May 23, 2023 — Noblesville

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Daly gears up for another Indy 500 run

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Conor Daly spent his youth preoccupied with the Indianapolis 500.

RACING

It’s not hard to understand as his father, Derek Daly, was a six-time Indy 500 starter in the 1980s. The younger Daly was born and raised in Noblesville and graduated from Heritage Christian School.

“Every day I could get out of school early and go to Indy 500 practice, I would do it,” Daly said. “This event more than any other means more to me because it’s just something I felt connected to.”

Daly’s ties to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway run even deeper as his stepfather, Doug Boles, is the IMS president. Boles and Daly’s mother, Beth, live in Zionsville.

Daly, 31, is expected to make his 10th start May 28 in the Indy 500. Daly said he was never certain he would have this many 500 starts.

“You just want to do as many races as you can,” he said. “Now, I want to get to 25 Indy 500s, because every year I feel like I learn something new. Every year it never gets old showing up here every day. It’s just the best feeling ever, and it’s just so cool to be part of.”

Daly is coming off his best 500 finish, placing sixth last year. His previous best finish was 10th in 2019. Daly led 40 laps in 2021 but finished 13th after his car suffered damage from a flying tire on the 118th lap.

“In 2021, it really felt like we had a car to win the race and that was like the first time that I really felt that before,” said Daly, who lives in downtown Indianapolis. “Then last year, I wouldn’t say we felt the same speed, but we were confident enough to be at the front. The Ganassi (Racing) cars were the fastest cars, but we were right there with them. So, it feels good every time I get here. I feel like I have enough experience to take advantage of

the situation, no matter where we start, no matter where we’re at in the race. I feel like I’ve gained enough patience to be there at the end.”

Daly, who finished 19th in the May 13 Grand Prix, said the Carpenter Racing team does better at IMS than anywhere else on the IndyCar schedule.

“We’ve found what works, and thankfully for us, we haven’t had to stray away from that too much, so that’s good,” said Daly, who is in his fourth season with Carpenter’s team. “Everyone here for Ed Carpenter Racing has been quick the last few years here, so that’s been fun to be a part of.”

In February, Daly had the opportunity to compete in the Daytona 500 for Hall of Fame boxer Floyd Mayweather’s part-time NASCAR team. After needing some luck to make the field, Daly finished 29th.

“To be able to do the Daytona 500 and Indy 500 in the same year is a pretty cool group to be a part of, and the number of drivers that have done both in the same year is even smaller,” Daly said. “I’ve been very lucky to drive so many different cars that every time I get into something else, I think it does add to my package as a driver.”

Daly was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 14. The hard work to monitor his condition never goes away.

“I don’t want to ruin it for any other diabetics that are growing up trying to be racecar drivers by having some sort of bad experience out on the track,” Daly said. “I definitely find myself capable of doing whatever I need to do in my life while living with it.”

Daly

Conor Daly takes a practice run at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Courtesy of Carpenter Racing)

The views of the columnists in Current in Noblesville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

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New charges filed against Noblesville school shooter

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings has filed new charges against the former Noblesville West Middle School student who wounded a classmate and a teacher in a 2018 shooting at the school.

A delinquency petition has been filed against David Moore, 18, who has been in custody since the incident in May 2018. The petition stems from an allegation of battery against a public safety official, a Level 6 felony, according to a news release from Cummings’ office.

Cummings said the incident is alleged to have occurred March 20 while Moore was at the Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility in Madison County. A probable cause statement alleges that Moore punched a criminal justice case manager, whose identity was redacted, twice in the breast.

The individual told police that Moore and another juvenile had entered her office but did not have time to meet with both of them

and directed them out in an ushering kind of motion, according to the probable cause statement. She described the punch as “a kind of fist bump” and indicated it was not a hard punch, the statement said.

A report was taken and Moore was asked about the alleged incident, which he acknowledged and indicated it was horseplay and not a big deal, according to the statement. Moore, who was 13 at the time of the school shooting inside a classroom, faced a hearing last month to review his potential release last month, but a Hamilton County Circuit judge ruled that Moore would remain in the custody of the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center.

The City of Noblesville ruling, which was released by the city, indicated that the court will meet again to review the release eligibility following the completion of the assessment and findings. Details of when that will occur are unclear.

An initial hearing on the battery charge is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. May 23. Moore’s attorney, Ben Jaffe, was not immediately available for comment.

Grand Park to host

Umoja

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Games in July

A soccer tournament hosted by a nonprofit organization that brings together the Muslim community through sports will come to the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield this summer.

The Umoja Games, hosted by the Umoja Outreach Foundation, will host its 10th annual Umoja Games soccer tournament July 7-9 and will feature soccer games for boys and girls of all ages. The tournament brings thousands of families from across the U.S. and beyond that allows them to build new relationships, officials said.

“Umoja Games has created a united Umoja family, using soccer as a driving force that transcends cultural, ethnic or geographic differences that otherwise exist in Muslim communities,” said Mustafa Dinani, co-founder of the Umoja Outreach Founda-

tion. “Our focus at each tournament is to create a unique and inclusive experience for everyone so that they want to return year after year.”

The event, which started in 2012 with 100 individuals participating in an adult men’s tournament, has grown to an annual event with more than 1,000 participants. The youth and women’s divisions have seen the largest growth in population, officials said.

Organizers said the Umoja Games is the largest Muslim girls and women soccer tournament in North America. It will mark the first time the city of Westfield and Grand Park have hosted the event.

“Westfield is honored to host the Umoja soccer tournament, and we welcome the games to the nation’s finest youth sports facility,” said Mayor Andy Cook.

The Umoja Games is free to attend and is open to all spectators.

For more, visit umojaoutreach.org/games.

Emily Doss has a nearly two-year streak of running at least one mile a day.

(Photo courtesy of Emily Doss)

Run streak continues at Grand Run

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Emily Doss has quite a running streak going.

Doss will complete two years of running at least 1 mile a day when she runs in the 10K in Westfield Welcome’s Grand Run, which starts May 29 at Grand Park Sports Complex.

ACHIEVEMENT

“I signed up to celebrate the two years and to have a fun run,” she said.

The Noblesville resident is a part of Streakers International. Once a runner hits one year of running 1 mile each day, they can be part of the club.

Doss started with a challenge to run from Memorial Day to July 4 that she saw in Runners’ World.

“I did that and just kept going,” she said. “There are some people who have done 20 to 30 years of the steak. I don’t know if I’ll make it that far.”

Doss, 36, said she usually runs 2 and 5 miles per day. She often runs with her children as Zeke, 8, rides his bike and she pushes daughter Tatum, 4, in a stroller.

“It’s just a good stress reliever,” said Doss, a physical therapist assistant at Riverview Health. “I love being outside and like checking out all the different scenery and running in different places, trails, roads, wherever. It’s just a good way to clear your mind to get rid of stress.”

The 10K and half marathon begins at 7 a.m., followed by the 5K at 7:30 a.m. A Kids Run will start at 8:30 a.m. For more, visit westfieldwelcome.com/ grand-run.

NOBLESVILLE & NORTH

Project: Pleasant Street

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.

Location: Under Ind. 37

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Expected completion: End of 2024

Project: Pleasant Street

Location: Various locations; Eighth Street and Pleasant Street will be closed after Memorial Day (motorists are advised to use detour routes or visit www.reimaginepleasantst.com for more information)

Expected completion: Work will be ongoing

Project: Stony Creek pedestrian trail

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

Expected completion: By Thanksgiving

Youth council creates downtown herb garden

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Members of the Noblesville Mayor’s Youth Council have created an herb garden and art display in downtown Noblesville.

INITIATIVE

The herb garden, which includes mint, basil and oregano, is free for public use and can be found in the south alley. The youth council partnered with the city, Keep Noblesville Beautiful, Nickel Plate Arts, Noblesville Schools, the Indiana Peony Festival and the Hamilton East Public Library to create the herb garden and art display.

Noblesville High School senior Tyler Ashby came up with the idea during a trip last summer to Glasgow, Scotland.

“There was an old library card catalog that was filled with plants. I thought, ‘This would be something nice to have in downtown Noblesville that would be manageable for the Mayor’s Youth Council to do, something that will be here after I go to Bloomington for school in a couple months,’” Ashby said. “I brought it up, the council liked the idea, and I reached out (to) the group in Glasgow to share how they inspired us.”

The old display case was donated by the library, while the art portion was designed by Noblesville High School Art Club members, according to the city.

“I gave them the theme of the courthouse, peonies and for it to be uniquely Noblesville,” Ashby said. “That’s the inspiration behind it and I think it looks great.”

Mayor Chris Jensen commended students for their work on the downtown project.

“I love spending time with our future leaders and the energy and love they have for Noblesville,” Jensen said. “I want to thank Tyler Ashby for his leadership on this project, and all of the youth council members who have worked to leave a lasting impact on our community.”

Twenty-five high school students and two middle school students are a part of the youth council for 2022-23.

The herb garden is a Noblesville Mayor’s Youth Council legacy project that will be passed down and maintained through the years by future youth council members, officials said.

Members of the Noblesville Mayor’s Youth Council gather in downtown Noblesville for a ribbon cutting for an herb garden and art display that the council created. Pictured, from left, is Maya McDonald, Mason Snyder, Mallory Stewart, Tyler Ashby and Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen. (Photo provided by city of Noblesville)

COMMUNITY University High School senior draws MLB attention

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It’s easy for University High School senior pitcher Jake Hooker to pinpoint the biggest improvement of his career.

Fastball velocity, he said.

Trailblazers coach

Chris Estep said Hooker’s fastball has been clocked as high as 95 mph this season.

“Every year, his velocity has climbed and climbed,” Estep said. “He has a really good slider and a nice changeup.”

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound right-hander also plays shortstop for University. Although his college future is as a pitcher, Hooker was recruited as a two-way player by Xavier University.

“I’ve put on 15 to 20 pounds since junior season,” said the Zionsville resident, who also credits work in the weight room for his added strength.

As of May 15, Hooker had a 3-3 record with a 2.77 earned run average. He was hit-

MEET JAKE HOOKER

Favorite athlete: Tiger Woods

Favorite subject: English Favorite movie: “Whiplash”

ting .270 with four homers.

“I started off slow (hitting) this year,” Hooker said. “I’ve been able to turn it on recently and heat up at the plate.”

Hooker struck out 12 and gave up only one earned run in six innings in a 4-0 loss to Cathedral.

“He was outstanding in that game,” Estep said. “He’s had a tremendous career for us.”

Last season, Hooker had a 3-2 record

with a 1.82 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings. He hit .405 with three homers.

“You couldn’t ask for a better player and better kid,” Estep said.

Hooker, who plans to major in finance at Xavier, also is drawing strong interest from Major League Baseball scouts. He chose Xavier over the University of Illinois and the University of Michigan. The MLB Draft is set for July 9-11. Prior to the season, Hooker was No. 224 on Prospects Live’s list of top 2023 MLB Draft prospects.

Hooker said his goal is to play professional baseball, whether that happens next season or after attending Xavier.

“It’s tricky, but it has to happen before you really think about it,” Hooker said of what his draft position would need to be for him to forego his scholarship. “It just depends on the dollar amount and those things.”

Hooker said the Trailblazers can make a run at the IHSAA Class 2A state title.

“Our bats need to come alive a little bit, but me and the other senior (Seth Hogg) are pretty dominant on the mound and we feel we can pretty much pitch to anybody,” Hooker said. “If we can score some runs, we’ll be fine and be able to make a long run, hopefully.”

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University High School senior pitcher Jake Hooker’s fastball has been clocked at 95 mph this season. (Photo courtesy of J. Scott Photography)

Hooker

Holcomb OKs teacher firearms training bill

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed a bill allowing teachers to apply for state funding for firearms training.

LEGISLATION

House Bill 1177 authored by State Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, was signed into law by Holcomb earlier this month. Under the legislation, which takes effect July 1, it creates a 40-hour firearms safety, education and training curriculum for teachers, school staff and employees.

Lucas also pointed to his position regarding firearms.

“Sadly, it’s something that’s necessary for the tragic world we live in today,” Lucas said.

In an interview with Current earlier this year, State Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, commented on guns and arming teachers with them in schools.

“We talk a lot about parental rights in the Legislature. Parents should have the right to be informed of their school district’s policy on arming teachers,” Hunley said. “Parents should have the right to determine whether or not their child is in a classroom with a loaded weapon. I understand the argument that since the state allows teachers to carry guns, the state should support ensuring that the teachers are trained. What I don’t understand is why we aren’t addressing the root causes that got us to this point in the first place.

“Instead of addressing a symptom of lax gun regulations, let’s address the regulations we could put in place to make our entire state safer.”

The law means employees can apply for grant funding for gun training through the state’s school secured fund, which would require schools to ensure that individuals comply with certain requirements.

The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun

Violence, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., said on its website that Indiana generally prohibits individuals, including those who have a license to carry a handgun from knowingly or intentionally possessing a firearm on school property and property that is being used by a school for a school function or on a school bus. However, the organization also notes that Indiana law has exceptions to that restriction, “including for people who are not students at the school and are otherwise legally eligible to possess firearms” if they are authorized by a school board or charter school administrative body to carry a concealed firearm in or on school property,” are school resource officers or if they possess a firearm in a motor vehicle, according to its website.

But the legislation signed into law by Holcomb authorizes funds from the state’s secured school fund and school corporation and charter school safety advance program to be used “for the purpose of providing specialized firearms instruction to certain teachers, school staff, and school employees.”

Funding could also be used “for providing counseling services to students, teachers, school staff, and school employees in the event of a school shooting,” according to the legislation.

A message seeking comment from Indiana State Teachers Association spokeswoman Kim Clements-Johnson on the organization’s position regarding the legislation was not immediately returned by deadline. Marnie Cooke, spokeswoman for Noblesville Schools, said the district is one of only a few in the state that has school resource officers in all of its schools.

“We do not have plans to offer firearms instruction to teachers,” Cooke said. Editor Natalie Gargiulo contributed to this story.

Holcomb

“We do not have plans to offer firearms instruction to teachers.”

- NOBLESVILLE SCHOOLS SPOKESWOMAN, MARNIE COOKE

HSHC receives Petco Love grant

GIVING

The Humane Society for Hamilton County will receive a $30,000 grant from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of the HSHC’s work for animals.

According to an announcement from the HSHC, the donation recognizes its work during a time when it is above capacity for animals, particularly dogs.

“Our investment in HSHC is part of more than $15 million in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love.

Jennifer Hatcher, director of development for the HSHC, said the open-admission, no-kill shelter has seen an unprecedented number of stray and surrendered dogs.

“Every day, we are counting kennels to make sure we have enough room for all the pets coming in,” she said. “This partnership with Petco Love is lifesaving.”

HSHC takes in more than 4,000 animals each year, including those at risk for eu-

thanasia at other shelters. Its no-kill status and philosophy mean no animal will be turned away because of age, disability, medical needs, or breed, according to the announcement.

Petco Love is a national nonprofit founded in 1999. It has invested $350 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts and helps find homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations like HSHC.

For more, visit HamiltonHumane.com or petcolove.org.

Liu receives youth service award

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

RECOGNITION

A Noblesville High School senior is the recipient of the Hamilton County Youth Service award.

Nicole Liu received the award, which also came with a $1,000 scholarship during a May 9 ceremony at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center. She is a member of the Peonies Club, the Noblesville High School literary magazine, Key Club, the Noblesville Mayor’s Youth Council, New Dimension Varsity Show Choir, Miller Mentors, DECA and VOICE Indiana, officials said.

Liu said she considers her work with VOICE Indiana, a grassroots organization that encourages teens to lead tobacco-free lifestyles, as her biggest accomplishment.

“Too often ‘big tobacco’ targets vulnerable populations like teens,” Liu said. “VOICE has given me a platform to stand up against their harmful marketing campaigns.”

Five other students from Hamilton County were also nominated for the award by their school’s counseling department and will each receive a $300 scholarship. Those

Noblesville High School senior Nicole Liu, center, with Hamilton County Commissioners Mark Heirbrandt and Steve Dillinger after being recognized as the winner of the Hamilton County Youth Service Award earlier this month. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County)

nominees were Liam Courtney from Carmel High School; Victoria Chambers from Hamilton Heights High School; Mrithula Mukkani Karunamurthy from Hamilton Southeastern High School; Jacquellynne Bates from Sheridan High School; and Isabella Grady from Westfield High School.

“We are proud of each of the applicants that have chosen to lead a drug free lifestyle and contribute their time to help make positive changes in the lives of others,” said Monica Greer, executive director of the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs.

The HSHC will receive a $30,000 grant from Petco to help with the shelter’s capacity crisis.

(Photo by Adam Seif)

DISPATCHES

Wentz receives award from Indiana State University – Noblesville resident Kristin Wentz has been awarded the Hines Memorial Medal from Indiana State University. She is a theater major who graduated from ISU on May 6. The Hines Memorial Medal, which is named after Indiana State’s fourth president Linnaeus Neal Hines, is awarded to students who entered Indiana State University as first-time college freshmen and are graduating with the highest honors classification cumulative grade point average.

Helmer Scientific acquired by Trane Technologies – Helmer Scientific in Noblesville, which designs and manufactures medical and laboratory equipment to clinical and life sciences customers, has been acquired by Trane Technologies. Helmer Scientific has more than 425 employees and will continue its operations in Noblesville, which serves as its headquarters, according to a press release. “Helmer Scientific has served the clinical health market as an industry leader and trusted partner for customers for more than four decades,” said Bruce King, CEO of Helmer Scientific. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Riverview Health employee receives award – A Riverview Health employee has received the National Hygiene Specialist Award. Stacy Turner, a hygiene specialist, was honored by UMF PerfectClean for work as team lead of the hospital’s environmental services department. Dave Hyatt, president and CEO of Riverview Health, said the organization is proud that one of its associates received the national award, which also came with a $2,500 check.

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.

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. The parade will take place at 11:45 a.m. May 27 in downtown Indianapolis.

HEALTH ON THE GO

Resident opens business offering nutritional shakes, tea, iced coffee drinks

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Motorists driving along Ind. 37 in Noblesville now have another option for drinks on-the-go — with fitness in mind.

Noblesville resident Carolina Lezon recently opened FiredUp Nutrition, 14300 Mundy Dr., Suite 500, that offers an assortment of shakes, teas and iced coffees to those who walk in the door. She describes the drinks as “meals-on-thego” packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients sufficient to meet daily health needs.

Lezon said what sets her business apart from others the public might find elsewhere is the fact that you won’t find any tables or chairs that would normally be found at a restaurant. She described it as a “community place” for people to enjoy and interact with one another.

“I want people to come in and make friends,” Lezon said. Lezon, a former personal trainer, said although FiredUp Nutrition has a focus on offering shakes and other drinks, its objective is to build relationships. She also plans to offer nutrition and fitness classes.

“I want to bring joy and happiness into this world,” she said.

Lezon also offers a service of creating personalized nutrition plans for clients based on body composition and daily habits. She also sells products for customers to make their own healthy shakes at home.

Lezon plans to post what she described as “transformation calendars” that will allow people to provide before-and-after photos related to their fitness changes. She added that individuals will also have the support of others around them to encourage them as well.

“You have to work really hard to earn your spot on this board, and you have that army behind you, like that family, to cheer you on,” she said. “It depends on what kind of goals you have.”

But the variety of drinks, ranging from shakes with flavors of cookies and cream, brownie batter, french vanilla, strawberry cheesecake and more, should appeal to those who walk in the door. Lezon’s daughter, Amelia, said she spent several hours creating FiredUp Nutrition’s menu board, which lists teas with names as Malibu Barbie, Superman, Scorpion and Yellow Jacket.

Lezon plans to offer drinks using Herbalife, which says its products are only offered to distributors “who provide comprehensive and personalized solutions to their customers’ nutrition and wellness goals,” according to its website. Lezon said she has given Herbalife products to all of her children, noting that “it’s all nutritious and you don’t have anything (drinks) with high sugars.”

“Here, it gives you that healthy boost of energy and it also increases your mental focus,” Lezon said.

FiredUp Nutrition is open six days a week, and Lezon said

she would like to hear from the community about how to positively impact it moving forward.

“I want to get an idea from people and brainstorm with them to see what we can do to impact the community, to make it better, to make it healthier,” she said.

Lezon said it has been a dream of hers to open a storefront business and hopes to make a difference. She also pointed to her children Adrian, Adam and Amelia in helping her vision become a reality, describing them as being her “biggest cheerleaders.”

She also offered some advice for others in pursuing their own dreams as well.

“Follow your passions and follow your dreams no matter

how long it takes,” Lezon said. “If you stay true to your belief and to what your purpose is, then God will lead the way and it’s going to happen no matter what.”

Reporter Edward Redd contributed to this story.

ON THE COVER: FiredUp Nutrition owner Carolina Lezon pauses for a portrait inside her business, which offers drinks ranging from shakes, teas and iced coffee. The business is located at 14300 Mundy Drive, Suite 500, in Noblesville. (Photo by Adam Seif)

FIREDUP NUTRITION

Where: 14300 Mundy Dr., Suite 500, Noblesville

Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday

More information: Call 317-219-5436 or email firedupnutrition@yahoo.com.

Facebook: Search for “FiredUp Nutrition NF”

“I want to bring joy and happiness into this world.”

– CAROLINA LEZON, OWNER OF FIREDUP NUTRITION.

FiredUp Nutrition owner Carolina Lezon pauses for a portrait with her children Amelia, Adam and Adrian. The Noblesville business, which recently opened, offers customers drinks such as shakes, teas and iced coffee. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Fishers resident opens new D1 Training gym in Carmel

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Tayt Odom is convinced D1 Training differs from other fitness facilities.

BUSINESS

“What makes us different is we are an athletic-based training facility,” Odom said. “When you think of (NCAA) Division I sports teams and athletic departments, they incorporate speed, strength and everything around to make their students-athletes better athletes. Our programs are based on those types of models, which are not typically seen and done for the general public. It’s an hour workout that uses all phases of those things.”

D1 Training, which opened May 15 in Carmel, will have its grand opening May 30 at 650 W. Carmel Dr., Suite 120.

Odom, a Fishers resident, is co-owner with Jeff Peterson, a Pendleton resident. The Carmel franchise is the partners’ second D1 Training in Indiana. The other is in the MoJo Up Sports Complex in Noblesville.

D1Training was created by former University of Tennessee football player Will Bartholomew and is based in Nashville, Tenn.

Fishers resident Tayt Odom is the co-owner of the new D1 Training facility in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of D1 Training)

D1 Training began franchising in 2017. Odom is a business teacher and an assistant football coach at Bishop Chatard High School.

The facility uses a sport-science training regimen led by certified trainers.

“If it was just training, I probably wouldn’t be involved in doing it,” Odom said. “What ultimately got Jeff and I both involved in it is we have 12-character words on the wall, like perseverance, discipline and integrity. Not only do we work on training the physical body, but we want to have an impact on mental, social and emotional wellbeing.

For more, visit d1training.com/carmel.

Progressively better sight

Commentary by Dr. Jeremy Ciano

When it comes to seeing clearly at all distances and having the ability to scan your eyes from side to side without strain, there is a huge difference in progressive lens designs and manufacturing techniques. Let’s examine the two biggest variables that impact your vision.

VISION

Field of View: If you look through a keyhole, the closer you get, the more of a room you can see. When your eyes are closer to the hole, you have less restrictions in your peripheral vision. As you move back, you see less and less of the room. In modern, digitally manufactured, progressive lenses, the prescription is etched onto the back surface of the lens (closer to your eye) to give you a remarkably wider field of view. Older technologies that are hand ground onto the front surface of the lenses give a much narrower and restrictive peripheral field view.

Ciano

Clarity: Another alarming difference between the quality of progressive lens designs is in the precision and accuracy of converting the prescription from the doctor’s office to the lens itself. The difference between manually grinding lenses at your local one-hour retailer or your typical insurance-grade/ mass-produced lenses versus a custom, digitally etched prescription is amazingly more accurate. In fact, the hand-shaving processes of lens fabrication is measured in 0.25 of a diopter, whereas digitally enhanced lenses are accurately produced in 0.01 diopter increments. That is 25 times more accurate! That precision and accuracy accounts for the difference between you watching your favorite movie on VHS or Blu-Ray or a 1-megapixel camera versus a 25-megapixel camera.

Hopefully, this info will allow you to make a more informed decision on your next pair of glasses so you can continue to see life in hi-definition!

KAR rebrands as OPENLANE

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Carmel-based KAR Auction Services will rebrand as OPENLANE, with the change becoming official at the corporate level May 15.

VEHICLES

The move reflects the company’s transformation to a more asset-light, digital marketplace, according to a press release.

“Our vision is to build the world’s greatest digital marketplace for used vehicles, and we are advancing that vision by bringing together all of our sellers, buyers and vehicles under OPENLANE,” stated Peter Kelly, the company’s CEO. “Over the past decade, we’ve built and acquired some of the leading digital platforms in our industry. Combining the best features and functionality from this technology and unifying our supporting operations will help us create the fastest, easiest and most active digital

marketplace available.”

KAR acquired OPENLANE, an internet-based business-to-business automotive remarketing company, in 2011. Kelly served as OPENLANE CEO at the time. He became CEO of KAR in April 2021.

The company plans to combine its ADESA and TradeRev platforms in Canada to create its first OPENLANE-branded marketplace in June. In the U.S., it is focused on rolling out a new live-auction format, which will be followed by integrating its existing platforms into a combined OPENLANE marketplace.

The new brand will be used in Europe operations, too.

The company reported facilitating the sale of approximately 1.3 million vehicles in 2022, with a gross merchandise value of more than $23 billion. Its common stock will continue to trade under the ticker symbol “KAR” on the New York Stock Exchange. Learn more at OpenLane.com.

PMG captures 6 honors

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youcurrent.com

After having twin boys in December 2015, TV journalist Nicole Pence Becker learned she was pregnant again.

ACHIEVEMENT

“So, I delivered three babies in 13 months,” said Pence Becker, who left her job as CBS4/WTTV morning anchor in 2017. “I had like a mini-day care. I was changing 30 diapers a day. I only left television because that was what was necessary for our family. I loved my job on television, but it just didn’t work.”

When it was time to start doing something outside the home, she started Pence Media Group, a digital and media consultancy, in 2019. She said PMG really took off in 2020.

“PMG was created to offer the opportunity for startups, Fortune 500s or growing companies to have that agency’s full-service support with a group of experts at the table,” said Pence Becker, who lives in Westfield with her husband and four sons, who are 7 and younger. “It’s been an awesome opportunity for me, because I felt we’ve been able to help people and scale their businesses with and for them.”

That hard work was rewarded recently

when Pence Media Group, which is based in Carmel, won six MUSE Creative Awards, which are part of MUSE international awards, including a gold award for the best Small Agency of the Year.

Pence Becker said the model at PMG has allowed her to bring in talented staff, mostly women who wanted more flexibility for their families, to do what the agency does best, which is marketing, communications and public relations.

“It’s been a really satisfying thing to win that award, to be honest,” Pence Becker said.

For its work on the 95th National FFA Convention and Expo, PMG won a gold award for the event conference/convention and silver for social media for a live event.

PMG won a silver award for its video of a Riley Children’s Hospital Virtual Prom. PMG provided its services pro bono with Women for Riley, a philanthropic group within the foundation for the video project.

PMG won a gold medal for its event video from the Sugar Factory Indianapolis VIP Great Opening Party, which featured a DJ performance by Nick Cannon.

PMG also earned a silver award for its video in the children’s category for Kids 360 Early Learning Academy.

Learn more at PenceMediaGroup.com.

Pence Becker

Heaven can wait?

Commentary by Terry Anker

We learn from the earliest stages of our corporal existence that we are born obligated with choice. The youngest among us evaluates with discerning palate between creamed carrot and pureed meat. Even as the tiny jars appear identical and Mom’s encouraging airplane-spoon-trick urges the tyke to eat, they decide, with some indignity, what to ingest.

ESSAY

As we mature, the thought experiments begin, and by elementary school we might deliberate if we’d rather eat a bug or have a pop quiz in math. By high school, we ponder skipping the prom or going with our best friend’s sister, who pities our date-lessness. Today, we ruminate on sitting in cheap seats versus staying home to watch on television. Mostly, they are imagined alternatives. The teacher is unlikely to cancel the test even if the insect consumed is of considerable heft. Yet the questions help us define our own limits. They bound what we might do for opportunity, for options, for hope.

In a group of first-generation Americans recently talking about their origin story to join Team USA, one Central African told of the question often asked of youngsters in his hometown, now some 8,000 miles away: “Would you rather go to heaven or America?” As if his sitting in the room didn’t make the response self-evident, someone asked how he responded. “Well,” he said, “heaven can wait.”

A wise person once proclaimed America “the world’s migration to freedom.” The very prospect of gaining command of English, securing passage and bringing all that he had in himself to contribute to this place was enough to propel and imbed a young African here in the Hoosier heartland. This would be a better place, and for living here, he would be a better person. It may not be the story for all, but it is his story.

Recipe for a savory Mother’s Day

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

HUMOR

Friends, after nearly 25 years of being a mom, I think I’ve finally honed my Mother’s Day recipe to perfection. Please enjoy!

1. Preheat Sunday by letting your partner know that you’ll be AWOL for most of the day. If your kitchen does not include a Sunday or if, like me, your Sunday is generally broken because of anxiety ahead of the looming school week, you can always reposition the rack to Saturday.

toss together Amanda’s Exchange, Macy’s and a broccoli-cheddar bread bowl from Panera. Bake at 350 for 180 minutes or until you’ve found a miracle one-piece that both slims and lifts.

“If your kitchen does not include a Sunday or if, like me, your Sunday is generally broken because of anxiety ahead of the looming school week, you can always reposition the rack to Saturday.”

5. Now, combine ingredients from Steps 3 and 4 in a medium saucepan. Stir in several cans of sisters-inlaw, along with a jar of family tea. Simmer for two hours at Java House.

– DANIELLE

2. The night before, be sure to place the entire package of Restful Sleep in a cool, dark space. Personally, I prefer the larger 10-hour bag, but the eight will work, too. Chef’s choice!

3. Begin by mixing the chilled Restful Sleep with one cup of coffee and six tablespoons of social media scrolling. Add your favorite flavor of Breakfast

4. On a nonstick cookie sheet, carefully

6. Remove from heat; let stand until cool. Serve with a side of buttered popcorn and a solo viewing of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” Add parenting affirmations to taste.

There you have it, folks. My recipe for a perfect Mother’s Day. Peace out.

WHEN IT’S TIME TO CALL BONE DRY YOU’LL KNOW IT IN YOUR GUT. AND YOUR GUTTERS.

Danielle

columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.

Sometimes you don’t need a new roof. Sometimes it’s what’s at the end of your roof that goes first. Bone Dry has become as well known for gutters and downspouts as we have for roofs. So if you’re staring at a waterfall and you’re not on vacation, it’s time to call Bone Dry. You’ll know it in your gutters.

Wilson is a contributing

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

WILSON

Here’s the (ice cream) scoop

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I am tired of celebrating the 100th anniversary of this, or the 75th anniversary of that. What makes those numbers so special? I told my wife Mary Ellen I had big plans in a few years for our 53rd anniversary.

“Great,” she said, “but what about our 50th?”

“Mary Ellen, 50 is just a number,” I said. “Let’s wait until No. 53. Don’t give the 50th another thought.”

Ever since I said that, Mary Ellen has also not given another thought to making dinner, going shopping or editing my column. I guess it really is the thought that counts.

So, in keeping with my theory, this month I am celebrating the 121st anniversary of the ice cream cone. I skipped the 100th. The 121st? Now, there’s a cause for celebration.

Like other great inventions in history, there is some controversy about who created the first cone. But who could forget Italo Marchiony? Apparently, everybody. You need a name that will stick. Like sandwich, for example. Some food writers think it was invented by the Earl of Sandwich back in the late 1700s, when he put meat between bread so he could play cards while he ate. I went to college with a guy named Herb Cohn. He claimed it was his great-great uncle who invented the ice cream cone. Cone? Cohen? I’m skeptical on this one.

Why did the ice cream cone ever catch on in the first place? An ice cream cone is poorly designed and constructed. Because

of the pointed bottom, you can’t set it down. I want to put my cone down on the driving console so I can make a left-hand turn while I’m on my cellphone. There is one kind of cone that has a flat bottom; it also has no taste.

Half the time, an ice cream cone crumbles when you try to balance the second ice cream scoop on top and apply a little pressure. If the ice cream is soft and you pack it down, by the time you’ve taken the 10th lick it’s leaking out the bottom all over your new beige polyester pants.

If you’re a strong licker, the top scoop falls off in a big plop. And there’s no five-second rule for ice cream. When it hits the ground, it’s history. Except mint chip. I would eat mint chip off the pavement.

We should just be thankful today that we have two alternatives for enjoying America’s favorite frozen treat by using either a cup or cone. What would it be like if people had to carry around a scoop of ice cream in their bare hands? I shiver to think.

By the way, some food historians claim a guy named Reuben Kulakofsky invented that popular corned beef-based sandwich called, of course, a Reuben. I’ll tell you more when we all celebrate the very important 108th anniversary of the Reuben next year.

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.

“Like other great inventions in history, there is some controversy about who created the first cone. But who could forget Italo Marchiony? Apparently, everybody. You need a name that will stick. Like sandwich, for example.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Center for the Performing Arts 2023-24 schedule features diverse offerings

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

‘BEAUTY & THE BEAST’

“Beauty & the Beast” runs through July 9 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

MUSIC

The Center for the Performing Arts 202324 schedule is slated to be a diverse presentation of musical genres with a mix of newcomers and old favorites.

“We’ve managed to curate what I think is going to be a really diverse set of performances throughout the entire season starting earlier than we have in the past with shows in August,” said Jeff McDermott, president and chief executive officer of the Center for the Performing Arts. “We have a great mix of everything from jazz, pop, rock, comedy, country, classical, songbook, international family, you know, all in the past with bringing back some favorites or bringing a lot of new stuff. I would say that the programming isn’t done. We know as we have done in the past that we’ll continue to add significant shows throughout the season. There’s lots of different types of artists who work on shorter windows and time.

“You have three and four months out rather than nine to 12 months out, and so we’ll be bringing in those opportunities as we go as well.”

In particular, McDermott said comedians tend to be booked three to four months out.

McDermott said he is eager to have Katharine McPhee and her husband David Foster perform Nov. 4. The couple were on the schedule twice but were postponed because of the pandemic, and then the third scheduled appearance in 2021 was canceled.

“We’re glad to get them back on our schedule,” McDermott said.

On Oct. 20, Harry Chapin at 80 features members of the Chapin family singing the late singer’s classics.

“I’m a big Harry Chapin fan, so I’m excited for that,” McDermott said.

The action kicks off early with August solo performances by rockers Chris Daughtry (Aug. 9) and Ben Harper (Aug. 15),

both making their debut appearances at the Center for the Performing Arts.

Spyro Gyra will be the headliner at the Carmel Jazz Festival Aug. 12.

Other first-timers on the 2023-2024 schedule include The Police drummer

Stewart Copeland (Oct. 19), Bruce Cockburn (Nov. 1), singer-songwriters Meshell Ndegeocello (Nov. 18), New Orleans sax great Branford Marsalis (Jan. 26, 2024) and Indiana singer Carrie Newcomer (March 9) in The Tarkington.

Copeland’s Police Deranged for Orchestra features a 28-piece orchestra, three vocalists and a rock trio with Copeland on drums. It is packed with Police hits such as “Roxanne,” “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” and “Message in a Bottle.”

McDermott said returning to the Palladium are favorites from seasons past, including the Righteous Brothers (Oct. 6), jazz guitarist Bill Frisell (Oct. 21) and singer-songwriter Bruce Hornsby (March 9, 2024).

The Little Mermen: The Ultimate Disney Tribute Band will have two performances Nov. 5.

Tribute acts performing will include Wish You Were Here: The Sight and Sound of Pink Floyd (Oct. 14) and Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute (April 20, 2024)

“We really like bringing in tribute bands if they are high quality,” McDermott said.

A.J. Croce, son of the late singer Jim Croce, will perform “Croce Plays Croce” March 30, 2024, at the Palladium.

“We had A.J. Croce in at The Tarkington (in March 2022) and thought we would get 500 people and we doubled that and added a second show,” McDermott said. “We are looking forward to bringing him to the Palladium for one big show.”

McDermott said the Holiday Series is always special.

“Dave Koz has become a perennial favorite,” McDermott said. “We’ll bring him back here every year as long as he wants to keep coming back.”

Koz & Friends Christmas Tour will stop Dec. 5. Some other holiday concerts include Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas, Nov. 30; The Midtown Men: Holiday Hits, Dec. 1; and Jon McLaughlin & Friends: Home for the Holidays, Dec. 8

The season will close with Michael Feinstein performing with a yet-to-be-announced special guest May 17, 2024.

The season presents live education events free for area students and school groups in matinees. Shows include Animaniacs (Oct. 5), Mad River: Keep Marching (Jan. 18, 2024) and Sammy Miller and the Congregation (April 19, 2024).

For the full schedule, visit thecenterpresents.org.

The Live at the Center series presents Public Universal Friend at 7:30 p.m. May 31 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $5 for in-person or register for the free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

The Freeform Concert Series will feature Tall Tall Trees with Kristen Bales at 6:30 p.m. May 24 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. “Deception: An Evening of Magic and Lies” featuring David Ranalli is set for 7:30 p.m. May 25. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘THE SLEEPING BEAUTY’

Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy presents “The Sleeping Beauty” at 7:30 p.m. May 26 and 2 p.m. May 27 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. For more, visit ballettheatreofcarmel.org.

DISPATCHES

Zadek set for Feinstein’s show — Broadway performer Zack Zadek will perform at 7:30 p.m. June 1 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. “I couldn’t be more stoked to return to Indiana for a second concert, this time at Feinstein’s,” Zadek stated. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is a $25 per guest food and beverage minimum. For more, visit feinsteinhc.com.

Art on Main – An Art on Main meet the artists reception will feature Kim Greene and Beth Forst from 5 to 8 p.m. at Art on Main Gallery & Gifts, 110 W. Main St., Suite 140, Carmel. The June show will feature Barb Gregory and daughter Deb Slack with “Love in Color” show. The meet the artists reception is from 4 to 8 p.m. June 10.

Harry Chapin at 80 will feature family members singing the late singer’s classic songs. (Photo courtesy of Center for the Performing Arts)

‘Elf the Musical’ returns

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

2019 production of “Elf” was available for screening.

CIVIC THEATRE

Civic Theatre’s 2023-24 season will include a regional premiere, a return of a huge holiday favorite and the first local community production of “Anastasia.”

The season opens with the regional premiere of “The Prom” Oct 6-21. Civic Theatre Executive Artistic Director Michael Lasley said “The Prom” is definitely a topical show but the selection process is more about selecting compelling stories.

“‘Elf’ is our most successful show ever — holiday or otherwise,” Lasley said. “So, while it’s unusual to bring a show back for the third time in five years, the public has made it clear that they love this production.”

Lasley

The 2024 portion starts with “Romeo & Juliet” Feb. 9-24, 2024 and “Driving Miss Daisy” March 14-30. The final show will be “Anastasia” April 26-May 11. The performances will be at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, except for “Driving Miss Daisy,” set for the Studio Theater.

“The narrative of ‘The Prom’ is about acceptance and the reality that we are all more alike than we are different,” Lasley said. “That is universal, and while some specific details may be challenging, we believe the story is impactful and, most importantly, entertaining.”

“Elf the Musical” is set for Dec. 1-24. “Elf” was presented in 2019 and 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there were no shows, but a recorded version of the

“As someone who loves the 1997 animated feature film, ‘Anastasia’ is a show I was excited to see brought to the stage,” Lasley said.

Along with the main stage productions, Dr. Seuss’s “The Cat in the Hat” will return in February 2024. In the summer of 2024, the Jr. Civic musical will be “Finding Nemo Jr.” and the Young Artists Program will present “Revue!” and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats.”

For more, visit civictheatre.org

Santa is played by Indianapolis resident Parrish Williams, and Matt Bays portrays Buddy in the 2019 production of “Elf the Musical.” (Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)

GHDT presents ‘Director’s Cut’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s 25th anniversary season has been a celebration of its many works.

DANCE

“Throughout the entire season, GHDT has been showcasing repertoire pieces from the company’s distant and recent past,” said Gregory Hancock, GHDT’s executive artistic director. “Part of the 25th-season celebration was to demonstrate how the company’s past has shaped where the company is today. Audience members have been able to see repertoire never seen before or not seen for several years. Dancers have also been able to experience many new works throughout the season.”

The season will conclude with “Director’s Choice,” which is set for 7 p.m. June 9-10 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“As a director and choreographer, it has been wonderful to look back at many vintage pieces,” Hancock said. “One beautiful aspect of a repertoire program is that I can see all the past dancers who have per-

formed in these pieces, as well as shape new dancers into the dances. So, while it is exciting to see new dancers in roles, it is also sentimental to think of the past performers or where my life was at the creation of each dance.”

“Director’s Choice” features seven repertoire pieces.

“Every dance piece is not always a fulllength piece, but often shorter repertoire pieces, which allows the audience to experience a variety of emotions and styles of dance unique to each piece,” Hancock said. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

Play focuses on sisters’ rivalry

By Jeff Decker editorial@youarecurrent.com

A local performing arts organization’s decision to cap its pilot season with an original work is a double-edged sword.

PERFORMANCES

When the Hyperion Players perform “Call Me Sister” June 8 through 11 at the Ivy Tech Auditorium in Noblesville, it will mark the play’s world premiere. As such, the cast and crew are without a previous frame of reference, and attracting an audience to an unknown work can be challenging.

But staging an original work is “almost liberating,” said Ian Hauer, Hyperion’s executive artistic director and writer/director of “Call Me Sister.”

“As a writer and director, I can work with each cast member and designer to create characters and ideas from scratch,” the Noblesville resident said. “It allows for a very collaborative process.”

Set in England during the 16th century,

“Call Me Sister” tells the story of Mary Tudor (played by Duana Menefee of Cincinnati) and younger sister Elizabeth Tudor (Becky Larson of Zionsville) as they vie for the throne of their father, King Henry VIII. Hauer said the play is about the bond between sisters, the corrupting influence of power, how women wielding power are treated relative to their male counterparts, and “the different faces we all wear.”

Larson

Menefee, appearing in her first Hyperion Players production, said it is challenging to play historical figures.

“Playing Mary, particularly the turmoil of her ascension and reign, has been an interesting exercise in balance,” Menefee said.

Larson is also making her Hyperion Players debut. She described Elizabeth as incredibly intelligent and quick-witted.

“I appreciate the opportunity to portray the expansive journey she goes on,” Larson said. “From a feral teenager to the threshold of the monarchy, Elizabeth goes through a lot.”

Tickets for “Call Me Sister” are $12 and are available at hyperionplayers.com.

Abigail Lessaris performs in Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s “Director’s Choice.” (Photo by Joe Phillips)

Season for sparkling wine

Commentary by Mark LaFay

Spring is in full swing in Indiana, and that has my mind gravitating toward refreshing outdoor wine. When you think about the quintessential “patio pounder,” where does your mind go? Naturally, rosé and crispy white wines are a great option. I, however, tend to go with sparkling wine.

and fresh. It has loads of strawberry and raspberry on the nose. The fruit is forward on the palate, along with some bready flavor and a clean smooth finish. This is a killer wine you can find for around $25.

BEVERAGE

In full disclosure, I am a sparkling wine evangelist. In the U.S, we tend to only drink the stuff on special occasions, and I think that is a shame. Sparkling wine is quite possibly one of the most food-versatile wines made. That might be because sparkling wine is made in the majority of wine-making regions around the globe. There are several options available for sparkling wine that will get you a variety of experiences across a variety of price points. First, a note about sparkling. Champagne, Cava, Franciacorta, Prosecco and Lambrusco are all sparkling wines. However, not all sparkling wines are the aforementioned. Champagne is only Champagne if it is made in the Champagne region of France. Cava is only made in the Penedes region of Spain, Franciacorta in Lombardy, Italy, and so-on. Call something Champagne that isn’t made in Champagne, and the French will take to the streets.  Anyway, here are three great sparkling wines to help you celebrate the weekend:

Pierre Sparr, Crémant D’Alsace, Brut Rose is a delicious pink sparkling wine from the Alsace region of France. It is bright, vibrant

Juve & Camps Reserva de la Familia Gran Reserva Brut Cava comes from the Penedes region of Spain. The nose is floral with hints of lemon, toast and spice. On the palate, the wine is dry, crisp, with bright acidity, the bready characteristics combined with tart apple, and citrus are very nice. This wine punches above its weight class at $19 a bottle.

Nominé-Renard

Brut Champagne is a delicious grower Champagne. That means the person that grows the grapes made the Champagne. On the nose is lemon curd, toast and spice. On the palate, the wine is dry with crisp acidity. There are hints of red fruit that peek through with lemon zest, toasted bread and subtle marzipan flavors. There is an ever-soslight sweetness on the finish. You can find this gem for less than $50.

Whether you try one or all of these wines or a different wine, get the sparkling wine into your regular rotation. Pair it with cheese and meat, caviar and butter, seafood or grilled veggies. Cheers to spring!

DISPATCH

Red Barn Summer Theatre schedules open house — Frankfort’s Red Barn Summer Theatre will open its doors to the public from 2 to 5 p.m. June 3 for its second Summer KickOff open house. The box office will also be open during that time to answer questions and fulfill ticket requests. Red Barn patrons can preview their seats or take an informal tour of the theater. Sheridan’s Blackhawk Winery will conduct a free wine-tasting event and the popular duo, Luna Worldcast, will entertain on the lawn. Vendors from the Frankfort Farmers Market will display their wares and Red Barn company members will greet the public and give tours of the Red Barn. From 6 to 9 p.m., the Red Barn Cellar

will open to provide Blackhawk wines, beer and Barn Box snacks as the Bloomington duo Davis & Devitt entertain on the outdoor stage. Half of the duo, Frankfort native and Red Barn alumnus Sharlee Davis, will make her return to the Barn Theatre after a long absence. Patrons are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and come enjoy the music of this very talented duo. In the event of inclement weather, the Davis & Devitt concert will be moved inside the Barn. The Red Barn Summer Theatre will open its 55th season June 7 with the British comedy “See How They Run.” Tickets are available at redbarntheatre.net or by phone 765-659-1657 beginning June 1.

Benefiting the Humane Society for Hamilton County

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4201 Millersville Rd., Suite 107A, Indianapolis.

“Sparkling wine is quite possibly one of the most food-versatile wines made.”

– MARK LAFAY

A visit to the Whitney Museum of American Art

Commentary by Don Knebel

Praising librocubicularianism

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

I’m a proud librocubicularist. As much as you probably want this to mean I’m starting a new political party of which I will be its presidential candidate, alas, this isn’t the case. The Word Nerd party would be a better name, although “librocubicularist” is my current favorite sesquipedalian word.

GRAMMAR GUY

To be a librocubicularist is to be someone who reads in bed. I love reading in bed. After kids are asleep and I’m winding down for the day, I read for about 20 to 30 minutes. And, for me, it has to be fiction. You see, I used to read nonfiction books about ways to help right the wrongs of the world, or about problems of injustice. While these books are definitely important, reading them before bed would get my mind ramped back up, leading to trouble sleeping.

When I’m lost in a good work of fiction (or even a so-so one), my brain can escape to a make-believe world where the outcome has no real-world ramifications. Right now, I’m about to finish Stephen

King’s seven-book “Dark Tower” series for the fourth time. Each time I read it, I find new details. While King’s magnum opus may not be for everyone, I highly suggest you give Book 1, “The Gunslinger,” a try. Reading for 20 minutes a day has incredibly positive effects on kids. For instance, if you read to your child for 20 minutes per day, they’ll be exposed to 1.8 million words per year. Spending screenfree time with your children gives you great bonding time and allows you to enter into literature as a team.

I encourage you to become a librocubicularist. Whether you read physical or digital books, I recommend winding down your day in bed with a good book. It will allow your mind to forget the troubles of today as well as the challenges you’ll face tomorrow. After all, each day holds enough trouble of its own.

TRAVEL

Today, in the continuing series about often-overlooked New York City destinations, we visit the Whitney Museum of American Art at its new location in the Meatpacking District.

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the great-granddaughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt, became a well-regarded sculptor after visiting Paris in the early 1900s. Living in New York, she learned that American artists were having difficulty selling art incorporating new ideas. She began purchasing pieces from living American artists, usually within a year of their creation. In 1931, after the Metropolitan Museum of Art declined her offer of 500 pieces from a collection of about 7,000, she opened the Whitney Museum of American Art, popularly called the “Whitney,” in Greenwich Village. In 1954, after Whitney’s death, the museum moved to 54th Street, and then in 1966, to a new building at Madison Avenue and 75th Street. In 2015, the Whitney moved to a new building in the Meatpacking District, between the Hudson River and the High Line, now an above-ground urban park. The eight-story building, designed by architect Renzo Pi-

ano, includes about 50,000 square feet of indoor gallery space and 18,000 square feet of outdoor exhibition space.

Today, the Whitney, including more than 26,000 works by American artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, is considered the most comprehensive museum in the world displaying such art. The 3,800 artists represented include some of the best-known American artists from that period, including Ansel Adams, Thomas Hart Benton, Stuart Davis, Jasper Johns, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollack, Mark Rothko and Andy Warhol. The collection also includes sculptures by Whitney herself and more than 3,000 works by Edward Hopper, including 133 oil paintings and 2,500 drawings, including sketches for his most famous works, including “Nighthawks.” When you visit the Whitney, stop at the vibrant Chelsea Market nearby, where Nabisco’s Oreo cookies were once made.

“Soir Blue” by Edward Hopper in the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. (Photos by Don Knebel)

Portrait of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney.

Across

1. Perform with the Indianapolis Children’s Choir

5. Mud Creek Players play part

10. BODHI cuisine

14. Eiteljorg Museum tribe

15. “Black” in a Fishers HS French class

16. Dictionary listing

17. Where to catch some Colts highlights

18. Downtown Indy waterway

19. Indiana neighbor

20. IRT and NHS, e.g.

22. Part of AV at Terre Haute?

24. Gets in sync

27. Fraction of a min.

28. Chicago Fire FC org.

29. Start to unlace

30. Helicopter blade

32. Charged particle

33. End-of-workweek cry

35. “Wargames” acronym

39. Tells all

42. Grand Junction Brewing Co. brew letters

43. Palladium platform

44. Muslim religion

45. “___ do it!”

47. Reason for overtime at an Indy Fuel game

48. Fabulous fabulist

50. Indiana Gov. Handley

53. ___ Malnati’s Pizzeria

56. Yes vote

57. Big name in wipes

58. Nonsensical at Muncie?

60. Toothbrush brand

61. Pho 36 pho, e.g.

62. Finger-pointer

64. Food safety org.

68. Indy Eleven ticket info

69. Stiff-backed

70. Lose traction on I-69

71. Capital hidden in

Czechoslovakia?

72. Jerks

73. Sign on a jar at a bar

Down

1. Lay eyes on

2. Its website

24. Cover story in Hamilton County Court

25. Workshop collection

26. Melodic

27. Living room furniture

30. Tear to pieces at West Lafayette?

31. Go bad

34. Toy soldier

36. Boca ___, Fla.

37. Nimble

38. Title documents

40. Sheepish remark

41. Lipstick mishap

46. Dance, theater, music, etc.

49. Australian city

51. Hawks on a Pacers scoreboard

52. Strong and healthy at Indianapolis?

53. Rodeo rope

54. ISO instruments

55. Standard

57.

6

1

has a “Where’s My Refund?” page

3. ___ and tuck

4. Mensa material at Bloomington?

5. Very old

6. US Senator from Indiana, twice

7. Cookie containers

8. 401(k) kin

9. Soft fabric 10. “Terrible” age

11. Meh

12. Popular typeface

13. Fan favorites

21. Evansville-to-Zionsville dir.

23. Clickable screen images

Female Relatives (4+ letters)

4 Notables Buried at Crown Hill

3 Indy Flag Colors

2 TV Bars

5 “I” Countries

Marian University Mascot

I-465 backup cause

65. Go downhill willfully 66. Go down 67. Current revenue source Answers on Page 27