July 9, 2024 — Noblesville by Current Publishing

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PET PROJECT

Noblesville doctor donates funds for Carmel nonprofit to expand / P13

State proposal would overhaul high school graduation requirements / P2

Noblesville Street Dance returns this month / P4

Noblesville hosts

State of the County luncheon / P7

Wrestling facility coming to Noblesville / P17

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BALDWIN SWIVEL

July 9, 2024

Current in Noblesville

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Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XV, No. 43

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State proposal would overhaul high school graduation requirements

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

An Indiana State Board of Education proposal to overhaul high school graduation requirements is moving forward, although some state BOE members, including Hamilton Southeastern Schools Superintendent Patrick Mapes, joined other Hoosier educators who are expressing concerns.

EDUCATION

The proposed changes will not be finalized until late fall or early winter.

Under the proposal, starting with 2029 graduates there would be two diploma options — the GPS and GPS Plus — rather than the current general, Core 40, academic honors and technical honors options. Proposed new requirements call for students to focus on core classes during their first two years of high school, with the second two years offering a combination of coursework and experiences, such as internships and other work-based learning.

During a June BOE meeting, Ron Sandlin from the Indiana Department of Education gave a presentation about the proposal.

“Employers are telling us that those skills that are needed are best learned in many instances outside of the school system,” he said. “You’ll see in our solution that we really, really prioritize work-based learning.”

Sandlin said schools can provide a solid foundation during the first two years of high school, allowing flexibility for students to get that work-based learning in their second two years. He noted that there have been “robust” conversations with educators since the proposal was introduced in late March.

Many educators criticized removal of the academic honors diploma, in particular. There have been some revisions in response, Sandlin said, such as the addition of three diploma seals to signify that a student has met the requirements for college,

Graduation requirements could change if a proposed rule under consideration by the Indiana State Board of Education is approved. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton Southeastern Schools)

military service or employment in a trade. He added that the proposal will continue to be revised based on input throughout the summer into fall.

Following Sandlin’s presentation, Mapes said he wants flexibility for students, but there needs to be some kind of framework of courses.

“We have to have a defined roadmap … of courses, so we all can get comfortable with this,” he said. “I wanted a work-based diploma. I wanted that kid who wasn’t going to go to college to be able to go get some experiences their junior and senior year … and to take mathematics and language arts courses that led them to that work-based experience, which may mean that kid takes a lot of applied math and they get really, really good at fractions. They get really good at considering what square footage is — things that’s going to happen in construction or electrical or plumbing, right? But right now, I can’t see that (in the proposed diploma requirements).”

Mapes added that elimination of the state academic honors diploma is a concern. If that elimination is eventually approved, he said, HSE school district will offer its own academic honors diploma.

“Because 80 percent of our kids are going to college and we want to make certain that when they’re done with us, they can do what we’ve been telling them — you can go be successful no matter what you choose to do,” he said.

Marnie Cooke, executive director of marketing and communications for Noblesville Schools, said the school system is watching the issue closely.

“Once we see where the state lands we will be sure to communicate with our students and families regarding any changes.”

Fishers resident Randy Hudgins, who teaches history at Warren Central High School, said he was pleased with Mapes’ comments, especially since his twins will be starting kindergarten at HSE Schools this fall.

“Someone can get a GPS diploma taking absolutely no foreign language, no world history, no fine arts,” he said. “The common denominator on that is those are all required for the academic honors diploma.”

He added that the addition of seals essentially mimics diploma requirements that are in place now.

“They wanted to end the current diplomas they offer and offer something new,” Hudgins said. “With the seals, they’re basically putting the three big diploma types right back into it” and people who supported the original proposal likely will push back about the seals.

Hudgins stressed that he favors more opportunities for students interested in the trades but feels the proposed new diploma requirements could end up harming opportunities for college-bound students.

“We can do both,” he said.

To view the BOE meeting, visit youtube. com/@INEducation/streams.

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

Riverview Health seeks volunteers — Riverview Health is looking for volunteers to join its team at its Noblesville and Westfield locations. Shifts are available in the morning or afternoon at least one day per week, Monday through Friday. If you’re interested in volunteering at Riverview Health in Noblesville or Westfield, contact the manager of Volunteer Services, Melinda Nash at 317-776-7236 or mnash@riverview. org or complete an application online at riverview.org.

Graduates — Earlier this summer, the Hamilton County Leadership Academy added 35 community leaders to its alumni ranks. With this graduating class, HCLA’s 30-plus year legacy grew to nearly 900 alumni who have and continue to make their mark in Hamilton County.

Anniversary Gala — On Sept. 19, 2024, Noblesville Creates will host its 12th Anniversary Gala. At this event, Noblesville Creates will award and recognize some of the most inspirational artists and arts advocates among the region’s thriving arts scene. The event will be held at Embassy Suites in Noblesville and will consist of art demonstrations and activities, the Noblesville Creates Awards, dinner, drinks, live music, a live auction and more. Nominations are currently open for the 2024 Noblesville Creates Awards. Nominations will be accepted through July 29, at noblesvillecreates.org/ gala/#nominate-here.

Noblesville Mayor — Noblesville Mayor

Chris Jensen was elected to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Advisory Board during the USCM’s 92nd annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo., where nearly 200 city officials gathered. Jensen has been a member of the USCM since January 2020, when he was a newly elected mayor. At the USCM’s annual meeting, in addition to electing new leadership, the mayors adopted a comprehensive policy agenda for the year ahead.

Dedication ceremony — Join the fire service community at 7 p.m. July 10 for the unveiling and dedication of the Hamilton County Fallen Firefighters Memorial along the White River, west of the Judicial Center at 1 Hamilton County Square in Noblesville. The memorial is the culmination of years of work and commitment to memorialize five members who lost their lives in the line of duty. In addition, a permanent memorial to the victims of Sept. 11, 2001, will be dedicated to the survivors and community.

Walk-In-Closets

(Street) dance the night away

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville Main Street’s annual Street Dance, presented by Riverview Health, returns to the city from 6 to 11 p.m. July 20 at Federal Hill Commons, 175 Logan St.

LIVE MUSIC

“The street dance has been a tradition for decades at this point,” said Kate Baker, NMS executive director. “I vividly remember it from when I was a kid, and it’s an event that gives a quintessential small-town feel. Even though we’re not a small town these days, this is one of those events that is kind of a time capsule that really brings the community together in an old traditional way.”

Admission is free. The event includes live music, food, makers, vendors and more. Community First Bank of Indiana is sponsoring a Family Fun Zone with bounce houses, face painting and a caricaturist.

The live music lineup features several artists and genres of music. DJ Luke Gardner will play music throughout the event. At 6:15 p.m., Pavel & Direct Contact, a six-piece Latin jazz band, will perform, fol-

lowed by Middle West, a Midwestern rock band, at 7:45 p.m.

Andrew Young, a pop and R&B artist, will headline the event at 9:15 p.m.

“It’s such a community connector,” Baker said. “This is one of the Noblesville Main Street events that is truly for every one of every age. Every person is invited and welcomed. It’s a time to come together in Noblesville. It’s where memories will be made.”

For more, visit noblesvillemainstreet.org.

The Noblesville Street Dance features live music. (Photo courtesy of Kate Baker)

Initiative draws volunteers

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The SERVE Noblesville nonprofit held its annual SERVE Week during the last week of June. Several volunteers from the Noblesville community worked on various projects to help enhance the city.

SERVE WEEK

“SERVE week is four days of service projects, where we partner with neighbors, nonprofits, cities and parks and do projects of all different varieties throughout the city,” said Patrick Propst, executive director of SERVE Noblesville. “It involves mobilizing the community to go out and get those projects done in four days.”

The week also included participation by local restaurants, according to Propst.

“It’s difficult for restaurants to come out and participate in SERVE week,” Propst said. “One way for them to get engaged is to offer gift certificates for the volunteers to go out and use. As an asset-based nonprofit, restaurants can use their assets to show appreciation. It was a well-rounded approach this year for SERVE Noblesville to get the restaurants engaged.”

Propst said volunteers completed several projects this year.

“We had mural painting, a community giveaway (and did) yard work for residents,” Propst said. “We painted 100 new food barrels with Harvest Food Bank, we packed meals with national disaster emergency services and we also cleaned up Ind. 37.”

The nonprofit also cleared space off 11th Street and Christian Avenue for a pocket park, a small park accessible to the public, which is part of SERVE Nobleville’s newest initiative to put pocket parks on residential property throughout the historic downtown.

“The weeds and trees and shrubs had grown to over seven feet tall, and a couple of volunteers spent a day and a half just clearing that field,” Propst said.

For more about SERVE Noblesville’s initiatives, visit servenoblesville.com

Propst

Growth, progress theme at State of County address

By Jessica Todd and Conrad Otto news@currentnoblesville.com

A capacity crowd of 500 people attended the 35th annual Hamilton County State of the County luncheon June 26 at Embassy Suites in Noblesville.

COUNTY NEWS

The event’s theme was “The Way We’re Going,” referencing the county’s future. Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger was the keynote speaker.

“Today, we have over 377,000 people in Hamilton County,” he said. “That is a 242 percent growth between 1990 and 2024.”

Dillinger said Hamilton County’s annual growth has been about 3.8 percent per year since 1990, and it is now the fourth-largest county in the state.

Besides population growth, Dillinger focused on road updates and future development plans.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION

In a joint effort with the Indiana Department of Transportation, Hamilton County and the cities of Fishers and Noblesville, the goal is to complete construction on Ind. 37 for a smoother and safer flow of traffic on the interchanges starting from the intersection of 126th Street and Ind. 37 to 146th Street, according to Dillinger.

Dillinger said improvements to 146th Street are needed because it was deemed the most dangerous road in the county by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office.

The $37.6 million construction project on the Ind. 37 and 141st Street interchange began last month and is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2026. Dillinger said Ind. 37 will remain open through construction, but 141st Street will not be accessible from Ind. 37.

Dillinger also mentioned construction on the 146th Street and Allisonville Road interchange, which began last spring. The $44 million project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.

Dillinger said a $37.8 million construction project will begin on the 146th Street and Hazel Dell Road interchange in the summer of 2026 and is expected to be complete in the late fall of 2028. He said the state provided $8.7 million for the project.

Construction on the Pleasant Street Bridge over the White River in Noblesville is expected to be completed in November 2024.

HAMILTON COUNTY 4H FAIRGROUNDS IMPROVEMENTS

Dillinger said the 4H Fairgrounds are ready to undergo $65 million in renovations. Phase 1, which will replace the Winks and Annex buildings that were demolished because of Pleasant Street improvements, is already underway with upgrades to the Exhibition Hall and improvements to classrooms.

A new bicentennial building, renamed The Silos @37, will be built where the former Winks and Annex buildings were.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER

Dillinger discussed plans for a domestic violence center on Ind. 38. The county purchased 9 acres for $550,000 near Hague Road.

“We don’t have a place to put battered women and children in this county,” Dillinger said. “If we have that problem, we have to take them to Marion (County) or Madison County. That’s not what Hamilton County should be doing.”

County Commissioner Christine Altman is working with Prevail on a project design. Dillinger said there is no start date for construction. A total of $15 million was set aside to plan for the center.

HAMILTON COUNTY CHILD CARE CENTER

The county is considering a potential child care center at the Parks Department/ Coroner’s Office on Lakeview Drive. The county received a $750,000 state grant, and the project would be a partnership between the county, the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce and Riverview Health.

Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger speaks at the State of the County luncheon. (Photo courtesy of Tom Maquell)

Colts Camp returns July 25

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Colts training camp returns to Grand Park Campus in Westfield July 25, with 12 practices, the return of Colt City, theme days and joint practices with the Arizona Cardinals.

“The football season starts with Grand Park,” Indianapolis Colts Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Roger VanDerSnick said. “It is a chance for us to welcome 50,000 or 60,000 fans to these practices. It’s a chance for them to really see players in action in a different fashion than they can at Lucas Oil Stadium. It’s a wonderful place. It’s very different from most of the NFL. We’re one of the few teams that does this and we’re looking forward to opening up camp soon.”

Open practices are scheduled for July 25, 27, 28, 30 and 31 and Aug. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 14 and 15. Tickets are required to enter. All practices are free to attend for fans 17 and younger. Tickets for five Primetime Practice days — July 27 and 28 and Aug. 4, 14 and 15 — are $5 for people 18 and older. Proceeds

FOOTBALL EVENT

of those sales benefit the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis.

Parking at Grand Park is $5 in advance and $10 at the lot.

VanDerSnick said the Colts have made it a priority to make training camp accessible to fans and family-friendly. This year’s theme days include Family Day, Give Back Sunday, Back to School and Salute to Service.

Colts Camp tickets can be purchased at colts.com/camp.

BrewBQ to return next month

news@currentnoblesville.com

The Noblesville Rotary Club has announced its eighth annual Noblesville BrewBQ, which will be from 4 to 10 p.m. Aug. 17 at Federal Hill Commons, 175 Logan St. Proceeds provide scholarship funds to local students who attend Ivy Tech Noblesville.

Carrie Dixon, president of the Noblesville Rotary Club, said the event allows the community to support a good cause while sharing barbecue and beer.

The event for ages 21 and older includes a barbecue-tasting contest featuring unique recipes from contestants from across Noblesville and Indiana. Judging will be conducted by a blind judging method, with a winner for ribs and a winner for chicken. There also will also an overall People’s Choice winner.

Local bands, including Strawbury Jam and That’s What She Said, will perform throughout the evening. Several local vendors, including Bier Brewery and Primeval Brewing, will sell beer and wine.

“We love being part of the community

and are super excited to be able to serve beer this year at the Rotary Clubs’s BrewBQ,” Primeval owner Tim Palmer stated. “Beer and barbeque pair so well together that this will be a wonderful combination to bring together.”

Advance tickets are $55 and designated driver tickets are $40. Tickets will also be available for $65 at the gate. Tickets include unlimited beer, wine and barbecue. The designated driver ticket features water and soda instead of beer.

To register to participate in the competition, visit noblesvillerotaryclub. org/brewbq. Tickets can be purchased at event.ontaptickets.com/events/ noblesville-brewbq-2024-8-17-2024.

Colts Camp returns to Grand Park for 12 practices starting July 25. (File photo)

The Noblesville BrewBQ last year at Federal Hill Commons, 175 Logan St. (Photo courtesy of Carrie Dixon)

DISPATCHES

Back to School BASH — This year’s Noblesville Schools Back to School BASH will celebrate its 10th anniversary. The event welcomes thousands of families to enjoy sports, food, music, games and community exhibitors in celebration of the new school year. The event will be from 5 to 8 p.m. July 26 at Beaver Stadium at Noblesville High School.

Hamilton County court text program — Hamilton County Courts have joined a pilot program spearheaded by the Indiana Supreme Court’s Office of Court Technology to enhance communication and reduce failures to appear in court. The program sends text message reminders to petitioners and respondents in divorce, paternity and other family cases. Participants receive text reminders about upcoming court hearings if they provide a cell phone number in their party record with the Court. Hamilton County began the pilot program in May and is assessing its effectiveness. Interested residents can update their cell phone numbers with the Clerk’s office, 1 Hamilton County Square Suite 106 in Noblesville.

Workforce development grants — The Duke Energy Foundation recently announced it is awarding grants to four organizations in central Indiana supporting workforce development efforts. Among those awarded with a $10,000 grant is the Hamilton County Community Foundation and Invest Hamilton County. Grant funds will support Invest Hamilton County’s new InvestEd program, which facilitates career exploration and work-based learning activities for students in all six local school corporations.

Support for seniors and caregivers — Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County, a nonprofit organization that provides support to Hamilton County residents 55 and older, hosts a caregiver support group and an aging-well discussion group at the Westfield Washington Township office, 17400 Westfield Blvd. The free programming offers support for seniors and their caregivers within the community. The caregiver support group meets from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 18, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Sept. 5 and Sept. 19. The aging well discussion group meets from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 11, July 25, Aug. 15, Aug. 29, Sept. 12 and Sept. 26. Register for programs by contacting Angie Anderson, program manager at Shepherd’s Center, at 463-238-1703.

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Mallory’s Mission reaches out to foster, adoptive families

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

A special report issued by nonprofit Foster Success and Indianapolis-based research firm Chamberlin Dunn in 2020 showed that Indiana is home to more than 31,000 foster children, including 17,000 school-age foster youth.

FAMILY

Children in foster care, as well as children of adoptive parents, often need additional support, according to Mallory Joest of Westfield, founder of Mallory’s Mission. The organization, which includes educators, therapists, leaders, business experts and adoptees, provides free services to families. The goal is to provide Indiana foster and adoptive families with therapeutic and educational resources that help ensure that vulnerable children are placed in safe, stable environments where they can thrive.

“We provide trauma-informed education to Indiana foster and adoptive families at no cost,” Joest said. “We partner with Indiana Department of Child Services to provide Indiana foster parents, regardless of city, a face-to-face training hour when they participate in our monthly workshops.”

Joest said the goal of Mallory’s Mission is to bridge the gap between more traditional mental health services and a more specialized approach, working with families of foster and adopted youth, but also with adult adoptees and former foster children.

“Our goal is to center the voices that have lived experiences to make sure our topics are relevant and responsive to the unique challenges that this community faces,” she said.

Trauma-informed services mean foster parents are educated on the types of trauma that children in the foster care system have endured because of their individual circumstances.

“Our first workshop was understanding the impact that early parental separation has on brain development. A lot of people assume that when you adopt a baby it’s kind of like a clean slate, and that’s not necessarily the case,” Joest said.

Mallory’s Mission partners with licensed mental health provider Brooke Randolph for workshops. Joest said Randolph, who owns Counseling at The Green House in Indianapolis, understands the importance of prioritizing adoption competency, recognizing its importance in bridging the gap between traditional mental health services and a more specialized approach.

Joest said the inspiration for Mallory’s Mission is personal.

“I’m an intercountry transracial adoptee and a former foster, now, adoptive mom. So, my world has been touched deeply by foster care and adoption. This work is more than just a passion to me, because it’s personal.”

Joest also said that while there is a great need for foster homes in Indiana, she would counsel prospective foster or adoptive parents to proceed with caution. Joest said she discourages people from fostering or adopting until they have educated themselves on the complex child welfare system and the needs of those children.

Mallory’s Mission will host its next workshop, Food Fights: Nurturing and Feeding Foster and Adoptive Families, July 26 via Zoom.

For more, visit mallorysmission.net.

NOBLESVILLE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB SHOWS APPRECIATION

From left, Nathan Helm, Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville director of development, Chris Gratzer, Noblesville Walmart 923 general manager, and Emily Crump, BGCN donor relations associate, recently gathered for the BGCN to present Walmart 923 of Noblesville with a “Thank You” poster made by club members for its Spark Good grant of $1,375 to support the club’s Meals 2 Members and Snack Pack programs. Helm said the grant will combat food insecurity by helping provide local youth with warm meals twice a week and snacks for the weekends. In 2023 alone, the club served more than 27,200 meals and snacks, which Helm said ensured kids had the nourishment they needed to succeed and build great futures. (Photo courtesy of Nathan Helm)

Hoosier happy hour returns

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Happy days are here again in Indiana. At least, by the hour.

CHEERS!

Signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb in March, House Bill 1086 went into effect July 1, allowing retailers and craft manufacturers to “reduce or increase the price of alcoholic beverages during a part of the day” — marking the return of happy hour for the first time in the Hoosier state since 1985.

Patrick Tamm, president and CEO of the Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association, said the initial ban on happy hour almost 40 years ago was a “knee jerk reaction” to some tragic alcohol-related events. Since the ban, the state has allowed allday drink specials but not “happy hour” designations.

Tamm said the change was bipartisan and includes several restrictions. Happy hour can only run until 9 p.m.; 2-for-1, bottomless drinks and contests involving alcohol are prohibited; and happy hour is limited to four hours a day and 15 hours a

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“There was a lot of work done with the Alcohol and Tobacco Commision to make sure it was done in a way that was responsible,” Tamm said, adding that most establishments will likely opt for happy hour promotions in late afternoon and early evenings, Mondays through Thursdays.

“It really allows a restaurant to take a look analytically and historically to see when they are slow,” Tamm said. “Each business owner will make those decisions, and it will be day-by-day and week-by-week.”

Tamm said the amended law includes a “cocktails-to-go” measure, which allows a bar or restaurant to prepare, sell and deliver alcoholic beverages for carry-out to a customer in sealed, nonoriginal qualified containers.

“It means margaritas, punches, vodka and soda to-go with the purchase of a carry-out meal,” Tamm said. “If (a retailer) has signature cocktails, they can sell that. It’s a good option for customers if restaurants choose to utilize that privilege.”

Read the text of the bill at iga.in.gov/ legislative/2024/bills/house/1086/details.

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Construction to begin on new public safety center

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Noblesville Common Council recently approved the rezoning of a 22-acre property east of Ind. 37 and Ind. 38 for a new $85 million Hamilton County Public Safety Center.

DEVELOPMENT

The building at 18291 Presley Dr. will feature a three-story, 108,000-square-foot emergency operations center for 911 dispatch, emergency operations, training and more.

Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman said dispatchers with Hamilton

County Public Safety Communications work out of the basement of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, which is at capacity.

“If (the) county council gave us additional dispatchers, we wouldn’t have a place to put them unless we start splitting between our main operation and our backup operation,” Altman said.

Altman shared the vision for the new public safety center, which includes plans for additional storage to hold items necessary for immediate access in the event of an emergency and the potential for a childcare facility in the future.

Construction is expected to begin later this month.

Rendering of the new Hamilton County Public Safety Center. (Rendering courtesy of DLZ Corp.)

PET PROJECT

Noblesville doctor donates funds for Carmel nonprofit to expand

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville resident Dr. Katheryn “Kathy” Moreira recently made a donation that will enhance and expand programming at The Chris Center in Carmel. TCC is a nonprofit dedicated to improving youth mental health wellness through nature and human-animal interaction.

The donation funded the creation of Rudy’s Fund: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Rudolph Moreira, Kathy’s father. Now, when anyone donates to TCC, they can donate to Rudy’s Fund, which will honor his life.

Moreira, who declined to reveal the amount, said her reason for donating was simple.

“My entire life, I’ve experienced the healing power of animals — either with myself or those I love most — and I’ve watched The Chris Center, since its earliest days, make a profound impact on teen mental wellness through their animal-assisted and nature-focused programming,” said Moreira, a board-certified OB-GYN. “I also knew that the organization was at a crossroads. They were at the point where there was more need and demand for their programs, and they could only increase their reach and impact with additional resources. It means everything that I could help elevate The Chris Center and help more teens in our community have access to their programs.”

Moreira’s father died May 26, 2021. She said he was a general and vascular surgeon in Cincinnati for more than 40 years, and he embodied The Chris Center’s mission. Her father had a strong connection to animals his entire life.

“His house was always a literal zoo, with multiple dogs, cats, goats, ferrets, geckos, fish, you name it throughout the years,” Moreira said. “He loved his pets, and he loved to feed his pets, spoiling them with delicious home-cooked meals. He was a fierce man with a very soft heart for his animals, and especially at the end of his life, they gave him great comfort and peace.”

The Chris Center’s co-founder and executive director, Dr. Sandra “Sandy” Moreira, Kathy’s sister, said Kathy knows the size of her donation is rare for nonprofits.

“She stepped up to make it happen and took the beautiful step to honor our father’s legacy in the process,” said Sandy, a board-certified pediatrician. “With this gift, Kathy has so generously, graciously and beautifully weaved together everything that was most important to our father.”

According to The Chris Center, its programs teach youth the power of connecting with nature and animals to improve wellness and teach teens and preteens critical coping skills to build resilience. Sandy said TCC’s board of directors has committed 2024 to strengthening the organizational infrastructure for sustainable growth.

Its flagship initiative, the PAWS Therapy Dog Program, is in a combined seven middle schools and high schools in Hamilton and Marion counties, including Options Nobles-

ville and Guerin Catholic High School in Noblesville. It also has alpaca-assisted wellness programs, in partnership with Zionsville’s Stone Farms, a Mindful Arts Program and a Parent Education Series, in partnership with the Carmel Clay Public Library.

“The Chris Center’s programming is so impactful because they not only give teens and preteens access to the healing power of their therapy animals, but their trained handler/dog teams also teach the kids coping strategies and other mental wellness tools that they can incorporate into their everyday lives — long after the therapy animals have left,” Kathy said. “I believe their work is so transformative because kids aren’t expecting a lesson. They are expecting to pet, love and be loved by a therapy dog or alpaca, and then they learn these wellness lessons, often without realizing it.”

Sandy said her sister knew the nonprofit would need additional resources to further the strategic planning, fundraising and programming required to achieve the growth that will have a lasting impact on the community.

“There is such great need and demand for our programs, but we can’t grow into new schools and maintain the highest quality programming with our current resources,” Sandy said. “Kathy’s donation will allow us to hire a program coordinator at a competitive salary, who will help us

take TCC to the next level, support sustainable growth and have a lasting impact.”

Kathy said she hopes the donation will help transform the lives of youth living with mental health struggles.

“My hope is simple — that The Chris Center will be able to bring their programs into more schools and help more students. Too many of our kids are struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem or lack of connection and don’t have access or timely access to mental health care,” Kathy said. “And what’s happened is that schools are now having to shoulder the responsibility of our kids’ mental wellness in addition to their education. The Chris Center removes the barriers and brings their mental wellness programs to kids where they are — in schools.”

For more about TCC, visit chriscenterpaws.com.

ON THE COVER: Students participate in The Chris Center’s alpaca-assisted wellness program. (Photo courtesy of Toby Stark)

THE CHRIS CENTER PROGRAMS

PAWS Therapy Dog Program: Teaches and models skills for stress reduction, joy and social connection through dogs and encourages teens and preteens to use the power of human-animal connection in their own lives. Trained handler/dog teams support student mental wellness through regular interactions with middle and high school students during the school day or at extracurricular activities.

Alpaca-assisted Wellness Programs: Through a partnership with Stone Farm, a small alpaca farm in Zionsville, TCC’s alpaca-assisted programming teaches lessons about mindfulness, stress-reduction, empathy and social connection. The program offers teens and preteens the unique opportunity to interact with alpacas, explore nature, connect with peers and learn coping skills.

Mindful Arts Program: Nature-based art program nurtures mental wellness by combining therapeutic experiences in nature with creative arts. The curriculum, which a registered art therapist developed, includes components of nature exploration, mindfulness techniques, art creation and the development of essential life skills.

Parent Education Series: TCC supports parents and caregivers of teens and preteens through its Parent Education Series. Presented in collaboration with the Carmel Clay Public Library, this series features behavioral health experts who provide information on crucial adolescent wellness topics such as anxiety, mindfulness, parent-teen communication, social media and neurodiversity.

Dr. Kathy Moreira, second from right, with family members, from left, Dr. Robert Malinzak, Mackie Malinzak, Dr. Sandy Moreira, Emily Moreira and Jake Malinzak at the Rudy Fund launch celebration. (Photo courtesy of Toby Stark)

Zionsville Community High School graduate gets dream role in ‘Legally Blonde’ at Beef & Boards

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Olivia Broadwater couldn’t have asked for a better launch to her professional career.

The 2020 Zionsville Community High School graduate will appear as Elle Woods in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” July 11 to Aug. 25.

“I am over the moon about making my Beef & Boards debut,” Broadwater said. “Being from the Indy area, I have always known about the amazing productions taking place there and have dreamed of taking the stage myself one day. I never dreamed that my first time would be playing a dream role like Elle. I can’t explain how grateful I am for this opportunity. Also, my mom was an intern there when she was in college, so this is even more special to share that experience with her.”

Broadwater, a 2024 Ball State University graduate, appeared in Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program’s production of “Legally Blonde” before entering her freshman year of high school and played the role of Delta Nu/Jump Roper.

“To say I’m a fan of this musical is an understatement,” Broadwater said. “I’ve been singing these songs ever since my fellow ‘musical theater nerd’ sister played them for me when I was 6 years old. One of my favorite numbers has always been ‘What You Want.’ It is so uplifting, ridiculous, energetic and iconic in so many ways. I think it showcases the optimistic world that Elle lives in where any goal is possible as long as you have heart and good intentions behind it. It challenges the audience to reframe their thinking and face the world with pink-colored glasses like Elle.”

Broadwater said Elle was a fashion role model, too.

“Fun fact, I wore something pink every day for a year in elementary school

because it was my signature color,” she said. “I’ve always admired Elle for being a strong woman who goes after what she wants but shows compassion and loyalty to others while doing so.”

Broadwater said the role is daunting in many ways

“The role itself is very physically taxing from lengthy dance and vocal numbers such as the Act I closer, ‘So Much Better,’” she said. “However, that is a challenge I am extremely excited to take on and I feel blessed to have this opportunity. Like I said, she is a very important character to me and I am excited to bring her to life with the tools I have to build and share this story.”

Broadwater was first runner-up for Miss Indiana in 2022 and second runner-up in the 2021 competition.

Broadwater appeared in “Rent” at Civic Theatre in October 2022.

Since then, she played Sandy Cheeks in “SpongeBob SquarePants the Musical” at Ball State, New Wave Girl/Dance Captain in “Heathers” at Eclipse and Angie in “Prom” at Ball State. She also performed in a workshop for a new musical called “Dawn’s Early Light” in New York through Discovering Broadway.

Broadwater plans to move to New York in September after the production. She has signed with an agent, The Price Group.

“Doing this production in my hometown before moving to New York is so special to me,” Broadwater said. “I am so grateful for the continued support from the Indiana theater community. I truly would not be where I am without your love.”

Broadwater was selected as one of 40 finalists to the Songbook Academy in 2018.

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Celebrating Celine,” a tribute to Celine Dion, is set for 7:30 p.m. July 12-13 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

LOBSTER PALOOZA

Indianapolis Opera’s 14th annual New England Style Lobster Boil called Lobster Palooza is set for 6 p.m. July 13 at the Basile Opera Center, Indianapolis. Premium Blend is the musical guest. For more, visit Indyopera.org.

‘YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUSICAL’ Red Barn Summer Theatre presents “Young Frankenstein, The Musical” July 11-14 and July 17-21 at the Frankfort venue. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE

“Disco Fever! With Enrico Lopez-Yanez” will appear at Symphony on the Prairie at 8 p.m. July 12-13. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

BRET MICHAELS & PARTI-GRAS

Poison lead singer Bret Michaels’ Parti-Gras features Don Felder and Lou Gramm, among others, at 7 p.m. July 12 in a concert at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com

DISPATCH

Indy Shorts features 200-plus films — Indy Shorts International Film Festival will feature the largest lineup of films in the festival’s history with 200-plus films. With a pool party theme, Indy Shorts officials said attendees are invited to dive into the splashy short films July 23-28 at Living Room Theaters and Newfields. There will be 41 World Premieres including: “Facing the Falls” with executive producers Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, “Taking Care” featuring Seth Rogen and “Night Session” starring Richard Kind. There will be five outdoor screenings at The Amphitheater and The Beer Garden at Garden Terrace at Newfields. Two Indiana Spotlight Programs featuring 17 films are by or about Hoosiers. For tickets, visit IndyShorts.org

Olivia Broadwater has the lead role of Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde: The Musical.” (Photo courtesy of Olivia Broadwater)

NHS vocalist eager to grow

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Addie McMillan views the Songbook Academy as the perfect way to expand her talents and confidence.

SONGBOOK ACADEMY

“I’m excited about growing my voice and learning new things that can help me grow and get better, especially with my singing,” she said. “A lot of it is showing your feelings through the music and fully expressing how the music should make you feel. That’s a big thing with the Great American Songbook, it’s just singing the notes. It’s putting yourself out there fully. It’s exposing yourself as a singer and a musician to show what the music means.”

The 2024 Noblesville High School graduate is one of the 40 national finalists for the Songbook Academy, an intensive program set for July 13-20 at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. There will be a Songbook Showcase at 7 p.m. July 18 and a Songbook Academy concert at 7 p.m. July 20, both at the Palladium.

After hearing about the benefits of the Songbook Academy from a former finalist, Peter Fulton, McMillan started working with her voice coach in January 2023 to prepare an audition. She was selected as an alternate but didn’t get to participate because no one dropped out. So, she practiced on her own to prepare for this year.

“I got better vocally and got stronger,” McMillan said.

She sang “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” for the audition.

“I was really excited I got in,” she said. “I got really good feedback from the judges. They leave comments and each of them has great feedback. I was excited and

SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT SAT, JUL 20 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

AVERAGE WHITE BAND: A FUNK FINALE SAT, AUG 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JEROME COLLINS: REWIND–A JOURNEY TO MOTOWN & BEYOND

BUCKETS N BOARDS

SUN, NOV 17 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH LESLIE ODOM JR. FRI, NOV 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

CANADIAN BRASS SAT, NOV 23 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DIONNE WARWICK

proud and felt a lot more confident about going into it.”

She is looking to improve her ability to sing jazz.

McMillan said it’s a great way to make connections at the Academy and with the audience.

“I’ll be a Songbook Academy alum, which is really cool,” she said.

McMillan will major in theater education at Ball State University. She also will likely minor in vocal music.

“I am definitely going to try to do some performances up there,” she said. “I love to perform. If I gain confidence, I think I’m going to try to perform and do more musical theater because I love it so much. I want to get more into acting as well. We’ll see where my future leads me.”

McMillan has acted at The Belfry Theatre and in school productions.

“I think if I gain more confidence, I can do the bigger production shows like Summer Stock Stage, Eclipse or Civic (Theatre) or professional or pre-professional shows,” she said.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FREE EVENT COXHALL MANSION TOURS

Feeling strapped for cash but still want to have some fun? Each week, Current helps you find things to do without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s on tap this week:

Hamilton County Parks offers tours of the Coxhall Mansion and Museum on the stately grounds of Coxhall Gardens at 11669 Town Rd. in Carmel. The next tour is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. July 17. For more, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/1928/ Parks-and-Recreation.

OTHER FREE AREA EVENTS

SECOND SATURDAYS: Join Noblesville Creates at 107 S. 8th St. on the second Saturday each month for a free deep dive into exhibit topics.

MINI GOLF: Play 9 holes of LED mini golf inside Options Noblesville at 9945 Cumberland Pointe Blvd. from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 17. Learn more about Options Schools while you’re there.

FRI, SEPT 13 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON VERONICA SWIFT

SAT, SEPT 14 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

CENTER CELEBRATION 2024 FEATURING CHRIS BOTTI SAT, SEPT 21 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

NICK CARTER: WHO I AM TOUR

THURS, SEPT 26 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

LEONID & FRIENDS: THE MUSIC OF CHICAGO AND MORE FRI, SEPT 27 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DAMIEN ESCOBAR: VICTORY LAP TOUR

SAT, SEPT 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BEN FOLDS: PAPER AIRPLANE REQUEST TOUR

THURS, OCT 10 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

#IMOMSOHARD: LADIES’ NIGHT! FRI, OCT 11 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

SAT, OCT 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

SUN, OCT 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD

SAT, OCT 19 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

SPACE ODDITY: THE QUINTESSENTIAL

DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE

SAT, OCT 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DANA & GREG NEWKIRK’S HAUNTED OBJECTS LIVE

SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

VITAMIN STRING QUARTET: THE MUSIC OF TAYLOR SWIFT, BRIDGERTON AND BEYOND

SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

ZAKIR HUSSAIN & RAHUL SHARMA

FRI, NOV 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BONEY JAMES

SAT, NOV 2 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE MAGIC OF MICHAEL GRANDINETTI–EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC

SAT, NOV 2 AT 2PM & 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

GRUPO NICHE

FRI, NOV 8 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE PIANO GUYS

SAT, NOV 9 AT 4PM & 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

SUN, NOV 24 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES:

WWII TIKI XMAS CANTEEN

THURS, DEC 5 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE FOUR PHANTOMS: HOLIDAY SHOW FRI, DEC 6 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JANE LYNCH’S A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS

SAT, DEC 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

MATTEO BOCELLI: A NIGHT WITH MATTEO

THU DEC 12 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS

CHRISTMAS TOUR 2024

FRI, DEC 13 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

SAT, DEC 14 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

MAC MCANALLY

FRI, JAN 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

YESTERDAY AND TODAY: THE INTERACTIVE BEATLES EXPERIENCE

SAT, JAN 18 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE EVOLUTION OF JONI MITCHELL STARRING LAUREN FOX

FRI, JAN 24 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

HEART OF AFGHANISTAN

FEATURING THE FANOOS ENSEMBLE

SAT, JAN 25 AT 8PM || THE TARKINGTON

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS

SUN, JAN 26 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE KINGS OF QUEEN

SAT, FEB 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

PETER SAGAL: HOST OF NPR’S WAIT WAIT...DON’T TELL ME!

FRI, FEB 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

FOLSOM PRISON EXPERIENCE:

LEGENDARY 1968 JOHNNY CASH

CONCERT

SAT, FEB 15 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH STEVE WARINER

FRI, FEB 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

KALANI PE’A: GRAMMY-WINNING

SINGER, SONGWRITER

SAT, FEB 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

CHARMERS:

REVIVAL:

RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY PETER SAGAL

LESLIE ODOM JR. MICKY DOLENZ

LANG LANG

Addie McMillan, a Songbook Academy finalist from Noblesville, appears as the wedding singer in “Father of the Bride.” (Photo by Rob Slaven/ Indy Ghost Light Photography)

‘Young Frankenstein’ planned

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

When Red Barn Summer Theatre Artistic Director Michael Taylor first saw “Young Frankenstein, The Musical” on Broadway, he thought it was a show that Red Barn could never do.

MUSICAL

The show ran on Broadway from Nov. 8, 2007, to Jan. 4, 2009. Taylor’s view changed when he saw a recorded version of the revised musical that opened at London’s West End in 2017.

and Thomas Meehan. It is based on the 1974 movie written by Brooks and Gene Wilder.

“I love the humor, the comedy and the timing to put on a show like this,” Taylor said. “People who love Mel Brooks will love this. It’s very true to the movie, other than the added musical numbers.”

The 16-person cast features Luke Aguilar as Victor Frankenstein, Juliette Maners as Inga, Luke McLaughlin as Igor, Cole Riegle as The Monster, Kiara Wood as Frau Blucher, Cassidy Benullo as Elizabeth and Adam Nichols as Inspector Kemp.

“The original Broadway show was such a spectacle and now they’ve gone a little more true to the movie,” Taylor said. “They’ve cut out some of the effects. It kind of lets the material breathe, which I think lends better to humor and characters.”

Red Barn will present the revised production of “Young Frankenstein, The Musical” July 11-14 and 17-21 at the Frankfort venue.

The music and lyrics are by Mel Brooks

“When I was looking at this season, I just thought it fit,” Taylor said. Taylor said tap dancers from Stage 1 Dance Academy perform during the “Puttin’ on the Ritz” number.

“The biggest challenge is the big tap number,” said Taylor, who became artistic director in 2017. “I couldn’t tell you the last time they did a tap number at the Barn, but I don’t believe it’s since I’ve been around. It will be cool to see it come together.”

For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

Singer to play dream venue

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Put Nick Niespodziani in the group of people who will remember Ruoff Music Center as Deer Creek.

CONCERT

The Yacht Rock Revue lead singer grew up in Columbus, Ind., and has many fond memories of concerts at the Noblesville venue, originally called Deer Creek Music Center.

“I remember seeing Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Lenny Kravitz and so many great concerts,” Niespodziani said. “It was a core memory-forming place for me.”

So Niespodziani is delighted his band will open at 6:25 p.m. July 10 for Train and REO Speedwagon at Ruoff.

“I’m so excited to play Deer Creek. This is a childhood dream coming true,” he said. “It’s going to be a really full-circle moment.”

Niespodziani, 45, is a founding member of the Atlanta-based band, which started in 2007. Six of the nine members have been there since the beginning.

This is by far the biggest and longest tour for the group.

“I’m in my 40s and I’ve never been on a tour bus before,” Niespodziani said just before the tour started July 8.

Niespodziani said the group must narrow its long setlist down.

“People want to hear all the greatest hits of the 1960s and 1970s and we have 45 minutes to do it, which is a lot different than 2 hours and 20 minutes, so we have to be efficient,” he said.

Niespodziani said the band will perform some of its original songs.

For more, visit yachtrockrevue.com.

Top, from left, Yacht Rock Revue members Kourtney Jackson, Ganesh Giri Jaya, Mark Bencuya, Jason Nackers, David B. Freeman, Greg Lee and Keisha Jackson. Bottom from left, Peter Olson, Nicholas Niespodziani and Mark “Monkeyboy” Dannells. (Photo courtesy of Yacht Rock Revue)

Taylor

By Cassie King news@currentnoblesville.com

Yafa Golden Coffee, a new coffee shop in Noblesville, held a soft opening last month at 14160 Mundy Rd. It is owned by brothers Yasser and Younes Ali, who are from Yafa, Yemen.

DINING

“The inspiration behind opening this coffee house stems from the deep roots of our owners, who hail from Yafa, Yemen, a city renowned for its profound coffee heritage,” said Ali Ali, manager of Yafa Golden Coffee. “Raised amidst the verdant coffee farms of Yafa, they cherished mornings spent roasting and brewing coffee, sharing these ritualistic moments with their families and friends. We wanted to bring this tradition and share it with the heart of Indiana.”

According to Ali Ali business imports its beans directly from Yafa and roasts them in-house. In addition to its signature coffee, the shop offers freshly made pastries, juices, smoothies and a dedicated chai station, all crafted in-house.

Ali said the Yafa Special coffee is a cus-

tomer favorite and often sells out.

Yafa Golden Coffee plans to host cultural and educational events, including roasting classes and community engagement activities.

“We want our coffee house to be a welcoming space for everyone,” Ali said. “We’re committed to collaborating with local businesses and supporting community events.”

The business eventually wants to expand.

“We aim to expand beyond Noblesville and establish our presence in other cities and states,” Ali said. “We also plan to start selling our own roasted beans.”

For more, follow the business’s social media pages @yafagoldencoffeeusa.

Yafa Golden Coffee now open Wrestling facility coming soon

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Contenders Wrestling Academy, Indiana’s premier youth wrestling academy, is expanding by opening a new facility in Noblesville.

SPORTS

According to owner Ryan Parrish, the academy, which has locations in Brownsburg and Greenwood, provides athletes ages 4 through 18 with the training necessary to become successful in wrestling.

“Contenders Wrestling Academy has the goal of starting kids in wrestling and helping supplement training for high school athletes so they can get ready for high school and college wrestling,” Parrish said. “We start them at age 4 and give them the introduction into wrestling, and then we go all the way up to more specialized training for our high school athletes.”

Parrish, who started the business in his parents’ garage in 2006, always wanted to expand the academy to the north side of Indianapolis.

“I feel like it’s an area where there’s not a lot of competing companies that do sim-

ilar work to what I do, but also it’s just an ever-growing and expanding area with not only the world of wrestling, but it’s just growing in general,” Parrish said.

The new facility at 9535 E. 151st St. is expected to open in early November. Parrish said that because the building is new, he is excited to adapt the academy’s needs to the space.

Contenders Wrestling Academy has five age-based classes. Parrish said his goal for the new facility is to continue making “better humans” through the sport of wrestling.

For more, visit contenderswrestling.com.

Yafa Golden Coffee recently opened at 14160 Mundy Rd. in Noblesville. (Photo by Cassie King)

Contenders Wrestling Academy will be in conjunction with YOO Direct Health. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Parrish)

Basile Opera Center | Saturday, July 13, 2024

To purchase tickets visit IndyOpera.org call 317-283-3531 or scan the code

Autism clinic opens in city

news@currentnoblesville.com

BehaviorWorks ABA, which provides autism care, has opened a new clinic in Noblesville at 19043 Cumberland Rd. It is enrolling children ages 2 through 10 with autism spectrum disorder.

TREATMENT

The clinic is the second for BehaviorWorks ABA, which has a practice on the west side of Indianapolis. The Noblesville location is in a former day care, and everything is customized for kids, including the outdoor enrichment space. The center will support children and offer transitional programs that support school inclusion.

BehaviorWorks was established in 2006

by Ann Baloski. According to Delta Kindred, hiring and marketing manager for BehaviorWorks ABA, Baloski has more than 20 years of experience in applied behavior analysis.

“Early intervention is critical for children with autism, so we are thrilled to open a second location to help more families,” Baloski stated. “We are excited that this space opened up, allowing us to expand to the northside of Indianapolis.”

Kindred said the mission of BehaviorWorks ABA is to inspire positive behavior change in an inclusive environment and promote independence in all aspects of life.

For more, call 317-731-7777.

Veterans Fair returns this month

news@currentnoblesville.com

The Hamilton County Veterans Corp. is hosting a countywide Resource Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 20 at 1775 Field Dr. in Noblesville for not only military members, veterans and their families, but for all Hamilton County residents.

EVENT

According to the HCVC, of the 55 resource tables at last year’s event, 35 were common resources to help everyone. There will be 85 resource tables this year.

Some of the free resources include providers and outreach specialists from Federal VA Benefits, Roudebush VA Hospital, County Veteran Service Officers, Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Readiness and Employment, Military OneSource, Indiana WorkOne, County Health Department and more.

Roudebush VA Medical Center will be on-site to inform attendees about the PACT Act’s expansion of benefits. It will register, enroll, perform toxic exposure screen-

ings and start filing claims for disability compensation.

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans and the Daughters of the American Revolution will be at the event to honor Vietnam veterans. Indy Honor Flight will also be on-site for veterans to sign up to fly to Washington, D.C., to see their memorials.

The Hamilton County Veterans Corp. will have a table to find out how to help build stronger veterans and communities and become a member of the organization.

Posters and programs will include a floor map showing areas where specific needs can be addressed. The entrance to the building is on the south side, where a Hero Hut representative will greet guests as they arrive. The front door facing the parking lot is the exit.

Food trucks will be in the parking lot near the building until 1:30 p.m.

For more, email president@hamiltoncountyveterans.com or secretary@hamiltoncountyveterans.com.

Falling for a sales pitch

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Last year, my wife Mary Ellen and I spent our 43rd anniversary downtown at a charming bed and breakfast, celebrating all the years since we fell in love. To commemorate this, I fell out of bed.

HUMOR

It has occurred several more times since then — once with me almost ending up in the ER. Mary Ellen has often asserted I should have my head examined and after that crash landing, we knew something had to be done.

She purchased an inflatable bed bumper rail from a company called hiccapop. When the box arrived, I thought hiccapop was one of those fancy energy drinks Mary Ellen likes. By the way, I know the name shouldn’t be lowercase, but no words in their brochure are capitalized. not one. they think that is clever. i don’t. i think it’s pretentious.

This bed rail is a 5-foot-long cylindrical pillow. Inflated, it looks like a long white log. Placed under the fitted sheet on the side of the bed, it prevents the sleeper’s potential plummet to the floor. The instructions suggest it’s intended for toddlers who have transitioned from a crib to a real bed, a transition I made during the Truman administration.

One woman writes on Amazon, “The hiccapop keeps my son safe. I no longer have to worry about the little guy falling out of bed. It’s a relief to know my 6-year-old is protected.”

Note: Reread that review and substitute the word husband for son and old man for little guy. Then, replace the number six with 77. See how humiliating this whole predicament is for me?

Nettie, our housekeeper, came this week. She told Mary Ellen she couldn’t clean the

“This bed rail is a 5-foot-long cylindrical pillow. Inflated, it looks like a long white log.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

bedroom because I was napping.

“That’s not my husband. That’s his hiccapop.”

“Well, whoever he is, I can’t vacuum until he gets out of bed.”

Consumer-oriented hiccapop boasts, “If you ever need parts, we will send them to you free of charge.” Question: Have you ever needed to replace parts in a pillow?

The warranty includes, “Even if your dog chews it accidentally.” Barney, our old beagle, once chewed up Mary Ellen’s brand-new shoes.

“Why don’t you scold him?” she asked me.

“Because it wasn’t his fault. He ate them accidentally.”

Concerned about having other baby hiccapop product ideas ripped off, the company issued this warning in its brochure: “To you beef-witted design pirates, do NOT copy our stuff, or we will sue you.” I have never heard that expression, but there’s nothing more threatening than a well-placed meat metaphor.

By the way, the bumper really works. I haven’t rolled off the bed since we installed it, but I have to get a new one. I’m a restless sleeper with a lot of nervous energy, and I chewed into my hiccapop one night, deflating it.

Mary Ellen forgave me. I told her it was an accident.

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

Blueprint for Improvement: Effortless elegance

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 1999 in Carmel’s Laurel Lakes neighborhood, this home’s kitchen was due for a contemporary facelift. Our team envisioned a timeless transformation featuring a classic palette, thoughtful storage solutions and strategic appliance placements, resulting in a functional and effortlessly elegant space.

THE BLUEPRINT

• A classic palette featuring tones of white, taupe and gray offers a versatile backdrop that adapts beautifully to evolving trends.

• Organic warmth is introduced through wood barstools, seagrass dining chairs and iron accents.

• Functionality is significantly enhanced by relocating the range off the island, providing additional prep and entertaining space.

• The removal of an impractical desk makes way for additional cabinetry, streamlining sight lines and increasing counter and storage space.

• The design is elegantly finished with a double-basin apron-front sink, crown molding and brushed nickel hardware, bringing both charm and practicality to the forefront of this kitchen transformation.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

Carmel

29. Taj Mahal city

30. Old stringed instrument

31. Challenge

32. Rip

33. Wide shoe letters

34. Ladies’ men

35. Sunset direction + pasture

38. County blue-ribbon events

40. Website ID

41. IMPD alerts

45. Boundary

46. Egyptian goddess

Public Notice

Notification is given that Security Federal Savings Bank, 314 Fourth Street, Logansport, IN 46947 publishes notice under 12 CFR 5.8 of its intent to establish a full service branch at 10880 N Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN 46077. Within 30 days of the date of this publication, any person wishing to comment on this transaction may file comments in writing with the Director for District Licensing, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 7 Times Square, 10th Floor Mailroom, New York, New York 10036 or licensing@OCC. treas.gov.

47. Got bigger

48. Swiss peaks

49. Greek war god

50. Crystal-lined rock

51. Pie ___ mode

52. In the past

53. It launched on Nov. 8, 1972

55. Colts’ org.

56. Lofty + touch down

59. Not hip

61. More furtive

62. Bashful

63. Oahu and Maui

64. Lilly lab dept. Down

1. Use for target practice, say

2. Cruise stop + get older

3. Carmen from “Baywatch”

4. Nintendo console

5. Passover meal

6. Puncture sound

7. Get in the way of

8. Annoy

9. “Not guilty,” e.g., in Hamilton County Court

10. “___ be an honor”

11. Old sitcom set at the Stratford Inn

12. Fescue and zoysia 14. Music genre 16. “Auld Lang ___” 21. So far 25. Pincered bugs

27. “You can’t make me!”

28. First-aid kit item

30. Subtraction word

31. Ctrl-Alt-___

34. Three Seventeen Hair Design supplies

36. Bard’s “before”

37. Notre Dame’s Fighting

38. Italian director of “8 1/2”

39. Magazine sales

42. Me, myself or I

43. Crib + Tom Wood brand

44. Puffed up

46. Attended to pressing needs?

48. Oohs and ___

49. Once more

50. Doomed one

52. ___-Seltzer

54. Pal

57. “2001” computer

58. IU Health VIPs

60. Nashville awards org. Answers on Page 19

EXTERIOR ESTIMATES

FINE BATHROOMS

Complete

-Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Installations

-Custom Showers

-Leak and Mold Solutions

-Low Maintenance Choices

Anderson Construction Services

Learn more at:

www.iwantanewbathroom.com

& Text at 816-778-4690.

Handyman/Repairs/Renovations

LAWNS Trim/Remove trees & shrubs Building Demolitions Clean Gutters Build Decks Painting inside or Outdoors Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com

C&H TREE SERVICE

Glaziers / Glass Installers –Gatsby Glass of NW Indianapolis is now hiring! Join now to support our rapidly growing business – apply by email at GG135@gatsbybyglass.com

Index Corporation seeks a Purchasing Manager in Noblesville, IN to identify, document, & adhere to all processes performed & interfaces w/ other depts. BS in Operations, Purchasing, Mgmt, Bus Admin or rltd field & 8 yrs of CNC machine tool manufacturing environment exp. Employer will accept any suitable combination of education, training, or exp. Travel 25% of time. This position will have supervisory responsibilities. For position details & to apply, visit: https://www.index-group. com/en_us/company/careers

Cleaning House Sale: 1957 Chev. four-door Hard Top. car and several extra parts $1,500.

¼ Midget Race Car 5 hp Honda several extra parts $1,500

All Original 1955 Studebaker Champion. Been sitting several years in dry barn. Motor locked $2,800 Call 317-501-3421

Custom Log Cabin For Sale Beautiful custom one of kind hand crafted artistically designed square log cabin sitting on 86 acres in Switzerland county Indiana. Property is just off 129, 15 minutes from Vevay, Indiana. Cabin sits on top of the property with a pond view. Full walkout basement with 30’ x 12’ wide porch. There are 2 ponds appx ¾ acre on the property for your fishin pleasure. Creek adjacent to the roadside that you cross for entrance into the property. Half mile gravel driveway. Four wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. There are trails for riding atvs or just enjoying a hike around the property.

Nice spacious front and back covered porch 34’ x 12’.

Cabin has 3 levels with 2 full bathrooms and 1 half bath.

New green metal roof December 2023. Main level has an open concept style. One full bath in the main level with a Custom cedar king bed and custom cedar couch and chair. Main level overlooks a pond with multiple large windows. Living room area has a propane fireplace faced with creek rock. Poplar saw milled log floors, Full kitchen with custom hickory kitchen cabinets all on main level. Loft upstairs with a half bath. Downstairs open concept with full bath. Downstairs

kitchen area has a double sink with lower cabinets and fridge. Sleeping area has a full-size custom cedar bed and fireplace with washer and dryer located downstairs. The downstairs room walks out on the back porch which overlooks the pond. Cistern water tank holds 2,000 gallons. Water is available in town for you to haul and propane furnace. 24 x 40 Barn located just off the side of the cabin for storage of large equipment, recreational vehicles etc.

Bonus smaller cabin!!! - small hunters cabin/lodge with a 16.8 front porch with small garage appx 16 x 16.

Bonus Bonus! - electric hookups for campers at the base of the property across from the creek

This property is a must see dream home for the ones that want to enjoy the great outdoors!

Enjoy the wildlife with your morning cup of joe. Turkeys and deer visit often for your viewing pleasure. If you’re a hunter then this property is made for you as well. Permanent tree stands made within the property or just for viewing wildlife. Sportsmans paradise!

*Attractions close by Belterra Casino 13 miles - 23 minutes

*Historic Madison IN 20 miles

*Rising Sun Casino - 29 miles - 45 minutes

FOR SALE BY OWNER - $1,500,000.00 firm

****NO REALTORS!!!*** REALTORS, please don’t contact

*Never been logged and loggers please don’t contact

*Showing by appointment only - contact by texting 765-623-9934

*More pictures available upon serious requests

*Pre-approval before showing required

*Serious inquiries only please