April 23, 2024 – Noblesville

Indiana Peony Festival returns to Noblesville / P9

Party Trays from Puccini’s for your graduation parties!

PuccinisPizzaPasta.com

Council introduced to proposed plans for three housing communities

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

CITY NEWS

Share your thoughts

Letters to the editor may be sent for consideration to letters@youarecurrent.com.

Letters have a maximum word count of 300 words. Please include your city of residence and a contact phone number for verification. Current Publishing may refuse letters.

Advertise your business

If you’re interested in reaching the Noblesville market (22,087 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Noblesville advertising) or by calling 317.748.2662.

Obituaries obits@youarecurrent.com

Legal advertising

legals@youarecurrent.com

Delivery questions

circulation@youarecurrent.com

Opinions

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

The Noblesville Common Council met April 9 and received three proposed development plans for the city: Kingsley at Hyde Park, Oasis at Hyde Park and Brandon Reserve. Altogether, the projects are estimated to cost nearly $188 million.

The council first heard a project for the rezoning of 42 acres along Brooks School Road between 136th and 141st streets for the proposed $90 million Kingsley at Hyde Park development, a for-rent community set to include 286 dwelling units.

“Hyde Park was a 274-acre mixed-use development when it was brought forward, and the overall master plan was approved in 2021,” said attorney Jim Shinaver, speaking on behalf of Trinita Development. “Now, you’re starting to see sections of Hyde Park undergoing development, which is really an exciting thing.”

Shinaver said the residential portion of the development would include amenities for its residents, including a clubhouse, pool and fitness facilities, and the community would be split into north and south parcels, separated by the Hyde Park regional detention pond.

“The northern portion would include all for-rent residential homes, and the southern portion would have the commercial outlets, as well as additional homes,” Shinaver said.

Shinaver also introduced Oasis at Hyde Park, a $40 million project that would involve rezoning 15.5 acres south of E. 146th St. and east of the Marilyn Ridge subdivision for the development of 74 for-sale homes, mainly consisting of two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom units.

Developers Grand and Fischer Homes anticipate average sale prices starting at approximately $400,000.

The last development plan Sinaver introduced on behalf of developer MI Homes of

Indiana L.P., Branson Reserve, would rezone 52 acres west of Promise Road at its intersection with 196th Street for a for-sale residential community of 147 single-family homes.

Shinaver said the proposed $58 million development would consist of a mix of home types, including ranch homes, two-story homes and split-level homes with square footage ranging from approximately 1500 sq. ft. to 2900 sq. ft.

MI Homes anticipates that Brandon Reserve’s average sale price will be between $380,000 and $430,000.

A new process was recently established for development project introductions.

“(Projects) were previously introduced at council, then went to plan commission and then back to the council for two more readings,” Councilmember Aaron Smith said. “Now (projects are) introduced at council with more information, go to the plan commission and then come back to council for a vote based on the plan commission’s recommendation. We can keep it open for an additional meeting if needed.”

The next common council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 23 at City Hall. Many of the development projects presented will be presented to the plan commission at its May 20 meeting at 6 p.m.

Site map for the Kingsley at Hyde Park development. (Maps courtesy of Noblesville Common Council)

Site map for the Oasis at Hyde Park development.

Site map for the Branson Reserve development.

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

New Meijer now hiring — Meijer is looking to fill 250 part-time and full-time positions, including clerks, cake decorators, customer service, cashiers, receiving and meat cutters at its new Meijer Grocery store set to open this year at 5956 Promenade Shops Blvd. in Noblesville. Starting pay is based on experience level and specific skills. Anyone interested can begin the hiring process by applying at jobs.meijer.com/ stores. Meijer will screen applicants within the next several weeks and selected candidates will be invited to interview in early May.

Centier Bank makes donation — Centier Bank recently presented a $65,000 donation to United Way of NWI, impacting nine United Way agencies across Indiana as part of its annual Workplace Campaign. For the past several years, Centier Bank has partnered with United Way chapters across the state, resulting in the advancement of initiatives designed to impact thousands of families and individuals in need. The donation supports the United Way organizations in 11 counties, including Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall, Allen, Tippecanoe, Boone, Marion and Hamilton counties. For more, visit unitedway.org and centier.com.

Hamilton County Tourism CEO Search — A national search will soon begin to replace Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. President/ CEO Brenda Myers who will retire this summer. Diversified Search Group will lead the HCT Board of Directors in the search. Myers announced her planned retirement in 2022., ending a 19-year tenure as the organization’s leader. She also served as a founding board member of the tourism organization more than 30 years ago as a representative of Conner Prairie. The goal is to have a new leader in place by mid-summer.

Back to School BASH — The 10th annual Noblesville Schools Back to School BASH will be from 5 to 8 p.m. July 26. The event features food, games, athletics, arts, music and community youth organizations. Exhibitor space at the Back to School BASH is limited and organizations must be selected and approved for participation. Community businesses and organizations interested in exhibiting at the Back to School BASH must apply by May 1. To apply, visit noblesvilleschools.org/departments/marketing-pr-communications/ back-to-school-bash.

The installation takes as little as a day. The joy it brings lasts a lifetime.

School expands STEAM program Farmer’s Market returns

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

White River Elementary School staff recently enhanced a program in their building called ‘Two Chicks and a STEAM Teacher,’ which began last school year.

EDUCATION

Principal Calie VanDermark said the program, which follows the life cycle of a chicken, is part of a schoolwide learning initiative that involves all students, staff and community members and builds “connection and curiosity.”

“With the help of the (Noblesville Schools Education Foundation) and our (Parent Teacher Organization), we were able to expand the project this year to meet the needs and requests of our students,” VanDermark said.

School staff planned the program around Indiana’s Integrated STEM Standards, which give students opportunities to participate in “real-world problem-solving” and more.

White River Nurse Autumn Clark, owner of Farm House on Seven in Noblesville, houses a coop with several chickens from

last year’s life cycle project at White River. “The impact of this project is that it creates core memories and allows for continued community collaboration outside of the classroom,” Clark said. “We are able to add to our supply to provide fresh eggs to local neighbors, and we get to share the impact beyond the walls of the school. As a parent, this opportunity for our kids means the world to me.”

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville Main Street’s Farmers Market will return to Federal Hill Commons May 4 with nearly 100 vendors set up for the season. The market, held from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Oct. 12 at 175 Logan St., will feature more food vendors than ever.

EVENT

“We are very excited for our vendors to offer new and returning treats this year,” said Kate Baker, Noblesville Main Street’s executive director. “We are offering SNAP benefits for the first time, so it will be great for people to get healthy choices at an affordable price.”

Besides food vendors, the market will feature several makers with unique goods for purchase. There will also be live music every market, and local fitness businesses will begin the day at 8 a.m. with a free group class, such as kickboxing, yoga or dance.

Baker said there will be days catered to children throughout the market season.

“We have three days this year where

we invite kid entrepreneurs to come set up, learn some people and money management skills, and understand what it’s like to own a business,” Baker said. “We usually have more than 30 kids sign up for all three days.”

Pets are also welcome at the market.

Baker said one of the most exciting parts of this year’s market is having the Federal Hill Apartments nearby.

“There have been many questions about parking, and we are excited about the new parking garage and about continuing to use the parking lot across the street,” Baker said. “The Noblesville Police Department will be on-site to ensure safe traffic.”

Baker said the market grows each year and she looks forward to the season.

“Whether someone lives here or not, they belong here,” Baker said. “With our sponsorship from Duke Energy and CenterPoint Energy, we are able to highlight several nonprofit organizations in the area. I am extremely proud of the market’s continued growth.”

For more, visit noblesvillemainstreet. org/farmers-market.

From left, School Board President Christi Crosser and third-grade White River Elementary student Wyatt Clark with a chicken from last year’s STEAM project at the April 16 school board meeting. (Photo courtesy of Noblesville Schools)

Noblesville receives funding for road, bridge projects

news@noblesvillecurrent.com

Noblesville and other Hamilton County communities can proceed with road and bridge projects because of a recent

DEVELOPMENT

boost in state funding, according to local state legislators.

A total of 252 communities across the state will receive more than $207 million through Indiana’s Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. Legislators stated that the funds can be used for road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements and other items.

“This program is about the state making strong investments in our local communities,” State Rep. Chuck Goodrich (Noblesville) stated. “These dollars go directly to specific projects, which bring improvements to our area along with creating jobs.”

State Rep. Donna Schaibley (Carmel) stated that Hoosiers rely on roads to travel safely to the grocery store, school and work.

“Maintaining our local infrastructure is vital to our community’s economy and quality of life, and this money will help us continue to make critical investments for the future,” Schaibley stated.

Noblesville will receive more than $1.1 million in grant dollars.

For more, visit in.gov/indot/ communitycrossings.

Central Indiana awarded $45M through state READI program

news@noblesvillecurrent.com

About $500 million will be awarded to 15 regions representing all 92 counties in Indiana to support quality of place and quality of life initiatives statewide.

DEVELOPMENT

Central Indiana, including Boone, Hamilton and Marion counties, will receive about $45 million.

The funding comes from the expansion of the Indiana Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative and was approved by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation board of directors during a special session April 11.

According to a news release, READI 2.0 is a continuation of a state-led investment in cultivating vibrant, modern and sustainable communities that attract and retain top talent.

“Indiana is leading the way in future-focused investments in our economy and in our communities, ensuring that all Hoosiers of today and tomorrow have the opportunity to prosper,” Gov. Eric Holcomb stated. “READI has already resulted in more than $12.6 billion invested in quality of place and quality of life assets. The sec-

ond iteration of the initiative — READI 2.0 — along with additional committed investments from the Lilly Endowment, will bring billions more to Hoosier neighborhoods, preparing communities, industry and talent for the next generation and beyond.”

In central Indiana, the proposals were led by the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority, covering Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties.

According to the announcement, the proposals “promote the development of walkable and connected living, innovation and recreational districts that serve as magnets for talent attraction and innovation, and provide links to arts, culture and recreation.”

House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) stated that the READI program is part of an overall vision for growth in Indiana.

“Our state’s strong fiscal position, made possible by years of responsible budgeting, has allowed us to make this significant investment while also cutting taxes for Hoosiers,” he said.

For more about the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority, visit centralindianarda.org.

Goodrich

NOBLESVILLE LIONS CLUB PREPARES FOR ‘GRILLIN’ ON THE SQUARE’

From left, Noblesville Lions Club Vice President Jeff Kozicki and Hamilton County Health Dept. employees

Melissa Ackerman and Amy Ayers who spoke to the club April 10 on its food safety guidelines. The presentation covered a variety of subjects, including permits and paperwork, food transportation, handwashing and more. With the “Grillin’ on the Square” event coming up at the end of May, the club wants to ensure the event safe and fun for everyone.

(Photo courtesy of Jake Doll)

Noblesville students invited to apply for advisory council

news@noblesvillecurrent.com

Noblesville Schools recently announced that students who will be in grades 4-12 next school year are invited to apply by April 30 for Superintendent Dr. Hile’s new Superintendent Advisory Council.

EDUCATION

According to Marnie Cooke, executive director of marketing and communications for Noblesville Schools, selected participants will advise Hile on school-related issues important to students, provide feedback on Noblesville Schools and offer input into district decision-making.

Cooke stated that students who apply should be “thoughtful, analytical, respectful of others, collaborative and confident in sharing questions and opinions in a group of peers.”

Council meetings will be split between elementary and secondary students and will be held once each quarter during the school year at the Noblesville Schools Edu-

cational Services Center, 18025 River Rd.

Meetings will be from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on a weekday that will be announced at a later date. Cooke stated students must make their own travel arrangements for arrival, and a school bus will take them to their respective schools following the meeting. Students who arrive late to school will be excused.

The council will be made up of:

• 14 elementary students (one fourth-grader and one fifth-grader from each school)

• Six Noblesville East Middle School students (two from each grade)

• Six Noblesville West Middle School students (two from each grade)

• 12 Noblesville High School students (three from each grade)

Students selected to represent their school will be notified before the end of this school year. Council meetings will start in the 2024-2025 school year.

For questions, contact Marnie Cooke at marnie_cooke@nobl.k12.in.us.

Embracing Mini with a Meaning

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jacob Stelflug can’t physically run on his own, so his father, Brad Stelflug makes certain he has that experience.

500 FESTIVAL

“He gets to experience the cheers and all the support from the crowd, the support from the other runners, the high-fives and the camaraderie,” said Brad, whose family lived in Westfield for 26 years before moving to Noblesville in 2020.

Brad will push Jacob, 27, in a wheelchair as part of the Ainsley’s Angels Indiana team in the 500 Festival One America Mini-Marathon May 4 in Indianapolis. The Mini with a Meaning connects nonprofits with passionate participants of the Mini-Marathon and Delta 500 Festival Dental 5K to raise awareness and funds.

“The Mini with a Meaning program allows us as a nonprofit to use our team as a platform for the needs we have throughout the years,” said Kristy High, a North Central Indiana ambassador for Ainsley’s Angels and senior ambassador director for Ainsley’s Angels of America. “The funds (help) to purchase and maintain our specialty equipment. Our specialty equipment is the special racing chariots (we) have to maintain. Those can be really pricey. It can be anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000. They are specially designed to be pushed by running.”

Jacob, 27, has FG syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes physical and mental delays. Nathan Stelflug, a 25-year-old former Westfield High School track and cross country runner, pushed his brother Jacob in the Boston Marathon April 15. Brad will push Jacob in the Mini-Marathon. There are 39 teams slated for the Mini-Marathon and four for the 5K event.

There is one rider with one or two pushers.

High said Ainsley’s Angels has been involved with the Mini-Marathon since 2017 and will be involved with Mini with a Meaning program for the third year.

He said when Ainsley’s Angels was accepted into the Mini with a Meaning program, the national organization made it a destination race.

Brad said the Mini-Marathon embraces inclusivity and allows many duo teams to compete. The number of duo competitors is limited to 10 at the Boston Marathon.

“We run the Marine Corps Marathon (in Arlington, Va.) every year and they are very inclusive,” Brad said. “We had 40 chairs running in that one last year. Lots of marathons do it right and Boston just does it wrong.”

To donate, visit donate.ainsleysangels. org/campaign/565160/donate.

Brad Stelflug pushes his son Jacob in the Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon. (Photo courtesy of Brad Stelflug)

Guerin Catholic senior basketball player follows dad’s D-I path

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Guerin Catholic High School senior Dylan Murans knows where he got his drive to succeed.

“Mostly (from) my dad.

Knowing that he has played basketball at the Division I level really pushes me to be the best that I can, and obviously the love for the sport that’s never ending,” Murans said. Murans’ father, Paul, played under coach Steve Alford at Missouri State University, which was then Southwest Missouri State University. Murans will achieve his dream to play at the Division I level for Army next season.

“West Point will be a great fit for him because he is very willing to put in the work and he responds very well to instruction and practice,” Guerin Catholic coach Bobby Allen said. “He wants to learn and improve every day, and I think that is what makes

MEET DYLAN MURANS

Favorite athlete: Ja Morant

Favorite subject: Science

Favorite movie: “The Dark Knight”

Favorite vacation spot: Park City, Utah

Favorite musician: Don Toliver

but he is also a great person and he has an incredible future ahead of him.”

The 6-foot-7 Murans transferred to Guerin from Carmel High School before his junior season. He averaged eight points per game as a junior. He then averaged 10.1 points while making 50 percent of his shots this past season. He raised his rebounding aver-

Guerin Catholic basketball player Dylan Murans averaged 10.1 points as a senior. (Photo courtesy of Mike Navarro/Live Action Sports)

he learned on the fly,” Allen said. “He is an incredible athlete that has the ability to make plays around the rim that many high school kids are not capable of doing. Every game, he seemed to get more aggressive,

back dunks that I think put everyone on notice.”

Allen said Murans leads with his action and emotion.

“He is a big-time playmaker and has the ability to get the entire team going by his playmaking ability,” Allen said. “His ability to play above the rim but also knock down perimeter shots make him a complete player, and as he develops more, I think he is going to have a huge impact on his team at West Point.”

Murans made 33 percent of his 3-point shots as a senior.

“I’d say most of my improvement throughout the years has been staying under control, and defense,” Murans said.

The Carmel resident said he chose Army because of the coaching staff.

“I had not met a single coach during recruitment that had wanted me as much as Coach (Kevin) Kuwik,” he said. “I had received a letter from him every single day since the beginning of his interest in me. This made our family decide to go out and give it a shot during my visit, and it com-

Murans

IN BLOOM

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The City of Noblesville will celebrate the return of spring May 18 when the Indiana Peony Festival makes its fourth annual return to Noblesville’s Seminary Park.

The free event is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 350 S. 10th St. in Noblesville.

The Indiana Peony Festival is a nonprofit whose mission is to inspire residents to celebrate Indiana’s state flower, the peony, and enhance Noblesville through beautification projects, peony gardens and horticulture education.

Kelly McVey, the organization’s CEO and the event creator, said the festival will feature more than 120 vendors as well as peony plants, peony growers, artisans, kids’ activities, horticulture classes, floral displays, food and spirit trucks, among other items.

“The city will close 10th Street between Mulberry and Cherry streets for the day for the first time this year, allowing vendors to set up on the street,” McVey said. “This will free up space within Seminary Park to stop and smell the peonies and enjoy the park and activities within it. We want to increase the size of our footprint dramatically, so people have more room to enjoy the park and flower displays.”

Although the festival is free, the celebration begins May 17 with Peonies in the Park, a ticketed event for guests 21 and older that runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit. Tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds support Indiana Peony Festival’s initiatives to expand the peony beautification footprint for all of Noblesville and Hamilton County.

Entering its third year, the fundraiser will feature a new “chef theme,” with chefs from across the Indianapolis area, including Samir Mohammad with 9th Street Bistro, Tyler Shortt with Tinker Street and Michael Conley with KanKan, among others. “We have about 20 floral designers doing floral displays throughout the park and downtown,” McVey said. “So, those who come to Peonies in the Park can see beautiful floral designs, take photos and enjoy

Indiana Peony Festival returns to Noblesville

food and cocktails.”

Brunch & Blooms, a brunch and retail crawl, will also return to downtown Noblesville for the fourth year. It is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 18 as part of the festival, with roughly 30 walkable merchant locations offering additional peony-inspired food, beverages, products and promotions. The alleys will also be full of hanging flowers and live music.

“I graduated from Noblesville High School and worked at a corner drugstore, so one of my passions has always been highlighting downtown businesses,” McVey said. “(Brunch & Blooms) encourages people to not only visit us at Seminary Park but also see what downtown Noblesville offers. We thought that encouraging people to go downtown was one way we could increase our footprint and let people experience all of Noblesville.”

McVey said she coined the idea for the festival when she began planting peonies with her sisters.

“I started growing my own peonies before I knew it was the state flower,” McVey said. “I didn’t know how many varieties there were and thought it was important as Hoosiers for people to know more about them.”

McVey chose May as the perfect time for the festival because of the influx of people visiting central Indiana for the Indianapolis 500.

“There are so many people in town for the 500, and the peony festival is a way to capture more of who we are,” McVey said. “I had a friend on a committee to revitalize Seminary Park a few years ago, and we decided to plant peonies there. Once I saw the beauty of what the park would look like, I got the parks department to agree to hold the festival there and we have planted over 200 peonies in the park since then.”

McVey said the festival attendance rises every year, with more than 25,000 people attending last year’s event.

“The festival is a great way to bring the

community together and to meet visitors as well,” McVey said. “The good thing is that people come from all over to attend the festival and it puts Noblesville on the map.”

Volunteers can sign up to help at the festival until the beginning of May. For more, visit indianapeonyfestival.com.

ON THE COVER:

IF YOU GO

PEONIES IN THE PARK: 6 to 9 p.m. May 17, 350 S. 10th St.

INDIANA PEONY FESTIVAL: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 18, 350 S. 10th St.

BRUNCH & BLOOMS: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 18, Downtown Noblesville

PARKING: For a parking map, visit bit. ly/3U6xPQW.

Indiana Peony Festival attendess entering Seminary Park in 2023. (Photo courtesy of Kelly McVey)

A family having a photo taken at last years event.

The Indiana Peony Festival will have more than 120 vendors lining the park this year. (Photos courtesy of Kelly McVey)

Guests attend last year’s Peonies in the Park.

Future becomes past

Commentary by Terry Anker

Someone once said that regret is the desire for a better past. They may be right. Still, what is accomplished in pining for a time that never was, a life that wasn’t lived? As we move on in this world, time strips us of our future. One moment we peer at life in the far distance and in the very next instant, the present blasts by us in a blur, leaving only miles of past behind us. For some, we are grasping the wheel, busy keeping our lives in our own lane enroute to our hoped-for destinations. We are seeking a family, career, adventure or fame. Perhaps we hope for them all.

ESSAY

Others see very little on the road ahead and only desire a route back to that which came before. But on this boulevard, there is no offramp. We drive until the route’s end. If all goes well, we will see the sights, have a bit of fun and share the trip along the way. There is no do-over. It could be

that regret is acknowledgement of the irreversibility of the past. What is done cannot be undone. Still, if there are miles ahead of us, why can’t we use the time that we have to build a new past? If our decisions today become our past tomorrow, what choices would we make if we truly desired one filled with as much joy as imagined possible?

Isn’t it remorse that adds a bitter taste to the flavor of regret, and if so, why do we dwell on what we did yesterday instead of what we can do today? If it’s unrepentant remorse that spawns regret, can we atone and set a course that delivers a personal history not so regrettable? The only constant is change. Future becomes past.

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

Is it the weekend yet?

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Friends, this week has been a chore. And not a fulfilling chore like mowing the lawn or scrubbing a disgusting bathroom ‘til it shines pretty. Work was boring, my commute to work doubled and the realization that there are still six more weeks until summer hit hard. Blech.

HUMOR

Occasionally, we schedule movies in our history classes to give teachers time to grade papers. We’ve been studying Vietnam and are heading into the Nixon administration, so we showed “The Post.” Normally, I can crank out essays and tests while keeping one eye on the film. But this year, for four periods in a row, I was consistently drawn into the political drama. Curse you, Meryl Streep, for being so compelling! Anyhoo, I accomplished nothing, which really made the week drag.

And since moving into our oldest’s new house in Indy, my commute went from 12 minutes to 30. I don’t know the roads yet, and every morning Google Maps sends me a different route. I also was forced to drive our youngest’s piece of poo Civic, with no adjustable mirrors or radio and a driver’s side door that won’t stay open. Getting to school, especially when it monsooned, was not the peaceful experience I’ve come to

“Since moving into our oldest’s new house in Indy, my commute went from 12 minutes to 30. I

don’t know the roads yet, and every morning Google Maps sends me a different route.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

appreciate.

Finally, my last complaint about inane problems that aren’t actually problems is that our school year doesn’t end until June 3. Meaning I have to come back after Memorial Day and then again after the following weekend. Of course, I’ve known this for a while, but it dawned on me recently that I’m still a good way from summer nirvana. Double blech.

So, yeah, the week was a chore. Peace out.

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

VIEWS

A brew ha-ha with the car dealer

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I was wrapping up my visit to my local car dealership, but I was having a great deal of trouble deciding. There were so many choices available. What to do?

HUMOR

“I need help making a final decision,” I told the general manager. “This is much harder than it used to be.”

He rattled off a list of his recommended models.

“Wait, I’m not buying a new car,” I said. “I’m waiting for an oil change. I’m talking about your new coffee machine. I’ve never seen anything so complicated in my entire life.”

Years ago, while waiting for a $19.95 oil change, I could treat myself to a newly brewed hot cup of coffee that I poured out of a Pyrex coffee pot. There were no options, no add-ons, no goofy ingredients. If I wanted cream and sugar, there it was. How much I wanted of each was my choice. Life was sweet, like how I wanted my coffee to be.

This new machine baffled me. Despite its relatively small size, it provided a sultan’s harem of choices. But first, it offered a few introductory remarks rolling across the high-tech screen: “Whoever tastes this coffee will be happy every time and everywhere.”

I doubt that would be true for someone who came in for an oil change and then was told they needed a new $6,000 transmission. A good cup of java can only do so much to cheer you up.

Here is another of their screen testimonials: “Perfecting who we are is a never-ending story.”

But I do want the story to end because now I have too many choices — 32 to be exact. Here are some of the options they offer:

Espresso Long: But there was no espresso short or medium offered. This is

“Wait, I’m not buying a new car. I’m waiting for an oil change. I’m talking about your new coffee machine. I’ve never seen anything so complicated in my entire life.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

what happens to me when I buy pants.

Flat White: I hesitated to try something I had just used to paint my living room.

Dirty Chai: I would never call anyone that, not even coffee. There was also Filthy Chai, which seems even more rude.

Premium Instant: Isn’t all coffee pretty instant at a machine? That’s why I’m not waiting in line at Starbucks.

Another option was “hot water.” Like every other selection, it was complimentary. So, the hot water at this dealership is four bucks cheaper than plain hot water at Starbucks.

There were also nitros, listos, lattes and cappuccinos, but I could not find “coffee.” Regular, plain, boring COFFEE. It was still early morning, and I was getting a bit drowsy, so I probably missed seeing it. I simply pressed something called cortado, having no idea what it was. When the brew cooled a bit, I chugged it and headed home. But halfway there, I started to get sleepy and had to pull over.

I need to find another auto dealership. One offering coffee that gets better mileage.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing

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.

National Occupational Therapy Month: Regaining independence

Commentary by Rachel Lower

There are numerous reasons your daily life activities may become a challenge. Occupational therapists help you regain your everyday skills and abilities to increase your independence and safety.

THERAPY

THE FIRST STEP TOWARD INDEPENDENCE

Occupational therapists work with you on functional tasks, increase your upper extremity range of motion, address edema control, cognition, and visual deficits, and help you enhance your fine motor skills. Occupational therapy aims to help you gain independence and thrive daily. During your first visit, your occupational therapist will evaluate what you can do and where you might have limitations. You will also be asked questions about your roles at work and at home and what everyday activities you perform.

YOUR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EVALUATION

Your occupational therapist must establish a baseline to track your progress throughout rehab. You will begin with an assessment of your current abilities and needs.

This individualized assessment may cover the following:

• Self-care activities, such as feeding, grooming, bathing and dressing

• Activities of independent living, like household and financial management and cooking

• Mobility and cognitive ability

• Strength and range of motion

• Vision and sensation

• Coordination and fine motor activities

SETTING YOU UP FOR SUCCESS

After the initial assessment, your occupational therapist will provide suggestions and recommendations for resumed productive lifestyles with current limitations and precautions and ways to improve limitations.

YOUR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PLAN MAY INCLUDE:

• Therapy: You will work on regaining your independence to safely complete various self-care tasks, optimize function, and/or return to your prior level of function before injury, illness or disability.

• Training: Learn how to use assistive devices, equipment or adaptations to help restore function.

• Education: You’ll have the opportunity to learn a lot about how to regain and maintain your independence. Specialized therapy services such as hand therapy, lymphedema therapy, oncology rehabilitation or pediatric rehabilitation may also be warranted.

Don’t put off regaining your independence. Visit iuhealth.org to learn more or find an occupational therapist near you.

INDIANA MEMBERS CREDIT UNION PRESENTS CHECK TO NOBLESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

From left, Rich Champion, assistant athletic director for Noblesville High School, and Jim Shelton, universal member service representative from the Indiana Members Credit Union Noblesville Branch, at a boys varsity basketball game, where Shelton presented a replica check for $2,609 to NHS as part of an ongoing school spirit debit card program. Since beginning the program in 2013, NHS has earned $30,155 through the IMCU giveback program. The card is available for issue to members at the IMCU Noblesville Branch at 9710 Butterfly Dr. and at IMCU’s other 30 Indiana locations. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Thompson)

Rachel Lower is an occupational therapist and manager of Rehabilitation Services at IU Health North

Actors Theatre of Indiana brings Broadway musical parody

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Billy Kimmel, the best description of “Forbidden Broadway” is, it’s the musical version of “Saturday Night Live.”

Kimmel will act and direct Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Forbidden Broadway,” which runs April 26 to May 12 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The show is a revue with a parody of different Broadway musicals.

Kimmel was on the “Forbidden Broadway” tour for approximately 11 years — through five different versions of it.

Kimmel is joined in the four-person cast by ATI Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald, ATI co-founder Cynthia Collins and Kieran Danaan. Brent Marty will provide the musical accompaniment.

“The show always has four actors, who are singers and dancers,” Kimmel said.

More than 20 shows are represented in 90 minutes.

“So, it’s pretty brisk,” said Kimmel, who is based in New York City.

The biggest challenges are the 10-second costume changes.

“It’s an aerobic workout, too, because it’s like being shot out of a cannon,” Kimmel said.

This is the seventh time Kimmel has directed with ATI, including previous versions of “Forbidden Broadway.”

The last time he directed “Forbidden Broadway” with ATI was in 2019.

“This show has been going on for 40 years off-Broadway and it’s become sort of an institution to the Broadway community and theater lovers,” Kimmel said. “People come to see shows in New York and make room to see if there is an edition playing to see it. Now, it’s a rite of passage for people that become Broadway stars. If you’re lampooned (in the show), then you’ve made it, so to speak.”

Kimmel said every few years, American playwright Gerald Alessandrini would do

an edition and it would run for a year or two. Then Alessandrini took a break to write “Spamilton: An American Parody” in 2014. Kimmel said Alessandrini wrote a new edition in 2019, but it wasn’t out long because of the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down theater shows in March 2020.

“The show is going to make its Broadway debut this summer, which is a huge deal because it’s always been off-Broadway,” Kimmel said. “He’s writing a whole new show for it, and they are going to have past stars in it. They’re going to come in and do cameos.”

Kimmel said there are numbers that are always in the show, such as “The Lion King” and “Les Misérables.”

“We keep them because they are crowd pleasers and they’re sort of the pillars of the show,” Kimmel said. “In between, we’ve changed things out and freshened it up if there is something new on Broadway and it’s more relevant. It’s hard to do Carol Channing anymore because people under 50 don’t really know her anymore.”

One spoof is on “Annie,” which opened on Broadway in 1977.

“The spoof is ‘Annie is now a granny,’”

Kimmel said. “One of the newer ones is ‘Mary Poppins.’ There is a Mary Martin and Ethel Merman bit that we’ve never done.”

Although the show is a parody with some biting jokes, Kimmel said it’s lighthearted fun.

“(Alessandrini) never wanted people to think we hated Broadway. We’re lampooning it because we adore Broadway,” Kimmel said. “He’s a brilliant parody lyricist.” Danaan, a 29-year-old New York City resident, has never performed in “Forbidden Broadway” but he recalled hearing the numbers for the first time when he was around 10 years old. He said the costume changes are difficult, but the hardest part for him is learning all the words.

“It’s costumes on top of costumes,” Danaan said. “It’s all songs we know the Broadway lyrics to, but it’s relearning the songs with the ‘Forbidden Broadway’ lyrics. You only have time to think about what you are doing and then you move on to the next thing. It’s exhausting but it’s so much fun.”

His favorite number is his solo spoofing “Memories” from “Cats.”

For more, visit atistage.org.

‘THE KING AND I’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre production of “The King and I” runs through May 19 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

The Live at the Center series will feature Mike Wells at 7:30 p.m. April 24 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is $10 or a free livestream registration is available at thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Zach Day’s performance is set for April 25, followed by Dueling Pianos, presented by Brittany Brumfield, April 26; and Eric Baker & Friends Presents “Southern California in the 70’s” April 27 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘ANASTASIA’

Civic Theatre’s production of “Anastasia” runs April 26 to May 11 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘FORBIDDEN BROADWAY’

Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Forbidden Broadway” April 26 to May 12 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.

’THE DINNER PARTY’

Carmel Community Players presents “The Dinner Party” April 26 to May 5 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘SPRINGTIME CELEBRATION’

Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Springtime Celebration” concert is set for 6:30 p.m. April 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS

Best-selling humorist David Sedaris will give a presentation at 7:30 p.m. April 29 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

From left, Kieran Danaan, Billy Kimmel, Brent Marty, Judy Fitzgerald and Cynthia Collins rehearse for “Forbidden Broadway.” (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

IWS celebrates spring

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

As Charles Conrad conducts his penultimate concert as the Indiana Wind Symphony music director, it’s fitting that a new piece of music pays homage to his legacy.

CONCERT

“There is a piece in honor of the fact that I founded the Wind Symphony 27 years ago and the composer David Sartor is going to be conducting,” Conrad said. “We’ve played several of his works and we got a chance to premiere a couple of them.”

Purdue University All-American Marching Band. Conrad is retiring after this season and Gephart will inherit Conrad’s role.

Conrad said composer Mark Wolfram will be in the audience for his piece “Vertical Planes,” which will feature solos by Larry Purdue, French horn; Brian Hoover, trumpet; Mike Villano, trombone; and Bill Schmidt, tuba.

The IWS concert opens with Frank Panella’s “The Polar Sun” from 1908. It also plays a German march, “The Sun Eagle.”

The piece called “Vision” by Sartor, from Nashville, Tenn., will premiere in “Springtime Celebration” at 6:30 p.m. April 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“It’s got a mixture of different styles and different textures,” Conrad said of the program.

Conrad is conducting eight pieces while Jay Gephart, who takes over as music director for the 2024-25 season, will conduct three pieces. Gephart is the director of the

Conrad said the pieces were played by IWS April 8 during the City of Carmel Solar Eclipse program.

Two 1924 marches by John Philip Sousa are in the first half of the concert. They are “Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company” and “Marquette University March.”

Other pieces include “Rain Softly on Me” by Julie Giroux and one by French composer Lili Boulanger.

The IWS will close its season May 19 with “Finales and Fanfare.”

For more, visit indianawindsymphony. org.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Center’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office at the Palladium, call 317.843.3800 or visit atistage.org. May

ATI season features legends, laughter and love

By Mark Ambrogi

mark@youarecurrent.com

Actors Theatre of Indiana will rely on a tried-and-true formula for its 202425 season.

SCHEDULE

“When we were designing the season, it was important to us to do what we do best and what our audiences love most — and that is fun, funny, uplifting musicals,” Associate Artistic Director Darrin Murrell said.

Murrell said. A third is a smaller, newer musical with a mystery.

The last type of show is the large-scale Broadway show that has been scaled down to uniquely fit in the Studio Theater space, Murrell said.

Murrell said the season is dubbed legends, laughter and love.

“We also honed in on four types of shows that ATI has historically done incredibly successfully and has gotten a lot of audience feedback,” Murrell said. “One of those is the jukebox musical, sort of the soundtrack of our lives, so there is one of those in the mix.”

Another type is the Broadway classics reinvented for the Studio Theater stage,

The 2024-25 season begins with “Ring of Fire” from Sept 13-29, featuring the music of the legendary Johnny Cash. That will be followed by “She Loves Me” Nov. 1-17. The 2025 portion includes “Whodunit” Jan. 31 to Feb. 16, 2025, and “9 to 5: The Musical” April 25 to May 11.

“Ring of Fire” will include different actors portraying Cash at different times in his life.

“She Loves Me” started on Broadway in 1963 and was revived in 2016.

“Whodunit” is a murder mystery by longtime Broadway actor and playwright Ed Dixon.

Dolly Parton composed the music for “9 to 5: The Musical,” based on the 1980 movie. For more, visit atistage.org.

Murrell

Visiting Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple

Commentary by Don Knebel

TRAVEL

In our ongoing tour of Egypt, we continue our stay in and around Luxor, visiting the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s female pharaoh. Hatshepsut was born in 1508 B.C., the daughter of Pharaoh Thutmose I. After a brief stint as regent for a young male pharaoh, Hatshepsut declared herself pharaoh in 1479 B.C. During her reign, she dressed as a man, sometimes wearing a false beard strapped around her head. One of the most successful rulers of her era, Hatshepsut expanded Egyptian trade and engaged in a massive building program that remained unmatched for centuries. Among the many buildings constructed during Hatshepsut’s reign was her mortuary temple, dedicated upon her death in 1458 B.C. The temple, on the west bank of the Nile across from Luxor, is nestled against a limestone cliff and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of antiquity because of how well it blended with its surroundings. The 97-foot-tall temple, where Egyptians could worship the deceased Hatshepsut and her father as gods, includes three colonnaded terraces

rising above the desert floor. The upper terrace features statues of Hatshepsut, shown with a false beard. The walls of the temple are adorned with scenes of Hatshepsut and Thutmose with the gods, one showing Hatshepsut’s divine birth. The temple complex also includes shrines to the Egyptian god Anubis and goddess Hathor.

Shortly after Hatshepsut’s death, her successors sought to remove any evidence of her existence, which included defacing her temple images, where her soul was thought to reside. Statues of her at the mortuary temple were damaged and some were destroyed. Twentieth-century archaeologists reconstructed Hatshepsut’s lost reign from images overlooked for destruction. After Christianity came to Egypt, Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple was used as a monastery, which gave rise to its current name, Deir el-Bahari, Arabic for “Monastery of the North.”

A shrine inside Hathsepsut’s mortuary temple in Luxor, Egypt. (Photos by Don Knebel)

LEGAL NOTICE

On April 4, 2024, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC filed a Petition with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) in Cause No. 46038 respectfully petitioning the Commission for authority pursuant to Ind. Code §§ 8-1-2-42.7 and 8-1-2-61 to modify its rates and charges for electric utility service through a multi-step rate implementation of new rates and charges using a forecasted test period; approval of new schedules of rates and charges, general rules and regulations, and riders; approval of revised electric depreciation rates applicable to its electric plant in service, and approval of regulatory asset treatment upon retirement of the Company’s last coal-fired steam generation plant; approval of an adjustment to the Company’s FAC Rider to track coal inventory balances; and approval of necessary and appropriate accounting relief, including authority to defer to a regulatory asset expenses associated with the Edwardsport Carbon Capture and Sequestration Study, defer to a regulatory asset costs incurred to achieve organizational savings, and authority to defer to a regulatory asset or liability, as applicable, all calculated income tax differences resulting from future changes in income tax rates.

Fenced Yard Boarding/Daycare for Small & Medium Dogs at My Home in Carmel!

Susan 317-432-1627 pawptrl@aol.com

24 Years Experience

Luv the dogs

LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING

Locally owned/operated over 43 YRS

•SPRING CLEAN-UP

•MULCH

•MOWING

•FERTILIZING

•TEAR OUT / REPLACE

FREE ESTIMATES

CALL 317-491-3491

Technical Planning Solution Architect w/ enVista LLC in Carmel, IN (position remote, req. up to 75% travel))

Prim. Tech. resource for retail planning implementations. Lead tech. & strat. components of retail projects using OMS software; lead implementations of solutions; prep. & analyze project plans and documentation; communicate w/ internal & client; design technical implementation proc.; prep. Postimplem.. Technical guide for client

Requires minimum of BS in Supply Chain, Indust. Eng, IT, Ops Mngt or closely related or foreign equiv.; 7 yrs. Industry exp

Parents of Ball State Students

Safe Off-Campus Housing

All utilities & internet included.

For More info:

P-888.433.5582

www.TRLProperty.com

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, good-natured 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