Tuesday, April 9, 2024
CURRENT TEXT T0 317-489-4444 TO SIGNUP FOR MORNING BRIEFING AND BREAKING NEWS
Lawrence Township high schools celebrate brand-new baseball stadiums / P12
FIELD PRIDE
Lawrence council amends contract ratification requirements / P2
City awarded $400K for brownfield testing / P3
Lawrence hires new reserve police officers / P4
Arts for Lawrence opens summer camp registration / P6
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Lawrence council increases cost threshold to trigger need for contract ratification
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
GOVERNMENT
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The Lawrence Common Council voted unanimously April 1 to increase the dollar amount for contracts that need to come before the council for ratification to $50,000 or more.
In 2023, the mostly Democratic council passed an ordinance that required the Republican mayor’s office to bring any professional service contracts of $5,000 or more to the council for approval. There were tensions between the two branches at that time.
that is the administration’s intent.
Also during the April 1 council meeting, several contracts that were approved Jan. 25 by the Board of Public Works were ratified. The contracts with Kreig Devault and Catalyst Public Affairs were for lobbying services to promote the city’s interests with state lawmakers. In other matters, the council unanimously approved a resolution honoring the late state Sen. Jean Breaux, (D-District 34), who died March 20. Breaux’s district included portions of Lawrence.
greatly appreciates Sen. Breaux’s profound impact on the countless people that she mentored throughout her career; The common council honors the memory of Sen. Breaux and celebrates her legacy of advocacy for residents of the City of Lawrence and mourns her death; (and) the Common Council extends sincere condolences to the entire Breaux family,” Adkisson read.
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The administration changed in November 2023 with the election of Democratic Mayor Deb Whitfield, along with a 100 percent Democratic council.
During a Finance Committee meeting prior to the regular council meeting, Councilor Lisa Chavis (D-at large) noted that there had been debate in the past about when a contract needed to come before the council, because some contracts are based on as-needed services and are not a set amount. Chavis asked that if the administration believes a contract could exceed the $50,000 limit, that they bring it to the council.
“I know the scope of things can change,” she said. “I’m flexible with it, (but) I think if there’s an understanding that it could possibly exceed that amount, if you could get that to the council as quickly as possible, I think that would go a long way.”
Deputy Chief of Staff LeAndre Level said
The resolution, read aloud by City Clerk Leatrice Adkisson, noted that the community lost a valued member and leader.
“Sen. Breaux was widely and rightly known as a fierce advocate for the residents of the City of Lawrence, whom she represented in the Indiana Senate,” Adkisson read. “Sen. Breaux was respected in many corners for her willingness to fight for what she believed in and for her determination to speak her mind.”
The resolution stated that Breaux was a mentor to other women of color, “a role model and a trailblazer who kept the light on the path for those attempting to follow in her footsteps.”
“Therefore, be it resolved by the Common Council of the City of Lawrence (that) the common council recognizes Sen. Breaux for her tireless efforts in representing residents of the City of Lawrence in the Indiana Senate; the Common Council
DISPATCH
County child care plan announced — Invest Hamilton County, the economic development corporation for Hamilton County, recently announced the development of a child care action and investment plan. The initiative aims to address the need for accessible, affordable and high-quality childcare across the county. Invest Hamilton
During the administration’s time for comments, Level noted that Breaux was to lie in state in the Rotunda at the Indiana Statehouse on April 5, and a celebration of life was planned April 6 at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 9610 E. 42nd St., Indianapolis.
Level also updated the council on some activities, including the recent Spring Fling, which was March 30 at Lawrence Community Park. He said about 475 kids signed up for the egg hunts and there were more than 1,000 candy-filled eggs hidden for children to find.
He also stated that Whitfield had sworn in new Lawrence Police Department officers earlier on April 1.
The next Lawrence Common Council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 17 at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St. A Finance Committee meeting is tentatively set for 5 p.m. that day in the same location.
Videos of live and recorded public meetings for the City of Lawrence can be viewed on the city’s Facebook page. Search for City of Lawrence, Indiana - Government.
County has selected TPMA, an economic and workforce development consulting firm, to develop the plan. The plan’s development is funded through the state Family and Social Service Administration’s Employer Sponsored Childcare Fund and the Hamilton County Community Foundation.
2 April 9, 2024
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Grant awarded for brownfield testing
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The City of Lawrence Redevelopment Committee heard a presentation about brownfield remediation during the committee’s March 28 meeting, including information about a $400,000 grant the city has been awarded from the Environmental Protection Agency. Leonard Hinrichs of BCA Environmental Consultants led the presentation, focusing on the brownfields grant, which can help the city pay for assessing the condition of land to help with economic development efforts. He also talked about potential funding sources to clean up contaminated sites.
DEVELOPMENT
Hinrichs, a geologist, started with a definition of a brownfield.
“EPA says a brownfield is any property the expansion and redevelopment or reuse of which might be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or contaminant,” he said. “One of the interesting words in that statement is ‘potential,’ because a lot of times, … you have no idea (a site) used to be something else. And so, there’s a potential for hazardous materials or petroleum or whatever associated with that property and you don’t realize it.”
Other times, he said, it’s more obvious — a former gas station, for example.
The EPA grant can be used to test those sites and determine whether and to what extent they are contaminated. That’s often a requirement before selling or developing a piece of property.
“(EPA) can help conduct environment assessments through these types of grants,” he said. “They can also, in some instances, provide cleanup funding and in a lot of cases, depending on the project cleanup funding, to revitalize those areas again.”
Hinrichs said every community has some property that, with some effort, could become useful again and help rejuvenate neighborhoods.
The Redevelopment Commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. April 25 at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.
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Lawrence Police Department reserve officers approved for hire
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Four new reserve Lawrence Police Department officers were unanimously approved March 29 during the Lawrence Board of Public Works meeting.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Claude Plumlee, Joshua Whitlow, Auston Rollings and Spencer Clark officially joined the force April 1, following a swearing-in ceremony.
Before the board vote, LPD Lt. Scott Evans gave some background on the four men. He said Plumlee is a 2017 Carmel High School graduate and works as a public safety officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, conducting accident investigations.
“He’s an evidence technician and a field training officer,” Evans said. “He also volunteers with the Indy Public Safety Foundation and he’s very excited to join the Lawrence Police Department where he can use his previous experience to help serve the residents of Lawrence.”
Whitlow works for a local cable com-
pany and has worked as a reserve officer with the Southport Police Department.
“He’s decided that he would like to come to the Lawrence Police Department and continue his law enforcement career as a reserve here,” Evans said. “His goal is to continue on with law enforcement for a
long time for the city.”
Rawlings is a U.S. Army veteran and former firefighter and EMT.
“He is currently employed at the Community Health Network as a security officer and he’s still serving in the Indiana National Guard,” Evans said. “Austin says
he wants to continue to serve his country and the City of Lawrence as proudly as he does the country.”
Clark is a senior sales executive for Republic Services and membership director for the nonprofit Heroes Club, which supports first responders.
“He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management and he hopes to bring a positive light to law enforcement and give back to the City of Lawrence and also make the community a safer place,” Evans said.
The four new reserve officers and eight new full-time officers were sworn in April 1 at the police station. Evans said the new full-time officers bring the Lawrence Police Department force to 62, and they hope to hire two more full-time officers.
Also on March 28, the board approved a contract with Bondry Consulting to provide financial advice to the city; and an agreement with Sohndi Solutions for IT services.
The next regular Lawrence Board of Public Works meeting is 5 p.m. April 11 at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.
4 April 9, 2024 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com COMMUNITY VisitLawrenceIndiana.com Retreat. Eat. Bike.
Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield swore in new reserve and merit police officers during an April 1 ceremony. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
Fishers awards about $400K for neighborhood improvements
GRANTS news@currentinfishers.com
The City of Fishers has granted $399,638.40 to help fund 28 neighborhood projects within city limits through the first cycle of its 2024 Neighborhood Vibrancy Grants program.
The city increased funding for the annual grant program this year. According to an announcement, total grant funds previously had been capped at $100,000, but for 2024, the city allocated $750,000. Another change this year is an 80-20 cost split — with the city paying the larger share — rather than the 50-50 match of prior years. The program had 37 applications submitted for the first round of grants.
“In this year’s first quarter alone, we’ve seen an unprecedented level of community involvement and creativity through the Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant Program,” Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness stated. “This is a significant step toward realizing our collective vision of making Fishers an even more vibrant and engaging place to call home.”
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with funds distributed quarterly. Deadlines to apply for the remainder of the 2024 grants are April 30, July 31 and Oct. 31. Homeowners associations or neighborhood groups within city limits can submit applications at FishersIN.gov/Grants.
Some approved grant projects are:
• Anchorage ($22,840) to install lighting and native plant species.
• Britton Ridge ($25,000) to install erosion control at a retention pond.
• High Point Ridge ($6,600) to replace the public safety gate with bollards.
• Muir Woods ($9,440) to replace non-native species with native species.
• Princeton Woods ($25,000) to install native landscaping.
• Stevenson Mill ($6,650.60) for landscape improvements at the entrance along Allisonville Road.
• Weaver Woods ($7,435) to repair and replace walking paths.
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Arts for Lawrence opens summer camp registration
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Registration is open for the Arts for Lawrence summer art camp, an annual event for more than a decade that offers visual and performing arts activities for kids.
ACTIVITY
Arts for Lawrence Program Manager Lecia Floyd said the camp started when the nonprofit organization was in its first small space on Franklin Road, before it moved to its expanded facility on Otis Avenue.
“We’d have, I don’t know, seven or eight kids,” she said. “It was in a garage. It was hot. But it was great. They would do ceramics and drumming and all kinds of fun stuff. And so, over the years we’ve grown.”
Arts for Lawrence now offers four weeklong camps to up to 50 kids per week. Each week has its own theme, but the days are structured the same, with mornings dedicated to visual art programs at the Visual Arts Center.
Morning activities can include any kind of visual art, Floyd said.
“Last year, one of the days they did pendulum painting, which was so neat,” she said. “We created this pendulum, poked a hole in a cup and they got to swing it back and forth. That’s pretty messy. I have
pictures of some of the kids with stained hands or, you know, stuff on their shirt. We say, if you come home from our camp and you’re clean, you probably didn’t have fun.”
The campers get a break at midday for lunch, which is included, and to run around in the outdoor Cultural Campus, which includes a set of musical swings. They spend the afternoon with performing arts programs at the Theater at the Fort.
“We bring in different performing arts partners to work with the kids,” Floyd said. “This year, the first week, we’re partnering with the Indiana Drama Club, and they’re going to work with the kids on theater and put together a short production.”
Each Friday, that week’s camp ends with a short performance the kids learned, which is open to the community, followed by an art show to display the visual art they created.
“It’s a whirlwind, but it’s great,” Floyd said. “The kids love it. They go to camp from ages 6 to 12 and we have a couple of kids that are aging out this year. They’ve been with us since they were 6 or 7 years old.”
Kids can sign up for multiple weeks, she said, and registration will remain open as long as there are spots available. The cost is $175 per week. Scholarships are available for those who qualify. For more and to register, visit artsforlawrence.org.
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Arts for Lawrence’s annual summer art camp offers a full day of art activities, including visual arts. (Photo courtesy of Arts for Lawrence)
The Indianapolis City-County Council recognized the Lawrence Central High School girls basketball team for its Feb. 24 IHSAA state championship win with a resolution passed during the council’s April 1 meeting. Councilor Ali Brown (D-District 10), representing Lawrence, sponsored the resolution, which also honored coach Jannon Lampley as the first African American woman to coach a state championship girls basketball team in Indiana. (Photo courtesy of Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township)
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Brebeuf Jesuit senior guard kept getting better
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School senior guard Evan Haywood’s college recruiting stock has risen throughout his high school basketball career.
“I feel like I made a big jump this summer in my mindset and my work ethic,” said Haywood, a Carmel resident. “Ever since then, I just kept it consistent with my routine and my work ethic through the season (and) that kept me in a mode of consistency. I think I also got smarter and able to read the game better. I started to really start to understand film study and understanding my opponents’ strengths and weaknesses before each game.”
Braves coach Allen Glunt said the Butler University-bound Haywood’s confidence and leadership improved as a senior. He averaged 19.8 points per game this past season after averaging 14.3 ppg as a junior.
Glunt said the Braves, who finished 18-6, increased their pace this season.
“As we created more possessions in games, he was able to capitalize on that
MEET EVAN HAYWOOD
Favorite athlete: LeBron James
Favorite subject: English
Favorite TV show: “The Office.”
Favorite musician: Drake
with his ability to score,” Glunt said. “A very underrated aspect of his game that played into this as well is his ability to rebound.”
Haywood raised his rebounding average to 6.4 per game after averaging 4.3 rpg as a junior.
“As he worked his way through our program over the years, he has just consistently improved year to year,” Glunt said. “He has always been a very talented play-
Brebeuf Jesuit senior guard Evan Haywood averaged 19.8 points this past season. (Photo courtesy of Allen Glunt)
er. As more and more opportunities have presented themselves, he has been ready every step of the way. As his role became more prominent, he started bringing more guys along with him and he played a large role in our group’s cohesion. He’s as good
of a teammate as he is a player.”
Glunt, who took the post after Haywood’s sophomore season, said Haywood played behind a talented group of seniors as a sophomore.
“During that time, though, he never wavered in his work ethic and development, so that when he got his opportunity his junior year, he was ready to hit the ground running,” Glunt said. “He went from not being able to get on the floor as a sophomore to leading us in scoring his junior year. Pretty incredible, but the more I’ve gotten to know him these past two years, (it’s) not surprising at all.”
Haywood said his biggest improvement going into his junior year was learning to move without the ball.
“Not standing still while the play is being run and always moving around to find the open spot on the court, so I could make any sort of play,” he said.
Haywood said he chose Butler because of the coaching staff and the culture.
“They are winners and they know what it takes to win,” he said. “They also really value my entire game and see me as a person that can help them win games.”
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15 minutes
Wisdom Builders homeschool seeks building, support to grow
By Tirzah Rowland
tirzah@youarecurrent.com
Wisdom Builders, a homeschool co-op serving 460 children and their families in central Indiana, is experiencing growth beyond capacity and planning for a larger facility. As a result, the faith-based co-op is forced to turn away hundreds of families each year because of space limitations.
EDUCATION
Donna Rollins, a former public school teacher and homeschool mom, founded Wisdom Builders in 2003. Her passion for homeschooling stems from her own experience and the difference she has seen in Wisdom Builders families.
“The goal of homeschooling is for the child to really learn and retain the knowledge along with understanding how to use that learning and knowledge,” Rollins said. She added that families appreciate more time together and the freedom to integrate Christian values into learning.
The pandemic-fueled growth in homeschooling contributed to the increased capacity issues.
“More people liked the idea of being home with their kids and being able to teach to their grade level and to where they’re at and things that they are interested in doing,” said Cori Kusch, a Fishers resident with three children in the program.
The co-op, which meets at Trinity Baptist Church at 1010 E. 126th St. in Carmel on Mondays and Tuesdays, has 75 tutors providing more than 300 classes for grades K through 12.
“It’s been great for our kids to be able to take some courses like lab science or foreign languages with other kids but keep the flexibility and other benefits of homeschooling,” said Cathy Kennedy, a Carmel resident with five children in Wisdom Builders.
When she set out to find a bigger facility for the upcoming school year, Rollins started planning for a more permanent solution.
“We have been at capacity for many years. This led us to start HOPE, Inc. (Home for Parent Directed Edification). Our goal is to find a building to rent, rent to own, or to buy so we can accommodate more children,” Rollins said.
According to its website, the HOPE
Ministry Center is planned to “be a place where families can come together to support one another by offering classes and opportunities for Christian instruction, growth and development.”
Organizers also want to make the new facility available to other co-ops and the greater community.
“We could easily double, and I think even triple in size, if we had a dedicated facility,” Rollins said.
While Wisdom Builders provides teaching support to homeschool families, they would like to expand to offer sports, theater and other extracurricular activities that their current space won’t allow.
“The HOPE center will allow more collaboration for homeschool families and organizations. There is always a need for clubs, sports and such to have a place to meet or hold an event. Creating a space to do this will be a huge asset to all the surrounding communities,” said Amy Tenney, a Sheridan resident with four kids in the co-op.
To expand and procure a bigger space, Wisdom Builders has started fundraising.
For the month of April, Crew Car Wash will donate 50 percent of proceeds to HOPE from every wash purchased through crewcarwash.com/fundraisers/ home-of-parent-directed-edification-h-o-p-e.
Wisdom Builders will meet at Grace Church in Noblesville starting in the 20242025 school year.
To donate, provide fundraising opportunities or for more about HOPE, visit parentshope.org
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Wisdom Builders founder Donna Rollins teaches a class. (Photo courtesy of Wisdom Builders)
Fishers Century Club picks Fifty Club for quarterly donation
The Fishers Century Club announced that its members chose the Fifty Club of Fishers as its first-quarter winning charity during its March 26 gathering.
CHARITY
The Fifty Club was nominated by John DeLucia, who said its mission is to provide supplemental death and disability benefits to police officers and firefighters in the City of Fishers who have become disabled or died in the line of duty.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support the Fifty Club of Fishers,” DeLucia stated. “Their work directly impacts the families of our injured or fallen first responders and I am grateful to my fellow attendees and participants of the Fishers Century Club for voting for them to receive this quarter’s funds.”
The Fishers Century Club is a group of men who each give $100 per quarter that is distributed to charities within the community. Different charities are nominated to receive a donation quarterly, and one is picked by the members.
The club will collect funds for this quarter over the next two weeks before sending a grand total to the Fifty Club of Fishers.
The March 26 meeting also featured a presentation by the December meeting winner, Youth Mentoring Initiative, about how that group used the $3,300 it received. The next Fishers Century Club meeting will be in June. For more information about the Fishers Century Club, visit fisherscenturyclub.com.
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The 2023 fourth-quarter recipient of Fishers Century Club donations was Youth Mentoring Initiative. The club has donated about $35,000 since it was founded in 2019. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Century Club)
COMMUNITY
Fishers investment advisor gets 4 years for embezzlement
CRIME news@currentinfishers.com
Former investment advisor Christopher Turean, 43, of Fishers, pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud and filing a false tax return, and was sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay more than $6 million in restitution.
A March 28 news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Indiana stated that Turean was employed as an investment advisor between September 2012 and February 2022. The victim became one of his clients in 2015, depositing their personal funds into an investment account for Turean to invest on the victim’s behalf.
According to the news release, Turean created a company called “SCNT LLC” and opened a bank account that he alone controlled. He then transferred money from the victim’s investment account to the SCNT account.
“Turean then used the victim’s investment money to gamble and pay down a home equity loan on his house,” the
news release stated. “Turean concealed his illegal activity from his employer and the victim by sending fraudulent updates describing the embezzled funds as investments in real estate.”
Turean stole $4,692,500 from the victim, according to the news release. He also failed to report that income on his taxes, filing false returns that concealed approximately $1,745,246 in taxes owed.
“Investors have a right to trust that professionals obligated to act in their best interests aren’t stealing their hardearned money,” stated Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This criminal used his position as a trusted professional to steal nearly $5 million and then concealed nearly $2 million in taxes owed.”
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman, who also ordered that Turean be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison and pay $6,417,746 in restitution.
DISPATCHES
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society inductees — The following students recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, a collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines: Rebecca Lewis of Fishers, attending Purdue University; John Riley of Fishers, attending Purdue University; and David Tudor of Fishers, attending University of Louisville.
Ohio University dean’s list — Ohio University College of Business student Alaina Nugent of Fortville has been named to the Fall 2023 dean’s list. The dean’s list recognizes undergraduate students who complete a semester with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.999 with a minimum of 12 credit hours attempted for letter grades that are used to calculate GPA. In fall semester 2023, approximately 6,000 Ohio University undergraduate students qualified for the Dean’s List.
Registration open for Spark!Fishers 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk — New to the Spark!Fishers 5K events in 2024 is the Spark!Fishers 1-Mile Run/Walk. The shortened version of the 5K route invites any age
or ability to join the Spark!Fishers 5K festivities, presented by IU Health Fishers. Participants receive a T-shirt, medal and admission into the Spark!Fishers 5K after party. The 1-Mile Run/Walk begins at 6:15 p.m. June 26. Registration is $24.99 per person. Kids 12 and younger are $19.99 per person. The 2024 Spark!Fishers Festival, presented by Meijer, is June 25-29 in downtown Fishers’ Nickel Plate District. See the full event schedule and learn more at sparkfishers.com.
OneZone speaker — OneZone Chamber presents Anna Larson from The Garret Companies as the April Caffeinated Conversation speaker. Larson is the marketing director for The Garrett Companies and has experience with interns. Attendees will hear about her expertise with Internship programs. Larson will lead the discussion on how companies can attract interns and how to build a successful internship program. The event is free to members. It is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. April 12 at Monterey Coastal Cuisine. Reservations can be made at onezonechamber.com or by calling 317-436-4653.
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YOU ARE MORE THAN YOUR CLINICAL DOCUMENTATION.
FIELD PRIDE
Lawrence Township high schools celebrate brand-new baseball stadiums
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Baseball fans will have an improved experience watching home games at both Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township high schools this year, with brand-new stadiums completed just in time for the start of baseball season.
Lawrence North and Lawrence Central’s new fields both have new spectator stands, dugouts, concession stands and more. Both also are covered with artificial turf that is not only low maintenance, but stays flat and smooth, which improves play.
“They have created a brand-new, stateof-the-art baseball diamond that any college team would be happy to play on,” Lawrence Central coach Tim Bragg said, adding that he particularly appreciates the new turf. “The main thing is that it’s pretty much maintenance free. A lot of the coach’s duties after practice and games is cleaning up the field if it’s a dirt field — getting it smoothed out and putting bases away and getting dirt off the grass, etc. Well, we have none of that now, so I can concentrate and focus a little bit more on the kids and getting them prepared and improving their skills rather than spending an hour a day, roughly, cleaning up fields.”
Bragg added that drainage is significantly improved and the new surface is safer.
“There’s no dirt at all in the field,” he said. “When they slide, they’re sliding on this field turf and it’s soft. It gives and it’s better for injury prevention.”
Lawrence North coach Jason Taulman said that the varsity team started practicing on the field, even while construction crews completed some of the finishing touches to bathrooms and other amenities.
“I tell the boys all the time, they are really lucky to have this,” he said. “Really lucky to have this — they should be very thankful for it. The big thing field turf allows is, you can get out when the weather might not be great. There were a couple of days last week where the dirt field was not playable. So, we had everybody — the JV, the freshman team and the varsity team — all out here on the field turf. In the years past, that was maybe a canceled practice.”
Both coaches agreed that the smoother surface is a benefit.
“I’ve been out to walk around the (junior varsity) dirt field and I actually requested that they bring rollers out to smooth it out,” Taulman said. “After the winter, it’s
really bumpy and uneven and there’s going to be a lot of bad (ball) hops. Just like our pothole-filled roads — it’s like that on the baseball field. But with field turf, you don’t have to worry about that.”
Lights installed at each baseball sta-
BOND FUNDED MSDLT ATHLETIC FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
The new baseball fields at Lawrence North and Lawrence Central high schools are part of a larger project to improve athletic facilities in the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, funded through a $25 million bond, according to MSDLT Communications Director Dana Altemeyer.
She said the bond paid for new artificial turf surfaces at baseball, softball and soccer fields at both schools, along with new grandstands, concession stands and press boxes at Lawrence
Central soccer and both high school baseball facilities.
“The MSD of Lawrence Township is in the final stages of comprehensive renovations to both Lawrence Central and Lawrence North,” Superintendent Shawn Smith stated. “We are proud to be able to provide our student-athletes access to high-quality athletic facilities. These new fields will give young men the ability to compete in different weather conditions as well as at night.” For more, visit ltschools.org.
dium mean they can play night games or practice after it gets dark, Bragg said. That wasn’t an option previously.
“So, if it’s a 5:30 game and it’s raining at 5:30, we could start at 6:30 (and) they could turn on the lights if it gets dark toward the end of the game,” he said. “It’s going to save us a lot of rain-out (games) and that’s really a cool thing.”
Taulman said the addition of lights means that Lawrence North will be able to host county and sectional tournaments, which include evening games.
For more about Lawrence North baseball, visit https://bit.ly/3vsSo21.
For more about Lawrence Central baseball, visit https://bit.ly/3TFJ2rH.
ON THE COVER: Lawrence Central baseball coach Tim Bragg, left, and Lawrence North baseball coach Jason Taulman are happy with the brand-new baseball fields at their schools, completed just in time for spring baseball season. (Photos by Adam Seif)
12 April 9, 2024 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com
COVER STORY
Lawrence North baseball coach Jason Taulman points out some amenities at the school’s new baseball field, including a longer outfield and artificial turf, which drains better than grass or dirt fields.
Lawrence Central baseball coach Tim Bragg stands on the school’s new baseball field, seen from behind the overhead foul ball netting. (Photos by Adam Seif)
Can’t take good movie directions
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My wife, Mary Ellen, is never late for the movies. She is convinced that there will be traffic, no place to park and the film will be sold out. None of this is ever true, but we leave early and end up sitting in an empty theater for 20 minutes, waiting for the previews.
I hate previews. I can’t give you one logical explanation as to why. I sometimes sneak into a different movie and watch another film for a few minutes while I wait for our film to begin. I even take popcorn.
Last week, my adult son Brett wanted to see the new “Ghostbusters” flick. My wife thought it would be fun for both of us to go with Brett. Mary Ellen said we should all leave early to ensure we got good seats. I wasn’t falling for it. It was a Tuesday night and I knew the theater would be empty. This was just Mary Ellen’s ruse to see all the previews.
“I’ll meet you there,” I told her. “Keep your cellphone on and you can text me what row you are sitting in when I arrive late.”
“One ticket for ‘Ghostbusters,’ please, the 5 p.m. show,” I told the ticket seller when I
arrived at exactly 5:10 p.m. I had timed this perfectly. The feature would soon be starting. I wouldn’t have to watch previews.
“There’s no ‘Ghostbusters’ at 5 p.m.,” the young man said. “How about the 5:30 movie in 3D?”
I assumed that’s where they were. I grabbed my 3D glasses and walked into the theater. It was more crowded than I thought. I didn’t see my wife or son. I sent a text to Mary Ellen.
“Where r u guys?”
“Eighth row, dead center.”
“I don’t c u.”
“Meet me at the concession stand,” Mary Ellen texted.
I waited and waited. Another text from Mary Ellen. “Where are you?”
“I am at the IMAX in Noblesville. That’s where we usually go.”
“I told you United Artists on 96th Street.”
This was the biggest mix-up in our marriage since our wedding day in Chicago in 1980, when I was at the Ambassador East Hotel having a few drinks and everybody else was at the Ambassador West wondering where I was. I should have read the invitation more carefully.
“This was the biggest mix-up in our marriage since our wedding day in Chicago in 1980, when I was at the Ambassador East Hotel having a few drinks and everybody else was at the Ambassador West wondering where I was.”
– DICK WOLFSIE
The movie had already started, so I had no idea what was going on. It was a “Hobbit” movie. Usually, I lean over and ask my wife or son to explain stuff, but I couldn’t because they were in Indy and I was in Middle Earth. At home, Mary Ellen said she was concerned I was spacier than ever. I vehemently denied that. That night when we got ready for bed, Mary Ellen told me that now was probably a good time to take off my 3D glasses.
13 April 9, 2024 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com VIEWS Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@ youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only. LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
HUMOR
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
Stuck in the middle
Commentary by Terry Anker
Whether it is a rock or a hard place, the 1972 Stealers Wheel hit song “Stuck in the Middle with You” best expressed the feeling that we’ve all had of being trapped. Scottish songwriters and musicians Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty specifically were talking about the pinch between some long-forgotten acquaintances and too many unproductive music industry executives. “When you started off with nothing and you’re proud that you’re a self-made man, and your friends they all come crawling, slap you on the back and say, ‘Please. Please!’” What do we owe? Who do we owe? Why do we owe?
ESSAY
While it is lost to history if the intent was for the clowns on the left to be one group and if the jokers on the right were the other, there is no doubt that the singers felt like there was nowhere safe to turn. We’ve all found ourselves pinned down by enemy fire. Our newly minted spouse wants us to commit to her holiday tradition and the mother who raised us
decidedly does not agree. What words do we use to sort the conflict? Maybe we are simply negotiating a settlement between bickering siblings — perhaps our own children or even our aunts and uncles. What do we do when we don’t have a bias toward one position but still have found ourselves with some indeterminate obligation to be involved?
Everyone wants to have their position reinforced. Everyone wants to be in the majority. Still, it is a delicate dance to agree with opposing views with equal commitment. Is it a betrayal to opt out? It is hard enough to escape those who’d simply take advantage of our good nature or success. But what of those who we genuinely care about? How do we survive being stuck in the middle?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
A really groovy pratfall
Commentary by Danielle Wilson
It finally happened, friends. I fell off my wobble chair in the middle of class while wearing a dress. You’re welcome.
HUMOR
Our story begins at Wilsonstock, an annual lip sync battle that celebrates the music of the 1960s while teaching U.S. history students about the counterculture movement. Kids are required to take on the role of an artist or band and perform a song in costume. In the spirit of solidarity, I, too, dress up, usually in full flower-child regalia. As a devoted and enthusiastic karaoke fan, this is one of my most favorite lessons of the year.
Rounds 1 and 2 went well: An outstanding Jefferson Airplane number and a deadon Jerry Garcia rendition of “Truckin’” overwhelmingly made up for a rather lackluster Stones performance and the fact that I kept getting hot flashes.
I was in my element by the time fifth period rolled in, excited to hear from Credence Clearwater Revival and Marvin Gaye. I assumed my position at my desk, manning Spotify and the lyrics projector, and cued the first act, “California Dreamin.’” As I started singing along and grooving on my
“The slick polyester blend of my paisley smock exaggerated the movements and the next thing I knew, I was slow-motion falling onto the floor. I could not save myself.”
– DANIELLE WILSON
stool, trying to get the crowd engaged by waving my phone flashlight, I shifted to the right too far, then overcompensated to the left. The slick polyester blend of my paisley smock exaggerated the movements and the next thing I knew, I was slow-motion falling onto the floor. I could not save myself.
The ensuing hot flash had nothing to do with hormones. With all eyes on me, I climbed back onto my wobble chair and called for Jimi Hendrix. The show must go on. You’re welcome! Peace out.
Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.
14 April 9, 2024 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com VIEWS
BUSINESS LOCAL DISPATCHES
Lawrence Chamber plans April events
— the Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its monthly Water Cooler Wednesday networking event for 7:45 a.m. April 10 at Heartland Film. The chamber’s Chew On This monthly luncheon is set for 11:30 a.m. April 16 at The Garrison. For more and to register, visit greaterlawrencechamber.org.
Book drive – KG’s Kids, Inc. and Bank of America are teaming up to host a book drive throughout the month of April to benefit Indianapolis Public Schools and Warren Township Schools. The goal is to collect at least 3,000 new or gently used books, primarily for elementary and middle school-aged children. Books can be dropped off through April 30 at BOA branches at 10800 N. Michigan Rd. in Zionsville; 11530 Illinois St. in Carmel; 9770 E. 116th St. in Fishers; and 8551 River Rd. in Indianapolis. KG’s Kids, Inc. is a nonprofit organization started by Indianapolis Colts tight end Kylen Granson with a mission to emphasize education, starting with reading, to create opportunities for all students to be successful in school. Learn more at kgskids.com.
United Way seeks Go All IN proposals —
United Way is recruiting volunteers and projects for its fourth annual Go All IN Day, an organized day of community service presented by United Way of Central Indiana and the Indianapolis Colts. This year’s event is June 21 in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties. A $15,000 gift from the Colts will underwrite grants to local nonprofits hosting volunteer projects for Go All IN Day, which will cover the cost of materials for many participating organizations. Eligible nonprofits, grassroots organizations and community groups can apply before the event for grants to fund their projects. Organizations interested in hosting a project can sign up for more information at goallinday.com.
FC Tucker Geist offices receive awards — F.C. Tucker Co. central Indiana sales associates from the Fishers/Geist and Crosspoint offices were honored at F.C. Tucker Company’s annual awards banquet in Indianapolis. They include Jeremy Sandlin, Diane Cassidy, The Umbarello Group, the Laura Turner Realty Group, the Cutsinger Realty Group and Emily Stewart. The Fishers/Geist office received the Tucker Mortgage Award
for Office of the Year. According to an announcement from F.C. Tucker Co., Diana Todd was named as a first-time member of the company’s President’s Club, and John Booth as a new Executive Club member.
Mission Possible – The Assistance League of Indianapolis will present its Mission Possible fundraiser from 5 to 9 p.m. April 18 at Daniel’s Vineyard & Winery, 9061 N. 700 W. in McCordsville. The event will include a silent auction, raffle and more. Learn more about ALI and the event at ALIndy.org.
OneZone Honor Awards announced — OneZone Chamber recently announced its 2024 Honors Award recipients, honoring longstanding chamber members. According to the chamber, the honorees will be celebrated throughout the year through social media, blogs, OneZone events and a display at the OneZone office. Recipients are Hamilton Southeastern Schools, Delaware Township Trustee, Sunlake Apartments, Sunblest Apartments, Fishers YMCA, Don Hinds Ford, Hawthorns Golf & Country Club, Ivy Tech Community College,
Ascension/St. Vincent, Conner Prairie, Carmel Clay Parks, Carmel Glass & Mirror, Hamilton County Tourism, S&M Painting & Drywall, Carmel Clay Public Library, Flanner Buchanan, Janus Developmental Services, Katz, Sapper & Miller, Duke Energy and Community Health Network.
State chamber of commerce plans HR conference — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s 60th annual Indiana HR Conference and Expo will take place April 30 to May 2 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. The conference offers a variety of workshops and sessions for HR professionals and will showcase top industry services and products at the market expo. The three-day program, sponsored by Frost Brown Todd, includes a morning keynote on May 1 featuring workforce thought leader Cara Silletto of Magnet Culture, discussing how to reduce “us vs. them” conflicts in the workplace. The closing keynote that day will be HRD CEO Andrea Butcher speaking on HR’s role in partnering with executive teams to move businesses forward. For more and to register, visit indianahrconf.com.
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Sammy Miller and The Congregation to bring joyful jazz to the Palladium
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Sammy Miller’s chief objective is to present jazz in a way that will appeal to more people.
“We’re on a mission to spread joy. It doesn’t stop for anything,” Miller said. “It’s bigger than us. Whether it’s an educational thing I’m doing or performing in a concert hall, I feel more motivated than ever and the rest of the guys do, too.”
Sammy Miller and the Congregation will perform at 8 p.m. April 19 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“I’m the drummer, I’m the bandleader, I’m the storyteller,” said Miller, a Los Angeles native who lives in New York. “We do a high-energy interactive show. It’s joyful jazz. It’s going to lift your spirit. We’re the gateway for jazz. We have a lot of access points. There is a theatrical component.”
The band started in 2014 when Miller was in his last year at The Juilliard School.
“We’re in it for life,’ Miller said of the band. “There is enough hardship in life. We want to surround it with beauty.”
The other members of the five-piece band performing at the Palladium will consist of Alphonso Horne, trumpet; Brandon Rose, bass; David Linard, piano; and Artie Black, tenor saxophone. Miller has performed with Horne and Linard, who is from Indianapolis, since he was at Juilliard.
“You might hear a Scott Joplin song like ‘The Entertainer,’” he said. “You might hear a Duke Ellington piece. You might hear an original piece. You really hear a whole canon of American music. It’s high-level entertainment.”
Although this is the band’s first time at the Palladium, it has performed in Indianapolis several times at The Jazz Kitchen.
“We mostly play concert halls, but we’ve always had a good time there,” Miller said. “We’ve heard the Palladium
is really special and a great place for musicians.”
Miller said the setlist is ever changing, also with some staples.
“We are always working on new stuff and playing new arrangements,” he said. “We’re trying to track the lineage of jazz. It’s like putting new wine in an old bottle.”
The band’s most recent digital release is “Live at Lincoln Center. It released “Little Egypt” in 2020.
Performing live is what is most important to the band.
“Live performance is what I’m interested in,” Miller said. “We have enough happening in the digital world. I’m really interested in human experiences. That’s what our core is. There have been years when we have done 250 shows.”
For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org. For more, visit sammymillercongregation. com.
‘THE KING AND I’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre production of “The King and I” runs through May 19 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘VERDI’S REQUIEM’
The Carmel Symphony Orchestra presents “Verdi’s Requiem” at 7:30 p.m. April 13 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Johnny Folsom 4” is set for April 11, followed by Ari Axelrod April 12 and “Sweet Caroline: The Life and Music of Neil Diamond” April 13 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
’SYLVIA’
“Sylvia,” a play by A.R. Gurney, runs April 12 to 23 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
RAY CHEN
Violinist Ray Chen’s concert is set for 8 p.m. April 12 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCH
CSO pre-concert talk set at 6:15 p.m. — The Carmel Symphony Orchestra and Anderson University choirs will perform “Verdi’s Requiem” at 7:30 p.m. April 13 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Guests should plan to arrive by 6:15 in the Palladium main hall for a pre-concert talk hosted by CSO’s Music Director David Commanday and Cantor Melissa Cohen of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, Indianapolis. Cantor Melissa Cohen and her daughter Sadie Cohen will open the pre-concert program by singing duets of vocal music composed during the Holocaust. Riverside Junior High School string students will play from 6:30 to 7:15 in the Southwest lobby of the Palladium. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org or thecenterpresents.org.
16
9, 2024 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com currentnightandday.com
April
CONCERT
Sammy Miller and The Congregation band members, Corbin Jones, Alphonso Horne, Sammy Miller, Ben Flocks and David Linard. For the Palladium show, Brandon Rose and Artie Black will appear instead of Flocks and Jones. (Photo courtesy of Sammy Miller)
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STEPHEN FLAHERTY LYRICS
LYNN AHRENS Inspired by the Twentieth Century Fox Motion Pictures by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical From the play by Marcelle Maurette as adapted by Guy Bolton ANASTASIA is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com ANASTASIA Full Page Current Ad.indd 1 3/29/2024 2:56:14 PM
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SAMMY MILLER AND THE CONGREGATION
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MICHAEL FEINSTEIN: TRIBUTE TO TONY BENNET
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2024-2025 SEASON ANNOUNCE MAY 20
MUSIC
ICC to host Sing-A-Thon
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indianapolis Children’s Choir Artistic Director Joshua Pedde figures there is no place like home. For the first time, the ICC Sing-A-Thon will be presented at the ICC Performing Arts Center at 9111 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis.
The Sing-A-Thon will be from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 20. The public is invited to join in person or watch online at icchoir.org or on ICC’s YouTube channel.
Indianapolis. This will be the first time it’ll be in our own space.”
The goal is to raise $40,000.
“It’s so nice to be able to have our own space, not only for our typical weekly rehearsals and events, but for special things like Sing-A-Thon, too,” said Pedde, a Carmel resident. “It’s like inviting the public into our own home to get a real glimpse into what it is that we do here at the ICC. Previously, Sing-A-Thon was held at various locations throughout the city that had performance space — locations like Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel and Broadway United Methodist Church in
“In recent years, we have raised close to $30,000, and this year we are hopeful that emerging from the pandemic and hosting the event in-person will help us reach the ambitious stretch goal of $40,000,” Pedde said, “All of the funds go directly toward all of the important work that we do here at the ICC to provide choir experiences and music education for children in central Indiana.”
The singers have an incentive. If they reach $5,000, Pedde will do a duet with associate artistic director Amy Hughley. The song will be chosen by the students.
“It’s a new incentive this year, and any time singers can see ICC directors doing something funny, they are all for it,” Pedde said. “I’m pretty nervous about what song they might pick for us to sing, but it’ll be worth it no matter the seemingly embarrassing cost.”
For the performance schedule and to donate, visit p2p.onecause.com/singathon24.
‘Moon Over Buffalo’ set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Zoe O’Haillin-Berne and Sean Berne seem a natural fit for their roles.
COMEDY
The couple, who live in Lawrence, star as George and Charlotte Hay in Mud Creek Players’ production of Ken Ludwig’s “Moon Over Buffalo” April 19 to May 4 at the Mud Creek Barn Theater. The play centers on the couple, who are traveling actors.
“I love that this show gives me the opportunity to share the stage with my real-life husband,” Zoe said. “This has been quite a bonding experience. The show also gives us the chance to explore the similarities and differences between us and our characters as a married couple. I think that having a real point of reference has allowed us to find a deeper, more authentic reality behind George and Charlotte’s relationship and love for one another.”
The biggest challenge for Zoe is the physicality of the role.
“This is the most physical role I’ve ever had in a nonmusical,” Zoe said. “I go home from rehearsal each night feeling like I just
performed an entire dance recital. I now know legitimate sword technique.
Sean, who hasn’t acted on stage in about 13 years, said he has been eager to perform in a comedy again for many years.
“So, this has been a great opportunity to get back up on the stage and it feels great to be making my Indianapolis debut, especially with such a great group of actors and production team,” he said. “The biggest challenge I’ve found in the role has been metering the energy George demands. He’s a wild guy to play.”
Fishers resident Kelly Keller is the director.
For more, visit mudcreekplayers.org.
18 April 9, 2024 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com NIGHT & DAY These activities made possible in part with support from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
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Sean Berne and Zoe O’Haillin-Berne perform in Mud Creek Players’ “Moon Over Buffalo.” (Photo courtesy of Zoe O’Haillin-Berne)
Center hosts Concert Truck
editorial@youarecurrent.com
After more than a decade of bringing some of world’s finest classical musicians and orchestras to the Palladium, the Center for the Performing Arts is taking its mission to the streets.
MUSIC
The Concert Truck, a mobile music venue, will deliver performances at 10 Indianapolis-area sites from April 23 to 27. In addition to private concerts for schools and other organizations, the tour will include two outdoor performances open to the general public.
“Our venues are among the finest in the region, but our commitment to accessibility calls for innovative approaches,” stated Jeffrey C. McDermott, the Center’s president and CEO. “The Concert Truck enables us to take high-quality, live classical music directly to people of all ages where they live, work and study.”
The public is invited to attend performances at 6:30 p.m. April 25, at VFW Fort Harrison Post 7119, 6525 N. Lee Road, Indianapolis; and 11 a.m. April 27 at Carmel City Center pedestrian plaza, near The Cake
Bake Shop, off Range Line Road south of City Center Drive.
Each location has parking, food and beverages available nearby. Attendees are encouraged to bring portable chairs.
Other performance locations are Tindley Accelerated School, Edison School of the Arts, KIPP Indy Public Schools, Indiana School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Midwest Academy in Carmel, Outreach Inc. youth homelessness services, and Hoosier Village Retirement Community.
Launched in 2016 in Columbia, S.C., the Concert Truck is a 16-foot box truck adapted into a mobile concert stage, complete with lights, sound system and grand piano.
19 April 9, 2024 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com NIGHT & DAY Phantom The The smash hit returns May 25th 4pm & 7pm For Tickets: scan QR code or call the box-office @ 317.660.3373 of the Opera Our Name Says It All SPRING SPECIAL! $89 ELECTRICAL PANEL INSPECTION COUPONS AVAILABLE AT ELECTRIC-TODAY.COM 5% DISCOUNT FOR MILITARY, FIRST RESPONDERS AND SENIOR CITIZENS 317-252-0380 ORDER AT OLDMAJORMARKET.COM /oldmajormarket @oldmajormarket oldmajormarket.com THE ULTIMATE Mixed Protein Box Includes Faroe Island Salmon, Amish Chicken Breasts, Old Major Bacon, and USDA PRIME New York Strip Steaks
The Concert Truck will visit 10 sites throughout the Indianapolis area. (Photo courtesy of the Center for the Performing Arts)
Commentary by Don Knebel
In our continuing tour of Egypt, we visit the Luxor Temple, which is best seen at night.
In the late 14th century B.C., Pharaoh Amenhotep III began building a temple on the east bank of the Nile River in Thebes (now Luxor), then the capital of Egypt. Amenhotep’s son, who renamed himself Akhenaten, rejected Egypt’s traditional gods in favor of a single god and moved the capital to Amarna. Akhenaten’s son, Tutankhamen, moved the capital back to Thebes and continued building his grandfather’s temple.
In about 1250 B.C., Pharaoh Ramses II expanded the temple, erecting two 80-foottall granite obelisks on either side of the new north entrance. Ramses also erected statues of himself in front of the temple. By 350 B.C., a 2,000-meter-long avenue flanked by 600 sphinxes connected what is now the Luxor Temple to the Karnak temple complex. After Alexander the Great took control of Egypt in 332 B.C., a chapel erected within the Luxor Temple showed
Alexander being crowned pharaoh by the god Amun. After the Romans captured Egypt, they used the Luxor Temple first as a shrine for their gods and then as a Christian church. As time passed, part of the temple was covered with dirt and a mosque was built atop the temple site.
In 1830, one of the obelisks in front of the Luxor Temple was given to France by Egypt’s Ottoman rulers. Today, the obelisk stands in Paris’ Place de la Concorde. Excavation of the buried parts of the Luxor Temple began in the late 19th century, maintaining the mosque perched on its walls. In 2021, an excavated section of the Avenue of the Sphinxes opened in front of the Luxor Temple. The Abu Haggag Mosque inside the temple is still in use, more than 3,500 years after the site was first used for worship.
Don Knebel is a local resident. For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.
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Visiting the Luxor Temple
The Luxor Temple at night. (Photos by Don Knebel)
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