Founded Jan. 27, 2015, at Fishers, IN Vol. X, No. 24
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Geist Marina or 79th & Sunnyside
Dive into Delicious
Local veteran calls for change to Indiana’s property tax law
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A Westfield veteran has started a grassroots campaign to lobby elected leaders at the state level to increase the property tax deduction for veterans in Indiana.
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Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Lawrence/Geist are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Mike Madigan served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam. An Illinois native who lived in Wisconsin before moving to Indiana in 2020, Madigan said when he moved to Westfield, he was surprised to find the property tax exemption in the Hoosier State is far different from what was available in Wisconsin.
“I was 100 percent disability, and at 100 percent disability in Wisconsin, you don’t have to pay any property taxes,” Madigan said. “So, when we moved here, we were told there was a disability benefit. And then I got it, we built a home here. The first year was negligible because we were new. But the next year I got (my property tax bill) and I said, ‘Wait a minute, where is
Lawrence Oktoberfest tickets available —
Tickets are now on sale for the 7th Lagers in Lawrence Oktoberfest, set for on Sept. 21. The event includes unlimited samples, a German band, German food, German dancing, wiener dog races and a wiener dog agility course. For more, visit LagersinLawrence.com.
Friday at the Fort — Arts for Lawrence’s Fridays at the Fort, a free performance series at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8920 Otis Ave., will feature Vinnie and the Moochers starting at 6 p.m. July 26.
Race Away From Domestic Violence — The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Domestic Violence Network will host the 21st annual Race Away From Domestic Violence 5K on Aug. 10. Racers
this discount?’ So I researched it. They instituted it back in 1975 when a house was worth $39,6000. And they haven’t really touched it since.”
According to the Indiana statute on taxation, veterans with a disability of at least 10 percent that is service-related and who served during World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf Wars may receive a property tax deduction of up $24,960 from the assessed value of taxable, tangible property. Veterans with total disability or who are 62 or older with a partial disability who served at least 90 days are eligible for a deduction of up to $14,000.
Although the value limit of assessed property was increased from $200,000 to $240,000 in 2024, Madigan said that does not represent true home values, especially in areas north of Indianapolis.
According to a Department of Veterans Affairs state-by-state analysis compiled in 2021, 7 percent of Hoosiers are veterans, totaling 396,542 residents — ranking Indiana No. 16 in the nation for veteran
DISPATCHES
will run, walk or roll through a route beginning at the IU Michael A. Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis, with views of the White River and the Indianapolis Zoo. The 5K course is accessible and allows all individuals to engage fully by running, walking or rolling. To register, visit secure.qgiv.com/event/ rafdv2024.
Applications open for fall Author Book Fair — Local authors can apply to be featured at the Indianapolis Public Library’s Meet an Author, Be an Author Book Fair, set for Oct. 19 at the IPL Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St. The fair provides an opportunity for the public to meet local authors, attend writing workshops and network with published writers, aspiring writers and fans. No registration is required to attend this free event. Featured authors
population. Madigan said those veterans contribute to local and state economies. He said changing the property tax credit will entice more veterans to purchase homes in Indiana.
“We have a lot working for us, but we have to be able to attract these people,” he said. “We’re not doing very well on veterans’ benefits. The VA hospital is great down here, I have no qualms with that. But veterans can fall into these cracks and it’s very cumbersome to try and figure out. I’m challenging myself and everybody else (to support this).”
Madigan is in the process of presenting his petition for support to local veterans groups and municipalities, with the intention to bring it to lawmakers in 2025. The petition calls for increasing property tax abatement to 100 percent for disabled veterans and 25 percent for all veterans, and to raise the assessed value cap.
Those 18 and older interested in signing the petition can contact Madigan at santa. mike.52@hotmail.com.
receive free table space to sell and promote books, network with other authors and engage with the public. The application period closes Aug. 26. An application link and more information are available at indypl.org.
School assistance for children of veterans – Operation Back to School — also known as the Military Family Relief Fund Back to School Program — provides financial assistance to Hoosier veteran families experiencing financial difficulties. Offered by the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, the program offers $500 of assistance per qualified dependent for back-toschool supplies and other school-related expenses. Applications are accepted through Aug. 30. Learn more at in.gov/dva.
No injuries after multiple boats overturned at Geist
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
No one was reported injured after multiple sailboats overturned on Geist Reservoir July 14 during a sudden storm that included strong winds, rain, thunder and lightning.
STORM
According to the Fishers Fire Department, first responder boats 392, 391 and 391B, with assistance from the Department of Natural Resources and Indianapolis Fire Department, conducted search and rescue operations at the reservoir, making multiple surface rescues.
FFD reported 12 boats capsized during the storm, carrying 24 people.
“All were accounted for and no injuries were reported,” according to the FFD.
Jim Jordan from the Indianapolis Sailing Club stated in an email that he had heard of at least one overturned sailboat on Geist, but didn’t have details about which boat was involved.
He noted that it’s not unusual for smaller racing boats to capsize during strong winds.
“We usually have at least two safety boats on the water during races to provide assistance to sailors who may need help,” he said. “Most of the time, the crew is able to right the boat and bail out the water.”
PACE receives $500K Lilly grant — Public Advocates in Community Re-Entry has received a $500,000 grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. to continue its Breaking the Chains program, which helps men preparing to return to their Marion County communities make a successful transition following incarceration. Launched as a pilot program in 2022 with an initial $500,000 grant from Lilly, the program provides tailored, collaborative solutions to foster long-term rehabilitation. New funding will enable PACE to expand the program throughout Indiana. For more, visit paceindy.org.
MSDLT back-to-school events planned
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The first day of school for Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township is Aug. 1 and various events are planned to get students, families and educators ready for the start of the 2024-25 school year.
EDUCATION
The district is hosting “Together on Tuesday” from 4 to 6 p.m. July 30 at elementary schools throughout the district for early learning and elementary students and their families, according to an announcement from MSDLT.
“This is an opportunity for families to visit their child’s school, meet the teacher, drop off school supplies, receive bus information, complete the curriculum materials application, tour the building, learn schoolbased club and mentoring information and discover all the wonderful and exciting opportunities that Lawrence Township schools have to offer,” the announcement stated.
The district operates 11 elementary schools, four of which also are home to
Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township will host a vaccine clinic July 30 at the Lawrence Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Rd. (Photo courtesy of MSDLT)
early learning centers.
According to the district, school supply lists for all grades are available on each school’s website. Parents can go to the website, click “menu” and then “resources.”
Scroll down to “Supply List” and click to see what is needed by grade level.
To help with school supply costs, the MSDLT Foundation is hosting a school supply donation drive for all grade levels.
“Many students don’t have some of the most basic supplies — paper, pencils, or a backpack — they need to be ready to learn,” the foundation website states. “You can help put these essential tools into the
For Jephrey, a backache could have ended in heartache.
hands of students who need them most by participating in our Supply the Success school supply drive.”
The drive runs through Aug. 2. For more, visit msdltf.org.
Back-to-school vaccinations will be available during a vaccine clinic, set for 3 to 7 p.m. July 30 at Lawrence Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Rd.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged for the clinic, hosted by CareSource and the MSDLT. The online registration form can be completed at patients.vaxcare.com/registration.
Those registering online are asked to use enrollment code IN65942 and select Lawrence Township-7/30/24. Attendees are asked to bring immunization records as well as insurance cards. There is no cost for those without insurance, except for the shingles vaccine.
All CDC-recommended vaccines will be available. To view required vaccinations for the 2024-25 school year, visit ltschools.org/ services/health.
MSDLT also is enrolling students for its before- and after-care program. The enrollment form can be found at bit.ly/3S6ULzs.
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1 contested seat in MSDLT race
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board of Trustees has three seats open in the Nov. 5 election, but only one of those seats is contested.
ELECTION
Crystal Puckett, who serves as the board secretary, is the at-large incumbent. She is running for reelection and has been challenged by Eric Young.
According to Puckett’s campaign website, she is dedicated to family and service to the community.
“I lead through action and have a proven record of collaborating with others and driving meaningful progress as a servant leader in Lawrence Township,” she stated.
Puckett has lived in Lawrence for about 13 years and attended Lawrence Township schools. If elected, she said she would continue to focus on equitable student outcomes, school safety, retaining qualified
educators, career pathways and student achievement.
For more, visit crystalforlawrence.com.
Young stated on his campaign website that he has lived in Lawrence Township for about 23 years and that he strongly supports public education.
“I grew up on the west side of Indianapolis, attending Wayne Township schools,” he stated. “I went on to attend the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, earning a bachelor’s degree with concentrations in accounting and computer information systems.”
Young said he would focus on meeting district goals, academic growth for all students, school safety, maintaining communication and fostering a positive culture.
For more, visit eric4ltschools.com.
Running unopposed in the November election are incumbent Amy Norman (District 3) and Shaila Mulholland, who filed for the District 1 seat held by Board President Wendy Muston. Muston is not seeking reelection.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 TH , 2024 11AM to 3PM at Lucas Estate, Carmel, IN
Puckett Young
Fishers Arts Council gallery features Hamilton County artists
EXHIBIT
Fishers Arts Council’s July exhibit, “All Our Best,” featuring work by artists of the Hamilton County Artists Association, is on display through Aug. 2 at the FAC’s gallery space at the newly opened Fishers Art and Municipal Center, 1 Municipal Dr. The Hamilton County Artists’ Association has more than 50 local artists who have been juried into the nonprofit organization, according to a FAC news release, as well as supporting members from across Indiana.
Sixty paintings by its members are on display in the “All Our Best” exhibit in the Art Gallery at City Hall, according to a FAC news release. The gallery is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“Fishers Arts Council is so elated to be back home inside Fishers City Hall,” stated Les Reinhardt, executive director of the Fishers Arts Council. “After a decade of curating exhibits in the Town Hall, turned City Hall, it was bittersweet to move out in 2022 in preparation for construction.
The city has made this homecoming a wonderful experience; the gallery and theater spaces will truly make guests to our monthly receptions feel welcome.”
The Fishers Arts Council also will continue to curate displays at the FAC Hub Gallery at the Hamilton County Community Foundation, 11810 Technology Drive.
The City of Fishers’ new building also has ground-floor space managed by the Indy Art Center — called the Fishers Art Center — with “Balderdash,” an exhibit of artwork by Kurt Vonnegut, on display.
Sun on the Monument by Margot Bogue is one of the pieces featured in the Fishers Arts Council’s July exhibit, “All Our Best.” (Photo courtesy of the Fishers Arts Council)
DISPATCHES
Geist/Germantown presentation scheduled — The Fishers Historical Society, Indianapolis Sailing Club and Log Cabin Animal Hospital have planned a presentation about Germantown and Geist Reservoir. FHS Historian Robert Bowling will discuss the history of Germantown and how it paved the way for Geist Reservoir, including photos and videos of Geist before construction. A representative of the ISC will discuss its history on Geist. After the presentation, the Log Cabin Animal Hospital will be open for visitors to tour its collection of Germantown/Geist photos. The grounds of the ISC will be open for visitors to tour and learn a little about sailing in the process. The presentation is set for 11 a.m. July 27 at the ISC, 11325 Fall Creek Rd. There is limited seating for the free event and attendees must register at bit. ly/3VG85Mk.
IndyCar two-seater experience –Thrill-seeking philanthropists will have the chance to fly around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 180 MPH while fundraising for fellow Hoosiers. “Speed for Community Need” takes place Oct. 9 at the speedway benefiting United Way of Central Indiana. Interested parties must commit to raising $1,500. United Way has teamed up with the Indy Racing Experience for the fundraiser. Participants 18 and older who meet the height and weight requirements will ride behind a professional IndyCar driver for two speed laps around the track. Learn more at uwci.org/ speed-for-community-need.
Fort Harrison State Park saddle barn open — The Fort Harrison State Park Saddle Barn is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for trail riders ages 8 and older, and parent-assisted pony rides for children ages 2-7. The season ends in late October. Rides are $36 for a 60-minute, 2.5-mile trail; $31 for a 30-minute, 1.5-mile trail; and $6 per lap for pony rides. For more, visit bit.ly/3X2rPfi.
Geist Greenway trail opens — The Geist Greenway trail is now open from 104th Street to Geist Park, 10979 Florida Rd., and from Geist Park to 126th Street. Once completed, the 5-mile pedestrian path will stretch from 96th Street to 131st Street. Hamilton County is currently working to restore and relocate the historic Bell Ford Bridge — a covered bridge from Jackson County near Seymour — to provide safe crossing over Fall Creek along the trail.
Fishers resident heads to Ironman World Championship
By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentinfishers.com
Fishers resident Kyle Gabbard has qualified to compete this fall in the annual Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
ENDURANCE
The Ironman World Championship is a Hawaii-based competition that features “the very best male professional and age-group triathletes from around the world,” according to the organization. The competition, which attracts about 2,000 international competitors, is a combined 140.6-mile event that consists of swimming in Kailua Bay, biking along the coast and running through barren lava fields.
“To qualify for Hawaii, it comes down to a bunch of races throughout the year,” Gabbard said. “Each race is based on how many participants there are and the depth of the field. There’s spots allotted for the championship. I qualified in the Chattanooga Ironman last September.”
Gabbard said he has completed two full Ironman competitions and five half-Ironman events.
According to Ironman, a full competition comprises a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run, which must all be completed in 17 hours. A half-Ironman is a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run.
Gabbard said he expects the caliber of the field to be the main difference in the Ironman World Championship.
Hawaii also presents obstacles that people from the continental United States aren’t used to.
“The conditions are supposed to be
pretty tricky because it’s along the coast, which can be super windy, and Hawaii conditions — it’s usually quite hot with super high humidity,” Gabbard said. “Most of the race, at least the bike and the run portion, are done on the Queen K Highway, which is black asphalt and the sun reflects off of that and makes the course extremely hot and hard to do the race in.”
Queen K Highway, otherwise known as Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, runs 33 miles from Kailua-Kona along the coast and ends south of Kawaihae.
To prepare for the tropical Hawaiian conditions, Gabbard is doing a lot of sauna and heat training. After runs, he typically sits in the sauna for 15 to 20 minutes to become better acclimated to the heat. Additionally, with Indiana summers reaching as high as 95 degrees some days, Gabbard has been completing workouts outside to prepare his body for the Hawaii heat.
Gabbard, who will be a senior at Indiana University this fall, is studying parks recreation and the outdoors. His career goal is to work at a national park.
Kyle Gabbard runs across the finish line at Ironman Chattanooga in September 2023, the race where he qualified to compete in Ironman World Championship. (Photo courtesy of Kyle Gabbard)
COLLABORATION ENCOURAGED
and
City of Lawrence Deputy Chief of Staff LeAndre Level speaks to representatives of Lawrence-area nonprofits, community-based organizations, government agencies and resource groups during a Lawrence Community Champions networking event July 11 at Louis J. Jenn Memorial Park. The event encouraged participants to share
exchange ideas for collaborating with the city to enhance community services and development. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
Carjacking, multi-county vehicle chase ends in Noblesville
news@currentinfishers.com
Two unidentified juveniles are in custody following a July 15 armed carjacking that started in Grant County and ended in Noblesville following a chase in vehicles and on foot, with one suspect apprehended in the Hamilton East Public Library building.
CRIME
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According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle was stolen at gunpoint in Marion, about 40 miles north of Noblesville. State law enforcement agencies shared information about the vehicle, which was reported seen in Madison County headed southbound on Ind. 37.
“While our deputies were looking for the vehicle, the 911 Emergency Communications Center received a driving complaint on a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle,” the news release stated.
“(Hamilton County) deputies located the suspect vehicle at SR 37 and 206th Street southbound. Our patrol deputies pulled behind the suspect vehicle to initiate a
traffic stop and the suspect vehicle then fled from deputies.”
The sheriff’s office reported that the vehicle’s driver evaded stop sticks at Ind. 37 southbound and 186th Street and ran off the road at Connor Street, crashing into two uninvolved vehicles.
“After crashing, the suspects in the vehicle fled the scene,” the news release stated. “(One) juvenile suspect ran west from the scene and was apprehended in the Hardee’s parking lot. The other suspect ran northwest from the scene. A perimeter was set up in the area around the businesses and the Hamilton East Public Library Noblesville campus. During a search of the library conducted by several law enforcement agencies, the second suspect was found.”
The sheriff’s office reported that both juvenile suspects were taken into custody without further incident and there were no injuries. The case remains under investigation.
Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center, Indiana’s first community mental health center, provides comprehensive care for all types of emotional and behavioral problems. Patients of all ages are welcomed, from children to seniors, with a philosophy of care that stresses strength-based and family- and community-centered treatment utilizing the Recovery Model of treatment.
40 YEARS
City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Maintenance Director Ronnie “R.J.” Gee celebrated his retirement July 13 with colleagues from the city and a large cake. Gee, left, also received a plaque commemorating his 40 years of service to the city, presented by Chief of Staff Zach Brown. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
COVER STORY
ROBOTS & CORN
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Robotics Invitational organizers made sure that all who entered knew they were in the heartland. The smell of sweet corn wafted through the air around the venue’s main entrance at Lawrence Central High School, with a handful of the local team’s supporters grilling as fast as they could to keep up with demand.
Corn might not have been the primary reason about 60 FIRST robotics teams from the United States, Mexico and Canada converged at Lawrence North on July 12 and 13, but it was decidedly popular, with 1,000 ears sold over the two days.
Jeffrey Smith is one of the organizers of the IRI competition and coaches the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township’s Kil-A-Bytes robotics team. He’s been involved in the annual off-season competition for about 20 years and said MSDLT cohosts it with Perry Meridian’s Cyber Blue and the TechnoKats from Kokomo.
“It started out kind of an Indiana thing 20 something years ago,” Smith said. “Right now, we have three countries (and) 19 states in Indiana for robots — and corn.”
Smith said U.S. teams traveled from as far away as Hawaii. Others didn’t have to go far, though. Besides the hosts, participating Indiana teams were the TechHOUNDS from Carmel, Tiger Dynasty from Fishers High School, Digital Goats from Warren Central, Red Alert Robotics from Center Grove, Harrison Boiler Robotics from West Lafayette, CyberTooth from Northwestern and SuPURDUEper Robotics from Purdue Polytechnic.
The competition is a round robin-style tournament, with teams randomly selected to play against other teams. For each match, three robots were on each side — blue versus red — and the robots had to collect hoops from the ground and put them into a goal within a certain time frame. They also could score points by hanging from a chain. The robots followed programmed commands for the first 15 seconds of each match. After that, they were driven remotely by team members. One of the Kil-A-Bytes team members is Lawrence North incoming junior Keira
Wright. She said she’s been interested in robotics since fifth grade. She joined the Kil-A-Bytes team last year and primarily worked on the robot’s mechanics and designing the intake — how the robot scooped up the hoops.
Wright said she enjoys the sportsmanship of robotics competitions.
“We’d rather beat a team at their best than a team at their worst, and our team — one of the things I like is … we bring spare parts for other teams and we try to be really generous and really helpful for other teams,” she said, adding that outreach is another important aspect of the team. “I just finished mentoring a bunch of middle
schoolers and building little robots.”
Lawrence North incoming senior Jacob Kanable also just finished his first year with the team. He said he’s enjoyed developing his engineering skills, which he hopes to eventually study in college.
“I really like how (robotics) develops futures for everyone and teaches new skills from machining to programming,” he said. “It helps you meet new people with similar interests. Being part of a club is super social and being part of a worldwide thing is a super-different experience.”
Smith said the annual competition has been at Lawrence North or Lawrence Central high school nearly every year since
IRI 2024 RESULTS:
Indiana Robotics Invitational organizer Jeffrey Smith said the winning alliance from the July 12 and 13 tournament was OP Robotics of Ontario, Canada; Jack in the Bot of Mill Creek, Washington; S.P.A.M.of Stuart, Fla.; and The Highlanders of Fort Collins, Colo.
The invitational also conducts a backpack drive and a silent auction to bene-
fit a local nonprofit. Smith reports that 60 backpacks were donated for elementary students in need, and $6,300 was raised through the auction for Riley Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health. The tournament also awarded three $1,000 scholarships and sold out of grilled corn.
MSDLT joined as a cohost. Renovations at the two high schools meant the invitational had to move off-site in 2022 and 2023, so this is the first year back at IRI’s usual location.
According to the IRI website, the annual competition started in 2000 at the Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium with about 21 teams attending. It moved to Indianapolis in 2002, with Lawrence Township schools providing the venue. Smith said he and another organizer started grilled corn sales about 15 years ago.
“We cooked up a dozen ears of corn or something and it just grew from there,” he said. “(Now) I’m buying 1,000 ears of corn for two days.”
It’s become so popular, he said, there’s even a “corn cam” providing a live feed from the grill during the competition.
For more about the annual event, visit indianaroboticsinvitational.org.
Lawrence Central hosts international robotics competition, Hoosier-style
ON THE COVER: Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township’s Kil-A-Bytes robotics team members, from left, Colton Vaughn, Shawn Sobota, Tez Fisher, Abigail Tauriainen, Keira Wright and Jacob Kanable, are ready to compete in the July 12-13 Indiana Robotics Invitational. (Photo by Adam Seif)
MSDLT’s Kil-A-Bytes robotics team robot, 1024, is on the field during the Indiana Robotics Invitational July 12 and 13 at Lawrence Central High School. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
From left, Dan Phelps, Rob Towle and Bob Murphy helped sell 1,000 ears of grilled corn during the Indiana Robotics Invitational July 12 and 13 at Lawrence Central High School. (Photo by Adam Seif)
Average White Band’s farewell tour lands during Carmel Jazz Fest
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Average White Band co-founder Alan Gorrie said it is time to get off the road. The band launched a final tour this spring but will continue to make music.
“It’s the touring that is the hard part,” Gorrie said. “Being on stage is wonderful and still exciting. Since COVID, touring has become really difficult. It’s extremely expensive and hard to manage. We all felt it was time to give it our best show. I use an analogy of a boxer — you don’t want to go out when you are on the slippery slope down. You want to hang up your gloves when you are still at the top of your game. You don’t wait until you get knocked down on the canvas. With our age and experience, you know that’s what coming if you don’t call it quits.”
The Scottish funk and rhythm-andblues band will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Average White Band is the Aug. 10 headliner in the Aug. 9-10 Carmel Jazz Festival.
“It’s wise to let people see you one more time at the top of your game,” the 78-year-old Gorrie said. “Expectations are high for this band. We’ve been hugely respected by musicians, the musical community and audiences alike over the years, so you don’t want to diminish that respect by dwindling out.”
Average White Band was founded in 1972. Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre are the original members still performing. Gorrie shares lead vocals with Brent Carter. Gorrie also plays guitar and bass. McIntyre plays guitar along with vocals.
“Onnie and I have been on the road for more than 58 years,” Gorrie said. “We were in a couple bands before the Average White Band. We’ve been constant travelers since the mid-60s. We’ve put in our time.”
Average White Band has had to replace members through the years but remained intact. The group disbanded in 1983 and restarted in 1989 with Gorrie and McIntyre.
“Another analogy is that a great sports team can only stay great by bringing in new blood,” Gorrie said. “As people retire, or in our case a couple of people have passed away, you have to keep regenerating and rejuvenating. We’re very fortunate because of the respect (we have) in the musical industry. It’s never been hard for us to get the best talent who are a little younger than Onnie and I but have grown up playing AWB music and have fitted right in there as if they’ve been there all the time. In fact, one of our horn players has been with us for 28 years.”
Gorrie said there are six to 10 staples the band always plays, such as “Cut the Cake” and “Pick Up the Pieces.”
“We vary the rest depending on where we are playing,” Gorrie said. “We’re not pure jazz, but we’re on the jazzy tip of rhythm and blues. We do play a lot of jazz festivals.”
Average White Band had its farewell
tour of the United Kingdom in April and May, then began playing in the U.S. this summer. Gorrie said playing in the U.K. for the last time on tour was emotional.
“There were a lot of tears in the audience the very last night just outside of Manchester, England,” Gorrie said. “It was an emotional time for us and them. After 52 years of AWB, people have come to expect we might just go on forever. When people are all in the same venue and they realize this is the last time we’ll be playing in the United Kingdom, it’s a pretty heavy burden. We got through it with aplomb. It’s bittersweet when you know it’s the final run.”
Average White Band performed in May 2023 at the Madame Walker Theatre in Indianapolis.
“We haven’t played Indianapolis enough over the years,” Gorrie said. “We used to do a festival at the Indiana Convention Center in the 1990s and early 2000s. This is our first time outside (of Marion County).”
For tickets, visit thecenterpresents. org. For more information, visit carmeljazzfest.org.
‘LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” runs through Aug. 25 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE’
Main Street Productions presents “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” through July 28 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
‘CATS’
Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program’s production of “Cats” is set for July 25-28 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Deception: An Evening of Magic & Lies” is set for July 25; Ryan and Lauren Ahlwardt’s Human Jukebox is July 26; and Eric Baker & Friends presents Southern Calfornia in the ‘70s is July 27 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE
She’s Got Soul with Capathia Jenkins will perform July 26 and singer-songwriter Cody Fry is set for July 27 at Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Both performances start at 8 p.m. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.
RENEGADES AND JUKE BOX HEROES
Styx and Foreigner, along with opening act John Waite, will perform at 6:45 p.m. July 26 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
DISPATCH
Bandleader Meeks set for Live at the Center show — Bassist and bandleader Brandon Meeks will kick off the 2024-25 Live at the Center series at 7:30 p.m. July 30 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
From left, Average White Band Cliff Lyons, Rob Aries, Onnie McIntyre, Brent Carter, Alan Gorrie, Rocky Bryant and Fred “Freddy V” Vigdor. (Photo courtesy of AWB)
NIGHT & DAY
Film focuses on endometriosis
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Hannah Lindgren is convinced it’s important to share her medical story.
DOCUMENTARY
Lindgren, 33, was diagnosed with endometriosis — a disease that can cause extreme pain in the pelvis — in 2017. She suffered several years before her diagnosis.
“Once I got diagnosed, I had a big learning curve on understanding how to deal with the disease. There is not a ton of research,” Lindgren said. “There are not a lot of specialists. There are people that claim to understand but don’t. It’s really taken those seven years since then to learn about the disease and find the right care. It’s always been important for me to be open about my journey and connect with other people about the disease.”
“The Invisible Crown” is a 20-minute documentary that focuses on Lindgren’s journey. It premieres at 12:30 p.m. July 28 at Newfields in Indianapolis as part of the Indy Shorts International Film Festival.
“We do hear from my mom (Brenda Myers) because she has been a huge support system to me,” said Lindgren, a Lawrence North High School graduate.
enced in my life (is rewarding).”
During the surgery, she got a second diagnosis of adenomyosis, a condition that causes endometrial tissue in the lining of the uterus to grow into the muscular wall of the uterus. The only treatment is a full hysterectomy.
For more, visit tickets.indyshorts.org.
’THE ICE CREAM MAN’
Following the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands during World War II, popular Jewish ice cream parlor owner Ernst Cahn was targeted by Klaus Barbie, the infamous “Butcher of Lyon.” The story is based on Cahn’s choice between resistance and death.
Myers is a Fishers resident. Lindgren lives in Indianapolis. Amelia Kramer, a Westfield High School graduate who lives in Indianapolis, is the director and editor. They are co-workers at Chop Shop Post, a post-production house in Indianapolis.
“I was honored she trusted me to tell her story,” Kramer said. “From there, we worked together with our team and created our story.”
This is Kramer’s first time directing a documentary.
“I’ve edited a lot of them and I’ve been working in the film industry for six years,” she said. “This film is about empowering yourself and giving validation to your feelings.”
Lindgren said although she has been open about her condition, it was a different feeling to have co-workers attend her major surgery in August 2023.
“It was therapeutic in the way Amelia approached it,” Lindgren said. “The film is about mental health, too. To be able to share that aspect of it as well and the work I’ve been able to do to overcome some of the medical trauma I’ve experi-
“The Ice Cream Man,” a 35-minute film, will debut July 25 at Indy Shorts. The historical story was filmed in Columbus, Michigan City and Amsterdam.
“(The film’s goal is) to highlight the incredibly outsized effect that one person can have on their community if they are brave enough to stand up and do the right thing,” said Geist-area resident Amy Pauszek, who serves as co-producer.
“Ernst Cahn’s actions ultimately led to over 300,000 Dutch citizens going on strike and shutting down Amsterdam, and the German war machine, for three days. It was the single-largest anti-Nazi protest in history, all because of one man.”
The cast includes actresses Jill Burnett, Patricia Kuhn and Mary Kate Temple from Carmel. Jennifer Haire, Carmel, is the line producer. Westfield residents Arlene and Tom Grande are the executive producers.
A July 25 screening in the 530-seat Tobias Theater at Newfields sold out. An encore screening set for July 27 sold out in one day.
“As a producer, I was determined to sell out every show and we probably could sell out more,” Pauszek said. “This is a powerful and important film.
For more, visit theicecreamman.movie.
Brenda Myers comforts her daughter, Hannah Lindgren, before her August 2023 surgery. (Photo courtesy of Hannah Lindgren)
Lindgren
Film recounts boxer’s story
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Sugar Ray Seales was the toast of the U.S. boxing world after winning the Olympic gold medal in the light-welterweight division in the 1972 Summer Games.
DOCUMENTARY
Seales was seriously injured when he got a thumb to his eye during a 1980 fight with Jamie Thomas and suffered a detached retina. He eventually had to retire because of his loss of vision.
Zionsville resident Michael Husain directs “The Sugarman,” a 14-minute black-andwhite film about Seales regaining his eyesight, thanks to Dr. John Abrams, a Westfield resident whose main Abrams EyeCare Center is in Carmel.
The film will be featured in the Indiana Spotlight 2 at 7 p.m. July 23 at Theatre 3 at Living Room Theatres in Indianapolis.
An ophthalmologist, Abrams performed the surgery on Seals.
“The greatest save I’ve ever had on a surgery is Sugar Ray Seals, hands down,” Abrams said in the film. “It was a very com-
plex surgery. He was basically legally blind.”
Husain said Seals coached Golden Gloves teams in Indianapolis for several years.
“He was a pretty respected coach, but he was losing the ability to do that as well,” Husain said. “He had eight failed surgeries to get the eyesight back.”
Husain said Seales had developed a massive cataract.
“Abrams said a normal cataract surgery is seven to eight minutes and Sugar Ray, to get his cataract off, took 3 1/2 hours,” Husain said.
Husain learned about it when talking with Abrams.
For more, visit indyshorts.org.
Sugar Ray Seales with his gold medal in “The Sugarman.” (Photo courtesy of Michael Husain)
CURRENT CRAVINGS SAVOR
Savor, 211 W. Main St. in Carmel, features Mediterranean- and Italian-inspired fare prepared over a wood fire in an open kitchen. Menu items range from handmade pasta, fresh seafood and luscious desserts (Savor owner and chef Henri Najem tried nearly 50 different combinations of ingredients to perfect the Gooey Butter Cake). Hours are 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Learn more and make a reservation at SavorCarmel.com.
MOST PHOTOGRAPHED:
22 OZ BONE-IN RIBEYE
MOST UNIQUE MENU ITEM: CIOPPINO
courtesy of Henri Najem)
MOST POPULAR MENU ITEM:
Romano Crusted Chicken CHEF’S FAVORITE DISH: Alaskan Halibut with Spinach Risotto
RECOMMENDED DRINK: Spa Day Cucumber Martini BEST WAY TO END THE MEAL: Gooey Butter Cake
What are your Current Cravings? Let us know. Email news@youarecurrent.com.
FREE EVENT CONCERTS AT THE CARMEL GAZEBO
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:
Concerts at the Carmel Gazebo at 1 Civic Square is a series to provide a venue for families to enjoy arts and culture in the community. Concerts are free and accessible to everyone. Stella Luna & the Satellites will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. July 24.
OTHER FREE AREA EVENTS
SUMMER CELEBRATION —
Options Westfield will host its fourth annual Summer Celebration 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 25 at 17721 Gunther Blvd. The Summer Celebration is open to the public and free of charge and will include a mechanical bull, inflatables, a video game trailer, corn hole and more.
Cioppino. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Time ripe for summer salads
Commentary by Mark LaFay
Summer in central Indiana is the perfect time to enjoy fresh local produce, and there’s no better way to do that than by whipping up some delicious summer salads.
FOOD
With July here, the farmers markets are bursting with seasonal produce waiting to land on your plate. Also here is the summer heat and humidity and if you don’t like sweating when you eat, lighter options should be on the menu.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 AT 5PM THE
First Merchants Bank Red Carpet Arrival and Cocktail Reception Elegant dinner in partnership with Aaron Wealth Advisors Show-stopping dessert sponsored by Payne & Mencias Group Live auction supporting arts programming for the community Celebrate, dance and revel at the Gala After-Parties
HEADLINE PERFORMANCE BY Grammy-winning master trumpeter and composer
Now, I will say, I’m usually not one to default to salad for dinner, but the time of year makes a compelling argument. Let’s get building!
Start with a base of crisp greens from the local farmers market. Look for tender lettuce, peppery arugula or a mix of hearty kale and spinach. These greens provide the perfect foundation for layering flavors and textures.
Nothing says Indiana summer like sweet corn, and My Dad’s Sweet Corn is as good as it gets. Grill it until slightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob to add a burst of sweetness and crunch to your salad.
CHRIS BOTTI
Tomatoes are at their peak right now and you’ll find a rainbow of heirloom varieties at the market. Slice them thick and juicy. They have a rich, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh greens. Add some crisp cucumbers for a refreshing bite.
For a touch of creaminess, crumble in feta cheese from Sirocco Ridge Creamery. Its feta is tangy and rich, adding a delightful contrast to the sweet and savory elements of your salad.
Find more information and our table reservation guide at
No salad is complete without a bit of protein and bacon from Old Major is a game-changer. Cook it until crispy, then crumble it over your salad for a smoky, savory kick that ties everything together. For the dressing, keep it simple. Consider using some local ingredients like Artisano’s Oils and Spices for balsamic and olive oil, and Eagle Creek Apiary for honey.
Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old
BUSINESS LOCAL
DISPATCHES
Fishers business owner in Who’s Who — Fishers resident Jeff Dossett has been included in Marquis Who’s Who, which selects individuals to feature based on position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field. Dossett is the owner and founder of Fishers-based Dossett Consulting LLC, a firm he established in 2010. He serves as a financial services consultant for county governments on budgeting and revenue enhancements. He also prepares Title IV-D child support reimbursement claims for county clerks, courts and prosecutors and is involved in preparing county cost allocation plans to assist with government reimbursement for administering grants. Dossett has been in the financial industry since 1990.
Summit to recognize DEI efforts — Companies prioritizing DEI in their mission and values can apply for the 2024 Jackson Lewis Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion Award. This honor showcases best practices that positively affect the workforce and expand opportunities in the state. The recognition is part of the
Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit Oct. 8 at Ritz-Charles in Carmel. Companies can apply through Aug. 29 at indianachamber.com/deiaward.
McCordsville company opens new facility in Florida — McCordsville-based electro-pneumatic pressure regulator and flow-control manufacturer Proportion-Air recently celebrated its new facility in Gulf Breeze, Fla., with a grand-opening event showcasing the new 12,000-square-foot building, which houses research and development, marketing and sales and administration functions. For more, visit proportionair.com.
State chamber studies workforce mental health — Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation has awarded a grant to the Wellness Council of Indiana, a subsidiary of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, for research to support WCI’s Hoosier Well-Being Data Project. The grant will provide $360,000 over a two-year period. For more, visit wellnessindiana.org.
Blueprint for Improvement: Sleek and stylish Indianapolis kitchen
Commentary by Larry Greene
Built in 1977, this Mystic Bay condo was prime for a modern upgrade, starting with the kitchen. Our team transformed the space into a sleek, contemporary haven that radiates a fresh vibe and perfectly reflects the homeowner’s style.
THE BLUEPRINT
• New flat-panel cabinets, gleaming chrome hardware and a tonal palette establish a modern and sophisticated aesthetic.
• Removing the bulkhead allowed us to extend the cabinetry to the ceiling, creating a bold, streamlined look with enhanced functionality and storage.
• Reworking the layout enhanced the flow between the kitchen and dining room, allowing for the addition of a larger island and wine fridge.
• Double doors leading to the new deck flood the space with natural light and showcase stunning lake views.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
LIFESTYLE
38. Weak-willed
41. Web service provider with an exclamation point
42. Protest sign word
45. Sacred
48. Burden
50. 6/6/44
51. Zodiac sign
53. “___, Brute?”
55. College, Keystone or Broad Ripple, briefly
56. Landlord
58. Braying beast
60. Ignited
61. Stick-in-the-mud
67. “___ to Joy”
68. Appliance brand
69. Expenditure
70. Pallid
71. Water balloon sound
72. Grasped Down
1. Level the playing field?
2. Peyton’s bro
3. “___ the season...” 4. Santa’s laugh 5. Lecherously
6. Letters on a toothpaste tube
7. Prefix for -giving or -taking
8. Muscle soreness
9. Ocular irritations
10. Hoglike critters
11. Clown props
12. Nairobi native
17. Jr. or Sr. at NHS
21. US-31 foundation
22. Geist Reservoir barrier
23. Indy Fuel playing surface
24. I-465 Exit 7 name
26. “Piece of cake!”
27. GED candidate
30. Words after a rhetorical “Is this a good idea?”
32. Pacers org.
35. Doc bloc
37. Duke Energy unit
39. GWB successor
40. When tripled, “et cetera”
43. Pacer foe in Cleveland, briefly
44. Hurricane center
45. Honor as sacred
46. Tater Tots maker
47. Hear
49. Visit on vacation
52. Couches
54. $, initially
57. Joe’s Butcher Shop cut
59. “___ is life!”
62. Cowboys, on a Colts scoreboard
63. Genetic letters
Bambi’s mom
ISP option
4A STATE CHAMPIONS
Lawrence Central Girls Basketball
MARION COUNTY 4A CHAMPIONS
Lawrence North Baseball
MARION COUNTY ATHLETE of the YEAR
Bryson Luter
Lawrence Central
4A REGIONALS CHAMPIONS
Semi-State Runner Up
Lawrence North Boys Basketball
A Winning Tradition.
STRONG SCHOOLS. STRONG COMMUNITY. STRONG STAFF. Now Hiring All Positions.
With over 16,000 students and 2,300 employees, the MSD of Lawrence Township offers a wide range of opportunities Pre-K through Grade 12. We are currently seeking high quality candidates for all positions.
The MSD of Lawrence Township provides competitive compensation, opportunity for professional growth, continuing education hours, and a comprehensive benefits package.
View current openings at LTschools.org and apply today.
