December 3, 2024 — Lawrence/Geist

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THE LEO SOFA

BARTOLA END TABLE 18”x24”x20”
ALLIE SWIVEL CHAIR
BERNIE SWIVEL CHAIR

This year, instead of sending holiday cards, I’ve decided to send some very special thank-you notes to the people on my list:

1. Thank you to everyone who attended one of the many wonderful City of Lawrence events and festivals throughout 2024! From the total eclipse celebration in April to the opening of our new Winter Market in November, 2024 was a banner year for City of Lawrence events both new and old. Community volunteers joined city staff in July to fill 400 backpacks with school supplies for our city’s first-ever Back to School Cookout and Backpack Giveaway, and we collaborated with our friends at Heartland Film Festival to launch the inaugural Starry Nights Films at the Fort free outdoor movie series. For the first time, September’s BBQ & Blues event was hosted outside Ft. Harrison State Park, making it free for all to attend. And Winterfest 2024 promises to be the best yet, with a holiday parade culminating in the lighting of this year’s real Christmas tree! Thank you to everyone who’s made our City of Lawrence events such a success in 2024.

2. Thank you to our City of Lawrence Parks Department and the many partners and volunteers who ensure our city’s parks are wonderful, welcoming places for our city’s residents. This includes Casper Jones and all the volunteers from Skatepark Respect who’ve transformed the graffitied surface of our Lawrence Skate Park into a giant work of public art; the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Next Level Trails program for their support of the Lee Road Park Trail extension; and everyone at Indy Urban Wilderness who helped secure funding for our planned Fall Creek Greenway expansion. Thank you for all your efforts!

3. Thank you IndyGo for bringing Bus Rapid Transit to the City of Lawrence via the Purple Line! Thanks to your hard work and collaboration, fast, efficient, and clean public transit is finally a reality in our community, and I can’t wait to witness all the opportunities the Purple Line unlocks for Lawrence residents and visitors.

4. Thank you, friends and neighbors in the City of Lawrence, for your commitment to this community. You are the heart and soul of this city and the reason every member of my administration shows up to work every day ready to serve. You are the people who make this place special. Thank you!

Best wishes for your holiday season,

IN 2024 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Fishers celebrates new event center

After many years of planning and more than a year of construction, the City of Fishers celebrated the official opening of the new 7,500-seat Fishers Event Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 22, hours before the $170 million center hosted its first event, a concert by country band Turnpike Troubadours.

DEVELOPMENT

“This is a very, very special day for the City of Fishers and it’s a long time in the making,” Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness told the group gathered for the ceremony. “For some of us, this has been a dream or an idea that’s been kicked around literally for over a decade.”

Fadness said he and Jim Hallett, owner of the Indy Fuel hockey team, started talking about an event center in Fishers in 2011 or 2012. There were some obstacles they had to overcome, including the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, but they eventually found a suitable location in the Fishers District — 11000 Stockdale St. — close to the FORUM Event Center and Ikea, and found business partners to help make it happen.

Fadness credited Deputy Mayor Elliott Hultgren for his work and the Fishers City Council for supporting the project; and ASM Global, which is managing the center and booking all the events. Fadness said he hopes the community enjoys what the center has to offer moving forward.

“I’m not one for a pomp and circumstance. I’m not one for ribbon cuttings most of the time,” he said. “What I will enjoy … more than anything tonight, is … sitting back and watching countless Fishers residents today, tomorrow and well into the future, experience this facility, share a memory with their family — whether that’s an unbelievable concert, whether it’s an Indy Fuel game, whether it’s our incredible women’s volleyball team that we’re going to have here, whether it’s the Fishers Freight or, frankly, whether it’s graduation or the (Hamilton Southeastern Schools) Mudsock basketball game — whatever those things are, the opportunity to know that I had a small part in creating this opportunity to have them experience that — that’s what this is all about for me.”

The center is the new home base for the Indy Fuel as well as the new Indy Ignite professional volleyball team and Fishers

Freight indoor football team. The first Indy Fuel home game is scheduled for Dec. 6 at the center.

Center manager Mitch List from ASM also spoke and thanked everyone who was part of planning and building the new facility.

“In the final weeks, the building has transformed into an extraordinary venue with finishing touches, bringing every space to life in the venue,” he said. “Behind the scenes, cutting-edge technology sup-

ports seamless operation, from free-flow parking to advanced screening technology at the entrances to get you to our concession stands faster, ensuring that you won’t miss a moment of the action at the Fishers Event Center. The attention to detail is evident in every corner of this facility, delivering a venue that truly stands apart.”

For more about the event center and its upcoming events, visit fisherseventcenter. com.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL CONCESSIONS

The Fishers Event Center isn’t offering the usual steamed hot dogs and popcorn. Instead, peckish guests attending events at the new center can choose locally sourced bratwurst; pizza with jackfruit; a mac-and-cheese bar with add-ons like brisket, bacon and blue cheese; and smashburgers with a signature seasoning blend.

During a recent tasting event for media, John Stockholm, director of food and beverage at the Fishers Event Center, said his team looked at food offered at a variety of stadiums and arenas before coming up with the Fishers Event Center’s menu.

“The bottom line is, the top-10 items in any arena are pretty much the same,” he said. “So instead of trying to go adding things — whether it’s unnatural colors or something that’s so big no one can eat it — we decided to take those top-10 items and work on what we could do to elevate those top-10 items.”

The double-cheese smashburger is one example. Stockholm said the meat is locally sourced and grass fed, bought from

A double-cheese smashburger and pineapple nachos are among the concession items at the new Fishers Event Center. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

Fischer Farms. The burgers are seasoned with a special blend created by the center’s head chef.

Center guests also can try a roasted beet salad, bratwurst from Old Major Market and a pork-belly cinnamon roll — a pork belly that is cut thin, rubbed with spices and brown sugar and rolled up before cooking, then topped with a creamy horseradish sauce.

For more about the food offerings at the Fishers Event Center, visit fisherseventcenter.com/venue-info/ food-and-beverage.

December 3, 2024

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City of Fishers and Fishers Event Center officials cut the ribbon to officially open the new Fishers Event Center Nov. 22. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

Lawrence council rejects rezone for event center

After hearing from numerous residents opposed to an event center at Oaklandon Road and 79th Street, the Lawrence Common Council voted unanimously Nov. 20 to reject a proposed rezone that would have allowed the addition of about 3.8 acres of wooded property to the planned business.

GOVERNMENT

The property is now zoned for church use and is owned by a nearby church. The petitioner, represented by Lawrence zoning attorney Russell Brown, planned to add trails to the wooded lot to be used by guests at the commercial property’s bed and breakfast and for photo opportunities during events, such as weddings, that are planned at the site, which is not yet open for business.

Brown said the main property was approved in 2019 for a 2,400 square foot event center that could serve up to about 160 guests, in addition to the B&B. He said events would be mostly on the weekends and any music would be turned off by 11 p.m.

“The specific request to you tonight is to add those 3 acres of property,” he said. “Our perspective is that while the parcel is, in fact, larger, it is not more intense than the operations which are currently authorized at this location.”

The wooded area would not be cut down, he said — the only development on that parcel would be new trails. Brown added that the requested zoning for the parcel requires that any change in plans come back to the

city for approval, so the wooded area would be more protected by the adjustment than it is now.

For the rest of the property, he said the owner planned to adjust the location of the not-yet-constructed barn that will be used for events. Brown said the barn would be further from the road and nearly 500 feet from the nearest home. He also said that events would be indoor-only, which would help mitigate noise.

Most of the nearby residents who spoke against the rezone said they never received a notice of the 2019 rezone allowing the property to be used for an event center. They expressed concern about increased noise and traffic, and many asked the council to reconsider the 2019 vote. Brown and city officials advised the council that reconsidering the earlier vote was not possible.

Council members also expressed concern about the effect the event center would have on the neighborhood. Councilor Tyrrell Giles (D-District 1) noted that without the rezone allowing the petitioner to buy the parcel, the business still can move forward based on its original plans approved in 2019.

The rezone failed in a unanimous vote.

Another rezone of an adjacent property, also zoned for church use, to allow David and Joanna Sweet to develop the two lots for residential use was before the council Nov. 20. The rezone was approved unanimously and allows a single primary structure on each of the lots. Nobody spoke against the measure.

The next regular Lawrence Common Council meeting is set for 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.

The Lawrence Common Council met Nov. 20 at Lawrence Government Center. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

Holiday Porchfest

MIDTOWN PLAZA

Join us at Holiday PorchFest, a free holiday event in Midtown Carmel with performers singing our favorite Holiday songs. Vendors will be onsite o ering warm beverages and snacks.

2:00 p.m. Bach to Rock Band

3:00 p.m. Carmel PorchFest Grant Presentations

3:10 p.m. School of Rock Band

Midtown Plaza is a Trolley Stop for the Carmel Holiday Trolley.

New all-way stops OK’d

A Geist neighborhood in Lawrence will have two new all-way stops following a Nov. 20 vote by the Lawrence Common Council.

GOVERNMENT

The council voted unanimously in favor of an ordinance establishing all-way stops at Briarhill Drive, Bent Oak Lane and Bent Oak Court; and at Bent Oak Lane and Briarhill Lane in a neighborhood close to the city’s McCordsville boundary.

The council’s Code Committee reviewed the ordinance Nov. 19 and forwarded a favorable recommendation.

In other matters, the council took no action on a proposal to prohibit parking on Harrison Park Court near 56th Street and Post Road. The code committee reviewed that proposal as well and wanted additional information before moving forward with it.

The council also approved a contract for legal services with Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, which helped the city negotiate new union contracts with city fire and

police personnel. The new union contracts were finalized in September and the council ratified them in mid-October.

Deputy Chief of Staff LeAndre Level told the council that the contract was before the council that night because costs ended up exceeding $50,000. By ordinance, all city contracts that go above $50,000 are to come before the council for approval.

The contract was approved 8-1 with Councilor Rick Wells (D-District 2) casting the dissenting vote.

During his report to the council, Level noted that renovations were almost complete in the public assembly room where council meetings are held. The updates include new technology to comply with state requirements that all public meetings be streamed live for better access by early 2025.

The city has been streaming most public meetings through its Facebook page, although recent meetings have not been streamed due to the renovation work. Level said future meetings will be streamed only on the city’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/@visitlawrenceindiana.

news@geistcurrent.com

City of Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield has appointed former Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight as the new chief of staff for the City of Lawrence, according to a Nov. 25 announcement from the city.

GOVERNMENT

Goodnight served as Kokomo’s mayor from 2008 to 2019 and on the Kokomo Common Council from 2001 to 2007, according to the announcement.

More recently, Goodnight has worked as a consultant and advisor to local governments across Indiana. He also has served as president of the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns from 2016 to 2017, where he supported and represented mayors and municipal leaders statewide.

Whitfield expressed enthusiasm about Goodnight’s appointment.

“We are thrilled to welcome Greg to the City of Lawrence,” she stated. “His extensive experience in local government, his leadership as a former mayor and his knowledge of municipal operations will be invaluable as we continue to move Lawrence forward. I look forward to working closely with Greg as we tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Goodnight shared his excitement about the new role.

“I’ve had the opportunity to talk with several mayors across Indiana and that made me even more excited to take on this new opportunity,” he stated. “It’s an honor to help Mayor Whitfield carry out her vision for the City of Lawrence.”

For more about the City of Lawrence and its leadership team, visit cityoflawrence. org/mayor.

Image: Aren Straiger
Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield, left, and her new Chief of Staff Greg Goodnight. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
The City of Lawrence hosted a free Thanksgiving celebration for seniors and veterans Nov. 21 at the Community Park center on Franklin Road. The event included a free meal catered by Lawrence-based Martel’s SOUL Food Goodness and a performance by comedian Donald Martin. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

Local law enforcement assists in federal meth bust

CRIME news@geistcurrent.com

Eleven Indiana residents have been indicted in federal court on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine following a multiagency operation that included Hamilton/Boone County Drug Task Force, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Lawrence Police Department.

In all, 16 agencies coordinated to execute 22 arrest and search warrants at 11 locations in central Indiana Nov. 20. Ten individuals were arrested and are in federal custody.

According to an announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of Indiana, federal agents and local police seized firearms and quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and marijuana.

The people indicted are:

• Matthew Fishman, 38, of Bloomington

• Megan Gaskin, 29, of Indianapolis

• Joseph Grubb, 37, of Bloomfield

• Amanda Hornaday, 40, of Indianapolis

• Candace Rich, 44, of Indianapolis

• Ashley Russell, 38, of Indianapolis

• Colton Shorkey, 33, of Franklin

• James Sublett Jr., 39, of Westfield

• James Tyus Jr., 39, of Indianapolis

• Kelly Willis, 52, of Indianapolis

• Thomas Winkley, 45, of Indianapolis

Joseph A. Grubb remains a fugitive, according to the announcement.

The indictment alleges that since February, all 11 defendants conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Tyus allegedly acted as the leader of the operation and Sublett was named as the supplier. The remaining defendants allegedly acted as dealers and distributers.

The alleged meth deals took place at various locations across Indianapolis, including parking lots, gas stations, apartment complexes, motels and a gentleman’s club.

“Getting deadly drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl off our streets is a top priority for our office,” stated Zachary Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “That is why working with our partners at DEA, IMPD and across federal, state and local law enforcement is so important. We are committed to identifying drug traffickers and holding them accountable in federal court.”

If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in federal prison.

DISPATCHES

Golden Hour Game Days launched — The City of Lawrence is hosting a new social opportunity for the community’s seniors with games and activities every Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon at Lawrence Community Park’s community center, 5301 N. Franklin Rd. Activities will include card games, board games and perhaps some lunch-and-learn sessions and group exercise classes.

Diaper drive — The Indiana Diaper Bank is collecting diapers, training diapers, wipes and monetary donations through the month of December in the 2024

#ShareTheLove diaper drive. The goal is to collect $30,000 — approximately 120,000 diapers — by the end of 2024. The drive assists struggling families through the Indiana Diaper Bank’s social service organization partners. Indiana Diaper Bank distributes up to 600,000 diapers every month throughout the state to programs that support Hoosier families who strug-

gle to afford diapers. Organizations that wish to participate can sign up at tinyurl. com/2p8wjts6. Learn more at indianadiaperbank.org.

500 Festival Miler Series dates announced — Registration is open for the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, through Feb. 2. The series, held at Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis, includes three races designed to help participants train for the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The Miler Series kicks off with a 3-Miler Feb. 8, a 6-Miler March 8 and a 10-Miler April 5. For more, visit IndyMini. com/Challenges.

Free smoke detectors — The City of Lawrence Fire Department, in partnership with Koorsen Fire Protection, is offering free smoke detectors to households that don’t have one, while supplies last. To apply, visit cityoflawrence.org/ smoke-detector-request.

If you’re searching for a spot that’s all about community, friendliness and respect for one another, Colonnade Townhomes in McCordsville, IN, has a small-town atmosphere to rave about.

Envision quiet weekend mornings meandering along walking trails dotted with wide open spaces and a shimmering pond. When you’re ready for a day out, head to nearby Fishers and Fortville, and mark your calendars for the upcoming McCord Square Downtown District! Your favorite artist might just come to the planned outdoor amphitheater.

Fishers has welcomed a taste of England with the opening of Max & Tilly’s, a restaurant specializing in authentic fish-andchips and other British-inspired dishes.

RESTAURANT

The restaurant, at the corner of 116th Street and Moore Road, is the brainchild of Newcastle, England, native Sharon Moore.

Moore, who previously operated Tilly’s Tea Room in Fishers in 2015, explained that the new venture is a return to her roots.

“This was our original location when we first opened Tilly’s Tea Room,” Moore said. “The area has developed into such a great spot, and it felt like the perfect time to bring our concept back home.”

The restaurant’s name reflects Moore’s family ties, with “Max” representing her 14-year-old son and “Tilly” her 16-year-old daughter.

Moore said Max & Tilly’s prides itself on providing a traditional English dining experience, including a music playlist that is exclusively British, with customer suggestions encouraged.

The fish-and-chips are made with a signature beer batter and served as a whole cod fillet, accompanied by authentic chips — distinct from fries — and classic sides such as mushy peas, gravy or curry sauce.

“We use authentic recipes and top-quality ingredients,” Moore said. “The fish must

be the best quality to ensure it fries up perfectly — crispy on the outside and flaky inside.”

In addition to fish-and-chips, the menu features a variety of savory pies, including pepper steak with merlot and chicken curry. The menu also will feature “filthy fries,” a British twist on poutine, loaded with toppings such as roast beef and gravy or chicken curry.

The tea room’s legacy continues with sweet and savory scones served with homemade preserves and fresh clotted cream.

Moore said Max & Tilly’s is more than a place to grab a meal — it’s designed to be a vibrant community hub.

“We want it to feel like a comfortable gathering place, with a fun vibe and great food,” Moore said.

The space also includes plans for Tilly’s Tea Room to reopen next door, offering afternoon tea by day and transitioning to wine and small plates in the evening.

After a soft-launch opening in mid-November, Moore hoped to fully launch Max & Tilly’s menu by Thanksgiving, pending final inspections.

“We’re excited to share the true English fish-and-chips experience, served wrapped in newspaper with salt, malt vinegar and mushy peas,” Moore said.

Max & Tilly’s hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 8701 E 116th St #140.

For more, visit maxandtillys.com.

Max & Tilly’s specializes in British-inspired food. From left are staff members Dylan Harter, Willena McDade, owner Sharon Moore, Jonathan Smith and Ruth Ann Hundley. (Photo by Cassie King)

Fishers police arrest three on drug, forgery charges

CRIME news@currentinfishers.com

Three suspects face felony charges related to drug possession and an alleged scheme involving fraudulent checks following an investigation by the Fishers Police Department.

According to an announcement from FPD, officers discovered hundreds of fraudulent checks during a Nov. 13 welfare check on a vehicle parked at a stoplight near I-69 and Campus Parkway.

from Indianapolis. Officers found multiple gift cards, credit cards and hundreds of checks in the vehicle.

“Some checks appeared to be ‘washed,’ showing signs of tampering and alterations and others were blank checks from various businesses,” the announcement stated.

“When officers approached, they found three adults asleep in the vehicle,” the announcement stated, identifying them as David Davis of Avon, Jessica Sprankle of Indianapolis and Amy Gill of Needham.

According to the announcement, Davis allegedly stole the vehicle and license plate

Police identified dozens of victims and learned that Davis allegedly had stolen checks from mailboxes.

“Through the diligent efforts of our officers during this welfare check, we may have prevented numerous individuals and businesses from falling victim to fraud,” FPD Chief Ed Gebhart stated. “The action not only apprehended the suspects but also dismantled a scheme that could have caused significant harm to our community,”

Donate Today

Barriers to care are not always obvious. Thanks in part to community partners, volunteers and donors, these barriers are being overcome. Learn more or join the movement at EskenaziHealthFoundation.org.

Special Events

Dec. 4, 4:30-9 p.m., Christkind ChoralFest

Dec. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sankt Nikolaustag

Dec. 7, 12:30-3 p.m., KulturFest

Werkstatt

Dec. 4-8, Falk Bauer & Katrin Zapf, Lauscha Glassblowers

Kinderecke

Dec. 5, 4-9 p.m., String Art Craft

Dec. 6, 4-9 p.m., Dry Snow Globes Craft

Spielhaus

Dec. 4, 4-9 p.m., Market Magic Show

Dec. 5, 4-9 p.m., Storytelling & Music

Dec. 8, 12-6 p.m., Santa

Entertainment

Dec. 5, 4:30-6 p.m., Matt Tolentino Trio

Dec. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Duke Tumatoe & The Power Trio

Dec. 6, 7-9 p.m., Alex Meixner

Dec. 7, 6:30-9 p.m., Alex Meixner

Dec. 8, 1-3 p.m., Alex Meixner

November 23 - December 24

Davis Sprankle
Gill

Westfield High School senior improves her post presence

In her first year as a starter, Westfield High School senior Samantha Price has made a significant impact on the girls basketball team.

“She has good size and athleticism inside and we want to get the ball into her when we can,” Shamrocks coach Kelsey Steele said. “Sam can run the floor well for us and put pressure on the defense in those ways.”

Price saw limited action as a sophomore. As a junior, she averaged 3.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game for the Shamrocks, who finished 13-11 last season. She sank 61 percent of her shots and was 36 percent from the free throw line.

Prior to the Nov. 26 game at Pike, the 6-foot-1 Price was averaging team-highs of 14 points on 65 percent shooting and 8.7 rebounds per game for the Shamrocks (2-3).

“Sam has made the most improvement in her post game at the rim. We are continuing to work on this with her but we are proud of the growth we have seen so far,” Steele said.

SAMANTHA PRICE

Favorite TV show: “Outer Banks”

Favorite musician: Drake

Favorite vacation spot: Florida

Favorite subject: Math

Price said she has become more comfortable with the ball in the post.

“I’ve had to step up more and lead more than I did last year,” Price said.

Steele said Price is growing as a vocal leader and growing her game.

“Sam does so much more than just score,” Steele said. “An underrated part of her game is her ability to affect the game on the defensive end. She had incredible

instincts around the ball and impacts the game in so many ways.”

Westfield graduated three starters, Ellie Kelleher, Kiki Loveless and Reagan Lorenzen, from last season’s team. All three are playing college basketball. Kelleher is at Indiana Wesleyan, Lovelace is at Indiana Tech and Lorenzen is at Rose-Hulman.

Price’s goal for the season is “to win sectionals and make it to state.”

Price will play basketball for Mount St. Joseph University, an NCAA Division III pro-

gram in Cincinnati.

“I just felt the most comfortable and at home there,” she said. “Everyone was really nice and welcoming.”

Price started playing basketball in recreation leagues in second grade.

“(I) started playing competitively in ninth grade,” said Price, who also played softball growing up.

To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.

Westfield High School senior Samantha Price has become a solid scorer in her first year as a starter. (Photo courtesy of Samantha Price)

Circle of Ivy donates $18K

news@currentinfishers.com

Circle of Ivy, a women’s philanthropy branch of the Ivy Tech Foundation, announced that it has raised more than $18,000 toward programs at Ivy Tech Hamilton County.

EDUCATION

Ivy Tech Hamilton County is one of 19 campuses to receive funding from Circle of Ivy. The funds will go toward four projects: kiosks to support student success; simulation mannequins for certified nurse assistant training; translation devices for non-English-speaking students; and license exam prep and fees for nursing students.

Circle of Ivy has raised more than $1.4 million in nine years statewide across Ivy Tech’s 19 campuses, according to the announcement.

“It’s fabulous to see the individual students who benefit from Circle of Ivy,” stated Terry Cortese, Circle of Ivy member at the Hamilton County campus. “I love that we get together as a statewide organization to celebrate the achievements of the students we impact.”

Rachel Kartz, chancellor of Ivy Tech Ham-

ilton County, stated that the funding from Circle of Ivy will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.

“Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college and the generosity of Circle of Ivy will allow more of them to excel and adequately prepare for their careers,” she stated.

Founded in 2015, Circle of Ivy builds opportunities and diminishes barriers to higher education by raising funds for emergency needs as well as sending students abroad for educational opportunities, providing instructional support with classroom technology and textbooks, and other programs.

For more, visit ivytech.edu/circleofivy.

Ivy Tech Hamilton County recently received an $18,000 donation from Circle of Ivy to support student programs. (Photo courtesy of Ivy Tech)

DISPATCHES

State parks survey – Hoosiers are invited to make suggestions about the future of Indiana State Parks by completing an online survey. The Indiana DNR is seeking responses on how the interests of visitors have changed over time. Park patrons can share opinions related to facilities, services, natural and cultural resources and more. Users are asked to rate service, value and facilities at state park properties and inns. Take the survey at in.gov/ dnr/state-parks/about-us/whats-new.

Happy Little (Virtual) 5K registration open – The Indiana DNR and the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation will host the third annual Happy Little (Virtual) 5K event April 19-27, 2025, to benefit state park programs. Registrants can complete the 5K anywhere outdoors on foot, bike, skate or paddle during the race window, which encompasses Earth Day April 22 and Arbor Day on April 25. Registration is $36 and includes a T-shirt, commemorative bib number and a Bob Ross-inspired finisher’s medal. Register at tinyurl. com/4ket8eew.

United Way young philanthropists event – Nominations are open for ELEVATE, United Way of Central Indiana’s annual awards event recognizing the region’s top young philanthropists, advocates and volunteers. The awards recognize six people or groups who serve as an example of the leadership, philanthropy and ingenuity needed to move the community forward on important social causes. The event also serves as a fundraiser for United Way. Nominees must be ages 21 to 41 and live or work in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan or Putnam counties. Nominations close Dec. 3. Submit nomination at uwci.org/elevate.

Scam alert — Indiana State Police has received an increase in reports of a common email extortion scam. These scam attempts target a victim by including the person’s name, address and sometimes a photograph of their home. In the email, the scammer claims to have installed Pegasus spyware on the victim’s phone and attempts to extort money from them. Report cybercrimes like this by visiting ic3. gov. More information about cybersecurity is available at in.gov/cybersecurity. A resource to learn about scams or to check a suspicious email is ScamTracker.com, operated by the Better Business Bureau.

COMMUNITY

Ex-Carmel High School standout ready for Indy Ignite

Former Carmel High School volleyball player Carly Skjodt can’t imagine a better scenario.

VOLLEYBALL

Skjodt will play for the Indy Ignite of the Pro Volleyball Federation. The Ignite will play their games at Fishers Event Center, with the season opener set for Jan. 11, 2025.

“It was never a thought when I was in college, but it’s only grown exponentially with the college scene growing and growing,” Skjodt said. “Being able to play (professionally) in the U.S., I can’t even say I dreamed of because it was never even a possibility. When I was growing up, overseas was the only option. I tried it out for a bit in Portugal.”

rable,” said Skjodt, who was an All-American at Michigan. “When PVF was talked about, I wasn’t even sure I could get back into the indoor game. It had been like three years since I played. It’s so special to be a part of. It’s really a full-circle moment for me to play.”

A 6-foot-1 outside hitter, Skjodt played with Orlando earlier this year in the league’s first season.

“It was an amazing experience, and for the first year of the league it was really well put together,”

Skjodt said. “They treated us great. We have so many resources. It was so much fun to be part of a team again. When you are playing beach (volleyball), it’s just you and your partner. Being part of this movement of volleyball in the U.S. was really cool. I loved my team in Orlando.”

“Being able to play (professionally) in the U.S., I can’t even say I dreamed of because it was never even a possibility.”
– CARLY SKJODT

parents, and my siblings are in town.”

Skjodt has spent the fall as the executive assistant to head coach Steve Aird for the Indiana University women’s volleyball team.

sure if it’s the route I’m going to take, but it’s awesome to be a part of it and see what life would be like in college sports.”

Skjodt helped lead CHS to its only IHSAA state volleyball state championship when the Greyhounds won the Class 4A title her senior year in 2014.

Skjodt has been playing volleyball since age 10.

“It’s crazy (volleyball) is finally getting the recognition it deserves,” Skjodt said. “I’m obviously biased but volleyball is such an entertaining and enjoyable game for people to watch and play.”

The Ignite was scheduled to report Dec. 1 to training camp. Skjodt said she has been working out on her own at IU.

After playing indoor volleyball at the University of Michigan, the 2015 CHS graduate played two seasons of beach volleyball at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif.

“That’s more of a hobby because the money you can make in that is not compa-

Skjodt said it is an unbelievable experience for her to be back at home.

“Depending on my playing career will determine the next steps,” she said. “I’m really enjoying it. Coach Steve gave me this really cool opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the college game from the outside, not being a player.”

Skjodt said she is determining whether she wants to be involved with college volleyball in the future.

“My parents love volleyball and love to support me,” Skjodt said. “My sister is having babies now. I get to be around my parents and it’s a special time in my life and their lives. They are first-time grand-

“It’s interesting to see the changes in college sports,” she said. “I’m not quite

“We’ll have a month and two weeks to get the team ready,” she said. “I’m so excited to play in Fishers Event Center. Growing up, I felt Indiana was a volleyball state, in my opinion. I think Indiana is such a perfect market for volleyball because it’s small and intimate enough for people to appreciate it. Women’s sports (are) on the rise as a whole with the (way the Indiana) Fever are taking off. I think our community is really going to show up for us.”

Skjodt

TRANSIT ART

New mural on Fort Ben bus stop celebrates Lawrence

Riders on the new IndyGo Purple Line have a new reason to visit Fort Ben with the addition of a colorful mural covering one wall of the downtown Lawrence bus stop.

The mural by Indianapolis artist Tasha Beckwith was commissioned by the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority. She said FHRA officials approached her with the idea of a mural featuring an interurban — a historic rail car used for public transportation in Indianapolis starting in 1900.

“They wanted that to be a central thing and wanted me to try to tie it into today’s transportation, with this being the Purple Line,” she said. “And so, ultimately, this is what I came up with — it’s like the old and the new, and then it combines what you can do in the Fort, like recreation, education — you can live here, work here.”

Beckwith said her design also incorporates plants found at the nearby Fort Harrison State Park and other elements representing Lawrence.

“The interurban, the old-style bus, (is) in the center,” she said, describing the imagery. “And underneath it, you’ll find the words Fort Ben and then it’s encased in a circle, like for sunshine. … And then you have butterflies, symbolizing transformation of the area. There’s a bird. It’s got books for education, a golf ball for recreation, the water tower, and then you’ll see at the bottom there is a long flag sweeping across just to represent the (military) history of the area.”

Fort Ben was a longtime U.S. Army base until it was decommissioned in the 1990s.

Beckwith said she kicked off the project in early October with a coat of primer before starting on the long, horizontal mural. It took about a month to complete.

“I love it. I hope the community loves it,” she said. “I love the colors. I think the colors are calming. So, yeah, I’m happy with it.”

Beckwith said she’s always been a creative person, even as a child. After high school, she attended Heron School of Art and Design at the IUPUI campus, graduating in 2006.

“Of course, I worked, like, regular jobs and things, but in 2019 I took it serious,”

she said. “I was like, ‘I want to focus on my career as an artist full time.’ And that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.”

Beckwith said she initially wanted to create studio art, but after a few opportunities to work on murals, realized that she liked that kind of large-scale work.

“I like the access — I like that everyone can access the art and it’s not in a museum stuck behind the walls,” she said.

Keith Johnson from the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority — formed in 1995 to spearhead planning for the base after its closure — said the mural idea had been in the works for a while.

“I think in today’s day and age of — like Instagrammable pictures are a big part of enjoying, living, feeling in a place and making a place special,” he said. “I think (the mural) should be a new, special, identifying,

HISTORICAL TRANSIT

The first interurban public transit in Indianapolis arrived in 1900 with an electric railcar taking riders between Indy and Greenwood. According to a report by the Indiana Historical Society, that kind of service rapidly expanded.

“By 1910, 12 companies operated direct routes between Indianapolis and major cities within a 120-mile radius of the state capital,” the report stated. “These companies remained strong until the 1930s when financial problems resulting from the stock market crash of 1929 closed a number of operations.”

The rail service became obsolete as more people purchased cars. According

to the report, federal regulations also made that kind of transit operation difficult to operate.

“The Public Utility Holding Act (of 1935) required holding companies to restrict their operations to a single, integrated system,” the report stated. “Power companies and railway companies could not be owned by the same holding company. Electric railways no longer had access to integrated and thus inexpensive sources of power.”

The last interurban rail line between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne closed in 1941.

recognizable place on the Fort, and I hope a place that people are happy to take pictures in front of and post (on social media).” Johnson said the authority supports public art and there are plans in the works for more pieces.

“This is very much the first piece that the Reuse Authority is proud to commission, and it nicely goes along with the opening of the Purple Line and connectivity,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll have people stop and take pictures as they ride.”

Beckwith noted that the Lawrence community made her feel welcome as she worked on the project.

“I really appreciated the neighborhood and the community walking by and telling me that I was doing a great job,” Beckwith said. “I ultimately hope that everyone just enjoys it, because that’s the reason why I love to do the public murals as well — just to bring joy to people.”

For more about Beckwith, visit her Instagram page @tashabeckwithfineart.

For more about the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority, visit fhra.org.

ON THE COVER: Indianapolis artist Tasha Beckwith painted the new mural at the IndyGo Purple Line’s Fort Ben bus stop. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Tasha Beckwith’s new mural at the Fort Ben bus stop includes images of an old-style transit bus, native plants found at nearby Fort Harrison State Park, books to represent educational opportunities in Lawrence and an American flag. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
The new Fort Ben mural features a large butterfly representing the City of Lawrence’s status as a Monarch City.

‘WWII Tiki Xmas Canteen’ set for Palladium

Steve Perry’s group originally started out as a punk rock/ska band.

“Our first music was swing music, so we’ve really been playing swing music from the beginning along with the other stuff,” Perry said.

The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies will perform its “WWII Tiki Xmas Canteen” concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5.

“We’re basically known for being a swing band, which is a large amount of 20th century popular jazz,” Perry said. “We run the gamut from ragtime to hot jazz to all the way to 1961 with the Rat Pack and Frank Sinatra vibes. We touch on all of these subgenres of music that swings. It’s very danceable and very 20th century.”

Perry calls the “Xmas Canteen” concert a swing spectacular

“We ended up playing in Hawaii as part of Pearl Harbor celebrations on Dec. 7 and started doing this 1940s music,” Perry said.  Perry said the night before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, there was a battle of the bands between U.S. Navy ships.

“Different ships sent their bands to compete in it and I’m sure it was a wild night,” he said. “They were probably hung over and then Dec. 7 hit.”

The concert will include 1940s classics. The band’s latest album, “At the Pink Rat,” focuses on the golden era of swing music of the 1940s highlighted by Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman.

“The biggest job is to be a popularizer of this kind of music because it kind of fell out of favor in the early 1960s,” Perry said. “After The Beatles came, it was pretty much gone forever. This last record I tackled that as well. I hadn’t really written in that style, which means big band (music) with major chords. We also have our own music, which is very danceable and upbeat.”

One of the original songs is “Brown Flight Jacket,” which is about a dying grandfather who bequeaths his jacket to his grandson who works at a Starbucks

“The kid hangs (it on) his closet door and stares at it, thinking about his own life compared to his grandfather, who dealt with life and death situations (in World War II),” Perry said. “It’s a modern take on old music.”

The musical setting is a military canteen during the holidays in Hawaii or the Pacific Theater from 1941-45.

“It’s Christmas, it’s 90 degrees and they are in the middle of the war,’ Perry said. “It’s a way for us to address the golden era of swing in our way. There will be fun Christmas songs you can dance to as well, such as ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’ and ‘Roll ‘Em.’ We hit a few different eras even though it’s a 1940s theme for the most part. It’s very upbeat and fun.”

Perry said the band plays the late-Steve Allen’s song “Cool Yule.”

“We recorded that for a movie,” Perry said. “I asked him if I could change a chord and he tongue-lashed me like you wouldn’t believe and he said, ‘If every note I wrote cannot be played, there will be no symphony.’”

Perry founded the band in Eugene, Ore., in late 1988.

“We have a lot of material and could have three different bands with all the material we have,” Perry said. “It’s a project that’s never been completed quite to my satisfaction until this era. I’m 61 and I’m finally getting it to touch on all the things I want to touch on. In the next couple of years, I’ll finally reach the goals I’ve set for myself.”

Two other members, bassist Dan Schmid and trumpeter Dana Heitman, have been part of the band for the entire time and several members have been a part of it for several years.

“We caught fire in Southern California, where there is a huge retro music appreciation,” Perry said.

The band’s first compilation album of its first three studio albums, called “Zoot Suit Riot: The Swingin’ Hits of Cherry Poppin’ Daddies.’” was released in 1997 and enjoyed commercial success.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org and daddies.com.

‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story: The Musical” runs through Jan. 4 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Holiday Blues at the Club with Zach Day is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, and Indiana Christmas with Ahlwardts is set for 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc. com.

‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’

Civic Theatre presents “White Christmas” through Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘ANY KIND OF CHRISTMAS’

Home Free’s “Any Kind of Christmas” tour stops are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FOUR PHANTOMS

The Four Phantoms Holiday Show is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.

‘A SWINGIN’

LITTLE CHRISTMAS’

Jane Lynch’s “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” concert is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘ENJOY THE HOLLY DAYS’

Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Enjoy the Holly Days” concert is set for 4 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

ALABAMA

Alabama’s Roll On II North America Tour stops at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at Fishers Event Center. For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com.

MUSIC
The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies will perform its “WWII Tiki Xmas Canteen” concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Cherry Poppin’ Daddies)

IWS features holiday favorites

Indiana Wind Symphony’s holiday concert should evoke many memories.

CONCERT

“We’re doing a combination of works that will appeal to children in the audience as well as the adults,” IWS Music Director Jay Gephart said. “We’re doing a medley of music from ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas.’”

and orchestras. “She is top-notch. She has performed with my ensembles on three different occasions. My Purdue world absolutely adores Twana. She really made a connection with my Purdue audiences.”

That is just part of the 70-minute show set for Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Enjoy the Holly Days” concert at 4 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Twana Harris is the special guest and will perform “O Holy Night.” The North Central High School graduate is a pastor and music director at a church in Detroit.

“She sings more a gospel style than a classical opera style, but I think she will be well-received by the Indiana Wind Symphony community,” said Gephart, who is a chair of the Purdue University bands

Harris will be accompanied on piano for “Some Children See Him.”

“Santa has committed to being there in his busy schedule,” Gephart said. “So will Mrs. Claus, who narrates ‘’Twas the Night Before Christmas.’”

There also will be Christmas music from various Broadway shows and a performance of late jazz composer and arranger Sammy Nestico’s “Good Swing Wenceslas.”

Gephart said more serious work is a transcription by H. Robert Reynolds of Morten Lauridsen’s “O magnum mysterium.”

“It was originally written for chorus by Morten Lauridsen and then transcribed by H. Robert Reynolds, who was the former director of bands from University of Michigan,” Gephart said.

For more, visit indianawindsymphony. org.

Harris

Koz’s holiday show returns

This is the 27th year saxophonist-composer Dave Koz has taken his Christmas show on the road.

CONCERT

Koz said a stop in Carmel has become a given the last several years.

“The Palladium is one of my personal favorite venues in the entire United States, maybe even the world,” Koz said. “It’s a spectacular place to play. I love the way the staff makes you feel. I love the way the audience wraps fully around you and you are immersed in the audience. It’s a gorgeously sounding room. The audience that comes to see us is so full of love and energy and warmth. We love (going) there. It’s a very special part of this tour.”

Jade.

“Jonathan is like my musical brother, partner, especially at Christmastime,” Koz said. “We love making music any time, but at Christmas, it’s very special. He brings all that emotion, all that heart and soul from his background.”

Ingala and Hawley are new to the tour while Jade is making her fourth appearance.

The Dave Koz & Friends Christmas show is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The show will feature Jonathan Butler with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley and Rebecca

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org. Koz

“Adam Hawley is a young guitar player and the future of contemporary jazz guitar,” Koz said. “We have a single together that is moving up the (Billboard smooth jazz) charts now called ‘Automatic.’ Vincent Ingala is an incredible saxophone player, singer and guitar player. He’s an all-around entertainer. He’s been doing a competing Christmas tour for the last (several) years. This is the first year he’s been able to do our tour and bring all of his good vibes with us. We have a lot of new (performers) and a lot of veterans to bring a heartfelt, highly energetic and fun show, which I think we really need right now.”

KLaunch announces free access to new AI Cloud Innovation Lab

KLaunch, a leader in omni-channel conversational AI technologies, has officially opened its cutting-edge AI Cloud Innovation Lab and in a groundbreaking move, it’s free. The initiative allows businesses, entrepreneurs, startups and innovators to experiment, prototype and deploy AI-driven solutions without the usual financial barriers.

TECHNOLOGY

As a result, KLaunch aims to accelerate technological advancement, making AI innovation accessible to everyone.

The AI Cloud Innovation Lab is equipped with worldclass resources, a team of AI experts and sophisticated conversational AI frameworks like KBot Lightning and HumanX, along with all other major LLM’s that can integrate into the ecosystem. This will empower users with the tools they need to tackle real-world concepts with AI, unlock new growth avenues and transform industries. By offering free access, KLaunch is breaking down financial barriers, inviting organizations of all sizes to explore and deploy AI solutions that can enhance customer experiences, drive operational efficiency, improve workforce productivity and scale innovation.

Key Features of the KLaunch AI Cloud Innovation Lab

• Free AI prototyping and experimentation: Users

can bring their ideas to life with powerful prototyping tools, data analytics and model training resources, enabling rapid iteration and validation of AI concepts with zero upfront costs. Users can build out their prototypes, once finalized, and can launch their real-world environments from the same ecosystem.

• Access to advanced AI models and tools: The lab includes access to KBot Lightning and HumanX, pretrained models, use case templates, state-of-the-art machine learning frameworks, and an intuitive interface, making it accessible for both AI experts and beginners.

• Collaborative environment with expert support: Participants will have direct access to KLaunch’s AI specialists for guidance and support, fostering a collaborative space where ideas can evolve into actionable solutions.

• Ethics and governance tools: KLaunch’s commitment to responsible AI is evident in the lab and production environments, where integrated tools ensure projects align with ethical standards, security and compliance, with special infuses on data privacy, transparency and fairness in AI applications.

• Real-world application testing and launch from ecosystem: The lab provides capabilities to test prototypes in simulated real-world environments, helping businesses measure effectiveness before

deploying at scale and also has built-in tools to launch live when ready.

• Lab participants own IP on what they build/ design: While KLaunch facilitates the underlying technology and owns the rights and use of their AI engines and protocols, anything built in the lab is the intellectual property of the lab participant. What it means for businesses

The KLaunch AI Cloud Innovation Lab isn’t just an ecosystem — it’s a catalyst for meaningful AI adoption and release. Businesses now have the unprecedented opportunity to leverage private and secure powerful AI tools, refine their operations and unlock new growth potential without the financial and technical hurdles typically associated with AI deployment. This democratization of AI tools is designed to encourage innovation across all sectors, from government, health care, nonprofits, and the like.

How to get started

Businesses, developers, and innovators can sign up for free access to the AI Cloud Innovation Lab by clicking this link klaunch.io/contact and putting in their information with AILab in the comments. Once registered, participants will gain immediate access to the KBot Lightning and HumanX ecosystem, along with expert guidance and support to bring their AI-driven ideas to life. For more information, visit klaunch.io.

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We have all been tempted to take the little shortcuts that make life easier. From time to time, we swing by the drive-thru window rather than bust out a pan to feed the kids. At least they got dinner, right? The world is driven to provide us with easier, faster and, presumably, better things with each iteration. The task of laundering our clothing has never, in the history of all humanity, been more convenient, safe and, largely, better for us. With the advent of artificial intelligence and the hopefulness for its potential, one can imagine countless more labor-intensive tasks that will become quickly forgotten as new solutions emerge. Our ovens are self-cleaning. Our meals are ready in minutes. Even our cocktails are premixed and ready to pour. Whew. Somewhere when we were off doing things, new technology seems to have surpassed our need to do them. When we are young, we lack the context to understand that which came before us. We assume that the music we are hearing is the best music ever heard. Then as we mature, we listen to other types and time periods until we can best judge our taste with some degree of perspective. We might consider that which is done for us now in the same fashion. What have we gained and what do we lose?

A quick drive-thru is faster, but are we sacrificing the time spent teaching the children their way around the kitchen? Even if the treadmill makes it easier to run, do the benefits of movement outweigh any potential for gain one might get by running on the road? Most of what we leave behind deserves to be. Progress is good. Still, can we set aside the rose-colored glasses and see that some things were better off unchanged — or unimproved?

Zionsville-to-Ft. Wayne dir.

25. Cohort of Larry and Curly

Fishers HS color

38. Online community and slogan to promote area businesses

43. Dog command

44. Prefix meaning “skin”

45. Family and consumer sciences class, familiarly

48. Indiana House members, briefly

49. “Big Blue”

52. MCL dessert choice: pie ___ mode

53. Thai neighbor

55. Rolling Stones title woman

57. Alternative to drapes

61. Poisonous shrub

64. Mideast ruler

65. “Pop ___ the weasel”

66. Army uniform color

67. Actress Hatcher

68. Art Deco artist

69. Balance sheet plus 70. NASA force unit, for short

71. Not as much Down

1. Slapfish spot for oysters and clams

2. Possible reply to “Where are you?”

3. Twisted and turned

4. Dine at home

5. Auctioneer’s cry

6. “Happily ___ after”

7. Painter Magritte

8. :-(

9. Monon Trail jogger

10. Not new

11. Seek damages in Hamilton County Court

12. Tiny bit

13. Foxy

21. Civil rights org.

22. Colts QB stat

25. Hawaiian island

26. Gaze wantonly

27. White River slitherly fish

30. Butler frat letter

31. Kind of quarters

32. Tribal leader

34. The Hoosier State, briefly, and a hint to what can be found in the puzzle’s circles

36. Old stringed instrument

38. Marlboro competitor

39. Austen classic

40. Big foot designation

41. Little devil

42. Type of spray

43. Hornets, on a Pacers scoreboard

46. Evoke

47. Recycle bin item

49. Pay no attention to this clue

50. Upscale bathroom fixtures

51. Slob’s creations

54. Start of a poetic tribute

56. WIBC’s “The Hammer and ___ Show”

57. Waves from a boat on Geist

58. A sign of a kind

59. Electrical line

60. Ship’s jail

61. Jamaican music

62. Sounds of hesitation

63. More, in Mexico Answers on Page 27

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