October 10, 2023 — Lawrence/Geist

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Mom, I have an idea for dinner!

Lawrence council to reinstate public comment

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The City of Lawrence Common Council has not offered time for public comment during its meetings since April, but public comment will be back on the agenda starting with the regular midmonth council meeting Oct. 18. During the council’s Oct. 2 meeting, councilmember Rick Wells made a motion to bring back public comment.

“I don’t think I recall rejecting anyone that came up to try since it’s been gone,” he said. “So, I have no problem putting that back on. It doesn’t take a motion. We can just put that back on the agenda.”

GOVERNMENT

“Based upon a number of criticisms and complaints I’ve gotten from constituents, I’d like to take this opportunity, if I could, to make a motion to reinstate the citizens comments,” he said.” I think that it’s been off the agenda much too long. We should have done this before. So, I would ask for a second if anybody else agrees with me.”

Councilmember Lauren Russell seconded the motion. However, Council President Tyrrell Giles said that determining what’s on the agenda is up to him and isn’t subject to a vote by the council. He added that leaving public comment off the agenda was an oversight. Giles said he intended to reinstate that to the agenda when the time for councilmember comments was reinstated a couple months ago.

Giles said he hadn’t heard any complaints from the public about the absence of citizen comments during meetings and said he would have let people speak if they wanted.

Giles said he would include the item on all council meeting agendas moving forward and added a time for public comment to the end of the Oct. 2 meeting, although nobody spoke. He also encouraged citizens to reach out to him by email or phone if they have concerns. He gave his personal email and phone number: WilliamT.Giles@ gmail.com, and 317-918-0369.

According to the Indiana Public Access Counselor website, public comment is not guaranteed by state law.

“Although an individual has the right to attend and observe all public proceedings, no specific statutory authority allows an individual to appear before and address a governing body,” the website states. “A governing body may choose to provide an opportunity for comments or discussion at any time or may allow a limited number of comments or limited amount of time for comments on matters under consideration.”

There are times when an opportunity for the public to speak is required. Public hearings are one example.

Also during the meeting, the council held a public hearing on the proposed 2024 City of Lawrence budget, which totals about $55 million. The draft budget includes 3 percent raises for city employees and an estimated

DISPATCHES

Golf outing raises money for Indiana Members Foundation — Indiana Members Foundation, the charitable arm of Indiana Members Credit Union, hosted its annual Golf Outing at The Hawthorns Golf & Country Club, 12255 Club Point Drive, Fishers, on July 17. According to an announcement, 118 golfers attended the sold-out event which raised $32,000 to benefit the Indiana Members Foundation, whose

mission is to enrich the lives of those within the communities they serve by supporting charitable activities focused on human services, health and education.

Fall Festival at Fishers AgriPark — Fishers AgriPark is hosting its annual Fall Festival 4-7 p.m. Oct. 10-14 at the park, 11171 Florida Rd. Participants will enjoy fall-themed activities

maximum property tax rate of .8778 cents per $100 assessed value. Nobody spoke during the public hearing.

The council took no action on the budget, which is still under review by the Finance Committee. That committee plans to hold a meeting right before the council’s Oct. 18 meeting to further discuss the budget. An approved budget is due by Nov. 1.

Other items on the council’s agenda for Oct. 2 are still in committee review and no action was taken. Those include:

• Proposal 8, repealing some business permit fees.

• Ordinance 10, establishing salary ranges for appointed officers and employees.

• Resolution 10, adopting an application form and evaluation rubric for community service grants.

• Ordinance 11, establishing salary ranges for fire and police department personnel.

• Ordinance 12, establishing compensation for elected officials. According to the ordinance, the mayor would be paid $99,750 in 2024, the city clerk would receive $78,856, council members would be paid $16,275 each, except for the council president ($18,375) and vice president ($17,325).

• Resolution 12, authorizing the transfer of appropriations between budget classifications.

The next Lawrence Common Council meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 18 in the public Assembly room at Lawrence Government Center. A Finance Committee meeting is set to start at 5:30 p.m. that evening.

including a scarecrow trail, campfire and s’mores, pumpkin picking and carving, animal encounters, corn maze, inflatables, midway games, crafts, music, food trucks and more. All activities are included in the price of registration, which is $3 per person ($4.50 for non-residents). Children 2 and younger are free but still must be registered. For more, go to playfishers.com/551/Fall-Festival.

Wells

Giles

City of Lawrence celebrates new Fire Station 38

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

The City of Lawrence officially opened its newest fire station during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 26 at Station 38, 4450 McCoy St.

DEVELOPMENT

Lawrence Fire Department Chief Dino Batalis, Mayor Steve Collier and other city officials were on hand for the celebration.

Battalion Chief Steve Lizon, committee chair for the Station 38 project, said the $10.5 million project took nearly five years to complete.

“We had the pandemic. We had supply issues. We had worker shortages,” Lizon said. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say there were days where I didn’t think this was going to happen, but here we are.”

The approximately 17,700-square-foot facility replaces a firehouse that was built in 1986 at the same location. It has a decontamination room, a weight room, 14 dormstyle living quarters and a workshop area.

Batalis said the firehouse was designed by DELV Designs, which collaborated with the firefighters who would be stationed at

the station to ensure their needs were met. The facility was built by Garmong Construction Services.

Lizon said one feature made with the firefighters in mind was emergency alarms that could be set to go off only in certain rooms within the facility.

“Before, the lights would come on and everyone would get woken up,” Lizon said. “Now, we can set it to certain dorms.”

The new station also has a separate building to hold reserve fire apparatus. Lizon said prior to the new facility, reserve equipment was spread throughout stations across the

city.

“Now, they’re centrally located,” he said. “They don’t have to wake up guys at the other station. They can come here and do it.”

The new station will eventually have a Safe Haven Baby Box installed. It will be the only baby box in the City of Lawrence.

Lawrence Fire Department Chief Dino Batalis, left, and Mayor Steve Collier cut the ribbon for the new LFD Station 38. (Photos by Edward Redd)

A new fire apparatus storage building is behind the new fire station at 4450 McCoy St.

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2024 solar eclipse a once-in-a-lifetime experience

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

In August 2017, scores of Hoosiers donned boxy cardboard protective glasses to catch a glimpse of a solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon’s orbit lines up with the sun and blocks at least some of its light. So, with another eclipse set to occur on the afternoon of April 8, 2024, many people may be inclined to discount it as old hat.

ASTRONOMY

But astronomy experts are urging Central Indiana residents to ditch the “been there, done that” mentality. This time, much of the state is in the path of totality, meaning the sun will be completely blocked by the moon for several minutes. In this area, totality will begin at 3:06 p.m. and last for nearly 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

The 2017 eclipse in Indiana pales compared to what’s coming next spring, according to astronomy expert Dan McGlaun. He said many people think eclipse viewing is all the same, but being in the path of totality is an incomparable experience.

“If you are hungry and you eat 99 percent of your meal, you’re going to be full. And people think that’s what (a partial versus total eclipse) is, but it’s not,” McGlaun said. “This is like you went 99 percent of the way to the restaurant, but you stopped in the parking lot. You smell the meal. Or you went to the Super Bowl, but you didn’t get to see the game.”

Central Indiana hasn’t been in the path

of a total solar eclipse since 1869, and after the 2024 event occurs it won’t have another one for nearly 130 years. For most people, experiencing totality is a once-in-alifetime event.

That’s why the 2024 eclipse is expected to be one of the biggest tourism draws central Indiana has ever seen, according to Turner, who is helping local municipalities and organizations prepare. Thousands of people who live outside the path of totality are expected to head to the Hoosier state for the full eclipse experience.

“Indianapolis is the closest major city inside the path of totality to Chicago,” said Ken Miller, a retired planetarium director who is helping Hamilton County organizations prepare for the eclipse. “So, if it’s likely to be clear, I would not be at all surprised if 200,000 to 400,000 people in Chicago try to come here.”

Spring isn’t the sunniest of seasons in Central Indiana. Miller said – based on past weather patterns – the odds of clear weather on April 8 is approximately 40 percent.

LAWRENCE PLANNING BIG ECLIPSE CELEBRATION

City of Lawrence Chief of Staff Cori Korn said the city is not only planning a big celebration on the day of the eclipse, but is working the eclipse theme into various events leading up to the big day, to build excitement and anticipation.

“Because we know it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for so many of our residents and (other) people, we … don’t want anyone to miss out,” she said.

In November and December, Winterfest and the Lawrence Christmas Festival will include eclipse elements, she said. In March, Arts for Lawrence is planning a visual arts display in its gallery, celebrat-

ing all things eclipse-related.

The weekend before the eclipse will offer a variety of activities. On April 6, Lawrence will host an “Outrun the Sun” 5K, and on April 7, they’re hosting a pickleball tournament.

Korn said the city will host a festival on the day of the eclipse, April 8, with live music, special activities for kids, food trucks and vendors selling eclipse and celestial-related items.

There are other eclipse plans in the works, and as events and celebrations are set in Lawrence, planners will update its eclipse website, visitlawrenceindiana. com/events/eclipse2024.

During a solar eclipse, the orbit of the earth and moon align with the sun. This causes the moon to block all or some of the visible sun. (Photo by Gherry Bender)

A HEALTH NETWORK THAT PUTS YOU AT THE CENTER.

Man arrested in Lawrence homicide case

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The City of Lawrence Police Department announced Oct. 3 that officers have arrested a suspect in a Sept. 29 homicide, when the body of 41-year-old Natasha Highbaugh of Indianapolis was discovered in a bushy area outside of 4209 N. Franklin Rd.

According to LPD Deputy Chief Gary Woodruff, detectives arrested 23-year-old Oscar Guardado Nunez of Indianapolis on a preliminary charge of murder.

“Review of surveillance video, license plate reader cameras and other information developed during the investigation led investigators to identifying Guardado Nunez and his alleged involvement in Highbaugh’s death,” Woodruff stated.

Official charging determination is up to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.

The homicide was reported to the LPD around 6:40 a.m. Sept. 29. Investigators found Highbaugh dead at the scene, and police said she appeared to have at least one gunshot wound.

“Initial determination is the victim had not been there long, likely sometime throughout the overnight hours,” Woodruff stated on the day of the homicide. “Detectives and crime scene technicians from the Marion County Forensic Services Agency are working to determine if the victim was shot at that location, or at another location.”

Lawrence police have arrested a man on charges of murder. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

Chamber luncheon to feature Keystone Group founder

news@geistcurrent.com

The Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership luncheon on Nov. 14 will feature guest speaker Ersal Ozdemir, founder and chairman of the Keystone Group and Indy Eleven.

In 2013, Ozdemir launched Indy Eleven Men’s Professional Soccer. The brand continued to grow with the club’s launch of a women’s soccer team in 2022, which won the 2023 W League National Championship.

EVENTS

The annual lunch also will include board member elections and the chamber’s year in review.

According to an announcement from the chamber, Ozdemir founded Keystone Group in 2002, and it has grown to become one of the largest privately owned real estate development, construction, property management and investments companies in Indiana with headquarters in downtown Indianapolis.

“Keystone specializes and invests in transformational mixed-use developments and has successfully completed many projects over the last 20-plus years,” the announcement stated.

Indy Eleven also purchased a new elite level top tier women’s professional team that will play in the Super League upon the completion of Eleven Park Stadium.

“Additionally, the club’s presence has proliferated with the creation of a youth development program that spans the state and currently has over 16,000 kids affiliated with Indy Eleven,” the announcement stated.

Doors open for the membership lunch at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 14 at The Garrison, 6002 N. Post Rd., with the program starting at 11. The event is expected to last through 1 p.m., according to the announcement. For more and to register, go to greaterlawrencechamber.org/events.

Ozdemir

LAWRENCE

Project: Franklin Road

resurfacing

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

!

Location: Resurfacing of Franklin Road from Pendleton Pike to 56th Street has begun. Franklin Road will remain open to traffic in both directions with lane restrictions in place.

Expected completion: Oct. 15

Project: Street repairs

Location: Midwest Paving will be working on the following streets: 50th Street from Richardt Avenue to Mitchner Avenue; 51st Street from Richardt Avenue to 50th Street; Elmhurst Drive from 49th Street to 52nd Street; Longworth Avenue from 47th Street to 49th Street; Sadlier Drive from 49th Street to 50th Street; 49th Street from Longworth Avenue to Franklin Road; 49th Street from Elmhurst Drive to Sadlier Drive.

Expected completion: Mid-November

Project: Sanitary sewer main capacity

improvements

Location: Harrison Park Drive from the south end of the GetGo gas station to the east side of Harrison Park Lane is closed.

Expected completion: Spring of 2024

Project: IndyGo Purple Line Construction

Location: The outside Eastbound and Westbound lanes of 56th Street will be closed at Post Road. However, the left and right turns at the intersection will be maintained using the inside lanes. This closure is expected to last through early October.

Expected completion: The entire project will be completed in 2024

Project: Water main replacement

Location: 46th Street (between Franklin Road and Shadeland Avenue); Richardt Avenue (between 46th and 56th streets); Woodcroft Avenue. (between 46th and 47th); Elmhurst Dive (between 46th and 47th); Kingman Drive (from 47th south to dead end); McGuire Court (46th north to dead end)

Expected completion: TBD

FISHERS

Project: Tree trimming

Location: Contractors will be performing tree trimming in the medians along 116th Street and Allisonville Road. As the work progresses, one lane on each side of the median will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Restrictions will be in place along 116th Street from Eller Road to Olio Road and along Allisonville Road from Eller Road to 126th Street.

Expected completion: Early October

HSE administrators present draft fiscal plan for 2024-26

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees spent nearly three hours Sept. 26 discussing the draft fiscal plan for the next three years, with a focus on 2024.

Most of the revenue from the referendum is earmarked for instruction, accounting for about $21 million of the $24 million total. The rest goes toward student support services, such as school resource officers and security services.

SCHOOLS

The work session presentation was led by the district’s Chief Financial Officer Katy Dowling, who went through the 71-page, smallprint document that detailed revenues and expenses for various funds the district relies on to maintain its operations.

The combined total of those funds for 2024 is a projected $296 million. That’s about $10 million more than the current year’s budget. The primary revenue sources are state and federal funding, which together total about $158 million; and property taxes, which total about $121 million after the circuit breaker loss is factored in.

The fiscal plan projects budget increases in 2025 and 2026, as well, with revenues of an estimated $304 million and $312 million, respectively.

The draft plan anticipates ending 2024 with a reserve balance of $80 million. The budget also assumes that voters will approve the operating referendum on the Nov. 7 ballot.

The referendum calls for a reduced rate of up to .1995 cents per $100 assessed value, providing annual school funding of an estimated $24 million. The current tax levy, approved by voters in 2016, expires at the end of the year. Through the 2016 referendum, property owners have paid .2275 cents per $100 assessed value.

“And if — if is a little word that means a big thing — the referendum does not pass, then we have to go back to the drawing board and see,” Dowling said, noting that the state Department of Local Government Finance is aware the district has a pending referendum, and will work with the district if a significant budget adjustment is needed.

Dowling noted that the draft fiscal plan doesn’t include new hires in 2024 in support services or administration.

“We told all leaders not to come in this year with any requests for staffing of that nature,” she said. “Knowing we were going into a referendum, the only thing we were staffing were certified staff members and no (new) administrators.”

The plan anticipates hiring eight teachers, five instructional assistants and two counselors in 2024.

About 40 minutes into the lengthy presentation, Dowling acknowledged that the information was a little dense and dry.

“Is it the weather or is it me? I feel like everybody’s either ready to go to sleep or run away,” she joked. “I feel like I should have bought Redbull or, you know, cotton candy.”

A video of the Sept. 26 work session can be viewed at hseschools.org/board/boardof-school-trustees. Click the “Watch the live board meeting” button to find the list of archived meeting videos.

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• Wooded, waterfront views and various floor plans

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Dowling

Lawrence Township School Foundation picks new CEO

news@geistcurrent.com

was clear that Johnston would be a good fit to lead the foundation.

NONPROFIT

The Lawrence Township School Foundation Board of Directors has announced that Misty Wick Johnston has been appointed as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer.

“(Johnston) comes to the Lawrence Township School Foundation with a tremendous energy, because LTSF’s mission of connecting resources in the community to the MSD of Lawrence Township students, (and) empowering them to excel, aligns perfectly with her personal and professional values,” the announcement stated. “Johnston’s 21 years of experience in philanthropy, most recently as director of development and marketing for the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, showcases her steadfast commitment to furthering positive change.”

Johnston stated that it’s a privilege to have this opportunity.

“The passion and dedication of the LT Schools community is abundantly clear,” she stated. “This shared sense of purpose resonated with me deeply as I believe the most impactful work is accomplished when a team is united by a common mission.”

Search committee chair Pam Dechert said that through the interview process, it

DISPATCHES

Fishers student part of ‘White Coat’ ceremony — Jefney Ongeri of Fishers, a student in Des Moines University’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, was a participant in the university’s 2023 White Coat Ceremony Sept. 15. According to the university, Ongeri and others in the Class of 2025 received the white coat as a symbol of the training aspiring health professionals receive and the accompanying responsibilities they’ve accepted for their future roles. Participating in DMU’s ceremony were 149 students in the College of Health Sciences’ Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs; 56 students in the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery’s Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program; and 226 students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.

“She demonstrated not only her commitment to our mission, but also how to translate that commitment to tangible results,” Dechert stated.

Board President Craig Willey stated that the board is pleased to welcome Johnston.

“(Johnston) brings extraordinary talents and experiences that will propel transformative growth,” he stated. “Under (her) leadership, I foresee innovative ways to engage the community and harness support for the benefit of Lawrence Township students.”

Johnston is a native Hoosier but has lived across the U.S. and overseas. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Hanover College and received her master’s degree from Boston University. She has served on numerous boards and serves on the Hanover College Advancement Advisory Committee.

Johnston

HSE sophomore has been key to girls soccer team’s success

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern High School sophomore girls soccer player Sloane May has made up for lost time.

Hampered by an ankle injury her freshman season, May has been a force this fall.

Entering the sectional, the forward had five game-winners for Hoosier Crossroads Conference champion Hamilton Southeastern this season. She had teamhighs of 10 goals and seven assists.

“Sloane has a knack for taking players on and finding her goal,” Royals coach Greg Davidson said. “When the game is on the line, Sloane has certainly stepped up for the Royals. Her biggest improvement is that although only a 10th-grader, she is willing to take the team on her shoulders and get the big goal when needed.”

May said the team focuses on grit.

“We’ve had a few games when we’ve gone down and I think us working together

MEET SLOANE MAY

Favorite athlete: Mallory Pugh

Swanson

Favorite subject: Spanish

Favorite musician: Drake

Favorite vacation spot: Costa Rica

and persevering has been really good for us,” May said. “We’ve been able to get some last-second goals in to secure the win.”

May was a starter as a freshman but sprained her ankle in the opening game.

“It bothered me, and I was never strong and healthy for the season,” May said. “I played four or five games but was hurt in all of them. (The sprain) was just reoccurring.”

She said she did physical therapy and has been healthy since December. She plays

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club soccer for Indiana Premier Soccer Club.

“There are a lot of girls on my club team that play on my high school team,” May said. “Just being able to play with them and play with them in high school, too, has been going really well because we just have so

much chemistry. We’re working together and encouraging each other. I know the other players have been key for the mental aspect for me and on the field.”

May said it’s helped that she and her teammates play against a high level of competition year-round.

“We push each other in practice to play high intensity and push each other in games because we know what we’re capable of,” May said.

May said she started playing soccer when she was 3 years old.

“I played volleyball and basketball, but I’ve always enjoyed soccer more than other sports,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to succeed in soccer and focus on soccer so I could pursue my goals.”

She stopped playing basketball in fifth grade and volleyball in sixth grade.

“I’ve been fortunate with amazing soccer coaches throughout my entire journey, which have helped me create a passion for soccer and helped me pursue my goals,” said May, who wants to play soccer in college.

Her younger sister, Sydney, plays soccer and will be a HSE freshman next year.

Sloane May has been a clutch performer for the Hamilton Southeastern High School girls soccer team. (Photo courtesy of Marcus Laux)

FALL COLORS

Fort Harrison State Park offers autumn-leaf nature walk

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Autumn in the Midwest is a time for open windows, cooler temperatures, warm clothing and fall colors. It’s also the perfect time to walk among the trees.

Fort Harrison State Park is offering a “Frolic through Fall Foliage” nature walk starting at 1 p.m. Oct. 14. The 1-mile hike on Tree Line Trail will be led by a state naturalist and will last about an hour.

Emilie Sweet is an interpretive naturalist at Fort Harrison State Park. She said the walk includes information about the different trees and other vegetation along the trail, and some scientific information about why deciduous trees change color in the fall. She said Tree Line Trail is perfect for this kind of walk.

“There are a lot of different kinds of trees on that trail,” she said. “We do have identification signs along the entire trail. So even in the fall and winter, when it might be a little bit more tough to identify a tree, you still have the opportunity to identify them on that trail.”

Some of the trees are red oak, black oak and sugar maple, she said.

“We have an aspen tree on that trail,” Sweet added. “We have a mussel wood tree on that trail. We have cottonwood, sycamore, red bud. We have black locust and honey locust and sweet gum.”

The trail also has some conifers, but those are evergreens and don’t change color seasonally.

Sweet said there might be a red maple, too, and — true to their name — their leaves turn a vibrant red in the fall.

“But we’ll see a variety,” she said. “We’re still going to see some green, as well, because it really just depends on the tree and how long it takes. Our walnuts are going to be showing the yellow right now — that’s the main yellow that you’re seeing now. And then we’ll see some oranges, as well.”

Sweet said the best time to see fall colors depends on where you are. For central Indiana, mid-September is when some of the leaves start to change — walnuts, primarily.

“After that, (the rest) slowly start to all catch up with each other,” she said. “I’m seeing our maples start changing color right now, which are one of my favorite fall colors

— I actually have some pictures that I took of some maple leaves the other day and they’re a mixture of green and red and yellow, because they’re not totally changed yet, and they’re so cool.”

Leaves are at their peak earlier in the season in northern Indiana, and for late-season leaf viewing, you can take a drive to southern Indiana.

Leaves change color in the fall for a couple of reasons, according to Lindsey Purcell, executive director of the Indiana Arborist Association.

“Much of it has to do with day length and temperature,” she said. “The important thing is not that the amount of sunlight has decreased but the amount of dark has increased.”

She said trees “sense” in late September that the days are getting shorter. Photosynthesis slows down and the foliage produces less chlorophyll, which is what makes leaves green. As the green disappears, underlying yellow colors in the leaves, called carotenoids, are revealed.

“Things like pigment, light, weather conditions, plant species, soil type and location all play important roles in the fall party and colorful confetti trees create for us to enjoy,” Purcell said.

Other colors are the result of a chemical reaction.

“Unlike chlorophyll and carotenoids, which are present in leaf cells throughout the growing season, anthocyanins are produced mainly in the fall,” Purcell said. “These complex compounds in leaf cells react with excess stored plant sugars and exposure to sunlight creating vivid pink, red and purple leaves.”

Purcell said a fall with sunny days and cool nights following a summer with adequate rain is the ideal combination for autumn leaf colors, although there are numerous factors that can affect the season’s vibrancy.

“Some tree species displaying yellow foliage are ash, birch, beech, elm, hickory, poplar and aspen,” she said. “Red leaves are seen most often in dogwood, sweet gum, sumac

IF YOU GO

Frolic through Fall Foliage at Fort Harrison State Park is a free event that’s open to the public and does not require registration.

When: 1 p.m. Oct. 14

Where: Meet at the Schoen Creek Trailhead parking lot

What: The 1-mile walk on Tree Line Trail will take approximately one hour

Why: A state naturalist will guide participants along the trail and point out which trees offer which fall colors

ON THE COVER: Lawrence Creek at Fort Harrison State Park shows its colors. (Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources)

(Right) The state’s Fort Golf Resort is seen in this aerial photo during the fall leaf change. (Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources)

(Left) Delaware Lake at Fort Harrison State Park is surrounded by trees starting to change color in the fall. (Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources)

and tupelo trees. Some oaks and maples present orange leaves while others range in color from red to yellow, depending on the species.”

Treating Shoulder, Hip & Knee Pain

We

Prevent fall hiking injuries

Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan

In Indiana, October is one of the most beautiful months to enjoy the fall foliage by hiking trails. Before heading out, you’ll want to take the proper precautions to avoid foot or ankle injuries. Check out my three tips for hiking safely.

PODIATRY

PROTECTION

Uneven surfaces, branches or rocks on the path can cause you to misstep, leaving you with a sprained ankle and causing you to walk back out on that injured foot! Protect yourself by picking a high-top hiking boot with plenty of ankle support. Strong, well-insulated and moisture-proof boots with steel or graphite shanks offer excellent ankle and foot support that helps lessen stress and muscle fatigue to reduce injury risk. The supportive shank decreases strain on the arch by allowing the boot to distribute impact. So, if a boot bends in the middle, don’t buy it.

BLISTERS

To prevent blisters, socks and boots should fit securely, and it’s best to break

boots in by wearing them around the house or on short walks. Keep your feet dry by choosing sweat-wicking athletic socks for the first layer. For the second layer, wool socks absorb moisture, add warmth and provide cushioning. Use Band-Aids or padding to protect sensitive areas and avoid further irritation. If a blister pops, wash the area with clean water, then apply antibiotic cream and cover to prevent infection.

OVERUSE

Pain usually occurs from overuse, even from just walking. If you’re not accustomed to walking on sloped or uneven ground, your legs and feet will tire and cause muscles and tendons to ache. Rest if your feet start hurting to avoid a serious injury, such as a severe ankle sprain or an Achilles tendon rupture.

If you injure your foot or ankle while hiking, see us immediately.

A board-certified foot surgeon and wound specialist, Dr. David Sullivan is the owner of Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact him at drs@ westfieldfoot.com.

Fishers senior facility offers concierge service

news@currentinfishers.com

RealAmerica, a multi-family housing development company that operates Ritchey Reserve senior living in Fishers, announced it has designed a new program offering customizable services for residents at its senior living facilities.

RESIDENTIAL

According to the announcement, with a traditional approach, residents at senior living facilities pay for all of the services whether or not they use them.

“With the goal of better serving residents, Real America’s concierge service allows tenants to pick and choose the activities, services and amenities that best fit into their lifestyle,” the announcement stated.

Their concierge program offers services to enroll in a-la-carte style. That includes options for meal service, personal care, health care and more.

“It doesn’t make sense for residents to pay for services they’re not going to use,”

stated Ronda Shrewsbury, president of RealAmerica. “Our residents love the customizable nature of our concierge program and that they can select services based on their lifestyle and their budget. We’re proud to offer a more affordable, high-quality option.”

To learn more about RealAmerica, visit realamericallc.com.

OneZone announces newest leadership member

news@currentinfishers.com

OneZone Chamber of Commerce has announced Riverview Health as its newest leadership-level member.

CHAMBER

According to the announcement, Riverview offers a full scope of inpatient and outpatient services in Hamilton County. It comprises a 156-bed hospital in Noblesville, a 16-bed hospital in Westfield, freestanding ER and urgent care facilities and more than 25 primary, immediate and specialty-care facilities in Hamilton County.

“Our mission is to improve and preserve the health and well-being of those we serve,” stated David Hyatt, president and CEO of Riverview Health. “We want to help contribute to a strong business community, because we recognize that can have a significant impact to the overall health and well-being of our residents. As the county hospital, we

are committed to providing care for all of Hamilton County and being a part of the business communities will help us find opportunities to do that. We have locations in Carmel, Fishers and northern Hamilton County, and are currently growing in those areas as well.”

Jack Russell, president and CEO of OneZone and Northern Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber is proud to welcome Riverview in its new membership level.

Hyatt

“Their long history of serving Hamilton County is valuable to our members,” he stated. “Thank you to the board of directors, David Hyatt and each and every person at Riverview who believes in our mission.”

Leadership Partner is the highest membership level with OneZone. According to the chamber’s website, the $10,000 annual membership fee for that level includes tickets to OneZone events and many marketing opportunities through the chamber.

RealAmerica operates Ritchey Reserve in Fishers, where a new program offers customizable services for residents. (Photo courtesy of Ritchey Reserve)

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ESSAY

The squeeze is on. It happens in most things. A competitive sporting event might find the participants in a vice between a soon-to-expire clock and a run down the field that might require more than the time remaining. The young paramour might find his inability to make a decision at odds with the object of his affection’s desire to elevate their relationship to something more permanent. The pressure to commit is palpable. At home, many of us feel the tension between increasing prices and stagnant income. How can we hold our position against the forces pulling against us? Are we doomed to living a lower standard of life than we were just a few weeks ago? Can we stop the bleeding?

That cabal of bankers around the world that sets the rates of interest for borrowers of all sorts has continued to ramp up the cost of debt. For Americans, it tends to manifest most immediately in credit cards, where the rates can move up without constraint. One of the nation’s largest providers

of consumer credit now demands 25.24 percent interest on balances and 29.99 percent for cash. A loan shark might blush. Affordable payments that were once attacking principle are now insufficient to cover interest.

In December of 2021, many — including this writer — called out the looming problem on the horizon. To be sure, some of us overspend, some are debt-free and others still are caught in the vortex of changes to their financial situation that are beyond control and prediction. The question, it might seem, is how and if we share in the cost? Do we demand higher wages, thus higher costs of goods and services for our customers? In turn, do they do the same? Who sacrifices the most? With winners and losers, what is the best equilibrium?

Jumping through Hulu hoops

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

I am so irritated right now. I just wanted to have a nice morning sipping coffee and Googling dream vacations while Ryder Cup matches played quietly in the background. But no. Stupid Hulu has decided to mess with me, and my husband, Doo, has made it worse. Here’s the lowdown.

HUMOR

For some reason when I switched on the TV, Hulu asked me to sign in. This is an annoying process that includes — but is not limited to — tracking down a crazy password that consists of numbers, letters, symbols, swear words and the blood of a sacrificial lamb. Doo insisted I use a generated one, and he changes it periodically because god forbid someone hacks my “Handmaid’s Tale” streaming account.

Anyhoo, I hail Doo as he’s heading for the door, and he tells me to open Last Pass. What the heck is Last Pass? “I helped you set it up. It has all the passwords.” He is correct. He did. I found it buried among my apps and discovered three different passwords for Hulu. I picked one at random and painstakingly used the remote to enter it, deftly toggling between 17 screens and

“For some reason when I switched on the TV, Hulu asked me to sign in. This is an annoying process that includes — but is not limited to — tracking down a crazy password that consists of numbers, letters, symbols, swear words and the blood of a sacrificial lamb.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

praying I capitalized the middle Q. Denied. “It didn’t wooooooorrrrk!” I whine.

Eyeballing me like I’m a dummy, he showed me his phone, where Hulu is condescendingly open. “Try it on your computer,” he said. I did, but it signed me in automatically. “Log out and reenter everything.” Login failed. Then Doo left, mumbling he didn’t have time for this nonsense, and I was left with only my coffee and Google, no calming British accents or green grass in sight. Sonofa! Stupid Hulu. Peace out.

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

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

Trying to keep my brain alive

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I love to walk up and down the bookstore aisles occasionally removing something from the shelves to sample, hoping it fits my tastes. The people at Barnes & Noble are totally OK with this, but that habit has gotten me kicked out of Kroger about six times.

HUMOR

Recently, I decided to search the shelves for a book that might help me address a problem I am facing. My memory is not what it used to be. I tried Prevagen, but that was a total waste of money. They tout the product as made from jellyfish, one of the few animals in the world with no brain.

I did find one book, “Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises.” The authors, Larry Katz and Manning Rubin, contend that there is not enough unpredictability in our lives. So, the book encourages you to use each of your senses in new and innovative ways. One of the author’s suggestions is to brush your teeth with your nondominant hand, thus creating new neural pathways. I tried it one night and found the experience instructive. I then used my other hand to clean the toothpaste out of my nose and inside my ear.

To enhance your appreciation of good food, says Katz, stick plugs in your ears. This permits you to fully enjoy what is on your plate, focusing only on taste. I totally forgot to tell my wife, Mary Ellen, I was doing this, so I didn’t hear a word she said during dinner for almost a week. Fortunately, she didn’t notice the difference.

The book also suggests that to fully experience the texture of food, you should hold your nose when you eat. My wife did notice this on that first night when she had prepared what I assume was a delicious dinner. She was not happy, but I got a nice note from Grub Hub thanking me for all my subsequent take-out orders 10 nights in a row.

There is also a chapter on sex. Katz encourages you to have a romantic dinner with your partner, and “to be sure to enjoy some flowers and candles.” I choked down a few rose petals, but the candles made me gag. For another novel experience, Katz suggests you switch cars with a nearby friend for a day so you can have a new tactile experience behind the wheel. Of course, remember to tell your neighbor before you do this, or you can then look forward to really feeling something new: Your hands cuffed behind your back.

My favorite suggestion is to eliminate the traditional grocery list. Instead of jotting down the name of each item, write a description instead so you can fully appreciate its qualities. I tried that. On my shopping list, I wrote, “It’s about the size and shape of a soccer ball, tannish, heavily veined and dimpled.”

I was talking about a cantaloupe, but it sounded a lot like my rear end.

NO ONE HAS MORE CREDIBLE REVIEWS THAN US.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

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 oncemonthly 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.

Go ahead, ask your neighbors and search the internet, we’re fairly confident the name you’ll hear most for expert chimney repair is Bone Dry. We get a lot of five-star reviews because of our five-star masons. Each one well-versed in all sorts of chimney and fireplace issues. Call us. We’ve been in and out of more chimneys than, well, just about anybody.

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

“My memory is not what it used to be. I tried Prevagen, but that was a total waste of money. They tout the product as made from jellyfish, one of the few animals in the world with no brain.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

ATI co-founder Farrell embarks on next performing journey

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Don Farrell is ready for the next chapter of his performing career.

BEEF & BOARDS

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” through Nov. 19 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘THE PROM’

PERFORMANCES

Farrell, a co-founder of Carmel-based Actors Theatre of Indiana with Judy Fitzgerald and Cynthia Collins, resigned in September. Collins resigned in the summer to concentrate on her job in the musical theater department at Anderson University. Fitzgerald has taken over as artistic director and Darrin Murrell has joined as associate artistic director.

“It’s a new phase of my life,” Farrell said. “It’s been a great ride with ATI. I’m proud of all the accolades, successes and accomplishments that the organization has been able to accomplish in the past 18 years. I’m excited to see what new opportunities might open up for me. I’m looking to pursue more of my acting and performing career and exploring new projects and ideas I’ve had on and off during the past 18 years. Sometimes there are some great ideas to pursue but you just don’t have the time to do it.”

The 54-year-old Westfield resident said it wasn’t an easy decision to make.

“I truly love everybody that I’ve been able to work with and all the new friends and acquaintances, whether it’s the artists, the artisans, the patrons, the sponsors, the donors, the directors, the designers, the staff and the board,” Farrell said. “Everybody I’ve worked with is lovely. I don’t want to let anyone down.”

Farrell said he wants to use his talents in other ways to perform for the community.

“I love this community,” he said. “I’m heartfelt about that. It’s just been a great community to be a part of. I want to find ways to give back. Hopefully, these ideas and projects may benefit one arts organization but possibly more than that. We’ll see where the journey takes me and what opportunities open up. There is a lot of

faith and trust and a lot of excitement in this new chapter in my life. I’m very proud of all the work at ATI. It was literally blood, sweat and tears for all three of us. I’m very excited for the future of ATI. I love ATI. I always have and always will. I’m still going to help when I can. Hopefully, in the future, people will see me on that ATI stage — just in a different capacity.”

Farrell said his relationship with Feinstein’s has been very successful. He previously had performed his Frank Sinatra and Barry Manilow shows at Feinstein’s.

Farrell has three Feinstein’s shows scheduled with his collaborator Terry Woods. They will perform tributes to Tony Bennett Oct. 12, Neil Diamond Nov. 9 and

“A Sinatra Christmas” Dec. 13. He also will play the role of the narrator in a “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 1-22 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre.

Farrell also has some private events scheduled for the rest of 2023 and has

committed to shows in 2024 that have yet to be announced.

“I’ve been auditioning for some other plays and theater companies, so I’ve been excited about being able to do that,” he said.

Farrell said the idea of leaving ATI to pursue other options has been on his mind for a while. He said there was so much administrative work that he didn’t have a great deal of time to devote to his craft.

“The talents and gifts we’ve been given in our life are not ours but given to us from God,” Farrell said. “I think a true sin is to not take the talents as best you can.”

Farrell had previously set up Crossroads Entertainment LLC as his production company. For more, visit crossroads-ent.com or Crossroads Entertainment’s Facebook page.

For private events, contact thisisdonfarrell@gmail.com

Civic Theatre’s production of “The Prom” is set to run through Oct. 21 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

ROBERT CRAY BAND

The Robert Cray Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Don Farrell will present “Because of You ... a Tribute to Tony Bennett” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 and Ben Johnson and Ron Abel present a tribute to Frank Sinatra at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

“WISH YOU WERE HERE”

“Wish You Were Here: The Sight & Sound of Pink Floyd” will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

“DON’T TELL ANYBODY THE SECRETS TOUR”

Lucinda Williams and her band will perform presents its “Don’t Tell Anybody The Secrets Tour” at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

“TROILUS & CRESSIDA”

Bard Fest’s “Troilus & Cressida” will conclude with performances Oct. 13-15 at The Cat in Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

CELEBRACIÓN DE ESPAÑA

The Indianapolis Opera will present Celebración de España, a fundraiser and a celebration of music, opera and art, set for 6 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Don Farrell will perform with pianist Terry Woods at Feinstein’s. (Photo courtesy of Don Farrell)

NIGHT

DAY

CCP brings ‘aMUSEd’ to the stage

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Kelly Keller was eager to bring Megan Ann Jacobs’ latest play to the stage. The Carmel Community Players will present “aMUSEd” from Oct. 13-22 at Switch Theatre in Fishers. Keller, a Fishers resident, will direct the show.

The play has been produced a total of five times previously, three times in its full form in Wisconsin and twice in Indianapolis as an hour-long festival version.

PLAY

“I’ve worked with Megan before when she directed me in ‘Coping with Autumn,’ which she also wrote,” Jacobs said. “I love her writing style. It’s direct and real. She writes about regular, ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Her language is accessible by everyone but is smart, thoughtful and funny. When Megan gave the cast of ‘Coping with Autumn’ the ‘aMUSEd’ script as a gift, I read it shortly thereafter. I immediately loved it. I love how it starts. I love how it evolves. I love the story and themes. (Jacobs) includes themes of loss, recovery and redemption expertly through interesting and real characters.”

Jacobs

Jacobs, an Indianapolis resident, said she got the idea for the story when Danielle E. Shipley showed her the cover of her new book “Inspired.”

“This image with the man in the suit in this light bulb and the great line of ‘What the muse wants...he gets,’” Jacobs said. “And I truly was inspired by it. This image launched my brain into the general premise of ‘aMUSEd.’This was actually the first time I had ever written a play. I had mostly done fiction writing and poetry. But from the onset, I knew this idea was meant for the stage.”

Jacobs said the play’s last revisions were in early 2019 for both versions of the show.

“I think I am most excited to experience it like new,” Jacob’s said. “Seeing it come to life under someone else’s direction, the choices of the performers, and seeing the production team add their flair, truly it feels like a gift.”

For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

The Edwards Twins return

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Edwards Twins sold out their first appearance at Feinstein’s in Carmel last year.

PERFORMANCES

“The promoter said then next year we’re going to do two shows,” Anthony Edwards said.

Identical twins Anthony and Eddie Edwards, 58, will present “The Ultimate Variety Show” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20-21 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael.

Some new additions will be in their repertoire.

“We’re doing Elton John from the ‘70s, the ‘80s and the 2000s era,” Anthony said. “That’s a new thing we put in the show and it’s blowing the audience away. We’re also bringing in Bette Midler, which is also brand new. The Bee Gees will be coming. John Fogerty is another new one.”

Anthony impersonates all the male performers while Eddie portrays the females.

“Eddie’s favorite character is Barbra Streisand because he has been doing that the longest,” Anthony said. ‘That’s really a character people just go crazy over.

Anthony said two of his favorites to impersonate are Elton John and Andrea Bocelli.

Anthony said it was natural for Eddie to impersonate females because he spent years touring the world as part of La Cage aux Follies.

It was Carol Burnett who suggested the twins combine their acts.

“She was very instrumental in getting the act started,” Anthony said. “She had seen me in Toronto, and we became good friends. She then went to see Eddie and was so enamored with him, she asked him to be on ‘Carol & Company.’ Eddie was on the first season of that show. After we got endorsed by her, it absolutely skyrocketed.”

For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

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Eddie Edwards is well known for his Barbra Streisand impersonation. (Photo courtesy of Anthony Edwards)

Lab series features ‘Liars Bench’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Julie Lyn Barber looks forward to seeing what changes a reading might bring to her play.

READING

Barber’s musical

“The Liars Bench” will be presented as part of Actors Theatre of Indiana’s Lab Series. The play will be presented as a free reading at 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at Carmel Clay Public Library. The Lab series helps playwrights receive feedback on their work.

each of the character’s specific voices and three-dimensionality.”

The story is set in the 1920s in a small town that hasn’t progressed as much as the rest of the nation.

Barber

“(The reading is) such a gift,” Barber said. “It’s always so helpful to hear it out loud and to be able to see audience reactions in real time, in addition to the opportunity to hear their thoughts about it after the reading. My goal was to wrap some heart into a comedy so that it’s an evening spent laughing, that sends you away with a bit of nostalgia. There’s no way to know if that goal is near achieving until there is an audience involved. I’m also very excited to have such a skilled group of professional actors interpret the characters. It really helps me in developing

“I grew up in a small town in Canada. My husband grew up in Selma, Indiana, which is where my kids went to school,” Barber said. “I used to work in Farmland, Indiana, and one of our favorite places to visit is the small town of Nashville in Brown County. Frank Hohenberger’s photographs of the people of Brown County provided inspiration for several of the characters in the play.”

Barber said the play has had several readings through the years.

“The piece has changed significantly after each reading,” said Barber, who is the head of musical theater at Purdue University Fort Wayne. “The last one was a staged reading with students at Western Kentucky University, after which the cast size was significantly pared down to focus on the three sets of siblings.”

Registration for the free tickets is on Eventbrite. For more, visit atistage.org.

Wed Oct 11 at 7:30pm

GRACE POTTER

Fri Nov 3 at 8pm

Experiencing aviation progress

Commentary by Don Knebel

In our continuing visits to places within easy driving distance of Indianapolis, we resume our exploration of Dayton’s National Museum of the United States Air Force.

TRAVEL

Walking among the 350 or so airplanes on display in the 19-acre museum makes one conclusion unavoidable — 80 years after a Wright brothers airplane became the nation’s first powered military aircraft, an enormous amount of progress had been made in the design of military aircraft, some made very quickly.

The earliest powered airplane on display is an exact reproduction of the Wright brothers’ Flyer, sold to the U. S Army for $30,000 in 1909. Like their earlier planes, this biplane had chain-driven pusher propellers in the rear, no wheels, elevators in the front and muslin-covered wooden fuselage and wings. It had a top speed of 42 mph and a range of 40 miles. Just eight years later, the Sopwith F.1 Camel, which destroyed more German aircraft than any other Allied airplane, featured wheels and a

rotary engine driving a single puller propeller in front. It had a top speed of 112 mph, a range of 300 miles and could reach an altitude of 19,000 feet. Fast forward to 1964 and the North American XB-70A, a bomber with a top speed of 2,056 mph (more than three times the speed of sound), a range of 4,288 miles and a ceiling of 77,350 feet. Also on display is the Lockheed F-117A, introduced in 1981, the world’s first operational aircraft capable of evading enemy radar, with an unlimited range enabled by inflight refueling.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is open, with free admission and parking, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visitors are advised to arrive early, go first to the back of the museum and work forward.

A Lockheed F-117A on display.

A North American XB-70A bomber at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. (Photos by Don Knebel)

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

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Waterpark

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