSVILLE, CRAWFORDSVILLE; Websites: REDFIN, TRULIA, ZILLOW; Chefs: BOBBY FLAY, RACHAEL RAY; Format: COUNTRY

Said it right, Yoda did

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

I have to admit, I don’t know much about “Star Wars.” Somehow, I missed the window to watch them during my formative years.

popular laser sword space movies, according to Google, Darth Vader says, “I find your lack of faith disturbing.” In this sentence, “I” is the subject, “find” is the verb, and “lack of faith” is the object.

GRAMMAR GUY

Here’s what I do know about “Star Wars”: Luke and Leia were brother and sister, which made things awkward, especially after they kissed. Darth Vader was Luke’s dad. We pretend “Episode I” never happened (especially Jar Jar). Han Shot first. What shot second. And I don’t know is on third. Also, Yoda is an awesome green Muppet.

But is Yoda’s grammar correct? His sentence structure is certainly odd. He says things like, “When 900 years old you reach, look as good you will not.”

For the most part, English syntax (how we arrange our words) follows the same pattern. In order for a sentence to be complete, it needs a subject and a predicate. The predicate always includes a verb and often includes an object.

Most English sentences follow the subject-verb-object order. In one of these

Yoda’s syntax follows a distinctly different pattern. For the most part, his sentences follow the object-subject-verb pattern. This pattern is only found in 0.3% of the world’s languages. Let’s take this quote from Yoda: “Patience you must have, my young Padowan.” In this sentence, “patience” appears first, serving as the object. This is followed by “you,” the sentence’s subject. Finally, we get the verb, “have.” Object-subject-verb. Therefore, the answer to the question is:Yes, Yoda’s speech pattern is grammatically correct; strange to our ears, it just sounds.

Ketchikan’s totem poles

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, as we end our tour of Alaska, we travel outside Ketchikan, learning about totem poles and the indigenous people who once lived there. The areas around Ketchikan were originally inhabited by three Native peoples, the Tlingit, the Haida and the Tsimshian. Despite their different languages, these groups developed similar styles for their totem poles. Using symbols, often of animals and stylized humans, the poles identified a family or clan and/or memorialized events or people important to them. The poles, usually carved from red cedar, ranged in height from 10 to 60 feet. Some were placed in front of clan houses and others were used to support beams in those houses. The carving styles became more elaborate after the indigenous people began acquiring metal carving tools in the early 19th century. The poles had a life of about 100 years, after which they were allowed to return naturally to the earth.

hiring Native carvers, began restoring and reconstructing deteriorated totem poles recovered from deserted villages near Ketchikan.

TRAVEL

Today, the Ketchikan area includes more standing totem poles than any other place in the world. The 8-acre Totem Bight State Park, on the waterfront site of a Native campground, includes a number of the CCC’s replica poles and a recreated clan house. It also includes a facility where poles are restored or recreated. The Totem Heritage Center includes a large collection of preserved original 19th-century poles, other artifacts found in former villages and works by world-famous Tlingit carver Nathan Jackson. More poles are located in Potlach Park and Saxman Totem Park. When you visit Ketchikan, don’t miss the opportunity to explore its magnificent collection of totem poles.

By the early 20th century, with the dispersal of the Native people, fewer totem poles replaced the ones that had fallen. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps,

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

Totem Bight State Park.

A totem pole in Ketchikan, Alaska. (Photos by Don Knebel)

8. Give false hope

14. City in Boone County (Asia)

15. City in Steuben County (Africa)

16. Dance class wear

17. Oddball

18. Recurring theme

19. Hosiery mishap

21. Boilermaker, to a Hoosier

22. Worn-down pencil

24. “Semper Fi” org. 26. NHS lab class 29. Tree house 31. “We have the meats” chain

35. Pets on perches

38. Black-and-white snack

39. Intensive care ___

40. City in Miami County (South America)

41. ___ Street Journal

42. Parks of civil rights fame

43. Run off

45. India’s first prime minister

47. Connery or Penn

48. Leak sound

49. Rose-Hulman, e.g.

51.

53.

56.

58.

62. Captured

64.

67.

68.

69.

27. White River transport

28. Cathedral HS athletes, briefly

30. Hopes that one will

32. Thin nails

33. Screams at Hinkle

Fieldhouse

34. Shoe bottoms

36. Video game innovator

37. Darfur’s locale

44. Hungry person’s query

46. Reveal

50. Move like a crab

52. Mafia bosses

53. Novel ID

54. Notorious fiddler

55. Actress Cameron

57. ___ sum

59. Photos, informally

60. Delicate fabric

61. Nephew of Cain and Abel

63. Snoring, in comics

(Abbr.)

Big Apple letters

Ill. neighbor

ISO stringed instrument

Syrup flavor

Like a perfect world

66. City in Clay County (South America)

Town in Newton County (Africa)

Gas pump part

Equipment used to print

1. Zionsville Farmers’ Market fruit

2. Nevada gambling spot

3. Some final words

4. Foreign language taught at Carmel HS

5. Bummed

6. “___ he’s a jolly...”

7. Colts linemen

8. Buddhist monks

9. Baffling problem

10. Rokita and Hill, initially 11. Tip, as a hat

12. Fishers N-S road

13. Ex-Pacers coach Bjorkgren

20. Pecan or walnut, e.g. 23. Notification sounds

25. Victory Field spectators 26. Reject

Indy Library Genres

WFMS Radio Station (99.5 FM) Format

65. Raptors, on a Pacers scoreboard Answers on Page 15

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