May 2, 2023 — Noblesville

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Noblesville company to expand headquarters

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Noblesville company that provides fire protection services is expanding its corporate headquarters as part of a $4 million investment that will add 10 new employees by 2027.

BIZ

Ryan Fireprotection, Inc., plans to add 49,000 square feet to its headquarters at 9740 E. 148th St. The company’s current building, which was built in 2002, is 50,000 square feet, officials said.

“Ryan Fireprotection’s decision to expand its corporate headquarters in Noblesville continues our focused strategy to build economic relationships in our community, so when those successful companies need to grow, they choose to remain in Noblesville,” Mayor Chris Jensen said. “We appreciate Ryan Fireprotection’s confidence and continued investment in Noblesville and share in their excitement to more than double their footprint in Noblesville.”

Ryan Fireprotection, which was founded in 1989, is one of the largest full-service fire protection companies in the Midwest and provides a range of custom fire protection systems. Ryan Fireprotection designs, fabricates, installs, inspects, tests and maintains fire protection systems of all types in a variety of facilities, including health care,

industrial, education, specialty, mixed-use and multi-family.

The expansion will result in the company retaining 80 positions, while it also plans to add 10 new jobs, with average annual salaries of $75,000. City officials granted Ryan Fireprotection real property and personal property tax abatements tied to the project in January.

City officials said earlier this year the estimated savings for the seven-year real property tax abatement is $400,000. The abatement is the same the company was offered in 2001-02, when it chose to build its corporate headquarters in Noblesville, said Emily Gaylord, former director of communications for the city of Noblesville.

Gaylord, who has since left her position,

Ryan Fireprotection, Inc., is expanding its corporate headquarters in Noblesville as part of a $4 million investment that will add 10 new employees by 2027. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

previously said the estimated savings for the four-year personal property tax abatement Ryan Protection received would be less than $20,000. In addition to its headquarters in Noblesville, Ryan Fireprotection has locations in Indianapolis, Valparaiso, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Bloomington, Cincinnati, Louisville and Milwaukee.

“We and our employees enjoy calling Noblesville home and we are excited to double our headquarters space as we continue to grow. The expansion will give us much-needed indoor storage and allow for future growth of our fabrication capacity,” said Dan Ryan, president of Ryan Fireprotection.

The company anticipates construction to be completed before the end of the year.

Man charged with murder in Noblesville shooting

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Tennessee man has been charged with murder after authorities said he was connected to the shooting death of a man found near the driveway of a Noblesville home in April.

CRIME

Ruai Ngundeng Pal, 22, of Franklin, Tenn., was charged April 17 by Hamilton County prosecutors with murder, burglary, two counts of armed robbery, intimidation and pointing a firearm. The charges follow an April 6 shooting involving an 18-year-old Georgia man, Grayson Aubrey Rhue, who was found dead near a driveway of a residence after authorities responded to 21506 Raccoon Ct. in Noblesville to a report of shots fired.

Police said they found a man later identified as Rhue, who was from Roswell, Ga.,

who appeared to have suffered several gunshot wounds. Rhue came to the front door of the residence and rang the doorbell, leading to a brief conversation between the parties before Rhue walked away, according to authorities.

However, a few seconds later, Rhue returned to the front door, entered the home and allegedly drew a handgun and aimed it at the individuals inside the home, authorities said.

“One of the house guests reportedly drew his handgun and fired several rounds at Rhue. Rhue appeared to immediately flee the house before collapsing just feet from the end of the driveway,” NPD Lt. Bruce Barnes said.

Officers arrived on the scene a short time later to find Rhue deceased, while a handgun was located near Rhue that was collected by investigators, Barnes said. Barnes said earlier this month that based on the

information gathered, the incident did not appear to be a random act.

Three individuals who were inside the home at the time of the incident housesitting while the homeowners were away provided statements to police, authorities said.

Pal was arrested by the Franklin (Tenn.) Police Dept. and was booked into the William County Jail and remains in their custody. Police investigators said they believe Pal is the subject that accompanied Rhue at the incident earlier this month.

Pal will remain in the custody of the Williamson County Jail until the extradition process has been finalized, authorities said. Once the extradition process is completed, Pal will be transported to the Hamilton County Jail in Noblesville.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the NPD Criminal Investigation Division at 317-776-6370 or contact NPD Detective Spencer Flowers by emailing sflowers@noblesville.in.us.

Restaurant, med spa planned downtown

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Thai restaurant and a boutique med spa will be the newest additions to downtown Noblesville later this year.

DEVELOPMENT

Hageman Group, a Carmel-based real estate investment company and owner/partner on the public-private partnership, has a signed lease agreement to bring Thai Sushi House to the ground level of The Levinson, 868 Maple St.

Thai Indy Restaurant has announced plans to bring traditional Thai dishes to The Levinson. Noblesville will be its 12th location in the Indianapolis metro area.

“This announcement provides residents and guests with another dining option and adds a new culinary flavor in downtown Noblesville. The restaurant will bring the true taste of Thai cuisine inspired by original family recipes with a dedication

to outstanding customer service,” Mayor Chris Jensen said. “It’s also conveniently located at The Levinson, which offers four free hours of parking every day for guests to shop, dine and enjoy the Downtown Square.”

The restaurant will offer dine-in, takeout or curbside pick-up. It plans to serve a variety of Thai foods, including soups, sushi, noodles, rice dishes, and desserts including bubble tea, according to the city.

The restaurant anticipates opening in late fall, officials said. Beauty & Grace Aesthetics, which has been in Noblesville since 2019, offers a boutique med spa experience for women and also plans to open on The Levinson’s first floor.

The business, which is owned by Amy Julian-Resner, specializes in customized services and products that help women feel beautiful and confident in a spa experience and cutting-edge nonsurgical techniques. It is projected to open this summer.

‘Magic of the Square’ set for May 5

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Downtown Noblesville will transform into an evening of magic mixed with Harry Potter during a May 5 family-friendly event.

EVENT

The “Magic of the Square” is set for 5 to 9 p.m. and will feature performances from five magicians, an exotic animal show and other activities, said Josh Cecil, a board member with Noblesville Main Street who organized the event last year. Cecil said the event, which was created last year, will also include ties to “Harry Potter” with a “Harry Potter” themed costume contest, a scavenger hunt, live music from a band known as Wizard Rock and pub trivia also planned.

Cecil said “Magic of the Square” in 2022 attracted about 400 to 500 people and hopes to see similar success this year magic and “Harry Potter” being key elements for visitors.

“There’s magic tricks, but there’s also this

magic feeling and maybe the nostalgia for the square, but for me, it’s about the magic of our community,” Cecil said. “The way that we come together and the way we welcome people to downtown Noblesville, and there’s something about that small town feeling, especially when you enter that downtown square area.”

Of the five magicians, three will perform stage acts at the historic Lacy Building, at 848 Logan St., that is undergoing a major renovation. Attendees can also expect to see an exotic animal show and more during the downtown gathering.

Cecil said he hopes the public will be able to enjoy the various offerings during this year’s “Magic of the Square” event.

“If we get 1,000 people to show up to enjoy downtown Noblesville, we’re going to be thrilled,” he said. “There are entertainment options for kids and adults. It’s family-friendly, but it’s not solely kid-focused.”

For more, visit www.noblesvillemainstreet.org or call 317-776-0205.

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Moody named new principal

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Noblesville resident has been named the new principal of Promise Road Elementary School.

EDUCATION

Tonya Moody, who is currently the assistant principal of Hickory Elementary School with Avon Schools, was named as the new leader of Promise Road, according to Noblesville Schools. The district said Moody brings more than 18 years of experience in education, including roles as an assistant principal, instructional coach, literacy coach and classroom teacher.

Besides Avon, Moody previously worked with Noblesville Schools and Westfield Washington Schools. Her LinkedIn profile indicates she was an instructional coach with Westfield Washington Schools and also worked as a kindergarten teacher with Noblesville Schools.

A Facebook post in 2021 announcing Moody’s arrival to Avon Schools indicates that Moody also served as an interim assistant principal in Westfield. In addition, she worked as a second-grade teacher and literacy coach with the Ball-Chatham School District in Chatham, Ill., according to her LinkedIn work history.

“We had a strong selection of candidates for this position and Tonya topped our list based on her deep coaching and instructional leadership background, her outstanding interpersonal skills, and her collaborative approach to leadership,” stated Heather Hendrich, assistant superintendent of human resources and safety for Noblesville Schools. “She and assistant principal Billy Fama will make a powerful team in support of Promise Road students, staff and families.”

Moody said she is “incredibly excited to lead Promise Road Elementary” in her new role with the district and will begin July 1.

“I have a passion for creating spaces where every member of the school community feels valued, trusted, and heard,” Moody said. “This is at the heart of my work.”

District officials said Promise Road Elementary School staff and families will hear from Moody soon and will have an opportunity to connect with her in person next month.

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Moody

Day care worker charged with felony battery of children

news@currentinfishers.com

Fishers police announced April 25 that an employee at Kiddie Academy Daycare in Fishers has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of felony battery.

CRIME

Molly Taxter, 23, of Noblesville, is in custody at the Hamilton County Jail on two counts of Level 5 battery and 17 counts of Level 6 battery, according to police.

The investigation began mid-March after a parent reported that their child returned from the day care, at 11703 Olio Rd., with a handprint bruise on the child’s right leg.

“The parent informed officers that she immediately contacted the day care and

met with the owner,” Fishers police reported. “The parent and day care owner/operator viewed a video of the child’s classroom. The video revealed a day care employee inappropriately touching the child. The owner of the day care fired the employee that same day.” Detectives identified additional victims, but the police department believes there could be more children involved. Detectives would like to speak with any parent of a child that attended the Kiddie Academy Day care from January of 2023 through March 16 with reason to believe their child suffered an injury at the day care.

Fishers police have established a hotline for parents to call. The number is 317-595-3317.

Princess embraces duties

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Grace Worcester’s experience as a 500 Festival Princess has been a flurry of activities.

Westfield resident Grace Worcester is enjoying her role as one of

500 FESTIVAL

But it has been all highs for the Guerin Catholic High School graduate from Westfield.

“It’s been like a rollercoaster from the end of February when we met the Princess orientation until now. I’ve been to so many different schools and nursing homes, coffee shops and restaurants,” Worcester said. “I’m meeting people who are race fans and some that are not. I’m teaching them the importance of the 500 Festival and how important racing is to Indiana. That’s been the most fun part about it, meeting so many people.”

Worcester said she is most excited for the Indianapolis 500 May 28.

““I’ve been going to the 500 ever since I was little, she said. “I haven’t been to the parade yet, so that is something I’m also most looking forward to, along with getting to spend time with the other girls and meeting them.”

To be a Princess, individuals ages 18 to 23 must apply through an application process and are required to attend college full time in Indiana. Those who are selected are eval-

33 500 Festival Princesses. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi).

uated based on their leadership, academic stewardship, community involvement and embodiment of the Hoosier spirit, according to the 500 Festival Princess program website.

Worcester’s voice was hoarse at the April 22 Princess reception at The Club at Crosspoint in Fishers.

“I’ve had five outreaches in the past few days, so my voice is gone,” she said.

Worcester also said getting to know the other 32 Princesses has been a favorite part of the overall experience.

“I already feel at home with them,” she said.

Worcester, a Butler University sophomore majoring in sports media, plans to go into sports marketing after graduation. Her mentor for the 500 Festival is Roger VanDerSnick, chief sales and marketing officer for the Indianapolis Colts.

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DISPATCHES

Send us your stories and photos – Please email story suggestions on new businesses, interesting residents, upcoming events, news tips and photos to Current in Westfield Managing Editor Matthew Kent at matthew@youarecurrent.com. For photo submissions, please provide the full names of individuals, along with a short description of the event, location and the date of when it took place.

Author to speak at tea – Noblesville resident, columnist and author Janet Hart Leonard will speak at a tea sponsored by the Orchard Park Presbyterian Women at 3 p.m. May 7. The public (including children) is welcome to attend. The church is at 1605 E 106th St. in Carmel. Contact oppc@orchardpark.org with questions or RSVP at bit.ly/ OPtea23.

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Jury duty scam calls – The Hamilton County Courts are warning residents about a jury duty scam that has bilked dozens of people out of thousands of dollars. Scammers are calling residents and telling them they missed jury duty and have to pay a fine. Victims have reportedly lost upwards of $2,000 to $3,000 through gift cards and mobile payments like Zelle and Venmo. When in doubt, Court Administrator Jill Acklin recommends residents hang up and call 317-776-8589.

500 Festival volunteers needed – The 500 Festival is seeking thousands of volunteers to fill positions as part of the 2023 500 Festival Volunteer Program. The nonprofit invites individuals and groups to be part of the behind-the-scenes action of the Month of May by lending their time and talent to support a variety of 500 Festival community events and programs. With more than 100 areas of volunteer opportunity, there are over 7,000 positions available, providing a role to fit every interest and ability. Learn more at 500Festival.com/Volunteer.

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Breakfast at the Brickyard – Tickets are on sale to the general public for the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, set for 9 a.m. May 20, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Gallagher Pavilion. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett will host and honor more than 70 mayors from across Indiana for their work in advancing Hoosier communities. Guests will enjoy a traditional breakfast and hear from Indianapolis Motor Speedway executives and 500 Festival leaders. Purchase tickets at 500Festival.com/Breakfast.

Westfield’s No. 1 golfer’s sharper mental skills provide boost

By Mark Ambrogi  mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School senior golfer Alec Cesare views his mental game as his biggest improvement.

“I don’t get down on myself when I hit bad shots and make big mistakes,” Cesare said. “I know if I have a bad hole, I can make it up.”

The right-handed Cesare plays in the No. 1 spot for the top-ranked Shamrocks. His brother, Jake, a sophomore, plays the No. 2 spot. “Alec has made a huge commitment to his physical strength the past couple of years, which is allowing him to hit the ball higher and farther than ever before,” Shamrocks coach Josh Bryant said. “Alec has also improved his course management through pre-round preparations on his own and in-round adjustments that allow him to score well even when he doesn’t have his best stuff.”

Cesare has lofty goals for himself and his team.

MEET ALEC CESARE

Favorite subject: Accounting

Favorite athlete: Cameron Smith

Favorite movie: “Happy Gilmore”

Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii

“My goal is to win state finals individually and as a team,” Cesare said.

Cesare, who has signed to compete for Ball State University, is one of the state’s top-ranked players.

“Alec has focused on continuous improvement during his time at Westfield,” Bryant said. “He arrived already having a decorated junior golf prep career, including a trip to the Drive, Chip and Putt national

finals in Augusta (Ga.) in 2019. He continues to push himself every day individually to maximize the most out of his ability, which, along with our senior class, pushes the rest of our program to new heights.”

Last year, the Shamrocks won conference, sectional and regional championships and placed second in the IHSAA state finals, losing to Guerin Catholic by one stroke. Cesare finished tied for 15th among individuals. He finished tied for 12th in the state finals as a sophomore.

“It was honestly disappointing last year to see the way it ended,” Cesare said. “We played great and we let it slip away on the backside. We’re still frustrated and upset about that. We’ve worked and practiced even harder to win it (this year).”

In the summer of 2022, Cesare finished tied for 11th in the Indiana Amateur. He has won 35 junior golf tournaments through the years.

Cesare, who picked up golf at an early age, played on the freshman basketball team for the Shamrocks before deciding to concentrate on golf. He committed to Ball State in July and plans to major in finance or sports management,

“I really liked the head coach (Mike Fleck) and the way he coaches,” he said. “The golfers are all good guys. I’ve grown up playing against them. It was a no-brainer decision.”

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Alec Cesare is the No. 1 golfer for the topranked Westfield High School boys golf team. (Photo courtesy of Alec Cesare)

Cesare

Flower Market

CURRENT Q&A

Getting to know Gail Robbins

Gail Robbins is a Zionsville resident and is a past president of the Zionsville Lions Club.

Where do you volunteer?

The Zionsville Lions Club.

Do you have any hobbies?

I have several, but long walks are my favorite thing to do.

How long have you lived in Zionsville?

We moved away for a little while and came back in 2002 so, about 21 years this time.

Can you tell us a little about a Lions Club’s program that is the most meaningful to you?

Amongst so many life-changing programs, the eye screening is by far the most meaningful to me. We screen close to 16,000 students each year.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Zionsville?

I’m pretty classy, I love Friendly’s and Greek’s Pizza.

What do you feel is the best place to visit in Zionsville?

Beautiful Lions Park!

What would you suggest for anyone wanting to join the Lions Club?

I would suggest that they understand our motto, which is we serve, first and foremost.

Anything you would like to add here?

After doing a lot of traveling throughout my life, I can honestly say Zionsville is a dream town to live in.

DISPATCHES

Parade tickets on sale – Tickets are on sale to the public for the 2023 AES 500 Festival Parade. Parade tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online at 500festival.com/ tickets. Proceeds from all 500 Festival ticketed events help support the organization’s free programming and events for Indiana youth and college students. The parade will take place at 11:45 a.m. May 27 in downtown Indianapolis. The grand marshal is Frank Shorter, Olympic gold medalist and the

winner of the first OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

County mails out tax bills – Hamilton County has begun mailing property tax bills that will be due May 10. Individuals who are seeking specific assessment values for their property or wish to question existing assessed values are asked to call the assessor’s office at 317-776-9617.

CITY, SMC CORP. OF AMERICA CELEBRATE EARTH DAY

Guild celebrates 150 years helping area residents

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

NHS’S INDOOR PERCUSSION BAND PLACES SECOND AT COMPETITION

NONPROFIT

Since 1873, the Little Sisters of the Poor have worked to provide a home for elderly residents in need in central Indiana. The charity, which relies on volunteers from Hamilton and Marion counties, will celebrate 150 years of serving the community this spring.

The Little Sisters of the Poor is an organization of Roman Catholic nuns founded in 1839 by St. Jeanne Jugan. Its guild provides homes and services for the elderly in need. Internationally, the group serves more than 9,900 people in 31 nations and 164 homes.

Sister Maria Cecilia of Little Sister of the Poor in Indianapolis said worldwide, the guild has approximately 1,300 sisters as well as Jeanne Jugan association members.

“It is such a joy to have the guild members with us,” Cecilia said. “We always have people to turn to who are part of our big family. It is really a blessing. We cannot do this mission without the support of our volunteers and benefactors.”

The organization has been in Indiana since 1873. Its first home was at 500 E. Vermont St. For more than 50 years, its home has been at 2345 W. 86th St. in Indianapolis.

Most of the home’s residents are in their mid- to late 80s. Many are Roman Catholic, but the home accepts men and women of all faiths. It welcomes low-income elderly of at least 65 years of age, regardless of race or religion. Although the majority of its residents are from Indiana, the home has also taken in residents from out of state and overseas.

The St. Augustine Home Guild of Indianapolis has full-time and part-time staff members and more than 300 volunteers who work to create a loving home for approximately 100 elderly residents. Forty percent of its guild members, who are also volunteers, live in Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fishers, Zionsville and Lawrence.

Sister Maria Cecilia said residents live as a family. The Little Sisters are committed to living out their vocation, giving joy to residents each day and adding meaning to their lives.

“The residents here at St. Augustine are elderly, but they don’t come here to die. People think this is a nursing home for the elderly and they come here to die. What we

are doing is striving to make their last days full.” Cecilia said.

A normal day for a SAHG resident begins at 6 a.m. when they are awakened by a nun who makes their bed as the resident showers. Breakfast is served at 7 a.m. Daily mass is at 11 a.m. and lunch is at noon.

SAHG Member Colleen Yeadon said residents can have company any time of the day. The Little Sisters stay in contact with visitors that come to see residents, to make the environment feel more like a home.

“People are welcome to have dinner and lunch with them and they are welcome to just be there and make it as much of a home as possible for (residents),” Yeadon said.

The home has daily activities to keep residents active and social. Residents can participate in additional activities such as exercise or outside games, or experience more relaxing activities such as music therapy or card/word games. The SAHG puts together special events such as movie nights and trips to Eagle Creek Park.

Inez Hayes, who has been a resident for five years, said her experience at the home has been familial. She described the Little Sisters as being hospitality based, which surprised her. Growing up Catholic, she was accustomed to nuns who were tough and strict.

“They’re very, very warm, friendly people. They love to give parties and they love to dance,” Hayes said. “They’re just a totally different experience and it’s perfect for this age.”

Learn more at littlesistersofthepoorindianapolis.org/st-augustine-home-guild.

From left, Linda Bear, former president of St. Augustine Home Guild, Sister Marie Christine and Mary Patout, 2023 St. Augustine Home Guild president. (Photo courtesy of Colleen Yeadon)

Officials with the City of Noblesville and SMC Corp. of America celebrated Earth Day April 21 by planting a northern red oak tree in Finch Creek Park. From left, SMC Sustainable Development Manager Tyler Turner, SMC Vice President of Operation Chad Bosler, SMC Vice President of Administration Donny Nguyen, SMC President and CEO Kelley Stacy, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, Noblesville Parks Director Brandon Bennett, Noblesville Street Commissioner Patty Johnson and Noblesville Urban Forestry Board Members Ashley Mulis and Leslie Taljaard attend the event. (Photo courtesy of the City of Noblesville)

Noblesville High School’s indoor percussion band earned second place at the Indiana Percussion Association state finals April 1 at Indiana State University in Terre Haute. Students also took fourth place in their division during the WGI Percussion/Windows World Championships April 21 at the University of Dayton. (Photo courtesy of Noblesville Schools)

NOBLESVILLE & NORTH

Project: Pleasant Street

Expected completion: By Thanksgiving

NOBLESVILLE’S LARGEST B2B & B2C SHOW OF THE YEAR! MADE

Location: 1.1 miles west of River Road to 10th Street and includes work by Hamilton County for a bridge to be built over the White River.

TASTE OF BUSINESS

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Project: Fall Creek Road

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Expected completion: End of 2024

Project: Stony Creek pedestrian trail

Location: Under Ind. 37

Expected completion: Construction will continue this year with the trail expected to open by early summer.

Project: Roundabout construction

Location: Ind. 32 and River Road

Expected completion: End of summer

Project: Nickel Plate Trail

Location: The City of Noblesville will construct its portion of the Nickel Plate Trail from 146th Street to Pleasant Street. Trail will be 12 feet wide and include the rehabilitation of two existing railroad bridges and conversion to pedestrian facilities

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10 | 4-7:30 P.M.

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Advance Tickets available until May 8: $5 per person Tickets after May 8: $7 per person (will call or at the door)

Location: Citizens Energy Group is mobilizing the lift station on Fall Creek Road near Geist Woods Way, resulting in the closure of Fall Creek Trail.

Expected completion: August

Project: 106th Street & Kincaid Drive

Location: Construction of center curb on 106th Street and intersection improvement at 106th Street and Kincaid Drive to modify to a right-in/right-out entrance starts in April.

Expected completion: August 2023

Project: Roundabout preconstruction at 106th and Hoosier Road

Location: 106th Street and Hoosier Road. Utility relocation is taking place now for the project, which goes out to bid this spring.

Expected completion: To be determined.

Play ball: Hoosier Adult Baseball League seeks older players

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Hoosier Adult Baseball league is looking for a few good men — or at least enough to field two more teams.

SPORTS

The 48-and-older baseball league is seeking to expand from six teams to eight, league president John Dearth said. The season begins Aug. 1 and ends Oct. 17. There are 12 games in the regular season, followed by the playoffs. All games are played at Grand Park in Westfield.  Dearth, a Carmel resident, said most of the players are from Hamilton County with some from Zionsville and Indianapolis.

“For me, personally, someone who has loved baseball since I can recall at age 4, playing in this league has been some of the most fun I have ever had playing baseball,” Dearth said. “We are there to compete, but our goal is to place a premium on sportsmanship, and fun. I have met some terrific people in the five years this league has been around. Grand Park is a terrific facility, and it helps to make the baseball experience that much better to play on top-of-the-line fields.”

The league was started in 2018 by Todd Eschmann and Dwight Podgurski. Dearth said Eschmann couldn’t play because of an injury. Podgurski was president and Dearth became vice president. When Podgurski moved to Colorado, Dearth became president midway during the 2020 season. Each team has 12 to 16 players.

“The reason we put a limit on the high side is guys get to play,” Dearth said.,

The oldest league player last year was 76, but the 53-year-old Dearth said most players are in their early to mid-50s.

For more, visit hoosieradultbaseball.com or email jdearth@spectrummtg.net.

Carmel resident Scott Metzinger, a former Butler University pitcher, pitches for the Monarchs. (Photo courtesy of John Dearth)

TAKING ROOT

Nonprofit relaunches community garden in Noblesville / P11

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A group of volunteers have joined forces to reestablish a community garden in Noblesville that will provide fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs to area residents.

The garden, near Southside Park at Pleasant and Third streets, was formerly used by students from Ivy Tech Community College and nonprofit organizations such as the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, said Jason Hand, a Noblesville resident who is one of the individuals spearheading the revival of the garden. A nonprofit, the Noblesville Community Garden Project was formed and will oversee the garden, according to Hand, who said the organization signed a three-year lease agreement with the city earlier this year.

“Forty percent of the gardening space will be utilized to grow vegetables for the community aimed at reducing food instability in the neighborhoods near the garden. The remaining 60 percent garden plots will be allotted to gardeners interested in renting a plot for their own vegetable production,” Hand said.

The community garden, however, won’t be limited to fruit, vegetables and herbs. An existing pollinator garden will be supplemented with additional native plants. Planting flowers will increase the honeybee population near the garden that should increase future harvests, according to Hand.

Monica Wilhoite, director of the Noblesville Community Garden Project, said the organization’s goal is to get the site back up and running. Wilhoite, who also lives in Noblesville, said the garden is important because many people have access to shelf-stable foods, but noted that fresh produce is not always accessible.

“Especially with prices the way they are right now, this allows local families to have fresh produce,” she said.

When the community garden is developed, a fresh produce stand will be available to allow visitors to take any items they need. A community clean-up day was held April 22 at the garden site, while another day dedicated to community planting is planned for 9 a.m. May 6, according to Wilhoite.

Hand said he looks forward to the opportunity to serve the community by providing fresh fruit and vegetables, especially as downtown Noblesville continues to grow with the development of apartments in the area. Hand, who has lived in Noblesville for 45 years, said he particularly enjoys being able to give back to others.

“I think it makes Noblesville a nicer place to live and it’s a great way to meet people in the community,” he said. “Community gardens serve as a priceless resource, not only for the food cultivation, but for the camaraderie and socialization that occurs when community members meet while gardening.”

Hand said the nonprofit is looking to raise about $1,300 as it continues to develop the garden to cover expenses such as water and other costs associated with the site.

“We need funding as we look ahead for next year,” Hand said.

Noblesville philanthropist Rocky Shanehsaz, who owns Mill Top Banquet and Conference Center in Noblesville, gave the nonprofit $1,200 earlier this year. That funding will be used to cover a liability insurance policy and access to city water for the 2023 season, according to Hand.

Hand said he hopes other volunteers from different organizations and students will contribute their time to make the community garden a success. In addition, he hopes the site will also serve as an educational outlet for elementary schools in the area.

“It’s just a way to relate to others,” Hand said.

HOW TO HELP

The Noblesville Community Garden Project will host a community planting day beginning at 9 a.m. May 6. The garden is near Southside Park at Pleasant and 3rd streets in Noblesville. To learn more about the community garden, volunteering opportunities or renting a garden plot, email noblesvillegarden@gmail. com or visit facebook.com/groups/noblesvillegarden.

ON THE COVER: Noblesville

Monica Wilhoite, director of the Noblesville Community Garden Project, examines the ground on the site of where a community garden will be developed. The garden near Southside Park at Pleasant and Third streets will provide fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs to area residents. (Photo by Adam Seif)

residents Monica Wilhoite and Jason Hand stand outside the community garden site in Noblesville. The garden near Southside Park at Pleasant and Third streets will be used to grow vegetables for the community, while other rented garden plots will allow gardeners to grow their own vegetables. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Guided — or misguided — by fear?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Birth rates among the young, First World and educated have never been lower. It seems that our modern age has determined that the greater privilege is to avoid procreation. Absolutely, babies are not requisite, and a full life is readily available without them. But some would imagine selfish millennials, Gen Zs, or whatever group one might wish to disparage, refusing to share their avocado toast with the hungry, chirping mouths of their fledgling offspring.

ESSAY

Still, isn’t it all too convenient to accuse and malign those generations that follow our own as idle, selfish and rudderless? It has been the sport of the old and aging for centuries. But just as much as those might like it to be true, the evidence pushes to the contrary. The young will come, as they always have, to pick up the yoke of advancing civilization – well, when the elders are willing to get out of the way. In the passing years, experience, maturity and grit inevitably are gained. It is a good system and has served humanity well.

Recently, a 30-something and highly successful professional proclaimed his intention to soon marry. Wedding arrangements were being made and life decisions were firming. “No kids,” he proclaimed, continuing, “We cannot, in good faith, bring a child into this terrible world.” The jarring turn from flowing optimism to intense cynicism is increasingly common with the demographic. Climate, war, pandemic, bad political leadership, the loss of Tom Brady, and the inescapable looming zombie apocalypse have led many to the brink. Kidding aside, there are legitimate and concerning matters. Besides, who cares how others choose to live? And what defines a good life, anyway? Yet, why are so many opting out so soon? If fear dominates our decisions, are we selling ourselves short? Are we dying before we’re dead?

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.

Not the same ‘old’ feeling

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

suddenly back on tour (“Um, Mrs. Wilson, I think you mean Maluma, not Madonna”).

HUMOR

Most days, friends, I don’t feel my age. Sure, I can’t sleep through the night anymore without multiple potty runs and hot flashes, and my knees have wrinkles, but generally I go about my business as if I’m a seasoned 30-something. Recently, however, I was forcibly reminded that I’m nearly eligible for full AARP benefits. What happened? I hosted a bridal shower for one of my best friend’s daughters. Her daughter! The horror!

And what’s next? Babies? For the love of all that is holy! It seems crazy to me that I could realistically become a grandmother at any time. Not that I wouldn’t be amazing. Are you kidding me?

I’m on the other side of 50, and if I’m not wearing my readers, party games become powerful time warps where long-retired ‘80s pop stars are suddenly back on tour.

How is it possible that our kids are old enough to get married? That my own children are technically “grown-ups” and that, like my friend, I might soon be hunting down a pair of 1996 champagne flutes so the happy couple can toast with the same glasses their parents used. But that’s the world I’m currently operating in. I’m on the other side of 50, and if I’m not wearing my readers, party games become powerful time warps where long-retired ‘80s pop stars are

I’d be the best gosh-darn mamaw that ever lived. But the point is, the person in the mirror doesn’t look like someone’s mother-in-law, let alone a grammy.

Anyhoo, the shower was certainly a reality check, and one that I’m not entirely sure I’m OK with. Despite the slightly elevated cholesterol and random white brow hairs, I just don’t feel that old! Peace out.

- DANIELLE WILSON

Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.

Funny things about Washington

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I am going to a get-together of the folks who worked on my college newspaper, The Hatchet, in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s at The George Washington University. As I reread some of my stuff almost 55 years later, I realized my writing then wasn’t really very good. My journalism teacher said my column was sophomoric, which I took as a compliment because I was only a freshman at the time.

All those attending submitted a brief summary of what he or she has accomplished since graduating. I was a little intimidated by some of these, but I also thought many had rambled on and not stuck to the suggested length of 500 words. I opted for brevity. The sign of a good humorist is being succinct. Here’s my employment history in a few words:

• Hired

• Fired

• Hired

• Fired

• Rehired

• Fired again

• Hired

• Retired

In my bio, I did mention that I had recently been elected to the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame. I wanted my GW friends to know this as soon as possible. I was concerned that by the time I got to the reunion, they might take back the award.

My friend Seth has visited 46 countries, enjoying all the different cultures based on his interest in anthropology. Another classmate became an executive editor of

the Chicago Sun Times. The more I read these mini resumes, the more I knew that being a goofy field reporter and a humor columnist was not going to get me selected to address the group on the topic: How I changed the world.

By the way, I saw an old girlfriend from back in the ‘60s on the invitee list who I hadn’t seen or heard from in 55 years. I sent her an email telling her I hoped she was coming to the reunion.

“I’m sure I will recognize you after all these years,” I told her.

“I bet you will,” came the response.

“I’m still 6-foot-2 with a full-length beard.”

I had sent the email to Seth by mistake.

Just a final note.

- DICK

Ten years ago, a similar reunion was held. My wife and I were excited to return to Washington, D.C., for a visit.

I made the hotel arrangements, which I seldom do because I always mess something up. A week before the trip, Mary Ellen asked me to confirm the reservations and to be sure we were near The White House, a site we planned to visit, and close to the restaurant where the reunion dinner was to be held. I called.

“I’m just confirming our rooms and I wanted to know how far we are from The White House,” I said.

“About 3,000 miles,” the hotel clerk said.

I had booked a hotel in the state of Washington.

POLICIES

Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to info@youarecurrent.com. Writers must include a hometown and a daytime phone number for verification. Guest columns: The policy for guest columns is the same as the aforementioned, but the allowable length is 240 words. Guest columns should address the whole of Current’s readership, not simply special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

In my bio, I did mention that I had recently been elected to the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame. I wanted my GW friends to know this as soon as possible. I was concerned that by the time I got to the reunion, they might take back the award.

WOLFSIE

Carmel Symphony Orchestra shows respect to Queen of Soul in concert

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Shaleah Adkisson’s respect for the Queen of Soul’s talent has only grown since she joined a tribute group.

“It really gave me an opportunity to dig into Aretha Franklin’s music in a way that I hadn’t before,” she said. “I feel like she and her music are so pervasive in our culture. So, we know who Aretha Franklin is and her songs on the radio, but having to perform and perform at such a high level really required me to learn more about the songs themselves and where they came from and who wrote them. Was it a cover and how long after the original cover was it recorded?”

Shaleah Adkisson and two other Broadway vocalists, Tamika Lawrence and Melvin Tunstall III, and pianist and music director John Boswell form Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin. The group will join the Carmel Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. May 6 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. It is part of the pops concert series and the final CSO concert of the 2023-24 season.

“A lot of the arrangements we’re doing are in her original keys, which in a lot of cases she didn’t even perform in her original keys once the albums were recorded,” Adkisson said. “So that is definitely a challenge. It’s just having to dig in and learn about the songs, then really figuring out how to navigate them in my own voice and make them my own.”

Adkinsson said that challenge has been one of her favorite parts of the act.

Adkisson said the singers have solo numbers, and some are duets and some are all together.

Adkisson enjoys singing “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

“That is my favorite Aretha song by far and my favorite Carole King song,” Adkisson said. “It’s just so iconic, and every time I get to sing it, it’s really special.”

Adkisson said she enjoys “The House

that Jack Built.”

“I don’t think I heard it before this concert,” she said. “Actually, when I first started working on the show, there was another singer that sang it, and I always thought it was so much fun. That song was handed to me this year. It’s a lot of work and it’s a very quick tempo. So, it really requires a lot of memory, which sometimes fails me. But I really like the song a lot.”

Adkisson no longer performs full time. She became an arts administrator as the manager of school programs in the education program at New York City Center in the fall of 2021.

“I have friends that have since the pandemic stepped away from it completely, but I know that I need to feed my artistry, regardless of circumstances,” she said.

“So, this really gives me a great outlet to just sing and to be in front of these really amazing symphonies with these large audiences. It’s really soul-feeding and helps me to continue to practice my artistry

even though I’ve shifted my focus.”

CSO Artistic Director Janna Hymes looks forward to the joint performance.

‘I grew up with this music. My older brothers played it all the time, so it is all familiar to me and I love them all,” Hymes said of Franklin’s songs. “I could never pick a favorite Aretha song because they are all unique and wonderful.”

Hymes said the pops concerts have been a popular part of the CSO seasons. An Earth, Wind & Fire tribute act joined the CSO in January.

“I think the community of Carmel is mixed, and the Carmel Symphony Orchestra is providing variety in all of our programming from music selected for kids of all ages, more traditional classical concerts, music written by living composers, pops concerts with music from familiar bands like The Beatles and great vocalists like Frank Sinatra and Aretha, American music and much more,” Hymes said For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘AN AMERICAN IN PARIS’

“An American in Paris” runs through May 14 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘MR. CONFIDENTIAL’

Actors Theatre of Indiana’s world premiere of “Mr. Confidential” is set to run May 3-14 at the Studio Theater at at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.

‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’

Civic Theatre’s production of “The Sound of Music” runs through May 13 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Brent Marty and vocalist Amy Rafa present “The Carpenters Project: An Offering” at 7:30 p.m. May 4 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Clint Holmes will perform the songs of Peter Allen at 7:30 p.m. May 5-6. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

EVIL WOMAN: THE AMERICAN ELO

Evil Woman: The American ELO, a tribute group to Electric Light Orchestra, will perform at 8 p.m. May 5 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘RESPECT: A TRIBUTE TO ARETHA FRANKLIN’

Carmel Symphony Orchestra presents “Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin” at 7:30 p.m. May 6 in a pops concert at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

“ALMOST, MAINE”

The Carmel Apprentice Theatre’s production of “Almost, Maine” continues May 4-7 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

“CRIMES OF THE HEART”

The Belfry Theatre’s production of “Crimes of the Heart” continues through May 7 at the Theater at the Fort in Lawrence. For more, artsforlawrence.org.

MUSIC

Shaleah Adkisson performs in an Aretha Franklin tribute band. (Photo courtesy of CSO)

‘Unity’ concert designed to showcase the power of music

By Mike Beas editorial@youarecurrent.com

MUSIC

The Indianapolis Children’s Choir makes the turn toward summer with two concerts scheduled for May.

On May 6, the presentation entitled, “Unity,” takes place at 3 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis. The ICC features, “Celebrations,” at 4 p.m. May 21 at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.

Joshua Pedde, the ICC’s artistic director, looks forward to both concerts.

“The ‘Unity’ concert will showcase our youngest singers, who are in kindergarten, through high school,” said Pedde, a Carmel resident. “Then we are bringing in other choirs, from Anderson and Columbus, and they will be part of the concert. It’s an opportunity to see the breadth of the Indi-

anapolis Children’s Choir.”

The show also features the Directors’ Jazz Orchestra, a talented group of musicians which has roots in Madison County, and is the resident band for the Pendleton Heights Jazz Festival.

The full ICC family of choirs will be on display, bringing the total number of participants to approximately 400.

“Unity” is named in honor of music’s generations-long knack of being able to unite while celebrating hope and joy, Pedde said, adding that the concert will debut two new pieces of music.

Later this month, “Celebrations” will be its own unique musical showcase.

“The concert will be our high school singers accompanied by a chamber orchestra,” Pedde said. “The text is based on Walt Whitman’s poetry, and it’s some really neat music.

For more or to purchase tickets, visit icchoir.org/tickets.

Film adaptation of classic novel worth the wait

Commentary by Julianna Childs

The carefree dog days of summer in 1970s New York City evolve into traditional American family suburban life in Kelly Freemon Craig’s charming adaptation of the landmark novel, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” Judy Blume’s avant-garde novel has impacted generations with its timeless coming-of-age story and insightful humor for over 50 years.

MOVIE REVIEW

In one of the year’s most anticipated movies, Abby Ryder Fortson (“Ant-Man”) plays the title pre-teen role, whose awkward stage is magnified when she moves from NYC to a New Jersey suburb with her family. As they pack up the family car, Margaret whispers to God, “Please don’t let New Jersey be too horrible.”

Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie play Barbara and Herb, Margaret’s parents, who struggle with their identities while adapting to a spacious home, yard sales and PTA meetings.

Margaret acclimates to her new life by

navigating a series of conflicting moods about buying her first bra, crushing on boys and joining a secret club. As she and her friends wait to see who will get their period first, they try to rush puberty along by landing training bras and reciting, “I must, I must, I must increase my bust.”

Craig films these scenes with affection for the girls, never illustrating them as silly.

Oscar-winner Kathy Bates plays Sylvia, Margaret’s free-spiriting, judgment-spouting grandmother who makes for some of the film’s more entertaining scenes. With its timeless themes and tender approach to complicated emotions, audiences will find “Are You There God?” a familiar and enjoyable film adaptation of Blume’s classic novel that was definitely worth the wait.

During the past 14 years, Julieanna Childs has worked as a film studio representative, contracting for all the major Hollywood studios. Her film reviews can be found at TheJujuReview.com. She is a Hamilton County resident.

Music by RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

Book by HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSEL CROUSE

Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp

Pedde

NIGHT & DAY

Conductor set for ‘Magic Flute’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Scott Schoonover has a long history with “The Magic Flute.”

worked with Indianapolis Opera. However, Schoonover had worked with Indianapolis Opera General Manager David Starkey at Asheville (N.C.) Lyric Opera.

“When I was in college, I played piano for the opera class, and that was one of the first operas I ever learned,” he said. “It’s kind of fun to go back to it now. Those things that you learn in college really stick in your head in a certain way differently than things that you learned later. It’s really fun to work with those again. I’ve conducted two productions of it. The last time was 2007.”

Schoonover, founder and artistic director of the Union Avenue Opera in St. Louis, is serving as the guest conductor for the Indianapolis Opera’s production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” May 5-7 at The Toby Theater at Newfields in Indianapolis.

This is the first time Schoonover has

Schoonover said he likes the music and the story of “The Magic Flute.”

“It’s always interesting to see what different companies do with it,” Schoonover said. “The music is super accessible. It’s got a lot of drama, but it is also very beautiful and lyrical. It’s interesting, I think, for people who haven’t seen a lot of operas. There are songs, and then in between the songs, there are lines, which is a little different than most of the things that Mozart wrote, which was just all music up to that point.”

Schoonover said the songs are not long and the pieces are very different from one another.

“It presents a lot of different styles, and there’s really something for everybody in this particular opera,” he said.

For more, visit indyopera.org.

En Pointe dancers excel in YAGP

OPERA BALLET

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

Dancing has been in Joey Moore’s family for many generations. His parents, Christopher and Anne Moore, have co-owned En Pointe Indiana Ballet in Noblesville since 2016. His uncle and aunt, Robert Moore and his wife Pollyana Ribeiro, are the studio’s co-directors.

Joey Moore performed the “Male Swan Lake Classical” at the 2023 Youth America Grand Prix competition March 16-19 at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. He earned top honors in the men’s senior classical solo.

Youth from Hamilton County presented the award-winning performances.

Moore, 16, began dancing at age 9. After his first year of dancing, he won his first competition at a BellaMoxi dance competition in Kentucky. Since then, dancing has been a passion.

“I was kind of at this spot (BellaMoxi) where I was like, ‘Do I really want to keep doing this or is it just a hobby of mine?’” Moore said. “Winning first place for my cat-

egory really pushed me to understand that this is what I want to do.”

Moore, a Noblesville resident, said his dream is to join a ballet company and be either a principal dancer or a soloist.

John Paul Pack, a Carmel resident, took first place in the 2021 and 2022 Midtown’s Got Talent competition in Carmel. He finished second in CarmelFest Has Talent in his age division in 2022. At the 2023 YAGP, he performed the “Paquita” dance and placed in the top 12 in the junior division.

Pack, who was 13 at the time and is now 14, said he has been dancing for seven years. The YAGP was his first dance competition.

Pack said he fell in love with dance after seeing “The Nutcracker” at age 7. He has trained at En Pointe for six years. He said he loves dance but has little interest in performing competitively.

“I’m not really a competition dancer, so I haven’t really looked into any competitions,” Pack said. “But I really enjoyed this one.”

Pack will appear in “The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland” May 12-13 in Anderson, performing as the door mouse. He plans to return to YAGP in 2024.

Schoonover Pack

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Where’s Amy attends “The Four Phantoms in Concert”

Where’s Amy attended “The Four Phantoms in Concert” April 21 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The concert brought together four stage actors who have played the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning “Phantom of the Opera,” which recently closed in New York. The powerful performance featured many hits from “Phantom of the Opera” as well as songs from other Broadway favorites. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Amy Pauszek is a photographer, award winning film producer and scouting and casting associate for Talent Fusion Agency in Indianapolis. She can be reached at Amy@ youarecurrent.com. To see more of her photos, visit currentnightandday.com.

From left, Asheley Harris (Noblesville), Brittany Webber (Geist) and Kristie Cassidy (Noblesville). (Photos by Amy Pauszek)

From left, Jordan and Janel Jensen (Fishers) with their children, Hannah, Carter, Eliza and Emma.

Blueprint for Improvement: Basement built for entertaining

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 2018 in the Hidden Oak section of Indianapolis, this home’s unfinished basement began as a blank canvas and was ready to be optimized for gathering and entertaining.

THE BLUEPRINT

• A wet bar, fridge and dishwasher were added to make prep and clean-up a breeze

• From movie night to gameday, this space was redesigned to provide plenty of room for any size crowd. A snack bar with waterfall edge, custom sectional and table with builtin bench seating ensure there’s room for everyone.

• Built-in shelving offers more than meets the eye, serving as both a display feature and as a hidden entry to the storage room.

• An industrial-style light fixture, stone walls and brass finishes perfectly compliment the warm and transitional aesthetic of the space.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

A canvas of purple prose

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

A visit to the Negev

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, during our last stop in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we come to the Negev, a rocky desert and semi-desert region that has several connections to the Hebrew Scriptures, which Christians call the Old Testament.

Canaanites and their cities when they eventually entered near Jericho. In about 1,200 B.C., the Israelites built a fortress at Arad near the original Canaanite city.

TRAVEL

The Negev, between Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and Jordan in southern Israel, includes about 55 percent of the land of the State of Israel, but only about 8 percent of its people, about one-fourth of whom are Bedouins. Near the southern end of the Negev is the Wilderness of Zin, which scholars believe is the biblical Kadesh Barnea, where Moses struck a rock to get water for his parched followers and their animals. Bedouins have long known that porous rocks in the area absorb water, which can be released by striking the rock.

Arad, on the eastern edge of the Negev, is where the Bible says the Canaanite king of Arad barred Moses from entering the Promised Land, leading God to promise that the Israelites would be allowed to destroy the

In 1962, archeologists unearthed a temple within the fortress, dating to the time of King Solomon and built to honor Yahweh, the invisible God of the Israelites. Unlike other temples to Yahweh, this one also included a shrine to what many scholars believe was Asherah, a Canaanite goddess. Beersheba, today a city of about 20,000 that is the administrative capital of the Negev, marked the southern boundary of the United Monarchy of David and Solomon. South of Beersheba is Makhtesh Ramon, a 1,500-feet-deep crater created by geologic forces that is the largest of its kind in the world. Wildlife in the Negev includes the ibex, a once-endangered wild goat.

GRAMMAR GUY

When you think about the color purple, what comes to mind? Probably the movie, “The Color Purple.” That makes sense. Beyond that, you might think of Prince’s “Purple Rain” or maybe even Sheb Wooley’s 1958 hit “The Purple People Eater.” Not to be discounted, Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” probably outranks Wooley’s song on my popular purple song chart.

What do you get when you come to the intersection of “purple things” and grammar? You get “purple prose,” a style of overly ornate, elaborate language most often reserved for descriptions of intimate interactions in paperback romance novels and teenage love poems.

I’m sure you’re just dying for an example at this point, and I won’t disappoint you. In the Victorian era, the purple prose style took off. We see this trend in authors like Charles Dickens. Here’s how Dickens describes Oliver Twist’s breathing condition in the eponymous novel: “The fact is, that there was considerable

difficulty in inducing Oliver to take upon himself the office of respiration -- a troublesome practice, but one which custom has rendered necessary to our easy existence …”

You’ll notice that I trailed off at the end of that sentence. Dickens continued to describe poor Oliver’s asthma. As a reaction to this type of writing, enter Ernest Hemingway. “The Old Man and the Sea” author was not a fan of purple prose. Hemingway writes, “A writer’s style should be direct and personal, his imagery rich and earthy, and his words simple and vigorous. The greatest writers have the gift of brilliant brevity, are hard workers, diligent scholars and competent stylists.”

I prefer Hemingway’s no-nonsense prose, even though Dickens got paid by the word.

Makhtesh Ramon in the Negev in Isreal. (Photos by Don Knebel)

A Bedouin home in the Negev.

Don Knebel is a local resident. For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

Curtis Honeycutt is a national award-winning, syndicated humor writer. Connect with him on Twitter (@curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.

Across

1. Curly coif

5. Spooky

10. *Hive sound

14. Tattle

15. *Crucifix

16. Sheltered, at sea

17. Recipe word

18. Some Butler exams

19. Wildebeest

20. Phone button

22. Region including Lebanon and Turkey

24. Common swab

26. Actor Brynner

27. Former “American Idol” judge

30. Indy winter hrs.

33. Old Russian rulers

37. *Prairie View Golf Club warning

38. Like Hanukkah celebrants

40. “The Raven” writer

41. Half and half

42. Ma and pa

43. Debtor’s letters

44. Fleece-lined boots brand

45. Trepidation

46. *Colts throw

47. Not the winner

49. Rap’s Dr. ___

50. Helpful clues

51. Rep. rival

53. In need of a map

55. Assembly of delegates

60. Opens a bottle

64. Medicinal plant

65. Trolley bell sound

67. Harvest

68. Benjamin Harrison’s VP: ___ Morton

69. *Ensnare

70. The E in HOMES

71. *Merchants Bank of Indiana offering

72. Turn away

73. Dictionary entry...and what can be added to the answers to the starred

clues to make more Down

1. Ind.

29. Bottom-of-the-barrel stuff

31. *Take an oath in Hamilton County Court

32. Christmas tree decoration

34. Bee-fitting description?

35. Pigeon perch

36. Children’s Dr. ___

38. Indy’s coldest month, usually

39. Sault ___ Marie

42. Less diluted

46. Brickyard 400 quickchange artists

48. Squeeze between

50. QVC alternative

52. Muslim holy city

54. Should

55. Ump’s “safe” or “strike”

56. Bread spread

57. Flaring star

58. Croat or Serb

59. Fill

61. Aviation prefix

or ETA

2. Ice chunk

3. Surprise attack

4. Muscle targeted by side planks

5. Bacteria that led to the temporary closing of Carmel’s Flowing Well

6. Goof

7. Hoosier Park horse color

8. Speck in the ocean

9. Fishers HS writing assignment

10. Einstein Bros. ___

11. Arm bone

12. Greek god

13. Citrus peel

21. Hawks on a Pacers scoreboard

23. ___ Chris Steak House

25. Gazed

27. Run ___ of the law

6

4

5 Indy Zoo Animales 1 Ball State University Home

62. Two twos, say

63. Raced around I-465

66. Major ATM maker Answers on Page 18

Wth

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