December 20, 2022 — Noblesville

COMMUNITY

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

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

December 20, 2022

Current in Noblesville currentnoblesville.com

City OKs EDA for joint replacement center

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

City leaders in Noblesville have approved an economic development agreement with a joint replacement center that will be at Innovation Mile.

GOVERNMENT

Indiana Joint Replacement Institute plans to build a 35,000-square-foot ambulatory surgery center and medical office building dedicated to hip and knee joint replacements as part of a $28 million investment. The facility will be constructed on 6.5 acres owned by the city at the southeast corner of Olio Road.

Under the approved agreement, the company plans to commit 52 new jobs by 2024, with average annual wages of $125,000. The company will also receive a 10-year personal property tax abatement for up to $5 million of an investment that is made, according to the agreement.

In addition, the city plans to pay for engineering and construction costs for a pedestrian walkway connecting the project to the Innovation Mile development, while the land would be sold to the company for $1. Dr. Michael Meneghini, who spoke to the Noblesville Common Council about the project, said he looks forward to the development being located in Noblesville.

The proposed development will be two

stories and include four operating rooms with the ability to expand if needed; 16 pre- and post-operative bays; X-ray, physical therapy, and 20 exam rooms, according to city documents. The building will also have dedicated research and education space to continue ongoing research the company has conducted for the last 15 years, officials said. “This medical complex will be the epi-

center of the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute within the State of Indiana and across the US,” company officials said in documents provided by the city.

Construction is expected to take two years before the building is occupied, said Sarah Reed, director of community and economic development for the city of Noblesville.

County offers help filing Camp Lejeune claims

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

• Multiple myeloma

• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

• Parkinson’s disease

GOVERNMENT

The Hamilton County Veteran Services Office is offering to help qualifying veterans file for service-connected disabilities related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

As part of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act passed in August, anyone who was exposed to contaminated water at the U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987 can file a claim with Veterans Affairs if they have been diagnosed with one or more of these presumptive conditions:

• Adult leukemia

• Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes

• Bladder cancer

• Kidney cancer

• Liver cancer

“We encourage Hamilton County veterans who served at Camp Lejeune during the aforementioned dates to contact us,” said Lisa Charles, veteran service officer for Hamilton County. “We are here to help veterans, their surviving spouse, and their helpless children complete the necessary paperwork to support their VA claim at no cost.”

According to the county, ads by personal injury lawyers that solicit clients to file Camp Lejeune lawsuits are prevalent on the internet, television and in print. However, officials say what many veterans and their families don’t understand is that they can file the paperwork themselves or with a county veteran service officer with relatively little time and effort.

“We are concerned about the significant attorney advertising targeting veterans

and veteran families because of the law that passed this summer,” said Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman, who is also a Carmel attorney. “Personal injury attorneys typically charge up to 40 percent of the recovery received. That’s money that could be going to the recovery of those suffering from serious illness instead.”

If awarded through the VA, the veteran, surviving spouse or helpless child may receive monthly compensation based on the veteran’s health condition and severity. Officials said that if they file through a lawyer, their compensation will be awarded in one-time lump sum.

The Hamilton County Veteran Services Office can help with all VA compensation and pension claims at no charge to the veteran or their family. For more information, visit the Veteran Services Office at 1 Hamilton County Square, Suite 179, Noblesville, or call 317-776-9610.

A rendering of a proposed 35,000-square-foot ambulatory surgery center and medical office building being planned by the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute, which plans to construct the project at Innovation Mile. (Photo provided by city of Noblesville

Noblesville receives $1M through Community Crossings program

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

impacts to safety and economic development, according to INDOT.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The City of Noblesville has been awarded $1 million through a state matching grant program that will be used for road resurfacing.

Noblesville is among 229 cities, towns and counties that received a combined $119 million in state matching funds through the Community Crossings program, which are used for local construction projects such as roads and bridges. The cities of Carmel and Westfield also each received $1 million, according to the Indiana Dept. of Transportation.

“Community Crossings is a tremendous opportunity for towns, cities and counties to enhance local road networks across the state,” Indiana Dept. of Transportation Commissioner Mike Smith said. “INDOT looks forward to partnering with locals to deliver on projects that will have a positive impact on safety and bring business to Indiana. I’m excited to see the progress in these communities throughout the coming year.”

To qualify for funding, local governments must provide local matching funds of 50 percent for larger communities or 25 percent for smaller communities and have an asset management plan for maintaining existing roads and bridges. Applications that were submitted were evaluated based on need and current conditions, as well as

Noblesville City Engineer Alison Krupski said the city’s applications were for street resurfacing, which includes Americans with Disabilities Act and sidewalk repairs, spot inlet repairs and curb repairs. The city included the Stony Ridge neighborhood, portions of North Harbour, portions of Howe Road and Greenfield Avenue, in addition to Allisonville Road from Sommerwood Drive to Wellington Parkway in its application, Krupski said.

Krupski said every road in the city is reviewed every two years and are given a ranking that helps determine potential areas of improvement. Residents can expect to see road improvements in 2023, she added.

Krupski said the matching grant funding is especially important in areas within the city that may need road improvements, such as in Old Town Noblesville.

“When we can have an extra $1 million to do that, it definitely helps out every citizen,” she said.

Gov. Eric Holcomb said modernizing and improving transportation infrastructure is a key component of driving economic development in the Hoosier state.

“The Community Crossings program continues to help take communities to the next level by providing safe, reliable roads and bridges for residents and visitors alike,” Holcomb stated.

From left, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, City Engineer Alison Krupski and Indiana Dept. of Transportation Commissioner Mike Smith display a replica check. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

Santa Claus and employees from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office delivered Christmas gifts to a child in Hamilton County earlier this month. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Community Foundation

(Photo courtesy of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office)

Mt. Vernon senior tight end earns state position award

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Being named the top tight end in Indiana high school football wasn’t on Mt. Vernon senior George Burhenn’s radar before the season.

“I forgot there was even an award at the beginning of the season, but then I saw that this would be pretty cool to win if I perform how I should,” Burhenn said.

Burhenn recently was named the Indiana Football Coaches Association Mr. Football Position Award winner for tight end.

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Burhenn caught 38 passes for 784 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 16 carries for 127 yards and one touchdown for Mt. Vernon (6-4).

“He had a huge year for us with the production on the offensive side of the ball and special teams,” Marauders coach Vince Lidy said.

As a junior, Burhenn had 28 receptions for 443 yards for the Marauders (14-1), who

MEET GEORGE BURHENN

Favorite athlete: Taysom Hill

Favorite subject: Science

Favorite movie: “The Wolf of Wolf Street”

Ideal vacation spot: Aruba

won the Class 4A state title in 2021.

Lidy said Burhenn was a difference-maker as a junior, but the team had more offensive weapons. This past season, Lidy said teams prepared to stop Burhenn. In practice, Lidy said they prepared for Burhenn to be double-teamed.

“He was super coachable as we put him

Mt.

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.

anywhere from a running back, to a slot back, to tight end to wideout,” Lidy said. “ Burhenn said he has made the most im-

provement with his versatility.

“I improved on all my weaknesses, like blocking and running after the catch,” he said.

Burhenn also played safety, sharing the position with another player.

“Once we started playing the better teams, I was basically playing the whole game,” he said.

Burhenn, a hurdler on the track and field team, averaged 18.9 yards on kickoff returns and 19.5 yards on punt returns last season.

“Returning kicks is always a dream to do, and you don’t see many big guys like me doing it, so it was pretty fun,” he said.

Burhenn said has committed to play football for Purdue University, but with the recent coaching change, he is keeping his options open. Coach Jeff Brohm left Purdue to take the University of Louisville coaching job, and several staff members have left with him. Former University of Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters was named Purdue’s coach Dec. 13.”

“I’ll probably check out Louisville a little bit because the coaches I know are there, but I’ll talk with my family and see what is best for me,” Burhenn said.

”

R., Goodman Campbell Patient

Jay

Vernon tight end George Burhenn, 81, was named the Indiana Football Coaches Association Mr. Football Position Award. (Photo courtesy of Stacy Muffler)

Burhenn

Five recognized for life-changing achievements

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Five individuals were recently recognized for making changes to their lives while on probation.

“So, if you ever see someone suffering, extend a hand. Listen to them. Love on them,” he said. “That may be all the motivation they need to start turning their lives around.”

COURTS

The Hamilton County Courts’ Dept. of Probation Services held its annual Wall of Change celebration Nov. 16 in the jury assembly room at the Hamilton County Judicial and Government Center Building in Noblesville.

“A lot of people hear about probation when someone has violated their terms,” said Paul McGriff, assistant director of the Dept. of Probation Services. “But the vast majority of people complete probation and there are many making big, difficult changes to better their lives and their community. Their accomplishments deserve to be celebrated.”

Among the individuals who were honored include Rob Bartlett and Garrett Steele, officials said. Steele started using drugs when he was 14 and a freshman at Noblesville High School.

Steele has spent his entire adult life in and out of prison and living on the streets and has racked up 16 felony convictions, all

of which are related to drugs and alcohol, officials said. He is now sober and teaching others about the dangers of addiction.

“A lot of people end up in the system and don’t get the help they need,” Steele said. “Addiction is more than just a physical disorder. It’s also in the heart.”

Steele also offered some advice for the public.

Heather Grinstead, a probation officer who nominated Garrett for the Wall of Change, said she has seen him succeed in his career as a car salesman and find a passion for ministry while on probation.

“He is committed to maintaining his sobriety long-term and is motivated to strengthen his personal relationships and offer a hand up to those who need it,” Grinstead said.

Twelve individuals have now received the Wall of Change award. Those who are awarded with the honor have a plaque hanging in the lobby of the Dept. of Probation Services, officials said.

“At least two of this year’s award recipients mentioned seeing the Wall of Change and wanting to be on it someday,” McGriff said. “When we started the program, we really just wanted to honor those who made the 180-degree change in their lives. So, it’s really cool to find out now that those plaques are inspiring others to make the change.”

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

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.

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 State Road 37 Improvement project is set for May 2023.

Garrett Steele, right, and probation officer

Heather Grinstead. Steele was one of five individuals who were recognized for making changes while on probation. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County)

DISPATCHES

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

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 minutes, 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.

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 registration 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 apartment complexes for an award for resident participation. Learn more at indymini.com/p/ mini-marathon/register/living-well-program.

Prevent catalytic converter theft — Jiffy Lube of Indiana and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Dept. have partnered to launch the Catalytic Converter Identification 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 converter and add a stripe of high-temp paint, which adds an extra layer of protection to any vehicle at no additional cost (and no purchase necessary). Services will remain in effect indefinitely.

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

High School choir singers perform at the

7 Noblesville Chamber of Commerce’s

day luncheon at the Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Noblesville Schools)

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Noblesville woman is making a difference in the lives of moms and caregivers who have children in the neonatal intensive care unit at Riley Hospital for Children with some much-needed comfort.

Four years after a traumatic childbirth experience, Sarah Pulley is giving back her time by volunteering inside a beauty bar at the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms inside the maternity tower at Riley. Pulley’s daughter, Amelia, was born four years ago at 27 weeks gestation, weighing 1 pound., 11 ounces.

Pulley and her family spent the first four months of Amelia’s life between the Community North Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Unit and Riley Children’s NICU. After the initial four-month stay, Pulley and her daughter have since frequented Riley for inpatient stays and many outpatient visits.

Pulley, who is a hairstylist and owner of Three Seventeen Hair Design in Carmel, volunteers her time in the beauty bar where moms can get a little downtime with some pampering by getting free hair care ranging from a wash and style to a scalp massage. She said it was especially important to give back to a place that helped her and her family.

“When your child is in the hospital, and especially when you have an infant in the NICU, you kind of lose all sense of self,” Pulley said. “You are very much in the moment and very much in survival mode, (and) to be able to create some sort of support or share hope or inspiration, anything with families, it was a huge pull and something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Pulley said she can relate to moms who are staying at Riley with their children, noting that her goal is to not only to provide comfort and pampering, but also some downtime.

“Just allowing them to breathe for a minute and just giving them the opportunity to feel like a human again, frankly,” Pulley said. “It kind of seems silly, you know, getting your hair washed, but at the same time, the power of human touch is unbelievable, and so allowing a mom to close their eyes, breathe and be taken care of and focus on what they need to focus on, which is their child, (is important).”

Pulley said it is important for parents, moms and caregivers to take care of themselves, saying she tries to remind them of that point and that it’s OK to step away for a moment. Still, Pulley acknowledged that she and her husband Adam’s perspective changed when their daughter was in the NICU at Riley.

“It is hard, and when you’re in the moment, it’s very hard to stay positive,” she said.

Pulley said she finds it personally rewarding being able to volunteer her time at the beauty bar, which is only open once a month. She hopes more days can be added in the fu-

ture and noted that the response has been overwhelmingly positive from those who have stepped inside the space.

ABOUT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF CENTRAL INDIANA

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana, which is a close partner with Riley Children’s Health, provides a supportive home away from home for families of children receiving medical care at Riley Children’s Health and other area hospitals. They operate one Ronald McDonald House near downtown Indianapolis and two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms inside Riley Children’s.

Source: Ronald McDonald House of Charities of Central Indiana

“The feeling of all of it is amazing,” she said.

And Amelia is doing well four years later as Pulley noted her daughter recently started preschool.

“She’s unbelievable, she’s amazing,” Pulley said.

Still, Pulley is thankful for all the support her family received from the staff at Riley when caring for her daughter.

“The nurses and doctors and respiratory therapists are unbelievable at what they do,” she said. “Riley truly is a house of miracles.”

Pulley encourages others to step up and help those around them when they can.

“Any little thing you can do to help other people is huge,” she said.

ON THE COVER: Noblesville resident Sarah Pulley pauses inside the beauty bar at the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms. Pulley volunteers her time providing hair care and comfort to families who have children in the neonatal intensive care unit at Riley Hospital for Children. (Photos by Matthew Kent)

Noblesville woman volunteers

time, provides comfort to moms at Riley Hospital for Children

Sarah Pulley and her husband, Adam, with their daughter, Amelia, who was born four years ago at 27 weeks gestation. Pulley and her family spent the first four months of Amelia’s life between the Community North Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Unit and Riley Children’s NICU. (Photos provided by Sarah Pulley)

Sarah Pulley enjoys a moment with her daughter, Amelia. Pulley, the owner of a hair salon in Carmel, now gives back her time as a volunteer inside a beauty bar by providing comfort and pampering to moms with free hair care inside the maternity tower at Riley.

ESSAY

Crime and punishment?

Commentary by Terry Anker

While most of us are preparing for “peace on Earth” and “goodwill toward men,” there are others who remain vigilant of the vagrancies of the darker side of our humanity. The Islamic Republic of Iran recently vented its retribution by sentencing 400 of its errant citizens to hard time in prison for their roles in civil disobedience. Better, one can assume, than the fate of Mohsen Shekari, who was put to death this month for impeding traffic while holding a knife. While details from the trial, if there was one, are not clear, he was accused of injuring an Iranian paramilitary officer, but the execution was the result of Shekari’s “waging war against God.”

Shekari and the thousands of others like him protested the regime. They protested living conditions for women and minorities in their nation. And they protested for a voice in their own governance. It is unclear what evidence was used to show his defiance of the ruling class. As far as Western journalists have been able to uncover, even if offended, God has remained largely quiet on the claims.

Some honorable readers will take the side of the caliphate, suggesting that good order leads to a just society. Others will decidedly be aligned with the protesters, fighting to remind us that no one person has a lock on the word or intention of the divine. The equilibrium between freedom and responsibility is perennially swaying. A bit closer to home, the question of riot or police state might be anchored to a different mooring, but the claims of righteousness must likewise be limited. Regardless of one’s personal theories of relativity, can we find balance when the punishments are so great, or the restraint is too little?

CURRENTOON

QUOTE OF THE WEEK POLICIES

CHARLES DICKENS

There will be blood

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

When it comes to blood draws, I am a wimp. A baby. A big fat scaredy cat. For someone who’s birthed four children, undergone extensive hernia repair surgery, and more recently, had cortisone aggressively jabbed into her shoulder socket, you’d think I’d be able to handle a tiny needle prick. But no. If I could, I’d run for the hills every single time, like the chicken I am.

Unfortunately, my one and only primary care physician of 20-plus years retired (Oh. Dr. M, why have you forsaken me?), forcing me to find a replacement. And my new person insisted on a full lab panel since my last workup was literally ancient history: “We can do them right here. You can come in the morning. Remember to fast!”

Ugh. Fine. I returned the next day, overdramatically weak from hunger and nauseous from anxiety, hoping for a stay of execution. Not to be fooled or deterred, the nurse whisked me into a private room where I could lie down and keep an ice pack under my neck. Clearly, there’d be no fainting (or avoiding the scheduled and consensual medical stabbing) on her watch. Curse you, wise woman!

To her credit, it was over quickly, though she missed on her first try and then proceeded to inform me that my veins “really roll.” (Cue gag). And later, the crook of my arm looked like a disturbed copperhead, or “Twilight’s” Edward Cullen had landed a bite. Nonetheless, I survived, without barfing or visibly crying, so I guess that’s a win.

Hi. My name is Danielle. And I’m a coward when it comes to blood draws. Bawk, bawk.

Peace out.

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.

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

Danielle

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

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”

–

I’ll never guess what I got you for Christmas

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

what it is. I’m the one who doesn’t have a clue.”

will be trimming and/or removing trees and brush to clear the lines of vegetation in order to provide safe and reliable electric service. Vegetation management will be performed in/near Noblesville on or near streets identified below:

Beginning at the substation located near E 216th St & 19, to include the areas around & near: S of the substation, W of North Dr, N of E 196th St, E of N Harbour Dr 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.

HUMOR

Over the past 20 years, I have written more than a few humor columns about the holiday season. Below is my favorite one and is pretty much exactly what happened. In December of 2016, a UPS truck pulled up to our curb and we were eager to see what was in store for us. Actually, nothing was in a store. We bought everything online that year.

The driver struggled with a carton the size of a big-screen TV. He maneuvered it to the front porch, and I went outside to look at it.

“Who’s it for?” my wife, Mary Ellen, asked.

It was addressed to me, but that could have been misleading. When a delivery is made, we are not sure who ordered it and who the gift is for. If the wrong person opens it, well, there goes the surprise on Christmas morning.

“It’s addressed to me,” I told her. “But I have no recollection of ordering anything so big. Maybe you ordered it?”

My wife thought for a moment, and so began the weirdest conversation in our 34year marriage.

“Dick, I know what it is. It’s that special item I mentioned months ago that I wanted for Christmas. You said you found it in a catalog. Don’t you remember? I’m so excited! Thank you.”

“I have absolutely no idea what it is. Can you give me a hint?”

“No, I can’t. That would ruin the surprise.” “Ruin my surprise? It’s supposed to be your surprise. But you already know

“It doesn’t seem right to tell you. That’s not in keeping with the spirit of giving, Dick.”

“OK, how about you whisper softly in my ear, and I promise I won’t tell you what you said.”

It scared me a little that for a brief moment this actually made sense to me. It was driving me crazy that I had no memory of what I bought her.

“Is it a high-tech item?” I asked.

“Not really,” Mary Ellen said.

– DICK WOLFSIE

“Do you plug it in?” “No.”

“Is it artwork?”

“No, and I don’t want to play anymore. If you guess it, I’ll have nothing to look forward to on Christmas morning. I want to see the expression on your face when I open it.”

When Mary Ellen went out grocery shopping, I opened the box. It was a really neat present. I don’t think I have ever been happier with something I bought my wife. Before Mary Ellen got home, I resealed it, gift-wrapped it and placed it under the tree.  Of course, now we both knew what was in the package. It will still be a surprise on Christmas morning, so long as we can both keep a secret.

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

don’t think I have ever been happier with something I bought my wife.

Woman creates virtual design, rendering business

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The owner of a virtual design and rendering business based in Noblesville hopes to help residential and commercial customers with their design needs.

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Emily Ihle, who owns Render Dwell, is a design professional with more than 11 years of experience in interior design and architecture and created her company in response to the industry’s overwhelming need for better design visuals.

“In my experience, residential and commercial design clients typically have a hard time visualizing the outcome of their project when all they are given are blueprints and material samples. This can lead to hesitant design decisions and last-minute changes, making projects last much longer and cost much more,” Ihle said. “Clients need to be able to see how colors, materials, furniture, and fixtures will really look in their space or environment before they pull the expensive trigger to get started.”

Ihle described her business as one that brings “residential and commercial designs to life through realistic renderings and easily accessible design recommendations.”

“The game-changing process starts with a short survey of design preferences,

wants/needs, inspiration images, etcetera. From there, Render Dwell’s expert designers use client-based photos or drawings to develop a custom design package,” she said. “Along with a beautiful, high-quality rendering, each client receives an interactive PDF with clickable links to purchase furniture, fixtures, equipment and decor shown in the rendering.”

Ihle said that clients also receive notes about paint colors, materials and any installation notes relevant to the design.

“For years, the design industry has depended on floor plans and elevations, paired with color swatches and material samples to present design solutions, leaving many clients hesitant and unsure of their design decisions. In many cases, this leads to changes in the field, leading to unmet project timelines and cost overrun,” Ihle said.

Ihle said her goal is to give clients the tools they need to move forward with their project, noting that Render Dwell’s design and rendering services help clients to visualize their project and make design decisions with confidence.

“Nothing should be holding you back from truly enjoying the spaces where you spend the most time. We are excited to help you visualize the best possible version of your space,” she said.

For more, visit www.renderdwell.com or e-mail Ihle at renderdwell@gmail.com.

DISPATCHES

Stocks that benefit from rising inflation

— Rising costs can eat into profits for some companies, and that can push up interest rates, which hurts bond prices and tends to pull investors away from stocks, depressing those prices. Cushion the effects of swelling inflation by investing in companies that benefit from global economic expansion and rising prices. Good candidates can be found in the materials and industrial sectors:

• Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), the world’s largest copper miner, will see stronger profits due to a 60% jump since last spring in the price of copper, essential for home construction and electric-vehicle production. Recent share price: $24.63.

• Caterpillar (CAT) is a global leader in producing heavy machinery. Rising commodity prices will lead Caterpillar’s customers, ranging from industrial metal-mining firms to agricultural com-

panies, to buy more from Caterpillar.

Recent share price: $180.96.

• Cummins (CMI), will see demand rise for diesel engines that power big-rig trucks and trains used to haul commodities and other goods. Also, investors are underestimating the profit potential of Cummins’s new “clean–energy” engines that use fuel cells and hydrogen technology.

Recent share price: $224.31.

Source: BottomLineInc.

Beware the free tablet — If you switch cellphone carriers, you might be told that you qualify for a free tablet, but you might not be told that it will have its own service plan. That plan could add an extra $10 to $20, or more, per month, to your bill. This little detail is often hidden in the fine print and is easily overlooked.

Source: BottomlineInc.

Community Health Network reinstates mask policy

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

tals include:

• No visitors with flu-like illness, fever, or cough.

• No visitors under age 18.

DISPATCHES

Healthier bread — Even though whole grain bread is a better option, it is still low in nutrients. Now, though, there is a healthy bread substitute. Called Barely Bread, it’s a soy-, yeast- and gluten-free, paleo-friendly bread substitute that actually tastes a lot like real bread. The texture isn’t identical to regular bread, but it is close.

Source: MSN.com

WELLNESS

Community Health Network has reinstated its mask policy for caregivers, patients and visitors because of a steep rise in COVID-19, flu and RSV patients at its hospitals.

The mask requirement, which took effect Dec. 12, is being implemented at all sites of care throughout central Indiana, according to the hospital system.

“We are seeing more COVID, flu, and RSV patients in our hospitals. They are filling up with respiratory patients,” said Dr. Robin Ledyard, chief medical officer for Community Health Network. “Because of that, we are reinstating a mask requirement within our hospitals. So, if you do come to visit, you will be asked to wear a mask again in both the hospitals and in the office-based setting.”

The mask mandate comes a week after Community Health Network said that temporary visitor restrictions would take effect at all its hospitals because of an increase in flu cases across Indiana.

The temporary visitor restrictions at all its hospi-

• Only an immediate family or partner will be allowed to see patients.

• No more than two visitors at a time per patient.

• Visitors must wear a mask in a patient’s room when requested.

• Those with influenza/respiratory symptoms may not visit.

Ledyard encourages people who are sick to contact their primary care provider for guidance on the best place to seek care.

“Our emergency departments are very, very busy with sick people and we value your time. So, we really think it’s best if you can call first, get some guidance on where to go,” Ledyard said.

Community Health Network offers several care options outside of the emergency department, including urgent care at our MedChecks, Community Clinics at Walgreens, primary care providers and virtual care.

For more, visit ecommunity.com/ visitor-guidelines-covid-19-flu.

Better way to take meds — Some medicines are better absorbed by the body if taken sublingually. This means the medicine is placed under your tongue. It can go directly into the bloodstream without being digested first. Ask your doctor about sublingual alternatives.

Source: The Alternative Advisor

Air pollution and dementia — A large new study provides evidence that invisible air pollution such as that emitted by cars, trucks and power plants might be responsible for more than 1 in 5 cases of dementia. This is because microscopic particles generated by fossil fuels get into our bodies directly - they go from your nose right into your brain. Cells in the brain treat these particles as invaders and react with inflammatory responses.

Source: BottomLineHealth.com

Reduce arthritis pain naturally— Unlike many medical remedies for arthritis, these are safe and inexpensive. Try these options:

1. Tea – contains polyphenols that suppress arthritis inflammation

2. Vitamins C and D

3. Grapes and grape juice – contain resveratrol which suppresses inflammation

Source: Bottom Line Personal

www.spartz.house.gov

currentnightandday.com

Westfield youth is served in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

How much fun is Fender Brokamp having while performing in “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre?

“If you can describe touching a rainbow, that’s how much fun,” he said. “It’s really a great experience.”

Brokamp, 11, is one of three Westfield youngsters in the Beef & Boards’ show, which began Nov. 25 and ends Dec. 23. The others are Allie Stacy, 7, and Greta Shambarger, 10.

This is a new experience for Brokamp, who plays Young Harry and Tommy.

“I’ve never done a nonmusical before,” said Brokamp, a Westfield Intermediate School fifth-grader. “Even if you do get to do the same role twice, a new director would do it differently, and that makes theater really cool. Even if the director does do it the same, you get to perfect it even more than you did last time, and that makes it really cool.”

Prior to getting the part, Brokamp had only seen bits and pieces of the 1946 movie, which the play is based on. When rehearsals started, Brokamp saw the movie. Brokamp said balancing school with rehearsal can be tough, but it’s worth it.

“The rehearsals are a little longer, so those got a little hairy, but now that we’re in the full swing of shows, it’s smoother,” he said.

Brokamp said he has enjoyed acting with the adults and other younger performers.

“You can learn from anyone,” he said. “Everyone teaches, no matter how small or tall.”

Brokamp has been in two national commercials and several plays for Christian Youth Theater, Civic Theatre and Tipton Community Theatre.

Stacy, a St. Maria Goretti School second-grader, plays Zuzu.

“I like that I have a famous line, ‘Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings,’” she said.

Stacy said the experience has been “really fun because I have made so many

friends and I love being on stage.”

Stacy performed in the Broadway national tour of “Waitress.”

“I take voice lessons and have been in shows at Youth Inspirations Theatre. I take acting classes at Civic (Theatre) and dance classes at Dance Innovations,” Stacy said. “Last summer, I was accepted into the Broadway Artists Alliance in New York City and went there for a summer intensive program. I’ve also been in a short film and two commercials, thanks to Talent Fusion.”

Shambarger, a Shamrock Spring Elementary School fourth-grader, plays Young Violet.

“I like that I get to wear a wig in one scene,” Shambarger said. “I like that I’m in the ensemble also, so I get to wear a lot of costumes. Also, Young Violet is the perfect character for me to play because

I played Veruca (in ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’), Miss Andrew (in ‘Mary Poppins’) and Miss Han-

nigan (in ‘Annie KIDS’), and Violet is kind of similar to those parts.”

Shambarger was only familiar with the movie version.

“But now that I know of it, it’s probably my favorite play,” she said. “I love having friends in the cast to hang with backstage between scenes. Also, I like that I’m on stage more than I originally thought I would be.”

Shambarger has previously acted with several theater groups, including Christian Youth Theater. She has taken classes at Jr. Civic Theatre, and this is her first time with Beef & Boards.

“I’ve only been in one other show with adults, which was ‘Matilda the Musical’ at Tipton Community Theatre, where I played Lavender, Matilda’s best friend,” Shambarger said. “It’s fun to be in a show with adults because it makes me feel more professional.”

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

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

‘A

CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL’

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

‘HANDEL’S MESSIAH’

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will perform “Handel’s Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCHES

ATI’s ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ to return — Actors Theatre of Indiana has announced the return of “Million Dollar Quartet” June 16-17, 2023 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets went on sale Dec. 19. “Million Dollar Quartet” is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the true story of the famed recording session when Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley for one unforgettable night. Because of this special event, Actors Theatre of Indiana will postpone its production of “The Mountaintop,” which was scheduled for February 2023. Season subscribers and single-ticket holders who have already purchased their tickets will have the opportunity to exchange them for “Million Dollar Quartet.” For more, visit atistage.org.

Heartland Film adds board members — Heartland Film, a nonprofit arts organization, has added six board members. They are Gabe Connell, founder of HotBox Pizza LLC; Fred Lockett, DJ Lockstar; Kristi Lee, news director & co-host of “The Bob and Tom Show”; Karen Mangia, vice president of customer and market insights, salesforce; Amy Pauszek, producer, publicist, photographer; and Susie Townsend, chief destination experience officer, Visit Indy.

From left, Fender Brokamp, Greta Shambarger and Allie Stacy perform in “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)

Where’s Amy?

Where’s Amy attends CSO’s ‘Holiday Pops!’ concert Where’s Amy attends Marie Osmond concert

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

From left, Paxton Dow (Noblesville), Aria Dow (Noblesville) and Kathy Dow (Noblesville) attend the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Dec. 4 “Holiday Pops! 2022” concert with special guests Josh Kaufman and Leah Crane at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The CSO was joined by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir and Expressenz Dance Center. Carmel City Council member Jeff Worrell was the emcee. The concert included holiday favorites, dancing and a surprise visit by Santa. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

David and Susan Hunnicutt (Geist) area attend the Dec. 10 “Marie Osmond: A Symphonic Christmas Tour” at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The gold- and platinum-selling recording artist and TV personality won the audience over with her beautiful, powerful voice, flashy diamond-studded wardrobe, and festive Christmas favorites, along with a little bit of country and rock ‘n’ roll hits. For more about upcoming events, visit thecenterpresents.org. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

A savory fish story

Commentary by Mark LaFay

three delicious options:

Furnace Acting Up?

It’s the holidays, which means that we are in peak gnoshing season. In our family, we bust out all sorts of fun foods around Christmas and New Year’s. Sometimes on New Year’s we will get extra fancy with a bit of caviar to go with the sparkling wine. So, what is caviar, you ask? Well, true caviar only comes from sturgeon. The purists would say that it only comes from wild sturgeons, but let’s be honest, that isn’t sustainable. Today, only a small percentage of caviar is harvested from the wild. The majority is farmed around the world, with 70 percent coming from China. Recently, I tasted through three different caviars from Astrea. Astrea Caviar happens to be produced in the Yunan Province of China. Sturgeon from there are raised in a spring-fed lake and live for 10 to 25 years. No chemicals or antibiotics are used, and their processes and techniques for producing high-quality caviar is very cool! When the eggs are extracted, they are washed, salted and aged for 1 to 4 months, which gives them additional complexity. If you’ve never had caviar, now is the time! Here are

CAVIAR

Russian Oscietra Hybrid — Acipenser gueldenstaedtii and baerii sturgeon are crossed to make this hybrid sturgeon. The resulting caviar is rich and nutty, with a touch of sea brine. The texture is creamy as well.

Kalluga Hybrid — These sturgeon are a cross between Huso Dauricus and Acipenser Schrenckii sturgeon. The eggs are large, and it has a righteous buttery texture and flavor.

Grand Schrenckii — Also known as Amur Sturgeon, this is a tremendous caviar with great depth and complexity. The eggs are like the kalluga, if not a touch smaller. This caviar has an incredibly rich, nutty, and buttery flavor. Having tasted all three sideby-side, this caviar is mind-blowing.

The folks at Astrea were super cool and gave us a discount code to share. Order directly from them with the code CURRENT and save 15 percent off your order.

Current Publishing is seeking a Zionsville/Special Projects Managing Editor. The person we hire will become immersed in the community, will have flawless execution of grammar, spelling, style and punctuation and will be collaborative with the newsroom director and the art director. Salary is based on experience. Benefits available. Send us a cover letter, resume and your three best clips showing news reporting and feature writing. This position could be full-time or part-time depending on your pace and ability. Please do not apply unless you have two years of newswriting experience.

APPLY TODAY

Email package to: steve@youarecurrent.com

No phone calls. Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

Managing Editor

Goblin up self-indulgence

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Now, the Oxford English Dictionary is at it. In my previous column, I reported that “gaslighting” has been named the Word of the Year 2022 by the dictionary aficionados at Merriam-Webster. Each year, the Merriam-Webster dictionary chooses a word it believes captures a prevailing sentiment of the cultural zeitgeist. Not wanting to miss out on the lexical lingo retrospective, the OED is chiming in with its vote: “goblin mode.”

GRAMMAR GUY

goblin mode stormed the Twitter scene in February 2022 as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted across the U.S. and most of the world. As people emerged from their hidey-holes of prolonged social isolation, they decided to engage in oddly self-indulgent behaviors.

The OED defines goblin mode as “a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations.”

The OED brought three words to an online vote: goblin mode, metaverse and the hashtag IStandWith. Goblin mode won, garnering 93 percent of the 340,000 votes.

On its face, the term sounds like something stolen from Dungeons and Dragons or World of Warcraft. There’s an ancient YouTube video where a user calling himself Leeroy Jenkins runs into an impossible battle against a dragon, armed with the confidence of 1,000 soldiers. To me, that would be “goblin mode.”

As it turns out, I’m wrong. In fact,

Goblin mode looks like eating the entire carton of Ben & Jerry’s while watching an entire season of “The Great British Baking Show.” It is playing video games until 3 a.m. on a Sunday night, fully aware that you have a budget review meeting at 9 in the morning. Goblin mode embraces our lazy and selfish impulses that don’t take tomorrow into account.

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

Visiting Israel and the Palestinian Territories

Commentary by Don Knebel

With the worst of Indiana winter approaching, today we begin a road trip through Israel and the Palestinian Territories, making a short visit to western Jordan. We will be on this trip for the next few months. Before starting, it is important to understand something about the geography of the land we will be visiting.

TRAVEL

The Judaean Hills in Israel.

The land occupied by Israel and the Palestinian Territories (Israel/Palestine), lying along the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, is surprisingly small in light of its enormous significance to hundreds of millions of Jews, Christians and Muslims around the world. The entire area is about one-fourth the size of Indiana, with the distance from north to south about 290 miles, and from east to west about 85 miles at the widest spot. The geography and climate are very diverse, ranging from verdant forests in the north to hostile deserts in the south, with the fertile hill country in between.

The shore of the Dead Sea, at almost 1,500 feet below sea level, is the lowest land elevation on earth. Because Indiana and Israel/Palestine are about the same distance from north to south, you can think of Israel/Palestine locations in terms of the eastern quarter of Indiana. The Sea of Galilee would be near Ft. Wayne, Jerusalem would be near New Castle, the Dead Sea would be near Richmond and everything south of Shelbyville would be largely uninhabitable desert. The Palestinian Territories, in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, occupy about the same area as Delaware, Henry, Jay, Randolph and Wayne counties. The total

Dan Spring in Israel.

The Sea of Galilee in Israel.

population of Israel/Palestine is about 14.8 million, about twice that of Indiana.

As we travel, we will go from north to south, stopping along the way at important locations. For each place we visit, we will explore both its history and its religious and spiritual significance.

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

The Negev desert in southern Israel. (Photo by Don Knebel)

NOW HIRING:

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER

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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