October 4, 2022 — Noblesville

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Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XIV, No. 4 Copyright 2022

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All Rights Reserved.

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

Southwest corner of 116th & I-69

Celebrate fall with a Campfire!

Jensen to seek reelection as mayor

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen has an nounced that he plans to seek a second term in office.

to be done. I believe in one Noblesville that protects and enhances our downtown core, embraces the White River and invests in our brave first responders.

POLITICS

Jensen, a Repub lican who has served as mayor since January 2020, made the announcement Sept 26 and said “there is more work to be done” leading Indiana’s 10th-largest city. Jensen is a native of Noblesville.

“As mayor, I have worked to hon or our treasured past and historic down town charm while charting a clear path to ward our bright future,” Jensen said. “Build ing on our strong foundation, I am running for reelection because there is more work

Jensen

“Together, we can continue to develop our workforce and make generational investments in infrastructure that will keep jobs and families moving to and around our hometown,” he said.

Under Jensen’s leadership, the city has attracted more than $1 bil lion in new private investment and taken a leading role on the issue of mental health by hosting a “Mental Health Mondays” series online that helps address critical problems facing the city. In addition, the city also unveiled a nationally renowned “Noble Act” program that has revolutionized its approach to teamwork in

Noblesville proposes $105M budget for 2023

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

property tax revenue and local income tax revenue, which makes up a majority of an nual income for the city, are both going up.

public safety, according to a news release.

Prior to serving as mayor, Jensen served on the Noblesville Common Council and worked in business development for a civil engineering firm, where he assisted cities and counties across Indiana with infra structure development. He also worked in the administration of former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, serving as special assistant to Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman and director of intergovernmental affairs.

Jensen, who is the father of four children and is married to his wife Julie, will be a candidate in the 2023 Republican primary scheduled for May 2. No Democratic or Re publican challengers have announced their intentions to run.

For more on Jensen’s campaign, visit jen senfornoblesville.com.

DISPATCHES

CITY NEWS

City officials in Noblesville are proposing a $105 million budget for 2023 that would add 19 new full-time po sitions and provide em ployees with 3% raises and inflation relief bonuses.

The city’s spending plan calls for adding eight new firefighters, six police officers and two employees each in the parks and street departments, in addition to a chief deputy clerk position in the city clerk’s office. If the budget is approved in its cur rent form, those new positions would cost Noblesville $1.8 million, which reflects sal aries and benefits associated with those roles, said Ian Zelgowski, deputy financial officer with the city.

The 2023 budget proposal is 13.6% larger than its $92.5 million adopted 2022 budget due to revenue growth, according to CFO/ City Controller Jeff Spalding. Spalding said

The city could also give employees a 3% raise and distribute what it calls inflation relief bonuses to approximately 450 em ployees in 2023, according to the budget proposal. Officials provided city employees with 2% raises this year.

If the current budget proposal is passed by the council, the raises would cost the city $1 million, while 5% inflation relief bonuses distributed to employees would cost $1.5 million.

Officials are also proposing to make building security improvements next year that includes upgrading employee card access and security cameras at Noblesville City Hall. Those improvements carry an estimated price tag of $356,000, Zelgowski said.

The council is expected to vote on the 2023 budget during its Oct. 11 meeting.

Send us your stories and photos — Please email story suggestions on new business es, interesting residents, upcoming events and photos to Current in Noblesville Man aging Editor Matthew Kent at matthew@ youarecurrent.com. For photo submissions, please provide the full names of individu als, along with a short description of the event, location and the date of when it took place.

St. Mark’s UMC to give away free pota toes Oct. 8 – St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Carmel is giving away 40,000 lbs. of potatoes to the public. The giveaway will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the church, 4780 E. 126th, and all attendees are asked to enter from Gray Road. For more information, call the church at 317-846-4912.

3October 4, 2022 Current in Noblesville currentnoblesville.com Hamilton Co. 5K for Food Security planned for Oct. 8 – The Hamilton County 5K for Food Security will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 8 at Dr. James A. Dillon Park, 6001 Edenshall Lane, Noblesville. The cost to register is $35. For registration information, vis it runsignup.com/Race/IN/Noblesville/ HamiltonCounty5kforFoodSecurity

The pizza that won the Best Classic Pizza in America at the World Pizza Championship in Parma, Italy!

Adult baby store lawsuit still in court

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A lawsuit filed against the city by a Noblesville business that sells adult baby items remains in court as a judge has given attor neys in the case a deadline to respond to a motion seeking to dismiss the case.

LITIGATION

A suit was filed by My Inner Baby Aug. 9 in Hamilton Circuit Court against the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals, which vot ed during its Aug. 1 meeting to affirm a decision by Planning Department Director Caleb Gutshall that it was operating as a sex shop. The business, at 15480 Herriman Blvd., sells adult diapers, pacifiers, onesies, stuffed animals and other items and is seeking a stay of the BZA’s decision pending an appeal.

The matter went before Hamilton Circuit Court Judge Paul Felix Sept. 22 for a hearing, but a motion to dismiss was filed two days prior by attorney Beth Copeland, who is representing the city in the case.

According to court documents, Copeland argued that the case should be dismissed

My Inner Baby, at 15480 Herriman Blvd., has temporarily closed amid a lawsuit against the City of Noblesville. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

since an administrative record wasn’t filed by My Inner Baby and that a timely exten sion wasn’t sought before Sept. 8. Copeland said the administrative record is required to be filed within 30 days after the petition for judicial review is filed, according to court records.

Court records indicate that Felix gave Silvia Miller, who is representing My Inner Baby and its owners, Sabine Kissee and Ryan Polokoff, until Sept. 29 to respond to Copeland’s motion to dismiss, while Cope land was given a deadline to reply by Oct. 5. Polokoff created the business in August 2020.

My Inner Baby was issued a letter April 26 by Gutshall after a determination was made that it was operating as a sex shop in the I-1 (Light Industrial) zoning district, which isn’t permitted.

The BZA initially heard the case during its Aug. 1 meeting, where Miller argued that the city’s interpretation of a sex shop and label ing My Inner Baby as one was inaccurate. However, Copeland told the BZA that My Inner Baby had been targeting products for groups to look at on social media platforms, such as Instagram with certain hashtags and noted the business had been marketing itself as ABDL – an acronym for Adult Baby/ Diaper Lovers – on social media sites.

My Inner Baby announced on Twitter Aug. 11 that it was temporarily closing its store after being notified by the city that it faced fines if it stayed open.

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Marching Millers earn fourth place at competition

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The Noblesville Marching Millers earned fourth place during the Bands of America Central Ohio regional competition in mid-September and were among a total of 12 finalists from Indiana, Ken tucky and Ohio.

BANDS

The Marching Millers, who competed Sept. 17 in Obetz, Ohio, performed during the preliminary competition earlier in the day within Class AAAA and was awarded second place. That designation al lowed them to advance to the finals that evening, said Eric Thornbury, band director. The 163-member marching band eventually placed fourth overall and was given an award for Outstanding Visual in the finals among 12 bands that represented various classes.

Thornbury said he thought students performed extremely well, add ing that the band rehearsed Thursday and Friday evenings in advance of their trip to Ohio.

“Both of those rehearsals were our better rehearsals we’ve had all year and then we had our best performance of the year,” Thornbury said.

The Marching Millers, which hosted its Black & Gold marching band invitational Oct. 1 at Noblesville High School, plans to compete Oct. 8 during the Calvacade of Champions at Center Grove High School. After the Center Grove competition, the band is set to perform at 6:15 p.m. Oct. 15 during the ISSMA Regionals at Carroll High School in Fort Wayne.

Fishers senior tennis player benefits from controlling emotions

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Fishers High School senior Reese Knoder er used to be his own worst enemy.

That’s not been as much of a problem this season.

“He’s learned to con trol his emotions better,” Fishers tennis coach Dave Heffern said. “He’s really talented but he’s always kind of gotten in his own way. Now, he doesn’t get too down on himself when he makes a mistake. That was his problem before. He would make a mistake and get so down on himself that he would make two more.”

Knoderer captured the Hoosier Cross roads Conference Tournament title at No. 1 singles for the first time by beating Ham ilton Southeastern senior Rohan Golla, in straight sets. It was the first time Knoderer had beaten Golla.

“Our conference is so tough to win, I was proud of him last weekend,” Heffern said.

Heffern said Golla had beaten Knoderer in

MEET REESE KNODERER

Favorite Athlete: Carlos Alcaraz

Favorite TV show: “Breaking Bad”

Hobbies: Hanging out with family and friends, playing basketball

straight sets earlier in the season.

“I think I have improved the most in my mentality, which has decreased my level of play the most throughout my career,” Knoderer said. “It’s a frustrating sport, but if you can keep it under control, it gives you a greater advantage.”

Knoderer said it’s easier for Heffern to coach him when he’s level-headed.

“The experience of playing against No. 1 singles players is really great since there are so many high-level players,” said Knoderer,

who had a record of 18-3 through Sept. 26. “It was very fun to be playing No. 1 since freshman year since I got to play really good senior players so young. This gave me so much experience starting out my high school career since I played many players that went on to play (NCAA) Division I In college.

Knoderer said he plans to play college tennis, but his goal is to play at the Division I level.

“I am trying to figure out where I want to go to college,” Knoderer said. “I plan on graduating from high school a semester early to get a better shot at a scholarship at Division I level,” Knoderer said.

Heffern said he believes Knoderer has enough talent to play at a Division I level.

“Attitude is even more important in col lege,” Heffern said.

Knoderer grew up mostly playing baseball and tennis.

“But I had to choose between the two at 10 years old when I had a stress fracture in my lower back,” he said. “I also played soc cer and basketball.”

Knoderer’s older brother Nic, a 2019 FHS graduate, also played No. 1 singles for the Tigers.

When

Fishers senior tennis player Reese Knoderer won the Hoosier Crossroads Conference No. 1 singles title. (Photo courtesy of Kelly Applegate Photography)

Knoderer

NOBLESVILLE & NORTH

Project: New trail

Location: The project will construct an 8-foot-wide asphalt trail north from Wellington Parkway of the Wellington Northeast subdivision to the 5-point roundabout at Greenfield Avenue.

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

of U.S. 31 is being converted into a boulevard with a roundabout at Chad Hittle Drive. 191st Street is open to traffic going westbound using Westmore Lane and Chatham Commons Boulevard. The road will remain closed for eastbound traffic.

Southbound 10th Street (also known as Allisonville Road) will be detoured to Eighth Street. Two more closures will happen later.

Expected completion: November.

WESTFIELD

Project: New roundabout

Location: The intersection of 191st Street and Grassy Branch Road is closed.

Expected completion: Due to delays with utility relocation, the estimated completion date is Oct. 8.

Project: Reconstruction of 151st Street

Location: A section of 151st Street from Towne Road to Buchanan Lane is closed for reconstruction. The intersection of 151st Street and Towne Road will remain open during construction.

Expected completion: Summer

Project: Boulevard with a roundabout Location: A section of 191st Street west

Expected completion: TBD

Project: Reconstruction of 151st Street from Towne Road to Buchanan Lane Location: A section of 151st Street from Towne Road to Buchanan Lane (the entrance to Kimblewick on 151st Street) is closed for reconstruction.

Expected completion: Officials anticipate the project will be completed this month. The intersection of 151st Street and Towne Road will remain open during construction.

Project: Grand Park Boulevard extension Location: A section of 181st Street between Dartown Road and Wheeler Road is closed through September for construction of the future Grand Park Blvd. extension.

Expected completion: The road will be closed through September, but motorists can use the detour route, which is 186th Street to Wheeler Road.

CARMEL

Project: Roundabout, multi-use path construction

Location: The intersection of 106th Street and College Avenue is closed for construction of a roundabout. The multiuse path is under construction along 106th Street from Pennsylvania Parkway to College Avenue. 106th Street is not expected to be closed during construction of the path.

Expected completion: November

Project: Culvert reconstruction Location: The Monon Greenway is closed from north of west Smoky Row Road to the Hagan Burke Trail. Expected completion: End of the year

Project: Range Line Road reconstruction Location: 116th Street to Carmel Drive. A roundabout is under construction at 116th Street

Expected completion: Fall

Project: New roundabout Location: E. Main Street and Richland Avenue.

Expected completion: Fall

Project: New roundabout Location: E. Main Street and Lexington Boulevard

Expected completion: Fall

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Now, more than ever, we want you to remember that when you’re part of a community, you’re never alone. Let’s start the journey together at eCommunity.com/cancer

DISPATCHES

Cathedral a National Blue Ribbon School — Cathedral High School in Indianapolis was recently recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for overall academic perfor mance. The occasion marks the fourth time Cathedral has earned in the recognition. Ca thedral is the only private school in Indiana that was recognized this year. “We owe it to our community that we always get better,” Cathedral President Rob Bridges said. “Build ing a culture of continuous improvement drives us every day. We are humbly grateful for this high honor. As we like to say, ‘to day is the best day yet, and tomorrow will be even better.’” With its 39th cohort, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, fam ilies, and communities in striving for and attaining exemplary achievement.

Driver flown to hospital after accident involving school bus — A driver was flown to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital Sept. 27 after crashing into a school bus at the inter section of State Road 38 and Horton Road. According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the driver of the Ford F-350 was pulling a trailer full of Republic trash cans when it ran into the rear of the school bus. No students were on the bus and the bus driver was not injured in the incident, which remains under investigation.

Candidate forums — The League of Women Voters of Hamilton County will host two nonpartisan candidate forums this fall to give voters a chance to hear from candi dates on the ballot in the Nov. 8 general election. Forums will start at 7 p.m. and end by 8:30 p.m. On Oct. 4, a forum at Carmel City Hall will include candidates for state Senate Districts 21 and 29 and House Dis tricts 24, 32 and 39. On Oct. 6, a forum at Noblesville City Hall will include candidates for Senate Districts 25 and 31, House District 88 and Hamilton County prosecutor. The forums are open to the public. Those who wish to watch through Zoom may register for a link at LWVHCIN.org.

500 Festival princess program now accepting applications — The 500 Festival is accepting applications for the 2023 Festival princess program. Applications are available at 500Festival.com/Princess with the dead line to apply at 11:59 p.m. Jan. 8, 2023.

Located at 116th St. & Allisonville Rd. Behind the Speedway Gas Station & Daycare

Monday - Friday 8AM - 6PM Saturday 9AM - 4PM

St.

Business is still open through construction.

Between Rangeline & Carmel High School

Monday - Friday 8AM - 6PM Saturday 9AM - 4PM

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Simon joins Hamilton County Coroner’s Office as new therapy dog, will provide comfort to office staff, grieving families

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

An 11-month-old boxer has become the latest ad dition at the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office and will serve as a therapy dog in providing comfort to office staff and families who visit the agency. Simon recently completed a four-week private course at Petco tailored toward his therapy work and also passed the Canine Good Citizen program, said Sarah Lockhart, deputy coroner who has owned Simon since he was 13 weeks old.

“For our benefit, he boosts morale around here,” Lockhart said. “We go to some calls that are traumatic for us and traumatic for people involved in the incident. He’s a good decompres

The coroner’s office is tasked with going out to scenes within Hamilton County involving unattended deaths relat ed to suicides, homicides or drug overdoses. The agency also assists police in investigations and works closely with pathologists in performing autopsies.

Lockhart, who grew up showing and training dogs, said she got the idea for a therapy dog from the Noblesville Police Dept. and noticed that Simon’s temperament was perfect for the job. Simon works alongside Lockhart during the night shift from 5 p.m.

“He’s super calm and loves to snuggle,” she said. Lockhart, who noted that Simon was a surprise gift from her husband, said Simon has changed her life for the better and reminds her of her previous dog who passed away six years ago.

“I absolutely love having him and he’s been a fan tastic dog,” she said.

For grieving families who may need to visit the coroner’s office to pick up a report, talk with staff and are dealing with the death of someone they know, Simon can sit or snuggle with them to comfort them and help them with their difficult situation, according to Lockhart.

“He greets families who come to the office and sits with them, especially kids, while we meet. If the situation is just right, he can also be called out to the scene,” Lockhart said.

Visits from a therapy dog can lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce patient anxiety and

FOLLOW SIMON ON SOCIAL MEDIA

increase levels of endorphins and oxytocin, according to the American Kennel Club. Hamilton County Coroner John Chalfin said Simon will be a benefit to the coroner’s office.

“Simon is good medicine for those who have been through traumatic events,” Chalfin said. “We really hope that he is able to go out and give comfort to witnesses and family members and reduce the heightened short-term anxiety fol lowing a death.”

Simon has also had the opportunity to get to know other individuals at the office on a regular basis, according to Lockhart.

“John’s his favorite person,” Lockhart said. “He spends a lot of time in his office.”

Bruce Gipson, who is also a deputy coroner, said he tries to be compassionate when dealing with grieving families and pointed out that Simon’s presence in the office has been a positive addition.

“He’s a comical dog,” he said. “He gives us a lift up.”

While the staff at the coroner’s office are often faced with a difficult job, Lockhart said that Simon “has the best job out of all of us.”

“He gets to come into work happy every day, he has no stress,” Lockhart said. “He genuinely wants to please people.”

ON THE COVER: Sarah Lockhart, deputy coroner with the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office, sits in the lobby with her 11-month-old boxer, Simon. Simon recently joined the coroner’s office and will serve as a therapy dog to staff members and families. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

To learn more about Simon, visit his personal Instagram page @Deputy_Coroner_Simon.

Simon, an 11-month-old boxer, is the latest staff member to join the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office and will serve as a therapy dog. (Photo provided by Hamilton County)

Simon looks up for a treat from his owner Sarah Lockhart, who serves as deputy coroner at the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office, as Hamilton County Coroner John Chalfin looks on. (Photo by Mat thew Kent)

A fiery question

Commentary by Terry Anker

Eating out has changed much through the centuries. From medieval banqueting to millennial portability and pressed Peacock to meat-free bacon, we are con tinuing to redefine how we dine. In the days when most restaurants had tables and chairs that were not attached to the floor, we could expect an array of tra ditions that are disappearing into time. The so-called “hostess” stand of the day was often decorated with all manner of treats. There would be the bowl of un wrapped butter mints, a dispenser filled with toothpicks and business cards (so that you’d be able to call for another res ervation before the internet made a call nearly pointless) and a bowl filled with books of matches.

Containing 20 or so cardboard strips coated on one end with a dollop of phosphorous sulfide, they were given to guests who were expected to light a cigarette, or a few, at the end of the meal. Even if a voracious smoker, the patron would leave with 15 or so unused matchsticks and a handy reminder of the evening spent. The best places would of fer wooden matches in tidy pocket-sized boxes. Folks collected, even prized, the tokens, with a 1927 Lindberg one selling for more than $6,000 in 2015.

One might imagine that the restaura teur sent the matches out into the world to strike thousands of little fires, remind ers to return and dine again. They might have concentrated their money into a single bonfire, with all the matches piled high. But would a fire, even one visible from miles away, have the same impact? Are we better to build and rely upon a single great act, or is our story told best through 1,000 little flames? When we interact with those around us, do we construct grand bonfires or pass out simple matchbooks?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK 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.

HUMOR

Have internet, will travel

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Friends, I’ve just spent two solid hours frolicking on Expedia and Kayak, planning dream vacations to Machu Pic chu, the Caribbean and Toronto. I know! But over the summer, my youngest and I orchestrated an extreme family challenge: Whoever pitches the best summer 2023 trip come Christmas will get the greenlight to proceed with the actual booking, provided, of course, they’ve stayed within certain travel and budgetary guidelines. Oh, it’s on.

To date, I have nine legitimate possi bilities, including the ones above. Most are within the U.S. because, unfortu nately, airfare is ridiculous right now, especially out of Indy. I had to forgo such amazing locations as Israel, India, and the entirety of Southeast Asia sim ply because flights alone would surpass the designated cost per person. Alaskan and Mediterranean cruises are no-goes for the same reason, as is beautiful and surprisingly affordable once-you-getthere Kyrgyzstan. Europe is predictable and easy and, therefore, not worthy of my consideration. Yeah, I said it.

Which leaves the Western Hemi sphere, and specifically American cities, as the frontrunners in terms of pure bang-for-your-buck. Charleston, W.V., Ni agara Falls and Bar Harbor, Maine, could prove entertaining, though certainly not the glamourous gallivanting I’d en visioned back in July. If I time it right, I can get us on a short cruise to Cozumel, and I did find a Belize all-inclusive that might work. The Peru adventure involves four days of trekking at altitude, which I’m not even sure I want to do.

Eventually, I’ll have to decide on which vacay to pitch, but frankly, it’s irrelevant. The countless hours spent daydreaming and internet surfing has already been a win!

Peace out.

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

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC.

may email him at terry@ youarecurrent.com.

“The way prices are rising, the good old days are last week.”

— LES DAWSON

A difficult cellmate

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Hi! This is Dick Wolfsie’s newest cell phone. The old phone talked to you many years ago, but since I have taken over the job, I wanted to update everyone on how things are going.

from having spent the night in the bath room. I tried to muster every ounce of ener gy. I even tried to vibrate a little. No luck.

HUMOR

He has misplaced me 43 times in the past 18 months. Of course, I was never really lost. I knew exactly where I was (I have GPS).

This past week has been something. On Sunday, I was at a movie with Dick and his lovely wife. First, I was in his back pock et, then he placed me in the little cupholder next to his seat. Then he walked out of the movie without me, but he came back into the empty theater and called me from Mary Ellen’s phone. Success! By the way, I loved the movie.

Before we headed home, he tossed me into the car, and I fell between the seats. He started looking for me while driving. This is more dangerous than texting. He found me — and also his lost AARP card and a $100 Blockbuster gift card.

Monday morning, after he showered, he put me in the pocket of his bathrobe, since he was waiting for a call. I knew where I was going to spend the entire night. In the bathroom.

Tuesday morning, he started looking for me. He checked every dresser drawer, under the bed, and even the freezer (where he once left me for three days). He called me from his landline but my battery was dead

Wednesday, Dick finally found me in his robe pocket when he showered again, but later he threw me in his briefcase on the way to a speech he was giving. I landed in a divider compartment. I was well hidden for days and he couldn’t find me.

By Saturday, he was desperate. Dick headed to the cell phone store to buy a replacement. His contract was almost expired, so they made him a deal on a sexy new model. It looked like the end of me. I was going to be cellular non grata.

– DICK WOLFSIE

When Dick got back to the car, he had a flash of insight. He grabbed the briefcase, turned it upside down and shook it. I tum bled onto the driver’s seat. I was OK, but I had no charge. I was spent.

Sunday, we headed back to the phone store to return the new phone. He had found me and wanted me back. I was touched. My circuits welled up.

Last night, Dick stuck me in his sweat pants pocket while he was exercising in the basement. I’m now in the bottom of the laundry basket. Don’t expect to reach Dick anytime soon. He only does the laundry once a week.

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

REMODEL

Before we headed home, he tossed me into the car, and I fell between the seats. He started looking for me while driving. This is more dangerous than texting.

IU Health staffers give back

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Beth Rayfield was glad to be part of the IU Health North surgical services team vol unteering at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel.

VOLUNTEERISM

“This park has a special meaning to me because this is where my friends and I come and walk,” Rayfield said. “Getting to be part of some thing we get to enjoy makes it mean that much more.”

Rayfield, director of sterile processing and central supply for IU Health North, was part of an IU Health North members team that planted flowers and put down mulch at a street entrance of Coxhall Gardens.

The 14th annual Day of Service is an opportunity for team member volunteers to take the IU Health mission beyond the hospital walls.

Volunteers worked on several community projects from Sept. 5 to Sept. 30.

Caitlin Vendely, a community outreach consultant for IU Health North in Carmel and IU Health Saxony in Fishers, helped the sur gical services team with the Coxhall project.

Vendely, a 2015 Noblesville High School graduate and a Carmel resident, previously worked in September on improvements on Cool Creek Park in Westfield.

Vendely said she was involved in service projects throughout childhood.

“Being involved with this with my job is great because it’s always something I felt passionate about,” she said. “It’s a good team-building initiative, for one thing, but it’s also great to get out of the hospital walls and have an impact on the communi ties we serve and that we live in.

Welcome, Samer Kawak, MD

Hamilton Surgical Associates is pleased to welcome Dr. Samer Kawak to the team. Dr. Kawak attended Indiana University School of Medicine and is board-certified in general surgery and fellowship-trained in colon and rectal surgery.

Dr. Kawak prides himself on creating a safe space for patients where they feel comfortable discussing their problems and needs. Dr. Kawak has extensive training in robotic surgery, and is committed to providing the most up-to-date treatment to patients when appropriate.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy cooking, hiking and playing basketball.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kawak, call 317.776.8748 or visit riverview.org.

From left, Caitlin Vendely, Sydney Lofland, Kath leen Boswell and Beth Rayfield unload mulch for the Coxhall Gardens project. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

BJ’s Wholesale Club opens

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

BJ’s Wholesale Club has opened its doors to shoppers in Noblesville and marks the company’s first store in Indiana.

NEW BIZ

The store, located at 13210 Tegler Dr., opened to the public Sept. 30 and offers fresh foods, a full-service deli, grocery items, apparel, toys, electronics and more. A BJ’s gas station is also available for members to use.

“We have an outstanding team here at BJ’s and are excited to welcome new mem bers to the club,” said Nazim Khan, club manager at BJ’s Wholesale Club.

BJ’s Wholesale Club, which is primarily found in the eastern United States, is head quartered in Marlborough, Mass. The com pany announced plans in June that it was opening stores in Noblesville; New Albany, Ohio; Wayne, N.J.; and Midlothian, Va.

“We’ve seen tremendous success in growing our footprint over the last several years, both in our core East Coast commu nities as well as in new markets like the greater Detroit and Pittsburgh areas,” said

Bill Werner, executive vice president of strategy and development with BJ’s Whole sale Club. “Our expansion into the greater Indianapolis and Columbus markets allows us to bring the value of our membership to these new communities we look forward to serving.”

The store, which will be open seven days a week and accepts coupons, will be a onestop shop for families that are looking for value, said Peter Frangie, vice president of corporate communications for BJ’s Whole sale Club. Customers can expect to save 25% off prices found at traditional stores when shopping at the club, he added.

“We’re looking forward to serving the hardworking families of Noblesville,” Frangie said. “The community has been very wel coming and we are excited to serve it for a long time.”

BJ’s Charitable Foundation also plans to support the community and has donated to the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis’ Fishers location and Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. BJ’s donation will go toward the organi zation’s fall youth soccer and baseball leagues.

For more, visit bjs.com.

TOTAL WINE & MORE OPENS

A customer browses tequila at Total Wine & More in Noblesville during a preview party Sept. 21. The business officially opened to the public Sept. 22 and is locat ed at 13145 Levinson Lane at the Hamilton Town Center. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

Mathis celebrates long career with ‘Voice of Romance Tour’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Johnny Mathis has one main reason he is out on tour in his 66th year as a record ing artist.

‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’

“The Addams Family” is set for Oct. 6 to Nov. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indi anapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

’THE CURIOUS SAVAGE’

CONCERT

“It’s my living. I have to eat,” he said, jokingly. “I do it because I love it.”

Mathis, 87, will bring his “Voice of Ro mance Tour” to the Palladium at the Cen ter for the Performing Arts in Carmel at 8 p.m. Oct. 15.

“Every time I step on the stage, I think of the one person who was so meaning ful to my career, (and) that was my dad,” Mathis said. “He was the first person I heard sing.”

Mathis’ father never sang in public.

“He was too busy having children. There were seven of us,” Mathis said. “We had no money. All we had was each other. Fortu nately, we grew up in San Francisco and all you had to do was embrace the public. Before I knew it, I was making records.”

Mathis grew up competing in track and field as a high jumper and a hurdler.

“The only claim to fame is that I broke the great Bill Russell’s high jump record (6 feet, 5 1/2 inches in 1955) in college (University of San Francisco),” Mathis said. “The next thing I knew, I was on a plane to New York signing a contract with Colum bia Records.”

Mathis was offered the contract the same week he was supposed to leave for the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. He chose music, signing a five-year deal with Columbia in 1955. He remained friends with NBA legend Russell, who died at 88 in July.

Mathis’ first album was jazz.

“Then I met (legendary producer) Mitch Miller, who liked my voice but didn’t like what I was singing because it was too jazzy,” Mathis said.

Soon, Mathis said he was recording songs like “Chances Are,” “It’s Not For Me to Say” and “Misty.”

After Mathis had some success as a singer, he got to meet the late Nat King

Cole.

“I got to tell him I grew up listening to his singing and how he influenced me in so many ways,” Mathis said.

In 2021, technology allowed Mathis to sing a duet with Cole on a Christmas album.

Mathis said at one point in his career he ran out of ideas as far as what to sing.

“I lived in Europe for a while. I sang in French, German, Italian, Spanish, but that didn’t go over so well here (in the U.S.),” Mathis said. “Mostly, I listened to what I thought the record company thought would sell as my singing was concerned. That was my guide. I got an opportunity to work with some of the greatest musicians in the world and some of the greatest singers, too.”

In 2017, he released “Johnny Mathis Sings The Great New American Songbook.”

Mathis said he started trying to sing songs that the audience was familiar with during a concert.

“Then later on, I realized what they really wanted was to hear songs that I wanted to sing,” he said. “So that is how I evolved as far as what I sing and when I sing it. I’m a big fan of musicians, and over the years (I’ve performed) with some of the greatest musicians in the world. In fact, (composer/pianist) Henry Mancini and I toured the world together for many years. That’s where I get most of my en thusiasm, working with other musicians.”

When he was younger, Mathis said he developed a workout regimen that he has maintained through the years.

“That has been a good foundation for my singing,” he said.

For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org. For more, visit johnnymathis.com.

Main Street Productions of “The Curious Savage” runs through Oct. 9 at the Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit west fieldplayhouse.org.

‘RENT’

Civic Theatre’s production of “Rent” will run Oct. 7-22 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

MASTERWORKS 1

Carmel Symphony’s Masterworks 1 concert will feature vocalist/pianist Clarice Assad and the band Pavel & Direct Contact Live at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘A PROCESSION, A FESTIVAL, AND A SINFONIA’ Indiana Wind Symphony will present “A Procession, A Festival, And A Sinfonia” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

CHS grad earns spot on ‘The Voice’

@youarecurrent.com

Morgan Taylor Koontz, a 2019 Carmel High School graduate, earned a spot on Season 22 of “The Voice” during her blind audition that aired Sept. 26 on NBC.

All four judges turned around to signify approval of her performance of Lizzo’s song “Cuz I Love You.”

Koontz, who performs as Morgan Taylor, was selected as a Songbook Academy final ist in 2019.

Koontz selected John Legend to be her coach. Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Camilia Cabello also wanted to coach her. Koontz is studying commercial music/voice at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

Johnny Mathis will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Johnny Mathis)

IWS to visit Studio Theater

By Mike Beas editorial@youarecurrent.com

The Studio Theater in Carmel is the quaintest of musical venues, seating approximately 200 spectators.

MUSIC

At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8, the Indiana Wind Symphony takes center stage at Studio Theater in Carmel with “A Procession, a Fes tival and a Sinfonia,” seven pieces showcasing anywhere from six to 24 musicians playing at once.

“It puts us in the intimate setting of the Studio Theater,” said Charles Conrad, musi cal director of the Indiana Wind Symphony. “Literally, the front row is six feet away from me, the conductor. I can look right into the eyes of the people in front of me. I don’t even use a microphone.”

Conrad, however, won’t be conducting. He continues to recover from surgery on his right eye for a detached retina. IWS’s concert featuring film score composer John Williams’ music set for Sept. 25 was post poned because of the surgery.

Taking the baton will be Darin Sorley, di

rector of the Indiana Brass Choir.

The pieces to be performed are, in order, “Concerto for 23 Winds,” “Music for the Tem ple of the Night” and “Zephyrus” before a short intermission. After that, it’s “Sinfoniet ta in D minor,” “Second Suite” and “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral.”

A recently discovered march from 1928 by Fred Jewell, the famous composer who hailed from tiny Worthington, Ind, who died in 1936, will close the show. Interestingly, Jewell served as musical director for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1908 to 1911.

Although his vantage point will be much different, Conrad looks forward to the show.

“Our chamber concerts are genuinely unique because we’re really the only group in the area that does this,” Conrad said.

“Just the fact we play a repertoire that nev er gets played, that’s the reason we created this series. It’s really Grade A music. In a sense, they wrote for smaller performing ensembles.”

For tickets, visit indianawindsymphony. org/events.

Actress embraces role of Morticia

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It seems to be Jill Kelly Howe’s destiny to be cast in the role of Morticia Addams in “The Addams Family.”

the word mortician.”

Howe will play Morticia in the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production Oct. 6 to Nov. 20.

MUSICAL

After all, the Indi anapolis resident’s family owned a funeral home for four generations.

“The Schilb and Sons Funeral Home was started in 1857 by my great-great-grandfather Andrew J. Schilb. He was an embalmer as well,” Howe said. “However, upon his un timely passing, my great-great-grandmother Jemima Margaret Schilb, his wife, got her embalming license and became the first licensed woman embalmer in the United States (on) Oct. 17, 1902. Therefore, she also became the first female mortician in the U.S. Four generations later, my grandmother sold the funeral home to the Dooley family after my grandfather’s death.

“Because of my family history, I think it is humorous and fitting that I have the oppor tunity to portray Morticia, who has a love of the macabre and is obviously named after

“I really enjoy exploring what makes her vulnerable and what makes her strong, what brings her joy and what does not,” Howe said. “For example, she abhors bright colors, and she cuts the heads off of roses before putting the stems into a vase to enjoy. She sees the world differently than most. She is always polite, but she’s unafraid to state her opinions. She loves her family fiercely and sees no reason to apologize for her family’s unusual lifestyle. Better yet, she sees it as completely normal.”

Howe said she imagined in the past what it would be like to play the iconic role.

“Most of my life I’ve had long, very dark hair, so people have often referred to me as a ‘Morticia, Wednesday, or Bettie Pagetype,’” Howe said. “Also, not unlike how I would imagine Morticia to feel, I personally would much prefer to watch an episode of ‘Dateline’ than a romantic comedy.”

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

Howe

Conrad

IBC to present ‘Bordeaux and Ballet’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Indiana Ballet Conservatory Artistic Director Alyona Yakovleva figures wine and ballet are a perfect mix.

FUNDRAISER

“I am very ex cited about our fundraiser ‘Bordeaux and Ballet,’ as this is an exclusive preview of our annual production, ‘The Nutcrack er’,” the Carmel resident said. “‘The Nutcracker’ is set for Nov. 26-27 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. There will be a special accompaniment by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. Step outside the Palladium, and the Christkindlmarkt is in full swing, adding to the festive holiday spirit and mak ing this a great tradition for all families.”

“Bordeaux & Ballet” is scheduled for 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 8 at Lee Supply, 415 W. Carmel Dr., Carmel. In 2021, the Carmel-based IBC hosted “Bourbon & Ballet,” a slightly differ ent take on the event

“Since we are a nonprofit organization, fundraisers such as this enable us to im prove our stage props and costumes for pro ductions,” IBC Marketing Director Elizabeth Warn said. “Also, we have donation opportu nities at this event that can be more personal. For example, guests can choose to sponsor costumes that will appear in our ‘Nutcracker’ pro duction. Finally, we have increased enrollment this year and we are looking to expand and create an ad ditional studio in our current space. Building costs are more than in the past, so fundraising is crucial.”

The performance will be 30 minutes. There also will be music and a silent auction.

Lee Supply, home of a luxury kitchen and bath showroom, has its own chef, Benjamin Lierman, who will create unique dishes to complement the evening.

Cocktail attire is recommended for the event for ages 21 and older.

For more, visit indianaballetconservatory. org.

the Indiana Wind Symphony presents

Yakovleva

Not your mom’s canned seafood

Canned seafood. When you hear that, what comes to mind? If you are like me, you think about canned tuna, maybe anchovy flats in soybean oil or smoked oysters. Did you know there is a world of canned seafood that is more than fodder for mom’s tuna salad?

Portugal and the Mediterranean coast of Spain are home to some of the world’s most refined tinned seafood called conservas. Let’s be honest, “conservas” sounds better than canned seafood, so we will go with that.

The next time you entertain with some charcuterie, consider a couple nice conser vas to bring some variety to your spread. One fantastic producer of conservas is Jose Gourmet. Jose Gourmet works with Portu guese fishermen who source seafood sus tainably and process and pack the finished product.

JG Spiced Octopus in Olive Oil would be a great addition to your charcuterie board. This conserva is chunks of octopus caught in the Atlantic Ocean and delightfully ten der. It is packed in olive oil with piri piri

peppers, a popular pepper from South Afri ca. Serve on crostini, or flatbread crackers with spicy mustard or curried mustard. Add in pickled shallot or cornichon for some ad ditional acidity.

JG Spiced Calamari in Ragout Sauce is another great option. These bits are much larger and sliced so you can get smaller bites. The squid is tender and delicate, the flavor is phenomenal! It’s combined with to mato pulp stewed and spiced with pepper, clove onion and red wine. The bits go great on toast with soft spreadable cheese like Boursin, or a Tulip Tree Fromage Frais. You could even pair with thin slices of Grana Padano or aged parmesan.

Surprise your guests, or yourself. Try these two items with your next charcuterie spread. You will find that you are standing at the top of the rabbit hole. The question is, will you find how deep it goes?

BEHIND BARS: ST. ELMO SIGNATURE MARGARITA

Hiatus Blanco Tequila, Grand Marnier, lime over crushed ice, created by Kiya. To see a video of this drink being mixed, scan this QR code.

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.

Commentary by Mark LaFay

CHARCUTERIE

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

Blueprint for Improvement: Bathroom exudes modern allure

After

Built in 1968 in the Colony Woods neighbor hood of Indianapolis, the owners of this home were ready to add a little style and luxury to their primary bathroom, while staying true to their home’s modern architecture.

THE BLUEPRINT

• A wet room was created by bringing the stall shower and tub into a single waterproofed enclosure — maximizing comfort and simplifying cleanup.

• Updated cabinetry, luminous tile and cleanlined, modern fixtures ensure the aesthetic blends seamlessly with the home’s modern architecture.

• Cambria surfaces on the vanity countertops and in the wet rooms provide the look of natural stone without the maintenance.

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.

Before

22 October 4, 2022 Current in Noblesville currentnoblesville.com INSIDE & OUT A A A A A A PRESENTED BY childrensmuseum.org/haunted-house #HauntedTCM Oct. 12–30 • Sleek custom poplar cabinets provide ample storage space with a dose of modern style.

Commentary by Larry Greene

Eerie etymologies of Halloween

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

status and crossed the pond to the U.S., where we still enjoy them.

Visiting the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, on the way back from Cape Cod, we visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. Just before his assassina tion on Nov. 22, 1963, President Kennedy began considering the possible location for a future presidential library. He and his family selected a spot in Cambridge, Mass., near where he had lived during his time at Harvard, from which he graduated cum laude in 1940. A year after his death, the family announced that I. M. Pei, then a relatively unknown architect, had been se lected to design the library facility. In 1975, after a series of delays and objections from Cambridge residents, the Kennedy family decided to build the library on the site of a former garbage dump in Boston’s Dorches ter area, with a view of downtown across Dorchester Bay. The building, designed by Pei, was completed at a cost of about $21 million, and the facility was dedicated by President Jimmy Carter and members of the Kennedy family on Oct. 20, 1979.

TRAVEL

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, like other presidential librar ies, seeks to take people back to the time of the president. It contains a display of appliances from the early 1960s and 1960 campaign memorabilia, including a banner welcoming Kennedy to Indianapolis. Visitors can listen to a once-secret recording of Kennedy and his advisors seeking a peace ful resolution to what became known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. Television monitors highlight some of Kennedy’s most important speeches, including the one on Sept. 12, 1962, at Rice University, explaining his goal of landing a man on the moon by the end of the decade. What most impressed me was

the museum’s ability to remember the spirit of optimism and hope that Kennedy and his young family created for the nation, a spirit that is sadly now missing.

Notice of Self Storage Sale

Please take notice Carmel Drive Self-Storage located at 550 W. Carmel Dr., Carmel, IN 46032

intends to hold a sale to sell the property stored at the Facility by the below list of Occupants whom are in default at an Auction. The sale will occur or otherwise disposed as an online auction via www. storagetreasures.com on 10/18/2022 at 10:00AM.

Walter Ketner/Stronghold Moving And Landcaping LLC unit #FA0014; Dale P Johnson unit #G039. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details.

GRAMMAR GUY

Did you know the concept of jack-o’-lan terns comes from the Irish? Any root veg etable can be carved into one, but turnips and pumpkins were the most popular in the field.

Where do we get this name for a carved, lit autumn gourd? You can slice or dice your theories and legends as many ways as you can slice a pumpkin pie, but here are the most common theories.

Back in the 1600s, English people called any general man “Jack,” kind of like how we call men “guys.” Night watchmen were called Jack-o’-lanterns, a shortened ver sion of “Jack of the lantern.”

Somehow by the 1800s, the term jack-o’-lantern was the word for a hol lowed-out pumpkin with a candle inside. Theories from Ireland suggest that jack-o’lanterns were similar to will-o’-the-wisps. These phosphorescent lights came from gases in rotting plants in swampy, marshlike areas.

Whatever their etymological origin, jack-o’-lanterns lost their proper name

Halloween once boasted its own inter esting apostrophe. Originally known as All Hallows’ Eve or All-hallowmas, Halloween was the day before the Catholic holiday All Saints’ Day. This holiday pretty much covered up the pagan Celtic festival of Samhain, and I’ll let you look that up on your own time. Alholowmesse was the Middle English word for “All Saints’ Day.” From there you can see how we get the “eve” of “Alholowmesse.” All Hallows’ Eve ning. Hallowe’en. Halloween. Words drift and evolve like this all the time.

I love how many of the terms associ ated with Halloween come from Ireland, Scotland and England (from whence my people hail). Even the word “eerie” has its roots in these lands.

A banner on display welcoming JFK to Indianapolis during his 1960 presidential campaign. (Photo by Don Knebel)

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.

1960s-era ap pliances in a display case in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.

TIRED OF CLEANING YOUR GUTTERS?

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Indiana Stamp Club

host the INDYPEX 2022 Stamp Show Oct. 7-9, 2022. Hamilton Co. 4-H Fairgrounds and Exhi bition Center, 2003 Pleasant Street, Noblesville. Hours 10-6 on Fri., 10-5 on Sat., 10-3 on Sunday. Exhibits and approximately 40 dealers as well as beginner/youth tables. A U.S. postal station is expected. Indiana Stamp Club and the Indiana Postal History Society information tables. Displays and cachets featur ing this year’s show theme “Title IX.” Website:www.indianastampclub.org

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

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IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR SKILLED CARPENTERS!

Looking for job security? Simpson

Construction Services has so much work that it must hire five people for residential remodeling NOW. The skilled carpenters we select will have strong abilities in bathroom remodeling, but also with respect to kitchens, decks, basements, wood and tile flooring, doors and windows, interior and exterior painting, drywall, plumbing and electrical, siding and room additions.

Again: Only skilled carpenters need apply.

For immediate consideration, call Gary Simpson at 317.703.9575.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, goodnatured work environment.

The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net.

We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays.

To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net 40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net

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