February 6, 2024 — Lawrence/Geist by Current Publishing

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS IN 2024 Get details about these events and more at

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Black History Month Celebration February 29, 2024

Hello from Lawrence! I am thrilled and honored to embark on this new journey to serve our city as Mayor. Our first month has been off to an exciting start, with new hires and appointments, as well as the welcoming back of many familiar faces that have served our city for years. During the last year, many of you may have heard me say “It’s time!” To me, that turn of phrase has meant so many things in so many contexts. It means it’s time to bring new, forward-looking leadership to our city. It’s time to take the momentum of the past administrations and move forward to achieve our goals. And of course, it’s time to unite our city and make sure we are connected on a deeper level than ever before. It’s time to offer an example of leadership that understands that the power of elected office, put to its highest and best use, brings more and different people in, instead of keeping them out.

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It’s time to demonstrate that power, put to its greatest purpose, empowers others—even, and sometimes especially, when those “others” don’t look like we do, or love like we do, or think or worship or even vote like we do. It’s time to live out the promise of being a welcoming, inclusive community.

Fort Ben Farmer’s Market June 6 - October 3, 2024

With the challenges we face as a city and community, we know one thing for sure—it’s time we come together and work hard to make Lawrence a better place to live, work, and raise our families. I accept that charge as a humble, servant leader, and I promise you I won’t let you down. Here’s to the beginning of a new work in progress—one that will strive to serve all and welcome everyone. I know we can achieve great things when we work together. It’s time.

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Deborah Whitfield Mayor, City of Lawrence

February 6, 2024

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GOP gubernatorial candidates talk issues By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com The five Republicans seeking to become Indiana’s next governor shared their views on education, the economy POLITICS and several other topics during a Jan. 25 forum presented by First Principles Forum at the Tarkington Theatre in Carmel. U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, former Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Fort Wayne businessman Eric Doden and former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill took turns answering questions from moderators Joy Pullman, executive editor of The Federalist, and Fanchon Stinger, a former Fox 59 news anchor. The Republicans agreed on several things: a desire to eliminate the state’s equity, inclusion and opportunity office; a willingness to send National Guard troops to help secure the Texas border; and that the late Antonin Scalia is among their favorite Supreme Court justices of all time. But throughout the 90-minute event, they aimed to set themselves apart in other ways. The primary election is May 7. The winner will run against Democrat Jennifer McCormick and Libertarian Donald Rainwater in the Nov. 5 general election. BRAUN: NOT AFRAID TO ‘POKE THE BEAR’ Braun, a Jasper native nearing the end of his first term in the U.S. Senate, touted his experience as an entrepreneur and business owner. “If you want to run the biggest business in our state, maybe you should have spent some time signing the front side of a paycheck,” he said. Braun said he will continue to hold on to his core values and isn’t afraid to “poke the bear” when necessary to affect change. Braun said he supports a bill in the state legislature that would limit the governor’s power to declare an emergency and pointed to his work in Congress to rein in federal government power during the pandemic. He said restrictions in Indiana during the pandemic were more in line with policies in nearby blue states than others led by Republicans. “It was shameful what (Indiana) did,” he said. “When you start doing things like, ‘You’re an essential business, and you’re not,’ that is government gone wild.” CHAMBERS: ‘A GROWING ECONOMY’ BENEFITS ALL Chambers, Indiana’s former secretary of

posed to “axe the tax” by eliminating the state income tax. “My opponents, special interest groups and big spending bureaucrats are screaming bloody murder and saying it can’t be done,” she said. “But that money is not theirs. It’s yours. And you will always spend more wisely than the government.” DODEN: PREVENTING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OVERREACH From left, event emcee Devin Anderson addresses Indiana governor candidates U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, former Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers, Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Fort Wayne entrepreneur Eric Doden and former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill. (Photo by Adam Seif)

commerce, said he believes the most important role of the governor is to grow the economy and thereby benefit all Hoosiers. “A growing economy affords us the ability to do a few things: to fix education, to back our police and make sure our public safety is protecting us from increasing crime, to deal with mental health and health care,” he said. “A growing economy affords us the ability to fix things and shrink government and improve overall quality of life.” He said a healthy economy begins with ensuring children receive an education that prepares them well for the workforce. He said Indiana has a “backwards-looking education system.” “It needs to be forward-looking to embrace the economy of the future, (by) making education more individualized and really modernizing it as much as we can,” he said. “Performance-based outcomes work for business, and they should be able to be applied to education as well.” CROUCH: FAUCI AND FEDS “LIED TO US” Crouch served as the state’s lieutenant governor throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but she said many of the state’s efforts to stop the spread of the virus — from mandates to lockdowns — were based on faulty information from national leaders. “(Former White House medical advisor Anthony) Fauci and the federal government lied to us, and as a result many actions that were taken at the federal and state level impacted our freedoms and caused harm to Hoosier families,” she said. “When I am governor, I will allow Hoosiers to make decisions regarding their health.” She said she supports the bill in the state legislature that would limit the governor’s emergency powers to 30 days. A former state auditor, Crouch has pro-

Doden, an entrepreneur from Fort Wayne, said he wants to take a closer look than his opponents at how state agencies are spending taxpayer dollars. “How those agency heads spend that money really matters to how we serve Hoosiers,” he said. “I’m the only candidate on this dais that said every agency head has to reapply for their job. We’re going to bring in super-talented people that come in and serve.” For Doden, a top priority if elected governor is to issue an executive order to ban closures of coal plants unless there is a plan to compensate for its loss with another form of reliable energy. He said a federal effort to take coal plants offline is set to lead to higher energy prices in Indiana. “We’re going to keep the federal government from overreaching and causing us the problems that are in our power supply right now,” he said. HILL: TEAR DOWN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM Hill, who served as attorney general from 2017 to 2021, said he supports the idea of school choice, but “federal entanglements” are harming the state’s school system. “We need to do something about our school system. We need to tear it down and get back to basics,” he said. “It’s not enough to simply have choices. In my administration, we’re going to look for curriculum change. We’re going to bust down what’s going on — this has been years in the making — so we can develop a new solid system so that our kids can be as bright and as strong as they need to be moving forward.” Hill voiced his opinion on several social issues and referenced an advisory opinion he issued in 2020 regarding the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. “I believe in the truth. And that’s why I was a little perplexed as attorney general when the BMV put an X on the driver’s license to create a third classification of gender,” he said. “I fought that, beat it back and they took it back. Why? Because the truth is, there are only two genders, male and female, and that’s worth fighting for.”

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• Integrated Dual Language and STEM Programs • 12 Years named “Best Community for Music” • 4 NAEYC-Accredited Early Learning Centers

STRONG SCHOOLS. STRONG COMMUNITY. Learn more about Lawrence Township Schools at LTschools.org Current_January 2024_Full Page.indd 1

• 47 State Championships

• Year-Round Pre-School • 95% Graduation Rate in 2023 • $55M+ in Scholarships 1/12/24 3:24 PM

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Lawrence group celebrates poetry By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com A group of poetry enthusiasts meets each month at the Arts for Lawrence Theater at the Fort to celeHUMANITIES brate the art of words, hear from Hoosier poets and authors and share their own poetry in a supportive group setting. Joyce Eggleston is the Poets Laureate of Lawrence coordinator, and said the group was founded more than 10 years ago by Liza Hyatt, an art therapist who had an art studio on Franklin Street in Lawrence. Eggleston became involved in the group in 2019, after she attended an exhibit that featured visual art made from pieces of paper with poetry written on them. She said she read every single poem in the art pieces, and then spoke with the artist. “She told me about Poets Laureate and how I could come join them,” she said. “And so, I recited a poem to her and she said, ‘Oh, but you really don’t have to try out to join.’” Eggleston participated as a member for a few years, but after Hyatt became too busy

Poets Laureate of Lawrence members include, seated from left, Arts for Lawrence Executive Director Elana Thompson, Joyce Eggleston and M.A. Dubbs; and standing from left, Mary Sexson, Sneha Monoharan, Neha Monoharan, Linda Davis and Verrena Diane Anderson. (Photo courtesy of Merrill Eggleston)

to continue as coordinator, Eggleston took over, scheduling authors and poets to present, and maintaining the group’s email list and newsletters. Eggleston, 70, said she started writing poetry in her mid-40s after her children were pretty much grown up. She said she loves sharing her poetry with others, and the Poets Laureate group is full of willing and supportive listeners.

Lawrence fire stations offer Narcan, fentanyl test strips news@geistcurrent.com The City of Lawrence Fire Department has Opioid Rescue Kit “NaloxBoxes” at each of the department’s five SAFETY firehouses. According to an announcement from the city, the boxes are in the stations’ lobbies and contain free Narcan doses and fentanyl test strips for the public. “If you are in need of either, please stop by and pick some up,” the announcement stated. “They are free of charge and available 24 hours a day.” Narcan is a brand of naloxone that can be administered via nasal spray. It is used to treat people experiencing an opioid overdose, which can be deadly. Common opioids include fentanyl, heroin and prescription medication. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, naloxone reverses an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. “It can restore normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes in a person whose breath

Free doses of Narcan and free fentanyl test strips are available at City of Lawrence Fire Department stations. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

has slowed, or even stopped, as a result of opioid overdose,” the CDC website stated, although more than one dose of naloxone may be required for stronger opioids like fentanyl. Fentanyl test strips can be used to test for the presence of fentanyl, a powerful opioid. It can help people who use drugs to avoid an overdose. The rescue kit boxes are available at: Station 36, 7620 Oaklandon Rd.; Station 37, 4902 N. German Church Rd.; Station 38, 4450 McCoy St.; Station 39, 4751 North Richardt Ave.; and Station 40, 9530 E 59th St. For more, visit overdoselife.org.

The group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the upstairs conference room at the Theater at the Fort, 8920 Otis Ave. Eggleston said each meeting starts with a featured guest who gives a 45-minute presentation. She said finding guest poets hasn’t been a problem — many are in the group’s email list, and she generally is able to schedule guest speakers out several months. After the guest presentation and a short break, open-mic time allows anyone to share their own poems or read the work of a poet they admire. “We have two poets — we always call everybody who comes a poet — two poets who come who don’t write poetry but who share poetry,” Eggleston said. “We go around the table, (and) some people don’t have anything that night and they’ll say they’ll pass tonight; they’re there to listen and enjoy the poetry.” The next Poets Laureate of Lawrence meeting is 7 p.m. Feb. 27, and will feature award-winning poet, playwright and visual artist Lylanne Musselman, according to the Arts for Lawrence website. Meetings are open to the public.

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Are you looking for a change in 2024? We invite you to attend our In-Person church services on February 4 & February 11 and connect with others who share your faith in God. REVIVAL TEMPLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OUTREACH MINISTRIES

February 6, 2024

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MSDLT installs metal detectors news@geistcurrent.com Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township announced Jan. 26 that it has installed permanent SECURITY weapon detection equipment at its secondary schools and will require all students and visitors to pass through the metal detectors when entering each building. According to the announcement, the new systems are part of the district’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for students and guests. Lawrence Township schools already had been conducting weapons detection for large events and random detection/searches daily since 2016, according to the district. “As part of our commitment to maintaining safe and secure learning environments for all students and guests, all secondary schools — grades 7-12 — have now transitioned to daily screening upon entry into the building,” the announcement stated. “This decision, with the full support of the board of education, is a proactive approach to strengthen our existing safety

Metal detectors similar to the ones pictured have been installed in all Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township secondary schools for grades 7-12. (Photo courtesy of MSDLT)

protocols.” Students and visitors will be required to pass through a metal detector at the entryway to each building. “The process will be quick and noninvasive, and individuals will simply walk through the detector(s) as part of their daily entry routine,” the announcement stated. “Building administrators/security personnel will be present and will oversee and assist with these new protocols. Increased familiarity of these new protocols will expedite the process.” A video the district provided showed students handing their laptop computers to security personnel before walking through the detectors.

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Former MSDLT superintendent charged in federal probe By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com Two Carmel men are among three people indicted by a federal grand jury for their alleged roles in conspiring to COURTS defraud the Indiana Department of Education of more than $44 million by inflating enrollment totals of students attending two online charter schools. Those charged are: • Percy Clark, 81, of Carmel, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 16 counts of wire fraud and 11 counts of money laundering. Clark was the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township superintendent from 1982-1996. • Tom Stoughton Sr., 74, of Carmel, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 16 counts of wire fraud and 57 counts of money laundering • Phillip Holden, 62, of Middletown, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 16 counts of wire fraud A fourth, Christopher King, 61, of Green Fork, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to the indictment, between at least the summer of 2016 and 2018, the defendants allegedly submitted false numbers to IDOE representing the enrollment of more than 4,500 students that they knew were not attending Indiana Virtual School or Indiana Virtual Pathways Academy. IVS and IVPA received funding from the state based upon the number of students a school claimed to be enrolled and attending. The indictment alleges the defendants manipulated the reporting process to inflate

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Percy Clark, 81, was the longtime superintendent of Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, and while lauded for his administrative skills, he was asked to resign in spring of 1996 following accusations of an extramarital affair with another administrator. According to a March 19, 1996, article from the Indianapolis News, then-board member Dan FitzGibbon read a statement to a room filled with parents and educators, stating that Clark had lied to the board repeatedly over 18 months. According to the article, the board stated that their top administrator had to be someone trustworthy, and that it wasn’t the affair but the deception that led them to ask for Clark’s resignation. Clark, who was Marion County’s first Black school superintendent, had led the Lawrence Township district for 14 years. He was 53 when he resigned.

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enrollment numbers and ultimately receive more funding. As a result of these false submissions, IDOE paid in excess of $44 million to IVS/IVPA. IVS and IVPA allegedly paid money received from the state to fraudulent for-profit companies, many of which were controlled or operated by Stoughton. After the money was funneled through these for-profit companies, millions of dollars were allegedly paid out to Stoughton and members of his family, Clark, King and others. A trial for the three defendants who have not pleaded guilty will be scheduled later. If convicted, each defendant faces between 10 and 20 years in federal prison per count.

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DISPATCH Scout band plans open house and concert – The Crossroads of America Scout Band will have an open house from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 11 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 4650 Shadeland Ave. Musicians between the ages of 11 and 21 are invited to bring an instrument. For more, visit our scoutband. org or call 317-469-8981. The band also is planning its 108th Anniversary Concert, set for 3-4 p.m. Feb. 18 at Camp Belzer, 6102 Boy Scout Rd. The concert is open to the public.

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The Harlem Wizards basketball team will visit Lawrence Central High School Feb. 16 for a fundraising event, FUNDRAISER playing a game against a team of Lawrence Township teachers, principals and community leaders. Proceeds will support the Lawrence Central Performing Arts Association, according to an announcement from LCPA. “We are delighted to host the Wizards,” LCPA Treasurer Jessica Krug stated. “They are superb showmen who deliver fantastic all-ages entertainment for a great cause.” In addition to the exhibition game, the event includes audience participation, with players inviting kids onto the court for interactive experiences. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the game starting at 7. For tickets and more information, visit lcpaa.org/harlem-wizards-game.

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Lawrence Central junior wants to follow mom’s career path By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Lawrence Central High School junior Jaylah Lampley couldn’t ask for a better coach or mother. Lawrence Central’s head coach is, after all, her mother, Jannon Lampley. “She played at Purdue and in the WNBA,” Jaylah said. “Everything I want to do in life, she has already had that experience. I’m very blessed she gets to teach me and give me advice along the way, so I become like her. Most of my life I’ve been modeling after her. I’ve followed in her footsteps. It’s amazing I get to succeed not only with my mother, but with my sister (Lola) as well.” Jannon Lampley, whose maiden name is Roland, played for Purdue University from 1993-97, earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors in 1997. This is her second season as head coach after serving as associate head coach when Jaylah was a freshman. Prior to the sectional opener Jan. 31, Jaylah, a 6-foot guard, was averaging 18.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game for the Class 4A No. 1 Bears (23-1). She averaged 15.8 points as a sophomore and 16.2 points as a

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Favorite athlete: Maya Moore Favorite subject: AP language and composition Favorite genre: Rap or older soul music Favorite vacation spot: Florida freshman. Lola, a sophomore, was averaging 10.9 points. “To coach Jaylah and Lola has been a complete blessing,” Jannon said. “To help them achieve some of their goals and see them live out their on-court dreams has been nothing short of amazing. Sharing these moments with them has been an honor. None of us want the journey to end, but the joy from these moments and experienc-

Lawrence Central High School junior Jaylah Lampley with the trophy for winning the Marion County Tournament. (Photo by Black Rocket)

es are enough to last a lifetime.” Jannon said Jaylah constantly works on her skill set and her body. “She’s been a constant work in progress,” Jannon said. “However, I would say she has improved her leadership this season. She is well respected among her teammates and coaching staff from the standpoint of setting the expectations, which is essentially helping us build our culture and being held accountable and never getting complacent

with winning games. I would also say that her overall confidence and maturity has improved. She’s always been a defender, rebounder, slasher, shooter, but she’s coming off a great summer where she performed well during the EYBL top AAU circuit. “Her summer performance and development has certainly transferred on court in high school.” Jaylah said the team’s mindset has been stronger this season. The Bears won the Marion County title for the first time in the girls program’s history. “Everyone wants to win, and everyone wants to succeed,” Jaylah said. “We made a lot of accomplishments along the way. We have a great coaching staff. They were the ones to have the dream and mindset to pass down to the players.” Jaylah, who is ranked No. 49 in the ESPN Class of 2025 recruiting rankings, has more than 20 NCAA Division I offers, including Purdue University, Indiana University, Ohio State University, University of Maryland, University of North Carolina, University of Louisville and West Virginia University. Lola is ranked No. 18 in the Class of 2026 by ESPN.

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Fort Ben Branch offers a low-key storytime option for kids and parents

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com Storytime at the public library is a great activity for young children to interact with kids their own age, have some fun and experience something outside of their usual home environment. Storytime can be loud, though, with recorded music, singing and clapping. It also can be bright, with the lights on full power and lots of colors that typically are associated with kid-themed events. All that noise and color can be overwhelming to children with sensory sensitivity. The Fort Ben Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library offers a toned-down storytime that is custom-made for those more sensitive children. “With sensory-friendly storytime, we don’t play music, because speakers have a lot of, kind of auditory feedback,” Juvenile Librarian Sarah Tadsen said. “We don’t have any of the yelling books, or the big loud instruments.” They also dim the lights and provide a less colorful rug for the kids to sit on while they listen to stories, she said, and they offer a variety of toys with the expectation that the kids need to fidget. “We have a five-pound little (stuffed) elephant that they can hold during storytime, we’ve got the five-pound unicorn lap mat, which is really good for soothing and kind of helping kids stay seated,” she said. “We also have little sensory toys with different textures. So that’s all during storytime — they can get up and get those at any point.” The weighted toys provide gentle pressure that can help soothe anxiety. Tadsen said it’s kind of like getting a hug, but without the physical contact of another person. Tadsen said she chooses books that can engage the children. “Like today, we’re doing cats, which is a great topic for neurodiversity because cats have boundaries and cats are a little different,” she said. “It’s a really good way to have a child-friendly introduction to, like, ‘You’re not weird. This is just you.’” Tadsen said the library has a collection of books for people who are neurodiverse, and she sometimes pulls storytime selections from there, as well. The sensory-friendly storytime is part of the Fort Ben Branch’s overall commitment

(Below) After a story and songs, children attending the Fort Ben Branch’s sensory-friendly storytime have a variety of activities to choose from to explore sensory experiences at their own comfort level.

(Above) Juvenile Librarian Sarah Tadsen of the Indianapolis Public Library’s Fort Ben Branch leads a sensory-friendly storytime for children.. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)

to serving people with autism and sensory sensitivity. Before the new branch opened last year, staff went through training so the library could become a certified autism center — the first library in the state with that designation. Although this storytime is designed to be sensory friendly, it’s open to any kid and their parents. About 10 children gathered in front of Tadsen on the blue-and-green rug during a recent event to hear three short stories about cats. Initially, the kids didn’t seem to pay much attention — they were more interested in each other and the toys. But after the first book and some group singing with hand gestures, they became more engaged. After the stories, the children could choose to play with the selection of sensory toys or work on a craft — coloring in an outline of a cat and decorating it using glue and pieces of tissue paper. While her daughter worked on her craft, parent Angel Dick said they attend most weeks, and she appreciates that the li-

brary’s sensory storytime is inclusive. “They learn a new (American Sign Language) sign every week,” she said. “The sensory options for the tactile play — it’s not just a craft with some stories — is also really nice.” She said having a child who is neurodivergent means her child can be a little loud sometimes, and in other settings might

need to leave because of that. “Here, they’re pretty lenient and they’re very understanding,” she said. ON THE COVER: Juvenile Librarian Sarah Tadsen

of the Indianapolis Public Library’s Fort Ben Branch reads a book about cats to children during the library’s sensory-friendly storytime. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

SENSORY STORYTIME EXPANDS TO TWICE A WEEK The Fort Ben Branch at 9330 E. 56th St. schedules its weekly sensory friendly storytime at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Starting in February, the branch added a second sensory friendly storytime at 5:30 p.m. each Monday. “We have had a lot of requests for storytimes that aren’t at 10:30 in the morning, which is understandable for parents who work,” Juvenile Library Sarah Tadsen said. “So we are expanding that and hop-

ing to get a good crowd for that.” The storytime is open to all ages, she said, so adults with different sensory needs are welcome, too. “When we’ve had storytime at a non-traditional time, we’ve had a lot of adult engagement as participants, which has been wonderful,” she said. For more about the Fort Ben Branch and its programs, visit indypl.org/ locations/fort-ben.

February 6, 2024

VIEWS

Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com

Want versus need Commentary by Terry Anker English author Charles Dickens’ 1843 novel “A Christmas Carol” tells the story of an elderly miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, ESSAY visited by three apparitions, Past, Present and Future, to help the skinflint remember the meaning of the holiday and to mend his greedy ways. The Ghost of Christmas Present arrived second in the form of a robust and jolly character showing Scrooge the joy to be discovered outside his present-day window. Yet beneath the specter’s flowing robe, and unseen by the dancing and bounty inherent to the festivities, peered the countenances of two children, who the spirit called by the names Ignorance and Want. Scrooge was admonished to remember them in spite of his own self-perceived abundance. Those of us who are or have been parents, or those who are or have been a child, understand that the good author was not likely referring to “want” in the modern sense. More probably, it was intended to mean need. We humans may want chocolate cake

Warning: This story is a snoozer

for every meal or constant attention directed our way — but we need, and must have, some proper nourishment for our bodies and love for our souls. Absent an adequate serving of either and we suffer the pernicious effects of starvation. Even more, Dickens called out the hunger brought by ignorance. Failure to read, understand or participate in the world around us brings its own sort of malnourishment and incumbent harm. With want, we can count the calories and have come to understand the attention due a child. But what of ignorance? Reading, writing and arithmetic are the big three. And civics, history and skills follow closely behind. Kids make sense, but what, if anything, is our burden to carry the ignorance and want of full-grown adults? If they choose blissful witlessness, what is our duty to them?

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

Discovering my hidden talent Commentary by Danielle Wilson Recently, my high school students and I engaged in lengthy discussions about what our “acts” would be if we were HUMOR to compete in a talent contest. About 50 percent, me included, could not come up with anything performance worthy. We don’t sing or dance, at least not well, nor do any of us play a musical instrument other than the recorder at the fifth-grade level. What can we do? This is important, people! There were of course some lame options tossed around — learning the “Napolean Dynamite” routine and lip syncing being the most popular. But these had been done before and were not going to win us the crown. We needed a wow factor! So, we explored potential “skills” that we could acquire. Juggling, magic, baton twirling, yo-yo-ing, even speed painting, were all considered legitimate possibilities. Are these even “talents,” though? We circled back to everyone’s natural gifts. One kid is a master at decorating desserts. Another is a Hollywood-bound stylist. Two are varsity basketball players and several are elite swimmers. Soon, we were brainstorming creative ways to highlight these. “Could

“We circled back to everyone’s natural gifts. One kid is a master at decorating desserts. Another is a Hollywood-bound stylist. Two are varsity basketball players, and several are elite swimmers.” – DANIELLE WILSON you ice a three-tier sponge while grooving to Maroon 5’s ‘Sugar’?” “What might it look like if you gave a random audience member an impromptu makeover?” “Can we bring a pool on stage?” I began thinking about myself again. What am I good at? I’m a pretty decent mom, I’m amazing at getting strangers to reveal their darkest secrets and, I’ve been told, I write a solid observational humor column. That’s it! My act will be penning a 275-word piece on talent shows in less than 15 minutes. You’re welcome. Peace out.

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

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie Last Saturday, something happened that made me very proud of my family. It was about 3 p.m. and HUMOR my adult son, Brett, had just stopped by after a boxing workout. My wife, Mary Ellen, had returned from a long morning of shopping and running errands. I had just played two hours of pickleball. What was I proud of? Everyone took a nap. Right smack in the middle of the day. People in the neighborhood were not only taking down their holiday lights but tossing around a football with the kids, gassing up the snow blowers or taking a brisk walk in the nearby woods. But the Wolfsies were all asleep, Brett sacked out on the couch, Mary Ellen in our king-size bed, and I was tucked into my La-Z-Boy chair. Do I know how to pick a family, or what? I wish I could have been awake to enjoy it fully. Of course, my son and wife are not experienced nappers. They have not spent the years I have perfecting the art of the timely snooze. Unlike me, my wife has never slept through Paris on a bus or dozed through an entire baseball game. Unlike me, my son has never fallen asleep at his own surprise birthday. They are novice nappers. But I was thrilled that there was hope. Here it was, Saturday afternoon, a gorgeous, crisp winter afternoon enticing every family in the neighborhood to go outside and enjoy the weather. But all the Wolfsies were napping. Here are some drawbacks to amateur napping. When my wife awakens, she apologizes for her lapse and then spends the next three hours worrying she is coming down with something. I’m no medical expert, but I don’t think you need to give yourself a COVID-19 test if you doze off for 20 minutes in the middle of the after-

“Right smack in the middle of the day. People in the neighborhood were not only taking down their holiday lights but tossing around a football with the kids, gassing up the snow blowers or taking a brisk walk in the nearby woods. But the Wolfsies were all asleep, Brett sacked out on the couch, Mary Ellen in our king-size bed, and I was tucked into my La-Z-Boy chair. Do I know how to pick a family, or what?” – DICK WOLFSIE noon. When I doze off for an hour or so, I awaken with a renewed sense of purpose. Men and women place different values on a good daytime snooze. Women don’t like naps because they are afraid they will miss something, like a sale or a sunset or the plot of a movie. But that’s exactly the reason I do nap — to miss things. I do worry about my son, though. As a toddler, he showed great potential, often rivaling me. He’d fall asleep after a good meal and often snuck in a nap before going to bed. I had great expectations for him, but my hopes dimmed as he grew up. He once sat through an entire “Harry Potter” movie without snoring. And more recently, he watched 3 1/2 hours of “Oppenheimer” without digging his nails into his thigh. You may think that we squandered valuable time by dozing off at 3 in the afternoon. You are entitled to your opinion, but I’m not going to lose any sleep over it.

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

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February 6, 2024

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Fishers resident fulfills wish to play songwriter Weil in ‘Beautiful’ By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com The first time Devan Mathias saw “Beautiful — The Carole King Musical,” it had an immediate impact on her. MUSICAL “When the character I’m playing now, (songwriter) Cynthia Weil, entered the stage for the first time, I knew pretty instantly that I had to play this part,” the Fishers resident said. “This woman walks into the office of music proMathias ducer Don Kirshner and asks for a job as a lyricist. She doesn’t really take no for an answer. She’s persistent and funny, and the second she started singing, I got goosebumps, like big ones. I only continued to fall in love with Cynthia as I watched her defy the social norms and expectations in the 1960s, all while navigating a working and romantic relationship with her songwriting partner, Barry Mann.” At intermission, she turned to her husband and said she had to play the part of Weil. “I don’t always get that feeling about a particular role, but I really try to listen to that intuition when it shows up,” Mathias said. “This one felt special.” Mathias portrays Weil Feb. 8 to March 30 in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of the play. “I love her strength and humor and internal fire,” Mathias said. “I love her tenacity and her immense heart, and as a writer and avid Shakespeare admirer, I love that she is also a wordsmith. So, this feels like such a dream.” Mathias said she realized that she and Weil, who died at age 82 in June 2023, are alike in more ways than she realized. “Growing up, I tried just about every sport and was good at, truthfully, none of them,” Mathias said. “Then I found musicals and discovered that I could forge a different path for myself. Once I got to college, where I majored in musical theater, it was

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET Christine Andreas’ “Two for the Road” performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9-10 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com. ‘ROMEO & JULIET’ Civic Theatre’s production of “Romeo & Juliet” is set for Feb. 9-24 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org. ‘ROUTE 66’ Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Route 66” runs through Feb. 18 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistatge.org. CARMEL APPRENTICE THEATRE

Devan Mathias has been performed in a few Beef & Boards productions, including playing the Bird Woman in “Mary Poppins.” (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)

still all musicals, all the time. But since then, I fell in love with acting and plays. I’ve learned life is all about balance. I can run half marathons and redo my own kitchen and rewire light fixtures in my house and find joy in things that aren’t traditionally feminine and still fully embrace my identity and femininity and power as a woman. And similarly, I can love Shakespeare as much as (Stephen) Sondheim and make artistic homes for myself in both musicals and plays. “Maybe that’s why I love Cynthia so much, because she also doesn’t feel obligated to comply with society’s expectations of women. She finds balance in what’s right for her, and I admire that so much.” Mathias said the show is much more than a typical jukebox musical. “It feels more like a play with music, where the songwriters are writing songs based on what’s happening in their lives, sometimes in as little as an afternoon, but the music is still so universal,” Mathias said. “The show is funny and genuine and is jam-packed with dozens of songs that audiences probably already know. Carole

King and Gerry Goffin, as well as Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, were best friends, insanely competitive and had prolific careers writing for everyone from Aretha Franklin to Dolly Parton, James Taylor, The Drifters and The Shirelles.” Devon Perry, originally from Pickerington, Ohio, is making her Beef & Boards debut as Carole King. Westfield resident Don Farrell plays late music producer Don Kirshner. “I’m thrilled to play ‘The man with the golden ear,’” Farrell said. “His big thing was that it was a young person’s industry. It was the decade when the teenager was discovered as a demographic to market toward, and he got on to that more quickly than most. His discovery was letting young people write for young artists, and that’s where he discovered Carole King.” The Brill Building was famous for being a corporate songwriting factory. Farrell said Kirshner was willing to take more risks. “Young people could come along and say, ‘Would you listen to my song?’ and he would,” Farrell said. “He was a businessman and knew what sold.” For more, visit beefandboards.com.

Carmel Apprentice Theatre’s production of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” is set for Feb. 9-19 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz. ‘ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS’ The Belfy Theatre will present “One Man, Two Guvnors” through Feb. 11 at The Switch Theatre at Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy in Fishers. For more, visit thebelfrytheatre.com. ’STAR-CROSSED LOVERS’ The Carmel Symphony Orchestra performs “Star-Crossed Lovers” on Valentine’s Day weekend Feb. 10 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org. ‘THE WILD WILD WEST’ Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents “The Wild Wild West” from Feb. 10-25 at The Florence Theatre, 329 Gradle Dr., Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

DISPATCH Red Barn Summer Theatre schedule — The On-Stage Foundation Board of Directors and Red Barn Summer Theatre Artistic Director Michael Taylor recently announced their 2024 season. Starting off the summer will be “Keep The Change,” a comedy by Michael Clossin. The second show will be Michael Parker’s, “The Lone Star Love Potion.” The final production will be the Mel Brooks’ musical “Young Frankenstein.” For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

February 6, 2024

NIGHT & DAY

Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com

Tastes Like A Touchdown Score some serious Big Game points with your friends and family with this Fried Coconut Popcorn Shrimp accompanied by the fiery St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail Sauce. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! INGREDIENTS

Big Bites for the Big Game When it comes to Big Game watch parties this Sunday, most people fall into two categories. There will be a few people excited to watch the game, but most everyone else shows up for the commercials and the food. If you’re looking for the easy button to make everyone happy, consider these classic Indy favorites for this year’s Big Game. CARRY-OUT PLATTERS Indianapolis restaurant group, Huse Culinary, is offering carry-out platters featuring several of their most iconic menu items including the famously spicy St. Elmo Steak House Shrimp Cocktail, grilled-to-perfection Filet Sliders, crowd-pleasing Tavern Club sandwich, and dry-rub Baby Back Ribs.

You can purchase these Big Game platters at the following locations: SHRIMP COCKTAIL PLATTERS St. Elmo Steak House Harry & Izzy’s locations 1933 Lounge FILET SLIDER PLATTERS St. Elmo Steak House Harry & Izzy’s locations 1933 Lounge

Vegetable oil, for frying 2 large eggs, lightly beaten ¼ cup milk 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tbsp. St. Elmo Seasoning 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 cup coconut flakes 1 lb. large shrimp, uncooked (peeled and deveined, tail off) St. Elmo Cocktail Sauce, for dipping INSTRUCTIONS

3. Dredge shrimp in flour mixture, dip in eggs, and then roll in coconut mixture. 4. Place shrimp in oil and fry until golden. Flip shrimp after 1 ½ minutes then cook for additional 1 ½ minutes. 5. Transfer to a serving plate lined with paper towel.

6. Pour St. Elmo Cocktail Sauce in a 1. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large small bowl for dipping and enjoy! skillet over medium heat until thermometer registers 350°

CLUB SANDWICH PLATTERS The HC Tavern + Kitchen Harry & Izzy’s locations

MVP of the Bar Cart

BABY BACK RIB PLATTERS The HC Tavern + Kitchen

Simple, tasty cocktails are taking the W this year! If you’ve dined at St. Elmo Steak House, you may have tried their signature cocktail, the Elmo Cola, AKA the Adult Cherry Coke.

It’s recommended to call and order platters 24-48 hours in advance. St. Elmo Steak House Downtown: 317-635-0636 Harry & Izzy’s Downtown: 317-635-9594 Harry & Izzy’s Castleton: 317-915-8045 1933 Lounge Fishers: 317-758-1933 The HC Tavern + Kitchen Fishers: 317-530-4242

2. Mix eggs and milk in a shallow dish. Whisk flour and St. Elmo Seasoning in a medium bowl. Combine breadcrumbs and coconut flakes in another bowl.

You can recreate their fan-favorite cocktail with just two ingredients, making it perfect to sip and share at the watch party this Sunday. The Elmo Cola is made with two ounces of St. Elmo Cherry Vanilla Bourbon and your choice of regular or diet Coca-Cola. If you’re feeling fancy, add two Luxardo cherries as a garnish on top. You can find St. Elmo Cherry Vanilla Bourbon in local grocery and liquor stores. Fun fact: it’s the same boozy bottle that is poured in the legendary St. Elmo Steak House. Sip, sip, hooray! ADVERTORIAL

February 6, 2024

NIGHT & DAY

Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com

Savory list of Super Bowl food options Commentary by Mark LaFay

Market District in Carmel offers a range of grocery items, carryout and eat-in dining options. (Photos courtesy of Market District)

Market District a ‘foodie’s paradise’ Commentary by Mark LaFay Market District, at 1234 Illinois St. in Carmel, is a foodie’s paradise. The grocery store is massive and has quite a variety across every primary grocery category, and then some. Besides grocery items, Market District has quite the catering department, with a hot-and-ready selection and — unbeknownst to many — it has a delightful Italian restaurant that bears the name of celebrity chef Fabio Viviani. For some, the idea of grabbing dinner in the grocery store might seem like a foreign concept. For the most part, it has been largely foreign, and now it is simply “new” to the U.S. In my travels abroad, I have had memorable meals in grocery store restaurants, the most memorable being a full English “brekky” in a Woolworth’s in Cape Town, South Africa. Domestically, Hy-Vee, Whole Foods and Giant Eagle (Market District’s parent company) have launched in-store restaurant concepts nationwide, and the food is nothing to snub your nose at. Consider having a scratch kitchen with 24-7 access to premium fresh ingredients. A truly winning combination, and Osteria is no exception. Osteria’s is turning out fantastic pan-Italian cuisine, scratch-made with fresh ingredients. Its wood-fired pizzas are wildly popular for in-restaurant as well as carryout. Pastas are scratch-made daily, along with all sauces, and the features and

specials change on the regular. The culinary teams have very little creative restriction given their access to ingredients readily available on the grocery side. “One of my favorite pasta dishes they’ve made is an Italian onion soup pasta,” said the store’s general manager, Laurie Campbell. “Imagine a pasta dish that is a riff on French onion soup, but Italian — Caramelized cipolini onions, braised short rib, gruyere cheese and handmade pasta. Creativity and execution are clearly not in short supply.” Osteria also has a lunch grab-and-go counter in the grocery store called Osteria2. Especially for the Super Bowl, customers are encouraged to check out Osteria 2 for its special hot and ready smoked and flash-fried wings tossed in your choice of five different sauces available from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. While you are there, check out the deli department for 3-foot subs. And, of course, the liquor department has quite the selection of beer, wine and spirits for Super Bowl festivities at home. Osteria is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Market District is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4201 Millersville Rd., Suite 19, Indianapolis

You don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy the Super Bowl. Call me crazy, but everything going on in the periphery may actually be more interesting than the game itself. Don’t misunderstand me, I enjoy watching the big game, and every so often, I am surprised by the path to victory. Admittedly, I haven’t had a dog in the fight since the Peyton Manning era of the Colts. I will still use the big game as a reason to have family and friends over to hang out, eat party food and play euchre (we pause the card games for the commercials). This year, I was hoping for an unlikely matchup, namely anyone vs. the Detroit Lions. Now, I’m pivoting my attention and enthusiasm to the food to be prepared for the second Sunday in February 2024! Now that we have our lineup and we know who is performing at halftime, the last remaining question is: What are we going to eat? The good (and potentially bad) news is that there are many options for ordering carryout or premium shopping for making premium snacks at home. I had a difficult time whittling this down, and although this isn’t going to be an exhaustive list, it will be an ‘A’ list of options. Kicking us off is the carryout list: Crafter’s Drafthouse — Family-owned, at 2430 E 146th St., in Carmel. Great pizza, great wings. The wings are meaty with several flavor options, including limited-time flavor combos. The pizza is also silly good and all very reasonably priced. • Ale Emporium — A true staple of Indianapolis pub culture and cuisine. The original location is at 8617 Allisonville Rd., in Indianapolis. It has been there since 1982. It has Fishers and Greenwood locations, as well. The wings are where it’s at, especially its famous ‘Hermanaki’ wings. Upland Brewery — Wings it is at Upland! Get an order of 16 wings and 12 beers for $40. Make sure you get Champagne Velvet, possibly my favorite beer. Upland has numerous area locations, including two in Carmel and one in Castleton. • 317 Charcuterie — Located at 61 City Center Dr., Carmel, get your pre-made charcuterie platter to order. Just give them the size of your party and some suggestions on things you like and they will take it from there! Are you planning to pick up some supplies to prep for your party instead of grabbing carryout? Well, here are some great options for you to consider: • Joe’s Butcher Shop — Located at 111 W. Main St, Suite 110 in Carmel, Joe’s is a great option for grabbing ground meats for meatballs, bacon for wrapping your jalapeños going onto the smoker, or an assortment of salamis and cheeses for a charcuterie board. • Old Major Market — I have to give a plug to my shop. Grab a 3-pound bag of our smoked wings, pre-made Italian meatballs, charcuterie kits and more — pretty much anything you need for a party. Shop at oldmajormarket.com and we will deliver to the Saturday farmers’ markets or to your home the Thursday before the big game. Regardless of who wins the big game, you are sure to win with family and friends if you shop from this list!

February 6, 2024

NIGHT & DAY

Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com

Director has ‘Yonkers’ connection By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

courage, endurance, strength, family alienation and eventual reconciliation — are all challenges that we all must face, grapple Jen Otterman has an affinity for “Lost in with and resolve. ‘Yonkers’ is a magnifying Yonkers.” glass that allows us to analyze our own “Neil Simon has (renowned) for his comlives through its lenses.” edies, but he has several shows Otterman has been involved with “Lost PLAY that are more dramedies, in Yonkers” twice before. She and this is one of them,” taught speech, theater and writing Otterman said. “‘Lost in Yonkers’ at Hamilton Southeastern High has many delightful moments that School for nearly 30 years, retiring are quite humorous. It also offers in 2015. Otterman, who was part of some deeply poignant and insightthe team that directed the school’s ful scenes that are heart-rending. I annual plays, produced “Yonkers” think that is why I love it.” in 2007 for the thespian show. The Noblesville resident is “Coincidentally, Becca (Bartley), Otterman directing the Main Street Producwho is currently playing Bella in tions play Feb. 8-18 at Basile Westfield this show, also played Bella at HSE (in Playhouse. 2007),” Otterman said. “She is reprising “I have always loved plays and musicals the role a little older and wiser, but with that offer a realistic view of life, never all as much talent and energy as she did in glory and fun and never all sadness and her high school years. Then, 11 years later, despair,” she said. “(It’s) life, with all its in 2018, I played the role of Grandma at ups and downs, its triumphs and defeats. I the Red Barn Summer Theatre in Frankcan laugh with the best of them at a comfort. So, this is my third dance with this edy or a farce, but I most like the works show. To say I know it intimately might be that truly reflect the roller coaster of life accurate.” as we live it. The themes in this show —

Big-flavor wings for big game Commentary by Mark LaFay

2/9-2/24

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There are so many different foods you can have to party properly RECIPE during the Super Bowl, but our default is wings. Ingredients: • Chicken party wings (flats and drums separated) • Lawry’s Seasoned Salt • MSG (you read that right) • Cornstarch • Peanut oil or Crisco shortening Instructions: 1. Dry chicken wings by laying them on a thick layer of paper towels. Cover them with more paper towels and press. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes. 2. Aggressively season the chicken wings with Lawry’s and MSG. 3. Toss the wings in cornstarch. 4. Fry the wings in oil heated to 360°F. They will start to float when they are fully cooked. Keep them cooking until a good golden brown. 5. Remove from oil and place on a wire rack or a pan lined with paper towels to catch the grease.

Buffalo sauce: • 1 cup Frank’s Red Hot • 1/2 cup unsalted butter • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) • 1 tablespoon garlic powder • Salt to taste Instructions: Mix all of the ingredients in a saucepan, cook down for about 15 minutes, then turn off the heat. Toss with wings in a bowl. Garlic Parmesan Sauce: • 1 cup Duke’s Mayo • 1 tablespoon garlic powder • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1/4 cup ranch powder • Salt to taste Instructions: Mix all of the ingredients, microwave on high for 90 seconds, whisk, and repeat twice. Toss in a bowl with cooked wings.

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4201 Millersville Rd., Suite 19, Indianapolis

February 6, 2024

INSIDE & OUT

Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com

Blueprint for Improvement: Basement buildout in Carmel Commentary by Larry Greene Built in 2013, a blank canvas awaited transformation in the basement of this east Carmel home. Designed and built to cater to the unique style and needs of the family, our team crafted a bright and welcoming space ideal for game days, movie nights and all the moments in between.

After

THE BLUEPRINT • A bar area featuring wine storage, an ice maker and a built-in banquet creates the perfect setting for entertaining and gatherings. • The new toy room provides an ideal space for playtime, complete with barn doors to corral and conceal kiddo clutter. • Custom shelving surrounds the TV, providing stylish storage and anchoring the family room. • Patriotic charm is infused into the ambience with a red, white and blue palette, beautifully complemented by a mercury glass Moravian star pendant hanging over the banquet.

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.

Before