Most people think of fall as football season, or fall foliage season, or the season of pumpkin-spiced everything. For those who work in local government, fall means one thing: budget season!
Last week, I had the honor of presenting to our Lawrence Common Council the City of Lawrence 2025 Proposed Budget, the first annual budget created by my administration.
Developing the municipal budget is the most important responsibility for any mayor. No matter what else is happening around the world, our local government must stay open for business – and our “business” is caring for our residents. Our city’s budget is the planning tool that allows us to do that.
But our budget can also cast a wider vision for the financial and civic health of a community. Budget decisions reflect an administration’s values and priorities; they are the most powerful lever a city government has for improving residents’ quality of life. The City of Lawrence 2025 Proposed Budget details my administration’s plans to prioritize public safety, continue improving our city’s infrastructure, increase walkability and pedestrian safety, and spur economic growth in Lawrence while maintaining healthy fiscal reserves.
Above all, the 2025 Proposed Budget offers a view of the City of Lawrence as a community of opportunity for all, a community that draws strength from its diversity and takes pride in caring for one another no matter our differences. After all, investing in the wellbeing of those who choose to live, work, or play in the City of Lawrence is best investment our government can make!
If you want to view the 2025 City of Lawrence Proposed Budget, find it on the city website at: www.cityoflawrence.org/financial
In service, Mayor Deborah Whitfield
IN 2024 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
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Indy Book Project provides thousands of free books for children
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Reading is a lifelong skill that never dulls. But to develop that skill, children need books.
LITERACY
Founded in 2018, Indy Book Project has given away more than 241,000 books to Hoosier children. Based in Zionsville, the nonprofit volunteer organization collects books for children ages 0-18 and distributes those items around the Indianapolis metropolitan area, ensuring kids get a chance to lose themselves in a good book.
“We have an incredibly supportive community,” Executive Director Amy Freytag said. “We collect gently used and new books from the community and then we sort them, we clean them, we sticker them and we redistribute them through community centers, other nonprofits, food pantries, pediatricians’ officers, schools and little free libraries.”
The organization operates with a simple premise: children need books.
“As hard as it is to believe, there are children who are growing up in homes and they don’t have any books,” Freytag said. “These areas with little print in their homes are called book deserts. Research has shown that having a home library increases the chance of academic success and vocabulary development and even job attainment. It’s critical, having books at home. And it starts young.”
A former teacher, Freytag said the organization prioritizes providing books not just to children but to their parents to read to them while they are still in the toddler years.
“It’s an important component to developing those lifelong literacy skills,” she said. “Just having 20 books in a house makes an incredible difference. So, that is our goal, making sure these kids have books in their homes.”
Freytag said people might not realize
exactly how many homes are lacking children’s books.
“We have a local pediatrician who we have given books to for quite a while, and she said you might be surprised by how many families come in and don’t have books at home,” she said. “There definitely is a need.”
Organizations that Indy Book Project partners with generally serve a population where at least 50 percent of the children involved are Medicaid-eligible, are on free or reduced lunch or come from low-income families. But it’s not a requirement.
“We give to everybody, because everybody benefits from books at home,” Freytag said. “We serve the entire greater Indianapolis area and we’ve been contacted by places elsewhere in Indiana for books. If we have the books, we give them. Our mission is to ensure all kids have access to books in their house. So, our focus is really on book ownership and getting books into places where kids will have them in their
homes. Also big for us is choice in books — allowing kids to choose which books they select to take home and making sure we have a diverse selection so all kids can find a book that they can see themselves in.”
In addition to distributing books to organizations and individuals, Indy Book Project participates at special events where books are distributed, including farmers markets, back-to-school events and Stories in the Park in Zionsville.
“There’s nothing like being at these events and seeing these kids pick out books,” Freytag said. “There’s just nothing like seeing the joy in their eyes and on their faces when they are able to select their book and take it for free.”
So far in 2024, Indy Book Project has distributed more than 50,000 books — the majority of which were gently used books donated by the community.
Organizations and individuals who wish to request books can fill out a request form at indybookproject.org.
3
About us
Founded Jan. 27, 2015, at Fishers, IN Vol. X, No. 33
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Indy Book Project Executive Director Amy Freytag distributes books during Stories in the Park in June in Zionsville. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Join Us for a Dedication Ceremony and Open House
To commemorate the completion of our High School renovations.
Sunday, October 6th •
Lawrence Central High School • 7300 E 56th St.
Dedication 1:30PM • Open House 1:30PM-3:30PM
Lawrence North High School • 7802 Hague Road
Dedication 2:30PM • Open House 2:30PM-4:30PM
Lawrence controller responds to some budget questions
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The City of Lawrence has started its 2025 budget process while questions about the 2024 budget continue.
GOVERNMENT
During a recent Lawrence Common Council meeting, Councilor Rick Wells (D-District 2) voiced questions that he said he tried to get answered earlier without success. He asked about the purchase of a vehicle for Mayor Deb Whitfield’s use and whether city staff had been reassigned to help with remodeling the mayor’s office. Wells also asked why City Controller Humphrey Nagila had not submitted any of the required monthly finance reports this year.
Wells asked those and other questions on Sept. 3. Nagila sent an email Sept. 5 to all city council members in response and Current received a copy of the email through a public records request.
In the email, Nagila stated that city staff members did not help remodel Whitfeld’s office, other than move some furniture. He also stated that the mayor’s trip to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was not funded by the city; and the mayor’s use of a city-owned vehicle is customary for Lawrence mayors, with the exception of Mayor Steve Collier, who served from 2016 until the end of 2023.
Nagila also addressed the lack of monthly finance reports.
“The controller’s office acknowledges the responsibility to publish the city’s financial updates to the city website and intends to continue this process,” he wrote. “As stated during the budget workshops, the controller’s office is currently understaffed and has had to manage a change in administration, collective bargaining agreements with police and fire unions, annual state audit and budgeting. We have set internal measures to ensure that city financial reports continue to be published on the city website.”
When posted, those updates should be available at cityoflawrence.org/financial, where earlier reports and the city’s 2024 adopted budget can be viewed.
Little Free Library planned at Oaklandon Play Park
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A Lawrence resident will install a new Little Free Library at the city’s Oaklandon Play Park, 11828 E. 65th St., following approval of her proposal by the City of Lawrence Parks Board.
BOOKS
Kim Richardson presented her idea during the board’s Sept. 11 meeting. She said the Little Free Library nonprofit organization started in the 1970s and now there are more than 150,000 registered little libraries in 50 states and 120 countries. Each one that’s registered through the organization gets a special charter sign and number and is placed on the organization’s map.
“You can go on the map, find out where it is and just take a book (or) share a book,” she said.
Little Free Library is based in St. Paul, Minn. The mission is to provide easy access to books with the goal of promoting literacy. The libraries are small, enclosed boxes, often made of wood, that hold a selection of books. Passersby can take any book they want or leave one for others to enjoy.
The Oaklandon Play Park isn’t the only Lawrence location Richardson has in mind.
“I wouldn’t do this right away, but the next maybe month or two, I’d like to get approval to put one out at the Lawrence Community Park,” she said. “I don’t think there’s one out there.”
Parks Board Chair Jeff Vest confirmed that there isn’t a Little Free Library at that park and agreed it would be a good second
choice.
“I think going to Oaklandon Play Park — that’s definitely a unique park — as a first, but yes, Community Park, which is in the middle — the middle of the middle — is so important,” he said.
Vest said he’d like Richardson to work with the Parks Department to determine a location for each Little Free Library, making sure they’re visible and secure.
“That’s a place where kids can go and play or you just want to sit and hang out in the shelter,” he said of Oaklandon Play Park. “Wherever you locate it, it has to be visible, where the community, the stakeholders — I hate that word — but the citizens can see it and they take ownership of it.”
Richardson said she recently installed a Little Free Library at a home she owns in Indianapolis, so she’s worked out some of the bugs of making sure the structure is secure. She added that she lives close to Oaklandon Park and it would be easy for her to maintain it.
“I will make sure that it’s stocked and maintained,” she said. “I will be the steward, I’ll register it and I’ll be assigned as the steward.”
Richardson said she also will add a plaque to the structure, dedicating it to her daughter, who died earlier this year.
“She grew up there, playing down there all the time,” she said. “Her kids, my grandkids, play there.”
The Parks Board unanimously approved her proposal. The next board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.
Oaklandon Play Park at 11828 E. 65th St. in Lawrence is a small park with play equipment and a shelter. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
Two seek open MSDLT at-large school board seat
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Current is publishing Q&As with candidates for various seats in our readership area. Below are the responses of incumbent Crystal Puckett and challenger Eric Young, who are running for an at-large seat on the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township School Board. The election is Nov. 5.
ELECTION
Young is director of finance at Leaf Software Solutions. He lives in Lawrence with wife, Jennifer, and son, Ian, a Lawrence Central High School student. Puckett lives in Lawrence with her husband, Robert, and they have five children who have all attended or are attending Lawrence Township schools.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO RUN FOR SCHOOL BOARD?
Young: Our district deserves representatives who ask tough questions of the administration and seek deeper understanding on the issues. (In my work), my role is to oversee finances, human resources, contract negotiations and office operations.
Those skills prepare me to be more than just a rubber stamp for the administration. Puckett: I serve on the at-large seat, and my voice represents our entire district. My family has experienced great times and challenges within LT, which fuel my commitment to advocate for those who may not have a voice. I see positive progression and seek to continue serving for the betterment of all our children.
WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR LOCAL EDUCATION?
Puckett: My vision for MSDLT is to continue to be a model of educational excellence. I’m grateful for the vision and execution of MCIT career pathways, dual language program expansion and Blue Ribbon Facilities, which provided updated facilities and secure schools. In addition, I’m grateful for the continued implementation of inclusive policies and practices.
Young: I want a renewed focus on supporting teachers and staff. Leadership should set a vision and then support those who are doing the work to achieve that Young
vision. As a member of the board, I will work to set tough but achievable goals and ensure our teachers have the resources necessary to achieve them.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING PUBLIC EDUCATION NOW?
Young: I see the biggest challenge being a lack of support and respect for our educators. We need to listen to the professionals that are in the classroom and value their feedback and solutions for improvement.
Puckett: Lowering the achievement gap, teacher shortage, rise in homelessness, chronic absenteeism and school safety. LT has been proactive and innovative in meeting the needs of our students despite the issues that affect students across the state.
WHAT DO YOU SUPPORT ABOUT HOW MSDLT SCHOOLS ARE RUN AND WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Puckett: I support our leadership, teachers and staff’s commitment to student success. They are the driving force behind
LT’s positive progression. I’m hopeful for a change in the rise in youth violence. I will continue to support policies that close the achievement gap.
Young: Lawrence Township is fortunate to have great diversity. I am proud of MSDLTs efforts through the Equitable Student Outcomes action plan. I will ensure we move to complete this action plan and prepare for the next set of actions needed to continue our pursuit of equity for all.
HOW WILL YOU REPRESENT EVERYONE’S INTERESTS, REGARDLESS OF HOW THEY VOTED?
Young: As a board member, I will seek input from everyone in the community. I would like to see the school board host listening sessions around the district so we can hear the praises and concerns of our stakeholders.
Puckett: I will continue to meet with leaders across the aisle to advocate for our schools. I’m also committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, ability or circumstance, has access to the support they need to succeed. My priority is the well-being and success of all students.
When you hear the word neurosurgery, you might think of complicated procedures in the brain. But did you know that many neurosurgical procedures actually involve the spine?
If you’re living with pain, you might not know that neurosurgery is an option to help you live a more comfortable life. At Community Health Network, you can find relief from back, neck, arm and sciatica pain through minimally invasive neurosurgical solutions. Plus, Community makes it simple to find neurosurgical solutions — no physician referral required.
Learn more about how neurosurgery can help with your pain at eCommunity.com/neuro
Puckett
Yocum eyes Statehouse seat
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Current is publishing Q&As with candidates for various seats in our readership area. Below are the responses of Democrat Stephanie Jo Yocum, who is running for Indiana House District 88 against incumbent Republican Chris Jeter.
ELECTION
Yocum is an executive leader for a nonprofit organization. She lives in Indianapolis with her spouse, Jim, and daughter, Betti.
WHAT ISSUES ARE YOU MOST FOCUSED ON?
• Restoring reproductive freedom in Indiana and addressing our doctor shortage.
• Ensuring equitable funding for public schools, empowering educators and pre-K access for all children.
• Raising the minimum wage and supporting small businesses, ensuring that economic prosperity is shared by all, not just big corporations.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR OPPONENT?
I am an advocate for balanced, common-sense legislation while my opponent is an extreme one-sided leader. I advocate for reproductive freedoms versus his support of a total abortion ban with no exceptions; public schools versus stripping them of resources; and safe storage of guns versus open permitless carry.
HOW CAN THE LEGISLATURE ADDRESS CONCERNS ABOUT PUBLIC EDUCATION?
It requires adequately funding schools and universal pre-K. It also requires addressing Indiana’s quality-of-life issues, a driver of our teacher shortage — we are currently 48th. That includes high child care and health care costs.
WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT VOTERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I love Indiana and I care about the people who call it home. My national service with AmeriCorps and my 20-plus year career in nonprofit public service is at the core of who I am.
For more answers, visit www.youarecurrent.com.
Yocum
Noblesville girls soccer player embraces team captain role
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville High School senior girls soccer player Atley Pittman has truly embodied the role of a leader.
“Atley has developed over the years from a very good piece to a very good puzzle to a team captain and, as she always has, she continues to put team first, which she understands is important to maintaining a winning culture,” Millers coach Mike Brady said. “Atley values wearing Noblesville on the front of her jersey and the community should be proud of how she has represented her school over the years. A lot of athletes want to talk the talk without walking the walk. Not Atley. She shows up every day determined to not only raise the bar for herself, but for the entire team.”
Pittman, a midfielder, has been a key contributor on the Millers’ past two Class 3A state championship teams.
“It has been beyond amazing to be a part of a program that has had such success,” Pittman said. “The best part is getting to play with such talented players throughout
MEET ATLEY PITTMAN
Favorite Subject: Math
Favorite Athlete: Mallory Swanson
Favorite TV Show: “Gossip Girl”
Favorite Musician: Taylor Swift
my four years. Many of them I have played with since I was 4 years old. These past years have given me a lifetime of cherished memories.”
Pittman had eight goals and seven assists last season. She has one goal and three assists this season for the Millers, who were 7-0-2 as of Sept. 17.
“We are always working and trying to be a better version of who we are,” Pittman
said. “We have a great foundation, but there is always room for improvement. I look forward to each and every game to see where we stand.”
Pittman has developed her soccer IQ through the years.
“I feel I have made improvements in understanding the game from different coaches’ styles as well as adapting my role on the field based on who I have the opportunity to play with,” she said.
Pittman was recruited by Indiana University and accepted a scholarship, but a recent lawsuit settlement by the NCAA has changed her plans.
“The NCAA lawsuit and roster cap has since changed all of my plans,” she said. “I am currently exploring my options and trying to find the best fit for me.”
The lawsuit settlement against the NCAA over name, image and likeness will cap soccer roster sizes at Power 4 programs. They are expected to be capped at between 24 and 28.
Pittman began playing soccer at age 4 at Noblesville United Soccer Club.
“I played tennis in middle school and basketball from third to eighth grade,” Pittman said. “I also did triathlons as a kid.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com.
Atley Pittman is an overall leader for the Noblesville High School girls soccer team. (Photo courtesy of Julie Montgomery)
WATER MAIN FLUSHING
The City of Lawrence Utilities will be flushing water mains during normal business hours 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. Color can range from a light yellow to an orange red. 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
The Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce has regular networking events scheduled during the month of October. They include Water Cooler Wednesdays, set for 7:45 a.m. Oct. 2 at Meyer Plastics, 5968 Sunnyside Rd.; Chew on This, starting at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 15 at The Garrison, featuring speakers Kimble Richardson
LAWRENCE/GEIST OCTOBER EVENTS
and Dr. April Krowel discussing mental health and psychologically healthy workplaces; and Chamber After Hours from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at Stock Yards Bank & Trust, 6840 Lake Plaza Dr. To register for these events, visit greaterlawrencechamber.org.
GOSPEL STAGE PLAY
“When He Pulls the Covers,” a Gospel stage play presented by The Midwest Creative Collective and The Uncut Diamond, is set for Oct. 11 to 13 and 18 to 20 at Arts for Lawrence’s Theater at the Fort, 8920 Otis Ave. For more, visit www.artsforlawrence.org.
TRUNK OR TREAT
A festive afternoon of fun and learning, designed to bring together families with special-needs kids and the community organizations that serve them, is set for 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 19 at Ascension St. Vincent, 13861 Olio Rd., Fishers. This free event is open to the public and all children will be welcomed. Activities will include trunk-or-treating, bounce houses, face painting, food venders, a live DJ, safety and nutritional education, games,
a costume contest, and visits from Colts and Pacer players.
OCTOBER GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
The following Lawrence government meetings are scheduled during the month of October. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings take place at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.
• Lawrence Common Council — 6 p.m. Oct. 7 and 16.
• Police Merit Commission — 6 p.m. Oct. 21
• Utility Service Board — 5:30 p.m. Oct. 8 and 22
• Parks Board — 5:30 p.m. Oct. 9
• Board of Public Works — 5 p.m. Oct. 10 and 24
• Board of Zoning Appeals — 6 p.m. Oct. 15
• Redevelopment Commission — 3:30 p.m. Oct. 24
• Stormwater Board — 5 p.m. Oct. 28
• Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township — 5:30 p.m. Oct. 14, work session and board meeting, Lawrence Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Rd.
DISPATCHES
IPL to host rhymes challenge — The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee is hosting its annual Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge, open to students in grades 6-12. IPL has two branches in Lawrence. The challenge is an opportunity for young people to express themselves through poetry, rap or spoken word. The deadline for entry into the 2024 Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge is Oct. 31. Every student who submits work will receive a gift card and 10 students will be selected to present their pieces at the Fall Fest/Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge event on Nov. 16. For more, visit spirit.indypl.org/slammin.
High Holy Day services — Congregation Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel is offering free access to High Holy Day services to members of the Jewish community across Central Indiana, regardless of membership status. The High Holy Days begin with Erev Rosh Hashanah on Oct. 2, with related services through Oct. 4. Yom Kippur services start Oct. 11 with related services through Oct. 12. For more about the congregation at 3085 West 116th St. in Carmel, visit shaareytefilla.org.
DREAM HOME
Schools receive safety grants
news@youarecurrent.com
Schools across Indiana recently received a combined $24 million for safety upgrades through the state’s Secured School Safety Grant Program, administered by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
FUNDING
including support for resource officers; equipment and technology; active event warning systems; threat assessments; and student and parent support services programs.
Funding was included in the state’s biennial budget passed in 2023, which made significant investments in school safety.
Huston
“The safety of our students and staff is top priority,” House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) stated. “It’s great to see so many (schools) continue building on and improving security for our students and staff.”
Area schools receiving grants include:
• MSD Lawrence Township, $81,000
• Hamilton Southeastern Schools, $81,000
• Fishers Christian Academy, $12,273
• Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, $81,000
• Options Schools, Inc., $81,000 Funds can be used for a variety of needs
“Indiana continues to help schools stay focused on security and provide safe learning environments,” State Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville) stated. “Our local schools will put these dollars to good use as they work hard to keep students safe.”
The Indiana Secured School Safety Grant program was created in 2013 to increase the safety of Indiana schools. The program is a dedicated state fund that provides matching grants to school corporations, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools and coalitions of school corporations.
Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program began.
This year’s grant cycle funds were awarded to 499 schools across Indiana’s 92 counties. See the full list of recipients at tinyurl.com/5kyahz7z.
COVER STORY
FIESTA DE LA CULTURA
Lawrence Township school district plans annual celebration of Hispanic culture
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Lawrence Township school district serves students from a rich diversity of backgrounds, including many different Hispanic cultures.
To celebrate those students and educate the community, the district and the Lawrence Township School Foundation are hosting their annual Dia Latino de Lawrence festival, set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8920 Otis Ave.
Georgina Mayorga-Schneider is MSDLT’s assistant director of language programs. She noted that the festival is in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. But that’s not how the festival started.
“Dia Latino de Lawrence, years and years and years ago — before I was even in this role — started off as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and it was held in the parking lot of the (district central office),” she said. “It was a really great festival. Schools made ofrendas, which is really traditional for Dia de los Muertos.”
Ofrendas are memorials to honor ancestors and relatives who have died. Making them is one of the many traditions of Day of the Dead, which generally falls on or around Nov. 1.
Mayorga-Schneider said the district celebrated Dia de los Muertos for a few years, with the event taking place toward the end of October. They received feedback from the public, she said, noting that although the event was meaningful, it wasn’t a broad celebration of Latin culture.
“I started really reflecting on that,” she said. “As a Latina myself, I’m like, ‘OK, yeah, I don’t celebrate Dia Los Muertos.’ So, we changed the name … to Dia Latino de Lawrence and then we moved it up so that it fell in Hispanic Heritage Month.”
The first year of the “rebrand” was 2022, Mayorga-Schneider said, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
‘Everyone’s like, ‘I can’t believe how many people are here. This is huge. This is amazing,’” she said. “And then the next year, we had 100 percent school participation — so every single school was either performing or singing or had a table.”
Mayorga-Schneider noted that the celebration is not of any one culture. It includes any Latino culture represented by students in the school district — Mexican, Honduran, El Salvadoran, Nicaraguan, Puerto Rico, Guatemalan, Spanish, etc. — and many of the teachers who help organize
the festival also have a Hispanic heritage. The festival will include performances, games, crafts, vendors and food trucks offering traditional foods like tacos and pupusas, along with some food that’s appropriate for any culture — like ice cream doughnuts.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The annual Dia Latino de Lawrence festival is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 28 at Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8920 Otis Ave., Lawrence.
Scheduled events for the day include:
• 10:15 am: Crestview Elementary: Selena!
• 10:30 am: Latin Dances by Forest Glen Elementary
• 10:45 am: D’Classics Rock Bilingual Latino Rock Band
• 11:45 am: Fall Creek Valley Advanced
Choir: Latino songs
• Noon: Ballet Mosaicos and Mosaicos Kids
• 12:40 pm: Mary Castle Elementary performances
• 1:15 pm: Skiles Test Elementary: Fiesta en America!
• 1:30 pm: Bilingual songs and Folklorico from MSDLT Elementary Choir
• 1:45 pm: Lawrence Central Latinos: Mexican Tribute
Misty Wick Johnston is president and CEO of the Lawrence Township School Foundation, which supports district initiatives. She said the festival’s many sponsors help fund the festival each year as well as Hispanic cultural programming throughout the district.
“All of the proceeds go to continue to promote Latino culture in Lawrence Township,” she said, adding that when a community celebrates cultures, it helps people from those cultures feel included.
“I think that’s what’s so exciting and so amazing about our Lawrence (Township) schools, is that our kids get to be part of something that’s really rich and diverse and they don’t just celebrate it, they are involved and they build community around it,” she said. “It’s wonderful if we can have friends teach each other … about their own heritage and their own cultures. Kids learn best that way and they learn best by doing. Having an event like this, where they can come and experience and see and do and listen to the music and enjoy the crafts or eat the food. It’s all about the experiential, hands-on component of living in a diverse community.”
MSDLT Communications Director Dana Altemeyer added that Lawrence Township schools is a microcosm of the world.
“We serve students who represent all of these cultures, so we honor them and validate their culture, its importance,” she said. “We seek to learn more. We learn from each other every single day. And celebrating that individuality, that uniqueness, really fosters a sense of self. It fosters a sense of pride.”
Mayorga-Schneider said the district celebrates cultural diversity throughout the year.
“It’s not just isolated to a one-day community event,” she said. “It’s constant. It’s year round. And I think that’s really what makes it all special, is that you see that when you walk the schools, too. If you go to Belzer Middle School — the principal there has ordered every single flag in the cafeteria that represents where his students are from.”
ON THE COVER: Students perform a traditional dance during a previous Dia Latino de Lawrence festival. (Photo courtesy of MSDLT)
The annual Dia Latino de Lawrence festival celebrates the many Hispanic cultures represented within the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township. (Photos courtesy of MSDLT)
Dia Latino de Lawrence started as a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration before growing into a larger cultural celebration coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month.
Acting friends slip back into ‘Kinky Boots’ roles
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Jacob Butler and Jonathan Studdard are running it back one more time. Butler and Studdard are returning to the same roles in the cast of “Kinky Boots” for a different theater group.
The two will perform in Civic Theatre’s Oct. 4-19 production at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The friends were in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s presentation in 2022.
Butler, a Lawrence resident, plays Charlie Price, who has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Lola, a drag queen, played by Fishers resident Studdard, tries to help him.
“I love doing this role,” Butler said. “It’s a lot of fun for me. It’s the Cyndi Lauper music and the right vocals and getting to do those. There’s a lot of meat to dig into in the show.”
Butler said it’s a timely show during a heated political season.
“Getting to share the message of getting to know your neighbor, getting to know the people around you and not judging them before you know them is a great message to share right now,” he said. “This show is a little out of left field for the normal shows in town.”
Butler said he thinks the Beef & Boards audiences didn’t initially know what to expect.
“But once they came and saw us, they were rocking out in their seats,” Butler said. “They were smiling all the time like they were engaged in (the message) we were trying to share.”
Butler said he originally thought he was going to be too busy to do the show, but Studdard convinced him otherwise.
Butler and Studdard were previously in Civic’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
Studdard made his first Beef & Boards appearance in “Kinky Boots.”
“So, I felt very pressured because I
wanted to do well,” Studdard said. “Their runs are typically a lot longer than our runs, so we did 52 shows in comparison to the eight we do here. The rehearsal period is shorter, two weeks instead of seven weeks, so that made me a bit nervous.”
be his final show for the foreseeable future.
Studdard, 29, said there are a lot of things that can happen in a person’s life in two years and he hopes to bring those personal experiences to his acting.
“I’m really excited to have fun,” Studdard said. “Civic has always been home to me, so I’m really excited to take a dip in Lola’s waters again and close out my theater performance journey with ‘Kinky Boots’ because I got a new job I really love, but this takes me away from performing.”
Studdard, who is director of operations for the Indiana State Museum and historical sites, said “Kinky Boots” will
Caroline Sanchez, a Carmel resident, said she always wanted to perform in “Kinky Boots.”
“I hadn’t seen the show, but I really liked the songs,” said Sanchez, who plays the role of Trish. “I hadn’t done a musical in a very long time, so I just was really excited to get to sing and dance again.”
Sanchez said her biggest challenge is the singing and dancing parts.
“I’m a big Shakespeare and straight play actor,” Sanchez said.
Carmel resident Tommy McConnell, 11, plays the role of young Charlie. A Clay Middle School sixth-grader, he has performed previously in Junior Civic shows.
“I like performing with the adults,” he said. “The show really sends a good message of accepting others for who they are and celebrating our differences.”
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet” runs through Oct. 6 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL’
The Belfry Theatre presents “9 to 5 The Musical’ through Sept. 29 at Noblesville First United Methodist Church. For more, visit thebelfrytheatre.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Freeform Concert Series presents “Hello World with John Boyle and Cam Melton” at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25; “Deception: An Evening of Magic & Lies” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26; and “Dueling Pianos presented by Brittany Brumfield and Baby Grand Entertainment” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
SUPER DIAMOND
Super Diamond, a Neil Diamond tribute act, will join Carmel Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
‘RING OF FIRE’
Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Ring of Fire” runs through Sept. 29 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.
‘WHO I AM’
Nick Carter will perform in his “Who I Am” tour at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
LEONID & FRIENDS
“Leonid & Friends: The Music of Chicago & More” is set for 8 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘VICTORY LAP’ TOUR
Damien Escobar’s “Victory Lap” tour is set for 8 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
MUSIC
From left, Jacob Butler, Jonathan Studdard and Kelsey McDaniel appear in Civic Theatre’s “Kinky Boots.” (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty)
Sanchez
McConnell
Pulling a ‘Ripcord’ for laughs
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
When Miki Mathioudakis read the script for “Ripcord,” she immediately knew she wanted to be a part of the show.
COMEDY
“I had read the play and I thought, ‘Oh, yeah, I want to play Marilyn,’” Mathioudakis said. “Then I went to see the play (in Cincinnati in 2019) and said, ‘Oh, no, I want to play Abby’ because Abby is a real curmudgeon, and she has this wonderful scene with her estranged son.”
Mathioudakis and fellow Indianapolis resident Tina Nehrling have the leading roles in Main Street Productions’ presentation of “Ripcord” Oct. 3-13 at Basile Westfield Playhouse.
The comedy centers on two women who engage in one-upmanship in a senior living center.
“They’re trying to prank each other to get the other one kicked out,” said the play’s director Andrea Odle, a Noblesville resident.
Nehrling, who plays Marilyn, is making her debut with Main Street Productions.
Nehrling said the show is mixed with anger and tenderness.
“It’s my favorite kind of play because it’s funny. When you laugh, it opens up the tender place inside of you, so deeper truths can touch you.”
– MIKI MATHIOUDAKIS
strong -- not “drippy oatmeal parts,” which are often available for older actresses.
“It’s like they’re in a battle and we find out their backstory later and why they’re the way they are,” Nehrling said.
Nehrling said she was not familiar with the show until she read the script. Nehrling and Mathioudakis formerly lived near each other and are longtime friends.
“Oftentimes, we’d be in competition for a role rather than playing together’” said Mathioudakis, who made her first appearance at Basile Westfield Playhouse in April.
Nehrling said the leading roles are
“There are several women of a certain age who wanted to audition for this,” Mathioudakis said. “I think we both showed up on the first night and I think that was smart.”
Odle described the play as a comedy with heart. She said one of her directing mentors sent her the show, calling it “fantastic.”
“The challenging part is we move to different locations within the story,” Odle said. “We’re in a haunt ed house, then they jump out of an airplane and then we’re in a park, so that’s a bit of a challenge on how we show the audience we’re gone. It’s set pieces and (the) audience’s imagination.”
Mathioudakis said she previously did readings of the play for Indy Actors Playground and Carmel Community Players and audiences loved it.
“It’s my favorite kind of play because it’s funny,” Mathioudakis said. “When you laugh, it opens up the tender place inside of you, so deeper truths can touch you.”
For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
FREE EVENT OKTOBERFEST
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:
The Cornerstone Lutheran Church Oktoberfest from 4 to 10 p.m. Sept. 27 at 4850 E. Main St. in Carmel is a family-friendly event with food, music and activities for children. Free events include Polka music and dancing, yard games, a costume contest and bingo. For more, visit cornerstonelutheran. church/oktoberfest.
OTHER FREE AREA EVENTS
BIKE WITH A COP — The community is invited to a free bike ride alongside local police officers through Dillon Park in Noblesville, 6001 Edenshall Lane Sept. 28. Registration is required at secure.rec1.com/ IN/city-of-noblesville-in/catalog.
Mathioudakis
Nehrling
CSO to rotate guest conductors
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
MUSIC
After Janna Hymes left as music director of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra just before the 2023-24 season in October, the company named David Commanday as the guest conductor for the season-opening concert.
He served two more stints as guest conductor before being named music director in December 2023. CSO Executive Director Anne Marie Chastain said negotiations were unsuccessful in bringing Commanday back for the 2024-25 season.
open the classical season with a tribute to Ludwig van Beethoven at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Palladium. Damien Geter will serve as the conductor and soloists from Indianapolis Opera will be featured.
“We’re very excited about the lineup we have,” Chastain said.
“We have conductors who have experience all over the world coming to work with us.”
Chastain said the programming is diverse as well.
“It’s not that we wouldn’t ever work with him in the future, it’s just that this season didn’t work out,” Chastain said. “One of the things the board talked about when we went through the change last year is we did want to take the time to look through a variety of options for conductors. We still haven’t made a decision when we will launch a conductor search but we knew this coming season we wanted to bring in a few different conductors, so we can see what their styles are like and just expose the orchestra to a few different options.”
CSO will join Super Diamond, a tribute act devoted to Neil Diamond, in a season-opening concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. CSO will then
“We want the programs to really touch the souls of our audience and be that transformative musical and artistic experience we know that great art can provide,” Chastain said. “Art is a wonderful way for uniting people in the community and bringing people together.”
The “America the Beautiful” concert set for Nov. 16 will feature Antonin Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 9 From the New World.”
The “Family Pops: A Viennese Holiday” concert featuring romantic waltzes with sing-alongs is set for 2 p.m. Dec. 15, with a “Holiday in Vienna” set for 7 p.m. Fly Dance Company’s “Breakin’ Classical: A Fusion of Dance and Symphony” is set for Jan. 25, 2025, with breakdancing accompanying the orchestra.
The “Moonlights and Lanterns” concert Feb. 8 will feature the music of Chinese festivals of the Lunar New Year. Other concerts include “Carmel Artist Showcase,” Feb. 23; “Appalachian Spring,” March. 16 and “Easter Parade,” April 19. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
Heartland announces lineup
FILM editorial@youarecurrent.com
Heartland Film has announced the lineup for the 33rd Heartland International Film Festival Powered by the Indiana Economic Development Corp., taking place Oct. 10-20 in Indianapolis.
The 11-day festival, which was named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World for 2023, will showcase more than 110 feature films, including 28 world/North American/U.S. premieres, 73 regional premieres, 20 special presentations from major distributors and 10 Indiana Spotlight films. Opening night showcases “A Real Pain” from Searchlight Pictures. Directed, written by and starring Jesse Eisenberg, the
film follows mismatched cousins David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) as they reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. Centerpiece Screening, set for Oct. 16, features “Small Things Like These” from Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions, starring Oscar winner Cillian Murphy.
This year’s theme is “Expand Your Universe.” Attendees are encouraged to explore the 110-plus films with screenings at Emagine Noblesville, Kan-Kan Cinema and Restaurant, Landmark Glendale 12, Living Room Theaters and Newfields. All film selections will have in-person screenings, and many also will be available to view virtually. Individual tickets and Fest Passes are available at HeartlandFilmFestival.org.
Chastain
Applications accepted for Best Places to Work in Indiana
news@youarecurrent.com
The application period is open for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce 20th annual Best Places to Work in Indiana competition.
WORKFORCE
The theme for 2025 is “Unveiling Excellence.” The awards honor top organizations in the state as determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys. Company evaluations and the selection process are administered by Workforce Research Group.
“The Best Places to Work in Indiana program is an ideal way to showcase the many great companies we have here in the Hoosier state and what they do to make the lives of their workers and communities in which they live and work that much better,” Indiana Chamber President/ CEO Vanessa Green Sinders stated. “I find the creative and innovative ways these companies draw and retain talent and
improve the lives of not just their employees, but those of their families as well, truly inspiring.”
The competition includes a questionnaire and anonymous engagement and satisfaction survey. Applicants receive a report analyzing strengths and opportunities for improvement in their workplace cultures.
Winners are chosen in four groups: small companies of between 15 and 74 employees; medium companies of between 75 and 249 employees; large companies of 250 to 999 employees; and major companies with 1,000 or more employees. All employees must be based in the United States.
Winners will be honored April 30, 2025, at the Best Places to Work awards dinner at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis.
The application deadline is Nov. 22. Learn more at bestplacestoworkindiana. com.
Maintaining remote focus
Commentary by Terry Anker
ESSAY
Remote work has always been around. For millennia, there have been some among us who herd domesticated animals from grazing fields to market. Likewise, preachers traversed byways spreading the Gospel long before cathedrals rose from our cities. Ancient hunters followed the expansive migration patterns of their intended prey, living nomadic lives along the way. Most of human existence was not spent within the confines of the office. Dictionaries define the space “a room, set of rooms or building used as a place for commercial, professional or bureaucratic work.” The latter is especially salient. As the British Empire expanded and prospered in the 18th century, dedicated suites to assemble necessary bureaucrats began to be constructed in London to house the hordes of clerks and administrators managing the paperwork and record-keeping for the far-flung realm. The arrangement caught on and became the global standard. Today, many, if not most of us find ourselves toiling shoulder-to-shoulder with others in these
shared rooms. The recent interventions related to the global pandemic have spawned countless cultural shifts. Primary among them may be the desire by many to dissolve the long-standing corporate gathering places by substituting virtual workspaces and video conferencing. Whether productivity is enhanced or debilitated in a shared space is deliberated. We are left to consider new habits if we no longer find our way to our employer’s edifice. There are scores of “working” activities that are not work at all — rather, they are personal amusements. Surfing is not working. One works or one does not. To be sure, these cheats are rampant in the corporate cube farm. But with little oversight in our daily routine, how can we be expected to maintain focus? Perhaps the best is to remember our own biases, officed or not, and how we expect to earn our pay.
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
Hearing the cold, hard truth
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My wife Mary Ellen convinced me to get hearing aids about three years ago. However, I frequently forgot to wear them. I had to keep asking, “What?” After a while, it annoyed my friends and family, so I added a little variety, like, “Say what?” and “Excuse me?” When I returned to New York for a visit, I asked, “Are you talking to me?”
HUMOR
Mary Ellen kept telling me I wasn’t hearing well. I’m not sure if she was correct. I think the proper grammar is, “You are not hearing good,” but I need to check that with my editor, who is my wife, so now the case is closed.
This kind of problem is usually more apparent with glasses. I didn’t need my spouse to point out vision issues. I got a lot of practical feedback walking into a glass door or putting on two different-colored socks — or a sneaker and a loafer.
When Mary Ellen realized I was having vision issues, she first said I wasn’t good looking and then said I didn’t look well. I didn’t care about the grammar. I didn’t like the sound of either one.
Hearing aids are relatively easy to use. You put them in your ears, both of them; then you put both of the hearing aids into both of your ears. Then, you take them out of both of your ears at night. I’m glad I read the directions. I am quite good at inserting them, although sometimes I would put them in the wrong ears, making it hard to understand people on my right. Sorry, I don’t mean that politically,
I fell asleep the other night in my La-ZBoy while listening to music in the family room, so I neglected to remove the devices from my ears. I thrash around when I doze, so when I woke up, they had fallen out, lost somewhere in my chair, I assumed. The search began. First, I felt around the insides of the cushion. I found two pencils, three dimes and my Costco card. I also found a cluster of dog hair, which is pretty troubling because we haven’t had a dog for 10 years.
My wife is usually quite helpful in situations like this. The last time I thought I had misplaced my glasses, she pointed out I was still wearing them, so her question, “Did you check your ears?” seemed quite reasonable.
“Mary Ellen kept telling me I wasn’t hearing well. I’m not sure if she was correct. I think the proper grammar is, ‘You are not hearing good.’”
– DICK WOLFSIE
No, they weren’t in my ears, lost in the cushion or on the floor. Because I take prescription sleep meds, I wondered if I could have unknowingly wandered about the house in my sleep, a possible side effect of this drug. I checked the bathroom, the laundry room and the second bedroom. I finally found them in a very unlikely place. They seemed to work fine … after I defrosted them.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
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Hosted by and benefiting:
Sunday, October 6
12:30-4pm Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center (the Colts practice facility)
Join us for an upgraded watch party experience of the Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars away game! Enjoy tailgate food, an open bar, bounce houses for kids and more, all while supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
Learn more at morethanaphone.org.
Fun for the whole family!
See inside the Indianapolis Colts practice facility!
Bounce and Play on the field while the DJ spins!
Watch the game from 2 large screen TVs!
1. Gov. Holcomb
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16. Musical sound
17. Pana Donuts choice
20. Swerved wildly
21. Bad-mouth
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28. Get ready, briefly
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37. Map within an Indiana map
39. Pana Donuts choice
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