April 23, 2024 – Lawrence/Geist

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Lawrence Mayor Whitfield stresses connectivity in first major address to the community / P11

Lawrence hosts Indiana Black Legislative Caucus / P3 Eclipse celebration attracts 2,000 people / P4 Lawrence cleaning company helps cancer patients / P5

Party Trays from Puccini’s for your graduation

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GOALS

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Sara Farny’s interest in running started small — a 5K here and there — but soon after she gave birth to her second son about 12 years ago, it became an important stress outlet — and one that didn’t require a lot of planning.

“I can just run, you know what I mean?” she said. “Get out the door, literally push them in a stroller and get out the door.”

Farny, a Fishers resident in the Geist area, said she also found a community through running.

“I was a member of the Fishers (YMCA) and they had a running group there and I found my people,” she said. “I think it was more the people that draw drew me in — to do more than just that first half marathon. So, initially it was just to get out of the house and have a little bit of mommy time. But then the community drew me in for more.”

That “more” eventually led her to qualify for and compete in the April 15 Boston Marathon. She completed the race in three hours, 49 minutes and 24 seconds, placing 14,133 out of the approximately 25,000 runners. For her age category — she’s 41 — she placed 876th.

Farny said there were a couple challenges that she couldn’t really train for ahead of the big race: heat and hills. The temperature in Boston got up to about 70 on the day of the race, and she hadn’t run in warm weather for many months. And then there’s the terrain, which is very different from the flatlands of central Indiana.

“I ran a lot around Geist — the hills of Geist through the neighborhoods around Geist — and they do help,” she said. “It’s just, they’re not as big or long as the ones in Boston. Now, having done it, I probably would have (trained on) more hills.”

Farny’s first marathon was the Chicago Marathon in 2019, but that almost didn’t

Sara Farny of Fishers completed her first Boston Marathon

April 15, with a time of three hours, 49 minutes and 24 seconds. (Photo courtesy of Sara Farny)

happen. Her son, Noah, was diagnosed with cancer — a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma — right when her marathon training was set to start. She wasn’t sure she could or should start training.

“It ended up running was my outlet during his treatments,” she said. “I had girlfriends meet me at the most random times — middle of the day, you know, super early morning. They knew I needed it just as much as I knew I needed it.”

Noah’s treatment was aggressive, relatively fast and effective. He rang the “cancer-free” bell about four months after his diagnosis, on Oct. 4, 2019, and a week later, Farny ran the Chicago Marathon to benefit the Ronald McDonald House nonprofit, which supports families of children going through medical treatments.

Farny said helping Ronald McDonald House had been her intention before Noah was diagnosed, and it became more important afterward, because her family used that nonprofit’s services.

She has competed in other marathons since then, but the Boston Marathon has been a goal for a while. Farny finally qualified for it during the 2023 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.

Walking up to the start of the April 15 race felt a little surreal.

“It was like a pinch-me moment, I’m finally here kind of thing,” she said. “Five of us from the Fishers Running Club all start-

ed together and made it about halfway together, and just soaked up the run and the people and the crowds.”

She said she had to walk up some of the hills, rather than run, and the spectators helped encourage her to continue.

“I’ve always heard about Boston crowds, and they truly did not disappoint,” she said. “You weren’t ever alone on the course because of the amount of people just cheering for everybody. They really helped push you through.”

When she reached the home stretch, she said, she started crying.

“I just threw my arms up when I saw the finish line and cried like a baby as I crossed underneath the finish line,” Farny said. “It was everything I wanted. It was hard, but it was everything I wanted.”

Later that day, she got something else she really wanted — a well-deserved bacon cheeseburger and a beer.

GEIST HALF MARATHON AMBASSADOR

In addition to the big-city races, Sara Farny runs the Geist Half Marathon nearly every year, and is a race ambassador — helping to promote that local race, which takes place Sept. 14 this year.

“My husband and I have done the race, one of their races — either the 5K, 10K or half marathon — almost every year,” she said. “I’ve only missed twice, and it was because I had two May babies and it was back when the race was in May.”

The race, organized by the City of Fishers, switched from spring to fall in 2023 to not compete with other springtime races in the greater Indianapolis area.

The Geist Half Marathon also offers 10K and 5K options, with all the racecourses in the Geist neighborhood. Registration is open for the popular race. For more, visit geisthalf.com.

Lawrence hosts Indiana Black Legislative Caucus

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus gathered at Lawrence Government Center April 13 for the first of a series of town hall meetings throughout the state, designed to inform constituents about bills that were approved — and some that were not approved — during the recently concluded legislative session, Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield, the first Black female mayor in Marion County, welcomed the state lawmakers to the community.

POLITICS

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“I want to personally thank you for your time and your effort,” she said. “I want to thank the audience for coming. This is a great opportunity because it’s the first time the town hall is being held in Lawrence.”

Caucus members who participated were Sens. Andrea Hunley (D-District 46) and Greg Taylor (D-District 33); and Reps. John Bartlett (D-District 95), Earl Harris Jr. (D-District 2), Rene Pack (D-District 92), Greg Porter (D-District 96) and Cherrish Pryor (D-District 94).

The lawmakers took turns providing summaries of bills that focus on different areas. Porter serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and the State Budget Committee and gave an update on the state’s budget. He noted that the state spends about $22 billion annually, with a projected surplus of about $2.7 billion.

Taylor focused on courts and the state criminal code. Among the bills approved was one meant to deter the use of drones to drop drugs into correctional facilities.

“Believe it or not, there are people who actually drop off paraphernalia and other items over the fence, if you will, from the sky,” he said. “I didn’t know it had become that creative. So, we’ve created a new law that makes it a Level 6 felony for someone to control the drone and actually drop off paraphernalia inside a correctional facility.”

A bill that the caucus opposed removed the ability of municipalities to bring legal action against a firearms manufacturer.

Taylor said that law targeted the City of Gary, specifically, which was in the middle of such a lawsuit.

Pryor discussed what she called a “voter

suppression” bill that passed. She said HB 1264 adds hurdles to first-time voters and new residents and allows the state to collect information from vendors that provide personal credit data to verify residency.

Harris discussed education and the caucus’ continuing efforts to reduce the age when kids in Indiana are required to start school. That age currently is 7, and he said they want to reduce that to 5 and for the state to fund pre-kindergarten education to help children get ready to learn.

Following the presentations, some audience members asked questions or gave comments. Several expressed support for more state services to address homelessness, especially for youth who are unhoused. One audience member asked the lawmakers to address the need for day care options for seniors who are cared for at home by family members. Another said she was concerned about state funding going toward charter schools rather than established public schools.

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ali Brown (D-District 10) discussed the need for more screening in schools for children with autism and said she would like to work with state lawmakers on that issue. Brown said one in 36 people is autistic, regardless of heritage, but children of color are diagnosed at a lower level and/or when they’re older.

“We’re working in Marion County to offer free testing for autism, and that’s a big thing,” she said. “But there are so many counties that, not only is there no place to be tested, but there’s little to no resources.”

For more about IBLC, visit indianahousedemocrats.org/members/iblc. Information also is available on IBLC social media accounts.

left, State Reps. John Bartlett (D-District

Rene Pack (D-District

Cherrish Pryor (D-District 94) and Earl Harris Jr. (D-District 2) — members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus — participate in a town hall meeting in Lawrence April 13. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

A couple thousand people gathered at Lawrence Community Park April 8 for a day of food, music and fun, with the main event — the total solar eclipse — taking center stage at around 3 p.m.

Deputy Chief of Staff LeAndre Level said the administration is pleased with how the event came together after months of planning by various groups, including Mayor Deb Whitfield’s administration, the previous Mayor Steve Collier’s administration, the Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Fort Harrison YMCA and others.

Level said the event attracted locals and visitors.

“We had people from Illinois, we had people from Missouri come to our celebration — either they saw our Facebook ad or they just wanted to come to the city in general,” he said. “And so, we had a pretty packed festival.”

Level said that while some people left soon after totality passed — it lasted less than 4 minutes — many others stayed

to enjoy the rest of the festival, which wrapped up around 5 p.m.

“Traffic was very smooth, thanks to Lawrence police,” Level said. “There was one main entrance to get everyone in through Franklin Road. Everyone got in smoothly, and after totality, Lawrence police made sure everyone got out of Lawrence Community Park safely onto Franklin Road.”

He said there was a little bit of a vehicle lineup when people first started leaving, but it cleared up within 20 minutes.

The April 8 eclipse was the first total eclipse for the region in 800 years. The next one for this area will be in 2153.

The City of Lawrence hosted a total eclipse party on April 8, bringing about 2,000 people to Lawrence Community Park. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

Lawrence cleaning company helps cancer patients

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

A Lawrence-based cleaning company has joined forces with a nationwide nonprofit to help people undergoing cancer treatment maintain a clean home.

VOLUNTEER

Clean of Hearts owner Meghan Rangel signed up with Cleaning for a Reason about a month ago and said she’s already helped two people with cancer who needed some help.

Rangel said she had never heard of the organization until she saw an article about it in a Southern Living magazine.

“I like to do vision boards, so I’ll peruse magazines — I don’t really read the magazines. I just do it for the art — but I saw a blurb about something having to do with cleaning and it caught my eye,” she said. “I read the article and I was like, ‘Oh, my God, this is the philanthropy I’ve been looking for.’”

Rangel said she’s always advocated for volunteering.

“I very much want to give back and want to be involved,” she said. “Utilizing my skills was one of those things that I was like, ‘Yeah, other people who can’t afford this need it just as much as the people who can afford it.’”

Rangel first got into the cleaning business soon after college. She experienced some health problems, she said, and needed a job with flexible hours. She worked for an established company for about two years but then needed a break. When she left, she signed a noncompete agreement that prohibited her from start-

ing her own cleaning business for at least one year.

After the year was up and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rangel used her individual economic impact funds payment to start her own business, which opened in August 2020.

“And now here I am, almost four years later, just running my own business living my best life as my own boss,” she said.

While Rangel still has some health concerns to battle, she said cleaning keeps her sane. And, as someone who has dealt with health problems, she can relate on some level to people who are dealing with cancer treatment.

“I understand what it’s like to want or need or have things to be done and you do not have the energy to do them,” she said. “People who are going through chemo — if they feel like this is something that they want, go to Cleaning for a Reason website and fill out the paperwork.”

For more about Cleaning for a Reason, visit cleaningforareason.org/patients.

For more about Rangel’s business, visit thecleanofhearts.com.

Meghan Rangel is the owner of Clean of Hearts in Lawrence. (Photo courtesy of Meghan Rangel)

Benner named to Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It’s hard to keep up with how many honors Bill Benner has received through the years.

HONOR

Benner has been named to the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame, U.S. Basketball Writers Hall of Fame and was selected the 2022 Indy PR Legend. He’s also been honored with a Sagamore of the Wabash and

received the 2022 Inspiring Sports Storyteller Award from the Indiana Sports Corp. Benner said he figures he needs to share his latest honor with others as he will be one of the very few sports journalists to be inducted into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame April 27 at Woodland Country Club in Carmel.

“It’s not only a wonderful recognition for me, but a recognition for sports journalists,” said Benner, who lives in Fishers near Geist Reservoir with his wife, Sherry.

“If you look over the past inductees for Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame, there aren’t too many sportswriters. So, to represent that group of the profession, it’s just an incredible honor. I feel it’s not just for me personally but for all the sports journalists I worked alongside and those I still read and follow on a daily basis. I think this is a recognition for the field of sports journalism.”

Benner, 75, spent 33 years as a sportswriter and sports columnist for The Indianapolis Star before leaving in 2001.

“I touched a lot of bases. I’m just thrilled my career encompassed all those different areas,” he said. “I’m truly blessed.”

A lifelong Hoosier, Benner graduated from Center Grove High School and Indiana University.

He won numerous writing awards at The Star, including twice being named Indiana Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. That was followed by 12 years as a weekly sports columnist for the Indianapolis Business Journal.

He co-hosted a sports talk radio show on WNDE-1260 and spent 10 years as an adjunct faculty member at Butler University, teaching a sports journalism class. He also hosted a sports segment on Inside Indiana Business for several years.

After leaving The Star, Benner became vice president of communications with Indiana Sports Corp, followed by stints as director of communications for the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association and senior associate commissioner for external affairs for the Horizon League before concluding his career as senior vice president for corporate, community and public relations for Pacers Sports & Entertainment and executive director of the Pacers Foundation. He retired in 2020.

Former USA Today national sports columnist Mike Lopresti took over Benner’s IBJ column when Benner took the Pacers post in 2013.

“To join Mike, who I have incredible respect for, is another honor to this honor,” said Benner, who added the award is the capstone of his career.

Benner

Event benefits Parkinson’s

By Cassie King news@currentinfishers.com

The Indiana Parkinson Foundation’s annual Choose to Move event will take place April 27 at Witten Park in Fishers.

PHILANTHROPY

Marking its 12th year, the event’s goal is to offer hope to people with Parkinson’s disease, amplify awareness and raise funds for the Indiana Parkinson Foundation.

The event will feature activities for attendees, including booths hosted by community partners and sponsors, a program featuring stories of people living with Parkinson’s and a 100-yard dash.

It also includes 1-mile and 5K routes through the park.

“Each step taken during Choose to Move symbolizes support for those currently fighting Parkinson’s, honors those who have passed and aims to raise awareness about a disease diagnosed every six minutes,” said Addie Cunningham, IPF program director. “The inspiration behind Choose to Move traces back 12 years, rooted in a desire to provide support,

hope and excitement amidst the immense impact of Parkinson’s disease.”

Cunningham, whose father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008, emphasized the event’s role in fostering a sense of community and rallying around loved ones affected by Parkinson’s.

“With over 1,000 attendees expected, Choose to Move not only brings together individuals affected by Parkinson’s but also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the disease and available resources for managing it,” Cunningham said.

For more, visit indianaparkinson.org/ choose-to-move-race.

Participants celebrate the 2023 Choose to Move event. This year’s event is set for April 27 in Fishers. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Parkinson’s Foundation)

Guerin Catholic senior basketball player follows dad’s D-I path

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Guerin Catholic High School senior Dylan Murans knows where he got his drive to succeed.

“Mostly (from) my dad.

Knowing that he has played basketball at the Division I level really pushes me to be the best that I can, and obviously the love for the sport that’s never ending,” Murans said. Murans’ father, Paul, played under coach Steve Alford at Missouri State University, which was then Southwest Missouri State University. Murans will achieve his dream to play at the Division I level for Army next season.

“West Point will be a great fit for him because he is very willing to put in the work and he responds very well to instruction and practice,” Guerin Catholic coach Bobby Allen said. “He wants to learn and improve every day, and I think that is what makes him so special. Obviously, he loves basketball and he is a great talent on the court,

MEET DYLAN MURANS

Favorite athlete: Ja Morant

Favorite subject: Science

Favorite movie: “The Dark Knight”

Favorite vacation spot: Park City, Utah

Favorite musician: Don Toliver

but he is also a great person and he has an incredible future ahead of him.”

The 6-foot-7 Murans transferred to Guerin from Carmel High School before his junior season. He averaged eight points per game as a junior. He then averaged 10.1 points while making 50 percent of his shots this past season. He raised his rebounding average from 2.7 per game to 3.0 as a senior.

“He was an immediate starter for us and

Guerin Catholic basketball player Dylan Murans averaged 10.1 points as a senior. (Photo courtesy of Mike Navarro/Live Action Sports)

he learned on the fly,” Allen said. “He is an incredible athlete that has the ability to make plays around the rim that many high school kids are not capable of doing. Every game, he seemed to get more aggressive, especially on the offensive glass. The first time we played Brebeuf, he had two put-

back dunks that I think put everyone on notice.”

Allen said Murans leads with his action and emotion.

“He is a big-time playmaker and has the ability to get the entire team going by his playmaking ability,” Allen said. “His ability to play above the rim but also knock down perimeter shots make him a complete player, and as he develops more, I think he is going to have a huge impact on his team at West Point.”

Murans made 33 percent of his 3-point shots as a senior.

“I’d say most of my improvement throughout the years has been staying under control, and defense,” Murans said.

The Carmel resident said he chose Army because of the coaching staff.

“I had not met a single coach during recruitment that had wanted me as much as Coach (Kevin) Kuwik,” he said. “I had received a letter from him every single day since the beginning of his interest in me. This made our family decide to go out and give it a shot during my visit, and it completely blew me away. That exact point had sold me on just about everything.”

Murans

Geist Waterfront Park parking fee change approved GOVERNMENT

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Following approval from the Fishers City Council, the City of Fishers will cut the seasonal nonresident parking fee at Geist Waterfront Park in half for the upcoming summer season.

The Board of Public Works and Safety voted April 9 in favor of the new parking fee plan, which calls for a nonresident fee of $25 per vehicle, and the council ratified that decision April 15. Fishers residents will continue to park for free.

Director of Recreation Jake Reardon McSoley told the board that the “smart pass” system the city required for parking last summer also will be eliminated. People visiting the park will simply stop at the gate.

“(It’s a) streamlined process for residents and (an) improvement for nonresidents — you pay at the gate,” he said. “Last year, there was actually a window — you had to pay ahead of time and then show up with your receipt. You don’t have to do that this year.”

McSoley told the council that the fee will be for “peak” times only, so there will be days when everyone will be able to park at no charge.

Mayor Scott Fadness said that last year’s $50 fee was established out of concern over attendance.

“Opening year, those numbers didn’t hit where we were worried they were going to hit,” he said. “This year, we’re going to try it a little differently and then if we have to adjust accordingly, we will — if, for some reason, the population spikes out there and we’re not able to manage it from a safety perspective or parking capacity.”

The 70-acre Geist Waterfront Park, 10811 Olio Rd., first opened in May 2023.

Geist Waterfront Park will open for its second season in late May. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Barriers to health care aren’t always apparent. Depression and other mental illnesses can impact every aspect of an individual’s life and the lives of those around them. Fortunately, this young woman found the courage to challenge the stigma around mental health that many face, and her journey is now inspiring others.

Symphony on the Prairie concert lineup announced

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Another season of music at Conner Prairie is approaching, with the lineup of concerts honoring legends of rock, including Queen, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin and Tom Petty, along with pop artists such as ABBA and Taylor Swift.

MUSIC

Symphony on the Prairie is an annual collaboration between the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Conner Prairie, sponsored by Kroger.

During an announcement ceremony April 12 at Conner Prairie, James Johnson, CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, said the partnership “allows us to bring magical summer evenings to more than 100,000 music lovers in Central Indiana each summer.”

Kroger’s Manager of Public Affairs for Central Indiana Eric Halvorson noted that this year will mark the seventh season of Kroger’s sponsorship of the event. He

recalled that during the first year, people would come up to the Kroger table and thank them for “saving the music.”

The 2024 Symphony on the Prairie season kicks off June 28 with The Music of Queen. Tickets go on sale starting April 23, and are available online and at many central Indiana Kroger stores. View the full lineup of concerts at indianapolissymphony.org.

James Johnson, CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, introduces the lineup of concerts planned for the annual Symphony on the Prairie series. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

STATE OF THE CITY

Lawrence Mayor Whitfield stresses connectivity in first major address to the community

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

A little more than four months after assuming office, City of Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield gave her first State of the City address April 16, with a theme of making connections to, from and within the community.

Whitfield said the success of the city doesn’t rest solely on the mayor’s administration.

“It lies in the hearts of the people who call it home,” she said. “And in those who work to make the city a better home for others.”

Whitfield thanked other elected officials in the audience, including Lawrence Common Council members, Indianapolis City-County Council members and state representatives serving in the Indiana Legislature. She took a moment to honor the memory of the late state Sen. Jean Breaux, who died March 20.

In addition to elected officials, Whitfield recognized the efforts of city employees.

“Some of these individuals are new to the City of Lawrence government and I appreciate the innovation and new perspectives they brought with them,” she said. “Others in this group have served the City of Lawrence for 20, 30, in some cases almost 40 years. I’m glad these long-term employees accepted my invitation to stay and be a part of the Whitfield administration.

“People often say to understand where you’re going, you need to know where you’ve been. The depth and breadth of the institutional knowledge these longtime employees contribute means your City of Lawrence team possesses a diverse mix of talent and perspective that balances fresh ideas about where we’re going with the long view of where we’ve been, and I’m proud to work with every member of this team.”

Speaking of team, Whitfield congratulated the Lawrence Central High School girls basketball team — whose members were in the audience — for winning the Class 4A IHSAA state championship. She gave each athlete a commendation and a framed photograph, and noted that their coach, Jannon Lampley, was the first Black female coach to lead a girls’ basketball team to a state championship.

Whitfield made several announcements during her address, including the formation of a new Lawrence Community Advisory Council — which was one of her stated goals soon after her election.

“The members of this council are faith leaders, neighborhood association representatives, grassroots leaders, local business owners — people who know the City of Lawrence inside and out and can speak in an authentic way to the priorities and the needs of our residents,” she said. “They will

help bring your voices straight to the mayor’s office, so the decisions we make always reflect what we’re hearing from you.”

Whitfield also announced the use of about $2 million in what remains of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase new bulletproof vests for police officers, and for firefighter training opportunities. She noted that the Lawrence Police Department has filled 62 of its 65 officer positions, and soon will hire two more officers.

Whitfield predicted that by the end of the

NEW FORMAT FOR STATE OF THE CITY

City of Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield’s first State of the City address departed from the lunchtime address traditionally hosted each year by the Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, which sold tickets to those who were able to attend.

The April 16 speech marking Whitfield’s fourth month in office was instead an evening event, free and open to the general public at Lawrence Central High School’s auditorium.

“Tonight is the first time in many

years that a Lawrence mayor’s State of the City address is open to the public and free of charge,” Whitfield told the audience. “When I made the decision to open tonight to the community, I knew we needed a location that was easily accessible to all residents, a place where everyone can feel welcome and safe, and definitely somewhere that has plenty of free parking.”

A livestream recording of the speech is available for viewing on the Current in Lawrence/Geist Facebook page.

year, LPD will have all 65 officer positions filled for the first time ever. She added that the city has created a new crime analyst position.

“This individual will collect and analyze law enforcement data to identify patterns, trends and criminal activity here in Lawrence to allow LPD to deploy resources and personnel even more effectively and strategically as they safeguard the security of our residents,” she said.

Whitfield also announced a new partnership with Community Health Network Foundation to provide cancer screening for Lawrence Fire Department personnel, noting that firefighters are exposed to more toxic chemicals than other professionals.

“That’s why cancer has become a leading cause of death among firefighters, accounting for nearly two thirds of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters nationwide,” she said. “But thanks to our new partnership with Community Health and its foundation, this June all Lawrence Fire Department firefighters will be eligible to undergo an innovative cancer screening process capable of identifying a much broader range of cancers than the general population is typically screened for.”

Whitfield added that the city will seek new ways to address health needs in Lawrence and plans to offer basic health screenings during the weekly summer Fort Ben Farmers Markets, and will appoint a new chief medical officer to advise the administration moving forward.

Whitfield mentioned connections throughout her speech and closed with a message of connectivity to Lawrence residents.

“I look around and see a community that cares, a community that connects, a community that creates,” she said. “Together, we’ll continue to build in Lawrence, a community of opportunity where everyone has a chance to thrive, to lead and to succeed.”

A livestream recording of Whitfield’s speech is available for viewing on the Current in Lawrence/Geist Facebook page.

City of Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield at her State of the City address April 16 at the Lawrence Central High School auditorium. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

FREE Business Checking

Is it the weekend yet?

Commentary

by Danielle Wilson

Friends, this week has been a chore. And not a fulfilling chore like mowing the lawn or scrubbing a disgusting bathroom ‘til it shines pretty. Work was boring, my commute to work doubled and the realization that there are still six more weeks until summer hit hard. Blech.

Occasionally, we schedule movies in our history classes to give teachers time to grade papers. We’ve been studying Vietnam and are heading into the Nixon administration, so we showed “The Post.” Normally, I can crank out essays and tests while keeping one eye on the film. But this year, for four periods in a row, I was consistently drawn into the political drama. Curse you, Meryl Streep, for being so compelling! Anyhoo, I accomplished nothing, which really made the week

And since moving into our oldest’s new house in Indy, my commute went from 12 minutes to 30. I don’t know the roads yet,

and every morning Google Maps sends me a different route. I also was forced to drive our youngest’s piece of poo Civic, with no adjustable mirrors or radio and a driver’s side door that won’t stay open. Getting to school, especially when it monsooned, was not the peaceful experience I’ve come to appreciate.

Finally, my last complaint about inane problems that aren’t actually problems is that our school year doesn’t end until June 3. Meaning I have to come back after Memorial Day and then again after the following weekend. Of course, I’ve known this for a while, but it dawned on me recently that I’m still a good way from summer nirvana. Double blech.

So, yeah, the week was a chore.

Peace out.

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

Actors Theatre of Indiana brings Broadway musical parody

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Billy Kimmel, the best description of “Forbidden Broadway” is, it’s the musical version of “Saturday Night Live.”

Kimmel will act and direct Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Forbidden Broadway,” which runs April 26 to May 12 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The show is a revue with a parody of different Broadway musicals.

Kimmel was on the “Forbidden Broadway” tour for approximately 11 years — through five different versions of it.

Kimmel is joined in the four-person cast by ATI Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald, ATI co-founder Cynthia Collins and Kieran Danaan. Brent Marty will provide the musical accompaniment.

“The show always has four actors, who are singers and dancers,” Kimmel said.

More than 20 shows are represented in 90 minutes.

“So, it’s pretty brisk,” said Kimmel, who is based in New York City.

The biggest challenges are the 10-second costume changes.

“It’s an aerobic workout, too, because it’s like being shot out of a cannon,” Kimmel said.

This is the seventh time Kimmel has directed with ATI, including previous versions of “Forbidden Broadway.”

The last time he directed “Forbidden Broadway” with ATI was in 2019.

“This show has been going on for 40 years off-Broadway and it’s become sort of an institution to the Broadway community and theater lovers,” Kimmel said. “People come to see shows in New York and make room to see if there is an edition playing to see it. Now, it’s a rite of passage for people that become Broadway stars. If you’re lampooned (in the show), then you’ve made it, so to speak.”

Kimmel said every few years, American playwright Gerald Alessandrini would do

an edition and it would run for a year or two. Then Alessandrini took a break to write “Spamilton: An American Parody” in 2014. Kimmel said Alessandrini wrote a new edition in 2019, but it wasn’t out long because of the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down theater shows in March 2020.

“The show is going to make its Broadway debut this summer, which is a huge deal because it’s always been off-Broadway,” Kimmel said. “He’s writing a whole new show for it, and they are going to have past stars in it. They’re going to come in and do cameos.”

Kimmel said there are numbers that are always in the show, such as “The Lion King” and “Les Misérables.”

“We keep them because they are crowd pleasers and they’re sort of the pillars of the show,” Kimmel said. “In between, we’ve changed things out and freshened it up if there is something new on Broadway and it’s more relevant. It’s hard to do Carol Channing anymore because people under 50 don’t really know her anymore.”

One spoof is on “Annie,” which opened on Broadway in 1977.

“The spoof is ‘Annie is now a granny,’”

Kimmel said. “One of the newer ones is ‘Mary Poppins.’ There is a Mary Martin and Ethel Merman bit that we’ve never done.”

Although the show is a parody with some biting jokes, Kimmel said it’s lighthearted fun.

“(Alessandrini) never wanted people to think we hated Broadway. We’re lampooning it because we adore Broadway,” Kimmel said. “He’s a brilliant parody lyricist.” Danaan, a 29-year-old New York City resident, has never performed in “Forbidden Broadway” but he recalled hearing the numbers for the first time when he was around 10 years old. He said the costume changes are difficult, but the hardest part for him is learning all the words.

“It’s costumes on top of costumes,” Danaan said. “It’s all songs we know the Broadway lyrics to, but it’s relearning the songs with the ‘Forbidden Broadway’ lyrics. You only have time to think about what you are doing and then you move on to the next thing. It’s exhausting but it’s so much fun.”

His favorite number is his solo spoofing “Memories” from “Cats.”

For more, visit atistage.org.

‘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.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

The Live at the Center series will feature Mike Wells at 7:30 p.m. April 24 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is $10 or a free livestream registration is available at thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Zach Day’s performance is set for April 25, followed by Dueling Pianos, presented by Brittany Brumfield, April 26; and Eric Baker & Friends Presents “Southern California in the 70’s” April 27 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘ANASTASIA’

Civic Theatre’s production of “Anastasia” runs April 26 to May 11 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘FORBIDDEN BROADWAY’

Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Forbidden Broadway” April 26 to May 12 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.

’THE DINNER PARTY’

Carmel Community Players presents “The Dinner Party” April 26 to May 5 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘SPRINGTIME CELEBRATION’

Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Springtime Celebration” concert is set for 6:30 p.m. April 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS

Best-selling humorist David Sedaris will give a presentation at 7:30 p.m. April 29 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

From left, Kieran Danaan, Billy Kimmel, Brent Marty, Judy Fitzgerald and Cynthia Collins rehearse for “Forbidden Broadway.” (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

IWS celebrates spring

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

As Charles Conrad conducts his penultimate concert as the Indiana Wind Symphony music director, it’s fitting that a new piece of music pays homage to his legacy.

CONCERT

“There is a piece in honor of the fact that I founded the Wind Symphony 27 years ago and the composer David Sartor is going to be conducting,” Conrad said. “We’ve played several of his works and we got a chance to premiere a couple of them.”

Purdue University All-American Marching Band. Conrad is retiring after this season and Gephart will inherit Conrad’s role.

Conrad said composer Mark Wolfram will be in the audience for his piece “Vertical Planes,” which will feature solos by Larry Purdue, French horn; Brian Hoover, trumpet; Mike Villano, trombone; and Bill Schmidt, tuba.

The IWS concert opens with Frank Panella’s “The Polar Sun” from 1908. It also plays a German march, “The Sun Eagle.”

The piece called “Vision” by Sartor, from Nashville, Tenn., will premiere in “Springtime Celebration” at 6:30 p.m. April 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“It’s got a mixture of different styles and different textures,” Conrad said of the program.

Conrad is conducting eight pieces while Jay Gephart, who takes over as music director for the 2024-25 season, will conduct three pieces. Gephart is the director of the

Conrad said the pieces were played by IWS April 8 during the City of Carmel Solar Eclipse program.

Two 1924 marches by John Philip Sousa are in the first half of the concert. They are “Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company” and “Marquette University March.”

Other pieces include “Rain Softly on Me” by Julie Giroux and one by French composer Lili Boulanger.

The IWS will close its season May 19 with “Finales and Fanfare.”

For more, visit indianawindsymphony. org.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Center’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office at the Palladium, call 317.843.3800 or visit atistage.org. May

NIGHT & DAY ATI season features legends, laughter and love

By Mark Ambrogi

mark@youarecurrent.com

Actors Theatre of Indiana will rely on a tried-and-true formula for its 202425 season.

SCHEDULE

“When we were designing the season, it was important to us to do what we do best and what our audiences love most — and that is fun, funny, uplifting musicals,” Associate Artistic Director Darrin Murrell said.

Murrell said. A third is a smaller, newer musical with a mystery.

The last type of show is the large-scale Broadway show that has been scaled down to uniquely fit in the Studio Theater space, Murrell said.

Murrell said the season is dubbed legends, laughter and love.

“We also honed in on four types of shows that ATI has historically done incredibly successfully and has gotten a lot of audience feedback,” Murrell said. “One of those is the jukebox musical, sort of the soundtrack of our lives, so there is one of those in the mix.”

Another type is the Broadway classics reinvented for the Studio Theater stage,

The 2024-25 season begins with “Ring of Fire” from Sept 13-29, featuring the music of the legendary Johnny Cash. That will be followed by “She Loves Me” Nov. 1-17. The 2025 portion includes “Whodunit” Jan. 31 to Feb. 16, 2025, and “9 to 5: The Musical” April 25 to May 11.

“Ring of Fire” will include different actors portraying Cash at different times in his life.

“She Loves Me” started on Broadway in 1963 and was revived in 2016.

“Whodunit” is a murder mystery by longtime Broadway actor and playwright Ed Dixon.

Dolly Parton composed the music for “9 to 5: The Musical,” based on the 1980 movie. For more, visit atistage.org.

Murrell

Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple

Commentary by Don Knebel

In our tour of Egypt, we visited the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s female pharaoh.

TRAVEL

Hatshepsut was born in 1508 B.C., the daughter of Pharaoh Thutmose I. After a brief stint as regent for a young male pharaoh, Hatshepsut declared herself pharaoh in 1479 B.C. During her reign, she dressed as a man, sometimes wearing a false beard strapped around her head. One of the most successful rulers of her era, Hatshepsut expanded Egyptian trade and engaged in a massive building program that remained unmatched for centuries. Among the many buildings constructed during Hatshepsut’s reign was her mortuary temple, dedicated upon her death in 1458 B.C.

The temple, on the west bank of the Nile across from Luxor, is nestled against a limestone cliff and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of antiquity because of how well it blended with its surroundings.

Shortly after Hatshepsut’s death, her successors sought to remove evidence

of her existence, which included defacing her temple image. Statues of her were damaged or destroyed. Twentieth-century archaeologists reconstructed Hatshepsut’s lost reign from images overlooked for destruction. After Christianity came to Egypt, the temple was used as a monastery, which gave rise to its current name, Deir el-Bahari, Arabic for “Monastery of the North.”

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

A shrine inside Hathsepsut’s mortuary temple in Luxor, Egypt. (Photo by Don Knebel)

LEGAL NOTICE

On April 4, 2024, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC filed a Petition with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) in Cause No. 46038 respectfully petitioning the Commission for authority pursuant to Ind. Code §§ 8-1-2-42.7 and 8-1-2-61 to modify its rates and charges for electric utility service through a multi-step rate implementation of new rates and charges using a forecasted test period; approval of new schedules of rates and charges, general rules and regulations, and riders; approval of revised electric depreciation rates applicable to its electric plant in service, and approval of regulatory asset treatment upon retirement of the Company’s last coal-fired steam generation plant; approval of an adjustment to the Company’s FAC Rider to track coal inventory balances; and approval of necessary and appropriate accounting relief, including authority to defer to a regulatory asset expenses associated with the Edwardsport Carbon Capture and Sequestration Study, defer to a regulatory asset costs incurred to achieve organizational savings, and authority to defer to a regulatory asset or liability, as applicable, all calculated income tax differences resulting from future changes in income tax rates.

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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, good-natured work environment. The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@ integrityautomotive.net. We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays. To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net . 40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net

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Learn more about Lawrence Township Schools at LTschools.org