November 15, 2022 — Noblesville

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Southwest corner of 116th &

I-69

I know, I know.

I always overeat when I’m nervous.

Forgey, Ray elected to school board

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Voters have elected incumbent Joe Forgey and candidate Misti Ray as the two individuals who will hold at-large seats on the Noblesville School Board starting in January.

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Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XIV, No. 10

Copyright 2022 Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved.

30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

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

Forgey Ray

Forgey, a retired dentist who has been on the board since January 2019, and Ray, who is a Realtor, were among the five candidates seeking the two at-large seats

up for grabs in the Nov. 8 general election. Forgey received 10,256 votes, while Ray received 8,155 votes, according to unofficial results from the Hamilton County Election Office.

Candidate Chuck Haberman was third with 7,619 votes, while Melba Kiser received 7,038 votes. A fifth candidate, Brian Laskey, captured 2,891 votes, according to unofficial results.

Hamilton County election results

news@currentnoblesville.com

The following are final results for Hamilton County with all precincts reporting. Published statewide races consist of Hamilton County votes only.

To see a complete list of Hamilton coun ty

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NOBLESVILLE

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NOBLESVILLE TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE

HAMILTON

HAMILTON

HAMILTON

• CHRISTINE ALTMAN

HAMILTON COUNTY CORONER

HAMILTON COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 1

HAMILTON

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WAYNE TOWNSHIP BOARD MEMBER (3 TO BE ELECTED)

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• LAURA

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WAYNE TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE

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PROSECUTING

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HAMILTON

HAMILTON

• KEN ALEXANDER

HAMILTON

HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF

JUDGE

Virtual Silent Auction, Friday Nov. 18 to Tuesday Nov. 29

McGill

to be featured in showcase

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Nickel Plate Arts has announced its No vember Stephenson Showcase that will fea ture the husband-and-wife duo of Stuart Sayger and Aili McGill.

ARTS

McGill, who serves as executive director of Nickel Plate Arts, and Sayger met in 2013 and initiated a cre ative debate that has last ed nearly 10 years. He is an internationally celebrated illustrator who works pri marily in the comic book industry and is known for projects such as “Lego: Bionicle,” “Joker: Year of the Villain,” “The Walking Dead” and “Kiss: Zombies,” along with his own comic book series, “Shiver in the Dark.”

Sayger is known for his moody, atmo spheric style that combines mixed media drawings with computer coloring and ef fects, according to a news release. Sayger’s wife, McGill, began as a visual and perform ing artist at age 13 whose illustrations were submitted to the Fortville Community Shop per newspaper.

Her first children’s book, “The Owl and the Pussycat Went to Sea,” is based on Edward Lear’s historic poem and was published through a Kickstarter campaign in 2016. She also produced a collection of comics called “The Misadventures of a Bad Bunny” in 2021.

McGill loves studying nature in her work, and she utilizes bright watercolors and oil pastels in many of her pieces. McGill and Sayger, who were married in September 2020, say while their styles vary wildly, they have drawn creative inspiration and strength from each other throughout their relationship.

“Stuart gave me the nudge I needed to re awaken my illustration career,” McGill said. “Without him, I never would have produced my first children’s book. He not only provid ed the graphic design expertise I needed,

but he was also unfalteringly enthusiastic, giving me praise and constructive feedback exactly when I needed it. I never anticipated just how gratifying it would be to end up with someone who lives and breathes art. With Stuart, I always have a partner with whom I can go to museum exhibits, talk through creative roadblocks and even build an art collection. We even have an ongoing conversation in illustrated love letters.

“It’s a remarkably beautiful life we’ve built together.”

Sayger also spoke positively about his wife, saying “her creativity knows no bounds.”

“I have to work hard just to keep up with her, and that’s a great thing,” he said. “I never dared to dream that I could have the kind of life we’ve built together. She’s a great partner in life and in the studio.”

The public can explore their artwork throughout this month in the Stephenson House, 107 S. 8th St. It is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Sat urday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sayger and McGill will also host sev eral public appearances: 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 23 during their public reception at Nickel Plate Arts, 107 S. 8th St. and 10 a.m. until early afternoon Nov. 26 for Small Business Saturday.

Nickel Plate Arts will feature Stuart Sayger and Aili McGill in its Stephenson Showcase this month. (Photo courtesy of Nickel Plate Arts)

Sayger

McGill

FHS senior running back grows as leader, on and off field

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Fishers High School senior running back Carson Dunn finds it easy to pinpoint his largest area of improvement.

“The biggest im provement I made was becoming the very best version of myself as a leader,” Dunn said. “I grew so much as a vocal and passionate leader. My goal every day was to have everyone on the same page, fighting for the same goals.”

Dunn helped the Tigers advance to the Sectional 3 final Nov. 4 before losing to Hamilton Southeastern, 35-13.

“Carson leads by example with his hard work and dedication to the program,” FHS football coach Curt Funk said. “Carson is explosive both running and catching the ball. Another high quality is Carson’s ability to block second-level defenders. Carson made his most improvements in his ability to catch the ball as a slot. Carson also made improvements in running the jet sweep

MEET CARSON DUNN

Favorite athlete: Bo Jackson

Favorite school subject: History Favorite movie or TV show: “Creed 2”

Hobbies: Working out, watching sports, hanging out with friends, playing cards and golfing.

in our fly series, getting the edge on a defense.”

The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Dunn rushed for 709 yards on 132 carries with nine touch downs on the season. He also had 23 catch es for 311 yards and three touchdowns.

Dunn ran for 734 yards on 187 carries as a junior, earning first-team All-Hoosier Crossroads Conference honors. He had 787 yards on 124 carries as a sophomore. FHS was 3-8 in 2020, 6-4 in 2021 and 7-4 this season.,

“The team had improved so much from my sophomore year,” Dunn said. “We didn’t only improve on the field but also off the field. Our team chemistry was off the charts. We were a family that did ev erything together.”

Dunn is an outfielder for the FHS base ball team as well, hitting .395 last season and earning second team All-HCC honors. However, Dunn said football is his favorite sport. He is committed to play on scholar ship at Indiana State University in 2023.

Dunn said the ISU coaches are amazing and that’s why he chose the Sycamores

“They reached out to me before any other school and stayed in touch through out the entire recruiting process,” Dunn said. “They have showed nothing but love. There is no other place I’d rather be than Indiana State.”

Dunn plans to study business adminis tration and finance at ISU.

Fishers High School running back Carson Dunn will continue his football career at Indiana State University next season. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Dunn)

Dunn

Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine is a world-class neurosurgery team pioneering best practices and providing collaborative, patient-centered care—and right here in Central Indiana.

GoodmanCampbell.com.

Giv e History for t h e Holidays!

Superintendent: Misinformation affecting teachers’ morale

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville Schools Supt. Daniel Hile has his view on why many teachers are leaving the profession.

EDUCATION

For him, it is false infor mation being spread over social media.

“It’s very easy for a rumor not based in any truth to become fact as it spreads out,” he said at the State of the Schools Oct. 26 at the Noblesville Schools Community Center. “There are things that come out that later we find out there was very little truth to them. Folks have asked me a lot about teacher shortage and teacher turnover. Pay and com pensation is part of that, but being honest in my conversations with colleagues and with our teachers here and in other districts, I think this (misinformation) is actually the biggest issue that is harming our teachers right now. When people try to engage in this behavior without picking up a phone and calling and asking a teacher about some thing, they quickly go to Facebook and see how many likes they can have.”

Hile, who became superintendent July 1, said those actions do not model what par ents should want for their children.

“We are making sure we are sharing as much factual information as we can as far as updates,” Hile said. “A good rule of thumb (is), if something sounds crazy, it probably is.”

Hile said there are a few teacher open ings now among the district’s 48 vacancies. He said the majority of positions are sup port staff, such as instructional assistants and custodians.

“Those are obviously very critical roles to keep our school operating every single day,” he said. “We continue to try to have compet itive pay for all of our staff.”

MISSION OF SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Hile said 18 percent of the district’s stu dents have emotional, physical or learning disabilities that might create challenges for them in the classroom. On the other end of the spectrum, Hile said 17 percent are con sidered academically gifted.

He said the framework contains thought fully designed curriculum, meaningful stu dent learning experiences and purposeful assessment and reflection.

“All those things come together, and we have a learning-centered and collaborative

culture,” he said. “Everything we do in the classroom filters through these lenses and goes through this process to make sure every decision we make and everything we do is leading to the same goal. That’s so critical to the success of our teachers and students.”

SCHOOL SAFETY

Hile said school safety is at the forefront of the minds of officials every day.

“We are so fortunate to have a strong partnership with the city and the Nobles ville Police Dept., who partners with us for the school resource officer program,” he said. “We are one of the very few schools that have at least one school resource offi cer in every single building, and in the high school we have three.”

Hile said the district is going through the process of retrofitting and equipping school buses with stop-arm cameras.

Hile said students’ mental health has been a concern for decades and has only increased over time.

“But the experiences we all had over the pandemic heightened concerns that students spend some time away from here and dealing with new challenges,” he said. “We’re fortunate to have the partnerships we have here with Community Health and the Wellbeing Coalition partnership with City of Noblesville. The bottom line is, stu dents can’t come to school ready to learn and be successful if we are not making sure they feel safe and making sure they have the support they need each day.”

Noblesville Schools Supt. Daniel Hile speaks at the State of the Schools address Oct. 26 at the Noblesville Schools Community Center. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County Election Board voted 3-0

Board OKs examination of voting machine ELECTIONS

conduct an examination of voting machines used during ear ly voting at the Hamilton County Judicial Center in Noblesville after two voters reported the same problem while attempting to cast a straight-ticket ballot.

At the board’s Nov. 8 meeting, Noblesville residents Cynthia Gast and her daughter, Kristina Gast, told the board that they pushed the button to vote straight-ticket for the Democratic party, but as they reviewed their selections before finalizing them they noticed no candidate was selected in the race for the 5th District Congressional seat between Democrat Jeannine Lee Lake and incumbent Republican Victoria Spartz.

Both women, who voted Nov. 2 on dif ferent machines, individually selected Lake before casting their ballots, but they are con cerned other straight-ticket voters may have

experienced the same issue without noticing it, thus inadvertently not voting in the race.

“If (the race) happens to be really close, it’s scary,” Cynthia Gast said.

Greg Purvis, the lone Democrat on the three-member board, moved to initiate the examination to be held in conjunction with the county’s voting machine technicians, voting machine supplier MicroVote and Ball State’s Voting System Technical Oversight Program, which tests election equipment used in Indiana.

“With two people on different machines, to me that makes it more likely — although still somewhat remote — that it was a ma chine error,” Purvis said. “A machine error shouldn’t happen.”

Election board chair Ray Adler, a Repub lican, said the county previously has not received many complaints about voting machine issues and that reported problems can be difficult to recreate or verify.

“Sometimes there’s a lot of information but not a lot of evidence,” Adler said.

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

If you’re looking to toss out old junk that you longer need, Noblesville teenager Michael Corlew will gladly haul it away.

The 17-year-old Noblesville High School junior is seeing much success after launching his own junk-hauling busi ness, MB Junk Removal, which picks up items people no lon ger need or want, such as furniture, appliances and more. Corlew said he got his start as an entrepreneur picking up dog waste in his neighborhood at age 14 and eventually saved enough money to purchase his great-grandfather’s truck.

“At first, I had no idea what I was getting into,” Corlew said.

Corlew said he connected with an individual on Facebook, who suggested that he get into the junk removal business. He landed his first junk hauling job a year ago for his dad’s co-worker, in which he picked up three loads of unwanted items.

“We took it to the dump, and I was like, ‘You know what? I can turn this into something,’” Corlew said.

Corlew decided to create his own Facebook page for his business, which he promoted on the social media platform, and quickly saw the demand for services go up within his own neighborhood. He also increased his overall business presence by creating Facebook ads that resulted in five to six jobs per week, he said.

The creation of his own business also means Corlew is enjoying plenty of financial success, noting that he has earned more than $18,000 since the start of the year. He is also able to set his own schedule and works on Saturday mornings.

Corlew said his prices are lower in comparison to other junk-hauling businesses — he only charges $120 per truck load — and reflected on his prior work in his own neighbor hood picking up dog waste.

“What is a job that I could do that no one else wants to do?” Corlew said. “And when you think of junk removal, a lot of people think it’s nasty, disgusting, (but) it’s really not.”

Corlew has also created weekly video ads to market his services picking up junk that are offered in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and other nearby communities.

“I wanted to stick out from everybody else,” he said.

One benefit of running his own business is the flexibility that comes with it, he added.

“I love creating my own schedule, I love being my own boss,” Corlew said. “What motivates me is having financial freedom down the road.”

Corlew said there is no shortage of items that he has picked up, noting that he’s hauled away old toilets, mat tresses, furniture and cabinets, among other items. He said his most interesting and memorable find so far has been

a tub of 1989 to 1997 Playboy magazines in mint condition, which he eventually sold to someone he knew.

Corlew’s mother, Stacey, is proud of her son’s efforts in launching his business off the ground on his own.

“It’s been so much fun to watch,” she said. “We’re very proud.”

Corlew also encouraged others to take a leap of faith in pursuing their own goals.

“Just (having) confidence is 90 percent of it,” Corlew said. “Just jump into it because failure’s going to be your best friend in it, and you can’t learn without failing. But get out there and do it. The upside is way bigger than the downside.”

For more information or to learn more about MB Junk Removal, call Michael Corlew at 317-618-1037. The busi ness can also be found on Facebook by searching for MB Junk Removal.

LEARN MORE

Noblesville High School student operates successful junk-hauling business

ON THE COVER: Michael Corlew landed his first junk hauling job a year ago. He has also grown his business through Facebook. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

Michael Corlew, 17, pauses outside his home in Noblesville Oct. 26. The Noblesville High School student created his own business, MB Junk Removal, that picks up items people no longer want or need such as furniture, appliances and more. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

ESSAY

Imperfect claims

Commentary by Terry Anker

If we believe that 100 percent of our team is 100 percent committed and not one person ever puts their own interests first, why would we ever need to im prove? What would be the point in pursu ing something beyond ideal? Lucky us. But how could we know the effort of another? We can observe their actions but not know their depth of capacity. We can see water coming from the well but not claim whether it could supply a great city or only support a small village. Few admit to delivering less than everything. Still, if we are entirely honest, do not some tasks engender greater commit ment than others? And don’t we know many who might sandbag a bit?

When we claim ourselves or our team to be selfless heroes without peer, are we in the midst of the fabled titans? Are we guilty of a bit of sales puffery, or are we indulging in full-fledged self deceit? Are we the greatest of all time, every day, at every hour? Or are we just good, imperfect, well-intentioned, occasionally self-interested folks? Can we reconcile our proper intentions with our ego’s need to claim accomplish ment? Perhaps it is a defensiveness that comes from our own insecurity. Or is it hubris that reflects a delusional overconfidence?

Perfect is a tough standard to meet. Yet we may be too thin-skinned to live with anything less than faultless ness in our firms and institutions, so we struggle to admit our flaws, clinging to the immediately evident prevarication that we are the ideal. Many good read ers will reach out to decry what they find herein. Others will laud as insightful the very same words. Does this indi cate that one is 100 percent right and the other 100 percent wrong, 50/50 or vice-versa? Is our very dignity bound by the impossible claim of perfection?

CURRENTOON

QUOTE OF THE WEEK POLICIES

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

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

Take your time, deer

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Guess what’s almost here, people? Deer hunting season, the most magi cal time of the year, after Halloween, Christmas, spring break and summer, of course. That’s right, I’m staring down the barrel of two, maybe three, glorious weekends as a single lady, when my husband, Doo, frolics in the Indiana wil derness attempting to ensure we have meat for the winter, or something like that. No matter, with my kids also gone, I am looking forward to lazy mornings, empty sinks and a bathroom that won’t stink to high heaven.

But it hasn’t always been this way. When our four children were little and November dawned, I’d let the resent ment of Doo’s abandonment ride rough shod over me, fantasizing about ditch ing him for a girls’ trip to Aruba or a pro longed stint in the Peace Corps. I’d pray that he killed Bambi on the first day so I wouldn’t be stuck through Thanksgiving single-parenting precocious preschool ers with penchants for Sharpie buggery and nap avoidance. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I absolutely dreaded becoming a short-term hunting widow.

Now? I cannot wait to see Doo off with a heartfelt, “Don’t shoot your eye out!” Then it’ll be just me and the dog, a quiet and clean house, and however many episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” I can binge in 43 hours. I am literally giddy at the prospect. And if I’m lucky, Doo will need to return to the frontier for several subsequent Friday-Saturday overnights to bag that elusive (read: mythical) 18-pointer (“he’s real, dangnabbit!”). Whatever.

All I care about is that the fifth-most wonderful time of the year is here — deer hunting season!

Peace out.

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

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”

— MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO

My wife’s in ‘Jeopardy!’

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

suits. In the pool area were about 40 peo ple, completely naked, staring at us.

Ken: What did they say?

Mary Ellen: They said, “You must be from the Midwest.”

HUMOR

This evening, Mary Ellen and I discussed how hosts chat with “Jeopardy!” contestants, prompting a quirky personal story between rounds. My wife, Mary Ellen, said if she ever got on the show, she’d have trouble coming up with five entertaining anecdotes, assuming she won every night for a week. Together, we crafted some fun ones. Her responses here are all true.

Night 1

Host Ken Jennings: I understand you had an embarrassing nickname in school.

Mary Ellen: In the fourth grade, I was 5-foot-7 — much taller and skinnier than anyone else in the class.

Ken: So, what did they call you?

Mary Ellen: The Galloping Hairpin.

Night 2

Ken: Tell us about meeting your husband.

Mary Ellen: A co-worker asked me to have dinner with her and several friends. One of those friends was Dick Wolfsie, who sat across from me. We never talked or even exchanged glances. Three years later, we were fixed up on a blind date. We’d been married two years before we realized the blind date wasn’t the first time we met.

Ken: You made a really big impression on each other.

Night 3

Ken: I understand that on your honey moon, you had an embarrassing experience.

Mary Ellen: My husband and I returned from dinner to our hotel in Big Sur, Califor nia. It was 2 a.m. and we figured no one would be in the pool. We decided to meet there without any clothes on. But we both chickened out and showed up in our swim

Night 4

Ken: I was told your husband’s long TV ca reer was the result of your banning a stray dog from your house.

– DICK WOLFSIE

Mary Ellen: Dick found a lost beagle on our front porch, but he was very mischievous and destructive. The beagle, that is. I told Dick if he wanted to keep the dog, he had to take him to work with him every morning. He did, and Barney ended up on TV with Dick and became a star — the dog, I mean. I take all the credit for Barney’s success.

Night 5

Ken: Did you marry your husband because you thought he was going to be a college professor?

Mary Ellen: When we met, he had just taken an associate producer position at a TV station in Columbus, Ohio. He hated the job, so I figured he would go back to teach ing. You know, do something serious with his life.

Ken: So, did he end up doing something serious?

Mary Ellen: Not hardly. But he did it for 40 years. I’ll give him that.

What if I got a spot on “Jeopardy!”? Find out next week.

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

Barney ended up on TV with Dick and became a star — the dog, I mean.

BUSINESS LOCAL

DISPATCHES

Indiana is 8th-most federally dependent state — A recent study by WalletHub, a per sonal finance website, shows that Indiana is the eighth-most federally dependent state in the U.S. WalletHub compared the 50 states across three key metrics: Return on taxes paid to the federal government; federal funding as a share of state revenue; and share of federal jobs. To see full study results, visit wallethub.com.

Source: WalletHub.com

Initiative benefits truckers — The Indiana Dept. of Transportation’s Trucks Park Here system is a multi-state, regional effort to make interstate travel safer by creating a network of safe, convenient parking areas for truckers with the ability to collect and share real-time parking availability with drivers through dynamic message signs, smartphone applications, and traveler infor mation websites. INDOT has 19 sites in the Trucks Park Here system along Interstates 65, 69 and 70. The routes are among some of the most important corridors in the U.S. with truck volumes already exceeding 25,000 trucks per day and expected to grow.

Discounts that actually cost you money

— Retailers have latched onto a way to offer giant percentages off that are mesmerizing to shoppers but are not what they seem.

The pitch: You get a gigantic discount, typically up to 70 percent off, but the fine print notes that you get that discount only on a second or third of multiple similar items. Signs in store windows and on store shelves (and online) shout out the percent age and shoppers often don’t do the math to see just how unimpressive these offers typically are. For example, based on an offer of “buy two, get the third 50 percent off,” you take three items to checkout, where you then receive a total discount of 17 per cent because you pay full price for the first two items.

Source: Source: BottomLineInc.com

Hiring a tax professional — In most states, including Indiana, tax preparers do not have to meet any licensing standards, so you need to do your homework if you plan to hire a professional to do your taxes. Ask about any professional certifications, such as a CPA or Enrolled Agent.

Source: BottomLineInc.

From left, store manager Stephanie Jones, co-owner Travis Lee and founder Cory Black hold a One Zone chamber of commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 21 at PointBlank Nutrition at 2784 E. 146th St. in Westfield. The shop offers products for customers interested in nutrition and healthy living. Learn more at pointblankn.com. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Jones)

POINTBLANK NUTRITION HOLDS RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY

New practice a ‘leap of faith’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Dr. Holly Smith’s family medicine practice follows the circle of life.

FAMILY MEDICINE

“I take care of newborns all the way up through the end of life,” Smith said. “I do a little bit of early pregnancy care, but I don’t do full obstetrics or anything like that anymore.”

Smith, a 35-year-old Westfield resident, opened Fiat Family Medicine in mid-July in Carmel at 13590-B North Meridian St., Suite 100. Fiat Family Medicine is a mem ber of the national FreedomDoc physician community.

Smith’s practice follows the direct prima ry care model. Patients pay a monthly mem bership fee of $120 or less.

“That allows me to keep my total patient numbers lower than a traditional primary care doctor, who typically carries 2,000 to 3,000 patients,” she said. “My maximum patient load will be 500, which allows me to be more readily available to people when they need me. The monthly cost gives them essentially unlimited access to me. (It cov ers) if they need to come in for their annual exam, or just have a quick question on the weekend or off hours, Telehealth or any appointments in the office.”

Smith is trained and certified in two fer tility awareness methods of family planning and provides medical consultation for that.

“It allows me to look at a woman’s men strual cycles and fertility cycle and help her determine whether there are problems,” Smith said. “I see women who have all kinds of different complaints. Maybe it’s heavy periods, painful periods, trouble getting pregnant or trouble staying pregnant, all kinds of things across the spectrum. My goal is to try to figure out what the problems are that are causing those things as opposed to using the birth control pill or IUD, which oftentimes covers up the symptoms but doesn’t treat the problems.”

After graduating from the Indiana Uni versity School of Medicine, Smith was in St. Vincent’s family medicine residency program in 2016. She worked for IU Health in Zionsville for 3 1/2 years. She returned to St. Vincent in Fishers in the summer of 2020 and was there for two years.

Smith, a Catholic, said Fiat refers to the biblical story of the angel Gabriel coming to the Virgin Mary and telling her she is going to conceive the baby Jesus.

“It refers to Mary’s unreserved ‘Yes, may His will be done,’” Smith said. “To me, it’s a powerful story that resonates a lot in my life. In this particular (instance), this is a leap of faith for me in a lot of ways to go from traditional medicine out on my own was something that I felt God was calling me to do. So, this was my ‘yes’ to God’s call.”

For more, visit fiatmd.com.

DISPATCHES

Testosterone risks — More men over 40 are using testosterone gel to boost their libidos, muscle mass and energy levels. Recent studies, however, suggest that the gel can affect a man’s analytical thinking skills. Full effects are still unknown, but the early research suggests using caution with testosterone gel.

Source: BottomLineHealth.com

Avoid painted drinkware — Decorative glasses that have characters or designs painted onto them are potentially toxic. About 70 percent of decorative glasses test ed positive for lead and cadmium. All the glassware tested was produced in Europe and China. Red enamel finishes had the highest amounts of both toxins.

Source: Science of the Total Environment

Gluten and blood sugar — A recent study has shown that gluten-free pastas caused blood sugar to spike significantly higher than regular pastas. This may be because gluten slows the body’s digestion of starch. So, if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, you may want to avoid gluten-free foods.

Source: Food and Function

Taking probiotics — Probiotics help replen ish healthy gut bacteria and boost immuni ty. When you are prescribed an antibiotic, continue taking the probiotic as well. But timing is important. Wait and take the probi otic a couple hours after the antibiotic. Oth erwise, the antibiotic will kill all the good bacteria in the probiotic immediately.

Source: BottomLineHealth.com

Smith

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CHS grad gets key role in ‘Aladdin’ national tour

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jake Letts was immediately interested when he heard “Aladdin” was audition ing for a new cast for an upcoming North American tour.

Represented by Tara Rubin Casting, Letts got a call within two days of inquiring. Although peo ple could send in audition videos, Letts traveled to New York to audition in-person and returned for each callback.

“I’ve always wanted to be one who, if I can get myself in a room, I want to show up and show out,” Letts said. “I want to show with my physical presence I really care about this work and getting an op portunity. I flew out to New York three or four times in total for these callbacks. After the last time, I called my agent and said I don’t think I’m in the show. I had a bad feeling after my last audition. All of a sudden, I got a call from my agent when I was in an Uber to leave New York and they wanted me to play this role. It was a dream come true, and every day has been magical.”

The 2017 Carmel High School graduate portrays Babkak in the national tour of “Aladdin,” with shows set for Nov. 16-20 at Clowes Memorial Hall on the Butler Uni versity campus in Indianapolis. The tour is part of the Broadway Indianapolis series.

“To work with Casey Nicholaw as my first professional director, you can’t ask for anything better,” said Letts, who grad uated from Ball State University in 2021. “Throughout my life, I got comments that I’m not a dancer. I’m not someone who people hire to dance.”

Letts said he loves to dance but under stands it’s something he’s not technically proficient in.

“It’s something that brings me joy,” Letts said. “Then to have Tony Award-win ning choreographer (Nicolow) say, ‘You know what? You can dance in my show.’ It was a moment that validated the work I

was doing and made me see it wasn’t for nothing. It’s not something I did blindly.”

Babkak is one of Aladdin’s three friends.

“They are street rats, just trying to find some food,” Letts said.

Letts said “Aladdin” was performed for the first time in 2015 with most of the Broadway cast.

“I fell in love with it,” he said. “I remem ber watching the character I’m playing and thought he was so funny. You could tell the actor delivering the lines was fun ny, but the lines themselves were really funny. I remember thinking, ‘Oh, wow, I’ve never seen a show with so much glitz and glamor,’ and just loving every moment of it. I got to do a workshop with (actor) Bobby Pestka the next day and he taught me and my classmates some choreogra phy from ‘Arabian Nights.’ I was hooked on the show since then and was especially excited when my show choir performed ‘High Adventure’ in the competitive set the next year.”

While auditioning for college, Letts said he channeled his love for the show and put together a dance routine to “Friend

Like Me.”

“It was goofy but got me an in-person audition for University of Michigan,” he said. “So, it couldn’t have been the worst. Finally, at Ball State University, my good friend Ani Arzumanian and I sang ‘A Million Miles Away’ as our freshman showcase duet, so that song holds a special place in my heart. Especially being a recent gradu ate, it feels like her as well as many of my friends are now a million miles away and hopefully finding their homes.”

Letts said he had a performance in Schenectady, N.Y., with a lot of high school students in the audience.

“I had this feeling of, wow, when I saw this show as a kid I was inspired by the characters and I wanted to be one of them,’” Letts said. “Now I am and thought maybe he could be a theater-loving kid and might get that same inspiration. I thought that was the moment that clicked, that I am to be someone able to inspire future generations.”

Letts played the title role of “Phantom of the Opera” his senior year at CHS.

For more, visit broadwayindianapolis.com.

‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’

“The Addams Family” runs through Nov. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianap olis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

ELIANE ELIAS

Eliane Elias will perform a concert at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER NOLA LIVE!

Take Me to the River NOLA LIVE! featuring Dumpstaphunk, George Porter Jr. and Jon Cleary at 8 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carm el. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘MOTHERS AND SONS’

Main Street Productions will present “Moth ers and Sons” through Nov. 20 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit west fieldplayhouse.org.

Oak

Ridge

Boys, Nash set for Palladium shows

Several new shows have been added to Carmel’s Center for the Performing Arts schedule for 2023. Recently announced shows at the Palladium include comedian Jeff Allen (Jan. 7); The Oak Ridge Boys (March 17); Jim Messina (March 22) of Loggins & Messina fame; Graham Nash (April 23) of Crosby, Stills and Nash fame; and former “American Idol” rivals, now pals, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken (May 11).

Single-show tickets are on sale for the 2023 shows in the second half of the 2022-23 Center Presents Season. The main stage concerts from January through May are available for purchase without a subscription.

Presented in partnership with Allied Solu tions, the remainder of the season includes previously announced performances by the Mavericks; Boney James; comedian Kevin Nealon; Marc Cohn and Shawn Colvin; Mi chael Feinstein; and ELO tribute Evil Woman.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

From left, Jake Letts, Ben Chavez, Adi Roy and Colt Prattes perform in the North American tour of “Aladdin.” (Photo by Deen van Meer)

Letts

NHS takes on ‘Chicago’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Noblesville High School junior Sean Wood, playing the role of a villainous pro tagonist has been enjoyable.

MUSICAL

Wood plays Roxie Hart in the school’s production of “Chicago” at 7 p.m. Nov. 17-19 at NHS.

“In Roxie’s mind, she is the absolute heroine,” Wood said. “She is a star whose light has been kept hidden all of her life. Everything is a game and step to her fame, including the murder she commits. Embody ing that sense of ‘wrong is right’ has been a truly fun and hard acting challenge. She also behaves in ways I couldn’t imagine myself acting, and getting to present that has been intriguing as well as a different experience.”

Wood has watched a few stage versions of the portrayal of Roxie.

“She is such a complex character, and every actor/actress I have seen has played her differently,” Wood said. “I usually try to stay away from other portrayals so I can embody my character on my own and not use other’s materials, but every perfor

mance of Roxie I have seen is so unique and different that it is just too fascinating not to watch.

“Finding the balance between the movie and stage version of Roxie has been one of the biggest things for me.”

Senior Mason Kebrdle portrays the charis matic lawyer Billy Flynn.

“The ensemble displays many characters throughout the show that create the whole effect and makes the experience enhanced,” he said.

Kebrdle is performing in his first show since eighth grade.

Noblesville High School students rehearse a scene from “Chicago.” (Photo courtesy of No blevsille High School)

IBC dancers get new challenge

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

really fun,” Rohan said. “It’s fun to play good characters and bad characters.”

West Lafayette Harrison junior Shannon McNiven plays the Sugar Plum Fairy and Princess Masha.

BALLET

Carmel High School freshman Haylie Fletcher gets a change of pace in the In diana Ballet Conservatory’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

“It’s exciting because I’ve always played these roles that are super friend ly and bring energy,” said Fletcher, who plays the mouse queen and Arabian soloist. “This is a different vibe because I have to bring sass or evil (to the mouse queen role). You get to be this powerful mouse. For the other roles, I have to be a little more reserved and mature.”

The performances, which have two casts, are set for 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 26 and 1 and 6 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel Bishop Chatard sophomore Ashlie Rohan, an Indianapolis resident, plays the mouse queen and snow soloist, among other roles. “I have a lot of roles this year, which is

Rohan

“I’m looking forward to playing one of my dream roles,” she said. “I have wanted to be the Sugar Plum Fairy since I was little. This is a dream come true. I’m excited to dance with our guest artist who is coming.”

McNiven said she has worked on the art istry of the role and building stamina.

Indianapolis resident Aurora Ausserer, a senior who takes classes online, is return ing as the Sugar Plum Fairy for the second year.

“I’m excited to make it better than it was last year,” Ausserer said. “I’m able to work on the things that I saw and be more com fortable with it because it’s not as new and scary.”

For more, visit indianaballetconservatory. org.

Concert has New Orleans flavor

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Ivan Neville is carrying on a family musi cal tradition.

MUSIC

“We are the torch bearers of the New Orle ans funk,” Ivan said.

Ivan is the son of Aaron Neville. He is joined in Dumpstaphunk by his cousin, Ian, who is the son of the late Art Neville. Aaron and Art were members of The Neville Broth ers, along with siblings Charles and Cyril. Ivan also was a past member of his father’s rhythm and blues-soul-funk group.

Ivan, a keyboardist, formed Dumpsta phunk in 2003.

Dumpstaphunk will perform its “Take Me to the River NOLA Live!” concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The special guests will be George Porter Jr. with his group and Jon Cleary.

“George Porter is a founding member of the group, The Meters, which is one of the most influential funk groups ever, especially out of New Orleans,” Ivan said. “Jon Cleary’s

style is reminiscent of some of the great New Orleans piano players. He’ll be doing a portion as well. There might be a collabora tive portion as well, I’m not sure.”

Ivan said the tour includes groups that will appear in the “Take Me to the River: New Orleans” docu mentary. It is the second film in the documentary series. The documen tary will be available on streaming platforms Jan. 20, 2023.

“The film has a bunch of collab orations with New Orleans artists and other artists from different genres,” Ivan said. “We did many representations of New Orleans classic songs. This perfor mance will represent that documentary.”

Ivan said Dumpstaphunk will perform songs from its album “Where Do We Go From Here,” which was released in 2021.

“There are a couple guys from Dumpsta phunk who played with the Neville Brothers over the years,” Ivan said. “We enjoy getting to play this music anytime and anywhere.It’s absolutely a treat to bring it to people who may or may not have ever seen this stuff per formed live. It’s an honor to get to do that,”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Fletcher

Neville

Blueprint for Improvement: Complete basement transformation

After

Built in 1928 in Indianapolis’ Meridian-Kessler neighborhood, this historic home’s main living areas had undergone a full remodel, leav ing a dark, unfinished basement in need of renovations. The home owners wanted to create a multi-functional space for movie nights, entertaining and exercise.

THE BLUEPRINT

• New windows, recessed lighting and a neutral palette brighten the room, while navy blue custom cabinetry serves as a bold accent with stylish storage.

• Tonal wallpaper in the bar area provides visual interest with an art deco inspired pattern that calls to the home’s 1920s architecture.

• The bar and adjoining pantry make entertaining a breeze with ample seating, wine storage, integrated appliances and beautiful custom cabinetry.

• Corian countertops and luxury vinyl plank floors provide the look of natural surfaces with added durability and minimal maintenance.

• A full bathroom featuring sleek, classic details and a private exercise room help complete the transformation of this basement into a truly multi-functional space.

Before

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.

Commentary by Larry Greene

A visit to Niagara Falls

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, the final stop on our trip to Cape Cod, we visit Niagara Falls, among the na tion’s most spectacular natural wonders.

TRAVEL

Niagara Falls, lying along the United States/Canadian border about 17 miles northwest of Buffalo, N.Y., includes three separate waterfalls. The largest, Horseshoe Falls (“Canadian Falls”), strad dles the border, with 90 percent in Canada. American Falls and much smaller Bridal Veil Falls, located within the United States, are separated by Luna Island, where people can get close to both falls. Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the U.S., was created by New York State in 1885 and con tains American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. It features an observation deck providing a view of all three falls and offers boat rides to their base. Honeymooners can obtain a free “We Honeymooned in Niagara Falls USA” certificate from the park visitor center. The pedestrian-friendly Rainbow Bridge, opened in 1941 to replace the collapsed Honeymoon Bridge, connects Niagara Falls, N.Y., to Ni agara Falls, Ontario, where the 764-foot-tall

Skylon Tower provides the best view of all three falls.

The tradition of coming to Niagara Falls for a honeymoon began early in the 19th century, when famous persons, including the daughter of Aaron Burr and the brother of Napoleon, celebrated their honeymoons there. Honeymooners increased follow ing the opening of the Erie Canal, which connected with the Niagara River. By the middle of the 20th century, Niagara Falls had gained a reputation for seedy hotels and tacky wedding chapels. That reputa tion is no longer deserved, at least on the U.S. side. Niagara Falls, N.Y., has plenty of fine hotels and restaurants along with its wedding chapels, some featuring stained glass in place of neon. Niagara Falls now attracts sophisticated visitors from around the world and has become a must-see for visitors from India.

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

LEGAL NOTICE DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC

Public notice is hereby given to affected property owners pursuant to 170 IAC 4-9-4(f) that within two (2) to six (6) weeks of the date of this notice, weather permitting, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC will be performing vegetation management as part of its power line maintenance program in the area described below. As part of this project, one of its qualified contractors will be applying EPA approved and registered herbicides to control vegetation that may interfere with the safe operation and maintenance of power lines. This vegeta tion management will be performed in/near Noblesville on or near streets identified below: Beginning at the substation located near the corner of Logan St & N 8th St, to include the areas around & near: S of Morse Reservoir, E of Little Chicago Rd, N of 32, W of the substation

The date this notice is published initiates the two (2) week period for calculating implied consent by an affected property owner under 170 IAC 4-9. If you have any questions you may contact the Duke Energy Vegetation Management toll free number, 866-385-3675.

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC Vegetation Management Department

A ‘Swift’ album review

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

If there is one thing I love more than grammar, it’s The Beatles. In April 1964, the Fab Four held all five songs in the top five songs on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. This record held until Drake occupied nine out of the top 10 songs in 2021 when his album “Certified Lover Boy” dominated streaming services.

want to suggest that Swift’s “Midnights” achieves poetry whose lyrical evolution has brought back lesser-used words and intricately weaves them into her modern experience.

GRAMMAR GUY

Take the album’s opening track, “Lav ender Haze.” Not only does the title evoke parallels to Hendrix’s “Purple Haze,” but Swift’s use of the word “melancholia” evokes a deeper emotion than a word as common as “depression.”

Now with Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” and “Midnights (3am Edition)” albums, she’s accomplished a first in music history— her hits occupy all of the top 10 songs on Billboard’s list. The only caveat I’ll bring to this accomplishment is that The Beatles didn’t have the same streaming opportu nities available to them back in the days of Beatlemania.

When I encounter a challenge to The Beatles’ chart dominance, I have to check it out. And when I began listening to Swift’s “Midnights,” I was struck by her lyrics.

Sure, she uses terms such as “ghost ing” and her fair share of profanity, but I

I know Grammar Guy doesn’t usually cover music, but I’m suggesting poetry and language from a bygone era contrib ute to Swift’s pensive pop music.

If you’re unwilling to hear four-letter words, then this isn’t the album for you; however, if you want to hear an exploration of “would’ve,” “could’ve” and “should’ve”, then check out the lyrical ex ploration in “Midnights.”

LEGAL NOTICE DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC

Public notice is hereby given to affected property owners pursuant to 170 IAC 4-9-4(f) that within two (2) to six (6) weeks of the date of this notice, weather permitting, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC will be performing vegetation management as part of its power line maintenance program in the area described below. As part of this project, one of its qualified contractors will be applying EPA approved and registered herbicides to control vegetation that may interfere with the safe operation and maintenance of power lines. This vegeta tion management will be performed in/near Noblesville on or near streets identified below:

Beginning at the substation located near E 186th St & 37 intersection, to include the areas around & near: S of 206th St, E of 37, N of E 166th St, W of Summer Rd

The date this notice is published initiates the two (2) week period for calculating implied consent by an affected property owner under 170 IAC 4-9. If you have any questions you may contact the Duke Energy Vegetation Management toll free number, 866-385-3675.

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC Vegetation Management Department

LEGAL NOTICE DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC

Public notice is hereby given to affected property owners pursuant to 170 IAC 4-9-4(f) that within two (2) to six (6) weeks of the date of this notice, weather permitting, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC will be performing vegetation management as part of its power line maintenance program in the area described below. As part of this project, one of its qualified contractors will be applying EPA approved and registered herbicides to control vegetation that may interfere with the safe operation and maintenance of power lines. This vegeta tion management will be performed in/near Lapel, Noblesville on or near streets identified below:

Beginning at the substation located near the Atlantic Rd & E 196th St intersection, to include the areas around & near: S of W 200 S, N of 69, E of Prairie Baptist Rd, W of S 400 Rd

The date this notice is published initiates the two (2) week period for calculating implied consent by an affected property owner under 170 IAC 4-9. If you have any questions you may contact the Duke Energy Vegetation Management toll free number, 866-385-3675.

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC Vegetation Management Department

American Falls and Bridal Veils Falls on the U.S. side of Niagara Falls. (Photo by Don Knebel)

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

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• Executive-On-Call ClearPoint Business Advisors, LLC (317)-796-4040 info@clearpointadvisors.com

LIKE TO SEW & CREATE?

Custom drapery and soft furnishings workroom in Carmel is looking for friendly, personable people who like to sew. Sewing experience is necessary and the desire to learn and enjoy and increase your skill is a must. We’ll teach you our methods. Part-time weekday daytime, flexible 20 hour week position in a handy location in Carmel. Ability and willingness to climb a ladder is needed. Good communication skills. Call Mark at Silk Mountain Creations 317 815-1660 to set a time to come by. Please do not drop-in. www.silkmountaincreations.com

MATH TEACHER

A math teacher at Midwest Academy will be responsible for teaching all aspects of mathematics, including fundamental and introductory algebra skills, to middle school students in a progressive environment designed for children with learning differences. . Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a child-centered mentality are essential to this position..This position is full time and compensation is commensurate with experience. To apply please send your resume to careers@mymwa.org

LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER

A language arts teacher at Midwest Academy will be responsible for teaching all aspects of language arts, including fundamental reading and writing skills, to middle school students in a progressive environment designed for children with learning differences.

Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a child-centered mentality are essential to this position. This position is full time and compensation is commensurate with experience.

To apply please send your resume to careers@mymwa.org

PRESCHOOL TEACHING ASSISTANT

Seeking a reliable, motivated, positive Christian applicant with good communication and interpersonal skills to assist the Lead Teacher.

Experience with children preferred. Full time - $16/hour + Email ltob.preschool@gmail.com to apply or for more information.

Little Town of Bethlehem is a ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Carmel, IN.

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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