October 10, 2023 — Noblesville

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Southwest corner of 116th & I-69

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Board of Zoning Appeals approves proposal for gravel extraction site

By Elissa Maudlin elissa@youarecurrent.com

By a 3-2 vote, the City of Noblesville’s Board of Zoning Appeals approved a local aggregate services company’s proposal to extract sand and gravel at a site near Cherry Tree Meadows neighborhood during its Oct. 2 meeting. The proposal had been contested by several area residents.

Nearby residents previously had signed a petition against the proposal. Their concerns included decreases in property value; a precedent for other companies wanting to do similar work near neighborhoods; increase in traffic; deterioration of roads; contamination of drinking water; emission of air pollution and dust that might hurt wildlife; and excess noise.

Ali Alvey, a representative from Beaver Materials, said the company will use a water truck to wet the ground as needed during operations to mitigate dust, and gravel processing won’t happen on-site, such as blasting, crushing or wet processing. The company, she said, will follow ordinances and be regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

The city’s press secretary, Robert Herrington, issued the following statement after the meeting:

Opinions

“City staff’s focus was on reviewing the petition, remonstrance and associated materials and ensuring that procedural requirements were adhered to, and all interested persons had an opportunity to have their voices heard. The approved land use variance includes several conditions that have to be followed during excavation and transporting activities on the site, including a prohibition on blasting or the use of explosives, site watering to limit dust pollution and timing limitations.”

Kurt Beard, a resident in Cherry Tree Meadows, said the Board of Zoning Appeals made the right decision.

“It isn’t the decision we want as neighbors and isn’t the ideal situation for our neighborhood and neighbors,” he said. “But it sounds like it was the decision that respected their policies. I am trusting that (Beaver Materials) continue(s) to operate safely and with a focus on Noblesville.”

Rob Larkin, a Noblesville resident who doesn’t live in Cherry Tree Meadows, got involved because he felt Beaver Materials’ variance request was “way out of line.”

“If the board had taken a show of hands during the meeting regarding for or against, I think they would have seen that the citizens of (Noblesville) were adamantly against this variance request,” he said. “Then possibly they might have remembered

who they serve and voted the way the people wanted. That didn’t happen.”

John Wetter, who lives with his family in Cherry Tree Meadows, said he deals with lung issues, vocal cord damage, bronchitis and pneumonia. He is concerned irritants in the air will cause him to have breathing problems and/or cause his vocal cords to close because he lives only five houses down from the proposed site.

“They didn’t care about the health risks assigned to me and continued, anyway, which makes (the Board of Zoning Appeals and Beaver Materials) complicit in knowing the risk involved and then making it worse at my home environment, anyway,” he said.

A sign residents put up in protest of Beaver Materials’ extraction site proposal. (Photo courtesy of Pamela Sasse)

HSE sophomore has been key to girls soccer team’s success

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern High School sophomore girls soccer player Sloane May has made up for lost time.

Hampered by an ankle injury her freshman season, May has been a force this fall.

Entering the sectional, the forward had five game-winners for Hoosier Crossroads Conference champion Hamilton Southeastern this season. She had teamhighs of 10 goals and seven assists.

“Sloane has a knack for taking players on and finding her goal,” Royals coach Greg Davidson said. “When the game is on the line, Sloane has certainly stepped up for the Royals. Her biggest improvement is that although only a 10th-grader, she is willing to take the team on her shoulders and get the big goal when needed.”

May said the team focuses on grit.

“We’ve had a few games when we’ve gone down and I think us working together

MEET SLOANE MAY

Favorite athlete: Mallory Pugh Swanson

Favorite subject: Spanish

Favorite musician: Drake

Favorite vacation spot: Costa Rica

and persevering has been really good for us,” May said. “We’ve been able to get some last-second goals in to secure the win.”

May was a starter as a freshman but sprained her ankle in the opening game.

“It bothered me, and I was never strong and healthy for the season,” May said. “I played four or five games but was hurt in all of them. (The sprain) was just reoccurring.”

She said she did physical therapy and has been healthy since December. She plays

club soccer for Indiana Premier Soccer Club.

“There are a lot of girls on my club team that play on my high school team,” May said. “Just being able to play with them and play with them in high school, too, has been going really well because we just have so

much chemistry. We’re working together and encouraging each other. I know the other players have been key for the mental aspect for me and on the field.”

May said it’s helped that she and her teammates play against a high level of competition year-round.

“We push each other in practice to play high intensity and push each other in games because we know what we’re capable of,” May said.

May said she started playing soccer when she was 3 years old.

“I played volleyball and basketball, but I’ve always enjoyed soccer more than other sports,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to succeed in soccer and focus on soccer so I could pursue my goals.”

She stopped playing basketball in fifth grade and volleyball in sixth grade.

“I’ve been fortunate with amazing soccer coaches throughout my entire journey, which have helped me create a passion for soccer and helped me pursue my goals,” said May, who wants to play soccer in college.

Her younger sister, Sydney, plays soccer and will be a HSE freshman next year.

Sloane May has been a clutch performer for the Hamilton Southeastern High School girls soccer team. (Photo courtesy of Marcus Laux)

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HEPL board introduces draft 2024 budget

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton East Public Library’s proposed 2024 budget was introduced during the HEPL Board of Trustees regular meeting Sept. 28 at the Fishers Library.

LIBRARY

The board also continued its ongoing discussion of a controversial collections policy and agreed to move forward with community listening sessions to gather public input on that topic.

The proposed 2024 HEPL general fund expenses are $13.2 million, compared to $12.5 million for 2023. Other funds in the proposed budget are the rainy-day fund, lease rentals and library improvement reserve funds, which bring the total 2024 budget up to $20.4 million.

The library’s primary revenue sources are property and income taxes from the areas it serves.

The Sept. 28 meeting was the public hearing for the proposed budget. Nobody spoke during the public hearing. The board took no action and is expected to adopt the budget during its Oct. 26 meeting.

Public comment on other topics was moved from the end of the agenda to the start but was limited to 30 minutes. Eight people spoke, with several complaining about the library’s connection to the American Library Association. One person claimed the ALA is “a Marxist organization that seeks to destabilize our constitutional republic.”

Other speakers criticized the board’s collections policy, which the board adopted in late 2022, The policy was slowly implemented as staff reviewed books to determine whether they contained profanity or descriptions of sexual activity or violence.

The HEPL board and its policy faced national media attention and criticism after the bestseller “The Fault in Our Stars” by Indiana author John Green — along with many others in the teen section — was moved to the general collection because of stipulations in the board’s collections policy regarding sexual acts and profanity. The board voted in late August to pause implementation of the policy.

During the Sept. 29 meeting, the board discussed how to structure listening sessions to gather input before amending the policy. New HEPL Board President Tiffanie

Ditlevson said she’s willing to hold numerous sessions to make sure many different residents can participate.

Board Member Michelle Payne wondered how the sessions would differ from regular public comment, and Ditlevson said they would provide a more focused conversation, seeking ideas and suggestions.

“I never left a meeting after public comment with an idea of how to improve things,” Ditlevson said.

HEPL Director Edra Waterman noted that a facilitator would lead the sessions but would need direction from the board about what questions they want answered. The board agreed to come up with questions and provide them to Waterman as she works to set up various sessions.

Later in the meeting, Payne suggested that the board remove the controversial section of the library’s collections policy, rather than keep it paused while going through the public input process. She said they agreed to pause it because it wasn’t working.

“Even before the listening sessions, we can show leadership and accountability by adjusting this policy,” she said.

Ditlevson said she prefers to leave it on hold until the board has heard from the public. She said she hopes to find common ground through that process. Payne said she’s skeptical that will happen.

“I fear we’re not going to get to that point where we all agree,” she said, adding that the board will spend time and money, and end up in the same position it is now.

No motion was made regarding the collections policy. The next regular HEPL board meeting is 6:15 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Noblesville Library.

The Hamilton East Public Library Board of Trustees met Sept. 28 at the Fishers Library. (Photo courtesy of HEPL)

Nonprofit supports grieving families of deceased infants

By Elissa Maudlin elissa@youarecurrent.com

In August 2018, Emma Ping from Cicero went to Community North to deliver her daughter, Selah, who doctors determined didn’t have a heartbeat. She was delivered stillborn at 36 weeks and five days.

In the aftermath, Ping launched a nonprofit in Hamilton County to help other families who’ve gone through a similar experience.

Selah’s Grace Ministries, a nonprofit that supports families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss, will hold a candle event at the Angel of Hope Monument at Forest Park in Noblesville at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15. The first-ever event coincides with the International Wave of Light, where candles are lit during Baby Loss Awareness Week.

“I think the biggest thing that you fear when your child dies (is) that everyone will

NONPROFIT EVENT

just forget them, because everybody gets to move on, but you don’t get to,” Ping said. “That’s your new life. You’re living with the loss of your child.”

Admission is free and attendees can park anywhere at Forest Park.

Selah’s Grace Ministries provides CuddleCots, which are cots that cool the baby that has died to allow more time for the families to say goodbye, and bereavement boxes for parents at hospitals.

For more, visit selahsgrace.org.

Fall art market set downtown

By Elissa Maudlin elissa@youarecurrent.com

Two years ago, Emilia Seabourne, founder and producer of the Autumn Alley Art Market, wanted to create opportunities for small-scale creatives in the Noblesville area. That’s why she created an art market for painters, authors, candle makers, crochet artists, metal workers, performers and other artists to showcase their skills in alleys in downtown Noblesville.

The Autumn Alley Art Market is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 21 in the north, south and east alleys of the downtown Noblesville square. From 7 to 9 p.m. the market will have haunted hours with actors dressed in witch costumes with cauldrons. Families and children are welcome to attend the earlier hours of the event, which will be family friendly.

When the market was created two years ago, it involved only 18 artists and was supposed to be presented once a year, according to Seabourne. But the event grew to the point where markets are now presented in the fall, winter and spring.

Fifty artists are expected to attend the Oct. 21 market, with 22 on a waitlist.

The market will feature businesses and artists, including Iriemani Screen Printer; Ginger Root Plant Co.; David Sendelweck, an acrylic painter; Kimberly’s Treasure Shop, which sells stained glass pieces; and Susanna Rose, a local artist.

“There’s so many incredible artists and creatives that helped shape me when I moved here,” Seabourne said. “With all the growth and the progress, I wanted to make sure that that didn’t get lost.

For more, visit facebook.com/ alleyartmarket/.

From left, Director of Hospital Engagement Dede Flaherty, Secretary Jenni Roosa, founder and President Emma Ping and the July 4 5K Race Coordinator Crystal Hensley. (Photo courtesy of Emma Ping)

A previous Autumn Alley Art Market (Photo courtesy of Emilia Seabourne)

2024 solar eclipse a once-in-a-lifetime experience

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

In August 2017, scores of Hoosiers donned boxy cardboard protective glasses to catch a glimpse of a solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon’s orbit lines up with the sun and blocks at least some of its light. So, with another eclipse set to occur on the afternoon of April 8, 2024, many people may be inclined to discount it as old hat. But astronomy experts are urging Central Indiana residents to ditch the “been there, done that” mentality. This time, much of the state is in the path of totality, meaning the sun will be completely blocked by the moon for several minutes. In Carmel, totality will begin at 3:06 p.m. and last for nearly 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

ASTRONOMY

for nearly 130 years. For most people, experiencing totality is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

The 2017 eclipse in Indiana pales compared to what’s coming next spring, according to astronomy expert Dan McGlaun. He said many people think eclipse viewing is all the same, but being in the path of totality is an incomparable experience.

A RARE EVENT

Central Indiana hasn’t been in the path of a total solar eclipse since 1869, and after the 2024 event occurs it won’t have another one

“Indianapolis is the closest major city inside the path of totality to Chicago,” said Ken Miller, a retired planetarium director who is helping Hamilton County organizations prepare for the eclipse. “So, if it’s likely to be clear, I would not be at all surprised if 200,000 to 400,000 people in Chicago try to come here.”

Hoosiers can practice their eclipse viewing during a partial annular eclipse on Oct. 14. The moon’s orbit is more distant during an annular eclipse, meaning it won’t fully block the sun, even in the path of totality. In Indiana, the partial annular eclipse will occur between 11:39 a.m. and 2:28 p.m., with a maximum of 55 percent of the sun covered by the moon.

WHERE TO VIEW THE 2024 ECLIPSE

According to Nickel Plate Arts, people in Noblesville can view the eclipse April 8 at Country Moon Winery, 16222 Prairie Baptist Rd. Admission is free. There will be family-friendly activities and entertainment. More details will be posted at country-

moonwinery.com.

The Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department will host three separate events for the eclipse but does not have many details yet, said Christopher Gullion, special events coordinator.

During a solar eclipse, the orbit of the earth and moon align with the sun. This causes the moon to block all or some of the visible sun. (Photo by Gherry Bender)

DISPATCHES

Ghost walk set — Attendees can go on the Nefarious Noblesville Ghost Walk from 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 13, 21 and 28. The location is 839 Conner St. on the Historic Noblesville Square. Reservations are required and attendees should meet at the south side of Courthouse Square. It is $23 for ages 10 and older, and $20 for seniors 65+.

Russell Farms opens - The farm will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday until Oct. 29. It is open other times during the week, but some activities may be closed. There is a petting zoo, hayride to the pumpkin patch, scavenger hunt corn mazes, slides, bluegrass music and more. Ages 2 and younger are free, while ages 3 and older are $15 each on Saturdays and Sundays.

Show comes to Ivy Tech – Carmel Community Players will be putting on the play “aMused” starting at 2:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13-15 and 19-22. It is a comedy and written by an Indianapolis-based playwright. Adult tickets cost $18, and student and senior (62 and older) tickets are $16.

Loose leaf pick-up begins — The City of Noblesville began picking up loose leaves Oct. 2 and will continue to do so until Dec. 8. Loose leaves may be raked as close to the edge of the street as possible without going into the street. On average, according to the city, it takes street crews approximately four weeks to make a complete circuit of the city. After Dec. 8, the city will continue to pick up loose leaves as time allows and as weather permits but residents are encouraged to bag their leaves after Dec. 9.

Invasive Species webinar set — The Hamilton County Invasives Partnership will be hosting a webinar from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 16 titled “Trains, Planes and Automobiles: How do Invasive Species Spread.” The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to register.

Trick-or-treat train ride set — Nickel Plate Express will host “Trick or Treat on the Rails” at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Oct. 28 and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Oct. 29. The train ride lasts 65 minutes and attendees are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. Tickets include a pumpkin donut and apple cider. Standard adult tickets (ages 13 and older) are $25, child tickets (ages 12 and under) are $23 and children under 2 are free but need to ride on a parent’s lap.

New Athleta store opens in Hamilton Town Center

By Elissa Maudlin elissa@youarecurrent.com

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CLOTHES

Athleta, which sells womens and girls athletic clothing, celebrated the grand opening of its new store in Hamilton Town Center in Noblesvillle Oct. 3. The store is at 13901 Town Center Blvd. Bob DuBois, president/CEO of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, and Lexie Rock, community relations manager for the City of Noblesville, attended the ceremony.

Attendees were treated to snacks and bottled water inside the store.

Christina Veloz, the new store’s manager, said she was excited to open the store in Hamilton Town Center.

“There are no other stores like this in this mall currently,” she said. “So, I think that we’re going do really well, and yes, we’re just super excited to be here in Noblesville.”

Veloz said Athleta is certified B Corp., which means resources the brand uses to manufacture clothes come from sustainable

materials.

Athelta was founded in 1998 and became a part of Gap Inc. in 2008, which also includes Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic. Athelta also has Athleta Girls, which launched in 2016 and has athletic clothing designed for younger girls.

The new store is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

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Athleta celebrated the opening of its new store in Hamilton Town Center Oct. 3. (Photo by Elissa Maudlin)

Boys & Girls Club distributes free books

By Elissa Maudlin elissa@youarecurrent.com

The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville distributed donated books from the American Business Women’s Association Cardinal Crossroads Council and Ashlin Hadden Insurance Agency Sept. 12 to the kids in its care. About 300 books were distributed.

NONPROFIT

The American Business Women’s Association conducted a book drive as part of its Aug. 26 Summer Sizzler event, according to Emily Crump, donor relations associate for the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville.

Crump said the book drive correlated with one of the club’s pillars: academic success.

Boys & Girls Club members set up tables in the cafetorium to hand out the books.

Crump recalls the special feeling when kids asked if they could keep the books forever.

“They were like in shock,” Crump said. “They didn’t think that they were going to be able to keep the books.”

The club has other programming, includ-

ing cooking classes, dance classes and art classes.

“It’s just really important to get our kids access to resources,” Crump said. “We serve all different types of kids of all different backgrounds.

For more, visit bgca.org.

Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Becky Terry, American Business Women’s Association Summer Sizzler Chair Janet Greer, ABWA National President Cheryl Blair and BGCN Donor Relations Associate Emily Crump. (Photo courtesy of BGCN)

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE

NHS student interns at county leadership organization

By Elissa Maudlin elissa@youarecurrent.com

For the past 10 years, Noblesville High School has offered an internship program where seniors can work in fields according to their interests.

Grant Cummings, a 17-year-old senior, is an intern this school year for the Hamilton County Leadership Academy, an organization that offers a 10-month leadership program.

Cummings said the internship is an opportunity to gain real-world experience. He said he enjoys social media marketing and creating graphics and other materials that get a market area to invest in something.

“I was excited for the opportunity, but I really just didn’t know what to expect because HCLA is something I’d never even heard of before starting this,” Cummings said. “But it’s actually really cool because it’s just something that has a ton of networking with business leaders across all Hamilton County.”

The internship program at NHS started in January 2013, according to internship coordinator Mark Wilkinson. As the program grew, the internship coordinator position was created at the high school, the internship program combined with the cadet teaching program and a second internship coordinator was added.

This year, 240 students are participating in the program, which is a class format with assignments and grades that seniors can take for one or two semesters.

Wilkinson and Dan Nicholson, the other internship coordinator, meet with students during their junior year to determine what interests they have and then help arrange placements.

Instead of seniors having to choose or be placed with a business or organization from a set list each year, coordinators talk with the seniors first and, after that initial conversation, try to match that student with a business or organization that aligns with their interests.

“We welcome all students in our program. We don’t put barriers in their way,” Wilkinson said. “We’ll meet the students where they are and try to accommodate their interest as best we can. It’s not always perfect, but we think we find oppor-

tunities for them that inform them about what’s possible.”

Internships are available in the fields of law, manufacturing and city and county government, among other areas.

Cummings reports to his internship at the HCLA’s office three times a week after lunch. He said his favorite part of the internship is the variety of tasks. In August, he helped with the HCLA’s Starting Retreat.

“In a larger business, you’ll have a whole department of people focused on just the marketing,” Cummings said. “But here, it’s like really all hands-on deck, so anyone can have an idea and contribute to marketing. So, I think that’s kind of cool. Just everyone gets to have all the process instead of focusing on just one thing.”

Diana Coyle, the HCLA’s executive director, enjoys providing opportunities for students through the internship.

“I am really passionate about equipping people with pathways (and) resources so they can be successful on their route,” Coyle said. “And this allows us to execute what the program in our organization does, but it also allows me to really continue to shape and fill my cup on what I see

is my passion and purpose in the career field I’m in.”

Coyle said she was eager to know what Cummings wanted out of the internship to make the experience rewarding for him. She said he is “committed to a vision for his future,” which she admires.

“I think that is proof of someone who’s ready to gear up for that next step in their journey,” Coyle said.

For

WHAT IS HCLA?

The Hamilton County Leadership Academy is a 10-month program that helps create informed leaders in Hamilton County, according to the organization, and notes that it values community, learning and strategic flexibility.

Diana Coyle, executive director of HCLA, said it has a 30-year legacy and more than 800 alumni. Noblesville Schools Education Foundation leader Adriann Young is the president of the HCLA board.

The leadership program begins with

a two-day retreat in August; continues with one session per month from September to June; and concludes with a retreat in June. Participants can’t miss more than two sessions, must attend two community meetings — such as school board meetings, city council meetings, county council meetings — and attend community collaboration meetings, which are small groups led by HCLA alumni, according to the organization.

ON THE COVER: Grant Cummings works at HCLA’s office in the Noblesville Hamilton East Public Library. (Photo by Elissa Maudlin)

Diana Coyle, Grant Cummings and HCLA’s Program Coordinator Carol Paddock work on the menu for the Holiday Luncheon. (Photo by Elissa Maudlin)

Cummings, who aspires to attend college, will continue in his internship until the end of the school year.

more on the internship program at Noblesville High School, visit noblesvilleschools.org/Page/4292.

Christy Kempson co-owns Providence Home + Garden Center. The shop is still building out its nursery area and will offer expanded garden offerings in 2024. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Area couple’s new shop aims to beautify, build community

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

eryone could find their little thing and it felt comfortable.

One of your goals is to offer a space where people can build community. What do you mean by that?

NOW OPEN

What started as an idea in 2018 for Christy and Joel Kempson gained steam during the pandemic shutdowns in 2020 and came to fruition in mid-June on 10 acres the couple already owned at 3200 Sheridan Rd. in Noblesville.

Originally envisioned as a nursery and garden store, the concept grew to include a coffee shop, home decor retail offerings, gathering spaces, walking trails, dog park and more.

Providence Home + Garden Center launched with approximately half of the envisioned features available. The shop plans to hold a grand opening celebration Oct. 28, with the final amenities — including the walking trails with nature play areas and dog park — set for completion in 2024.

The center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays. The cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with homestore hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at providencehomegarden.com or by emailing info@providencehomegarden. com.

Christy Kempson, a mother of three who previously worked as a nurse and decorated homes for sale, answered the following questions about the new business.

Beyond your family’s background in landscaping and home decor, what inspired the creation of Providence Home + Garden Center?

We love going places where our kids can do their own thing and we can relax. So, we started dreaming up this place that would fit your typical family. (There is) something for the dad to do, and something for the mom to do and something for the kids, where ev-

We wanted people to feel like they have a place they can come as a “third place.” You have your home and your work, but where is that “third place” where you can build relationships and meet with people? We have seen some really cool (connections) happen so far.

What has the community response been to the business concept?

It’s been incredible. It’s been amazing. There are definitely things we still need to figure out, but for the most part (the community has) been so grateful that we made a space like this. They say it’s so nice to have something on this side of town, because most everything is in downtown Noblesville. Why did you expand and renovate an existing house on the site to serve as the main building for the business rather than construct something new?

We want a place where people can feel peaceful, at rest and comfortable. That’s why we structured the store to be set up like a home. We wanted it to feel like you are coming home, in a place that was organized yet inspiring, bringing beauty and creativity back.

Is there anything else you want the community to know?

A lot of small businesses in Noblesville have been crazy supportive. They want to cheer you on and share about you, and that’s been so humbling. I went in thinking we’re in this on our own, and it’s not been the case at all. That’s been a very humbling feeling, and it makes you want to support other people, too.

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Local Solutions to a National Workforce Challenge

Kristopher Subler, Senior Consultant at TPMA

Recently I had the oppportunity to facilitate multiple town hall discussions with local manufacturers, educators and other stakeholders on the state of the advanced manufacturing workforce in their region.

The objective of these town halls was to determine the workforce and training needs of regional manufacturers. As we surveyed the room, it became clear that everyone acknowledged the need for a highly-skilled, well-trained workforce to fill the growing demand for jobs in the sector. However, when asked who would recommend a manufacturing career to their child, few hands were raised.

The demand for advanced manufacturing jobs in Indiana is real. According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, over 9,100 new manufacturing jobs are projected to be in demand by 2031 in Indiana– an increase of 1.7%.

A prospective workforce needs the tools and resources to not only know about the jobs in advanced manufacturing, but also what it takes for them to be successful. A career pathway provides an overview of the career opportunities within an industry and details the education and training, wage outlook, and skills needed to succeed.

Take entry-level jobs in manufacturing. The average annual wage for workers aged 19-21 was over $46,000 in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Entry-level skills can be developed at the high school level through career and technical education (CTE) where students can earn stackable, industryrecognized credentials.

According to a recent workforce study completed by Conexus Indiana, fewer than 6 in 100 students are enrolled in an advanced manufacturing or logistics CTE course in Indiana. Hamilton County is positioned to reverse that trend.

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Hamilton County students the opportunity to pursue their career pathway into advanced manufacturing, among other industries. TPI is focused on delivering CTE courses onsite at local businesses and community partners, which leads to credentials and skills. TPI is changing the way that education and industry collaborate, and students benefit from opportunities afforded by this deliberate partnership. (can we pull this out as a pull quote in the article?)

We change the perception of career pathways and advanced manufacturing by bringing it to the people: offer facility tours to families and teachers; offer hands-on, work-based learning opportunities; provide the opportunity for students to “dip their toe in the water” by enrolling them in a course; and promote returnships by capturing success stories of students who pursued and were successful in a manufacturing career. Through career pathways and partners like The Pursuit Institute, we can begin paving the way for a strong, resilient workforce.

Kristopher Subler is a Senior Consultant at TPMA, an Indianapolis-based consulting firm that specializes in workforce development, economic development, education, and research/evaluation.

To learn more The Pursuit Institute, scan our QR code.

Prevent fall hiking injuries

Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan

In Indiana, October is one of the most beautiful months to enjoy the fall foliage by hiking trails. Before heading out, you’ll want to take the proper precautions to avoid foot or ankle injuries. Check out my three tips for hiking safely.

PODIATRY

PROTECTION

Uneven surfaces, branches or rocks on the path can cause you to misstep, leaving you with a sprained ankle and causing you to walk back out on that injured foot! Protect yourself by picking a high-top hiking boot with plenty of ankle support. Strong, well-insulated and moisture-proof boots with steel or graphite shanks offer excellent ankle and foot support that helps lessen stress and muscle fatigue to reduce injury risk. The supportive shank decreases strain on the arch by allowing the boot to distribute impact. So, if a boot bends in the middle, don’t buy it.

BLISTERS

To prevent blisters, socks and boots should fit securely, and it’s best to break

boots in by wearing them around the house or on short walks. Keep your feet dry by choosing sweat-wicking athletic socks for the first layer. For the second layer, wool socks absorb moisture, add warmth and provide cushioning. Use Band-Aids or padding to protect sensitive areas and avoid further irritation. If a blister pops, wash the area with clean water, then apply antibiotic cream and cover to prevent infection.

OVERUSE

Pain usually occurs from overuse, even from just walking. If you’re not accustomed to walking on sloped or uneven ground, your legs and feet will tire and cause muscles and tendons to ache. Rest if your feet start hurting to avoid a serious injury, such as a severe ankle sprain or an Achilles tendon rupture.

If you injure your foot or ankle while hiking, see us immediately.

A board-certified foot surgeon and wound specialist, Dr. David Sullivan is the owner of Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact him at drs@ westfieldfoot.com.

DISPATCHES

Fishers student part of ‘White Coat’ ceremony — Jefney Ongeri of Fishers, a student in Des Moines University’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, was a participant in the university’s 2023 White Coat Ceremony Sept. 15. According to the university, Ongeri and others in the Class of 2025 received the white coat as a symbol of the training aspiring health professionals receive and the accompanying responsibilities they’ve accepted for their future roles. Participating in DMU’s ceremony were 149 students in the College of Health Sciences’ Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs; 56 students in the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery’s Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program; and 226 students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.

Art show raises $8K for Riley – An art show, featuring work by late Carmel teacher and Westfield Principal Robert Brower, held in August at the Carmel Clay Public Library raised $8,195 for Riley Hospital for Children for pediatric cancer research. More than 200

original paintings and drawings were sold at the event, which was organized by the EmilyStrong Foundation, a nonprofit named after Carmel resident Emily Alberts, who received treatment at Riley in 2018.

Girl Scouts releases The Indiana Girl Report — The Indiana Girl Report, commissioned through the Indiana Youth Institute in collaboration with Indiana Girl Scout councils and the Girl Coalition of Indiana is the first of its kind and was developed through qualitative and quantitative research to provide insight into critical challenges girls are experiencing and the variances across the state. Among the findings, the report notes that among 7th to 12th grade girls in Indiana, 47.1 percent experienced depression in 2022 and nearly 1 in 4 girls seriously considered suicide. The report also shows girls in Indiana are more likely than boys to become victims of bullying, traditional and online; and that the rate of physical and sexual dating violence among girls in Indiana has increased, while the prevalence among boys has decreased. A full copy of the report can be found at gsci.me/indianagirlreport.

How The Pursuit Institute is generating a pipeline of talent for advanced manufacturing

TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT with INDIANA UNIVERSITY HEALTH

In search of equilibrium

Commentary by Terry Anker

BEHIND EVERY HIP IS STRONG

a highly skilled orthopedics team of pre-surgery coordinators orthopedic surgeons

nurses

post-surger y coordinators

physical therapists and rehab specialists WORKING TOGETHER TO GET YOU BACK TO FEELING YOUR BEST.

Knee & Hip Pain Seminar

Wednesday, Oct. 25 | 6 pm

IU Health Saxony Hospital Medical Of ce

Building | 13100 E. 136th Street in Fishers

Kevin Sonn, MD

Free to attend | RSVP required Register at iuhealth.org/joints or scan the code.

ESSAY

The squeeze is on. It happens in most things. A competitive sporting event might find the participants in a vice between a soon-to-expire clock and a run down the field that might require more than the time remaining. The young paramour might find his inability to make a decision at odds with the object of his affection’s desire to elevate their relationship to something more permanent. The pressure to commit is palpable. At home, many of us feel the tension between increasing prices and stagnant income. How can we hold our position against the forces pulling against us? Are we doomed to living a lower standard of life than we were just a few weeks ago? Can we stop the bleeding?

That cabal of bankers around the world that sets the rates of interest for borrowers of all sorts has continued to ramp up the cost of debt. For Americans, it tends to manifest most immediately in credit cards, where the rates can move up without constraint. One of the nation’s largest providers

of consumer credit now demands 25.24 percent interest on balances and 29.99 percent for cash. A loan shark might blush. Affordable payments that were once attacking principle are now insufficient to cover interest.

In December of 2021, many — including this writer — called out the looming problem on the horizon. To be sure, some of us overspend, some are debt-free and others still are caught in the vortex of changes to their financial situation that are beyond control and prediction. The question, it might seem, is how and if we share in the cost? Do we demand higher wages, thus higher costs of goods and services for our customers? In turn, do they do the same? Who sacrifices the most? With winners and losers, what is the best equilibrium?

Jumping through Hulu hoops

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

I am so irritated right now. I just wanted to have a nice morning sipping coffee and Googling dream vacations while Ryder Cup matches played quietly in the background. But no. Stupid Hulu has decided to mess with me, and my husband, Doo, has made it worse. Here’s the lowdown.

HUMOR

For some reason when I switched on the TV, Hulu asked me to sign in. This is an annoying process that includes — but is not limited to — tracking down a crazy password that consists of numbers, letters, symbols, swear words and the blood of a sacrificial lamb. Doo insisted I use a generated one, and he changes it periodically because god forbid someone hacks my “Handmaid’s Tale” streaming account.

Anyhoo, I hail Doo as he’s heading for the door, and he tells me to open Last Pass. What the heck is Last Pass? “I helped you set it up. It has all the passwords.” He is correct. He did. I found it buried among my apps and discovered three different passwords for Hulu. I picked one at random and painstakingly used the remote to enter it, deftly toggling between 17 screens and

“For some reason when I switched on the TV, Hulu asked me to sign in. This is an annoying process that includes — but is not limited to — tracking down a crazy password that consists of numbers, letters, symbols, swear words and the blood of a sacrificial lamb.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

praying I capitalized the middle Q. Denied. “It didn’t wooooooorrrrk!” I whine.

Eyeballing me like I’m a dummy, he showed me his phone, where Hulu is condescendingly open. “Try it on your computer,” he said. I did, but it signed me in automatically. “Log out and reenter everything.” Login failed. Then Doo left, mumbling he didn’t have time for this nonsense, and I was left with only my coffee and Google, no calming British accents or green grass in sight. Sonofa! Stupid Hulu. Peace out.

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

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

Trying to keep my brain alive

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I love to walk up and down the bookstore aisles occasionally removing something from the shelves to sample, hoping it fits my tastes. The people at Barnes & Noble are totally OK with this, but that habit has gotten me kicked out of Kroger about six times.

HUMOR

Recently, I decided to search the shelves for a book that might help me address a problem I am facing. My memory is not what it used to be. I tried Prevagen, but that was a total waste of money. They tout the product as made from jellyfish, one of the few animals in the world with no brain.

I did find one book, “Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises.” The authors, Larry Katz and Manning Rubin, contend that there is not enough unpredictability in our lives. So, the book encourages you to use each of your senses in new and innovative ways. One of the author’s suggestions is to brush your teeth with your nondominant hand, thus creating new neural pathways. I tried it one night and found the experience instructive. I then used my other hand to clean the toothpaste out of my nose and inside my ear.

To enhance your appreciation of good food, says Katz, stick plugs in your ears. This permits you to fully enjoy what is on your plate, focusing only on taste. I totally forgot to tell my wife, Mary Ellen, I was doing this, so I didn’t hear a word she said during dinner for almost a week. Fortunately, she didn’t notice the difference.

The book also suggests that to fully experience the texture of food, you should hold your nose when you eat. My wife did notice this on that first night when she had prepared what I assume was a delicious dinner. She was not happy, but I got a nice note from Grub Hub thanking me for all my subsequent take-out orders 10 nights in a row.

There is also a chapter on sex. Katz encourages you to have a romantic dinner with your partner, and “to be sure to enjoy some flowers and candles.” I choked down a few rose petals, but the candles made me gag. For another novel experience, Katz suggests you switch cars with a nearby friend for a day so you can have a new tactile experience behind the wheel. Of course, remember to tell your neighbor before you do this, or you can then look forward to really feeling something new: Your hands cuffed behind your back.

My favorite suggestion is to eliminate the traditional grocery list. Instead of jotting down the name of each item, write a description instead so you can fully appreciate its qualities. I tried that. On my shopping list, I wrote, “It’s about the size and shape of a soccer ball, tannish, heavily veined and dimpled.”

I was talking about a cantaloupe, but it sounded a lot like my rear end.

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 oncemonthly 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.

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

“My memory is not what it used to be. I tried Prevagen, but that was a total waste of money. They tout the product as made from jellyfish, one of the few animals in the world with no brain.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

ATI co-founder Farrell embarks on next performing journey

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Don Farrell is ready for the next chapter of his performing career.

BEEF & BOARDS

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” through Nov. 19 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘THE PROM’

PERFORMANCES

Farrell, a co-founder of Carmel-based Actors Theatre of Indiana with Judy Fitzgerald and Cynthia Collins, resigned in September. Collins resigned in the summer to concentrate on her job in the musical theater department at Anderson University. Fitzgerald has taken over as artistic director and Darrin Murrell has joined as associate artistic director.

“It’s a new phase of my life,” Farrell said. “It’s been a great ride with ATI. I’m proud of all the accolades, successes and accomplishments that the organization has been able to accomplish in the past 18 years. I’m excited to see what new opportunities might open up for me. I’m looking to pursue more of my acting and performing career and exploring new projects and ideas I’ve had on and off during the past 18 years. Sometimes there are some great ideas to pursue but you just don’t have the time to do it.”

The 54-year-old Westfield resident said it wasn’t an easy decision to make.

“I truly love everybody that I’ve been able to work with and all the new friends and acquaintances, whether it’s the artists, the artisans, the patrons, the sponsors, the donors, the directors, the designers, the staff and the board,” Farrell said. “Everybody I’ve worked with is lovely. I don’t want to let anyone down.”

Farrell said he wants to use his talents in other ways to perform for the community.

“I love this community,” he said. “I’m heartfelt about that. It’s just been a great community to be a part of. I want to find ways to give back. Hopefully, these ideas and projects may benefit one arts organization but possibly more than that. We’ll see where the journey takes me and what opportunities open up. There is a lot of

faith and trust and a lot of excitement in this new chapter in my life. I’m very proud of all the work at ATI. It was literally blood, sweat and tears for all three of us. I’m very excited for the future of ATI. I love ATI. I always have and always will. I’m still going to help when I can. Hopefully, in the future, people will see me on that ATI stage — just in a different capacity.”

Farrell said his relationship with Feinstein’s has been very successful. He previously had performed his Frank Sinatra and Barry Manilow shows at Feinstein’s.

Farrell has three Feinstein’s shows scheduled with his collaborator Terry Woods. They will perform tributes to Tony Bennett Oct. 12, Neil Diamond Nov. 9 and

“A Sinatra Christmas” Dec. 13. He also will play the role of the narrator in a “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 1-22 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre.

Farrell also has some private events scheduled for the rest of 2023 and has

committed to shows in 2024 that have yet to be announced.

“I’ve been auditioning for some other plays and theater companies, so I’ve been excited about being able to do that,” he said.

Farrell said the idea of leaving ATI to pursue other options has been on his mind for a while. He said there was so much administrative work that he didn’t have a great deal of time to devote to his craft.

“The talents and gifts we’ve been given in our life are not ours but given to us from God,” Farrell said. “I think a true sin is to not take the talents as best you can.”

Farrell had previously set up Crossroads Entertainment LLC as his production company. For more, visit crossroads-ent.com or Crossroads Entertainment’s Facebook page.

For private events, contact thisisdonfarrell@gmail.com

Civic Theatre’s production of “The Prom” is set to run through Oct. 21 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

ROBERT CRAY BAND

The Robert Cray Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Don Farrell will present “Because of You ... a Tribute to Tony Bennett” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 and Ben Johnson and Ron Abel present a tribute to Frank Sinatra at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

“WISH YOU WERE HERE”

“Wish You Were Here: The Sight & Sound of Pink Floyd” will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

“DON’T TELL ANYBODY THE SECRETS TOUR”

Lucinda Williams and her band will perform presents its “Don’t Tell Anybody The Secrets Tour” at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

“TROILUS & CRESSIDA”

Bard Fest’s “Troilus & Cressida” will conclude with performances Oct. 13-15 at The Cat in Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

CELEBRACIÓN DE ESPAÑA

The Indianapolis Opera will present Celebración de España, a fundraiser and a celebration of music, opera and art, set for 6 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Don Farrell will perform with pianist Terry Woods at Feinstein’s. (Photo courtesy of Don Farrell)

NIGHT

DAY

Authors discuss ’Summer Stock’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

held in Carmel, where the Great American Songbook Foundation is headquartered.

PUZZLE ANSWERS SPONSORED BY SHEPHERD INSURANCE

More than 50 years after her death, Judy Garland’s legacy lives on. Film historians Tom Johnson and David Fantle will discuss their book, “C’mon, Get Happy: The Making of Summer Stock,” at 6:45 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

FILM

“There is worldwide fandom for Judy Garland that is very robust to this day,” Fantle said. “People are endlessly fascinated by her life.”

The lobby will open at 5:30 p.m. for the book signing. Fantle and Johnson will give a 15-minute talk before the 7 p.m. screening of the movie and a brief Q&A after the screening. Tickets are $10 for the presentation.

The book, which will be released Oct. 16, includes extensive interviews with the cast, crew and writers involved in the production.

It’s fitting that the book release is

Fantle said Songbook Foundation founder Michael Feinstein provided great insight into Garland’s career. “Summer Stock” was Garland’s final film after 15 years at MGM.

Fantle said while the movie is not as well-known as other Garland films such as “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Easter Parade,” there are more wonderful musical numbers jammed into the 108 minutes than virtually any of the famous MGM musicals. The film ends with one of Garland’s iconic songs, “Get Happy.”

“Most people don’t realize that Gene Kelly’s all-time personal favorite solo tap dance is in ‘Summer Stock,’ so there are a lot of compelling reasons why we thought this story should be told,” Fantle said. Fantle said Garland’s daughter Lorna Luft and Gene Kelly’s daughter Kerry Kelly Novick were great sources. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

The Edwards Twins return

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Edwards Twins sold out their first appearance at Feinstein’s in Carmel last year.

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Appliances: BLENDER, MICROWAVE, MIXER, OVEN, STOVE, TOASTER; Palindromes: KAYAK, LEVEL, MADAM, RADAR, ROTOR, STATS; Snacks: MILK DUDS, NACHOS, POP CORN, SKITTLES;

PERFORMANCES

“The promoter said then next year we’re going to do two shows,” Anthony Edwards said.

Identical twins Anthony and Eddie Edwards, 58, will present “The Ultimate Variety Show” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20-21 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael.

Some new additions will be in their repertoire.

“We’re doing Elton John from the ‘70s, the ‘80s and the 2000s era,” Anthony said. “That’s a new thing we put in the show and it’s blowing the audience away. We’re also bringing in Bette Midler, which is also brand new. The Bee Gees will be coming. John Fogerty is another new one.”

Anthony impersonates all the male performers while Eddie portrays the females.

“Eddie’s favorite character is Barbra Streisand because he has been doing that the longest,” Anthony said. ‘That’s really a character people just go crazy over.

Eddie Edwards is well known for his Barbra Streisand impersonation. (Photo courtesy of Anthony Edwards)

Anthony said two of his favorites to impersonate are Elton John and Andrea Bocelli.

Anthony said it was natural for Eddie to impersonate females because he spent years touring the world as part of La Cage aux Follies.

It was Carol Burnett who suggested the twins combine their acts.

“She was very instrumental in getting the act started,” Anthony said. “She had seen me in Toronto, and we became good friends. She then went to see Eddie and was so enamored with him, she asked him to be on ‘Carol & Company.’ Eddie was on the first season of that show. After we got endorsed by her, it absolutely skyrocketed.”

For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

Fantle Johnson

BOOK BY BOB MARTIN & CHAD BEGUELIN

Lab series features ‘Liars Bench’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Julie Lyn Barber looks forward to seeing what changes a reading might bring to her play.

READING

Barber’s musical

“The Liars Bench” will be presented as part of Actors Theatre of Indiana’s Lab Series. The play will be presented as a free reading at 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at Carmel Clay Public Library. The Lab series helps playwrights receive feedback on their work.

each of the character’s specific voices and three-dimensionality.”

The story is set in the 1920s in a small town that hasn’t progressed as much as the rest of the nation.

Barber

“(The reading is) such a gift,” Barber said. “It’s always so helpful to hear it out loud and to be able to see audience reactions in real time, in addition to the opportunity to hear their thoughts about it after the reading. My goal was to wrap some heart into a comedy so that it’s an evening spent laughing, that sends you away with a bit of nostalgia. There’s no way to know if that goal is near achieving until there is an audience involved.

I’m also very excited to have such a skilled group of professional actors interpret the characters. It really helps me in developing

“I grew up in a small town in Canada. My husband grew up in Selma, Indiana, which is where my kids went to school,” Barber said. “I used to work in Farmland, Indiana, and one of our favorite places to visit is the small town of Nashville in Brown County. Frank Hohenberger’s photographs of the people of Brown County provided inspiration for several of the characters in the play.”

Barber said the play has had several readings through the years.

“The piece has changed significantly after each reading,” said Barber, who is the head of musical theater at Purdue University Fort Wayne. “The last one was a staged reading with students at Western Kentucky University, after which the cast size was significantly pared down to focus on the three sets of siblings.”

Registration for the free tickets is on Eventbrite. For more, visit atistage.org.

LYRICS BY CHAD BEGUELIN

MUSIC BY MATTHEW SKLAR

BASED ON AN ORIGINAL CONCEPT BY JACK VIERTEL

CCP brings ‘aMUSEd’ to the stage

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Kelly Keller was eager to bring Megan Ann Jacobs’ latest play to the stage. The Carmel Community Players will present “aMUSEd” from Oct. 13-22 at Switch Theatre in Fishers. Keller, a Fishers resident, will direct the show.

The play has been produced a total of five times previously, three times in its full form in Wisconsin and twice in Indianapolis as an hour-long festival version.

PLAY

“I’ve worked with Megan before when she directed me in ‘Coping with Autumn,’ which she also wrote,” Jacobs said. “I love her writing style. It’s direct and real. She writes about regular, ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Her language is accessible by everyone but is smart, thoughtful and funny. When Megan gave the cast of ‘Coping with Autumn’ the ‘aMUSEd’ script as a gift, I read it shortly thereafter. I immediately loved it. I love how it starts. I love how it evolves. I love the story and themes. (Jacobs) includes themes of loss, recovery and redemption expertly through interesting and real characters.”

Jacobs, an Indianapolis resident, said she got the idea for the story when Danielle E. Shipley showed her the cover of her new book “Inspired.”

“This image with the man in the suit in this light bulb and the great line of ‘What the muse wants...he gets,’” Jacobs said. “And I truly was inspired by it. This image launched my brain into the general premise of ‘aMUSEd.’This was actually the first time I had ever written a play. I had mostly done fiction writing and poetry. But from the onset, I knew this idea was meant for the stage.”

Jacobs said the play’s last revisions were in early 2019 for both versions of the show.

“I think I am most excited to experience it like new,” Jacob’s said. “Seeing it come to life under someone else’s direction, the choices of the performers, and seeing the production team add their flair, truly it feels like a gift.”

For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

Wed Oct 11 at 7:30pm

GRACE POTTER

Fri Nov 3 at 8pm

Jacobs

An expanding vocabulary

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

The folks at Merriam-Webster have been hard at work keeping the dictionary relevant for a new generation of vibrant verbophiles. The new class of 690 words promises to keep M-W a real page-turner.

pass anything that is clearly superior to other things in its category. Depending on your perspective, Michael Jordan is the GOAT of basketball, while others consider LeBron James to be the GOAT.

GRAMMAR GUY

As you can see, the English language is alive and well, as its words, phrases and meanings continue to evolve. Allow me to introduce to you a few words from the class of ‘23.

• Doomscroll: to spend endless time scrolling on your phone. I’m an expert doomscroller, seamlessly switching between Instagram, Facebook and Reddit. While the youngsters prefer TikTok, I prefer to watch reposted TikTok videos on Instagram.

• Doggo: a dog. My doggo, Socks, is a 1-year-old cockapoo who likes stealing food from my 1-year-old son.

• GOATED: G.O.A.T. stands for “greatest of all time,” and the phrase “GOATED” (in all caps) has evolved to encom-

• Jorts: jean shorts. There’s nothing inherently wrong with jorts, but they have come to be associated with men over the age of 40. The best place I’ve found to see the most jorts per capita is at the Indy 500. Whether they’re cutoffs or born that way, jorts are a mainstay among American motorsport fans. While some may scoff at the slang terms and online lexicon added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, new words keep a language fresh and exciting. I, for one, think the English language is really bussin’ (extremely good).

Experiencing aviation progress

Commentary by Don Knebel

In our continuing visits to places within easy driving distance of Indianapolis, we resume our exploration of Dayton’s National Museum of the United States Air Force.

TRAVEL

Walking among the 350 or so airplanes on display in the 19-acre museum makes one conclusion unavoidable — 80 years after a Wright brothers airplane became the nation’s first powered military aircraft, an enormous amount of progress had been made in the design of military aircraft, some made very quickly.

The earliest powered airplane on display is an exact reproduction of the Wright brothers’ Flyer, sold to the U. S Army for $30,000 in 1909. Like their earlier planes, this biplane had chain-driven pusher propellers in the rear, no wheels, elevators in the front and muslin-covered wooden fuselage and wings. It had a top speed of 42 mph and a range of 40 miles. Just eight years later, the Sopwith F.1 Camel, which destroyed more German aircraft than any other Allied airplane, featured wheels and a

rotary engine driving a single puller propeller in front. It had a top speed of 112 mph, a range of 300 miles and could reach an altitude of 19,000 feet. Fast forward to 1964 and the North American XB-70A, a bomber with a top speed of 2,056 mph (more than three times the speed of sound), a range of 4,288 miles and a ceiling of 77,350 feet. Also on display is the Lockheed F-117A, introduced in 1981, the world’s first operational aircraft capable of evading enemy radar, with an unlimited range enabled by inflight refueling.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is open, with free admission and parking, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visitors are advised to arrive early, go first to the back of the museum and work forward.

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

A Lockheed F-117A on display.

A North American XB-70A bomber at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. (Photos by Don Knebel)

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

1. IU profs’ helpers

4. Ham it up

9. Nike rival

13. Scannable bars, briefly

14. Postpone

15. Fundamental 16. Gen-___

17. Hang loosely

18. Palladium to-do, e.g.

19. With 56-Across, Clay County facility where you can find 9-, 34-, 41- and 67-Across and 30-Down

22. Singer Lana 23. Young newt

24. Katz Sapper & Miller audit pro

27. Viking Ship Museum city

28. Indianapolis Indians fielders’ gloves

31. Awl, for one

32. Gestation sites 34. Schoolcraft College

mascot

36. White River angler’s string

38. Rokita, Hill and Zoeller, initially

40. Word-of-mouth

41. Cub Scout newcomer

43. Blunder

45. Run away

46. Like the Hanna Haunted House

48. Indiana Senate staffer

52. “___ chance!”

53. Okla. neighbor

54. Black eye, informally

56. See 19-Across

59. Show reluctance 62. Come next

63. MashCraft brew letters

64. Offed

65. Ford flop

66. Lucas Oil Stadium restroom sign

67. Colt foe

68. Go-getters

69. Finish Down

1. Fishers HS prom wear

2. Highest points

3. Rolled up document

4. ___ Merlot’s steakhouse

5. “Oh,

Waterpark

26. PC key

29. 401(k) kin

30. Golfer Woods

31. Part of ATV

33. Earl Grey, e.g. 35. Dove’s sound 36. “Damn Yankees” siren 37. “Yeah, right!” 39. ___ Lanka 41. Pal 4 life

42. Plum Creek Golf Club pegs 44. Carmel firefighter, on occasion 47. Surpass 49. Eventually

Dredge, say

Gofer’s task 53. Shore bird 55. Shoe parts

Destroy

Cancel out

Latin 101 verb

lordy!”

6. Uwe Blab’s “little” brother (at 7-feet), who played at Evansville

7. Masking or duct

8. Shoelace hole

9. Do I-69 roadwork 10. “For Official ___ Only” 11. Hr. part

12. Perform at The Belfry Theatre

15. Not straight

20. Beat the Pacers decisively

21. “In that case...”

24. Coca-___

25. Place to do laps at The

3 Indiana Dunes Reptiles

2 Largest Indiana Cities

5-Letter Palindromes

1 ISU Sports Teams Nickname

ISP option

A Manning 61. Chinese chairman Answers on Page 21

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Building Demolitions

Build Decks

Painting inside or Outdoors Clean Gutters Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED

Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com

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

“A trip to the cath lab and I’m on the mend.”

RIGHT SIZE. RIGHT CARE. RIGHT HERE.

/ WESTFIELD / CARMEL / CICERO / FISHERS / SHERIDAN / ZIONSVILLE

With advanced technology and expert care, we’ll get you back to what you love.