February 27, 2024 — Lawrence/Geist

3 Piece Set: sofa, 2 swivel gliders $4,587 gliders

7 Piece Set: 1 dining table, 6 arm chairs with pads

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.

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.

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.

All the best,

Deborah Whitfield Mayor, City of Lawrence

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Geist Marina or 79th & Sunnyside

Keep Spring’s warm-up on track with Spicy

Meatballs!

Indiana Milk Bank provides donated breast milk for babies in need

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

In a sterile room, surrounded by gleaming stainless-steel equipment, a technician carefully processes gallons of milk, pasteurizing it slowly in batches. It’s similar to a commercial milk-processing operation. In this case, though, it’s a nonprofit processing and distributing human milk, often donated by grieving parents who want to help other babies as they deal with the loss of their own.

PHILANTHROPY

Founded in 2005, the Milk Bank of Indiana is not as well known as, for example, a blood bank. CEO Freedom Kolb, a Fishers resident, wants to change that and spread the word as far as possible, in part because of the constant need for new milk donors.

“We need 100 new milk donors a month, just to keep up with demand,” Kolb said. “Over the course of the year, we have about 1,000 to 1,200, but what we’re seeing has been demand is increasing after COVID and the formula shortage — we’re seeing more and more hospitals request donor milk.”

Donor milk is both food and medicine, she said. It can save babies’ lives — in some cases increasing survival rates by more than 75 percent.

“We dispense about a half a million ounces a year,” Kolb said. “And for the micro-preemies, 1 ounce can provide three feedings, so we’re providing about 1.5 million feedings for infants.”

Kolb said Indiana has a high infant mortality rate compared to the rest of the nation, and the United States’ rate is high compared to other developed countries. The Milk Bank plays a part in trying to reduce those rates, she said. They also work closely with parents who have experienced the loss of their infant.

“Now we’re going to walk down our memorial wall,” she said, leading the way to a hallway with a memorial “tree” painted on the wall, each leaf bearing the name of

the nonprofit through an online inquiry about what to do with their milk.

Many other donors are parents who simply have an abundance of milk and a willingness to give.

“We’re really reaching out to a very small (group),” Kolb said. “I call it the army of moms that are saving all of these babies.”

There are milk banks in other states as well because the need is everywhere. Kolb said each is independent, but they’re all certified to meet specific standards and guidelines. Indiana’s Milk Bank has satellite locations and drop-off depots throughout Indiana — from Newburgh to Michigan City — making it as easy as possible for parents to donate.

Any lactating parent can donate milk, and even a small amount can make a difference.

According to the Milk Bank website, signing up to donate can take up to a month because of required safety measures and health assessments. But a parent can pump milk and freeze it in the meantime.

an infant who didn’t survive. “These are families who have experienced infant loss and we stand alongside them. We provide bereavement support groups. We do open houses so they can meet other families — this is their memorial wall. They’ve paid their milk forward to save another life.”

Kolb said about 10 percent of milk donors are bereaved families, and studies show that donating milk can help facilitate the grief process.

“A lot of families will tell us the process of pumping and providing milk — not only do they know they have the ability to save another life, but it created a connection to the infant that they lost,” she said. “It gives them a reason to talk about their son or daughter, we’ve had moms tell us it’s the first time they felt like a mom.”

Those families often find out about the Milk Bank through their health care providers, but some grieving families learn about

“If you’ve been recording the date pumped on your storage containers, we can accept milk that has already been pumped,” the website states. “Milk can typically be donated up to nine months (after the) pump date when stored properly in a freezer.”

Donated milk is weighed, recorded by donor ID and kept frozen until it goes to the Milk Bank’s lab, where it’s defrosted, nutritionally analyzed and pooled with milk from up to four other donors, which increases the disease-fighting properties of the milk.

“Milk is portioned into specialty bottles, sealed and labeled with a tracking bar code before being pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria,” the website states. “Pasteurized milk is stored in a walk-in freezer while one bottle is sent offsite for a final microbiological test.”

Following that final test, the milk is sent to hospitals and other recipients, providing life-saving nutrition for babies.

For more about the Milk Bank, visit themilkbank.org.

Freedom Kolb, CEO of The Milk Bank, which distributes donated human milk to babies in need, holds a bottle of milk at the nonprofit’s lab in the Castleton area. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Carmel Democrat files for congress

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Democrat Ryan Pfenninger wants to bring his entrepreneurial spirit to Congress. He filed Feb. 9 to run in Indiana’s 5th District and will face Deborah A. Pickett in the May 7 primary.

ELECTION

Pfenninger has launched multiple tech companies, most recently co-founding tech startup Overfuel Inc., a digital platform for auto dealers.

“In the tech world, when something is broken, we don’t sit around and point fingers. We jump in, find the bugs and fix them,” he stated. “We have to solve problems to be successful. That’s why I’m running. Politics is broken, but no one in Washington wants to find common ground, figure out real solutions and deliver them back here to Indiana.”

A graduate of North Central High School, Pfenninger founded and sold his first business while a student at Indiana University. Before starting Overfuel, he worked as chief technology officer for Validity, an email marketing and data software company.

Among his campaign priorities are policies that promote economic prosperity and job growth, reduction of the national debt and freedom from governmental interference.

“I want my daughter to grow up in a country where her reproductive rights are safeguarded and all Americans are protected from discrimination,” he stated.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face one of 11 candidates vying for the seat on the Republican side. That includes incumbent Victoria Spartz, who decided to run for reelection this month after previously stating she would not run again.

Learn more about Pfenninger’s campaign at RyanForIndiana.com.

Fishers American Legion plans craft fair

— The Fishers American Legion Post 470 has scheduled a Spring Craft Fair for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 4 at the Legion, 9091 E. 126th St. Anyone interested in renting a booth for the fair can get vendor information at the post or by emailing auxiliarypost470@gmail.com.

Pfenninger

Lawrence Utility Board elects officers, OKs task orders

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The City of Lawrence Utility Service Board elected a new chair and co-chair during its regular Feb. 13 meeting and approved several task orders to move forward with projects in the community.

GOVERNMENT

Longtime chair Steven Hall, who has held the seat for eight years, nominated Tracy Boyd to be the new board chair. Boyd was elected unanimously to the position and switched seats with Hall.

Other Utility Service Board members are Chanita Gillard, Darrin Kirkland and David Parnell.

Also during the meeting, the board unanimously approved three task orders for utility work. Interim Utilities Superintendent Paul Wanner said the first, an order of up to $268,440, hires American Structurepoint to conduct the Indian Creek interceptor flow monitoring project.

“This is to give us a targeted evaluation of the Indian Creek sanitary sewer interceptor and the flow that goes through it to collect data to calibrate the city’s hydraulic and hydrologic model,” he said. “The project will also allow us to evaluate the wet weather flows versus the dry weather flows in the various locations.”

Wanner said all that information will help the utility identify and plan for potential problems.

The second task order was for up to $20,000 for Wessler Engineering to provide GIS support service as needed, and the third was for up to $8,000 for that same company to review the Indiana Department of Transportation plan for rehabilitating Pendleton Pike. Wanner said that state road project could require moving water and wastewater pipes. A review will determine what the city needs to do, and how much it might cost.

The next Utility Service Board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.

First-graders from Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township are learning about the City of Lawrence Fire Department, and a few groups from Crestview and Harrison Hill elementary schools recently visited the newly built Station 38. Over the course of the semester, all first-grade classes in the district will have the opportunity to tour one of three participating LFD stations, according to MSDLT. Lawrence firefighters respond to more than 6,000 fire calls and an average of 7,000 EMS runs each year. (Photo courtesy of the Lawrence Fire Department)

Guerin Catholic junior Cardinal gets boost from basketball pedigree

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Although he played basketball, football and lacrosse through his freshman year at Guerin Catholic High School, it seemed a given that Bryson Cardinal would eventually concentrate on basketball.

After all, his father, Brian Cardinal, was a Purdue University standout who played 12 seasons in the NBA, and his mother, Danielle (Bird) Cardinal, was a Purdue women’s basketball player and is now Guerin’s girls basketball coach.

“I consulted my coaches and my parents just about what was going to be best for me for my sophomore year, and I decided to play AAU, which I think really helped me to develop as a basketball player,” said Bryson, now a junior. “On that team, I played a lot of the perimeter, so I think that really helped me this year to understand where I can get shots from, whether it’s dribble pull-ups or setting a good screen

MEET BRYSON CARDINAL

Favorite athlete: Dirk Nowitzki

Favorite subject: English

Favorite movies: “Star Wars” series

Favorite genre of music: Rap

for someone to slip in, and not just playing that inside guy, the center.”

It wasn’t an easy decision for the Westfield resident, because he played lacrosse for several years and enjoyed it.

“But I started to realize that playing college basketball was really my dream of my future,” Bryson said,

Entering the Class 3A sectional opener against Indianapolis Herron Feb. 27, Bryson, who is nearly 6-foot-8, is averaging 13.5

Guerin Catholic junior Bryson Cardinal, wearing his father’s familiar 35 jersey number, is averaging 13.5 points per game. (Photo courtesy of LiveActionSports)

points and eight rebounds per game for the Golden Eagles (17-7). That’s more than double last season’s scoring average of 6.1.

“His offense has really improved,” Guerin Catholic coach Bob Allen said. “He can score from inside and out and he is another player that our opponents have to prepare

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for. At times, he commands a double team, which is helping some of our other guys to get open looks.”

Allen said Bryson’s game is similar to his father’s.

“Like his father, he is an ultimate competitor,” Allen said. “He wants to win, and he understands the importance of every play, which is why he isn’t afraid to dive for a loose ball or take a charge in a crunchtime situation.”

Allen said his play has definitely attracted interest from NCAA Division I coaches.

“There is no doubt in my mind that he can play at the next level, and he will continue to improve every day,” Allen said.

Like his father, Bryson said his play sometimes irritates opposing teams and fans.

“There’s been a couple of games this season where I’ve had parents yelling at me and coaches yelling at me just because I like to do the dirty work,” he said. “I like to dive on the floor. I like to take the charges. One of my favorite things is guarding one of their bigger or better players and just try to get in their head and being a good hard-nosed player.”

Cardinal

Tri Kappa plans prom dress shop

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Fishers Tri Kappa, a philanthropic women’s organization, has scheduled its annual pop-up prom dress shop for high school girls to find prom dresses at an affordable price.

The pop-up shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 2 at the Fall Creek Township Office, 11595 Brooks School Rd. in Fishers.

Andrea Davis of Fishers Tri Kappa said the organization has held the sale for the past decade.

“We started it to help local high school girls be able to get pretty prom dresses without spending a fortune on new dresses if they can’t afford that,” she said. “A side benefit is that we provide a good way for families to recycle dresses so they don’t have to store them.”

Area high school students can choose from among about 250 dresses, according to an announcement from Tri Kappa.

“Members of the social sorority transform the township’s offices into a specialty boutique, complete with dressing rooms

and mirrors, so girls can see how beautiful they look in their favorite dresses,” the announcement stated.

The dresses cost between $10 and $50. Shoppers must have a high school student ID and cash to buy dresses. All proceeds go toward new dresses for the next sale.

The ladies of Fishers Tri Kappa collect dresses for the sale throughout the year. Dress donors can contact Fishers Tri Kappa through its Facebook page: facebook.com/ FishersTriKappa.

Davis said that for the past couple of years, the pop-up shop has served about 200 girls from nine different public schools in the greater Indianapolis area.

High schoolers shop for prom dresses during a previous Fishers Tri Kappa pop-up prom shop. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Tri Kappa)

PHILANTHROPY

MARCH COMMUNITY CALENDAR

DISABILITY RESOURCE FAIR AT FORT BEN BRANCH

The Indianapolis Public Library’s Fort Ben Branch will host a Disability Resource Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 2 at the library branch, 9330 E. 56th St., kicking off Disability Awareness Month in March. The fair will have resources for individuals with cognitive disabilities and their caretakers, including local services, therapy options, resource awareness and advice from parents with experience navigating the system. The event is free and open to the public and is co-hosted by the Lawrence Advisory Council on Disabilities. For more, visit indypl.org/calendar.

LAWRENCE GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

March meetings for the Lawrence area include:

• Lawrence Common Council, 6:30 p.m. March 4 and 20, Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.

• Police Merit Commission, 6 p.m. March 11, Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.

• Utility Service Board, 5:30 p.m. March 12 and 26, Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.

• Parks Board, 5:30 p.m. March 13, Govern-

ment Center, 9001 E. 59th St.

• Board of Public Works, 5 p.m. March 14 and 28, Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.

• Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township board meeting and work session, 5:30 p.m. March 18, Lawrence Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Rd.

• Board of Zoning Appeals, 6 p.m. March 19, Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.

‘CHEW ON THIS’ LUNCH SPEAKER

The Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Chew on This lunch at the Garrison will feature Vincennes University President Dr. Chuck Johnson. The luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. March 19. For more and to register, visit greaterlawrencechamber.org.

ARTS FOR LAWRENCE SUMMER ART CAMP

Registration is open for the annual Arts for Lawrence Summer Art Camp. Campers will have four weeks of visual arts, performing arts and fun. The cost is $175/week and includes a full day, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and lunch. Need-based scholarships and before/aftercare are available. For more, visit artsforlawrence.org/summercamp.

POLAR PLUNGE

Teams take a cold dip at Geist to raise funds for Special Olympics

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

On a beautiful, blue-sky Saturday morning, a crowd gathered at Wolfies Grill at Geist on Feb. 17, braving the icy parking lot and mingling on the snow-covered outdoor deck. Most wore appropriate winter coats, gloves and boots, but a few were in costume, dressed as “Ghostbusters,” the cast of “The Little Mermaid” and, randomly, a rat.

They were there to either watch people jump into a pool of freezing-cold water, or to be one of the jumpers raising money for Special Olympics of Indiana.

The annual Polar Plunge fundraiser started about 25 years ago, Director of Marketing and Communications Joe Frollo said, and each plunger commits to raising at least $99 for Special Olympics. All the funds raised go to the state organization, he said, which help ensure that Hoosiers with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to participate in sports.

“It’s one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, if not the biggest,” Frollo said. “Something that people don’t really know is that with Special Olympics, there’s $0 that we charge for activities fees. So, if an athlete wants to play basketball or bowling or anything, we do not charge them or their families — we are run entirely on donations.”

Special Olympics Indiana serves about 16,000 athletes with the help of more than 10,000 coaches and volunteers.

Nineteen plunge events in Indiana began in early February and run through March 2, with the final one at Eagle Creek Park, Frollo said. The goal is to raise $1 million. Although the Polar Plunge has been taking place throughout the state for the last quarter century, this is the first year an event has been held at Geist.

Around 150 people signed up for the new Geist Polar Plunge. Among them was a team from Fishers High School — the Freezin’ Fishers Tigers — consisting of students and supporters of the Champions Together Club, a combination of students from general education and special education programs.

Patrick Schooley is dean of students at FHS, coach of the school’s Unified Track and Field, and sponsor of Champions Together. He’s plunged multiple times in support of

Special Olympics.

“The very first time I jumped, there was like a million needles. It was miserable,” he said. “The worst part was probably my feet were frozen for about two to three hours afterwards. It takes a while for them to thaw out, but it’s not bad.”

Schooley’s son, Colin, has been part of Special Olympics for many years, he said, and at 23 continues to participate in the nonprofit’s sports.

“He’s done all the sports — he’s done basketball, soccer, softball, unified track and field,” Schooley said. “When he was a student at Fishers High School, he did all the unified sports that we had. So, that’s why I got involved, because he started with Special Olympics athletics when he was 8 years old, and he’s been doing that ever since. We’ve been plunging since 2009, to help him and his peers have these opportunities.”

Although the Feb. 17 event took place at Geist, the plungers didn’t jump into the reservoir — Frollo said that would have required a much more complicated level of liability insurance. Instead, they set up a small pool at Wolfies, with ladders and platforms for jumpers to launch themselves into the frigid water and then haul themselves out on the other side. Safety personnel were on hand to help, including one in the pool

wearing diving gear as protection from the cold.

Each plunger handled their jump differently. Some, despite the snow and ice on the ground, stripped down to bikinis before jumping. Others remained in their clothes, or even their costumes. One young man dressed in a dolphin costume took a flying leap into the small pool, landing belly first with an icy splash. No matter how they en-

tered, though, they all made a fast exit and headed quickly to the changing rooms to dry off and warm up.

For more about the annual Polar Plunge fundraiser, visit soindiana.org/polar-plunge. ON

SPECIAL OLYMPICS REACHES FAR

Special Olympics is a global organization that provides athletic opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. The founding organization began in 1968, according to the Special Olympics website, just one year before Special Olympics Indiana.

“There are as many as 200 million people with intellectual disabilities around the world,” the website states. “Our goal is to reach out to every one of them and their families, as well. Special Olympics does this through a wide range of trainings, competitions, health screenings and fundraising events. We also create opportunities for families,

community members, local leaders, businesses, law enforcement, celebrities, dignitaries and others to band together to change attitudes and support athletes.”

According to the website, participating in athletics helps boost confidence and improves overall health.

“In Special Olympics, the power and joy of sports shifts focus to what our athletes can do, not what they can’t,” the website states. “Attention to disabilities fades away. Instead, we see our athletes’ talents and abilities and applaud them for all that they can do.”

For more, visit specialolympics.org.

The Freezin’ Fishers Tigers from Fishers High School were among the teams participating in the 2024 Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics of Indiana. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)

A crowd of Polar Plunge teams and their supporters attended the inaugural Polar Plunge at Wolfies Grill at Geist on Feb. 17.

20th Annual

Women of Vision Luncheon April 25, 2024

Join us in person for a luncheon where we’ll listen to motivational humorist and speaker Desi Payne. Desi, will share “The Incredible Power of Laughter.” As a breast cancer survivor, Desi understands the power of resilience.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSOR

Location: Ritz Charles, Carmel

For questions, contact Polly Craig at pcraig@riverview.org or 317.776.7938. Register online by April 10 at riverview.org/24WomenofVision.

Register Here!

So sick of being

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Waah! I’m sick and I’m going to complain about it. Deal.

I have a mild head cold that I’m 100 percent certain came from my husband Doo because he insisted on breathing — breathing — at night in our bed. The audacity of the man. Anyhoo, just as he was perking up, I started to go downhill. Sneezing, headache, congestion, the works. Of course, no fever, so I can’t garner any real sympathy, but still. I’m going to take a moment to wallow in my misery.

HUMOR

Because besides not feeling great and consequently sleeping like poo on fire, I’m missing out on what was supposed to be a glorious commitment-free weekend. I’d planned to do a little post-birthday shopping, get caught up on grading papers, maybe even waste a few hours searching online for my dream Tuscany farmhouse situated perfectly between a small hamlet and a train line. Instead, I’m plopped on the couch, nose raw from the off-brand tissue I insisted on buying to save a stupid 13 cents, and slightly loopy from a Benadryl-Dayquil combo that, in retrospect, I’m deeply regretting. The

sick

“I’m plopped on the couch, nose raw from the off-brand tissue I insisted on buying to save a stupid 13 cents, and slightly loopy from a Benadryl-Dayquil combo that, in retrospect, I’m deeply regretting.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

sunshine is aggressively mocking me, and Doo keeps tiptoeing around, not exactly sure what is happening.

I’ll tell you what’s happening. I’m losing my gosh darn mind. I hate being incapacitated, especially when there isn’t anything I can do and I don’t have football or F1 to distract me (the NBA is dumb and college basketball is dead to me this year. RIP, Louisville). I know the drill — fluids, rest, chicken noodle whatever — but I just want to be well again. For the love!

So waah, waah, waah! I’m sick. Peace out.

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

MUSIC

Veteran actress-singer Purl set for Feinstein’s show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Linda Purl has had her share of recognizable TV roles through the years.  She portrayed Fonzie’s girlfriend on “Happy Days,” Ben Matlock’s daughter on the first season of “Matlock” and Pam Beesly’s mother on “The Office.

“I feel lucky to be a journeyman actress and have been active through different decades of my life,” said Purl, who also sings and will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 7 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel Purl, 68, said “The Office” attracted a new generation of viewers.

“I gained temporary coolness with my son,” she said. “It’s fun to go around the country and perform because you meet people who have enjoyed those shows.”

Purl said the show is based on her 2023 album, “This Could Be The Start.”

“It’s very joyful to be in the intimate setting (that) cabaret is,” Purl said. “It’s a special, jeweled treasure-box art form. To be in a smaller room and do these beautiful songs with a group of strangers and virtually embrace at the end of the evening and go back to your lives (is special).”

Purl will be accompanied in the concert by her music director, Tedd Firth.

“He’s a phenomenal jazz pianist,” she said. “We’ve been working together for years. It’s all (material) from the Great American Songbook, which is one of the many reasons why we absolutely worship Michael Feinstein, because he has really single-handedly created this space for the Great American Songbook to thrive in and to keep it alive. One of the many reasons that appeals to me is that, more than other eras of music, they are short stories. So, as an actress and a singer, that very much appeals to me. There’s always a beginning, middle and end. There’s a journey and a character behind the voice in the song.”

The songs were a way for people to heal after World War II and the Korean War, Purl said.

“There were great fissures in their lives that they needed to massage and work through,” she said. “They articulate the human spirit with such depth and such poetry, and the music’s not bad, too. They touch on timeless themes and there’s also, as I’ve learned through Tedd, there’s such an elasticity in the songs. You can do them straightforwardly. You can put them into a jazz feel, and they work. These songs can time travel for different eras and different tastes.”

One of her favorites is “I’m in the Mood for Love.”

“It’s engaging, it’s inviting,” Purl said. “It’s fun to be able to share that moment thematically with an audience. It’s a wellknown tune, but Tedd just has an unusual treatment of it.”

Eight years after appearing as Richie’s date, Gloria, in Season 2 of “Happy Days,” Purl returned in a regular role as a new character in Season 10.

Purl and her boyfriend, Patrick Duffy, have recurring roles on “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Duffy is best known as Bobby Ewing on “Dallas.”

Duffy and Purl have a business called Duffy’s Dough.

“It’s been a big adventure for us with a huge learning curve,” Purl said. “Patrick has

had a sourdough starter in his family for over 70 years and Patrick is a wonderful baker. At one point, he said I should start a business with this, and I said, ‘Yes, of course.’”

They reached out to business friends, who advised the couple on a simple model.

“They said they just start doing it all in one kit, so when people receive the package, they have the sugar, the flour, the rolling pins, the recipes and the aprons to get started,” she said.

Purl said they were advised to start with 200 packages and see if they sold.

“We had a packing party and launched in September 2022 and hoped they would sell by Christmas, and they all sold by noon of our first day,” Purl said. “It was great but terrifying news because we had to make a bunch more packages. It’s been going strong ever since.”

All net proceeds go to food scarcity charities.

“That’s our end game,” Purl said. “At this point in our lives, we want to be celebrating with gratitude the fortune that we’ve had, and we want to be part of giving back on a regular basis.”

For more, visit lindapurl.com and duffysdough.com. For tickets, visit feinsteinshc. com.

currentnightandday.com

‘BEAUTIFUL”

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents “Beautiful — The Carole King Musical” through March 30 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

Peyton Womack Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Studio Theater as part of the Live at the Center series at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $10 or register for the free livestream. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

CIVIC IN CONCERT

Civic in Concert will present music from “Ragtime” at 7 p.m. March 2 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

MIXED REP

Central Indiana Dance Ensemble will present “Mixed Rep” at 4 p.m. March 3 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit cidedance.org.

‘VIOLET’

Carmel Community Players’ production of “Violet,” a musical, is set for March 1-10 at the Switch Theatre, 10029 E. 126th St., Suite D, Fishers. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

DISPATCH

ICC presents musical journey across the U.S. — The Indianapolis Children’s Choir will present “The Crossroads of America” performance at 4 p.m. March 10 at Hilbert Circle Theatre. “The idea for this concert is to really celebrate the diverse genres of music in our country,” ICC Artistic Director Joshua Pedde said. More than 250 singers will perform songs in the style of gospel, spiritual, jazz, folk and more. Performing choirs include Beginning Level Choirs and Lyric Choirs that have locations across Indianapolis, as well as the advanced singers in Indy Voice. Master Chorale, the ICC’s high school division, will round out the performance with mixed voices. Tickets are $14 and can be purchased online in advance at icchoir. org/tickets. Ages 5 and under can attend for free but require a ticket.

Veteran actress-singer Linda Purl will perform at Feinstein’s March 7. (Photo by Kevin Alvey)

Veteran actress/singer Linda Purl and boyfriend Patrick Duffy. (Photo courtesy of Linda Purl)

WRITTEN BY ALFRED UHRY

CHS grad advances

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The third time Meggie Iyer tried out for “American Idol,” she finally got an opportunity to audition for celebrity judges. She certainly made the most of it.

PERFORMANCE

The 2023 Carmel High School graduate earned a ticket to the Hollywood portion of the show with a cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry each gave thumbs up to Iyer’s performance, with Perry declaring she was Top Ten material. Iyer was featured Feb. 18 on the Season 22 premiere.

“I’ve been dreaming about going on ‘American Idol’ for practically my entire life,” the Indiana University freshman said. “I grew up watching the show. So, it was really a dream come true to be able to audition on such an amazing, well-known stage. I felt like I wasn’t expecting as good of a reaction as I got from the judges. So, when I got such an amazing reaction, I felt really shocked and I was so excited.”

The audition was in Leesburg, Ga., Bryan’s hometown.

Iyer was emotional when she saw the judges’ reaction.

“When Katy Perry started to stand up and clap. I think it was a huge, huge moment for me,” Iyer said. “I immediately started crying, and then when Lionel and Luke followed, I about lost it, like I was so surprised and excited to have gotten that reaction from them.”

Iyer said she is excited for friends and family to see her progress.

“I want everyone to see my musicality as they follow along with the process,” she said.

Carmel High School graduate Meggie Iyer advanced to the Hollywood round of “American Idol.” (Photo by Brittany Iriarte)

Studdard returns as ‘The Cat’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

There are good reasons why Jonathan Studdard is in the title role in Civic Theatre’s production of “The Cat in the Hat” for the fifth time.

“He is fearless and will try anything,” said Anne Beck, who directs the annual performances. “He is playful. His smile and giggle are infectious. He would prefer not to carry the big red box with Thing 1 and Thing 2 in it — but he knows how much fun kids will have with Thing 1 and 2 that he does it for them.”

“The Cat in the Hat” is set for public performances at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 2 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Performances for school children begin Feb. 27.

Studdard always enjoys performing the role.

“It is so thrilling to find new moments to breathe life into the show,” Studdard said. “It doesn’t get old because it’s always the best feeling to hear and see the kids having so much fun. The show is very specific in the way we present it, so there is not

much room for deviating away from our model. But there are small moments that we can breathe new things into the show.”

Beck said the show is fun to direct.

“It is organized mischief and chaos,” Beck said. “The actors do so much physically and mentally with thousands of sound cues.”

Noblesville resident Emily Bohannon returns in the role of Sally. Indianapolis resident Karen Woods Hurt plays Thing 2 for the second consecutive year.

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

Jonathan Studdard plays the title role in “The Cat in the Hat” (Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)

Tom Wood Subaru partners with AdoptAClassroom.org

In the heart of the vibrant community of Indianapolis, the Edison School of the Arts found itself facing both challenges and opportunities. Amy Berns, the dedicated Principal of the school, was not just juggling the responsibilities of an educational leader but also playing the role of CEO, determined to provide the best for her students.

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Edison School of the Arts, Tom Wood Subaru decided to join forces with AdoptAClassroom.org to make a lasting impact for this school. AdoptAClassroom. org collaborated with Tom Wood Subaru to provide $5000 to Edison School of the Arts. The Leadership Team at Edison then chose 10 deserving teachers, to give $500 each, for their individual classrooms. Sadly, so many teachers reach into their own pockets to provide much needed items for their students.

Through these funds, teachers were able to purchase writing utensils, stickers, candy, crayons, stamps, and so much more! One of the primary focuses was the introduction of a Book Vending Machine, but it didn’t stop there, the school needed more than just books – clothing, personal hygiene items, and volunteers were also essential to fostering a conducive learning environment. A food pantry box was also established, ensuring that no student went hungry.

The teachers and students at Edison sent us so many great photos, sharing their many purchases made through the collaboration with Tom Wood Subaru and Adoptaclassroom.org. We were so touched to receive the beautiful pictures

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

Commentary by Don Knebel

and thank you cards that the children created! Thank you children....we are the ones that are blessed to be able to help you!!

Would you like to join us in helping Edison School of the Arts?

If you would like to volunteer, provide donations, or help Edison School of the Arts in any way, please be sure to reach out to Ebony Cook or Amy Berns at 317-226-4992 or via email at bernsa@myips.org

In our continuing visit to Egypt, we stop by the famous pyramids on the Giza Plateau above Cairo.

TRAVEL

The Giza pyramids were built as tombs for three consecutive pharaohs — Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure — who ruled Egypt between 2589 B.C. and 2504 B.C. Scholars believe paid workers, including farmers during annual Nile River flooding, built the pyramids. Khufu’s pyramid, the earliest and largest, is often called the Great Pyramid, the only surviving “wonder” of the ancient world. It was originally 481 feet tall, making it the tallest thing made by man for almost 4,000 years. The Great Pyramid, built between about 2589 B.C. to 2566 B.C., was constructed from 2.3 million stone blocks, weighing an average of 2 1/2 tons each. If those blocks were laid end to end, they would extend more than 2,000 miles. At 92 million cubic feet, Khufu’s pyramid is still the most massive structure ever built. Its alignment varies from true north by less than 3.4-arc minutes, less

than 1 part in 1,000. Its base, the size of 10 football fields, is a perfect square to within 4.6 inches, again less than 1 part per 1,000. All of this was accomplished when the Egyptians had not yet invented the wheel and had only stone and copper tools.

Khafre’s pyramid is smaller than that of his father but appears larger because of its higher elevation. Its apex still contains the polished white limestone that once covered all the Giza pyramids. The Great Sphinx, about a mile east of Khafre’s pyramid, lies in the quarry from which workers mined limestone for that pyramid. Scholars believe its damaged face is that of Khafre. The pyramid of Menkaure is by far the smallest of the Giza pyramids, rising only to about 215 feet, less than half the height of Khufu’s Great Pyramid.

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

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Highest: ACME, APEX, CREST, PEAK, SUMMIT, ZENITH; Lowest: BASE, BOTTOM, FOUNDATION, GROUND, NADIR; Equipment: ARROW, BOW, QUIVER, TARGET; Drinks: COCOA, COFFEE, TEA; Meanings: INDEPENDENT, INDIANA; Alma Mater: HANOVER

Students and their parents participate at one of the the Edison School Of Arts classrooms.

Edison students display what they purchased, with funds provided from Tom Wood Subaru and AdoptAClassroom.org.

The Pyramids of Giza outside of Cairo. (Photo by Don Knebel)

Across

1. Fishers HS tennis match parts

5. Dwelling

10. “Golly!”

14. Crude letters?

15. “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” author

16. Make a decision, as the

Indiana Supreme Court

17. White River angler’s catch

18. Boss with a Monument Circle music group?

20. Civic Theatre play start

21. Latin 101 verb

22. Lauder of cosmetics

23. Camera type, briefly

25. Prejudice

27. Cartoonist with a Newfields gallery?

32. Drunk

36. Argentine soccer star playing for Inter Miami

37. Face part

39. Haunted house sound

40. Bikini piece

41. Cheese Shop variety

44. Sr. and Jr. at NHS

45. Wicked

47. Gov. Holcomb rejection

48. Off the leash

50. Made over

52. Snake Pit attire on a hot race day?

54. Hombre’s house

56. Evansville winter hrs.

57. Early Peruvians

60. ___ tea

63. Stood up

67. Monthly jewel for a downtown Indy play producer?

69. “___ It Romantic?”

70. Slushy drink

71. Hefty wrestlers

72. Stylish

73. WTHR timetable, informally

74. Went on a buying spree

75. “Hell ___ no fury...” Down

1. Couch

2. Heroic tale

3. ZCHS final, e.g.

4. Great divides

5. Declare

6. A/C measures

7. “My bad!”

8. Doofus

9. Poetic contraction

10. NASA’s “Gus” who was a paperboy for The Indianapolis Star

11. Expel

6 Highest Point 4 Koteewi Archery Equipment

3 Drinks with Caffeine

5 Lowest Point

12. ___ gin fizz

2 What “Ind.” Can Mean

1 Gov. Holcomb’s Alma Mater

13. Roll-call response

19. Joe’s Butcher Shop offering

24. Animal shelter

26. “A likely story!”

27. Yellow shade

28. Chutzpah

29. “To repeat...”

30. Enough, for some

31. Miniseries based on a Haley novel

33. “Happy birthday ___”

34. Ankle bones

35. Beginning

38. Put in an overhead bin

42. Currier’s partner

43. Charitable donations

46. Found the spot

49. Indy Zoo big bird

51. Bandmate of Crosby and Stills

53. Least friendly

55. Throw a tantrum

57. Heron’s kin

58. Indianapolis City Councilor Roberts

59. Eiteljorg Museum tribe

61. “___ Alone”

62. Bard’s “soon”

64. Job safety org.

65. Foul mood

66. Engrave, in a way

68. Leak sound

Answers on Page 16

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THE SKIES ALIGN FOR A SPECTACULAR SHOW IN HAMILTON COUNTY ON APRIL 8, 2024

NORTHERNTOWNS

Get ready to be mesmerized by a celestial masterpiece as the communities of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and the Northern Towns become the perfect stage for the total solar eclipse, when the moon gracefully dances in front of the sun and casts its shadow across the landscape.

Witness the magic of the cosmos with friends and family at official viewing locations like Carmel Civic Square, Conner Prairie, Cool Creek Park, Grand Park Sports Campus, Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center and Strawtown Kotweewi Park.

Grab your eclipse glasses, set up your cameras and join Hamilton County in this celestial celebration—it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience!

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CARMEL FISHERS

NOBLESVILLE WESTFIELD

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