This month, as temperatures outside heat up, many of us may choose to spend some time indoors tuned into the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. It’s always exciting to see Team USA compete, to root for our favorite athletes, to watch some of them be crowned champions.
Here in the City of Lawrence, we’ll be watching for champions, too – Community Champions. Our Community Champions initiative unites local service-oriented organizations behind a common goal: to fulfill the diverse needs of Lawrence’s vibrant community. The vision of this program is to transform Lawrence into a place where neighbors join forces to ensure the happiness and prosperity of all residents. Lawrence Community Champions exemplifies the power of community engagement and the spirit of working together for the greater good.
On Thursday, July 11th, my administration will host a Lawrence Community Champions Networking event at Jenn Memorial Park from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. to provide local service organizations an opportunity to share and exchange ideas with other area nonprofits, government offices, and resource groups. We’ll also discuss options to collaborate with the city to enhance community services and development. Aletha Dunston of Develop Indy and Matt Hall, whom I recently appointed as our city’s first-ever Military Veteran’s Liaison, will be our guest speakers. Attendance is free, but registration is required.
To register your organization as a Lawrence Community Champion or to learn more about the initiative, visit Lawrence Community Champions at cityoflawrence.org.
You don’t have to spend endless hours in the pool or squeeze yourself into a leotard to be a champion this summer. Each of us can be a champion in our own community by thinking about how we can make life better for others, how we can make our city a more welcoming place, how we can be part of making Lawrence a “community of opportunity.”
You may not win any medals, but the civic pride you create when you become a champion of your community is solid gold.
Warm regards,
IN 2024 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Mayor Deb Whitfield
July 2, 2024
Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com
Hamilton County mayors talk balancing collaboration, competition
By Ann Marie Shambaugh and Adanna Mbanu news@youarecurrent.com
The four mayors of Hamilton County’s largest cities participated in a panel discussion June 18 as part of the Hamilton County Leadership Academy’s Leadership Summit at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Noblesville.
HCLA
Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness and Westfield Mayor Scott Willis answered questions about regionalism and collaboration from Terry Anker, dean of the HCLA Class of 2014.
COLLABORATION, COMPETITION
Anker asked the mayors how they balance collaboration and competition with neighboring communities as they make decisions for their own city.
Jensen said he considers other regions — such as the Denver, Colo., or Nashville, Tenn., areas — as competitors more than other municipalities in Hamilton County.
“Indiana is known for its Hoosier humility,” he said. “We need to chuck that Hoosier humility and decide if we want to be a global competitor. We have to be going forward. We have to tell our story. We have to tell our metrics and we have to push each other to get those metrics better.”
Fadness said Hamilton County municipalities often look for ways to work together, but even when they are in competition it can benefit the region as a whole.
“The relationships among cities in Hamilton County have matured to a point now where we understand that there are seasons where we will compete,” Fadness said. “When a company comes to Hamilton County and is looking around, every one of us is going to put our best foot forward. That’s what we’re supposed to do. But you know what? If I don’t win and (Noblesville) wins it or (Carmel) or (Westfield), that’s great. It’s good for the collective.”
INSPIRED INNOVATION
Another question focused on how innovation plays into shaping Hamilton County communities.
Finkam said Carmel has long been a leader in innovative thinking, citing the city’s transformation of most of its signaled intersections into roundabouts.
She said innovation is sparked by listening to the stories and experiences of a variety of residents and stakeholders.
“I’m trying to bring people from our community into projects and committees to make them richer and different, because I think we all get stuck in one particular mindset,” she said. “And I think when we talk about diversity, part of this is diversity of thought and making sure really we’re growing our minds on what is possible, even if it takes change, to get it done.”
Willis said Westfield and other local leaders have been inspired by several innovations in Carmel, such as limiting suburban sprawl and building walkable communities.
“Carmel set that standard and I think every single city here is taking pieces of that and transforming it into something that’s unique for their community,” Willis said. “We’re following that walkability component to attract future generations.”
WHICH TOOLS ARE MISSING?
Anker asked the mayors what resources they have to make their jobs more manageable and which ones they wish they had.
Willis said that two years ago, Westfield had “gone into a shell” and wasn’t a pro-growth town. But he said the town’s involvement with the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority helped them move forward.
“We’re going to benefit from that in our community with a $4 million grant that we would have never had if we had not been a part of CIRDA,” Willis said.
The grant will support Westfield’s Park
establishing a central business district.
Finkam said that for Carmel to continue to prosper, it needs the General Assembly’s support.
“We’re the economic engine in this county and we’re continually tagged with the thought that we have everything we need, because we have a wealthy community,” Finkam said. “We’re also growing so quickly and infrastructure needs are astounding. We just want and need a system whereby we can, with our community’s support, put our necks out there and risk a little bit.”
BEST ADVICE
Anker ended the session by asking the mayors about the best leadership advice they have received.
Fadness said he’s learned to embrace humility.
“You’re never as good or as bad as what they say in the headlines in the newspaper. I think that’s really, really important,” Fadness said. “And then, I try to be engaged in whatever I’m doing at the moment.”
Jensen said the best advice he’s been given is to “hire really smart people and then trust them.”
“My team (members) are 10 times smarter than I am and I trust them. I also ask them to push back on me at times,” Jensen said. “When you walk out the door, I’m going to go fall on the sword for it. But if there’s something that I’m going to step on and you don’t tell me, then that’s on you. So, hire smart people and trust them to do the work.”
3
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Founded Jan. 27, 2015, at Fishers, IN Vol. X, No. 21
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From left, moderator Terry Anker, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, Westfield Mayor Scott Willis and Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam. (Photo by Ann Marie ShambaugH) and Poplar project
Landscaping business looks to relocate to Lawrence
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A Fishers landscaping business owned by Indianapolis-based Irvington Group hopes to expand with a move to Lawrence and is in the process of purchasing a lot off Pendleton Pike that has been on the market for about 20 years. The Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance for the site June 18. This allows the developer to use gravel rather than asphalt or concrete as the primary ground cover for the site at 9559 Pendleton Pike, behind Belle Tire and Marathon and next to Cohron’s Manufactured Homes.
DEVELOPMENT
Daniel T. Kozlowski, president of Irvington Group, told the board that the site is challenging for most commercial businesses because it is an unusual shape and is not visible from Pendleton Pike. But, he said, it will work well for the landscaping business that his son operates, because it doesn’t need the kind of visibility most businesses rely on.
Kozlowski said there is an access easement for the property from Pendleton Pike
next to the gas station and they plan to install a privacy fence for the entire property. He said there are several arguments in favor of gravel rather than asphalt for the site, which has a retention pond for water
A developer is negotiating the purchase of an undeveloped site at 9559 Pendleton Pike as the location for its landscaping business.
(Google maps image)
runoff from surrounding properties.
“All of those hardtack services, all of those paved surfaces, drain into this pond,” he said. “If we put hardtack down on our site, it’s going to throw off the engineer-
ing. I don’t know if that means it won’t work anymore. I don’t know anything. All I know is, (the pond) absorbs water, and if we can have gravel, it will not change the engineering that was originally designed for that pond.”
Kozlowski said gravel also is used regularly in landscaping work, so having a working sample on site is good for business. And, he said, the privacy fence will hide the site from anyone who might object to the aesthetics. He added that one of the neighboring properties also has gravel rather than asphalt.
Some board members expressed concern about making an exception to the site’s zoning regulations, but the board ultimately voted unanimously in favor of granting the variance.
Kozlowski said that, with the variance in place, he will move forward with negotiating the purchase of the property.
The next Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals meeting is 6 p.m. July 16 at the Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St. All Lawrence government meetings are livestreamed on the city’s Facebook page, facebook.com/cityoflawrencein.
Lawrence firefighters receive free cancer screening
news@geistcurrent.com
The City of Lawrence recently teamed up with Community Health Network and GRAIL, developer of the Galleri cancer screening test, to provide testing for all Lawrence Fire Department firefighters.
PARTNERSHIP
The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety at the Centers for Disease Control reports that cancer is a
leading cause of death for firefighters, according to an announcement from the City of Lawrence.
“Mounting research suggests firefighters are at greater risk for developing certain types of cancers and are at 14 percent greater risk of dying a cancer-related death than the general population,” the announcement stated. “Much of that risk is related to the wide variety of hazardous substances firefighters encounter while battling a blaze, when a fire’s searing tem-
peratures can turn otherwise benign objects into sources of carcinogenic gasses, vapors and particulates.”
The Galleri test from health care company GRAIL is a blood test designed to detect more than 50 types of cancer in the early stages, allowing fire departments to take a proactive approach to safeguarding firefighters’ health.
“Our firefighters selflessly protect our community, often at great personal risk,” LFD Chief Bob Wallace stated. “Providing them access to advanced cancer screening technology like the Galleri test is
crucial in ensuring their wellbeing and enabling early intervention.”
About 90 percent of the city’s firefighters opted to take part in the voluntary screening.
“This not only addresses the unique health risks faced by firefighters but also showcases the power of partnerships in improving health outcomes,” stated Patrick McGill, chief transformation officer for Community Health Network.
For more information about the Galleri test, visit eCommunity.com.
Lawrence Fire Department firefighter Savannah Stuckey participates in a free cancer screening through a partnership with the city, Community Health and GRAIL, which developed the testing. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
Lawrence-based law firm celebrates 25 years
news@geistcurrent.com
Lawrence-based law firm Craig, Kelley & Faultless is celebrating its 25th anniversary since its founding in 1999.
ANNIVERSARY
In a news release, founding partner David Craig stated that the firm started when he and two other attorneys who all worked together at another personal injury law firm found they had shared values based on establishing good relationships with clients and making a positive difference.
“David decided it was time to take a leap of faith,” the news release stated. “The three attorneys and their spouses met to weigh the risk against the reward. On June 23, 1999, David Craig, William ‘B.J.’ Kelley and Scott Faultless left their jobs to open the law firm they’d envisioned.”
Dana Craig, David Craig’s wife, helped run the new office out of the Craigs’ home, answering phone calls and placing ads.
“That June, the Craig kids, home from
elementary school for the summer, had to play outside or tiptoe through the house,” the news release stated. “A few months later, the firm would rent a small office space in a building a few miles from the Craigs’ home. Today, they own the entire building and have filled it with employees.”
Craig, Kelley & Faultless’ offices are at 5845 Lawton Loop East Dr. on the former Fort Benjamin Harrison campus.
Front, David Craig; second row from left, Krysten LeFavour; Alexander Craig, Samantha Stevens and Jacob Kotter; third row, Christopher Barry, B.J. Kelley, Sidney Lewellen and Whitney Coker; back, Scott Faultless. (Photo courtesy of Craig, Kelley & Faultless)
Marian University Prep expands curriculum
By Tirzah Rowland tirzah@youarecurrent.com
Marian University Preparatory School will expand to offer K-12 curriculum, adding grades 9-12, for the 2024-25 school year.
EDUCATION
Enrollment is underway for the third year of MU Prep. The Indianapolis-based institution offers online courses available to students across the U.S. “We are very pleased to offer education
that focuses not only on the traditional subject matter skill set from science, mathematics, English, language arts, etc., but also in the individual development of the students from the spiritual side as well as developing leaders for the future,” said Joseph Heidt, executive director of MU Prep.
Developed from the goal to provide a quality, faith-based education to students beyond the traditional school setting, MU Prep offers online instruction and in-per-
son opportunities to support families.
Sponsored by Marian University, the school teaches values of dignity, peace and justice, reconciliation and responsible stewardship.
“We partner with a program called Stride K-12, which is a national program,” Heidt said. “The curriculum is very well developed, very well vetted and utilized.”
The independent school within the Indianapolis Archdiocese is staffed by licensed Indiana Department of Education teachers with access to Marian University facilities.
Courses are taught live, providing students interaction with teachers and peers..
“This is a setting where you can support your child by being a learning coach,” Heidt said. “But you have the opportunity for your child to learn from an expert in that subject matter — a very well-educated and well-practiced teacher.”
With online, hybrid and single-course
options, families can customize plans and students are given opportunities to participate in school-based clubs and activities, both online and in person. Online assemblies, clubs and activities are available to virtual-only students. Students enrolled in the hybrid program attend classes on the Marian University campus as opportunities arise.
“You may have a science class that’s going to utilize the labs, you may be going to museums, you may be going to fine arts performances, you may be using many of the assets that Marian University offers on its campus,” Heidt said.
The school serves students of all faiths and financial means. Tuition ranges from $400 per semester course to $7,500 for a full year of hybrid instruction. Financial aid is available and the school accepts Indiana Choice Scholarships.
Enrollment for the 2023-24 school year was 160.
For more, visit muprep.k12.com
To purchase tickets visit IndyOpera.org call 317-283-3531 or scan the code
Heidt
COMMUNITY
Lawrence Community Champions event planned
COLLABORATION news@geistcurrent.com
Lawrence-area nonprofits, communi ty-based organizations, government agen cies and resource groups have been invited to partici pate in a Lawrence Community Champions networking event.
The event will start at 5:30 p.m. July 11 at Louis J. Jenn Memorial Park, 10450 E 63rd St.
According to an announcement from the City of Lawrence, the goal is for par ticipants to share and exchange ideas for collaborating with the city to enhance community services and development.
“We are honored to have Aletha Dun ston and Matt Hall as our guest speakers for the evening,” the announcement stat ed. “Aletha brings a wealth of experience in identifying and addressing gaps within communities, particularly during her time here in Lawrence and working with non profits. Matt Hall, the mayor’s newly ap pointed veteran liaison, will speak about his role within the city and the services ‘Operation Hire’ provides to veterans.”
Dunston is the director of Develop Indy, Indianapolis’ economic development effort, and formerly served as execu tive director of the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority.
In addition to hearing from speakers, participants will have an opportunity for networking and discussions on how to collectively identify and address service gaps in the community.
“Our goal is to foster strong partner ships between the City of Lawrence and local organizations to collectively enhance community services,” the announcement stated. “By working together, we can bet ter identify and address the needs of our residents.”
Anyone interested in attending the free event is asked to register by July 8 at ti nyurl.com/cc-july2024.
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BELLS & WHISTLES
Newest Lawrence Fire Department engine custom-designed to fit firefighters’ needs
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Communities rely on firefighters to respond when there’s an emergency. To do that, firefighters need reliable equipment. Lawrence Fire Department Station 39 on Richart Avenue recently upgraded one of its most important pieces of equipment with a new fire engine.
After returning from an emergency call on a hot June afternoon, LFD Capt. Adam Reine sat down to talk about the new engine and the years-long process to acquire it before the completed apparatus was delivered earlier this spring.
It all started with an apparatus spec committee, he said, which comprised captains and firefighters.
“The purpose of the apparatus spec committee was to basically do some homework,” he said. For example — going to the department’s head of maintenance to find out what kind of engine would work best. “From a mechanical standpoint, what do you like to see on the engine or the apparatus? And he would go into, ‘Well, I want the big block. We need the bigger size engine. It’s more robust. It’s going to handle the wear and tear better. We want the larger transmission, because it’s going to handle the wear and tear better.”
The committee also talked to firefighters to find out their preferences, Reine said, starting with the must-haves before considering the nice-to-haves. There are lots of options when ordering a new fire engine, including different kinds of doors for the equipment storage hatches.
“Then the list was drawn up — these are the things that we want,” he said, adding that the result will never be perfect from any one person’s perspective. “As with any business, somebody can say we want this, and the committee — we have to vote on it. Maybe 40 percent are going to be like, ‘Well, I think we should have done it this way.’ But in the grand scheme of things, that committee was formed to hopefully better standardize and help with the process of how we spec our engines out.”
Once the spec list is complete and approved by the fire chief, Reine said, committee members check out two or three
(Photos by Leila Kheiry)
manufacturers, meet with sales teams and start negotiating a design. That part of the process started in February 2021 — the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which
there were many supply-chain delays that continue to affect certain industries, including emergency response vehicle manufacturing.
REPLACEMENT ROTATION
The City of Lawrence aims to replace fire engines at all its stations after seven years of service, LFD Capt. Adam Reine said, noting that while each apparatus averages about 25,000 miles a year, they are hard miles.
“It’s hard on the brakes, it’s hard on the trucks,” he said. “So, every seven years, this current administration and the last administration, it was their goal to always make sure we’re in new apparatus that is safe. As apparatus ages,
things start to deteriorate.”
It takes two to three years to receive a new engine after ordering one, though, so even though Station 39 just got a new $650,000 engine, the replacement process most likely will start again in 2028 or 2029.
When the next new engine arrives sometime in 2031, the current one will go into reserve status — still usable and available in case of an emergency.
When the new engine arrived this spring — three years later — it was fully customized to fit the needs of the firefighters who operate it. Reine said one of those features is a 500-gallon water tank, which allows firefighters to get water onto a blaze right away while other responders hook hoses up to a hydrant for continued water flow. That much water on a truck also is useful in rural areas without nearby hydrants.
“Also, on the interstate — car fires — you can lack hydrants there,” he said.
Fun fact — those seemingly random doors in walls along highways contain fire hydrants, Reine said, so while water might not be easily accessed from a response site, it is available.
Some other features on the new engine include roll-up doors for storage hatches to reduce the footprint when the engine is parked during a response; ladders on the exterior of the truck rather than tucked inside where they can accumulate dirt; and angles cut to the tailboard to reduce the likelihood of firefighters whacking their shins on a sharp corner.
Engine 39 was dedicated during a May 10 ceremony at the station, during which LFD Chief Bob Wallace thanked everyone who worked to get the new engine, including all the firefighters who will use it daily.
“Even though this is a brand-new engine, where the real rubber meets the road is you guys — the firefighters,” he said. “If it wasn’t for your dedication, professionalism, courage, none of this stuff actually really matters. It’s you guys that make the difference and I appreciate it.”
Reine said Station 39 averages about eight runs a day. He appreciates that the city ensures its firefighters have new, reliable equipment so he and other first responders can do their jobs.
“No matter what, we’re going to go on the fire, we’re going to go on the call and we get the job done,” he said. “Having a new engine gives us the ability to go out there and do that and it keeps us safe.”
From left, Lawrence Fire Department Station 39 firefighters Jon Davis, Russel Bible, Capt. Adam Reine and Tyson Thompson, who had all recently returned from a run in the station’s new fire engine.
ON THE COVER: From left, Lawrence Fire Department Station 39 firefighters Tyson Thompson, Jon Davis, Capt. Adam Reine and Russel Bible with the station’s new fire engine. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Lawrence Fire Department Station 39 has its own patch, reminiscent of the old cartoon superhero Mighty Mouse, which was placed on the station’s new fire engine. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Anagrams of PALEST
62. Distort 63. Hotel Carmichael offering 64. Zionsville Pizzeria hot spot
65. Belles of the ball, briefly
Noblemen 67. Plant starter Down 1. In the past 2. Moving vehicle
Ind. neighbor
Final authority 5. Civil rights org. 6. Black eye, informally 7. Nincompoop 8. Suffix to Green, Plain and West on an Indiana map 9. Showy flower
10. Roman 1004
Spoken
Male escort
Face on a half dollar
Quote, Part 2
Long shot’s opposite
Indigenous
Mine finds
GOP foe
Mach 1 breaker
Eiteljorg Museum Western tribe 50. Derisive shouts for the visiting team at Lucas Oil Stadium
52. Silent assent
Winter wear
Quote, Part 3
42. Ambulance letters
45. One who won 48. Current reporter’s query
49. Scents
50. Bone with teeth
51. Belief system
52. Defunct Indy evening paper
54. AES electrical units
55. ‘60s psychedelic
56. ‘50s prez
57. Valentine’s Day mo.
58. Wall St. profitability measure
59. “___ Got a Secret”
60. Reggie Miller’s NY foil: Spike ___
61. Apt answer for this clue Answers on Page 15
11. High card
12. Rx
17. Had meatloaf at Sahm’s
18. Reclined
21. Beer barrel
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25. Turkey Creek barrier
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28. Foxy
Bird is the word at new museum
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Visitors looking for a respite after dropping cash at the new Terre Haute Casino Resort can visit the Larry Bird Museum in the Terre Haute Convention Center.
Capital Improvement Board Museum co-chair Terri Conley said Bird insisted on the museum admission being free. The museum’s kickoff was celebrated with Bird’s return for a public ceremony May 30.
The museum is small at 2,720 square feet but packed with Bird’s memorabilia from Springs Valley High School, Indiana State University and the Boston Celtics. There are several interactive exhibits. Visitors can shoot free throws, as well.
Bird put Terre Haute on the national basketball map by leading Indiana State to the 1979 NCAA championship game before losing to Magic Johnson-led Michigan State. Bird’s Celtics and Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers continued the rivalry in the NBA and the two eventually became good friends. An exhibit with Johnson is featured in the museum.
Johnson signed a jersey in 1993 with the inscription “To Larry Bird, ‘The Greatest Basketball Player Ever.’ But more important, a friend forever.”
Bird concluded his career by playing on the 1992 Dream Team, which cruised to the Olympic gold medal. Ten days later, Bird announced his retirement after 13 seasons because of back problems. Bird, nicknamed “Larry Legend,” helped the Celtics capture NBA titles in 1981, ’84 and ’86. He was named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998. As a head coach, Bird led the Indiana Pacers to the NBA Finals in 2000, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers.
There also is an exhibit featuring Bird’s stint as Pacers coach and executive.
The exhibits include Bird’s legendary status as a trash talker.
Bird said he always is a bit amazed when he sees so many young people wearing his No. 33 jersey.
“I think that’s what social media is all about — thank God they didn’t have that when I was playing,” he said, adding that “Terre Haute has followed my career. You don’t make these journeys alone. Terre Haute always had my back.”
Bird said he doesn’t need any more recognition from the home of his alma mater.
“I got a little street named after me,
I got a statue out there and now a museum here,” Bird said. “Thank you, Terre Haute, but I think that’s enough for a while. You have no idea how much I respect the city and the people in it.”
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Reservations are required.
For more, visit larrybirdmuseum.com.
‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” runs through July 7 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
SERPENTINE FIRE
Serpentine Five, a Earth, Wind & Fire tribute act, will join the Carmel Symphony Orchestra at 8:30 p.m. July 3 at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel. A patriotic tribute of George M. Cohan featuring Actors Theatre of Indiana performers will start at 8 p.m. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt & Friends” is set for July 5 and “Chrome Horse, the Bob Dylan Tribute” July 6 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE LONE STAR LOVE POTION’
Red Barn Summer Theatre presents “The Lone Star Love Potion” through July 7 at the Frankfort venue. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
THIRD EYE BLIND
The Summer Gods tour featuring Third Eye Blind and special guest Yellowcard will perform 6:30 p.m. July 6 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
‘ANNE OF GREEN GABLES’
The Carmel Community Players’ Rising Star Production of “Anne of Green Gables” runs through July 7 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more visit carmelplayers.org.
DISPATCH
Tickets for Floyd Nation on sale — Floyd Nation, a Pink Floyd tribute band, will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The band previously performed at the Palladium in February 2023. The Floyd Nation VIP soundcheck experience includes a preshow performance along with a full light show beginning at 4:30 p.m. plus access to early merchandise sales and a meet-and-greet by the merchandise table. VIP add-on pricing is $25. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
One of Larry Bird’s NBA All-Star jerseys and trophies are on display. (Photos by Mark Ambrogi)
An exhibit shows Bird’s love for his hometown of French Lick.
Palladium gets new sound, lighting system
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Center for the Performing Arts President/ CEO Jeff McDermott knew the Palladium needed upgrades to its sound system.
IMPROVEMENTS
“We always knew we needed a sound system specifically designed for it,” McDermott said. “We also knew our lighting and sound system was aging. Like technology – I tell people if you had a 14- or 15-year-old iPhone or Android, you would be way out of date with it.”
McDermott said there was a need to upgrade to attract more top artists, plus it was getting to the point where it was hard to find parts for speakers and lighting at the Palladium.
“It was pretty much state-of-the-art in 2009 and 2010 when ordered and installed,” he said of the Palladium, which opened in 2011. “Time changes that, so we’re very excited to get two new systems that will make a big difference to our patrons.”
The cost for the new sound and lighting systems is approximately $1.5 million, paid from the city’s 2021 tax increment financ ing bond issue.
The Center’s staff, with the aid of Carmel Redevelopment Commission, solicited three bids for the design and installation of the system. The winning proposal came from two Greenfield-based companies, Force. Tech and Mid-America Sound.
Installation of key components took place in June.
FREE EVENT COOL CREEK CAMPFIRES
Feeling strapped for cash but still want to have some fun? Each week, Current helps you find things to do without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s on tap this week:
Cool Creek Park at 2000 E. 151st St. in Carmel will hold a free campfire on the north side of the park from 7 to 8 p.m. July 3 and on several other dates throughout the summer. Campfires will include songs, nature presentations and marshmallow roasting. Preregistration isn’t required.
OTHER FREE AREA ACTIVITIES
WALKING CLUB: Moms meet monthly to hike Noblesville Strawtown Koteewi Park trails. For more, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/296/Parks-and-Recreation.
MOVIE: Hamilton East Public Library presents a free screening of Trolls Band Together, 1 to 3 p.m. July 6 at its Fishers branch, 5 Municipal Dr. Register at hepl. libnet.info/event/10186437.
