December 6, 2022 — Noblesville

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Three nonprofits receive Pillar Award grants

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

December 6, 2022

Current in Noblesville currentnoblesville.com

DISPATCHES

Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XIV, No. 13

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.

RECOGNITION

Three local nonprofit organizations re ceived Pillar Award grants from the Hamil ton County Community Foundation last month during the annual Fes tival of Philanthropy.

The Nov. 15 event at Ritz Charles in Carmel celebrated the work of more than 50 nonprofits, while those in attendance selected three nonprofits to receive Pillar Award grants, according to the HCCF. Each organization received $5,000.

The Pillar Award winners are Agape Ther apeutic Riding, Brooke’s Place and Fueled for School, according to the HCCF. Agape Therapeutic Riding is an organization that cultivates personal growth by strength ening the mind, body and spirit through unique horse-assisted experiences, accord ing to the HCCF, which noted that the non profit served 1,369 individuals through 6,928 lessons in 2021.

Brooke’s Place provides support groups, therapy services and education to empower children, teens, young adults and their fami lies to thrive in the midst of grief, according to the HCCF, which focuses on three initia tives that overlap and influence each other:

mental health, family and youth empow erment and inclusive economic growth. In 2021, 2,708 individuals received grief support and education through Brooke’s Place.

Fueled for School works to eliminate hunger among Hamilton County students by providing youth who are food-insecure with nutritious meal packs, promoting the educa tional value of nutrition, increasing access to local food and instilling hope, according to the organization. In 2021, Fueled for School provided 350 students with 2.5 pounds for the entire school year, while the organization also provided 40-pound holiday break boxes during spring, fall and winter breaks.

“We were so excited to be back at the Ritz Charles this year to celebrate more than 50 not-for-profits serving Hamilton County and making transformative changes throughout our community,” said Tom Kilian Jr., president of Hamilton County Communi ty Foundation. “The highlight of the evening was the announcement of our pillar grant awards. Thanks to the support of our pillar sponsors and voting from Festival attend ees, three not-for-profits serving Hamilton County have some additional unrestricted operating funds to support their incredible mission work.”

For more about HCCF, visit hamiltoncoun tycommunityfoundation.org.

Prevent catalytic converter theft — Jiffy Lube of Indiana and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Dept. have partnered to launch the Catalytic Converter Iden tification Initiative to combat a trend of catalytic converter thefts and support vehicle safety. Through this initiative, Hoosiers that visit a Jiffy Lube store in central Indiana can opt to have their technician engrave the last 8 digits of the vehicle’s VIN on the catalytic con verter and add a stripe of high-temp paint, which adds an extra layer of pro tection to any vehicle at no additional cost (and no purchase necessary). Ser vices will remain in effect indefinitely.

500 Festival Princess Program now accepting applications — The 500 Fes tival is accepting applications for the 2023 Festival Princess Program. Applica tions are available at 500Festival.com/ Princess with the deadline to apply at 11:59 p.m. Jan. 8, 2023.

State’s cutest dogs — Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, the Indiana Destination Develop ment Corp. and Indiana’s First Dog, Hen ry, are searching for adorable dogs in great locations across the state through the Visit Indiana Cutest Dog Photo Con test. A different winner will be selected every week for one year. Each winning dog will get a note from Indiana’s first dog, an exclusive ‘More To Discover IN Indiana’ dog bandana, a feature as one of the Cutest Dogs IN Indiana on the Visit Indiana social channels. To enter, upload a photo or video of your dog to Instagram, tag @VisitIndiana and use the hashtag #DogsINIndiana.

Hamilton County Democratic Women meetings — The Hamilton County Demo cratic Women meet every third Saturday of the month at the Delaware Township Trustee Building 9090 E. 131st, Fishers. Conversations begin at 9:30 a.m., while the meeting is from 10 to 11 a.m. All Ham ilton County women are welcome.

Monthly beekeepers meeting — The North Central Beekeepers Club meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000 E. 151st St. in Westfield. Meetings are free to attend by all levels of bee keepers located centrally north of Indi anapolis. Those interested in becoming beekeepers are welcome. For more in formation, visit facebook.com/ncbclub.

NOBLESVILLE MAYOR, SUPERINTENDENT WELCOME GERMAN EXCHANGE STUDENTS

German exchange students visited Noblesville High School in October as part of an academic ex change program. Pictured are Noblesville Schools Supt. Daniel Hile, German exchange students Efe Parmaksiz, Thilo Bletz, Marie Biester, Mirja Päßler and Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen. (Photo courte sy of Noblesville Schools)

Noblesville resident collects items for homeless

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Noblesville woman is encouraging others to help those in need after creating a donation drive that collected more than 100 trash bags and boxes full of winter items for the homeless in Indianapolis.

“It doesn’t have to be a big project — just let it be,” Van Dame said. “We can do great things on our own, but we can do better, and it can be magnified so much more as a community. It’s a privilege to help, but it’s our responsibility to help.”

GIVING BACK

Van Dame said people should pursue their idea no matter how big or small it might be, noting that individuals shouldn’t worry about the logistics that might be involved.

Heather Van Dame created Project North Star, an initiative to collect winter wear for those in need in downtown Indianapolis and had an enclosed U-Haul trailer in the driveway of her home for the event that ran from Nov. 10-13. The effort allowed anyone to donate items in the trailer 24 hours a day and had a large star lit up on top, she said.

Van Dame said she and her family came up with the idea after volunteering in Octo ber with Circle City Relief, an organization that helps the homeless, and decided to create the event as a way to give back on a much larger scale.

Van Dame’s effort eventually grew as word-of-mouth spread about her initiative on Facebook and led to a total 108 trash bags and boxes, which were delivered to Circle City Relief last month by Van Dame and her husband, Rob. Now, Van Dame wants to inspire others by giving back just like she and her family did.

“Use common sense, use your head, use your heart and your gut,” she said. “When you look through the world with a different lens, it changes things.”

Van Dame acknowledged she was a little surprised by the number of items that were collected throughout her four-day donation drive but was confident it would be a suc cess. She plans to continue Project North Star again in 2023, she said.

Van Dame also thanked those who donat ed for their generosity. She added that she hopes that more people in the community will also step up to help others.

“If you know there’s a need that you see, go do it,” she said. “Do it because it’s the right thing to do. I truly believe that with a determined heart and mind, a voice and a ‘just do it attitude,’ everyone can accom plish so much positive in this world, a world in which, in so many ways, is beaten down.”

Noblesville residents Heather Van Dame and her husband Rob delivered 108 trash bags and boxes full of winter gear to Circle City Relief, an organization that helps the homeless, last month after launching a donation drive event known as Project North Star. (Photo courtesy of Heather Van Dame)

Heart and Soul Clinic medical director receives award

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The medical director at a free clinic in Westfield that provides medical and dental services to uninsured and underinsured peo ple in Hamilton County was recently recognized for her service.

RECOGNITION

Dr. Barbara Haehner received the Vol unteerism Award from Serve Indiana, the service and volunteerism division of the Indiana Dept. of Workforce Development. Haehner’s service was recognized during the 2022 Serve Indiana Awards for Excel lence ceremony Nov. 3 at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick History Center in Indianapolis.

Haehner, who started volunteering at the Heart and Soul Free Clinic in 2015 after retiring, continues to serve as the clinic’s medical director and primary medical pro vider. She volunteers 25 to 30 hours a week by providing medical care to patients and under her care. The clinic served more than 570 patients in 2021, according to the clinic.

“People think of Hamilton County as being one of the wealthiest counties in the state, but there are still anywhere from 30,000 to 40,000 uninsured Hoosiers there,” Haehner said. “Everyone in our clinic is a volunteer, and we have grown and grown. We have many more services now than when we started. It is a blessing to serve others.

The Serve Indiana Volunteerism Award

is given to any individual 18 years older. A minimum of five volunteer hours per month or equivalent of 60 volunteer hours a year are required.

“Even though Dr. Haehner is retired, she gives her time, talents and passion to take care of patients that have barriers to health care,” said Lisa Kreag, executive director of the Heart and Soul Clinic. “She is dedicated, and this truly has been her calling. She cares deeply, and the clinic is truly grateful to her as the medical director.”

The Noblesville chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization recently donated $725 to the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville that will help supplement the costs of annual memberships for area youths. From left, Jane Meats, P.E.O. president of Noblesville’s DG Chapter, Becky Terry, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, and Sandy Fink, former president of P.E.O. (Photo cour tesy of Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville)

Dr. Barbara Haehner, center, receives the Serve Indiana Volunteerism Award during the 2022 Serve Indiana Awards for Excellence Ceremo ny Nov. 3 in Indianapolis from Serve Indiana Commission Chair Stefonie Sebastian, right, and Serve Indiana Vice Chair Jo Yocum, left, at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick History Center. (Photo courtesy of the Indiana Dept. of Workforce Development)

18 at the Hamilton County Judicial Center. The unresolved ballots did not count toward voting totals. View the final election results at secure2.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/Elections/2022G/results/index.htm. (Pho to by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Betty Mae Effinger, age 80, of Noblesville, Indiana, entered the gates of Heaven on November 22, 2022.

She was the daughter of the late Harold and Helen Davison of Columbus, Ohio, who preceded her in death. She also has a sister (Jane) who preceded her in death, and a sister (Judy) who resides in Columbus, Ohio.

She was born on December 5, 1941, in Columbus, Ohio. She married James Effinger, Sr. on June 12, 1960.

Betty is survived by her husband, Jim Effinger Sr.; and five sons, Jim Effinger, Jr. (Patti), Mark Effinger, David Effinger (Tina), Matt Effinger (Sherri), and John Effinger. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Ashley, Kayden, Keaton, Kyson, Noelle, Faith, and one great granddaughter, Addie. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Betty loved her husband and sons unconditionally. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law.

Betty had a daycare for children in her

home, that lasted 18 years. She loved watching children, and everyone loved her. It was not unusual; families were waiting in line.

Betty was a member of Northview Christian Church, and later attended Radiant Church.

Above all, Betty loved the Lord. She talked about Him all the time. We know without a doubt, she has seen the face of Jesus.

We all love Betty and will miss her terribly. However, there is no goodbye, just see you later.

Visitation was Thursday, December 1, from 12:30 to 2:45, with a Funeral Service at 2:45, at Flanner Buchanan – Hamilton Memorial Park Prairie Waters, 4180 Westfield Road, Noblesville, Indiana. Burial followed at Hamilton Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out to Radiant Christian Life Church, 16162 Carey Road, Westfield, Indiana 46074.

From left, Hamilton County Election Board members Ray Adler, Kathy Kreag Williams (who is also county clerk) and Greg Purvis review absentee ballots with missing signatures or other problems left unresolved by voters who did not respond after county officials alerted them of the issues. The review is part of the normal process of certifying election results, which occurred Nov.

Hamilton Southeastern senior linebacker ‘tackles’ success

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern senior outside linebacker Clayton Allen found it easy to pinpoint his biggest improvement — tackling.

“I almost doubled my tackles from last season to this season,” he said.

Allen had 76 tackles, including 26 solos and 50 assists for the Roy als, who finished 12-1 after losing to Fort Wayne Carroll in the Class 6A semistate.

Allen had 26 total tackles as a junior and primarily played special teams on varsity as a sophomore.

“He had some medical issues his fresh man year and overcame a lot of adversity and became a really good high school foot ball player,” Royals coach Michael Kelly said. “He’s a smart kid, just an all-around great kid.”

Kelly said one way Allen made improve ment was his commitment to working hard in the weight room.

MEET CLAYTON ALLEN

Favorite athlete: Michael Jordan

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite TV show “Riverdale”

“Last year, he was in the battle for a po sition, whether he was going to be a starter and he wasn’t a starter last year, but he kept fighting,” Kelly said. “He came in and was one of our best players on defense.”

The Royals won their first sectional title since 2011 and first regional since 2005.

“We have a phenomenal coaching staff,” Allen said. “Coach Kelly is such a great head coach. He really has instilled a culture of

I’M BACK TO LIVING A NORMAL LIFE.

For Jay, the thing that pained him most wasn’t his back, it was living within the limits his back pain set for him. Skipping workouts. Contorting to pick up a shoe. Avoiding playing with Agnes. Now that Goodman Campbell physicians treated not only his pain, but the underlying spine issues that caused it, Jay is back to living the life he loves.

Learn more about Jay and his story at GoodmanCampbell.com.

”

R., Goodman Campbell Patient

hard work and dedication in HSE. I think that was key, especially on the defensive side. Our defensive coordinator had us pre pared for every single game. There wasn’t a single game where I wasn’t prepared for what coverage we were going to be in.”

Allen said he is eager to see how the team progresses next season.

Allen competes in the 400 meters and the low and high hurdles for the track and field team, but football has always been his top sport.

Allen started playing flag football in kin dergarten and moved to tackle football in second grade.

“I used to be a running back through elementary (age) and junior high, and then I kind of developed and ended up liking defense more than offense,” said Allen, who became a linebacker as a freshman. “I fit right in at the outside linebacker spot.”

Per his college plans, Allen said he wants to go to a larger school, perhaps in the Big Ten, for education, so he might not play football in college. He is leaning toward majoring in business, but also is considering engineering or computer science.

Jay

Hamilton Southeastern senior outside lineback er Clayton Allen was key contributor to the Roy als’ 12-1 record. (Photo courtesy of Clayton Allen)

Allen

NOBLESVILLE & NORTH

Project: Pleasant Street

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

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Street will be closed until the end of the day Nov. 22 for the installation of a water main and a sanitary sewer main extension. Please use the detour route during this time.

Project: Grand Park Boulevard extension

Expected completion: Late December

Project: Road Closure

Location: Roosevelt Street will be closed through Dec. 12 for the installation of a water lateral and a sewer lateral. Please use detour routes during this time.

Expected completion: Mid-December

CARMEL

Expected completion: End of 2024

FISHERS

Project: Interchange construction on 146th street.

Location: The intersection of Ind. 37 and 146th Street. Best detour is bypassing 146th street by taking 141st street.

Expected completion: The updated completion date on the 37 Thrives construction website claims expected completion of the Ind. 37 Improvement project is set for May 2023. The 146th street interchange construction is expected to be completed by the end of November according to the 37 Thrive website.

WESTFIELD

Project: Road closure

Location: A section of Spring Mill Road

Expected completion: A section of Spring Mill Road between SR 32 and 186th

Location: A section of Grand Park Boulevard between Wheeler Road and 186th Street is closed for construction of the future Grand Park Blvd. extension. Paving has been pushed back due to a utility conflict.

Expected completion: TBD

Project: New roundabout

Location: A section of Eagletown Road between 166th Street and Ind. 32 is closed until Jan. 2, 2023. The closure is for the construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of 171st Street and Eagletown Road.

Expected completion: Closed until Jan. 2, 2023

Project: Drainage project

Location: A section of Westfield Park Road where it intersects with the Monon Trail is closed for a drainage project. Access to businesses in this area will remain open. Please note, the Monon Trail crossing will also be closed during this time.

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.

Expected completion: Road expected to reopen in December, with full and partial closures planned in the spring to finish the project.

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: Widening of the Monon Greenway Location: Between City Center Drive and Carmel Drive

Expected completion: November

Early detection. Made easy.

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With Community, it’s easier than ever to schedule an appointment online. And with multiple, convenient locations, you’re sure to find something close to home.

Schedule your mammogram online at eCommunity.com/mammogram or call 317.355.4680

EXCEPTIONAL CARE. SIMPLY DELIVERED.

Volunteer inspires public through model railroads

By Elle Kreamer elle@youarecurrent.com

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EDUCATION

A volunteer at the Hussey-Mayfield Memo rial Public Library has been ‘conducting’ the trains that run around a 6-by-8-foot tabletop model railroad in the youth sec tion since the table was built in fall of 2020. Mike McClanahan, affectionately known as “Mr. Mike the Train Guy,” has devoted his retirement to volunteering at the library, maintaining the display and cultivating imagination in the minds of people of all ages.

McClanahan’s nephew, Zionsville resident Brian Hull, was hired by the library, which attracts visitors from throughout Hamilton County, in 2020 to build the table that the railroad would sit on. When the library asked Hull if he could add a model train display to the table, Hull called on his step father, Westfield resident Bill McClanahan, and Mike McClanahan, Bill’s brother, to help design and build the display.

To keep the children engaged with the ta bletop display, McClanahan, 73, said he has them look through catalogs for scale model scenery, giving them notecards where they can write down item numbers for any new pieces they would like to add.

“I want the kids’ imaginations to come alive,” McClanahan said. “That’s why I keep adding things like zombies, ‘Where’s Waldo,’ a yeti, a Sasquatch, mermaids, dragons. That’s all stuff the kids asked for, and if they ask for something, there’s a reason why they wanted it.”

Children 8 and up who come in to learn how to control the trains can log hours with McClanahan to become Junior Engineers.

From left, Mike McClanahan teaches Liv Lewal len, 4, and her sister, El Lewallen, 7, of Carmel how to operate the model trains. (Photos by Elle Kreamer)

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

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 individuals, along with a short description of the event, location and the date of when it took place.

Correction — In the Holiday Guide that appeared in the Nov. 22 edition of Current, information and photos about Jerimiah Ow ens and Austin Owens were reversed.

Ice skating tickets available — Tickets for the Ice at Carter Green in Carmel are on sale. The rink will be open Nov. 19 through Feb. 26, 2023. Skate sessions last 90 min utes, unless noted on the skate session calendar. The cost per session on all days is $10 for adults and youth 11 and older, $8 for children 10 and younger. Skates may be rented for $4 per person. Buy tickets and learn more at theiceatcartergreen.com/ tickets.

Student Impact accepting registration for girls basketball league — Student Impact is accepting registration for its girls bas ketball league. The organization has hosted Westfield’s recreational sports program for 7th to 12th grade students for nearly 20 years. Games began Nov. 18 at the Pacers Athletic Center, 200 E. 186th St. Suite A, and will continue Friday evenings through Feb. 17, said Danyele Easterhaus, executive director of Student Impact. The boys league is currently full, but registration is being accepted for the girls’ league. For informa tion on registration and full schedules, visit www.therockwestfield.org/basketball.

500 Festival launches Living Well Program

— The 500 Festival has launched the Living Well Program, a no-cost, resident-based health initiative for apartment complexes to promote resident wellness and build community. It includes discounted regis tration for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K, training resources and built-in support to reach health goals. It also features headto-head competition against other apart ment complexes for an award for resident participation. Learn more at indymini.com/p/ mini-marathon/register/living-well-program.

Longtime event makes return to downtown Noblesville

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A tradition that has been a part of Noblesville’s down town presence on the square for decades returned with the flip of a switch to usher in the holiday season.

A crowd that brought more than 100 people spread out among three floors gathered Nov. 26 at the Hamilton Coun ty Judicial and Government Center for the Lighting of the Square, an event presented by the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Hamilton County Com missioners. The holiday-themed tradition featured perfor mances by the Noblesville First United Methodist Church, the Hartman Jazz Trio, the EnPointe Indiana Ballet, the No blesville High School string ensemble and Noblesville High School choir soloists.

Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger told those in attendance that he hoped everyone would have a great holiday season. Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heir brandt and Dan Stevens, director of administration for the county commissioners, also attended the event.

The first floor of the Hamilton County Judicial and Gov ernment Center was picturesque for the holiday season and featured a large Christmas tree adorned with lights. Many individuals in attendance also took the opportunity to take photos of the various performances, while a special appear ance was also made by Santa Claus, who secretly emerged from the first-floor elevator to greet attendees before head ing across the street for the official lighting of the square.

Noblesville resident Brittany Grimm was among those who came to the Lighting of the Square with her husband, Ronnie, and said she decided to attend because her young er sister was performing as a ballerina with the EnPointe Indiana Ballet. It was the Grimms’ first time attending the event. Brittany Grimm said it was a good way to start the holiday season.

“Very festive, lots of great talent,” she said.

The highlight of the night, however, was the official lighting of the square outside as Noblesville Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob DuBois asked those who gathered to count down starting from five that eventually led to lights being turned on. The Hamilton County Courthouse was illu minated in green lights, while other white lights were seen surrounding the square.

The Lighting of the Square is a longtime tradition in No blesville as the chamber has been partnering with the coun ty for more than three decades, according to DuBois.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the county commissioners and the county’s facilities staff in bringing (and making) this event possible and we love to showcase our local tal ent,” DuBois said. “It’s just a nice kickoff to the season.”

DuBois said the event had previously been held the Friday after Thanksgiving, but officials thought that Small Business Saturday would be a better day for it, which he noted is a good way to bring friends and family members

together.

The Hamilton County Courthouse is illuminated in green following the Lighting of the Square event Nov. 26 in downtown Noblesville.

Methodist Church, came to the Lighting of the Square with her three children, Isabella, Joshua and Olivia, and said she enjoyed seeing the community come together.

“I think that we live in incredibly divided times, and events like this remind us how much we have in common and how much we need one another,” Caldwell-Gross said.

Caldwell-Gross said having the community join to watch high school students sing, listening to the choir and praying together was important.

“It’s an opportunity to remind us of the reason for the season,” she said. “I hope that the lights that we project on our homes and in the city is really something that we proj ect all year long.”

ON THE COVER: Members of the public inside the Hamilton County Judicial and Government Center during the Lighting of the Square event Nov. 26 in Noblesville. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

MORE FAMILY HOLIDAY EVENTS

Holiday Walking Light Tour —Enjoy the holiday walking light tour throughout the Federal Hill Commons event lawn, including three displays with the perfect holiday photo opportunity.

• Where: Federal Hills at 175 Logan St. in Noblesville.

• When: Now through Jan. 9

• Cost: Free

Holiday Carriage Rides — Families can reserve a unique, private 15-minute carriage ride through downtown Noblesville or a carriage ride with Santa. Carriage rides can seat up to six adults and three to five children on adults’ laps. Santa rides seat five adults and three to five children on adults’ laps.

• Where: Federal Hills at 175 Logan St. in Noblesville.

• When: Now through Jan. 9

• Cost: Carriage ride- $75. Carriage ride with Santa- $125.

• For more: noblesvilleparks.org/317/ Holiday-Carriage-Rides

“I think people are eager to be out and about for these types of events, but for two years, we continued the tradi tion, but only outside and we had to limit entertainment,” DuBois said. “I think people wanted to see us offering that local selection of high school musicians and church choirs.”

DuBois said from the chamber’s perspective, he wants residents to visit downtown, noting that there’s “a labor of love” that businesses put into their efforts. He added that individuals can also enjoy different holiday events for free in Noblesville.

“I think that’s really important for the community to keep that fabric of the community going and you need to make sure events like this are open to all,” DuBois said.

Nicole Caldwell-Gross, pastor of Noblesville First United

Ice Skating at Ice Plaza — Come skate on the rink made of authentic ice in the plaza. Admission and skate rental are good for all day skating.

• Where:Federal Commons Ice Plaza at Federal Hills at 175 Logan St. in Noblesville.

• When: Now through Dec. 22: 5-9 p.m., Wed.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Dec. 23 through Jan. 9: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Holiday hours

• Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Christmas Day: Closed

• New Year’s Day: 11 a.m-9 p.m.

• Cost: $13 (13+), $11 (12 and under), Skate aid rental- $3

The EnPointe Indiana Ballet performs during the Lighting of the Square event inside the Hamilton County Judicial and Government Center Nov. 26 in Noblesville. (Photos by Matthew Kent)

Santa Claus made an appearance during the Lighting of the Square event in downtown Noblesville Nov. 26

ESSAY

Give or take?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Giving Tuesday has now officially passed, although the requests for the “final” gift of the year continue to flow in. Private philanthropy is a good thing. People make direct and immediate choices about the world around them and decide how they are willing to do nate their own labor to contribute to the cause. Instead of showing up hammer in hand to help raise the barn, most of us these days choose to spend the day at our own toil, whatever it may be, and forgo the benefit to ourselves and our families, and instead giving the fruit to some cause of our liking.

While it is important to follow laws regarding government revenue, one cannot claim a personal moral gold star if the tax collector eventually comes, gun in hand, to take from us the product of our labor. Conversely, there is honor to be had in working voluntarily for the benefit of others. We might contribute from excess, from gratitude, from a hope that others might care for us if we were in need, or from a genuine charity, agape. Whatever the motivation, we have worked so that some other — un able, unwilling or un-situated — does not. There is no exchange. There is little market. There is no expectation of inter est paid.

Even so, as some give, others take. Many of us hold our philanthropy to in clude direct service on boards or in the soup kitchens of nonprofits, in addition to our financial contributions. So, we be come both benefactor and beneficiary. What roles do — and should — we play? Is it right to expect gratitude from the takers? Is it right to expect gifts from the givers? Are there strings attached? Should there be? If Giving Tuesday is a mirror to Taking Tuesday, how do we make sure that doing the right thing is doing the right thing?

CURRENTOON

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

It was nice while it lasted

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

I’ve been an empty nester officially now for three months, two weeks, and five days, and I have loved every single glorious moment. The quiet evenings, the relatively clean kitchen (my husband, Doo, still doesn’t seem to understand that we have a dishwasher), and the peace of mind that can only come when your babies-turned-youngadults are no longer underfoot have been simply magical. Which is why I am somewhat dreading the holidays, as my college kiddos will once again be home.

Don’t get me wrong, it’ll be great to see them, especially our twins who are studying in Colorado and California. But why, sweet mother, do classes not resume until the end of January? Why must universities start second semes ters so ridiculously late? Do they not realize the disruption these extended breaks will cause to my beautifully crafted, long-awaited parental mile stone? This is enough time to form ac tual habits, like 1 a.m. muffin baking and sleeping ‘til noon. This will enable my newly independent offspring to rejoin the dole, which in turn will fundamen tally alter our Meijer bill and undoubted ly drive me bat-poo crazy.

And one of them is bringing her cat! I haven’t even begun to wrap my head around how a temporary pet is going to add to the chaos. No, my only chance at survival will be to convince them to return early. Perhaps between a few white lies (“We’re vegetarians now” and “The dryer’s broken”) and guilt trips about their jobs (“The lab really needs you there!”), I’ll manage to convince them to leave ahead of schedule.

POLICIES

of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@ youarecurrent.com.

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Fingers crossed! Because I have grown to love being an empty nester. Peace out.

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

Terry Anker is an associate editor

“The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.”

— LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

Present company withstanding

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

The Hammacher Schlemmer Christmas ’22 gift catalog just arrived! It’s the lon gest-running mail-order retail er of its kind, its pages filled with unique (if not quirky) selections. Here are some of my favorites. Who knows, maybe this holiday you’ll receive…

ry building, a jail, cops and police dogs. At kids’ bedtime when toys must be put away, parents can post a sign that says, “Decon struct the police.”

HUMOR

John Wayne’s Canvas Rancher Jacket: This hand-crafted jack et features a notched corduroy collar. I guess the notches each rep resent some poor soul Duke wasted in a mov ie. Do the five buttons denote the people he eliminated in his real life for not embracing the Second Amend ment? None of these jackets were returned, with customers saying, “You’ll have to pry that coat from my cold, dead hands.”

The Electronic Tag Game: This is a modern version of tag, where kids wear LED lights so they can see who has been tagged. Huh? When I was a kid, I wasn’t smart enough to reduce a fraction, but I sure didn’t need a light to know who was “it.”

This giant plush pachyderm sings, “Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro?” At 8 years old and first discovering my body, that’s not how I sang the words.

The Warming Cat Bed: “Recommended by veterinarians,” says HS. But only two vets could make an honest endorsement — the only two small enough to fit in the bed. The catalog says it can also be used for a small dog — but I’d take the cat out first.

The Side Sleepers’ Ergonomic Pillow: Ideal for someone who is sleeping with someone on the side. The pillow adjusts to your head and neck, providing support (pro viding support is what you will have to do if you get caught).

The Perfect Spiral Robotic Quarter back: This training tool loads footballs and launches them 75 feet. You pump each ball, putting in as much air as you like. Endorsed by Tom Brady.

The Lego City Police Station: The 680-piece Lego set comes with a three-sto

– DICK WOLFSIE

The New York Times Jigsaw Puzzle of Your Birthdate: Ever wonder what the front page of the New York Times looked like the day you were born? Me, either. This 600-piece puzzle tests your concentration and pa tience. Remember the New York Times slo gan, “All the news we print will fit,” unless the dog chewed a piece.

The Personalized Animated Singing Elephant Chair: This giant plush pachyderm sings, “Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro?” At 8 years old and first discovering my body, that’s not how I sang the words.

One favorite item from a past holiday edi tion is still available:

The Soft Kangaroo Wallet: This billfold is made from the hide of a kangaroo. How ironic that here’s an animal, one of the few on the planet with an actual pocket that can carry something, and we made him into a wallet.

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

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

An October fundraiser hosted by the Riverview Health Foundation to benefit the acute inpatient unit at Riverview Health brought in more than $200,000, according to organizers.

FUNDRAISER

The Oct. 28 black-tie event known as Shaken, Not Stirred at Ritz Charles in Carmel brought more than 260 attendees, who enjoyed casino-style games, magicians, musicians and learned about the need to update and renovate the current acute inpa tient rehabilitation unit. Total proceeds from sponsorships, ticket sales, live and silent auctions and gifts at the event totaled more than $200,000, according to the foundation.

“We host an event like this once every three years, so we wanted it to be a spe cial night for everyone in attendance,” said Megan Wiles, executive director of the Riv erview Health Foundation. “The focus of the evening was to celebrate the amazing staff of Riverview Health and to raise awareness of this project. The renovation to the acute inpatient rehabilitation unit is the fundrais

ing focus for the foundation right now.”

Wiles said based on current building costs, it will cost $2.7 million to completely renovate the unit.

“We’re confident that former patients, family members, physicians and other phil anthropic individuals and families will see the importance of supporting this project. In addition to individual and family gifts, proceeds from our event as well as upcom ing events in 2023 will help to reach this lofty goal,” Wiles said.

Wiles said the foundation believes it is an important project that will directly ben efit the patients of the unit, in addition to their families.

Local roofing company supports workers, communities

By Elle Kreamer elle@youarecurrent.com

Growing up with parents in the roofing industry, Zionsville siblings Gene and Randy Judd were no strangers to the hardships associated with the sea sonal nature of the busi ness. Randy said growing up in Rockford, Ill., their mother encouraged them to attend college and not become roofers.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Despite his mother’s ad monition, Gene followed his entrepreneurial dream and started his own roofing busi ness. After graduating from Indiana Univer sity in 1987, Gene, who now lives in Zions ville, worked out of his garage in Speedway as a roofer. He launched Bone Dry Roofing in 1989 and it now has 13 locations across the U.S., including Indianapolis.

“It was tough for (our parents) to make a steady living at the time,” Gene said. “We moved 13 times when I was younger because my parents would be looking for a job. I would come home from school and the sheriff would be there to move my family out of our home.”

Gene’s brother, Randy, who also lives in Zionsville, joined the business as its vice president in 1997. He is semi retired from Bone Dry Roofing.

“The culture at Bone Dry has always been very employee-centric, as well as custom er-centric,” Randy said. “At the start, the company was highly based on referrals and reputation and word of mouth. So, we were very, very much concerned about all the customers being happy with our work, and that’s really how we were able to grow.”

Gene said he tries to maintain a consis tently supportive work environment for employees, no matter how much the com pany grows. He said the firm does its best to take care of employees by providing them with financial advisors, 401(k)s, paid-time off, health insurance and educational opportuni ties through the company’s training program, Bone Dry University, among other benefits.

The company has approximately 500 employees.

“When I started the business, I wanted to provide stability and peace of mind for my family to be able to offer them some of the

advantages that I didn’t have growing up,” Gene said. “I want my people to be able to have that peace of mind so they can support their families and have a secure position.”

Twenty-four years ago, Grant Costeel, a longtime roofer, was living in a trailer on the west side of Indianapolis. He said he was looking for better opportunities, so he flipped through the phone book looking for the biggest ad for a roofing company. When he found a full-page ad for Bone Dry Roof ing, he said he applied immediately.

Costeel was hired as a roofer and soon after was running the crew. He is now the manager for Bone Dry Roofing in Indianapo lis, and said he is proud to be a part of such a reputable and supportive company and to be able to support himself and his daughter.

“It’s great to go to somebody’s house, especially as a salesman or as an employee, and to be able to go to the door and say all these great things and know that they’re true,” Costeel said. “The brand is how we make people feel. They always say people won’t remember you for what you say or do, they remember you for how they make you feel.”

Gene said in addition to supporting em ployees, Bone Dry Roofing promotes a cul ture of giving through philanthropic work.

Gene said the company has been building roofs for Habitat for Humanity projects in the Boone County area for approximately 20 years, and it tries to do the same in each of the 13-plus communities where Bone Dry does business. He said the company is involved in other philanthropic efforts, including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and conducts a ‘Bone Dry Loves Pink’ breast cancer awareness campaign every fall.

Gene Judd

Bone Dry Roofing employees construct a roof for a home built by Habitat for Humanity of Boone County in 2019. (Photos courtesy of Bone Dry Roofing)

currentnightandday.com

Marie Osmond to make her Palladium debut

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Marie Osmond, Christmas is about memories, not possessions.

my sixth decade of music performing con sistently, which is crazy, so I’ll do a few things that people will enjoy.”

Osmond said she will share stories of her career during the concert.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

“I feel people need a little bit of hope, a little bit of laughter and some love,” she said. “They actually need to be togeth er. My philosophy has always been, ‘Do you remember what you got for Christmas five years ago?’ But I do remember the time I spent with friends and family, going to events and having dinner. Those are the things that make memories, and those are the things I like to provide for people.”

CONCERT

Osmond wants to add to the audience’s memories with an 8 p.m. concert Dec. 10 at the Palladium at the Center for the Per forming Arts in Carmel. It is Osmond’s first visit to the Palladium and is part of her symphonic Christmas tour.

“I’ve been associated with Christmas since I was a fetus,” Osmond said. “I started out with Andy Williams’ Christmas shows at 3. I did my first Bob Hope Christ mas show when I was 13, and he kind of became a second dad. I did USO Christmas shows and then Donny and Marie and Os mond Family (shows), so I know a little about Christmas. It’s super fun.”

Osmond will perform a couple of songs from her 2021 album “Unexpected,” which feature a collection of Broadway and opera classics that debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Classical Crossover Albums Chart.

“It blew my mind,” she said. “I didn’t think it would do anything. It was me spend ing 25 years learning to sing legit opera.”

Osmond, 63, said the type of Christmas music she performs fits well with an orchestra.

“It’s going to be musi cally diverse, eclectic,” said Osmond, adding she will mostly perform Christmas songs. “It’s

Osmond and her older brother, Donny, ended their 11-year residency at the Flamin go in Las Vegas in 2019. Donny now has a solo residency at Harrah’s in Las Vegas.

“He’s going to die Wayne Newton,” Os mond jokingly said of her brother. “It was lovely (that) people came 11 years to see the show. In my heart, I felt I needed to go to people, especially because traveling is costly right now. I love the road. I’ve probably performed more on the road than anyone in my family, whether it was doing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘The Sound of

“I think the whole part of the holiday spirit is to interact,” she said. “I think a good location is important. I hand-pick all these areas. I wanted to go to places that I hav en’t been. Although I swear I’ve performed everywhere, from fairs to festivals to honkytonks, I wanted to put this show in places where I felt people would enjoy it.”

Her nephew, David Osmond, will per form with her.

“He’s a phenomenal talent,” she said. “I don’t use him because he’s an Osmond. I use him because he’s terrific. He has an amazing story. He teases me, ‘I know why you have me in the show, so you can make costume changes.’ I said, ‘OK, there you go.’ But, no, he’s terrific. There will be things that bring back wonderful Christmas memories. We’ll have some new

Osmond will perform with local orches

“I believe in (doing) that. There are so many talented musicians,” she said. “Some of them have been performing five or six decades, too. It’s nice to utilize local

One thing that drives Osmond is

“When we did the show in Vegas, the show would be an hour-and-a-half and my meet-and-greet would be like three hours,” she said. “I’ve been through a lot of difficult things and people know that I understand, so they will come and talk to me about things. God doesn’t care who you are in this life, he cares about how you do your job and how you treat other people. That’s my philosophy.”

For tickets, visit thecenter presents.org.

Marie Osmond will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Palladium. (Photo

“It’s a Wonderful Life” runs through Dec. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianap olis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘A

CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL’

Civic Theatre presents “A Christmas Story, The Musical” through Dec. 24 at The Tarking ton at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT’

Mud Creek Players’ production of “The Christmas Spirit,” a holiday comedy, runs through Dec. 17 at Mud Creek Theatre, 9740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis. For more, visit mudcreekplayers.org.

‘UH-OH,

HERE COMES CHRISTMAS’

Carmel Players will present “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas” from Dec. 9-18 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘CHRISTMAS AT THE PLAYHOUSE’

“Christmas at the Playhouse” will feature six original one-act plays from Dec. 9-11 at the Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

‘DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS TOUR’

“Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour” concert is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘MARIE OSMOND: A SYMPHONIC CHRISTMAS TOUR’

“Marie Osmond: A Symphonic Christmas Tour” concert is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenter presents.org.

‘I’LL

BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS’

Indiana Wind Symphony’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” concert is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Palladium at the Center for the Perform ing Arts in Carmel. There will be a matinee performance at 2 p.m. featuring a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. For more, visit thecen terpresents.org.

courtesy of Marie Osmond)

Soloist returns for IWS show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Director Charles Conrad that kids would love the drama of the piece.

In the evening, Anderson will sing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “It’s the Most Wonder ful Time of the Year” and “O Holy Night.”

CONCERT

After graduating from Carmel High School in 2011, Jessamyn Anderson began perform ing with the Indiana Wind Symphony. The soprano soloist will appear with the IWS Dec. 11 for two performances at the Palladium at the Center for the Per forming Arts in Carmel. The matinee performance at 2 p.m. will include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The 7 p.m. performance’s theme is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

Anderson

“I am most excited about bringing my daughter to the afternoon kids’ show,” An derson said. “It’s wild that I was a freshman in college when I first sang ‘O Holy Night’ with the IWS, and now I’m bringing my baby to the shows. I feel like I’ve grown up, pro fessionally speaking, with this ensemble. For the afternoon show, I will perform ‘Let It Go’ from ‘Frozen’ and our special, epic arrangement of ‘O Holy Night,’ a first for the matinee.”

Anderson said she convinced IWS Music

“It has been a joy to watch and hear her develop over those years into an outstanding operatic sopra no who has tremendous versatility,” Conrad said. “I am certain that we will be seeing her on stages around the world in the next few years. She is a wonderful artist with which to collaborate.”

Anderson and her husband live in Colum bia, Tenn., near Nashville.

“We love it in Tennessee, but I do miss being close to my family — and round abouts,” Anderson said.

The guest conductor for the concert is Catherine Maloney, who is the band teacher at Pendleton Heights Middle School. She has been accepted to be the next conductor of the Indiana National Guard Band following recent auditions. She has played flute with the IWS since 2013.

For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

‘Christmas at the Playhouse’ set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Nicole Amsler is eager to direct her own one-act play as part of “Christmas at the Playhouse.”

Amsler said. “It’s about a family and you see all the dysfunction, but they are all writing those newsletters that are very sweet. They all say the best things but behind the scenes you realize that is not truly how it is.”

PLAYS

The group of six oneact original plays is set for Dec. 9-11 at Basile Westfield Playhouse.

Amsler, a Noblesville resident, wrote and directs “Holiday Cards.” She also is the director for “Clara The Christmas Tree Angel,” which was written by Enid Cokinos.

Two plays, “A Requiem for Shermy” and “Last Minute Shoppers,” were written by Mark Harvey Levine. The other plays are “Garland, Gynos, and Gurneys” by Megan Ann Jacobs and “Tradition” by Josh Elicker. The short plays by Indiana writers are 10 to 12 minutes long. Amsler said Logan Laflin will sing between the acts.

Amsler said “Holiday Cards” started as a book she wrote during National Novel Writ ing Month several years ago.

“When I started playwriting, I decided it would make a really good short story,”

There are six performers in “Hol iday Cards” with a mother, her two adult children and significant others and a younger daughter.

“I’ve had this play staged before where I went to go see it and some one else directed it,” Amsler said. “It was done in New York and in Wis consin. It was very interesting to see other people direct that play, so I’m ex cited to be able to do it myself. If you don’t direct the ending correctly, there is a pretty big reveal that gets lost if you change the lighting or let people think it’s come to an end. There is actually a pretty big surprise at the end.”

Amsler said all the plays are uplifting and fun.

Earlier this year, Amsler acted for the first time in 27 years in “Calendar Girls” at Epilogue Players Theatre in Indianapolis.

For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

Amsler

Carmel teen gets special role

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Anya Stephenson is eager for the chal lenges of portraying the Snow Queen.

the Snow Queen has many entrances at the end of Act 1.”

BALLET

“Snow Queen has always been one of my favorite roles,” Stephenson said. “I enjoyed the music of the snow scene. I’ve been working with the snow pas de deux with my partner and it’s been a new challenge for me. I like working on a new character to bring to life for the audience.”

Stephenson plays other roles in the scenes in the two shows when the other dancer, Indianapolis resident Miriam Danek, portrays Snow Queen. Stephenson is Snow Queen in the final two performances.

Stephenson Farley

“It’s one of my favorite ballets to watch and to dance in,” Stephenson said. “I love learning new chore ography every year and it never gets old.”

The Carmel High School freshman will appear in the Ballet Theatre of Carmel Acad emy’s production of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 16-18 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. The shows are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 2 p.m. Dec. 18.

“Something that has been important to me is building my stamina,” Stephenson said. “The choreography is very intricate and there is a lot to think about because

Ciara Farley, a homeschooled junior from Carmel, will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the first two performances. She has been with BTCA for 11 years.

“This is one of my dream roles and I’m ex cited to have been cast as Sugar Plum,” Far ley said. “One of the things I look forward to is the artistry of the performances. I love ‘The Nutcracker.’ It has so many memories. It’s a magical experience.”

For more, visit ballettheatreofcarmel.org/ nutcracker/.

CCP to present holiday play

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

One of Kevin Shadle’s favorite authors is Robert Fulghum.

PRODUCTION

So, it’s not surprising Shadle would be a fan of “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas,” a play based on Fulghum’s books.

Shadle, a Fishers resident, will perform in Carmel Community Players’ production of “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas” from Dec. 9 to 18 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. The play features a collection of stories, songs and vignettes.

“What I like about it is that it is very real,” Shadle said. “It’s very human. It’s not your usual Christmas show in that you don’t feel like you are sitting in church and it’s not sil ly. Everybody will be able to identify with so much in this show. That’s what I definitely love about this.”

Westfield resident Kate Hinman is the di rector, and it is her first time directing with CCP. She also is a Fulghum fan. So, when she saw on Facebook that CCP was looking for a director for the show, she asked to see the script.

The cast of “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas” in cludes back, from left, Kevin Shadle, Tom Riddle and Matt Trgovac, and front, from left, Joy Ried and Tonya Rave. (Photo courtesy of Tanya Haas)

“I was through three vignettes, and I said, ‘I want to do this show,” Hinman said. “It’s very funny. It’s an actors’ show be cause they are challenged because they are going from telling the story to interacting with invisible characters. Each actor has one to two monologues.”

Tonya Rave, a Lawrence Township resi dent, said the vignettes are poignant.

“A lot of what my character Peggy says resonates with me, so it makes it more fun to play the character,” Rave said.

For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

BOOK BY JOSEPH ROBINETTE

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY BENJ PASEK AND JUSTIN PAUL

Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark, and upon In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd.

Don’t cut carbs this season

Commentary by Mark LaFay

CHRISTMAS MUSIC A day of Perfect for the whole family!

CHARCUTERIE

called Rustic Bakery. They make several dif ferent toasts, crackers, cookies and more. In fact, if you go to a wine tasting in California, the odds are good you will find Rustic Bak ery’s flatbread crackers at your wine tasting. Its Sel Gris flatbread crackers are delicious. Thin and flavorful, these crackers pack great flavor and pair wonderfully with anything you could have on your charcuterie board. They also go great alone (and they are great for resetting your palate when wine tasting).

The water cracker is great for meat and cheese because it is thin, light, savory and generally very mild in flavor. Carr’s Water Crackers are a very popular brand, and for good reason. Carr’s has been in business since 1832. The crackers are baked in a tradi tional brick oven, and they are thin, crunchy and tasty! Carr’s crackers are great for providing crunch without overpowering the meat, cheese or jams with additional flavor. Whatever route you go, don’t leave off the crunch carbs from your charcuterie board.

Wind Symphony

In Northern California, there is a bakery

Where’s Amy?

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

Where’s Amy attends IBC’s ‘The Nutcracker’

In light of the great celebration of car bohydrates also known as the holidays, it is only fitting that we take a look at some great carby, critical charcuterie components (score 4 points for the alliteration). Crackers, bread, and toast are must-haves for a successful charcuterie board. They are delicious on their own. They also serve as excellent vehicles for deliver ing meat, cheese and accoutrements to your mouth. Unlike the ballpark hot dog bun, the crumble of toast and the crunch of a cracker provide additional dimension to your munch ing experience besides having tasty flavors that can be savory and sweet.

Toast is a great option for a charcuterie board. You can make your own toast by crisping up some brioche and cutting it into bite sized pieces. You could also opt to get a pre-made toast like Trois Petite Cochon Toast. These toast minis are made in France with natural ingredients and baked off into a crunchy, crumbly bite. These are great for sweet jams or savory toppings. I find the ‘crouton-esque’ nature of these toast minis to be quite pleasing.

Where’s Amy attended Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s annual “The Nutcracker” performance Nov. 26 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The presentation included a special accompaniment by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. For more on future performances, visit indi anaballetconservatory.org. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

Visiting Chicago’s Millennium and Maggie Daley Parks

Commentary by Don Knebel

Keeping watch for sasquatch

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

My daughter has started roaming the streets looking for Bigfoot clues. Accord ing to her kindergarten classmates, Big foot only comes out at night, and that’s when he drops clues around the neighborhood. While on walks with our puppy, my daughter finds interesting rocks, oddly shaped pieces of mulch and even the occasional rusty shard of unknown garbage. All of these items are clues. My friend Byron (the con spiracy theory enthusiast) is thrilled by my daughter’s new Bigfoot obsession.

GRAMMAR GUY

abominable snowmen to adnominals, or adnouns. No, these aren’t nouns you find in popup ads on websites; adnouns are adjectives used as nouns. While I’ve written before about the “verbification” of nouns; now we’re going to “nounify” some adjectives.

Here’s an easy example to understand adnouns: “…the land of the free and the home of the brave.” At the end of “The Star-Spangled Banner” (an unfortunate na tional anthem because who has that kind of vocal range?) we find two adjectives used as nouns. “Free” and “brave” stand alone as adnouns here.

In the “Sermon on the Mount” in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Here again we see an adjective — the word “meek” — standing alone as a noun.

Today, we visit Millennium Park and Mag gie Daley Park, which each year draw mil lions of people, including fami lies, to the heart of Chicago. Millennium Park lies just west of Lake Michigan, between Randolph and East Monroe streets. Named for the third millennium, the 25-acre park opened in 2004, four years behind schedule.

TRAVEL

The park cost $475 million to construct, about half provided by private donors in exchange for naming rights. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion features a band shell designed by architect Frank Gehry, with 4,000 perma nent seats and lawn space for 7,000 more. The AT&T plaza features “Cloud Gate,” a three-story sculpture designed by Anish Kapoor. Nicknamed “The Bean” because of its shape, the sculpture, made from 168 sheets of polished stainless steel, reflects the nearby skyline. Crown Fountain, named for Chicago’s Crown Family, includes a black granite reflecting pool between two glass brick towers. The 50-foot-tall towers display videos of the faces of about 1.000 Chicagoland residents, with water appear ing to flow from the subject’s mouth about every five minutes. The 2.5-acre Lurie Gar den, named for philanthropist Anne Lurie, features perennials, trees, grasses, shrubs and trees.

Maggie Daley Park is named for the wife of longtime Chicago Mayor Richard Michael Daley. She died of cancer in 2011. Lying be tween Columbus Drive and Lake Shore Drive, the 20-acre park is linked to Millennium Park by the BP Pedestrian Bridge, a winding footbridge over Columbus Drive. The park

includes many attractions for families and children, including a quarter-mile ice-skat ing ribbon, rock-climbing walls, tennis courts and a miniature golf course featuring Chicago highlights. A 3-acre Play Garden for children 12 and under includes the popular Enchanted Forest.

In 2021, Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park collectively attracted about 25 million visitors, making them among the top 10 most popular destinations in the United States.

As a kid, I wasn’t as concerned about Bigfoot. Instead, I lost sleep over the Okie Ogre, a nocturnal monster who ate family pets and spit out their bones in the driveway. Was the Okie Ogre merely a freakishly large raccoon, or had the abominable snowman missed a left turn at Albuquerque? Was it even real? It’s hard to say. Perhaps I should have been getting ready for a yeti or keeping watch for a sasquatch.

It’s time to make a hard pivot from

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

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

The “Cloud Gate” sculpture in Chicago’s Millennium Park. (Photos by Don Knebel)

Don Knebel at Maggie Daley Park in Chicago.

Crown Fountain in Millennium Park.

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

Characters: BRUCE, JOKER, PENGUIN, RIDDLER, ROBIN; Holders: CUP, GLASS, MUG, TUMBLER; Companies: KAFFEINE, NEIDHAMMER, RABBLE; Arsenal: AVENUE, TECH; Attraction: CONNER PRAIRIE

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