A few weeks ago, I had the honor of being the Grand Marshall of our city’s 4th Fest parade, and I was so excited that I invited family members from several states away to join in the fun. I imagined all of us cheering under clear blue skies, sharing candy with happy parade-goers.
My vision for the day was almost accurate – except for the tiny detail of the weather! On July 4, 2024, it actually rained on our actual parade. And you know what? Our community showed up anyway.
All along the parade route, neighbors and families stood cheering despite the wet weather, smiling and wishing each other “Happy Fourth!” as if sunshine was pouring down on them instead of rain. I was never prouder to be part of the Lawrence community.
Celebrations like 4th Fest are more than just a good time. Strangers become neighbors and neighbors become friends, making our community safer. Community events encourage people to look out for one another and fosters a sense of belonging.
The City of Lawrence has some great community events coming up designed to boost public safety. National Night Out is Tuesday August 6th. LPD, LFD, and city officials will be visiting neighborhood crime watches across the city. Community Safety Day is August 24th at Fire Station 40. This is a great opportunity to meet your public safety officers, see live demonstrations by Lawrence Police and Fire Departments, and learn about services provided throughout the Lawrence community.
Together, we can make our community more fun and safe!
IN 2024 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Mayor Deb Whitfield
July 30, 2024
Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com
Former news anchor pens book on pain, healing
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Brooke Martin was a public figure in Indianapolis when she received devastating news from her physician.
FAITH
An Emmy Award-winning news anchor and reporter for WISH-TV for 15 years, Martin said journalism was her dream job.
In 2018, the Zionsville resident announced on-air that she was pregnant with her second child. When a persistent bout of bronchitis brought her to her doctor’s office for treatment, she was offered a chance to check the baby’s development. It was then that her doctor discovered the baby, a girl, had a condition called anencephaly — a rare fatal condition where the baby’s skull does not develop.
it was also the most hopeful thing we’ve even been through.”
Martin’s daughter, Emma Noelle, was born March 15, 2019. She lived for 21 minutes. Emma Noelle’s name comes from the name Emmanuel, a Hebrew name which means ‘God is with us.’
Navigating her way through heartbreak, grief and healing, Martin said the experience led to what she refers to as a ‘spiritual journey.’ She said while driving one day, she asked God to tell her what she should do next. In her mind’s eye, she saw a vision of a field undergoing a controlled burn.
Martin said that vision was an understanding of pain and how it grows: Pain is like fire — it can destroy everything in its path, but when controlled, it can create nutrient-rich soil.
agent who ultimately wanted to bring the story of a controlled burn as a metaphor for pain and healing to the public. The result is her new book, ‘Controlled Burn: Rising From the Ashes to Forge an Unshakeable Faith,’ published by Dexterity Books.
Martin said while the writing process was difficult, she felt called to bring some hard truths to light to help others.
“It’s truth as opposed to comfort, but truth can lead to comfort,” Martin said.
“It’s not a memoir. Primarily, it’s a guide to hope based in biblical truth.”
Martin chose to carry the pregnancy to term. She and her husband Cole shared their unborn daughter’s diagnosis with viewers.
“I was 100 percent authentic,” Martin said of making her news public. “I was so broken and vulnerable. It was the most heartbreaking and challenging thing, but
“I knew I wanted to offer a message of hope and this was the framework,” Martin said. “On a total leap of faith, I left news. I just wanted to get this into people’s hands.”
Martin said she didn’t set out to write a book about her experience, but through conversations with others about her journey, she was connected with a literary
DISPATCHES
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.
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 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 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.
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
The book is a combination of advice and spiritual insights to help anyone navigating through difficult trials in life. Martin said her message is not limited to child loss; the book aims to help all who suffer through hardships by inspiring those who wish to walk in faith with God to shift their perspectives and recognize ways to grow and heal.
‘Controlled Burn: Rising From the Ashes to Forge an Unshakeable Faith’ is available for preorder on Amazon and at local booksellers. The paperback edition will be released Aug. 20.
Learn more about Brooke Martin’s journey at morewithbrookemartin.com.
program throughout Indiana. For more, visit paceindy.org.
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.
3
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Founded Jan. 27, 2015, at Fishers, IN Vol. X, No. 25
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Martin
Lawrence neighborhood to get new stop signs
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
All-way stops will replace yield signs at the intersections of High View Court and Winding Creek Place, Pine Grove Court and Winding Creek Drive, and West Ridge Circle and Winding Creek Place in Lawrence following action July 17 by the Lawrence Common Council.
SAFETY
An ordinance establishing the new stop signs was approved unanimously after the council’s Code Committee forwarded a favorable recommendation.
During the committee meeting just prior to the regular council meeting, Councilor Kristie Krone (D-District 6), who sponsored the measure, said a concern was brought to her by a constituent who wanted the stop sign at his street’s intersection changed to a yield sign, to match the yields at other intersections in the Bradford Creek neighborhood.
Krone said she drove the neighborhood and talked with the Lawrence Police Department. She said LPD’s response was that it would be better from a safety standpoint
to change all the yield signs to stop signs.
“Stop signs would encourage drivers to come to a complete stop at all intersections and reduce the risk of accidents and im-
prove overall safety of the neighborhood,” she said. “So, with that knowledge, I went back to the constituent (and) told him the findings.”
Krone said the constituent wanted the city to move forward with stops at all the intersections.
LPD Capt. Tracey Cantrell told the committee that the main safety concern is for pedestrians. He said drivers tend to roll through yields more often than stop signs and are less likely to pay attention to who might be in a crosswalk.
During the public comment period at the end of the council meeting, Winding Creek Drive resident Ian Singleton said the new signs will mean three full stops in a 200yard stretch of roadway. He questioned why the matter was brought to the council and apologized for arriving late and missing the explanation.
Krone invited Singleton to talk more about the matter after the meeting.
The next Lawrence Common Council meeting is 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St. It will be livestreamed on the city’s Facebook page, facebook.com/cityoflawrencein.
A yield sign at Winding Creek Place and High View Court will become an all-way stop following a July 17 vote by the Lawrence Common Council. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
LAWRENCE AUGUST CALENDAR
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
During National Night Out on Aug. 6, officials from the City of Lawrence police and fire departments will visit neighborhoods throughout the city for the annual community-building campaign.
COMMUNITY SAFETY DAY
The City of Lawrence has scheduled its annual Community Safety Day for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 24 at Fire Station 40, 9530 E. 59th St. The free event includes booths, vendors and demonstrations.
FRIDAYS AT THE FORT
Arts for Lawrence presents a free outdoor concert featuring Mississippi Raglips & the Riverdogs from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8920 Otis Ave. CHAMBER
NETWORKING
The Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce hosts regular networking events for members each month. During August, the chamber’s regular Water Cooler Wednesdays starts at 7:45 a.m. Aug. 14 at Heartland Film, 8950 Otis Ave. Chew on This, a monthly lunch meeting, is set for 11:30 a.m. Aug. 20 at Fort Harrison Inn, 5830 N. Port Rd. Indiana Public Access Counselor Luke Britt will speak about what government information needs to be available to the public. To register for these events, visit greaterlawrencechamber.org.
AUGUST GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
The following Lawrence government meetings are scheduled during the month of August. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings take place at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.
• Lawrence Common Council — 6 p.m. Aug. 5 and 21
• Board of Public Works — 5 p.m. Aug. 8 and 22
• Police Merit Commission — 6 p.m. Aug. 12
• Utility Service Board — 5:30 p.m. Aug. 13 and 27
• Parks Board — 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14
• Board of Zoning Appeals — 6 p.m. Aug. 20
• Redevelopment Commission — 3:30 p.m. Aug. 22
• Stormwater Board — 5 p.m. July 29
• Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township — 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14, work session; and 7 p.m. Aug. 28, board meeting, both at Lawrence Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Rd.
Lawrence council OKs new events permitting rules
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Lawrence Common Council spent about an hour July 17 debating an ordinance creating a permitting process for special events within the City of Lawrence, ultimately approving it in a split 6-3 vote. Administrators said the new rules will help guard against “bad actors,” but some council members were concerned the language is too broad.
GOVERNMENT
city who do bad things,” he said. “But at the same time, praise and recognize organizations who do events and want to continue to grow and thrive here in the City of Lawrence.”
Councilmembers Tyrrell Giles (D-District 1), Rick Wells (D-District 2) and Lisa Chavis (D-at-large) voted against the ordinance after an attempt to postpone the measure failed. They said they wanted more time to consider it and for the council’s attorney to review the ordinance, which was amended slightly since it was introduced June 26. The ordinance establishes a framework for issuing special events permits, which will be required for most special events where more than 100 people are expected to attend.
The code includes a permit application fee of $150. Other fees are vendor fees, administrative fees for events that violate the code and fees for permits submitted less than 45 days before a planned event. City officials would be allowed to waive some fees, depending on the type of event and the organization applying for a permit.
Department of Public Works Director Chris Wilburn told the council that the primary purpose of establishing event permitting regulations is to provide “guardrails” if and when someone tries to have a large gathering that can lead to safety concerns.
“The whole purpose of this is to ensure that there’s public safety and that we hold individuals accountable who come to our
Wilburn cited examples of undesirable events — short-term rental homes used for large parties and social media groups that arrange spontaneous car meet-ups that can be loud and disruptive.
Councilor Wells said he believed the ordinance’s language was too vague and could apply to church gatherings or birthday parties in addition to the “bad actors” that it’s targeting. He asked whether it could be written in a more specific manner.
Wilburn said that kind of specificity could limit the city’s ability to respond to an evolving climate.
“The intentionality is not to be vague or having any ambiguity, but we don’t want to narrow the focus this particular ordinance, because we are thinking in the future,” he said. “What we want to do as a city and as a division — the DPW — is to ensure that we’re thinking of the future events that we may not consider now and we want to have language which encompasses that. The spirit of the ordinance is, I believe, to be flexible and nimble in the sense that it allows the administrator, meaning whoever the DPW director is at the time, to determine on a case-by-case basis — if there were concerns or questions — to then be able to address those concerns or questions without having the stringent, strict nature of a specific, particular ordinance.”
The next Lawrence Common Council meeting is 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St. It will be livestreamed on the city’s Facebook page, facebook.com/cityoflawrencein.
DISPATCHES
Geist Greenway trail opens — The Geist Greenway trail is open from 104th Street to Geist Park, 10979 Florida Rd., and from Geist Park to 126th 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.
Resurfacing planned in Lawrence — The City of Lawrence had secured $1 million in funding through the state Community Crossing Matching Grant Program to resurface roads in Geist Valley Estates, the Fairways East neighborhood and 52nd St in Winding Ridge. Work will begin in fall.
Wilburn
Acrylics artist featured at Harrison Center
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A Westfield-based painter is one of more than three dozen artists featured this summer at the Harrison Center in Indianapolis.
EXHIBIT
Kristin Whitney began painting in watercolors as a young girl. As a college student, she studied fine arts and graphic design, but painting was always her first love. In 2007, she became a missionary and graphic designer with Cru, an international nondenominational nonprofit organization. Although Whitney was able to combine her spirituality with her love of art, in 2012 she left missionary work to pursue art full time.
This summer, Whitney was selected as one of the Harrison Center’s featured artists.
“Every first Friday of the month, Indianapolis hosts a First Friday, where galleries downtown are open. It’s kind of like a gallery walk where you can go in and view all this art,” Whitney said. “The Harrison Center is really unique because it’s kind of like an artists’ hub.”
Whitney was invited to display her work in July and August. Her paintings are featured in the Underground Gallery, which takes up the entire basement of the space. Her collection, ‘Holy Spirit Flow,’ uses acrylics to convey how Whitney views the harmony of the Holy Spirit with human creativity.
The display has 21 pieces.
“All of my artwork is intuitive art, but the titles are based around Scripture or worship songs or what I’m feeling led to call it or to do,” Whitney said. “Nine of the pieces are about the fruits of the spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.”
Whitney said she worked hard to earn the recognition.
“I’ve been doing art since 2013. I have three little kids, so it’s busy all the time, so it’s just been a slow climb,” she said. “I’ve been slowly growing in the art scene here. I’ve been in the CCA Gallery on Main Street in Carmel. I’ve been there for about five years. I had to take some brief stints away when I had my children. I have a gallery space there. I have some artwork
artist Kristin Whitney is one of the featured artists at the Harrison Center in Indianapolis in July and August. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Whitney)
at High Frequency Arts in the Hub & Spoke Design Center in Fishers. I teach a class online. I have some pieces in some medical offices. But really, the Harrison Center is an awesome thing.”
Whitney also participates in the Penrod Arts Fair in Indianapolis each year. Besides her gallery work, her artwork was also selected as featured wallpaper on the proposed Tempo by Hilton hotel in Clay Terrace.
Whitney said working as an artist
means not being afraid of vulnerability.
“It’s always a little scary, but I think the reward is not when somebody buys your art. The reward is whether I like what I am putting out and I know it’s good,” she said. “I know it could bless somebody else. So, my artwork, I’ve been able to have amazing conversations, I’ve cried with people and we’ve prayed together from them seeing something that moves them. That’s really what abstract art is all about; when you see the composition and the colors it moves you on a spiritual level. It speaks to your soul.”
Whitney said that although her artwork is influenced by Scripture, one doesn’t have to be religious to appreciate it.
“To me it’s spiritual, but I think it can mean so many different things to everybody else,” she said.
Whitney’s paintings will be on display at The Harrison Center through Aug. 30, and works are available for purchase.
‘Holy Spirit Flow’ can be viewed during gallery hours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St. in Indianapolis.
Learn more at kristinwhitney.com
Acrylics
Swanky fundraiser benefits
By Jennifer A. Haire news@youarecurrent.com
The second Wine, Women and Shoes event benefiting Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 16 at Lucas Estate in Carmel.
NONPROFIT
MAW Director of Donor Advising Leslie Scott said the event “brings together up to 500 of central Indiana’s women of influence (to fulfill their) promise to grant wishes for local critically ill children who are already waiting for their wish to be granted.”
Guests can enjoy samplings from local restaurants and visit wine stations throughout the property. VIP ticket holders also will have access to a private bar and reserved lounge seating. The event includes a runway fashion show.
“The fashion show this year is hosted by Macy’s and they’re showcasing their highend brands,” Scott said.
Longtime wish granter and friend to Make-A-Wish Nicole Pence Becker, owner and operator of Pence Media Group, will serve as emcee.
Local high-fashion clothing retailers will be on-site with their latest items available for sale.
“Twenty percent of the proceeds that they raise, they donate back to Make-AWish. So, ladies are shopping with a purpose,” Scott said.
Additional activities include a live auction, 100-bottle “wine wall” raffle, and a Key to the Closet raffle where one winner will go home with up to $20,000 in prizes. Each raffle entry receives a Moyer Fine Jewelers $100 store credit.
Guests are encouraged to dress in their best fashion-forward attire to be eligible to win prizes for “Best Dressed” and “Best Shoes.”
There are currently 224 promised wishes for central Indiana children.
“They are counting on us,” Scott said. “We look to our guests in attendance to help us try to grant as many as 40 with the event.”
To purchase tickets, donate or become a sponsor, visit one.bidpal.net/wws24/ welcome.
Installation
Seniors learn about elder fraud
By Conrad Otto conrad@youarecurrent.com
Allisonville Meadows Assisted Living recently hosted a seminar presented by the Indiana Attorney General’s office to teach seniors about fraud, identity theft and scams.
OUTREACH
Outreach representative Janice McHenry of the attorney general’s office said older people are most often the demographic targeted by scammers.
“Many times, persons over the age of 60 are victims of fraud,” McHenry said. “Someone may (obtain) control of that senior’s financial assets through deception and intimidation.”
McHenry spoke about different types of fraud, such as high-tech theft — often scams involving data breaches that can be used to trick someone into sharing personal information.
“If it looks like something that came from your bank or something you ordered, call the bank and say, ‘Hey, are you contacting me?’” she said. “Chances are, they didn’t.”
Another fraud that commonly targets the
elderly is the grandparent scam. McHenry said that with that type of scam, a fraud caller poses as a grandchild who has been in an accident and asks for money.
McHenry said the attorney general’s office can receive consumer complaints through its website, in.gov/attorneygeneral, or in person at Government Center South, 302 W. Washington St., 5th Floor.
American Senior Communities Director of Public Relations Stacey Cain said seminars for older Hoosiers are crucial for spreading information about elder fraud.
For more information, visit asccare.com/ ElderFraud.
Outreach Representative Janice McHenry, left, representing the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, speaks to residents at Allisonville Meadows Assisted Living. (Photo by Conrad Otto)
Herbicide use at Lawrence dog park under review
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The City of Lawrence Parks Board heard concerns during its July meeting about herbicide spraying to control weeds at the Waggin’ Tails Bark Park at Louis J. Jenn Memorial Park, 10450 E. 63rd St.
ENVIRONMENT
Liz Masur, a dog owner who lives in a neighborhood close to the dog park, said the chemicals used by the Parks Department along the fence at the park can be dangerous. She cited an article that listed health risks to people as well as other mammals, including dogs who might eat grass that’s been treated with the chemical.
“There’s another article — The Atlantic magazine, titled ‘Agent Orange In Your Backyard: The Harmful Pesticide, 2-4-D,’” she said. “It states that one of the two active ingredients in Agent Orange is used in this herbicide. And newer science shows that it’s not just a cancer problem, but that this pesticide interferes with several essential hormones, thereby increasing the risks of birth defects and neurologic damage in children.”
Masur, who is an elected member of the Lawrence Common Council, suggested that the Parks Board consider weed whacking to control unwanted growth along the dog park’s fence line, combined with planting pollinator-friendly plants.
Parks Board Chairman Jeff Vest suggested that he, Masur and Parks Director Eric Martin sit down and talk about options to spraying at the dog park.
On a sunny morning at the park, Mike McIntosh, a Vietnam veteran who has some mobility limitations, said it’s a great place for his dog to burn off energy playing
with other friendly neighborhood dogs. He brings Rocky — who was adopted from a shelter — to the dog park almost every day.
McIntosh said that because of his experience in Vietnam, he has some perspective about chemical spraying.
“I’ve heard of, you know, Agent Orange and been exposed to Agent Orange,” he said. “I don’t know what they put on it to kill the weeds in the fence. I just feel that there’s a nonpolluting type of spray they could have put on.”
The issue will come back to the Parks Board at its next meeting, set for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14 at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.
For more about the dog park, visit cityoflawrence.org/waggin-tails-bark-park.
DISPATCH
‘Good Night Forest’ exhibit – The Indiana State Museum’s newest exhibit, “Good Night Forest” is open through Oct. 31. The playful experience was created especially for little ones, with beautiful artwork and engaging activities designed to help children build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity as they discover nature and learn about animals that emerge after dark. According to the museum, “Good Night Forest” will help children build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity as they discover nature and learn about the animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down. “Good Night Forest” is free for members and included with museum admission, which is $20 for adults, $14 for youth ages 3-17 and $18 for seniors. The museum is located at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. Learn more at IndianaMuseum.org.
Rocky, a small mixed breed, comes to the Lawrence Waggin’ Tails Bark Park with his owner, Mike McIntosh, most days to play with other dogs. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)
Sammy the schnauzer waits for his owner to throw tennis balls at the Lawrence Waggin’ Tails Bark Park.
I S C O V E R Y O U R
DREAM HOME
MSDLT appoints new Forest Glen principal
EDUCATION news@geistcurrent.com
The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board of Education voted July 22 to appoint Kelli Lovingfoss as the new principal of Forest Glen Elementary School of Spanish Immersion. According to a news release from the district, Lovingfoss brings 16 years of educational experience as a bilingual teacher and administrator to her new role. She most recently served as principal of the Newcomer Program in Indianapolis Public Schools.
“As a scholar of language acquisition, I find the immersion model fascinating and as a K-12 educator and former Spanish teacher. I love being a part of igniting a passion for foreign language in others and have watched the success of Forest Glen over the years with great admiration and respect,” Lovingfoss stated. “I am a servant leader and, while student welfare will always be the top priority, the well-being of these exceptional teachers cannot be overlooked; the retention and cultivation of high-quality teachers is imperative to a successful school like Forest Glen and I seek to keep this sentiment in mind at all times.”
MSDLT Superintendent Shawn Smith stated that Forest Glen is recognized throughout Indiana for its bilingual education program.
“I am confident that the Forest Glen community will be impressed with the experience and personal skills (Lovingfoss) will bring to this role,” he stated. “She has extensive knowledge and studies in Spanish and her long service in Indianap-
olis Public Schools is an indication of her commitment to public education. I am confident that we have selected the best person to continue leading the school on the path of successful teaching and learning.”
Lovingfoss began her career in IPS as a Spanish and English language arts teacher in 2008, according to the news release. She transitioned to administration in 2019 and has experience as an assistant principal and principal. Lovingfoss earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Indiana University, with one year at Universidad Complutense in Madrid. She earned a master’s degree from Marion University, an MBA from the IU Kelley School of Business and is a doctoral student in education at Vanderbilt University.
Chief of Human Resources Carla Johnson introduces Ms. Kelli Lovingfoss to the MSDLT Board of Education. (Photo courtesy of MSDLT)
COVER STORY
POLLINATOR ART
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Coneflowers and milkweed are in bloom at Lawrence’s Lee Road Park and even after summer is over, a large, colorful mural near the park’s wildflower meadow will allow visitors to enjoy flowering native plants year-round.
Students from the National Art Honor Society at Lawrence North High School have spent some of their summer days designing and painting a new mural on the side of a building at Lee Road Park, 6200 Lee Rd., at the south side of the parking lot.
Incoming junior Teagan Hatley said the group was asked near the end of last school year to help with the mural.
“We were trying to get a lot of natural pollinator plants in here and we wanted to have a monarch butterfly as well,” she said. “And kind of like a pop-artish style.”
Kylie Atkinson, also an incoming junior, said the mural celebrates native plants in a colorful way.
“We’ve been learning about the names — some of them are pretty hard to pronounce” Atkinson said. “We’ve been learning about that from (Liz Masur) and we always go over to the field to find a reference, or try to color match, or those kinds of things. So, yeah, we learned a lot.”
Lillian McClintock, who will be a senior this year, described the flowers represented in the mural. She pointed out two types of coneflowers, purple and yellow.
“These are the hoary vervain — this is the one we don’t know how to pronounce,” she said, laughing as she hesitated over the name. “(And) this is a milkweed … butterfly milkweed.”
The mural also will depict a large monarch butterfly.
McClintock said she’s been drawn to art since she was very young and cultivated that interest through her school art classes. Atkinson said she was homeschooled before starting at Lawrence North and she’s been taking “a ton” of art classes since.
“It’s just been a way of me, like, exploring my passion,” she said. “Then coming to National Art Honor Society has been even a
more in-depth way of just exploring art.”
Hatley said she wasn’t that interested in art until the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Because we were stuck inside, so I found something to do and I really liked it,” she said. “I kept going with it. It’s just really relaxing and it’s a good way to express myself.”
Masur, an elected member of the Lawrence Common Council and a recently certified master naturalist, has been mon-
itoring the students’ progress and helping them with any questions about native plants.
“When they were mapping out what they were doing, we … came over here and looked at the different plants,” she said, pointing out the wildflower meadow. “They know milkweed is the only plant that the monarch butterfly caterpillars can eat and how populations have plummeted.”
Masur said the butterfly meadow is one
of four in Lawrence public parks. The other three are at Jenn Park, 10450 E. 63rd. St., Veteran’s Memorial Park, 12150 E. 62nd St.; and Richardt Park, 4510 N Richardt Ave.
“The City of Lawrence Common Council, back in 2021, gave $15,000 that was used to plant this and to draw the signage for different parks,” Masur said. “There were about 25 different types of native (flowers) planted and five or six grasses. And the whole idea is that there’s something blooming from May through October.”
And after October, the new mural will help remind park visitors of what will be blooming again in spring.
The National Art Honor Society was established in 1978 by the National Art Education Association, according to the NAEA website.
To qualify, high school students must have earned an A in art classes, have two teacher recommendations, maintain a B average in other subject areas and perform at least eight hours of arts-re-
lated community service.
The organization also offers a National Junior Art Honor Society for middle-school grades.
Members of the National Art Honor Society are eligible for special programs, exhibits and scholarships.
For more, visit arteducators.org/ national-art-honor-societies.
Students will continue working on the mural into the 2024-25 school year, Hatley said, but they expect it will be done by the end of this calendar year.
NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY
Lawrence North National Art Honor Society mural celebrates native plants
ON THE COVER: From left, Lawrence North National Art Honor Society members Kylie Atkinson, Teagan Hatley and Lillian McClintock take a break from painting a mural at Lee Road Park. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
(Above) Members of the Lawrence North National Art Honor Society have been painting a mural this summer at Lee Road Park celebrating native wildflowers. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)
(Below) A wildflower meadow at Lee Road Park was planted in 2021 to help sustain pollinators.
Antonia Bennett eager for jazzy Carmel Symphony Orchestra performance
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Antonia Bennett had the benefit of learning from the best.
Not only did the jazz vocalist perform with her legendary father, the late Tony Bennett, since she was young, but she also was exposed to many of his famous friends.
“Especially in Beverly Hills at that time, there were a lot of talented people that lived (nearby), like Ella Fitzgerald and Rosemary Clooney,” she said. “Our neighbor was songwriter Sammy Cahn, who lived right across the street. Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire were within walking distance. When my parents would have parties, they would all be there and get us to sing around the piano. There was a lot of exposure to people who were at the top of their craft who loved what they did and got to do it. It just became a possibility for me.”
Bennett will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 9 with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. She is the opening-night headliner for the Carmel Jazz Festival, set for Aug. 9-10. She will sing songs by George Gershwin and Duke Ellington. Saxophonist Bryan Thompson, who performs as B. Thompson, will have a one-hour set at 6:30 p.m.
The 50-year-old Bennett said she is excited to work with Carmel Symphony and Joel Smirnoff. Bennett said her relationship with Smirnoff goes back several years because he was good friends with her father.
“It’s nice to do something together,” she said. “To celebrate Ellington and Gershwin is very meaningful.”
Bennett said some of the arrangements are Smirnoff’s and some are her own. Smirnoff is working on an arrangement of Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing.”
In addition to performances, Bennett has plans to release a holiday album.
“We’re just finished that and are in the process of mixing it now,” she said.
A single will likely be released from it this fall, followed by a full release near the holidays.
“I’m excited about that because the holidays were always such a big deal in my family,” Bennett said. “I got to record a lot of the songs that I grew up singing. In a way, it’s a tribute to my father. He loved holidays so much and I think he made two or three holiday records over his career span.”
Bennett said she and her dad sang a duet on “I’ve Got My Love to Keep me Warm” on one of his holiday albums.
“Just to be able to redo some of those classic holiday songs helped me to honor him,” she said. “This is a way to keep him close to my heart.”
Tony Bennett died July 21, 2023, at age 96.
She has another album called “Expressions,” which she plans to release after the holiday album. One of her original songs, “Right On Time,” has already been released as a single. She said likely one more single will be released this year
“We’re going to maybe release one
more single this year and then at the beginning of the year, drop another single,” she said. “Then sometime in that year, we’ll release the rest of the record. That album is a really good reflection today of who I am as an artist because it’s half standards and half original songs. It’s a nice compilation and a very strong record of things that I love.”
Besides Gershwin and Ellington, Cole Porter is another of her favorites.
“I grew up with all those songs and watched a lot of musical theater and plays growing up,” she said. “My parents did a great job of exposing me to all the arts. I used to watch shows like ‘Oklahoma!’ and I would memorize all the songs in one weekend. I was doing that constantly because there are so many great musicals and songs. When you have such a rich library to pull from, there is always something new to do. You can do the same song over and over and it never gets old because the lyrics are so rich and meaningful, and the harmonies are so beautiful that you can tell the story slightly differently each time you do it.”
For more, visit carmelsymphony.org and carmeljazzfest.com.
‘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.
SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE
Evil Woman: The American ELO will perform Aug. 2, and A1A: The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show will perform Aug. 3 at Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Both performances start at 8 p.m. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.
PHISH
Phish will perform at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2-4 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
LIVE AT THE CENTER
The Live at the Center series will feature the Brandon Meeks Quintet at 7:30 p.m. July 30 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $10 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCHES
Home Free set for holiday concert — All-vocal country group Home Free will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts this holiday season on its “Any Kind of Christmas” tour. The a cappella quintet has amassed 750 million views and 1.7 million subscribers on YouTube. Tickets are on sale at thecenterpresents.org.
Broadway star to lead master classes — Best known for originating roles in “SIX” and “The Great Gatsby” on Broadway, Samantha Pauly will lead two in-person choreography master classes Aug 22 at Grace Church in Noblesville. Classes are recommended for ages 12 and up. Pauly will teach choreography from “SIX” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and from “The Great Gatsby from. 7:30 to 9 p.m. For more, visit discoveringbroadway.org.
Antonia Bennett will perform Aug. 9 with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Antonia Bennett)
Clarinetist returns to Jazz Fest
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Dave Bennett started playing the clarinet at age 10.
CONCERT
“This is the honest-togod truth, when I started playing, I knew this is what I was meant to do in life,” he said. “I didn’t know beyond that, but something clicked perfectly. I started playing professionally when I was 13 and started touring when I was 14. It’s been an amazing life. Thus far, all my dreams have come true.”
The Dave Bennett Quartet will perform at 9 p.m. Aug. 9 at Carter Green stage on the Center for the Performing Arts grounds in Carmel. The free concert is part of the Aug. 9-10 Carmel Jazz Festival.
Bennett, 40, performed at the inaugural Carmel Jazz Fest last year.
“We had a wonderful time and the ovation was fantastic,” said Bennett, who is from Waterford, Mich. “They treated us really well. It’s a great honor to be coming back. We perform in Indiana quite a bit, so it’s like coming home. (Carmel is) a beautiful town.”
Dave Bennett will play at Carter Green at 9 p.m. Aug. 9 as part of the Carmel Jazz Festival.
(Photo courtesy of Dave Bennett)
Most of Bennett’s songs are instrumental, but he said a few have vocals.
“We have a couple originals of ours that have gained popularity now,” Bennett said.
“As far as classic things, we have some (pieces) by Benny Goodman we’ve throw in. A lot of times we’ll close with a Jerry Lee Lewis song because it really brings the house down and it’s a lot of fun to do that.”
Bennett said it’s been one of his busiest years. He usually performs three or four times a week. He has performed at the Elkhart Jazz Festival for 22 years, which was held in June this year.
For more, visit davebennett.com and carmeljazzfest.com.
Saturday, August 10, 2024 | Four Day Ray, Fishers Register at WoofstockRocks.com or scan below!
Race in-person or virtually
Fundraise for PAWsome prizes
Leashed & in-stroller dogs welcome
Shirt, medal and swag for all participants
Proceeds benefit HSHC's Survivor Program and hundreds of animals in need
CLASSES FOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 8TH GRADE
ACTING MUSICAL THEATRE
Saxophonist excels on TV show
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Bryan Thompson received some rave reviews for his national TV debut.
The saxophonist, who performs as B. Thompson, made it to the next round of “America’s Got Talent” as all four judges gave approval in an episode that aired in early July.
MUSIC
eventually became the last one to give his approval.
Thompson, an Indianapolis native who now lives in Los An geles, will perform a one-hour set before Antonia Bennett’s show with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Bennett is the opening-night headliner at the Aug. 9-10 Carmel Jazz Festival.
For his “America’s Got Talent” audition, Thompson played a sax solo of “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” on the episode that aired July 9. Judge Sofia Vergara called his performance “sexy.” Vergara and judge Howie Mandel were the most enthusiastic about his audition. Simon Cowell
“He’s a tough cookie,’ Thompson said. “It’s hard persuading people the world deserves to see you in a few minutes. I’m grateful for the chance to do more. To give a captivating performance without giving your all is difficult to achieve. You want to have more for future rounds.”
Thompson has been performing as part of Babyface’s band. Kenneth Brian Edmonds, who goes by Babyface, also is an Indianapolis native.
Thompson has performed at the Palladium but has never played his own show with his own band.
“This will be the first time I can create something to entertain at the Palladium,” Thompson said. “It’s sort of my favorite venue in the Indianapolis area. I’ve seen a lot of favorite artists there (such as) Brian Culbertson, Kenny G, Boney James and Dave Koz.”
For more, visit bthompsononline.com and carmelsymphony.org.
‘Golden Girls’ parody set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
It’s easy for Robert Jones to pinpoint the best part of being in the cast of “The Indy Golden Girls.”
COMEDY
“My favorite part is just like the four women in ‘The Golden Girls,’ the four of us have built a very beautiful friendship and really enjoy doing this together,” Jones said. “‘The Golden Girls’ has a big following of people, obviously, (who) watch the reruns on Hulu and stuff like that. It’s really cool for them to see our interpretation of these four iconic women.”
“The Indy Golden Girls: A Drag Parody” will perform two original episodes Aug. 8-10 at Basile Westfield Playhouse.
“All of the episodes have been inspired by a real episode from ’The Golden Girls,’” Jones said.
Jones is the youngest of the four actors at age 35. He plays the part of Blanche. The other cast members are Jim LaMonte as Sophia, Thom Turner as Rose and Jeremy Tuterow as Dorothy.
The roles were played by the late ac-
tresses Betty White, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty.
Jones said he and his castmates started performing as the “The Indy Golden Girls” about three years ago.
The Aug. 8-9 performances begin at 7:30 p.m. There will be two shows Aug. 10 at 6 and 9 p.m. Tickets are $20, and $35 tickets include VIP seating and a meet-andgreet with photo.
For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org/ special-events.
From left, James LaMonte, Robert Jones, Thom Turner and Jeremy Tuterow appear as “The Indy Golden Girls.” (Photo courtesy of James LaMonte)
OneZone announces August speakers
news@currentinfishers.com
OneZone Chamber of Commerce will host Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg for its Aug. 9 “Eggs & Issues” morning program; Andy Mork of Mork Productions for the Aug. 13 “Caffeinated Conversations”; and Realtor Crystal White for the OWN Tactical Workshop conversation Aug. 28.
NETWORKING
According to a chamber announcement, Rosenberg has served as Secretary of Commerce for Gov. Eric Holcomb’s cabinet since his appointment in August 2023.
“In his role, Rosenberg leads the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, guiding the strategy and growth of the state’s economy and its related economic development efforts,” the announcement stated. “Rosenberg joined the IEDC in August 2021. Prior to becoming secretary of commerce, he served as the IEDC’s chief operating officer and chief of staff.”
he will share the effectiveness of video for a company’s marketing efforts.
“We are excited to welcome Andy to our August Caffeinated Conversation,” OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell stated. “Andy brings insight and knowledge to not only video content but also how to communicate effectively. This will be a must-attend if you are looking to enhance your video and communication content.”
“Eggs & Issues” starts at 8 a.m. Aug. 9 at the Bridgewater Club, 3535 East 161st St., Carmel. The price is $30 for members and $40 for nonmembers.
Mork is the founder of Mork Productions, an Indianapolis-based video production and editing company specializing in short-form video content. According to OneZone,
The event is free for members and starts at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 13 at Pinheads, 13825 Britton Park Rd., Fishers.
White will discuss “Networking Best Practices for Women” during the OWN Tactical Workshop, set for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 28 at The Balmoral House, 10101 Hamilton Hills Lane, Unit 100, Fishers.
White is a licensed Realtor and broker with more than 20 years of experience in real estate and sales, according to OneZone.
“We know that networking plays a key role in growing your business,” Russell stated.
“That is why we are excited to welcome Crystal to our August OWN Tactical Workshop. Those in attendance will learn tips and tricks on how to improve their networking skills.”
Reservations for all OneZone events can be made at onezonechamber.com or by calling 317-436-4653.
DISPATCHES
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 the Ritz-Charles in Carmel. Companies can apply through Aug. 29 at indianachamber.com/deiaward.
Invest Hamilton County launches InvestAbility — Invest Hamilton County has launched an initiative in Hamilton County called InvestAbility, which is aimed at delivering career exploration services to students and adults who have disabilities. Through inter-governmental coordination between Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services and Hamilton County, and through public-private partnerships with OneZone, Noblesville and Westfield chambers of commerce and Hamilton County Leadership Academy, the program encompasses five community-based, paid trainings in 2024. Locations include three hotels, a senior living facility and a fifth site yet to be determined. The program’s goal is to ramp up to training more than 130 participants per year. For more about InvestAbility, visit investhamiltoncounty.com/initiatives/investability.
Rosenberg
White Mork
Rail Trail celebrates history
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Deeply rooted by its connections to the past, the Big-4 Rail Trail provides nearly 9 miles of a flat, paved 12-foot-wide trail winding through Zionsville and Whitestown that is perfect for walking, running and cycling.
A connecting section between Whitestown and Zionsville was completed in 2023, providing continuous access between 500 E. in Whitestown and the Zionsville Road trailhead in Zionsville.
The Big-4 was previously home to railroad tracks operated by the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway from 1852 to 1962. On May 1, 1865, the body of Abraham Lincoln traveled through Zionsville and Whitestown as the assassinated president returned to Illinois for burial.
Historic references can be found throughout the stretch between Zionsville and Whitestown, including a marker where the depot once stood in Zionsville and a plaque honoring Lincoln and Whitestown namesake U.S. Congressman Albert Smith White in Whitestown.
The trail provides connections to multiple
TAKE A HIKE!
neighborhoods and parks, including Starkey Park, Overley-Worman Park, Mulberry Fields and Heritage Trail and features two painted tunnels and benches.
Trailhead parking and amenities are available at Zionsville Road Trailhead, Nancy Burton Trailhead, Zionsville Town Hall, American Legion Trail Crossing, Carter Station, Heritage Trail Park and downtown Whitestown.
Learn more about the Big-4 Rail Trail at zionsville-in.gov/701/Big-4-Rail-Trail.
DISPATCHES
Senior care community recognized — Allisonville Meadows, 10410 Allisonville Rd. in Fishers, a member of American Senior Communities, was recently recognized by national senior industry knowledge leader, ElderCare Review. ElderCare Review chose ASC as its front cover and feature article in print for the July 2024 issue and showcased the provider throughout its online platform and other outlets. For more, visit eldercarereview.com/ magazine.
United Way announces medical debt relief program — A joint investment of over $1.7 million from United Neighborhood Centers of Indianapolis and United Way of Central Indiana will relieve more than $239.6 million in medical debt for more than 112,000 people across the region. The effort began after an anonymous donor gave $1.2 million to the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to abolish more than $169 million of debt for 74,013 people in Marion County. United Way of Central Indiana contributed an additional $500,000 to Undue Medical Debt to abolish more than $70.4 million of additional debt for
more than 38,000 people in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties. For more, visit unduemedicaldebt.org.
Program helps students with disabilities — Through Sept. 1, Hoosier parents of children with disabilities can apply for the Indiana Education Scholarship Account for the 2024-25 school year. More than 180,000 Hoosier students in Indiana live with disabilities and are potentially eligible for funding to help customize their education to meet their individual needs. INESA scholarship funding provides eligible students (K-12) access to the educational environment that best meets their learning needs, such as private education, at-home learning and other non-public educational settings that qualify. Parents can use INESA dollars for a variety of qualified expenses for educational support, such as tuition and fees, transportation costs, occupational therapy, tutoring, vocational and lifeskills courses, extra-curriculum programs and more. For more, visit in.gov/tos/ inesa/home.
The Big-4 Rail Trail provides a continuous paved trail between Whitestown and Zionsville. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Tips and assorted rising fees
Commentary by Terry Anker
Some of us check restaurant bills very closely, as if we are expecting to find some hidden plot against our wallets. Others simply toss a credit card into the folder without a glance at the total, assuming no nefarious intent on the part of servers. Most of us fall somewhere in between. We scan the bill expecting an approximate range but don’t review the culinary choices and associated expense of our guests. Easy when the receipt is only for a drink or two, it becomes predictably more difficult with multicourse meals for multiple diners. We average the sum divided by those gathered and, if close, offer payment.
ESSAY
Sticker shock is precipitated by our own advancing years. How can a cup of coffee be $6 when we remember a time when it was a buck? Or in the short term, we might recoil at the rapid increases delivered by inflation. That $6 hot beverage was $5 last week. Still, we keep up nominally with the general price of things. Even
so, there are new obstacles to confront. When it was once anticipated to provide 10 percent for expected service and more only for exemplary, it is now routine for the bidding to begin at 20 percent. Selfhelp kiosks nudge us to give, one can only assume, to the unseen folks in the back who are making the drink. Now, we include automatic “donations” to causes selected by them. We can opt-out but must demand to be and then wait until the check can be recreated, being wrongly shamed along the way. Hotels bundle “amenity fees” whether we benefit or not. Quietly added without notice or option, many restaurants in our nation’s capital are including an “administrative fee” of 5 percent to offset the cost of recent increases in wage costs.
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
Three remarkable people
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
Dr. Ruth Westheimer was a spunky 53-year-old who gave explicit sex advice to listeners of her radio show from her studio in New York City beginning in 1981. I was hosting a morning TV show, and while listening to her program on the way to work, I was so impressed with her candor that I encouraged my producer to book her as a guest.
HUMOR
When I interviewed Dr. Ruth, her first question to me was, “How is your sex life?” I kiddingly responded that it was not her business. We both laughed because the truth is, that’s exactly what her business was. Dr Ruth died recently at age 96. I first met Richard Simmons while hosting an evening talk show in Columbus, Ohio, in the late 1970s. My wife Mary Ellen was unsure about the exercise guru, questioning whether his public displays of compassion and empathy for those with weight problems were sincere. It seemed a bit showbizzy.
Mary Ellen came to the studio the night Richard was to appear. After the show, while searching for a restroom, she passed a dressing room where Richard sat with a young lady who was struggling with her weight. Richard was holding her hand, consoling her while she sobbed. That’s who Richard was.
Back in New York City the next year, I was on location preparing to tape a segment with Richard. A woman pulled up in her car and told Richard that her mom was a huge fan but was presently in the hospital. She requested an autograph to take to her. Richard jumped in the woman’s car and headed off to see the ailing mother. I was left there with my crew. That’s who Richard was.
A photographer saw Richard jogging with me in Central Park. The snapshot he took appeared on the front page of a well-
“When I interviewed Dr. Ruth, her first question to me was, “How is your sex life?” I kiddingly responded that it was not her business.”
– DICK WOLFSIE
known tabloid. View it on my Facebook page.
Years later, Richard came to Indy. He arrived in a limo at my home, where I was doing my WISH-TV segment live at 5:30 a.m. Visit this link mail.aol.com/d/ compose/1643587137 and view David Barras, the morning anchor, convulsing in laughter. Richard appears at the end of the edited clip.
Batting third for this column is the late Willie Mays, arguably the greatest baseball player of all time. His home in New Rochelle, N.Y., was only a couple of miles from my house. I never had the nerve to knock on the door for an autograph, even though I am sure he would have happily obliged. Willie had a touch of Yogi Berra in him. My favorite Willie quote went something like this: Never assume the other guy will never do something you would never do. That seems like too many negatives for one sentence.
But when I think about Ruth, Richard and Willie, I know they are three people I will never, never, never forget.
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Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
Tijuana region
15. Noah’s boat 16. Family members
17. Carbon (on the periodic table) + dog show participant = Warrick County town
19. Gold (on the periodic table) + scorch = DeKalb County city 20. Barracks boss
Gab
Deploys 24. Indy Zoo beast
Guitar forerunner
___ and flows 33. University of Illinois
42. Packed like sardines?
43. Geological time
44. Fiber-___ cable
46. Simon Property’s David Simon, briefly
47. Approximately
49. Sidekick
50. Scolding sound
51. Hall and Oates, e.g.
53. Dollar bills
54. Reject
55. Neither’s partner
57. Pacer foe
60. Depressed
62. Wipe clean
67. Holmium (on the periodic table) + former Indy mayor
Peterson = Lake County city
70. Tungsten (on the periodic table) + Victory Field area = Lake County town
72. Meeting plan
73. Wide shoe letters
74. Croaking critter
75. Strive to achieve
76. Summer hrs.
77. “Hamlet” soliloquy starter Down
1. Preschool lessons
2. “lol”
3. Slightly open
4. Blast sound
5. “2001” computer
6. US Supreme Court justice
7. Gumbo veggie
8. Nashville based awards org.
9. Texans, on a Colts
scoreboard
10. Permeate
11. Outback birds
12. Hoosier Cab charge
13. Indiana tax IDs
18. Narc’s org.
22. Barry Bagels choice
25. “Bad gardeners are rough around the hedges,” e.g.
27. Albuquerque college, initially
28. No-no
29. Royal decree
30. Afflictions
31. Boron (on the periodic table) + chess piece = Newton County town
32. Glide across Geist
34. Vampire’s craving
35. Actinium (on the periodic table) + 2,000 pounds = Marion County community
36. “Rocky” actress
37. Splinter groups
39. Marry hastily
43. Awards statuettes in Peyton Manning’s trophy case
45. Ramen Ray menu item
48. Indy City-County Councilor Gibson
49. Dove call
52. Boxers and briefs, briefly 54. Imbibed
56. Hinkle Fieldhouse whistle blower
57. The last Indiana native to win the Indy 500
58. ___ stick
59. Lyft rival
61. Spellbound
63. Schism
64. Aviation prefix
65. Messy person
66. Upper hand
68. Nutrition fig.
69. Body art, for short
71. Westfield HS volleyball court divider
Answers on Page 23
Looking for p/t front desk manager for health care office in Carmel Indiana. Must have strong people skills to work in pleasant, low stress clinic setting. Competitive wages and retirement funding. Please email or fax resume to Terri at: Indyspinect@gmail.com Fax 317-817-9903
