August 8, 2023 – Noblesville

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Eat Puccini’s... N W!

HEPL board removes audience member

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Delivery questions

sations with “readers.” The goal is to promote understanding and reduce negative stereotypes.

LIBRARY

During the July 27 Hamilton East Public Library board meeting, board members questioned whether the recent Human Library event at the Fishers Library promoted prostitution, asked whether library staff could be paid $5 a book to review books in their down time to hasten the collections policy review process and had police forcibly remove an audience member after he had spoken during public comment.

Board president Laura Alerding also cut off public comment after four of the 16 people who signed up spoke, citing disruptions. The meeting, held at the Fishers Library, had been rescheduled by Alerding from its regular 6:15 p.m. time to 3 p.m. When asked for a reason by board member Michelle Payne, Alerding said she had two reasons: Another board member had a conflict at the usual meeting time, and Alerding hoped that an afternoon meeting would have fewer disruptions.

During the time for Library Director Edra Waterman’s report to the board, board member Ray Maddalone questioned Waterman about how quickly library staff is reviewing books for compliance with the board’s collections policy, adopted late last year.

The review considers content such as nudity, substance use, repeated use of profanity, depictions or incitement to violence and sexual activity. Books containing any of those themes are moved to the adult section of the library. Implementing the policy was estimated in May to take about 8,000 hours of staff time and was expected to cost more than $300,000. That’s all staffing costs, because all the books need to be read carefully to see if their content requires them to be moved to the adult section.

Waterman told the board that staff has been able to review about 3 percent of the collection every two weeks, which Maddalone said is not acceptable. He suggested ways to hasten the review process,

The July 15 Human Library event at the Fishers Library was one of the topics discussed during the July 27 Hamilton East Public Library board meeting. The book titles available during the event are listed on the board. (Photo by Adam Seif)

including offering staff $5 per book that they could read in their down time, such as when they’re at the circulation desk waiting for patrons needing assistance.

Waterman responded that library staff members have tasks to perform in between helping patrons.

“We estimated this would take about a year and think we can get it done in that time frame,” she said. “We all want to get this done, I get it, but I ask that consideration be made to the staff that are doing (their) jobs.”

Waterman noted that her team is always looking at ways to make the review more efficient. However, they have to read every page of every book to find out whether the book has any of the content listed in the policy, and that takes time.

In her report to the board, Waterman talked about the Human Library event, which took place July 15 at the Fishers branch. In her report, she stated that the Facebook post announcing it would be taking place had a reach of about 44,000, the largest reach of any library post so far.

The Human Library is an international nonprofit that organizes events where volunteers — called “books” — with interesting stories and backgrounds have 1-on-1 conver-

Some board members questioned the topics offered during the Human Library event. Micah Beckwith said he saw that one topic offered by the organization focuses on sex workers.

“Does the organization as a whole promote prostitution as something to celebrate?” he asked. “My concern is, if we’re partnering with an organization that’s glorifying something that’s illegal (in Indiana).”

Waterman said the organization doesn’t promote anything except understanding and empathy. The events are meant to give others an opportunity to learn about someone else’s experience.

“Sex Worker” was not one of the topics available during the Fishers Library event.

During public comment at the end of the meeting, Adam Crouch, the first person who spoke, focused on the board’s collection review policy. He said there were numerous references in the Bible that make it eligible to be moved out of the children and teen sections. He held up various copies of the Bible as examples, and when he sat back down, he dropped the books on the floor next to him.

Alerding told Crouch he shouldn’t treat library property that way, and asked him to leave after he spoke back from his seat. When he refused, she asked police officers to escort him out. Crouch continued to refuse to leave, and eventually was taken out in handcuffs by five officers while other audience members repeatedly yelled “Shame!”

Three other people spoke during public comment. Two supported the Human Library event, and one of them suggested that library board members should have attended.

The last person to speak thanked the board for its collections review policy, and compared some books in the library to pornography. As he sat down, there were some comments from the audience. Alerding then adjourned the meeting early, citing “constant disruptions.”

The next HEPL board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 24 at the Noblesville branch.

NOBLESVILLE & NORTH

Project: Pleasant Street

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

Location: Ind. 32 and River Road

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Expected completion: End of 2024

Project: Pleasant Street

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

Expected completion: Work will be ongoing

Project: Stony Creek pedestrian trail

Location: Under Ind. 37

Expected completion: Construction will continue this year with the trail expected to open by early summer.

Project: Roundabout construction

Expected completion: End of summer

Project: Nickel Plate Trail

Location: The city of Noblesville will construct its portion of the Nickel Plate Trail from 146th Street to Pleasant Street. Trail will be 12 feet wide and include the rehabilitation of two existing railroad bridges and conversion to pedestrian facilities

Expected completion: By Thanksgiving WESTFIELD

Project: Library/township office

construction

Location: Corner of Park and Poplar streets

Expected completion: Work is expected to continue through the end of the year with the library expected to open in early 2024.

City approves paving contracts

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville has approved contracts with two companies to repave city streets that will take place at nine different locations.

ROADS

The city has entered into a contract with an Indianapolis-based firm, Howard Companies, for $2,640,877. The company’s work will include spot curb and sidewalk replacements, Americans with Disabilities Act ramp updates, and milling and resurfacing of streets within the Morse Point and Pine Hurst subdivisions, a portion of Pebble Creek Village, a portion of Old Town south of Cherry Street and east of 10th Street, in addition to Woods/Greens at Prairie Crossing, said Andrew Rodewald, project manager with the city engineering department.

The project with Howard Companies will be entirely city funded, Rodewald said. A second contract with Midwest Paving LLC, based in Noblesville, approved by the city for $2,352,389.35 will be 50 percent paid using state matching funds provided through the Community Crossings program, which are used for local construction projects such as roads and bridges. Midwest Paving LLC will also perform spot curb and sidewalk replacements, ADA ramp updates, along with milling and resurfacing of streets, as part of its contract with the city, Rodewald said.

Noblesville was awarded $1 million in December 2022 through the Community Crossings program, which is provided through the Indiana Department of Transportation. The city plans street improvements within the areas of Boden Road (Campus Parkway to Ind. 38); Union Chapel Road (Greenfield and Town & Country) Blvd.); and Town & Country Blvd. (Mercantile - Union Chapel Road) and the west portion of the Chapel Woods subdivision, according to Rodewald.

To qualify for funding under the Community Crossings program, 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 submitted through the Community Crossings program are evaluated based on need and current conditions, as well as impacts to safety and economic development, according to INDOT. City Engineer Alison Krupski previously said that every road in the city is reviewed every two years and is given a ranking that helps determine potential areas of improvement. Krupski said that 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.

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MYSTERY SNAPSHOT CHALLENGE

Hey there, folks! Take a good look at this zoomed-in image we’ve snagged from a spot in Noblesville. We want you to channel your inner Sherlock and head over to youarecurrent.com/mysterysnapshot to submit your best guess about where this photo was taken. Ready for the challenge? Check back next week for the answer.

The Velvet Plum Vintage & Consignments is at 894 Logan St. in Noblesville. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

‘A SPECIAL PLACE’

Noblesville First United Methodist Church holds church service outdoors

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville First United Methodist Church has taken its services outdoors, providing worshippers with an opportunity to enjoy more than 100 acres at Teter Retreat and Organic Farm every Sunday morning.

“This is my first summer with Noblesville First United Methodist Church,” said Nicole Caldwell-Gross, who serves as lead pastor at the church. “But I could feel the excitement about outdoor church building long before its annual launch on Memorial Day weekend.”

The 120-acre property in Noblesville, at 10980 E. 221st St., sits along the White River north of the city. It was acquired in 1981 from Ruth Teter, an active member of the church who envisioned a family retreat center that became a reality soon after her death, Caldwell-Gross said.

“The property is a special place,” Caldwell-Gross said.

Besides the wooded outdoor worship space, the property has a lodge, a picnic pavilion and a cabin with four private units that each sleep seven people. Each space is available for daily rental year-round.

In 2015, the idea was born to expand the retreat’s purpose to include an organic farm to raise produce for local food pantries and feeding programs. Since 2016, the farm has donated more than 100,000 servings of fresh organic produce to local food pantries and provided on-farm outdoor educational programming to over 1,000 youth, according to the church.

“You would be hard-pressed to find a more holy space on a warm, clear Sunday morning, with the sounds of the birds, gentle breezes blowing, and rays of sunlight filtering through the trees,” Caldwell-Gross said. “It’s an easy space in which to feel grateful and blessed.”

Caldwell-Gross, who came to the church a year ago, was appointed senior pastor in November 2022. She previously served as pastor of Mission and Mobilization at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis.

On a recent Sunday morning, more than 60 people gathered at Teter Retreat and

Organic Farm to hear Caldwell-Gross focus on her sermon with a theme involving rest stops, urging those in attendance to take breaks as necessary when life gets busy with different activities and events.

Noblesville resident Kayla Rudy, who attended the service with her husband, Michael, and their 4-year-old son, Samuel, said she enjoys the opportunity to attend church outdoors.

“We actually love to attend the inside service, but when we get a chance, we love being here,” she said. “It’s a little shorter service and a little more relaxed and people dress a little more casually and you get to hear nature. We have a little guy and it’s nice for him to have a little more freedom and just hearing the birds and the animals, it’s fun for us.”

Noblesville resident Dee Galloway said she finds the experience at Teter Retreat and Organic Farm enjoyable. She described it as a “1-on-1” opportunity with God” and also pointed out that she enjoys the cama-

raderie of others around her.

“It is an amazing place to come and worship because you feel like you’re so in touch with God,” she said. “Whether it be the birds singing or the rustle of the leaves, it’s an amazing place.”

Noblesville

First United Methodist Church Pastor Nicole Caldwell-Gross speaks during a Sunday morning service outside at Teter Retreat and Organic Farm July 30 in Noblesville. The church will continue to offer worship service outdoors through Labor Day. (Photos by Matthew Kent)

Caldwell-Gross also said she enjoys being able to step into her role in an outdoor setting, which she noted is different in a good way.

“It’s a reminder that God needs us everywhere,” she said.

ON THE COVER: Members of the public listen to Noblesville First United Methodist Church Pastor Nicole Caldwell-Gross speak during a Sunday morning service outdoors at Teter Retreat and Organic Farm July 30 in Noblesville. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

ABOUT THE CHURCH

Noblesville First United Methodist Church was founded in 1822 and today serves the spiritual needs of more than 1,600 members in and around Hamilton County, with outreach ministries that are rooted in love, connecting people, and planting seeds of hope, according to the church.

The church will continue to offer outdoor worship services on Sunday mornings at Teter Retreat and Organic Farm, at 10980 E. 221st St., through Labor Day. Outdoor worship begins at 8:15 a.m., while traditional worship is also held indoors at the church, 2051 Monument St., at 9:45 a.m.

For more, visit noblesvillefirst.com.

The Pursuit Institute – Back to School

Carrie

Lively, Executive Director, The Pursuit Institute

Over the past two years, career and technical education (CTE) has undergone a transformation in Hamilton County. The Pursuit Institute is a prime example of how collaboration, innovation, and publicprivate partnerships are instrumental in cultivating a talented workforce while empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to thrive in diverse industries that drive our local economy.

Innovation in CTE is pivotal in preparing students for the 21st-century workforce. The Pursuit Institute has expanded beyond vocational training, to include career pathways such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, education, agriculture, and other high-demand fields. Emphasizing work-based learning, Pursuit programs foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, equipping students with the versatility required in the modern workplace.

Strategic public-private partnerships have been essential. Educational institutions, businesses, and local governments have created an ecosystem that bridges the gap between education and industry. These partnerships not only facilitate the development of industryaligned curricula, but also provide students with real-world experience.

The Pursuit Institute’s Impact on Talent Pipeline:

1. Industry-Relevant Skills: Public-private partnerships align CTE programs with the needs of the job market, ensuring students acquire the skills most sought after by local employers. This fosters a pipeline of job-ready graduates.

2. Career Exploration and Guidance: Students gain access to mentorship and guidance from industry professionals. This exposure demystifies career paths, enabling students to make informed decisions about their future.

3. Employment Opportunities: By collaborating with local businesses, CTE programs facilitate direct employment opportunities for students. Employers often prefer to hire from within the community, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship.

4. Addressing Workforce Demands: Public-private partnerships enable

stakeholders to anticipate workforce demands accurately. This proactive approach allows tailored programs that address skill shortages and emerging industry needs, ensuring Hamilton County remains at the forefront of workforce development.

5. Economic Growth: A well-developed talent attracts businesses and industries to the region. Hamilton County’s reputation for producing a skilled and diverse workforce enhances its appeal to potential investors and employers.

Innovation in CTE in Hamilton County has reshaped the landscape of workforce development. CTE programs empower students with relevant skills, preparing them for success. Publicprivate partnerships play a crucial role in cultivating a talented workforce pipeline by aligning educational offerings with industry needs.

The collaborative efforts in Hamilton County demonstrate the power of partnerships in shaping a brighter future for the community and its workforce.

Want to learn more about The Pursuit Institute?

Cinnaholic opens new location in Noblesville

By Kiersten Riedford kiersten@youarecurrent.com

Cinnaholic, a bakery that sells plantbased, allergen-friendly cinnamon rolls and other desserts, celebrated its grand opening July 28 for the new Noblesville site at 13185 Harrell Pkwy., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

BAKERY

Sanya Strawser, who owns the Cinnaholic stores in Carmel and Noblesville with her husband, David Strawser, said their goal is to eventually open bakeries throughout Indianapolis but are focusing north of the city for now.

Sanya said the Indianapolis area needs bakeries with vegan options, and Cinnaholic fills that need.

“We’re 100 percent plant-based and we are 100 percent scratch-made kitchen, so we make everything fresh every single day,” Sanya said. “When you see places offering vegan options in terms of desserts, it’s not vegan because the sugar has bone char in it. Nobody knows that. Only true vegan people know this. We don’t use that.”

Sanya said she only makes food at Cinnaholic that she would eat and what she would feel comfortable giving to her 10-year-old son.

“It does not taste like cardboard,” she said. “It actually tastes very, very good. And 100 percent of the comments, once people eat it, (and) when they find out it’s vegan, they’re blown away.”

Cinnaholic is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Sports authority hires new director, development manager

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarcurrent.com

The Hamilton County Sports Authority has hired two men who will be tasked with growing the county’s sports presence in their respective roles.

with the Indiana Sports Corp. He previously worked with Indy Fuel and at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and comes to the sports authority from the city of Fishers, where he managed its two largest events, Spark!Fishers and BooBash.

ATHLETICS

Carl Daniels was named as director and comes to the sports authority after working at the Indiana Sports Corp, Butler University, the NCAA, Adidas and the Indiana Pacers. He will oversee all activities and staff for the office and lead efforts to build brand equity, value, innovation and growth, according to a news release.

Gabe Amick was also hired as the senior sports development manager for the Hamilton County Sports Authority and started his career

Amick

Amick’s LinkedIn profile indicates that he worked as director of ticket and promotions while at the Indiana Sports Corp and was vice president of fan experience with Indy Fuel. He also worked as director of ticket operations at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and most recently served as events experience coordinator with the city of Fishers, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Officials said that Amick’s new role will focus on attracting, supporting and developing events and activities that drive positive impact through sports.

Sanya Strawser and family members gather in front of the new Noblesville Cinnaholic for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Photo by Kiersten Riedford)

Daniels

Discern when to learn

Commentary by Terry Anker

Dread the popcorn moment

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

ESSAY

Touring the campus of a beloved alma mater with their soon-to-be-college-bound offspring, the doting parents did everything possible to convey their love for the place to their youngster. She, in-hand, took it all in. “There is where Mom and me first met,” Dad proudly proclaimed, pointing to the gazebo visible through the trees. “Oh,” responded the daughter, now more attentive to the chirping phone in her hand than in the parental-sponsored tour down Memory Lane. Disappointed that the sales pitch was not going entirely as planned, Mom and Dad resigned themselves to the disinterested child. The next day would be the formal student-led campus tour for a group of potential enrollees.

As the time came, the daughter was sent along with the pack of teenagers guided by one of their own, not much older. The parents skipped it and went to lunch, certain there was no reason for more effort dedicated to the lost cause. Three hours later, the daughter reappeared filled with energy

and entirely committed to attendance! What happened on this tour? She regaled her astonished parents with tales of trails, edifices and opportunities of great interest. These were things that she’d visited many times before — in fact, their phones were filled with pictures of them standing in the spot yesterday that she’d described as seeing for the first time just now. How could this be?

We process information as we need it. Knowing about her parents courting was not yet appealing, but keeping up with her peers was. Eventually, the family history will matter, and the gaggle of teens won’t. Alas, often we don’t learn our lesson until too late. It must matter to us to get our attention. Until that moment, we think it can wait. Maybe, but too long and it’s lost forever.

My wife Mary Ellen and I went to see a movie last week with our friends Bob and Cathy.

Feeling the back-to-school blues

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Friends, summer is coming to an end and I’m starting to feel the anxiety of heading back to school. With less than a week left to luxuriate in lazy mornings and Netflix shenanigans, I’m already panicking over lesson plans and class rosters and strategically designed bathroom breaks. What I wouldn’t give for another month! Or four.

HUMOR

But it seems like yesterday when I absolutely longed for this time of year, when I couldn’t wait for that beautiful yellow bus to show up on our street! As a stay-athome mom, I reveled in the August return to routine and schedules and hours without my precious little angels. Our family operated far better when everyone had a place to be each day and limited access to Minecraft and “SpongeBob.” And by family, I mean me. My creativity is noteworthy, but even I struggled to fill June and July with enough exciting activities to keep my rugrats engaged. Story hour and zoo visits can only get you so far, and then you’re left eyeballing each other over a third round of Capri Suns and Goldfish wondering who’s going to crack first. Hint: It’s not them.

But now that once much-anticipated ice cream social represents the end of my vacation, too, my break from endless grading and teenage angst. When I see the new kindergartens practicing pickup, my gut reaction is no longer a fist pump but rather a middle finger. And when I hit Meijer, I must purposefully avoid the northwest quadrant, lest the mechanical pencil and three-ring binder sales trigger my educator PTSD.

Alas, another school year approacheth, and so, too, does my anxiety.

Peace out.

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

HUMOR

“Are you going to get popcorn again, Mary Ellen?” I asked.

“I have to. It’s been a movie tradition for me since high school.”

“So was necking in the balcony, but you cut that out completely after we got married.”

Once we reached the theater, the tension rose.

“Dick, I’ll find seats for the four of us,” Mary Ellen said. “You wait in line for the popcorn.”

“Why do I have to wait in line? I don’t even like popcorn. And when I come into the movie theater, you’ll forget to look around for me. Then I walk aimlessly up and down the aisles while people stare at me. Everyone assumes I’m all alone and have no one to sit with. Or I’ll wave my cellphone flashlight to get your attention and all three of you slump down in your seats while you laugh hysterically. At the Tom Cruise movie I never found where you guys were sitting, but I did get my 10,000 steps in searching for you.”

Of course, I do wait in line and buy the popcorn as directed. It drives me crazy that you pay about six bucks for a bucket of air. What a rip-off. And I don’t let my wife forget it.

“Did you know, Mary Ellen, that when I was a kid, popcorn in the theater was only a quarter?”

“Yes, and here’s another update — the actors in films are talking now.”

And then there’s eating the popcorn. Mary Ellen takes one piece from the top of the box with two fingers, then bites off half at a time. Yes, two bites per kernel. She claims this helps her rhythm and draws her into the movie. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch my wife’s arm go down to the box, up to her

mouth. Up and down. Up and down. Up and down. For two hours. Ahhhhh!

She pretty much follows a similar routine at home. After we have searched for a good flick or series on Netflix, Mary Ellen is at the stove to make popcorn the old-fashioned way. Just oil and popcorn in a pot, which she meticulously jiggles at the right speed, so every kernel is popped. The movie starts and the routine begins — one piece at a time, every 10 seconds, for the entire show. About 500 times. If she preferred M&Ms, she’d weigh 400 pounds.

Here’s the right way to eat popcorn in a movie. Dig way down into the container, which spews the popcorn all over the person in the seat next to you. Take an entire handful, shake the kernels in your fist like a pair of dice and throw several into your mouth at one time. Then while still chewing, reload and prepare to fire again. This is how Orville Redenbacher wanted you to do it. You could look it up. Heaven knows why there aren’t instructions on the popcorn box.

The next day her fitness trainer, Justin, asked her if she had been doing her upper body exercises.

“Yes, I did them for three hours last night,” she said. “When we went to see ‘Oppenheimer”’ at the movies.”

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

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

“It drives me crazy that you pay about six bucks for a bucket of air. What a rip-off. And I don’t let my wife forget it.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

“When I see the new kindergartens practicing pickup, my gut reaction is no longer a fist pump but rather a middle finger.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

Ex-Michigan State player chose saxophone over shot at pro football

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A former Michigan State University football player, Tim Cunningham had an opportunity to sign a $40,000 free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys.

He wasn’t really interested because football was a means to an education and music was his passion.

“I had 20 credits to finish and if you sign a pro deal, your scholarship is gone,” he said.

Cunningham, a saxophonist who lives in St. Louis, will have two performances with his quartet in the two-day Carmel Jazz Fest. Cunningham will perform from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. He then returns to play from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at The Tarkington. Cunningham needed an early spot because he has a performance scheduled that night in St. Louis.

Cunningham, whose last season playing for Michigan State was 1983, got a record deal with Atlantic Records and his first album, “Right Turn Only,” came out in 1996. Now 61 years old, he continued working as a full-time musician from 1991 to 1998, when the record label dropped all its jazz artists.

“A lot of the smooth jazz radio stations were dropped,” said Cunningham, an insurance adjuster. “I just went back to work and worked on my own CD projects at home. It was bad that you didn’t have a major label out there to promote you with the big money. But it was good that you own your own (master recordings). I was performing two or three times a month.”

Cunningham had some regular weekly gigs in the early 2000s. Then he started performing his own shows in St. Louis and out of state.

“Most jazz musicians work on the weekends,” he said. “The demand for us to be playing on a Wednesday or Thursday is not the same as a big R&B or pop act. It’s

early to hold down a regular job and get out on weekends.”

Cunningham has nine albums, with “Freedom” being released in October 2022. A single, “Enough Said,” with live drum and some piano parts, was recently released.

Cunningham performs a lot of remixes of his favorite song. His best-known song is “This is the Life,” which he wrote with Culbertson.

“But I have to play songs people will recognize and I sprinkle in a few of my originals here and there,” he said.

Cunningham and Carmel Jazz Fest Executive Director Blair Clark are from Lansing, Mich., and have known each other for years.

Cunningham was going to give up football after ninth grade, but he got talked into playing because the team needed players. He had been playing backup quarterback but got moved to running back because of injuries. He started to get letters from colleges.

“I guess God wants me to play football,” he said.

Cunningham played strong safety for

Michigan State, earning a starting spot during his freshman season and remained a starter throughout his career. University of Alabama coach Nick Saban was Cunningham’s defensive backs coach as a senior.

AUG. 11

Gazebo Stage: 5-6:30 p.m.: Brenda Williams & Friends; 7-8:30 p.m.: Tad Robinson Band; 9-10:30 p.m.: The Danny Lerman Band. The Tarkington: 5-6:30 p.m.: The Dave Bennett Quartet; 7-8:30 p.m.: Sarah Scharbrough & Bethany Robinson; 9-10:30 p.m.: Tim Cunningham. Studio Theater: 5-6:30 p.m: Sue Wickliff; 7- 8:30 p.m: Tommy Baldwin; 9-10:30 p.m.: Joe Filipow. Carter Green: 5-6:30 p.m.: Premium Blend; 7-8:30 p.m.: Jennie DeVoe; 9-10:30 p.m.: The Dave Bennett Quartet. Kids Zone/The Athenaeum at Carter Green: 6:30-7 p.m.: Mr. Daniel, 8:30-9 p.m.: Mr. Daniel. Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael*: 7:30 p.m.: Harry Allen & Rossano Sportiello.

AUG. 12

Gazebo Stage: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dysfunktion Brass; 1:30-3 p.m. Tad Robinson Band; 4-5:30 p..m: The Bottom 40 Band; 6:30-8 p.m.: Blair Clark; 9-10:30 p.m.: Evelyn Champagne King. The Tarkington: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Tim Cunningham; 1-2:30 p.m.: Josh Kaufman; 3:30-5 p.m.: Both Sides of Joni Project ft. Alexis Cole; 6-7:30 p.m.: Steve Allee Big Band; 8:30-10 p.m.: College Professors. Studio Theater: 11 a.m -12:30 p.m.: University of Indianapolis; 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.: Butler University Jazz Collective; 4-5:30 p.m.: Ball State University Jazz; 6:30-8 p.m.: Indiana University. Carter Green Stage: 5- 6:30 p.m.: Freddie Fox; 7-8:30 p.m.: Hurricane & The Gang; 9-10:30 p.m.: Pavel & Direct Contact. Kids Zone/The Athenaeum at Carter Green: 2-5 p.m.: Mr. Daniel. Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael*: 7:30 p.m.: Denise Times. The Palladium*: Carmel Jazz Fest headliner 8 p.m.: Spyro Gyra. * Tickets sold separately and not included in festival pass pricing. To purchase tickets and add-on experiences, please visit the carmeljazzfest.org.

‘SOPHISTICATED LADIES’

“Sophisticated Ladies” runs through Aug. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

The Freeform Concert Series presents Fox Royale with Anna Rose at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Admission is free. There is a $25 food and beverage minimum per person. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE

The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute is set for 8 p.m. Aug. 11 and Here Come the Mummies with Rock E. Bassoon will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 12 in the Symphony on the Prairie series at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’

The Carmel Community Players’ production of Ken Ludwig’s “Murder on the Orient Express’’ runs through Aug. 13 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

DISPATCHES

Russell Dickerson concert set for Fishers — MOKB Presents and The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers announced Russell Dickerson live in concert Sept. 10, along with special guest David J. Tickets for the Russell Dickerson show can be purchased at npdamp.com. Russell Dickerson’s show is part of the venue’s annual summer series. Snarky Puppy was previously announced for a Sep. 8 concert. For more, visit npdamp.com.

Carmel International Arts Festival music lineup set — The Carmel International Arts Festival, set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 23-24, will include The Hippie Dream, Tim Brickley and the Bleeding Hearts and Tim Wright during the first day of festival hours. Entertainment will continue into the evening with the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra. ART ROCKS is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. with Bluewater Kings Band from Chicago. The music continues Sept. 24 with the Kenny Phelps Trio, Touch of Grass and Phone Club.

CARMEL JAZZ FEST

Tim Cunningham will have two performances at the Carmel Jazz Fest. (Photo courtesy of Tim Cunningham)

SINGLE TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

NIGHT

DAY

Spyro Gyra takes Jazz Fest spotlight

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Spyro Gyra saxophonist and founding bandleader Jay Beckenstein figures the group’s jazz fusion style is pretty well known in jazz circles by now.

CONCERT

“We’re going on our 50th year. It’s surprising if someone who likes jazz hasn’t seen us before,” Beckenstein said. “We are conscious of playing music that reaches people. Our form of jazz is lyrical and combines a lot of styles, and people like it.”

Spyro Gyra is the headliner for the Carmel Jazz Fest, capping the two-day festival with an 8 p.m. concert Aug. 12 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. It is a separate ticketed event, available through thecenterpresents.org.

“Something about jazz festivals is they attract an audience that is really nice,” Beckenstein said.

Spyro Gyra has received 13 Grammy nominations.

Beckenstein said the band will likely perform one song from recent albums of cover songs.

“We’ve done 33 albums and only one had the covers,” Beckenstein said. “At this stage of our career, we find that at least a percentage of the audience wants the music to be from our heyday. An average set for us will be 10 songs, and five of them will be classics.”

Beckenstein said there are three songs that are musts: “Shaker Song,” “Catching the Sun” and “Morning Dance.” He said all three were played heavily on the radio in the 1970s and 1980s.

The band started in clubs in Buffalo, N.Y.,

in 1974 before it emerged as a national act.

“We got our first record out in 1976,” Beckenstein said. “We did our best to distribute that, but we had very low expectations being from Buffalo. In many ways, players in the band, who were very good, were starting to get offers to do other things. It felt like it was a farewell record to Buffalo and a farewell record to the band. The first record did so well that it not only kept the band together but got us a national deal for a second record.”

Keyboardist Tom Schuman, who joined the band when he was 16 before the release of the first album, retired in March to move to Barcelona, Spain.

Beckenstein, 72, said he understands the 65-year-old Schuman’s decision because traveling is hard, and he wants to spend more time with his wife.

“We have found a fantastic player, Chris Fischer, and in the end a little change is stimulating,” Beckenstein said.

In the early days, Beckenstein said there were years when the group played 150 concerts. In recent years, the band has cut back to 60 to 70 shows.

DISPATCHES

Center Presents single-event tickets on

sale — Tickets for individual performances for the Center Presents season went on sale to the general public Aug. 4. Subscription packages still are available for the 2023-2024 Center Presents Season at the Center for the Performing Arts. Presented in partnership with Allied Solutions, the season features more than 50 events in a broad range of genres, with more to be added. Tickets are available online at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 317-843-3800 or through the Fifth Third Box Office at the

Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel.

Civic Theatre individual show tickets on sale — Tickets for Civic Theatre’s 2023-24 season are now available. The season opens with the regional premiere of “The Prom” Oct. 6-21. This holiday season features the return of “Elf The Musical” Dec. 1-24. In the winter of 2024, Civic Theatre will feature two classics: “Romeo & Juliet” Feb. 9-24 and “Driving Miss Daisy” March 14-30. The main stage season closes with “Anastasia” April 26-May 11. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

From left, the members of Spyro Gyra are Lionel Cordew, Julio Fernandez, Jay Beckenstein, Chris Fischer and Scott Ambush. (Photo courtesy of Spyro Gyra)

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LEGAL NOTICE OF STANDARD CONTRACT RIDER NO. 56 GOGREEN DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around August 10, 2023 Duke Energy Indiana in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10 will file a request to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines to revise its Standard Contract Rider No. 56, GoGreen. This revision will update the GoGreen tariff to make it consistent with the reduced rate participating customers are now paying for Green Power kwh purchases. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or Randall C. Helmen of the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

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Grant to perform at Center gala

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jeffrey McDermott understands that the Center for the Performing Arts’ annual gala has a challenging mission each year.

FUNDRAISER

“Our goal every year is to create an unforgettable experience for our most vital supporters, and that’s a challenge, because this audience knows what we can do,” said McDermott, president and chief executive officer of the Center for the Performing Arts. “In choosing a headliner, we look for artists who not only have broad appeal but also have made distinctive contributions to the music world. That’s true of our previous headliners, like Chris Isaak and Straight No Chaser, and it’s certainly true of Amy Grant, who has enjoyed great success while also breaking boundaries in the industry. She’s a proven hit with our patrons, and we look forward to seeing her in this intimate setting.”

Singer-songwriter Grant, a six-time Grammy Award winner, will perform at The Cen-

Grant

ter Celebration, which is set to begin at 5 p.m. Sept. 23. Grant previously performed at the Palladium in October 2012 and again to a sold-out house in May 2019.

The event includes a cocktail hour, dinner, performance by Grant and after-parties throughout the Palladium. There is also a live auction. It is the Center’s key fundraising event of the year.

McDermott said the event is an opportunity to gather supporters together and rededicate the Center’s mission of engaging and inspiring the community.

Proceeds from the gala support the Center’s arts and educational programming, including Center Presents performances as well as children’s concerts and camps, book clubs, lectures and music classes. The Center also offers free student matinees for school groups and a Transportation Grant Program that reimburses their travel costs.

Jeff and Shari Worrell of Carmel, serving their second year as steering committee cochairs, are joined by Carmel resident Adam Arceneaux in the first of his two years as a co-chair.

Where’s Amy?

Where’s Amy attends ‘Mean Girls’

Where’s Amy attended Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program’s sold-out July 27 production of “Mean Girls High School Version” opening night. The young actors earned a standing ovation, and the audience was mesmerized by Civic’s choreographer Anne Beck’s (Fishers) dance numbers. This was an amazing musical. Next up is “The Prom” coming Oct. 6-21. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

YAP actress Kate Boice (Noblesville), left, and her mother Kristen Boice. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

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.

NIGHT

CHS grad to share expertise

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jennifer Haire has served in all kinds of behind-the-scenes roles in the film industry.

FILM FORUM

The 1998 Carmel High School graduate, who works as a line producer and production manager, is credited on TV shows such as Season 2 and 3 of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” all seven seasons of TNT’s

“The Closer” starring Kyra Sedgewick, pilot presentations for “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Schitt’s Creek,” and Season 4 of “Yellowstone.” Haire’s film work includes Martin Scorsese’s upcoming “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Haire

Haire will teach a two-day workshop Aug. 26-27 called How Hollywood Works: The Behind the Scenes of Bringing a Motion Picture to the Screen. It will be presented at the Carmel Film Forum at the Community Room in the Carmel Public Library. The times for the workshop, designed for ages 16 and older, are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 26 and 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 27.

“The workshop is perfect for local professionals interested in taking their work to the next level, passionate hobbyists that want to learn how to run a more professional production or anyone just plain curious about general film and tv production,” Haire said.

The workshop is divided into six sessions, each with different topics but each focusing on beginner and intermediate Hollywood industry standard film and TV production operations, Haire said.

A 1998 Carmel High School graduate, Haire recently co-wrote a book with Giana Lobel called “Keys to the Production Office: Unlocking Success as an Office Production Assistant in Film & Television.” She will have a book signing from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 12 during Meet Me on Main at All Things Carmel.

After living in Los Angeles for 19 years, Haire now lives in Carmel when not on a production site.

The workshop marks the first time Haire has participated as a presenter in the Carmel Film Forum.

For more, visit moriartymedia.com.

Blueprint for Improvement: Outdoor enhancements in Zionsville

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in Zionsville’s Austin Oaks section in 1999, this home’s owners were looking to make their outdoor space more dynamic. Our design included space for entertaining and protection from the elements while featuring low-maintenance materials that make upkeep a breeze.

THE BLUEPRINT

• The existing raised deck was removed and a screened porch, new deck and ground-level patio were built in its place.

• The new porch provides protection from the sun, rain and insects, while the stone fireplace can provide a relaxing ambiance and warmth to extend outdoor enjoyment through the fall.

• An outdoor kitchen and integrated storage were added to make entertaining, meal prep and cleanup a breeze. Trex composite decking provides the look of natural wood with minimal maintenance and added durability.

• Roofing, siding and soffits were carefully crafted to match the home’s façade, ensuring the new porch blends seamlessly into the existing aesthetic.

1. Fair Oaks Farms cow collection

5. Indy Fuel rubber disks

10. Crisscross pattern

14. Black-and-white cookie

15. How pastrami is often served at Shapiro’s

16. Nevada city

Jewelers

41. Part of a Santa costume

44. Tiny bit

45. Mideast nation

46. Sunrise Cafe patron

47. Piercing tools

49. ___ culpa

50. Type of Fishers HS rally

52. Monotonous cadence

55. FedEx

58.

60.

Down

skiing champ)

28. Pricey Japanese beef

29. Mental picture

30. Clutter-free

31. Bites like a beaver

33. Envision

36. Ignore the script

38. BBs, e.g.

39. Sharp-witted

40. Unforeseen difficulty

42. Victoria Spartz’ pos.

43. Fear

48. Unexpected winter break, for kids

51. Fiscal gain

53. Sound from a peeved poodle

54. Pacify

55. Milkmaid’s main squeeze?

56. Segment

57. Gobble (down)

59. Ye olde jerk

62. African grazers

5

3

2

rival

Old flood insurance?

Alternative to -ville or -town for five Indiana municipalities

61. Doorbell sound

64. Injustices

68. Butler bigwig

69. Got by OK

71. Little piggies

72. Hosiery shade

73. Ex-Mrs. Trump

74. Pride of Westfield Marching Band instrument

75. Mackey Arena whistle blowers

76. Victoria’s Secret selection 77. Barely manages, with “out”

1. ___ d’oeuvres

2. A Great Lake

3. Hunters Point Apartments payment

4. GI ID

5. Nintendo game with Pikachu

6. Family card game

7. “Oh, no!”

8. One of the Jenners

9. Ghostly gathering 10. Tennis racket part

11. Transplant 12. Pointless 13. City to get out of?

21. Antlered animal 23. Pious

25. Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer ___ Folk George (who became a national water

6 Classical Music Composers

4 Eiteljorg Museum Tribes

Spanish Numbers

Indy Trails

Shades of Purple

1 Most Popular Baby Name in Indiana in 2022

63. Noblesville HS alum 65. Cozy spot

66. “American Gigolo” star

67. Indiana tax IDs 70. Colts lineman Answers on Page 14

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