Calling all Realtors! Join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at each show home on the 2024 Centier Bank Home-A-Rama. Tickets will be discounted and limited to Realtors only.
Ticket Cost: $10
September 19th | 4pm-6pm
This is a fan-favorite event with a twist! Join us as we tour each of the five custom homes of this year’s HomeA-Rama, enjoy some wine and hors d’oeuvres and hear directly from the interior designers of each showcase home to learn about the latest trends, inspiration behind their show home, and more.
Ticket Cost: $55 (includes food and drink)
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
THREE WEEKENDS
THURSDAY - SUNDAY
SEPT. 12–15, SEPT. 19 – 22 & SEPT. 26 – 29
HOMETOWN HEROES
September 26th | All Day
Join us at this year’s Home-A-Rama for a special celebratory event honoring our hometown heroes. To show our appreciation, veterans, first responders, military personnel, healthcare workers, and teachers can enjoy 20% off the general admission ticket price. These unsung heroes are the heart of our community, and we thank you!
Ticket Cost: $20
Use code “Early Bird” to take advantage of early bird pricing to save $5 on your ticket through the start of the show!*
Early bird pricing ends 9/11 at 11:59 pm.
August 27, 2024
Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com
Puccini’s Pizza Pasta Puccini’s
Heartland gets lease break to pay for repairs
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Since it moved to Lawrence in February 2023, Heartland Film has been gradually renovating the interior of the Sterrett Center at 8950 Otis Ave. to suit its needs, but the nonprofit’s contractor has discovered some exterior issues on the City of Lawrence-owned building that need to be addressed.
GOVERNMENT
Heartland Film President Michael Ault asked the Lawrence Parks Board to forgive about $20,000 in lease payments so the nonprofit could pay for that exterior work. The board voted Aug. 14 in favor of that request.
Prior to the vote, Ault gave a presentation with the building contractor detailing what is needed.
“We have some external things that we’ve noticed after being in there a good year,” Ault said. “Last year, we did some work on the exterior windows and some of the woodwork — that’s all been secured.
What we’ve noticed now is there’s some woodwork around all of the windows that is just rotting.”
Rotten wood also was found on the building’s 24 exterior columns.
“If you just happen to kick one of those columns, you’re going to kick the base of it off of there. They’re that rotted,” Ault said. “That’s why we’re really looking at doing this. We’d like to get it done as soon as possible, just so we don’t have to go through another winter with this.”
The plan is to replace that wood with a
historically accurate fabrication made from a resin compound that is insect resistant and should last longer than wood.
Ault also noted that the building has a “bird problem” in porch rafters that so far has not been fixed, even after adding rows of bird spikes. They plan to install a beadboard ceiling to close off the rafters and hopefully solve the issue of bird poop at the building’s west patio and birds protecting their nests by swooping at people walking by.
Parks Director Eric Martin said the lease calls for a payment of $5,000 a month, but utilities are taken out of that payment. The city ends up collecting about $3,500 a month in rent from Heartland.
The Sterrett Center once served as the Fort Harrison Service Club and housed a combined military and recreational library. In 2019, the city invested $250,000 for improvements to the facility.
Ault said he hopes to have all the building’s renovations completed by Oct. 1.
For more about Heartland Film, visit heartlandfilm.org.
Lawrence skatepark painting day set
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Cleanup efforts at Lawrence skatepark inside Community Park at 5301 N. Franklin Rd. continue in anticipation of a Sept. 8 art installation.
RECREATION
Skateboarder Casper Jones has led the volunteer effort in cooperation with the City of Lawrence Parks Department. He told the Parks Board Aug. 14 that he and other volunteers have made some minor repairs in preparation for paint.
“We’ve already gathered all the artists together, put in the order for the rolled paint and then the order for the spray paint should be soon,” he said. “We were just getting together to plan a day to do the power washing on the flat. Then the
week prior to Sept. 8, we’ll be rolling the paint.”
The plan is to gather a group of wellknown graffiti artists from the Indianapolis area to paint the skatepark in hopes that it will deter offensive and poorly drawn graffiti. Jones said a layer of primer will be
painted for some of the areas artists will work on. Other areas will be power washed to remove the old drawings.
In other matters, Parks Board Chair Jeff Vest announced that the city will stop spraying herbicides at the Waggin’ Tails Bark Park following a conversation with people who were concerned about the effects of the chemicals on pets, people and the environment.
Parks Director Eric Martin said maintenance crews will instead do more weed-eating at the dog park, which is inside Louis J. Jenn Memorial Park, 10450 E. 63rd St. There might still be times when herbicides are needed, he said, but the city will put up signs to let people know.
The next Lawrence Parks Board meeting is 5:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.
3
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Founded Jan. 27, 2015, at Fishers, IN Vol. X, No. 29 Copyright 2023 Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved. 30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444 Delivery questions circulation@youarecurrent.com
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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.
Heartland Film moved to the Fort Ben campus in Lawrence in early 2023. (File photo)
Casper Jones, left, and Lawrence Parks Director Eric Martin inspect graffiti at the Lawrence Skatepark. Jones is cleaning the park up and new artwork will be painted Sept. 8. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of fun here in Lawrence. September is packed with opportunities to enjoy our city’s vibrant Fort Ben Cultural Campus.
Saturday, September 14, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. In partnership with Arts for Lawrence, the city will host this year’s 6th Annual BBQ & Blues on the Fort Ben Cultural Campus, meaning you won’t have to pay the Fort Harrison State Park entrance fee to get your BBQ on.
Recommended attire: stretchy pants! BBQ options will be delicious and plentiful, and you’re going to want to try them all. But it won’t just be people in tight pants singing the blues, as the event stage will feature lots of local blues talent. Wear a decent pair of sneakers and you can visit Fort Harrison State Park afterwards to hike off all that BBQ!
Saturday, September 21, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. – One week later, the Fort Ben Cultural Campus will host one of the largest and most popular Oktober Fests in central Indiana, when the City of Lawrence and Indiana On Tap present Lagers in Lawrence Oktoberfest. Tickets are available at lagersinlawrence.com. Attendees will be allowed pours of more than 100+ craft adult beverages, and those who want a bigger pour can bring a bigger beer stein!
Recommended attire: lederhosen, of course! Unless you’re a wiener dog, in which case you should wear your favorite hot dog costume and participate in the wiener dog races! Singing, dancing, feats of strength, and soft pretzels – Lagers in Lawrence has it all.
September 28, noon – 4 p.m. – Experience more cultural delights the following Saturday with Día Latino de Lawrence sponsored by the City of Lawrence and MSD of Lawrence Township at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus. This vibrant community event celebrates Latino culture through food, dance, and art, and features live performances, community vendors, and local organizations.
Recommended attire: clothes you can move in – at Día Latino de Lawrence, the rhythm is gonna get you!
In addition to these events, Fort Ben Farmer’s Market will continue at the Cultural Campus every Thursday from 4-7 p.m. through October 3rd.
Fun is Brewing this Fall at The Fort!
IN 2024 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Mayor Deborah Whitfield
Oktoberfest
Sewer line repair delayed
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A sewer line break from early July between CSX railroad and Pendleton Pike near Carroll Road has not yet been repaired because the contractor hired by the City of Lawrence must wait for CSX to schedule a time to access the site.
UTILITIES
Interim Utilities Superintendent Paul Wanner updated the Utility Service Board on the repair project during its Aug. 14 meeting, noting that city crews patched the break as soon as it was discovered and, so far, the patch is holding.
“There’s been issues with CSX being understaffed and being able to have somebody on site while that repair is being made,” Wanner said. “If they can find somebody for the weekend of (Aug. 24) that will volunteer to work that weekend, we could have somebody on-site on the 24th for the contractor to begin repairs. If not, they said the soonest they could schedule and be available was Sept. 19 and 20.”
Wanner said the city will continue to
A sewer line break on Pendleton Pike has had a temporary patch for more than a month as a contractor waits for CSX railroad to schedule a time to access the site. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
monitor the temporary patch and make sure it’s holding. He said several crew members are driving by the site daily.
In early July, the Utility Service Board approved an emergency expenditure of up to $125,000 for Culy Contracting to repair the sewer main, rather than wait for the usual contract-approval process. At the time, Wanner said the emergency motion was needed to proceed with repairs as soon as possible.
The board formally ratified a contract with Culy at the second meeting in July.
Lawrence, Heartland to screen free outdoor film
news@geistcurrent.com
The City of Lawrence and Lawrence-based Heartland Films have teamed up to present a free outdoor screening of the classic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
MOVIE
The movie starts at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8920 Otis Ave. Lawrence Director of Communications for City Events Jami Weirich told the city’s Parks Board Aug. 14 that the event will include food trucks and a popcorn vendor, “because you can’t have movies without popcorn.”
Parks Board Chair Jeff Vest noted that he and his wife saw “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” for their first date two decades ago.
An announcement on the city’s social media states that the Aug. 27 event is the start of a new Lawrence tradition.
“Gather your family and friends for a fun, relaxed night of cinema,” the announcement stated. “Don’t forget your sunscreen and bug spray to make the
evening perfect.”
Audience members can bring their own chairs and blankets to watch the movie.
The 1961 classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” stars Audrey Hepburn in the iconic role of Holly Golightly and was directed by Blake Edwards. It was adapted from a 1958 novella by Truman Capote.
The classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was released in October 1961. (Image courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
Bridge installation set
news@currentinfishers.com
The Bell Ford Bridge will move to its permanent home at Geist Park in Fishers Sept. 5 and 6, with a final completion date set for spring 2025.
RESTORATION
The historic covered bridge has been under construction this summer next to the Fishers AgriPark parking lot, less than a quarter mile from Geist Park. Contractors have been assembling the bridge from original restored wood beams and metal components.
When the bridge is moved to Geist Park, Florida Road will be closed from 113th Street to Martha Street. Local access to properties will be provided, according to a news release from Hamilton County.
The Bell Ford Bridge, built in 1869, is originally from Seymour in Jackson County. There, it allowed people to cross the White River for about 100 years until it was deemed unsafe. A windstorm destroyed half of the structure and the other half fell into the White River in 2006
Its pieces were retrieved from the river and stored until 2018, when Hamilton
County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt and Hamilton County Parks and Recreation collaborated with Jackson County Commissioners to acquire the bridge.
Six years later, it will be installed at Geist Park and used as a pedestrian walkway and bike path.
“Bringing the Bell Ford Bridge to Geist Park is a tremendous achievement made possible by the efforts of many partners,’ Hamilton County Parks Director Chris Stice said.
The project cost approximately $7.5 million, with nearly $3 million from federal funding.
Fishers swim club announces new coaches
news@currentinfishers.com
Southeastern Swim Club of Fishers has hired a new head coach who will join the organization in June 2025.
SWIMMING
Jeff Thompson previously coached the Terre Haute Torpedoes for 17 years and at the Germantown Academy in Pennsylvania for 10 years and had four athletes at the 2024 USA Olympic Swimming Trials.
retirement to serve as SSC’s interim head coach. Wolfred previously coached for the Lawrence Swim Team and Noblesville High School.
SSC also announced that Andy Pedersen will serve as interim executive director. Thompson plans to hire a new executive director after he starts work next year.
Dan Johnson will be the interim age group director and will continue his role as head coach of Southeastern Area Masters Swimming.
“His deep connection to Indiana, combined with his national-level coaching experience, makes him uniquely qualified to lead SSC into its next chapter,” an announcement stated. “We are confident that Jeff’s leadership will propel SSC to new heights.”
SSC board president Kyle Hultgren stated that while the approach might be unconventional, the board believes Thompson is worth the yearlong wait. In the meantime, Rich Wolfred will come out of
Emily Thompson will join the organization as the new senior assistant coach and age group coach.
“Emily brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience from her successful tenure with FAST Tigers,” the announcement stated. “Emily finished her swimming career at DePauw University, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of communications (with) a minor in English writing.”
For more about SSC, visit facebook.com/ southeasternswimclub.
The historic Bell Ford Bridge was assembled over the summer at Fishers AgriPark. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County Parks)
Event supports women entrepreneurs in central Indiana
EVENT news@currentinfishers.com
An upcoming event is designed to help women entrepreneurs from Hamilton and Marion counties network with their peers and learn more about funding their business ventures.
trepreneurs Fall Event at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center, 2820 N. Meridian St. in Indianapolis.
SCORE Indianapolis and Ivy Tech’s entrepreneurship program have teamed up for the Sept. 7 Women En-
SCORE Indianapolis
mentor Tricia Brace of Carmel stated that the event will provide attendees with an overview of funding options, including grants, micro-loans and traditional bank loans.
micro-lending is,” Brace stated. “Or what steps they need to take to secure funding.”
“A lot of people don’t even know what
Brace is coordinating the event with fellow SCORE mentors Sylanda McKinnor of Fishers, Chris Ward of Geist and Debbie Guy of Indianapolis.
Speakers are:
• Rebecca Townsend, founder of Mantis Myofascial Massage Therapy in Indianapolis, will share how she made a career change from a decades-long career in journalism.
on finding and applying for grants.
• Stacey Walston of Indianapolis, a community relationship manager for Bankable, will discuss micro-loans and what lenders seek in applicants.
• Jean Lee of Carmel, a SCORE Indianapolis mentee and founder of The Academy of Chaos, will discuss how she turned an educational need for her children into a business.
• Katina Washington, executive director of SHE.Events Indy, will share tips
• Janelle Campbell of Westfield will discuss traditional bank loans and community bank programs available for entrepreneurs through Community First Bank of Indiana, where she serves as senior vice president, director of consumer banking.
• Carlonda Davis, Community First Bank of Indiana chief administrative officer, who also leads the bank’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team. She will discuss traditional bank loans and community bank programs available for business owners.
For more or to register, visit: score.org/indianapolis/event/ women-entrepreneurs-fall-event.
Davis
Walston
Washington
Townsend
COMMUNITY
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.
Community grill installed — The City of Lawrence recently installed an outdoor community grill at Lawrence Civic Plaza, along with a selection of outdoor games including dominos, checkers, Connect Four and cornhole. The grill and games are at Otis Avenue and Wheeler Road.
IPL summer reading program closes — More than 26,140 kids, teens and adults took part in The Indianapolis Public Library’s 105th Summer Reading Program June 1 through July 31. During the program, the 22,755 kids and 3,392 adults spent 21,901,629 minutes reading. More than 8,400 kids attended a free summer reading program and the community donated more than 2,100 books to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis. IPL donated more than 280 tug toys and blankets to IndyHumane. IPL manages two branches in Lawrence.
Law firm announces honors — Five attorneys from Lawrence-based personal injury law firm Craig, Kelley & Faultless have been named as The Best Lawyers in America and two named as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America by Best Lawyers, a peer-reviewed ranking organization. David Craig, William Kelley, Scott Faultless, Alexander Craig and Christopher Barry were included in The Best Lawyers in America. Samantha Stevens and Whitney Coker were listed as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.
Legislative internships available — The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus is offering paid spring semester college internships in communications, information technology, legal, legislative, page and policy offices for the 2025 session of the Indiana General Assembly. State Sen. Kyle Walker (R-Lawrence) announced through his office that qualified candidates may be of any major and must be at least a college sophomore. Recent college graduates, as well as graduate and law school students, also are eligible. The full-time positions typically begin in late December or early January, concluding at the end of the legislative session in April 2025. For more and to apply, visit www. IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Intern.
Indiana University Health invites the community to an open house to celebrate our new location in McCordsville.
Wednesday, Sept. 4 4 – 6 pm
5986 Main St. in McCordsville
Ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 pm
Tour the new facility
Meet physicians and staff
IU Health is expanding care in McCordsville with the opening of our new outpatient physician of ce development. Complete with 25 exam rooms and three procedure rooms, IU Health physicians and advanced practice providers offer primary care, cardiovascular, and obstetrics and gynecology services. This new location makes getting the care you need convenient, coordinated and personalized—close to home.
Conner Prairie to host Parkinson’s Foundation event
By Jennifer A. Haire news@currentinfishers.com
The Parkinson’s Foundation Midwest chapter’s national Moving Day event will take place at Conner Prairie in Fishers this year, marking the first Moving Day walk in the greater Indianapolis area.
FUNDRAISER
The Sept. 21 fundraising event is an opportunity for people with Parkinson’s disease to get moving along with a supportive community, said Lori Prokash, a volunteer and planning committee member for the Parkinson’s Foundation Midwest chapter.
“Moving is one of the key parts of living with Parkinson’s,” she said. “Exercise is so important as part of your treatment plan.”
Seven years ago, Prokash’s father, now 77, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
“I just really wanted to understand more about the disease, what we could expect, what could be coming down the road, just to educate myself,” she said. “So, I think for individuals that themselves have Parkinson’s, or they have someone that they love that has Parkinson’s, really educating yourself and bringing awareness to the disease itself is important.”
Anyone affected by Parkinson’s disease is encouraged to attend Moving Day. Activities are from 9 to 11 a.m. and include exercise demonstrations; remarks from community members living with the disease; information about resources; available support through the Parkinson’s Founda-
tion; and opportunities to connect with local vendors, such as Rock Steady Boxing, that encourage the movement mission.
Participants can choose between a 1.5- to 2-mile route or a quarter-mile short walk, with teams or as individuals.
“It’s really to get people moving,” Prokash said. “We have movement demos. People that specialize in physical therapy and working with people with Parkinson’s come out and do some demonstrations.”
Additionally, Hamilton Southeastern High School’s Unified dance team will attend to cheer on the walkers, Prokash said, and the Indiana Fever mascot Freddie Fever is expected to make an appearance.
Moving Day participants get free access to Conner Prairie for the day.
The Parkinson’s Foundation is a national nonprofit with a mission to make life better for people living with Parkinson’s. Funds raised through the Moving Day event support the Midwest chapter, and the goal is to raise $50,000.
“(Participating is) a show of support for people that you may know or that you care about that have the disease,” Prokash said. “It’s also a way to get educated on what to expect.”
The Midwest chapter serves the Parkinson’s Community throughout Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 70,250 people with the disease live in those states.
Moving Day walks have been held across the nation since 2011.
For more, visit movingdaywalk.org/ event/moving-day-indianapolis.
A family gets ready to walk during a previous year’s Moving Day event. (Photo by Johnny Marszalkowski)
GEIST SEPTEMBER CALENDAR
WATER MAIN FLUSHING
The City of Lawrence Utilities will be flushing water mains during normal business hours from Sept. 23 through Oct. 18. As a result of this activity, some customers may experience a temporary discoloration of their water and/or a low water pressure condition. If this occurs, the customer should run a medium stream of cold water until the water clears. Do not run hot water or wash clothes until the water clears up. The city does not reimburse customers for water used to flush their service lines due to iron discoloration. For more, contact City of Lawrence Utilities at 317-542-0511.
CHAMBER NETWORKING
Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce has regular networking events scheduled during the month of September. They include Water Cooler Wednesdays, set for 7:45 a.m. Sept. 11 at Heartland Film, 8950 Otis Ave. and Chew on This, starting at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 17 at The Garrison. The Sept. 17 speaker will be Dan Bortner, director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. To register for these events, visit greaterlawrencechamber.org.
STATE OF THE SCHOOLS
The Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce presents the annual State of the Schools presentation by Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township administration. The event is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Sept 19 at the MSDLT administrative building, 6501 Sunnyside Rd. Enter through Door 3. Registration is required. For more, visit greaterlawrencechamber.org.
FIGURE DRAWING OPEN STUDIO
An open studio figure-drawing session for ages 18 and older is set for 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Arts for Lawrence Theater at the Fort, 8920 Otis Ave. This is a life drawing open studio with a live model. No instructor is provided. The $15 fee pays for the model’s time. For more, visit artsforlawrence.org.
DÍA LATINO DE LAWRENCE
The City of Lawrence is planning a celebration of Latino culture from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus. The event will feature food, dance, art and crafts. Vendors can find a registration link at cityoflawrence.org.
Hosted by and benefiting: MVP Sponsor:
COVER STORY
A RUNNING TRADITION
Geist Half Marathon returns for 16th year
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Geist Half Marathon organizers learned a few things in 2023 — the first year that the marathon moved from May to September — including the need for a slightly later start time because of fall’s waning morning light.
“Last year, we started the race at 7 a.m. and a lot of our participants were getting to the start line and it was still pitch black outside,” race organizer Ginny Zimmerman said. “So, we’re delaying start time 30 minutes and we’re working with Hamilton County Emergency Management System to bring more light towers to the start line.”
The Geist Half was founded about 15 years ago by a group of Geist residents. The City of Fishers took over organizing the event in time for the 2023 race and moved it to fall to not conflict with other big central Indiana races that happen in May.
This year’s start time is 7:30 a.m. Sept. 14 at the north end of the bridge that crosses Geist Reservoir at Olio Road — approximately 11300 Olio Rd.
Zimmerman is the city’s Culture of Health Ambassador. Part of her relatively new job is to lead the charge on the annual race. She said that, based on feedback from runners in 2023, the city has made a few tweaks to the big event, including the addition of a 10K option on top of the 5K and half marathon; and the return of age-level awards.
“Last year, it was one of those details where it’s one more thing to add,” she said. “But we heard from a lot of participants in the post-race survey that, ‘Hey, you know, I’m trying to get my age award. I’ve really been pushing it.’”
The top three male and top three female finishers of each race will receive awards in the following age group categories: 10 to 14; 15 to 19; 20 to 29; 30 to 39; 40 to 49; 50 to 59; 60 to 69; 70 to 79; and 80-plus.
The city also is changing its VIP benefits. Last year, there was an exclusive post-race VIP area for runners who signed up for that experience. But, Zimmerman said, it turns out runners don’t want exclusivity.
“We want everybody to be able to come together and really celebrate their accom-
participate in
plishments,” she said. “So, we swapped to more of offering our VIP participants just perks with merchandise or an additional drink ticket and a little bit closer parking — trying to elevate their overall experience instead of making it a totally separate experience from the rest of the group.”
The post-race party will feature local nonprofits, including Hero Hut, which will serve breakfast to runners and spectators.
“Proceeds go directly to Hero Hut,” Zimmerman said. “Their mission is to provide first responders and veterans with a place that they can gather at events nationwide. So, it’s kind of their unique way of saying, ‘Hey, everybody’s welcome here.’”
The post-race party also will have a vendor offering smoothies and another serving nonalcoholic beer as an option, in addition to the regular beverage vendors.
“We know there’s a large push across the nation and especially in our community to offer more nonalcoholic options to people who are either sober, curious or maybe don’t celebrate in that way, but still want to be a participant,” Zimmerman said.
Although the post-race party is an important celebration, Zimmerman said the city is working to make the entire race an enjoyable experience. They have secured some entertainment for sections of the racecourse and she said she hopes lots
GEIST HALF VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The City of Fishers needs a variety of volunteers to help the Geist Half run smoothly from start to finish.
Some volunteer jobs open include course marshals, cheerleaders, course entertainment and bike teams who ride in front of the lead runners.
To view the list of volunteer positions and descriptions of each job, visit fishersin.gov/our-city/geist-half-marathon and scroll down to the volunteer link.
of residents come out to cheer on the runners.
“(Hamilton Southeastern High School) has a student group called Bring Change to Mind and their focus is on breaking the stigma of mental health and really highlighting how we can have more positive interactions around mental health,” she said. “All of our half marathoners between miles 5 and 6 — which is kind of where you’re getting into a groove but your body starts talking to you a little bit and so you need out of your head — the Bring Change to Mind kiddos will either be at that water station that’s at mile 5 or kind of sprinkled throughout miles 5 and 6 to provide some positive messages and encourage people to move through that tough spot.”
Running coach Jon Wade confirmed that section can be a little rough to get through. But, he said, the overall racecourse is more challenging than people who haven’t run it might think.
“There’s a surprising amount of hills,” he said. “That seems to be the thing that people always talk about. The beginning of the race, because that first mile, well, mile 2, I would suppose, through Cambridge, there’s a big downhill and people forget that you come right back up that at mile 11.”
Wade said the course is unique, taking runners through Fishers neighborhoods and across Geist Reservoir.
“There are multiple lake views,” he said. “The course is beautiful — I don’t think there’s another course like it, really. It’s definitely got a more intimate feel to it, I think, especially for people that run a lot of races. It’s nice to get to the start line and you’re not there with 20,000 people — you’ve got a couple thousand, tops.”
Zimmerman said the Geist Half is a good race for first-time runners, especially if they sign up with a friend or two.
“You can have a lot more accountability for one another to say, ‘I’m showing up if you’re showing up,’” she said.
Race registration prices increase after Aug. 31. For more information and to register, visit geisthalf.com.
ON THE COVER:
Members of Fishers Tri Kappa cheer for runners during the 2023 Geist Half. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)
(Above) Race ambassador and running coach Jon Wade runs the 2023 Geist Half alongside fellow Fishers Running Club member Carly Quinn. (Photos courtesy of the City of Fishers)
(Below) Runners
the 2023 Geist Half, the first year the race was moved to September.
Fishers Blues Fest headliners follow fathers’ footsteps
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Bernard Allison was always taught not to copy other performers’ styles.
MUSIC
“Every song I do is my own spin,” Allison said. “My dad always said if you are going to do somebody’s music, you have to do it how you do it, not how it’s been done before. I’ve stuck to that strategy.”
Allison’s love for blues, however, did come from his late father, Chicago blues legend Luther Allison, who died at 58 in 1997.
Allison is the Sept. 1 headliner at the two-day 12th annual Fishers Blues Fest at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. Shemekia Copeland is the Aug. 31 headliner for the free festival. The hours are 4 to 10 p.m. each day.
Allison, 58, performed on one of his father’s live albums at age 13 and later toured as a member of his father’s band.
“This whole year is based on ‘Luther’s Blues’ and my previously recorded songs with my father,” Allison said. “Our set is combined with my last albums, pretty much all original songs. I do one cover, but pretty much Allison material.”
“Luther’s Blues,” which has 20 songs, was released earlier this year.
Allison was his father’s band leader for nearly three years.
“I just pick and choose which (songs) suit me,” he said. “I look for certain songs that I felt were overlooked as opposed to ones that everyone knows. We’re excited to have a blues party and meet some old fans and some new fans.”
This is the 30th anniversary of Ruf Records, the label for Allison and his father.
Prior to his Fishers appearance, Allison performed several concerts in Europe. He will return for a five-week tour of France starting in September.
“In the U.S., we’re mostly performing in the festival period between European tours,” he said. “There’s tons of clubs but over the years I’ve done them all. We
don’t drive anywhere. We fly everywhere.”
Like Allison, Copeland’s devotion to blues came from her father.
“My father was a great blues musician named Johnny Copeland, so I grew up with it,” she said.
Copeland, who lives in California, grew up in New York City and then spent 20 years in Chicago. Her songs often address social issues.
“I feel if you are going to make music, you should make good music that is good for the heart,” she said.
Copeland has been a blues fan since she was a child.
“Blues, gospel, soul, just American-roots music,” she said.
Copeland is releasing a new album, “Blame It On Eve,” Aug. 30. She will play some of that new music at the Blues Fest.
“Summer is always busy with the festivals,” she said. “We’re all running around. I travel year-round, but this is the busiest time. It’s a good time to see everyone at festivals, otherwise we’re missing each other. When you play at a big festival, you get to run into people you love.”
Copeland has five Grammy nominations for Best Contemporary Blues Album. She has been named Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year seven times.
Two songs she said she always must perform for her fans are “Ghetto Child” and “It’s 2 A.M.”
Copeland hosts a SiriusXM satellite radio show called “B.B. King’s Bluesville.”
Other announced Aug. 31 performers are Phillip-Michael Scales and Skelton & Rice. Other Sept. 1 performers are Jonathan Ellison and Buffalo Nichols. For more, visit npdamp.com.
‘MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet” runs from Aug. 29 to Oct. 6 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Dueling Pianos presented by Brittany Brumfield and Baby Grand Entertainment is set for Aug. 30, followed by Eric Baker & Friends presents: Southern California in the ’70s Aug. 31 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE
Proud Tina: The Ultimate Tribute to Tina Turner is set for Aug. 30, followed by The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute Aug. 31 at Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Both performances start at 8 p.m. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.
‘WE ARE FAMILY? THE STAGE PLAY’ Shandrea Funnye presents “We are Family? The Stage Play” Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
SAMMY HAGAR
Sammy Hagar’s Best of All Worlds Tour with special guest Loverboy will appear at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
ROB ZOMBIE
Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper: Freaks on Parade concert is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 31 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
PITBULL: PARTY AFTER DARK TOUR
Pitbull and special guest T-Pain will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 1 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
DISPATCH
Fork + Ale holds holds weekly concert series — Fork + Ale, 350 Veterans Way, Suite 150, Carmel will hold a concert series from 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday through Nov. 6. The series, which started Aug. 21, continues Aug. 28 with Sam King.
(Above) Bernard Allison will perform Sept. 1 at Fishers Blues Fest. (Photo courtesy of Bernard Allison)
(Below) Shemekia Copeland will perform Aug. 31 at the Fishers Blues Fest. (Photo courtesy of Dave Specter)
Carmel resident singing the blues on own album
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Christopher Wyze has played in several blues cover bands but never expected to write his own songs.
MUSIC
A longtime Carmel resident whose actual last name is Wirthwein, Wyze didn’t think his German name would work well on a blues record. In July, the song “Back to Clarksdale” reached No. 1 on the RMR, or Roots Music Report, song chart. The album, Christopher Wyze & The Tellers’ “Stuck In The Mud,” reached No. 2 on the RMR blues chart based on worldwide radio play.
Wyze co-wrote all the songs, is the lead vocalist and plays harmonica. The Tellers’ name comes from songs as a form of storytelling.
“These aren’t pop songs,” Wyze said. “This is about people with real stuff going on in their lives. They’re not doing very well.”
Wyze, 67, wrote eight songs with Ralph Carter, a Los Angeles producer, who he met in Mississippi.
Carter was a bandmate and musical tour director for Eddie Money.
“Ralph was in that big rock ‘n’ roll world and I met him at (a) blues camp in Mississippi,” Wyze said. “I started to learn the harmonica. Ralph said you have to start writing songs. I said, ‘Yeah, right. I don’t write.’ I hadn’t written any songs.”
Approximately three years ago, Wyze saw a Wall Street Journal article about a new recording studio in Muscle Shoals, Ala. He sent it to Carter, half-jokingly writing that it would be a good place to record the album. But Carter said Wyze needed
to write the songs and they would do the album together.
Six months later, Wyze had written the songs and he and Carter had turned them into music.
“Carter had auditioned and hired the studio musicians,” Wyze said. “We packed up and went to Muscle Shoals, where all the great musicians in the world recorded and we recorded the record.”
Wyze was signed by Big Radio, a division of Select-O-Hits, in December 2023.
One of the band members is Wyze’s friend, Westfield resident and bass player Gerry Murphy, who co-wrote two songs, including “Back to Clarksdale.” One of the musicians on the album was Eric Deaton, a guitarist who also plays with the Black Keys.
“He’s a monster talent,” Wyze said of Deaton.
Wyze said some of his favorite blues artists are Howlin’ Wolf, Junior Wells and Jimmy Reed.
For more, visit christopherwyzeandthetellers.com
FREE EVENT GAME NIGHT
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:
Options Westfield will present a free game night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at 17721 Gunther Blvd. in Westfield with Wii Sports, Just Dance and refreshments for middle and high schoolers. Attendees can learn more about Options Schools. RSVP at facebook.com/ events/1241259203532830.
OTHER FREE AREA EVENTS
CONCERT — Concerts in the Centerpiece will be 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, 2000 W. 116th St. The night will feature musical entertainment from the terraced seating of The Centerpiece. Bring lawn chairs or spread a blanket in Coxhall Gardens’ amphitheater.
Christopher Wyze on the railroad track in Clarksdale, Miss., in March. (Photo courtesy of Christopher Wyze)
Opera in the Park returns
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Lyndsay Moy, Indianapolis Opera’s Opera in the Park is always special and this one has special significance.
CONCERT
Moy, director of education and community engagement for Indianapolis Opera, will be joined by Ganson Salmon as feature performers in Opera in the Park in a 7 p.m. free concert Sept. 7 at Garfield Park in Indianapolis.
“Since this is our 50th anniversary season, we really wanted to highlight Hoosier talent, so (general director) David (Starkey) graciously asked me to sing because I was raised in Indianapolis,” Moy said.
After earning a master’s degree at Cleveland Institute of Music, she returned for her residency at Indianapolis Opera in 2015.
“I’ve been here with the company ever since,” she said. “That’s just been a big joy for me.
Moy, a Brownsburg resident and Pike High School graduate, will perform the Italian version of “Gabriel’s Oboe/Nella Fantasia” with oboe player Pam Ajango. She also sings “Alto’s Lament.”
“It features a lot of musical theater and a lot of comedy, which is my bread and butter,” Moy said.
There will be some pieces from “Barber of Seville,” which Indy Opera will perform in November.
Salmon is appearing in Opera in the Park for the first time since 2021.
Salmon will sing “Nessun Dorma” from “Turandot” and a piece from “Rigoletto.”
A Heritage Christian School graduate, Salmon grew up in the Lawrence area and returned during the COVID-19 pandemic when theaters were closed in New York City.
“Being an Indy-bred tenor, it feels only right that I get the honor of playing a part in this 50th anniversary season,” said Salmon, who lives in Whitestown.
For more, visit indyopera.org.
Moy Salmon
Creekside charm at Starkey
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Get up close to one of the area’s most prominent natural resources with a walk through Starkey Nature Park in Zionsville. The 80-acre, heavily wooded park is next to Eagle Creek, where seven connecting natural surface trails and two staircases provide a combined total of just more than 3 miles within the park.
Trails are moderately rugged and can only be accessed by two staircases at the trailhead at 667 Sugarbrush Dr., or by the ramp connection from the Big-4 Rail Trail.
Although trails are well marked, they are not recommended for anyone who is not steady on their feet. The trail surface is uneven with trip hazards such as roots, rocks and some overgrowth. As the trail is creekside, portions can often be covered with water.
Starkey Nature Park’s signature photo op is the arched stone bridge over Eagle Creek. Built in 1919, the bridge was part of the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway, which operated from 1852 until 1962 and was later turned into the Big-
4 Rail Trail.
Starkey Nature Park is open year-round from dawn until dusk. Parking is available at the trailhead on Sugarbrush Drive. Hikers can also park at Town Hall and travel 1 mile south on the rail trail to the access ramp; at the Zionsville Road trailhead and travel 1 mile north on the rail trail to the ramp; or at Overly-Worman Park to connect to the Big-4 Rail Trail opposite of Starkey Nature Park.
Bicycles are not allowed on the trails at Starkey Nature Park.
TAKE A HIKE!
Trails at Starkey Nature Park are well marked. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Fishers company creates giant sandbox for kids
By Conrad Otto conrad@youarecurrent.com
Dig Dig for Kids in Fishers is a business based on a simple concept — a giant sandbox for kids ages 2 to 8. The company hauled 140,000 pounds of sand to create the sandbox, which is roughly one-third of the 4,200-square-foot facility. Owner Billy Lomax and his son, President-Manager Justin Lomax, recently answered the following questions about the company.
RECREATION
DOES DIG DIG FOR KIDS GIVE YOU A SENSE OF NOSTALGIA?
Justin: I remember having a sandbox in our playpen in our backyard under the swing set. Dad also used to throw fireworks and firecrackers in the sandbox when I was in there. I completely blocked it out of my memory. Those memories only came back once I see it here. If you would’ve asked me, “Hey, do you want to run a sandbox when you’re older?” I would say that’s not the motivation that brought us here.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE PUBLIC RESPONSE TO DIG DIG FOR KIDS?
Billy: I think moms in particular love bringing their kids here because it represents the building of America. They want their child to be a producer in America. They want to make sure that their child is developed. I think the biggest response is that families do care about their young ones’ development. Instead of just putting them in front of a screen, it allows them
to go in an experience an area where they can learn how … certain types of equipment work.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO MOVE
140,000
POUNDS OF SAND?
Justin: It took about three or four days to get all the sand in. We did it the week of Thanksgiving. We got some friends of mine and we got 3,500 individual 50-pound bags of sand that we had to figure out how to empty (and) control the dust in a safe environment. I’d say about halfway into it, we really got into a rhythm. We had a system and it worked great.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE FISHERS?
Justin: We wanted to be in Fishers. I have work history here. I’ve been based out of Fishers for a while. It’s just a community that we’ve grown to love. There’s a lot of kids here. We have a rising birth rate here in Fishers. We have a lot of involved parents that want to take their kids to a fun place that may not exist in other locations.
IS IT REWARDING THAT YOUR VISION FOR THE BUSINESS HAS COME TO LIFE?
Billy: What’s most valuable to me is the fact that it’s brought our family together closer than it’s ever been. Justin and I are closer than we’ve ever been. My oldest son, my daughter and my wife and my sister — we all pulled together to make this happen. It’s just really been a good experience to see us as a family being able to contribute to this. That’s the most rewarding thing. For more information, visit digdigforkids. com.
Dig Dig for Kids owner
Billy Lomax with grandson, Clark.
(Photo courtesy of Dig Dig for Kids)
Fowl poultry puns
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My wife Mary Ellen and I went to the Indiana State Fair recently and she spent a lot of time in the poultry barn looking at baby chicks saying, “How cute,” while I was out on the midway looking at you-know-what on a stick, saying, “How delicious.”
HUMOR
The next day while at Menards, I saw two magazines, one called Chickens and the other Poultry World, both dedicated to the proper care and breeding of our feathery friends. In the intro to one of the publications, the editor is seen holding a handsome springer spaniel. I guess this guy has learned that you attract more chicks holding a dog than a rooster.
One of the covers has the teaser “12 Tips to Successful Brooding,” which was once on the front page of my grandmother’s edition of Jewish Homemaker. Also on the cover is the question, “Too Old to Lay?” My wife told me not to make a joke about that.
Once inside the magazines, let the pun begin. There are only so many chicken plays-on-words you can come up with to headline your stories:
EGGCITING RECIPES
How eggsasperating. And during Easter we see this pun in every newspaper a hundred times. Enough, already. It’s eggscruciating.
ONLINE EGGSTRAS and EGGSCLUSIVES
This section directs you to websites with a dozen more dreadful puns. Want to save money? Try a half dozen.
A CHICKEN IN EVERY SHOT
Don’t have an adorable cat for Facebook? Here’s some advice on how to capture your capon on camera.
CHICKEN SCRATCH
An article featuring gifts and gadgets for chicken lovers with the subtitle, “Everything Our Readers Are Crowing About.” Here, you can buy an app that figures how many eggs you can expect
“One of the covers has the teaser ‘12 Tips to Successful Brooding,’ which was once on the front page of my grandmother’s edition of Jewish Homemaker.”
– DICK WOLFSIE
from your flock annually. Yes, it’s called a cluck-u-lator.
GET THE SHELL OUT OF HERE
How to ensure a durable product from each breed. This pun is also used in Turtle Monthly … in every issue.
COOPED UP
Step-by-step instructions on how to build a chicken pen. You will see this pun again, every time a magazine does a story about chicken pens.
FOWL LANGUAGE
A glossary of important terminology for bird lovers. I wonder if they thought they were the first to come up with that title?
Both publications address readers’ questions in a feature called “Q and A” in one magazine and “Chicken Chat” in the other. A better title would be, “Can We Squawk?” Jeesh, now I’m making stupid puns
Q: I raise quail. Recently, I found one with half of its head missing. What should I do?
A: It’s too late.
Q: I am considering hatching chickens myself. Any suggestions?
A: If you are successful, call this newspaper for an interview.
I know this was a dreadful column, but in the words of the great Steve Martin “Well, eggscuse me.”
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
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.
Barriers to care are not always obvious. Thanks in part to community partners and donors, these barriers are being overcome. Learn more or join the movement at EskenaziHealthFoundation.org.
Donate Today
Brotherhood Designs utilizes their Retired Fire Hose Waste Reduction Program to create Patriotic art as well as to supply zoos and animal sanctuaries with material they upcycle for rehabilitation and enhancement of their habitat.
When sorry isn’t enough
Commentary by Terry Anker
Founding Father and polymath Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying, “Never ruin an apology with an excuse.” Although he is probably correct, his admonishment carries with it an enormous burden. It is tough to be fully and personally responsible for our transgressions. Too often, we act impulsively, jealously or in the grips of tantrum. We cause harm to others and often to ourselves, then seek a worthy scapegoat upon which to hang blame. Surely, we wouldn’t have said the unforgivable mean thing if they hadn’t “made” us do it. Or maybe we were just hungry, stressed or tired.
ESSAY
With even greater occurrence, we act without regard to those around us. Absent mindedly, we cut them off in traffic. We insult something they care about deeply. We undermine their hopes and dreams. Mostly, we didn’t even notice. Surely, we wouldn’t have said the unforgivable mean thing if we’d known that it mattered. Maybe we should have been warned of the sensitivity? Maybe we cut them off in traf-
fic because we were late, more important or entitled. Probably, we did it because we weren’t that interested in restraining our wants.
What is the need for an excuse when our offenses are cleansed with a simple incantation? “I’m sorry” is all that is needed. If others don’t immediately accept, well, then, they must be bad, evil people, unworthy of our attempt at regret, no matter how late, insincere or insufficient. Still, English historian and noted 17th-century author Thomas Fuller reminded us that “bad excuses are worse than none.”
What do we hope to accomplish with a half-hearted “I’m sorry?” Do we hold ourselves to such little account that seven letters serve to justify atonement? When have our confessions been inadequate and what might we do to make things right for our failing?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
LIFESTYLE
1. Witches’ group 6. Recipe amt.
10. Part of MSG 14. Butler frat letter
15. “___ Abby”
16. Castleton Square Mall store sign
17. In first place in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference
18. I-65 big rig
19. Hawaiian island
20. Track meet starter’s gun 22. Area pizza place
Gillette razor
City known for its zoo
Cornell’s home
Clumps of dirt
Absurd
Voyage preceder?
40. Ye ___ Shoppe
41. Area pizza place
42. Rainbow guy: ___ Biv
43. Hoosier Park feedbag morsel
44. “Now you ___, now you don’t”
45. Delaware’s capital
46. Fear
48. Petroleum plant
50. Blunders
52. Spy org.
53. Area pizza place
57. Make equal
62. Fishers N-S road
63. French cheese
65. Muscat native
66. IndyGo map dot
67. Neckwear at 19-Across
68. Vision-correcting surgery
69. Many millennia
70. Gov. Holcomb
71. Playing marble Down
1. Henhouse
2. ___ Severin Hotel
3. Pet docs
4. Showbiz award “grand slam”
5. Area pizza place
6. Colts stats
7. Broken Barrel bar order
8. Pago Pago’s place
9. Unsullied
10. Dough
11. October birthstone
12. Fruity soda brand
13. Burden
21. “To Kill a Mockingbird” author
23. Art Deco designer
25. Nimble
27. Current reporter’s coup
28. Muslim deity
29. Signal, in a way
30. JFK’s predecessor
31. WFMS studio sign
33. Over
34. More demure
35. Furious
38. Ancient Mexican
41. Not too bad
42. Indy Councilor Gibson
44. Foal’s father
45. Area pizza place
47. Gets into some Jazz Kitchen music
49. “Fee, ___, foe, fum”
51. More certain
53. Big name in speakers
54. Indianapolis Opera voice
55. Utah national park
56. 13, in old Rome
58. Online publication, briefly
Space inits.
Army outfit
Indianapolis township
Locally
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