January 5, 2010 by Current Publishing

WILSON: THREE YEARS OF HATE MAIL REVISITED / P6

WESTFIELD LIBRARY REDUCES HOURS / P7

MEDICAID CHANGES WILL AFFECT JANUS CLIENTS / P8

Tuesday January 5, 2010 FREE

How safe is Westfield? Theft, criminal mischief among most common city's crimes / P2

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How safe is Westfield? Theft, criminal mischief among most common city's crimes

By Jordan Fischer Current in Westfield Crime: an unpleasant reality of civilization, acknowledged but often pushed to the periphery. Though it has perhaps less of the urban ills of Indianapolis, Westfield, resting on the northern edge of the metropolitan area, still sees its share of criminal activity. Unlike the larger city, however, Westfield sees far fewer violent offenses, with property crime the more prevalent sort. By far the most commonly reported crime in Westfield is theft. The police department was alerted of nearly 400 incidents in 2009, with 30 percent of reports involving a motor vehicle. Thefts from buildings (10 percent) and shoplifting (9.8 percent) also made up a significant portion of reports. According to the Westfield Police Department, many thefts result from unlocked vehicles, especially during the warmer months. Aside from valuables stolen from the vehicles, unlocked cars can provide an avenue for more theft. “Probably 95 percent of our thefts in October were from unlocked vehicles,” said Westfield Police Department crimes analyst Laura Barrett. “People can grab those remote-control garage openers and drive down the street clicking the button, waiting to see which garage door opens.” Like theft, burglaries are another issue of concern in Westfield. Burglaries can be differentiated as entry into a building with the intent of committing a crime – often theft, but not always. Following the trend of the former crime, 31 of the 54 burglaries reported from Jan.1 to Oct. 31, 2009, were “no force” entries, meaning the burglar was able to enter through an unlocked door or window. To contrast, only 11 of the 54 reported burglaries were classified as breaking and entering. While burglaries in Westfield weren’t committed by any identifiable demographic, the same cannot be said for thefts – or a third troublesome area, criminal mischief. Though there were a large number of out of town and local adult offenders, the majority of shoplifting incidents were committed by juvenile females, and the majority of thefts from motor vehicles by juvenile males. Criminal mischief was also committed predominantly by unsupervised juveniles. With the new Westfield Youth Assistance Program, which Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said is designed to identify and reach out to local youth “heading down the wrong path,” the city is trying to reduce criminal mischief by juveniles in the process. For burglary and theft prevention, however, the effort of Westfield residents will likely have the greatest impact. In addition to simply locking up, the WPD

2 | January 5, 2010

» Where is crime occurring?

The Westfield Police Department has divided the city into four zones, or beats. The following data, provided by the WPD, details the number of times various types of crimes were reported in each of these zones from Jan. 1, 2009 through Oct. 31, 2009.

Zone 1

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 4

Theft – 114 reports Burglary – 18 reports Criminal mischief/vandalism – 40 reports Theft – 120 reports Burglary – 13 reports Criminal mischief/vandalism – 57 reports

Theft – 52 reports Burglary – 10 reports Criminal mischief/vandalism – 49 reports Theft – 94 reports Burglary – 9 reports Criminal mischief/vandalism – 31 reports

encourages homes and businesses to adhere to the “broken window theory,” which claims well-maintained private and public property discourages crimes like vandalism. The department also suggests neighborhoods review and implement the approach of “crime prevention through environmental design,” formulated by criminologist C. Ray Jeffery. This strategy uses forms of natural surveillance and access control, such as placing windows overlooking sidewalks and planting thorny bushes under low windows to increase the perception that people can be seen and deter potential criminals. Crime prevention is an individual and community effort. Securing property, proper maintenance and purposeful neighborhood design can go a long way in dissuading would-be criminals. Informing police quickly of suspicious activity can lead to quicker arrests and reduced incidents of crime. Most of all, working with neighbors to create an atmosphere of vigilance will not only deter criminal activity, but create a stronger community.

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» Keep your doors locked

Of the 54 burglaries reported from Jan. 1, 2009 through Oct. 31, 2009, 31 were classified as unlawful entry, which means no force was used to enter the property. Locking doors and gates can’t prevent every burglary, as there were 11 reports of breaking and entering and four reports of forcible entry, but it can eliminate many of the occurrences.

What’s being stolen?

Bicycle theft 7 reports Theft from building 42 reports Theft from vehicles, except parts 106 reports Theft from vehicles, parts and accessories 4 reports Auto and other vehicle theft 13 reports Shoplifting 39 reports Data recorded from Jan. 1, 2009 through Oct. 31, 2009

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317.489.4444 Publisher – Brian Kelly brian@currentincarmel.com / 414.7879 General Manager – Steve Greenberg steve@currentincarmel.com / 847.5022 Content Editor – Bryan Unruh bryan@currentincarmel.com / 308.0124 Assignment Editor – Kevin Kane kkane@currentincarmel.com / 496-0020 Associate Editor – Terry Anker terry@currentincarmel.com Art Director – Zachary Ross zross@ss-times.com / 787-3291 Associate Artist – Stefanie Lorenz stefanie@currentincarmel.com / 340.1836 Senior Reporter – Brandie Bohney bbthegrammarguru@gmail.com /260.750.4266

OUR VIEWS

It is our position that electing political leaders who are successful in other aspects of their lives – especially business – is a good thing. But today, our collective ethos, as led by the national media, argues that political leaders should come to government with only experience in government. Neither our president nor his vice president have held significant jobs in the private sector. And while Obama has proven himself a highly successful author, Biden’s only private employment was working for a quasi-bureaucratic national political organization. Certainly, leaders should be certain not to profit privately using stategranted power. But neither should leaders avoid the economy while telling us how to participate in it. We wouldn’t trust a chef who wouldn’t eat his own food. But even as local politicos like Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi are lampooned for their ties to the private sector, we wish others would take greater interest in the business their seeming caprice so broadly affects. Not only do we disagree with the notion that association with business tarnishes elected officials, we believe that blind avoidance of commerce leads to a bigoted and unrealistic view of the engine that drives America.

Keeping promises

It is our position that while he is right to keep a tight cap on government spending, Governor Mitch Daniels is giving himself and his administration an undeserved pass with the recent undercover move to pull the plug on the U.S. 31 redevelopment project. Designed to improve highway standards from 96th Street (on the Marion-Hamilton County line) to 216th Street in Westfield, the effort has a been delayed yet again (nine more years). The governor, though a mouthpiece, blames the change on budget issues. A delay of that length spells de facto death for the project. With the intersection of 116th Street and U.S. 31 ranked as the most dangerous in the county, this stretch of road deserves (and we should demand) immediate attention. People are dying, and our government is not willing to do what must be done to innovate sufficiently to get the job done. Compared to the noticeable improvement in the safety of the improved 126th and 136th intersections on Keystone Avenue, Daniels seems more concerned with supporting the status quo at the Indiana Department of Transportation than with moving projects forward creatively.

Advertising Sales Executive – Dennis O’Malia dennis@currentincarmel.com / 370.0749 Sales Executive – Lara Acton lara@currentincarmel.com / 409.1418 Indianapolis Sales Consultant – Kevin Messmer kevin@currentincarmel.com / 513.4359

Business Office Bookkeeper - Deb Vlasich deb@currentincarmel.com / 489.4444 The views of the columnists in Current In Westfield are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

strange laws

CONSTITUTION CLOSEUP

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Our nation has all sorts of arcane, nonsensical laws on the books. Each week, we’ll share one with you. In Baldwin, Calif., it is illegal to ride a bike in a swimming pool. Source: Weird Laws (iPhone application)

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Every week, we will print a portion of the U.S. Constitution, followed by a portion of the Indiana Constitution. We encourage you to benchmark government policies against these bedrock documents. Today: the U.S. Constitution.. Section 8. Continued To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of the legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dockyards, and other

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needful buildings;--And To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof. Section 9. The migration or importation of such persons as any of the states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each person. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.

January 5, 2010 | 3

Carmel resident displays a charitable spirit

From the backshop Ah, yes, the corrupt hand of government Back in the day, President Ronald Reagan ushered in a new era of confidence and success. By pouring the coals to taxation and allowing us commonplace Americans to achieve our potential, a period of out-of-control inflation was sent to the sidelines. Stack Dutch’s efforts against those of President Barack Obama and you’ll find a regime of resentment. Syndicated columnist David Nace, in fact, adroitly points out that the Obama administration believes in replacing the invisible hand of the marketplace with the heavy and easily corrupted hand of government. “One need look no further than the takeover of Chrysler and GM to see how these policies really work,” he writes. “Bankruptcy laws dictate that secured bondholders have the highest claim on the assets of a company. However in the Chrysler and GM bankruptcies, bond holders received 29 percent of their investment while the United Auto Workers, an unsecured creditor, received 78 percent of their claims and partial ownership of the company.” We couldn’t have said it better. We’re hopeful Washington awakens from this horrid nightmare before it’s too late. •••

Brian Kelly & Steve Greenberg Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano already is headed down the wrong track. Watch this carefully: She wants to unionize Transportation Safety Administration employees. You think a union is going to make an expedient decision with regard to protecting the safety of travelers? Not without payoffs, back slaps and winks. Ever heard of Detroit? ••• Kudos to the powers that be in Hamilton County for finally delivering on our oft-written wishes for a pedestrian bridge to be erected over West 146th Street at the terminus of the Carmel portion of the Monon Trail and the beginning of the Westfield part. Here’s hoping it goes up in time and that no one is injured – or worse, God forbid - in the interim.

Brose McVey unveils first part of Jobs 2020 plan American Community Survey from the U.S. For Current in Westfield Census Bureau, there were nearly 400,000 Republican candidate for Indiana’s Fifth people employed in the Fifth Congressional District, Brose District from 2006 to 2008. McVey, recently proposed the first “If enacted by Congress immeelement of a new Jobs 2020 ecodiately, my plan would begin work nomic growth plan that he would today and send a strong signal to enpursue if elected to Congress next trepreneurs, employers, investors and year. The initial phase of McVey’s bankers that we are committed to plan: long-term, sustainable growth. Both • Calls on Congress to enact a are possible — and critical — if we six-month Payroll Tax Holiday; MCVEY are to slow the alarming Federal defi• Calls on Washington to cancel cits that threaten our very future,” and suspend the remainder of McVey said. the “stimulus” plan and use the unused “As a small business person myself, I underfunds from that program to pay for the stand the burden that our 15.3 % withholding payroll tax holiday, and; places on our employees and employers,” he • Recommends that payback to the federal government of bail-out funds by banks and said. “I want to set forth the kinds of policies I would advocate if I were in Congress today. financial institutions be sent to strengthen “My plan avoids ‘old school’ public works the beleaguered Social Security Trust Fund. projects like those in the so-called stimulus plan. “A payroll tax holiday will reduce the cost It doesn’t pick winners and losers-like the clunkof labor, put real cash in the pockets of every ers and bailout plans did. And, importantly, it is American worker within weeks, allow employfiscally responsible and would save the taxpayer ers to keep more folks on their payrolls, and money, when compared with the so-called requires no bureaucracy to administer,” McVey stimulus plan enacted by Congress. To pay for said. “It is the kind of economic injection we it, I am calling on Congress to suspend further should have enacted six months or a year ago. commitments of unused funds authorized under “For the average Hoosier family earning the current stimulus program, and to direct $50,000 per year, this tax holiday would put that funding instead at a six-month payroll tax over $1,900 in their pockets in the next six holiday.” months, and it would do the same for their employers,” McVey said. According to the

4 | January 5, 2010

COMMENTARY By Terry Anker Winning anything, let alone $5,000, is not something that happens very often – and seeing the winner immediately hand the prize to charity is even rarer. But that is what Patrick Burley of Meridian Investment Advisors did with Happy Hollow Children’s Camp. During a benefit dinner for the camp, Burley bought tickets for and won the prize, generously donated by Kroger Grocery, and then immediately pushed it back to the charity. Happy Hollow Children’s Camp, founded in 1951, provides week-long wilderness experiences in rural Brown County for underprivileged children between the ages 7 to 14. In 2009, around 800 kids went to the camp because, in large part, of the generosity of folks like Kroger and Burley. Surprisingly, this is not the first time the 15-year Carmel resident has won a prize and handed it off to others. The Eagle Scout has a passion for building communities; Burley says giving back is a trait his parents instilled in him at a young age. About Happy Hollow, Burley says it “is a very interesting and great organization.” He wonders at the alternatives that camp provides for kids. As a younger man, Burley was involved in many community events in his hometown of Naperville, Ill. He and some friends led a “rib fest” that raised more than $1 million during

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Pat Burley at Kroger in Carmel with Kevin Allender of Happy Hollow Children’s Camp

a four-day span. And his charitable spirit continues. This year’s benefit dinner will be held at the Indianapolis Marriott North on Feb. 27. If you would like more information regarding Happy Hollow Children’s Camp or to donate, volunteer or recommend campers, visit www.happyhollowcamp.net. And stop into Kroger and say thanks. Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may e-mail him at terry@ currentincarmell.com.

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January 5, 2010 | 5

Three years of hate mail revisited Commentary By Danielle Wilson This April will mark my third year as a columnist for Current. When I first started, I thought maybe I’d get through six months, because surely I would run out of topics. But to my surprise, after more than 130 articles, enough crazy things keep happening to keep my keyboard hoppin’ and my fear of writer’s block way over on the east side of Geist. The only question, then, is what will I write about in 2010 that will generate the most hate mail? Will it be a witty little number on the use of ‘tween cell phone use? Or perhaps a controversial piece on PTO politics in the elementary schools? Maybe a candid look at the demise of the crock pot in modern kitchens. Who knows? History tells us nothing: My first column to set the north side suburbs afire was one titled “Bringing Your Sexy Back.” That was in April of 2007, and it was only my second foray into the molten world of public opinion. When I suggested sending dirty emails to your husband at work and watching violent, semi-pornographic movies together, you’d have thought I’d just announced myself a Wiccan and called for pentagrams to be handed out in McDonalds Happy Meals. (As if I’d be that obvious!) But that column was child’s play compared to the response I received on my March 2008 “Glitz at the Ritz” column, in which I wrote about the humorous antics of middle-aged parents at an open-bar fundraiser. I literally could not set foot in my children’s school for almost a year without getting the evil eye from other mothers and a few teachers. As fate would have it, though, my youngest daughter’s best friend is the daughter of one of the ladies I poked fun at (and later apologized to), and now we’re friends, too! Unlike some people, she has a wonderful sense of humor. (Love ya, SS!) Of course, the coup de grace came this

DISPATCHES

summer with my two opinion pieces on homeschooling. Holy moly, did I get run through the ringer on that one. More than 50 e-mails flooded my inbox, calling me everything from a close-minded, irresponsible journalist to a Hellbound baby killer. (I took offense by the way, to the idea that I am a journalist. Pa-lease. I write to entertain, rarely to inform!) So in my “People to Offend” category, which I dutifully consult prior to each topic choice, I can confidently put a check by Couples with a Boring Sex Life, Volunteers Who Know How to Party and the Entire Homeschooling Community of Central Indiana. Based on some other hate-mail worthy articles, I can also cross off Breastfeeding Nazis, Mean Mothersin-Law, Book Burners, Adults Who Never Swear, Women Who Loved Being Pregnant, Men, Stepford Wives and Racoons. All that leaves is right-wing Christians. No wait, I’ve hit those too. (See “Marriage License,” “Golden Compass” and “Mad at God” in the Current archives.) Whatever will I do? Easy. I’ll let my life unfold as usual and then write about its crappy, fantastic, insane and unbelievable moments. With four children and a bald husband, it shouldn’t be too hard. And don’t forget my liberal-Democrat glasses that filter our community’s often conservative light; they reveal tons of interesting anecdotes that wouldn’t be amusing anywhere else save our precious little Republican stronghold. No worries, then. This year looks to be a good one. As always, feel free to send me your thoughts, questions and ideas. Just know that I have a “Hate Mail” folder I plan to pull from whenever I publish my first book. Peace out.

Stop in for great Music and Fun! Refreshments will be served!

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Phone: 317-773-2002

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Danielle Wilson is a Carmel resident and contributing columnist. You may e-mail her at danielle@ currentincarmel.com.

Jan. 11. Call 574-1074 or visit www.washingtontownship-hc.us to register.

» Monon Trail temporarily closed – A section of the Monon Trail, just north of 96th Street to I-465, is now closed due to construction on one of the overpasses crossing the trail. Until March, the trail will be closed in that section six days a week, remaining open on Sundays.

» Countywide borrowing began Jan. 2 – Effective Jan. 2, the new reciprocal borrowing program began at all Hamilton County libraries. Any resident or payer of property taxes in the county can check out materials from any of its libraries with their home library card.

» Get it together – The beginning of the year is a great time to resolve to clear the clutter in both home and office and simplify your life. The Washington Township Parks and Recreation Department is offering a class to help you do just that. In this presentation, you will learn principles, practices and benefits of personal, home and office organization. The class will be Jan. 19 from 6:30-8 p.m., and it will cost $18 per person. Registration is required by

» (Nearly) 10th annual pizza bake off – This is a friendly competition between the three locations of Jan's Village Pizza and their pizzoli (pizza makers) to create the best pizza of the year. Our customers participate by sampling all the pizzas and voting for their favorite, and the winning pizza is added to Jan's menu. So, mark your calendar: Jan. 11 at Jan's Village Pizza, located on Union Street just two doors south of Main Street (32 in Westfield from 5 until 9 PM.

6 | January 5, 2010

Celebrating Lowrey Organs in Noblesville!

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Westfield library reduces hours By Arika Herron Current in Westfield After being notified that it would receive a budget cut of approximately $160,000 for 2010, the Westfield Washington Public Library has reduced service and staff hours. Beginning Jan. 2, the library changed its hours to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday throughThursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Library director Sheryl Sollars said opening one-hour later seemed to be the best solution. “This was a very hard decision to make,” Sollars said. “We’ve had to reduce other areas of the budget to deal with the loss of revenue in previous years, so the library board and I felt that this was the most equitable way to handle the current estimated reduction. “My number-one goal is always to provide an excellent level of service to our patrons. We felt that opening the library one hour later each day would have the least impact on our patrons. This will also ensure adequate staffing levels when we are again able to open the library at 9 a.m.” The reduction in revenues, announced in October, came in the wake of property tax caps and COIT (County Option Income Tax) distribution. Sollars said after looking at patron volume, it was determined that the hour between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. was the least busy and will hopefully be the least impactful to patrons. The library

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On Jan. 2, the Westfield Washington Public Library opened 2010 with reduced hours, now opening one hour later each day. The change occurred because of a recent budget cut.

is attempting to maintain all other services at the same level as last year. But while patrons will hope not feel anymore of the pinch, employees will. Previously, the library offered employees a retirement program, matching each employee up to $50 each month. That program has been discontinued for 2010, but Sollars said most employees are just happy to still have a job. “One of goals was to not eliminate any employees,” Sollars said. “This was a regrettable thing we had to do. Hopefully things will turn around and we can resume normal hours.”

“Everybody knows your name” rings true in Westfield COMMENTARY By Robin Chaddock Anybody remember the show “Cheers” about a bar in Boston where the patrons walked down a set of outside steps and into a world where “everybody knows your name?” That was my favorite line from the opening theme song: “You wanna be where everybody knows your name.” In the show, it was best illustrated by the reaction of the bartenders and those who hung out most at the actual bar. Every time one particular regular walked through the door, everyone said (in unison), “NORM!” He would slide onto his favorite bar stool, and all was right with the world. Remembering names and calling people by name is the stuff great relationships and networks are made of. I have to confess I’m not particularly good at it, but I’m always hopeful I will improve. Our names have meaning to us. They are practically the first thing we know about ourselves. We know when we are loved or if we are in trouble by the way someone says our name. We know we have been important enough to someone when they remember our name, even if they have only met us a few times.

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I felt a little bit like Norm this past week when I was in an award-winning restaurant in downtown Westfield. I was having a business lunch with a wonderful colleague. I have seen a server there many times, and I also know her from a local service organization. But I hadn’t seen her in a while in either place (because I have been absent!), and nobody would have thought it unusual if she didn’t remember my name. Plus, my mom says I look different every time she sees me. I change my hair with shocking regularity, but that’s for another column! My lunch companion and I were just finishing up when the beautiful server named Julie came by the table and said, “Hi Robin! I’ve been so busy this lunch, I haven’t had a chance to say hello yet.” She called me by name. She remembered. She addressed me warmly. She inspired me to work harder at remembering other people’s names.

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Robin Chaddock is the executive director of the Downtown Westfield Neighborhood Association. She welcomes comments and can be reached at RobinCoaches@aol.com.

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January 5, 2010 | 7

Medicaid changes will affect Janus clients By Martha Allan Current in Westfield Many adults with disabilities work in the prevocational program at Janus Developmental Services in Noblesville where they work to master basic skills and develop values that help them become enthusiastic, dependable workers. They arrive on time, take pride in what they do, and enjoy work’s tangible reward: a paycheck. “I love working; I like the money,” said Shannon Webster, a Janus client who also has a cleaning job at a local movie theater. “I have my own room, my own TV, my own DVD player.” A recent change in government policy for persons with disabilities who receive services through Medicaid – as most of Janus’ clients do -- will drastically shorten the time they can participate in the prevocational program. Until Oct. 1, clients could participate in the prevocational program indefinitely; new rules limit funding to 12 months. Likewise, a support program for clients who hold jobs in the community, called Support Employment Follow Along, or SEFA, will be capped at 18 months. The changes caught service providers such as Janus off-guard. “Ninety percent of our (prevocational clients) will not ever be able to work in the community,” said Janus’ President and CEO Connie F. Sanders. She wonders what will happen to her clients’ skills and self-esteem when their 12-month limit expires. Janus, a non-profit company, receives $4.80 an hour for every person enrolled Sanders in prevocation. The first cutbacks, which would take place by next October, will

About Janus Mission statement: Provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate and contribute within the community. Items for sale: Crafts such as painted gourd birdhouses, cat trees, coin banks and walking sticks made by clients in the Hidden Talents project can be purchased at Janus headquarters. Location: 155 Westfield Blvd., Noblesville Contact: (317) 773-8781, www.janus-inc.org Photo by Leslie Webber

cost Janus $70,000; the SEFA program will lose $20,000. The prevocational program, which includes both training and work, gives the 72 adults in it a realistic work experience. “We contract with area businesses and provide the venue and the productive work force,” said Sanders. “They provide the work and pay our consumers. Most of the work is piece work.” Last year, 27 area companies had contracts with Janus, including Freedom Pharmacy, Indy Lighting and F.C. Tucker Co. Eighty-seven adults with disabilities were working for 41 employers in the Noblesville community. “We never, ever want to have someone feel like they’re doing us a favor by giving us a contract,” Sanders said. “We appreciate the work, but you will never get a substandard job from our consumers. The quality is higher than you will find in the general population – every time.” Janus’ mission is to help developmentally disabled people live

Gourd birdhouses can be purhcased at Janus headquarters.

as independently as possible. Their services include the statefunded First Steps program for developmentally delayed children up to age 3, a habilitation program to teach life skills such as cooking, exercise and banking, and a community employment program. But the new changes may detract from the level of help Janus can provide to its customers. “Right now there’s a lot of anxiety because of the one-year time frame,” said John Dickerson, executive director of the Arc of Indiana, an advocacy organization for people with disabilities and their families. Arc has been working with the Indiana Association of Rehabilitative Facilities (INARF) to come up with a compromise proposal for the state to consider. If that doesn’t work, Sanders said she will campaign to fight these changes. “On Oct. 1, that clock started ticking,” she said.

A fan’s perspective on the Colts Commentary By Ken Kingshill I don’t know if I heard an expert say this once, but I’ve always maintained that if you miss an extra point, chances are you’ll lose the game. I’d be interested to see some research on that one. Bob Lamey was too harsh in his criticism of the fans at the game. We weren’t booing Curtis Painter. The boos were for the coaching decision to pull the starters, specifically, Peyton Manning. Incidentally, I don’t think you do much for a rookie quarterback’s psyche when you insert him into the first game of his career nursing a 5-point lead, a chance at a perfect season, and facing the league’s No. 1 defense. Since they secured the top seed in the AFC, Coach Jim Caldwell has been saying they will continue to play their “healthy” starters and play the next game exactly the way they’ve played each game the entire season: to win. But they didn’t do that against the Jets. The Colts brass keeps insisting that an undefeated season was never one of their goals. Of course it wasn’t. They’d be nuts to make that a goal at the beginning of the season. They insist the Super Bowl is the ultimate prize. But circumstances change. When you have a chance to make history, you take it. Can you name the winner of Superbowl XXI? How about Superbowl XXVII? Superbowl XXX? I didn’t think so. But you do know all about the ’72

8 | January 5, 2010

Dolphins. Why do I still remember the names Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick, Mercury Morris and Bob Griese? They’re football immortals. With a 19-0 season, there no longer is any question that Peyton Manning is the best football player to ever play the game. Now, if the Colts win the Super Bowl, there will still be people who argue Tom Brady is the better quarterback. I think it was worth the risk. I understand the importance of protecting your marquee players from injury. But it seems to me that you run a greater risk of injury when you ease up. Players aren’t as focused and they make mistakes. With Manning out of the game, the Jets visibly gained confidence and the Colts visibly lost it – on both sides of the ball. That was a far greater recipe for injury than playing all out. Finally, I believe the team should have at least considered the wishes of the fans. After all, we are the ones who pay for tickets, buy the replica jerseys and watch games on TV. Without us, there are no multi-million dollar salaries. At the least, don’t let your radio announcer lecture fans on the air for expressing their displeasure at a coaching decision that deprived the franchise of its opportunity for immortality.

Interment

City Council President Ken Kingshill is a Westfield resident and Realtor. You may e-mail him at kkingshill@ westfield.in.gov.

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DISPATCHES » Design your own shoes – Keds is engaged in a "wholesale business-model change" in which its consumers not only design footwear, but can also sell it, reports Christina Binkley in the Wall Street Journal (12/10/09). Keds is launching a site, called Keds Collective, where consumers can choose from a palette or upload their own design elements. If Keds likes a design, it makes a deal with the consumer, who receives a 10 percent cut on any sales. The shoes can either be ordered online by consumers or stocked by retailers for sales in stores. - www.coolnews.com

» Heating with wood – If you’re a fan of fires in the fireplace, consider the following tips: • One large log lasts two to three times longer than the same volume of smaller logs. • To avoid insect pests, never store firewood on the ground touching your house. • Burn only seasoned wood (seasoned logs seem light in weight and have dark ends with cracks). • Wood-burning stoves are three times more efficient than standard fireplaces. • For the prettiest flames, burn birch or maple. • Ash makes great firewood. According to an old saying, “Ash new or ash old is fit for a queen with a crown of gold.” - www.almanac.com » Clear out the cookies – If you have a clear cookie jar, you may be reqigning yourself to snacking too much. According to a research review, just seeing tempting food makes people feel hungrier. It also causes the release of dopamine, a brain chemical that produces a feel-good sensation and may intensify a particular craving. So if you have a clear jar for snacks, be sure to fill it with healthy choices and put your cookies in an opaque container. - www.prevention.com

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Get outta town

Hocking hills winter hike Where: Logan, Ohio. How to get there: From Indianapolis take I-70 east to Columbus, Ohio, then U.S. 33 southeast to Logan, then Ohio 93 south to the park area. About 240 miles, 4 ¼ hours. Info: (800) 462-5464, www.1800Hocking.com What: Winter travelers have long gone to southeast Ohio’s gorgeous Hocking Hills region seeking cozy cabins, bubbling hot tubs and stunning scenery. But travelers are discovering a new level of adventure in the hills, with distinctive ways to experience the great outdoors available this winter in one of the Midwest’s most beautiful natural regions. The region’s many spectacular waterfalls often freeze in winter, creating dazzling sculptural formations. Visitors can experience several of this scenic winter wonderland during the 45th annual Winter Hike Jan. 16. This annual tradition brings visitors, families and nature lovers together on a 6-mile trek past frozen waterfalls, ice-lined caves and snow-sparkled trees. The hike runs from Old Man’s Cave, through Cedar Falls to Ash Cave. Starting at 9 a.m., the trek takes 3-5 hours and features a lunch of bean soup, muffins and cocoa amid the beauty of Cedar Falls. Another winter hike, the Feb. 13 Sweetheart Hike in Ash Cave, is a leisurely 1/4-mile hike and ends with a

Photo provided by Weirick Communications

The Hocking Hills Winter Hike goes along the Old Man’s Cave bridge with its frozen waterfalls.

refreshments. Other winter activities in the area include scenic air tours, ATV rentals, ice fishing, cross country skiing, sledding, wildlifetracking and bird-watching. Located 40 miles

southeast of Columbus, Ohio, Hocking Hills offers a variety of affordable lodging, from camping, cabins and cottages to hotels and inns, plus gift and antiques shops.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Dance Kaleidoscope: World Music Carnaval Where: Indiana Repertory Theatre 140 West Washington Street Indianapolis, IN, 46204 When: Jan. 7-Jan. 10 Cost: $18$37 Info: 317-940-6555 or www.dancekal.org Details: Eli Lilly and Company presents a truly international evening of vibrant dances and costumes in “Play Mas’” -- inspired by Brazilian and Trinidadian Carnavals; plus the exotic “Food of Love” featuring music from around the world: Argentina, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Spain.

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January 5, 2010 | 9

Feeling the Fatz? We aren’t talking the jazz band! COMMENTARY By Chef Michael R. Vlasich Right about now, like me, you are probably feeling the effects of the days getting shorter and the nights getting longer, compounded with the holiday foods and celebrations. The high-calorie foods, numerous cocktails, luscious pastries and scrumptious chocolates all take a toll on our mid sections. Now comes the time to counter the effects; with a little attention to detail it is relatively easy to get back on the horse and begin to shed some pounds and unclog those arteries. The following are some good – no, great – eating habits, and some good food qualities that can help you in everyday life. So read on and dedicate yourself today. • Use steamed and grilled methods opposed to sauté and fry. • All berries, fresh and frozen, are full of antioxidants and vitamins. • Drink water and tea; stay away from soda and coffee. • Fish is protein and good fat, even canned tuna, salmon, crab and shrimp, which are less expensive. • Green vegetables are powerhouse vitamin and mineral carriers with many benefits/ • Beets are winter vegetables high in folate, potassium, fiber, vitamin A and C (even canned). • Eat as much fresh vegetable and fruit as you can; the less processed the food, the less fat and salt you will take in. • Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins A and C and are good for fiber. Avoid boiling; baking saves the nutritional values better. • Pumpkin is another vitamin powerhouse, and it is a great anti-inflammatory. It is still in season and is always available canned. • All beans, especially dried, are a high source of protein and fiber. They are one of nature’s best natural foods and are available year-round, so take advantage, lose weight and build muscle. • Kiwi is ripe and available in the store this time of year, and it is a great source of vitamins E, K, and C, some of which are hard to find in the winter naturally.

Where I Dine

RESTaurant

Darren Rice

Delicious barkery-café

WINTERTIME BUTTERNUT, TURKEY, LENTIL SOUP Ingredients: • ½# ground turkey meat 85-15% • 1/3 cup bread crumbs • 1 small egg • 1 tsp. lemon pepper • 1 cup diced butternut squash • 1 cup yellow or red lentils • 1/3 cup small dice onions • ¼ cup small dice celery • 1 tsp. minced garlic • 1 tsp. chopped parsley • 1 qt. vegetable stock Directions: Mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg and lemon pepper, then make into meatballs the size of nickels. Drop into a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes, drain and cool. In a clean pot, sweat onions, celery, butternut squash, garlic and lentils until vegetables are translucent. Add the stock, and simmer 45 minutes until the lentils are soft. Add the meatballs and parsley, bring back to a boil, adjust seasoning and serve.

Manager at Charleston’s Where do you like to eat? Carrabba’s Italian Grill What do you eat there? My wife and I like the stuffed raviolis What do you like about Carrabba’s? Great food, great service and it’s reasonably priced Carraba’s Italian Grill 1235 Keystone Way Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 575-2200

Westfield is home to many Mexican restaurants, but while those only provide authentic Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner, a new establishment in the city is covering the bases when it comes to breakfast and dessert. Delicious Bakery-Café has only been open a few months but right away, its menu set it apart from every other restaurant and café in the area. What makes Delicious unique is its menu selections, authentic recipes and service. The menu is mainly comprised of traditional Mexican pastries and other baked goods. Co-owner Alex Ortiz said a few other businesses offer similar selections, but Delicious uses homemade recipes that are “just like what you would have in Mexico.” The restaurant’s specialty, he said, is its Tres Leches wedding cakes, which are sold by the full cake or slice and can even be custom ordered. Additionally, the café’s owners are always present, ensuring customers get the best service to business has to offer. They can also give suggestions for patrons unfamiliar with the items on the menu and recommendations as to how to best enjoy them. Delicious Bakery-Cafe 108 E. Main St. | Westfield, 46074 317-804-9398 Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Closed Sundays

• Eat clear soups and ones with lots of chunky vegetables and meats; stay away from creamy bases. • Chew your food thoroughly; it digests better, enabling the nutrition to be absorbed better into your system. So there you have it – the big secrets from the big chef. It’s all pretty straightforward; the hard part is just following the program. So try your best; if you can do 50 percent of the above, you will improve your health dramatically and drop weight, guaranteed. Good luck! Chef Michael R. Vlasich, CEC, AAC, is a Carmel resident and the executive chef at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. You may e-mail him at chefmichael@ currentincarmel.com

L e a f Removal Holiday Lighting .................

CALL TODAY

for your free quote

Proprietor Locally Owned and Operated 10 | January 5, 2010

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• Free Prizes • Food

THEATRE Bus Stop

Beginning Jan. 22 through Feb. 7, the Indianapolis Civic Theatre will present “Bus Stop,” a comedy by Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright William Inge. Tickets are $28 Fridays through Sundays and $21 on Thursdays. Visit www.CivicTheatre.org for tickets and details

GRAND • WinOPENING free music classes

• Sign up to win Gift Musical GrandCards Opening Lambert's

Lowrey Organ Center will hold a musical grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 7 to celebrate the move to Noblesville Square Shopping Center. Artist Lori Graves will perform mini-concerts at 11 a.m., 1, 3 and 5 p.m. All are welcome. For more information call 317-773-2002.

Laughter rings in 2010 with

Phone: 317-773-2002

ART

Foreigner Hilarious play The opens new season at

My Kid Can Paint That! Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

The Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre 2010 lineup kicks off Magdalena Gallery of Art is presenting this art show, with the comedy “The Foreigner” by Larry Shue. The displayingDinner artwork by local kids. Opening night was INDIANAPOLISplay – The brings new to the runsnew from year Jan. 6 to Feb. 7.aCall theshow box office at Beef & Boards Nov. 21. All artwork is available for sale, ranging from Theatre stage! The hilarious play The by Larry Shue opens Beef & Boards’ 2010 317-872-9664 for Foreigner ticket information. $100 to $150. Call 317-844-0005 for details.

season. This award-winning comedy is live on stage Jan. 6 through Feb. 7.

Charlie Baker is a shy man. His buddy “Froggy” LaSueur convinces him they Housewives of Manheim Native contemporary art should vacation together. But after they arrive at the rural fishing lodge, Charlie just The Phoenix Theatre of Indianapolis presents “The Through Jan. 18, the Eiteljorg Museum of American wants to be left alone. Froggy devises a plan. He convinces Charlie to pretend to be a Housewives of Mannheim.” Written by Alan Brody, Indians and Western Art is holding its biennial Eiteljorg foreigner who doesn’t understand English. this play starts Jan. 14 and runs through Feb. 6 on the Fellowship for Native American Fine Art. The sixth Phoenixwhen Mainstage. Tickets start at $15. Foritdetails cycletoofthis the initiative features an exhibition of artwork, But the plan backfires other vacationers find easy visit to open up called Art Quantum. exotic “foreigner.” As awww.PhoenixTheatre.org. result, Charlie learns many secrets and schemes. Compelled to do the right thing, he tries to help the potential victims involved. It all builds to a bizarre and unforgettable outcome for all!

Lori Graves LIVE MUSIC

Performing at 11 am 1Irish pm 3 pm 5 pm Mickey’s Pub

The following musical acts will be playing live at

Ribbon Ceremony: Mickey’s Cutting Irish Pub,13644 N Meridian, Carmel. For more Mayor - John and information, call Ditslear 317-573-9746: Jan. 8: Pack of Chihuahuas Noblesville Chamber of Jan. 9: Twisted Gold Commerce Jan. 15: Endless Summer Band And Lowrey Jan. The 16: Soul Street Organ Co. Jan. 22: Living Proof

5 Minutes

EastPub of Mo’s Irish

There’s live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday Westfield! nights at Mo’s Irish Pub, 13193 Levinson Lane in the Hamilton Town Center, Noblesville. For more information, call 317-770-9020. Fax: 317-773-7009

Fionn MacCool’s

Irish bands will play live every Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. to midnight at Fionn MacCool’s, 8211 E 116th St., Fishers. For more information, call 317-863-2100.

Hedgehog Music Showcase

The Radio Review at Hedgehog Music Showcase, 101 W. Main St., Arcadia, takes the form of a live radio show featuring big band, swing and pop standards of the 1920s-30s-40s performed by musicians and vocalists 8 p.m. every Saturday. For more information, call (317) 573-9746:

Beef & Boards favorite Jeff Stockberger plays the lovable but awkward Charlie, with Ty Stover in the role of Froggy. Kate Braun plays Betty Meeks, the owner of the lodge. Another audience favorite, Sarah Hund, plays Catherine, who is engaged to the Rev. David, played by David Schmittou. Dan Scharbrough is conspirator Owen Musser, while David Purdy is in the role of Ellard Simms, Catherine’s younger brother. Eddie Curry directs this season opener, which won two Outer Circle Awards as Best New American Play and Best Off-Broadway Production. There are 36 performances of The Foreigner in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $35 to $58, and include Chef Odell Ward’s specially prepared buffet, including a fruit & salad bar, unlimited coffee and tea. Plus, at Beef & Boards, parking is always free. For reservations, call the Box Office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays. For complete show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com. ***** Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, located on the Northwest side of Indianapolis, has been providing food and fun for everyone since 1973.

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January 5, 2010 | 11

RECIPE

Shadow of the Silk Road

SESAME CRUSTED SALMON WITH ORANGE-SCENTED COUSCOUS

By Colin Thubron

Makes: 4 servings Ingredients: • 1/3 cup sesame seed • 1 orange zested and juiced, juice reserved • 1/2 tsp. salt • 1 tsp. dark sesame oil • 4 six-ounce salmon filets • Cooking spray • For couscous: • 1 1/4 cup water • 3/4 cup uncooked couscous • Reserved orange juice • 1 tbsp. ponzu or soy sauce • 1/4 cup sliced green onions • 1/2 tsp. salt Directions: • Preheat broiler. • Combine sesame seeds, orange zest, and salt. Drizzle oil over fish and rub in. Dredge fish in dry mix. Place fish on broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Broil 10 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. • While fish is cooking, bring water to a boil, then slowly pour in couscous. Cover and

12 | January 5, 2010

let stand five minutes. Fluff with a fork and add in remaining ingredients. • Serve with roasted asparagus or wilted spinach

As the author traveled the Silk Road from central China to the coast of Turkey, he looked for its shadow in the people and places along the way. Throughout his trip, Thubron crosses country borders created by superpowers, regardless of ethnicity or shared history. He finds the ruins of past empires that reflect borrowing between the East and West. Thubron listens to the life stories of the individuals he meets, discovering a diverse range of hopes and beliefs. Thubron takes the armchair traveler on a magic carpet ride in this book. He alternates the narration of his journey with historical stories about the places he visits. Seemingly fearless in meeting the challenges of the regions he traverses, the author also appears to have a knack for social interaction, regardless of nationality. Helpful maps are included for those who need to visually follow his journey. “Shadow of the Silk Road” was named one of the best-selling books of travel literature in July 2009 by the IndieBound Community of independent booksellers. Reviewed by Deanna Street CCPL Readers’ Advisory Librarian

Allison Campbell is the executive chef at Harvest Fresh Market. You may e-mail her at allison@ theharvestfreshmarket.com.

Visit the Carmel Clay Public Library’s Web site at www.carmel.lib.in.us for more book reviews.

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DISPATCHES » Relax your diet – Forbidding certain foods can backfire says Milton Stokes, MPH, RD, a Connecticut-based dietitian. "Having an off-limits list is like stuffing your cravings into a plastic bag. Eventually it's going to burst open, unleashing all your food urges at once, which leads to bingeing." The real key to weight loss? "Mind your p's and q's--watch portions and choose quality, nutrient-rich foods," says Sari Greaves, RD, a national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. - www.prevention.com Morning swap – For many people, the first thing they reach for in the morning is coffee. Caffeine acts as a CNS (central nervous system) stimulant, causing you to experience stress, anxiety, a racing mind, and even insomnia. For a calmer energy boost, cut the coffee and go for green tea. On average, a cup of green tea contains about one sixth of the amount of caffeine you would get from the same cup of coffee. Even better, green tea is full of powerful antioxidants that ward off cancer, and tea is a proven preventive and treatment for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). - health.yahoo.com

Is it too good to be true? COMMENTARY By Dr. Barry Eppley We are exposed every day to incredulous claims about health and cosmetic products and services. Advertisements bombard about on the weakest aspects of our inner selves – how we look and feel. We all want to look better and feel healthier, and to do it with the least effort possible. It is this cross between desire and effort that results in many sales that usually benefit the manufacturer or seller the most. I saw an infomercial yesterday on an abdominal stimulator device. Being able to read a book, watch TV or even eat dinner while the device delivers perfect abs certainly seems appealing. Seeing the endorsers’ abdominal muscles twitch through their nearly transparent skin made even me as a physician a near believer. But the price was the clincher … $14.95! Six-packs at the price of less than a week of Starbucks – how could one go wrong? But grandiose claims about cosmetic surgery are not so apparent. Because these services are provided by physicians and always cost more than $19.95, the public’s acceptance of treatment claims is far less discriminating. The last decade has seen the merging of two highly compatible themes: busy lifestyles and non-invasive to minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures. The potential for big improvement in appearance with little to no recovery time

is the cosmetic Holy Grail. The concept of a little effort (time, money and pain) with a big result is what most patients want. But short of Botox and injectable fillers, most other hyped “quickie” cosmetic treatments fail to deliver so successfully. Lunchtime surgery and weekend recovery procedures, while providing some benefits, do not produce results that are as dramatic and long-lasting as many of the established and well known cosmetic surgery procedures. One really cannot get inches off one’s waistline in a few weeks without real liposuction or a tummy tuck; breasts will not grow larger or become uplifted with pills and injections; and that neck wattle won’t disappear with a laser treatment, suspension sutures or an exercising device. The allure of some of these procedures preys on exactly what that infomercial does: the greatest selling tool of all time, hope. Marketing is an essential part of elective plastic surgery and all cosmetic procedures. But when the promotional content gets ahead of proven medical science, it is almost always too good to be true.

Dr. Barry Eppley is a certified plastic surgeon at Ology Medical Spa in Carmel. You may reach him at info@ currentincarmel.com.

January 23 & 24, 2010 11 aM - 6 PM ••••••••••••••••••••••

Champions pavilion, indiana state Fairgrounds

HealtHy Fun For The Whole Family • over 200 exhibitors • over 30 Speakers • Special Guests • Free onsite Childcare Provided by Primrose Schools • healthy Cooking Demonstrations • Children’s activities • health Screenings anD MuCh More!

TickeTs $10 Each • $2 DiscounT AvAilAble online use coDe cuRR

WWW.inDyhealThexPo.CoM sponsored by:

Come see celebrity pediatrician Dr. JaMeS SearS from the hit television show The DoCTorS

Can a massage really help fight holiday blues? COMMENTARY By Sally Feldman Massage has been touted to be one of the oldest forms of treatment, and was first recorded in China during the second century B.C. There is a very basic and fundamental humanness about this practice. What do you do when your friend is hurting? You rub their hand or pat their shoulder. It’s human nature. With scientific advances in medicine during the 1940’s, massage was replaced with technology and pharmacology. Prior to this, massage was utilized in sanatoriums and psychiatric hospitals. Today, massage therapy appears to be gaining popularity and is clearly a simple and intuitive solution to many human ailments. In general, many of the studies conducted by The Touch Research Institute on the effects of massage therapy demonstrate: decrease in depressed moods, anxiety levels and stress hormones. Studies of formerly depressed teen mothers, children hospitalized for depression, and women with eating disorders suggest that massage can

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help decrease stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Giving massages may also be help people who are depressed. Elderly volunteers with depression showed improvement in their symptoms when they massaged infants. It makes you feel better, but why? It is clear that there is something very basic and fundamental about massage that speaks to our humanness. Touch is a whole other way of communicating beyond the skin. It tells the brain, “You are a wanted organism!” This stimulates the development of both physical and emotional systems. My Grandma Ruth knew best when she used to rub my tummy when I had a bellyache. Frankly, I miss her stellar technique. Go! Fight! Win back your health, Indiana! Let the massages begin! Sally Feldman is a certified massage therapist and a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. For more information, e-mail her at sfeld427@gmail.com

Current in Westfield

January 5, 2010 | 13

What will change in the home in 2010?

COMMENTARY By Randy Sorrell What are you expecting this year – good things or bad? How about an expanded economy and improved market, or greater career opportunities, better health and visions of victory? Me too! As many tend our wounds from the traumas of 2009, we simultaneously plan for 2010 and anxiously finalize business plans, personal budgets and updated dreams. We also review reports examining this year’s newest trends and edgy remodeling alternatives. So what does this mean to Mr. & Mrs. Consumer? Here are my personal thoughts: • Fewer projects will be financed. No more selling our Google stock to build a sunroom or finish the landscape. • A few remaining months of great values in remodeling before recent hikes in material cost are reflected in updated pricing. Remember, the last 12 months have witnessed decades-low material costs, which helped rescue the cost of Keystone road construction. • Being “green” will grow a little. Hoosiers have fun with the idea, but demand is still anemic. • Expect a few familiar firms to have merged or disappeared and a record number of new independent contractors to appear as a result. This could artificially control project

cost, with hungry newcomers competing for projects – not good for more mature companies’ margins. • We will continue to spend more time at home, intensifying the art of “cocooning” … • Resulting in increased demand for kitchen remodeling, where family and friends seem to habitually congregate… • Unless we are living large in our lower-level basements, where anything can be done, from bathrooms, bars and billiards to exercise rooms, wine cellars and theaters. • Home improvement projects generally will not result in an expanded footprint, but instead a remodeling of our existing rooms. • As always, expect new color trends, smarter storage solutions, energy-saving initiatives and granite counters to rock. We are a people searching for anything that will allow us to resume control of our uncertain lives, and we hunger to retreat to the comforts of our home. This should fuel our insatiable hunger to improve both our selves and our homes. May this year be one of peace, joy and victory for you and your family. Randy Sorrell is president of SURROUNDINGS by NatureWorks+, a Carmel home improvement firm. He may be reached at 317-679-2565, randy@choosesurroundings.com or www.choosesurroundings.com.

1111 S. 10th Street

NOBLESVILLE

317-773-6189

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All Work Performed by Supervised Students 14 | January 5, 2010

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I wish I may, I wish I might COMMENTARY By Brandie Bohney Remember wishing on a star as a kid? I can remember looking into the night sky – I lived out in the country where you could see every star on a clear night – and looking for the star that would be the luckiest to wish on. And for several years, I used the standard wishing poem: Star light, star bright First star I see tonight I wish I may, I wish I might Have this wish I wish tonight. Which brings me to our topic of the week: may and might. I have always been under the impression that might is the past tense of may, and in any other situation they are basically interchangeable. And after doing a little research, I found that I’m basically correct. There are a few subtle differences between the two, however, that are important to note. First and probably most importantly, may should generally not be used in the past tense. It is not past tense. Therefore, one should not say something such as, “If he had studied harder, his test may have gone better.” In that case, might is necessary, not optional. Another distinct difference between may and might is in asking and giving permission. While it is standard use to ask, “May I go to the park?” it is nonstandard (but not incorrect) to ask “Might I go to the park?” Even greater in difference is the response. “You may,” is correct, but “you might” fails somewhat to answer the question, because of a

subtle difference in meaning. That subtle difference is in the difference in likelihood conveyed by the two words. May indicates a relative certainty: If a friend says, “I may go to the Colts playoff game,” you are likely to respond with, “When did you get your tickets?” Might, on the other hand, connotes something that is only tentatively probable: “I might go to the Colts playoff game,” is likely to be followed with, “How do you plan to get tickets?” See the difference? In the example in the previous paragraph, answering with “you might,” is much like answering with maybe. When it comes to expressing merely a possibility, though, the two words are basically interchangeable: The plane may take off soon. The plane might take off soon. That’s why to wishing poem above works so well; the relative interchangeability of the two words in terms of possibility works for the meaning, meter, and rhyme of the poem without being excessively repetitive. Of course, if you’ve gotten to the end of this column and still feel unsure about may versus might, maybe your next wish on a star should be for grammatical clarity. Brandie Bohney is a grammar enthusiast and former English teacher. If you have a grammarrelated question, please email her at bbthegrammarguru@gmail.com.

GO KS! ROC

515 WEST PARK STREET, WESTFIELD (south of Hardee’s at US 31 and SR 32)

Pick Up, Delivery and Dine-In

86.PIZZA 86.PIZZA 86.PIZZA

Buy one large pizza, Buy one get a 2nd large, one large pizza topping (of equal or pizza for lesser value) for

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Quality of mood: The extent of positive or negative emotion (mood) in various situations Attention span/ persistence: The length of time during which your child pursues a particular activity (attention span) and the ability to continue the activity in the face of distractions (persistence). Regularity (rhythmicity): The regularity of physiologic functions (sleep, hunger and elimination). These innate characteristics have little to do with your own parenting skills. But by being aware of them, you can better understand and appreciate your child’s uniqueness and deal with problems of poor “fit” that may lead to misunderstandings and conflicts at home, at school or at play. The behavioral adjustment of a school-age child depends a lot on the interaction between his/her temperament and yours. Please visit www.healthychildren.org. Hugs!

999

HALF OFF

Understanding your child’s temperament COMMENTARY By Becky Kapsalis According to research by the American Academy of Pediatrics, temperament, for the most part, is an innate quality of the child, consistent into adulthood. According to studies by Thomas and Chase, at least nine major characteristics make up temperament. Do you recognize your child’s temperament? Activity level: The amount of physical motion in your child’s behavior (e.g. during sleep, eating, play, dressing, bathing, etc). Adaptability: The degree of ease or difficulty with which your child adjusts to change or a new situation. Approach or withdrawal: The way your child initially responds to new situations, people, events, places, toys, foods, etc. – rapid and bold (outgoing) or slow and hesitant (shy). Distractibility: The level of distress your child experiences when asked to work for long periods or beyond his/her capabilities. Threshold of responsiveness: The amount of stimulation (e.g. sounds, light, taste, smell or feel) required to evoke an inexplicable response Intensity of reaction: The energy level with which your child responds to a situation (whether negative or positive).

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Becky Kapsalis. aka YiaYia (pronounced Ya-Ya.) is a certified parenting advocate and child behavior coach. You may reach her at 317-848-7979 or e-mail becky@ askyiayia.biz.

Current in Westfield

Daily Drink Specials MONDAY

2. Well Drinks and Domestic Beer

TUESDAY 2.50 Vodkas

WEDNESDAY 5 Jagerbombs

THURSDAY

2.50 Domestics

FRIDAY

5.00 Martinis

SATURDAY 3 Bloody Mary’s and Margaritas

SUNDAY

AND COLTS GAME DAYS

10 Domestic Buckets

January 5, 2010 | 15

DISPATCHES » Income tax planning for women – Susan of Somerset CPAs will present the basics of individual income taxes with particular focus on income and adjustments, Jan. 14 from 8:15 to 10 a.m. at the Somerset Conference Center in Indianapolis. » Carmel resident wins Best Lawyer honor – MaryEllen Kiley Bishop, Carmel resident and partner at the law firm of Cohen Garelick & Glazier, earned the distinction of being named one of The Best Lawyers in America for 2010 in the practice area of Estates and Trusts. Bishop’s latest Best Lawyers honor marks the fifth consecutive year she has earned the esteemed award. » Top funds of the past decade 1. East Capital Ryssland (1,524% return) 2. Russian HQ Rysslandsfond (962% return) 3. FIM Russia (906% return) 4. Baring Russia (839% return) 5. Odin Maritime (832% return) -moneycentral.msn.com

Five solid gold predictions for 2010 COMMENTARY By David Cain A decade after Prince’s surge in the music lineup, this past New Year’s Eve I partied like it was 2009. And, with another 10 years under my belt, my 2009 celebration looked more like a 2-yearold’s birthday party than a New Year’s Eve extravaganza. It ended about the same time too. Nobody knows exactly what 2010 might have in store. But here are my top five home-run predictions for 2010. 1. Like a dog eating donuts, the Internet will swallow up a bigger chunk of traditional advertising money. It’s generally cheaper, more effective and easier to track. As the comfort zone for wasting money continues to shrink, Internetbased marketing and communications will become a more principal medium. 2. Social media will continue its dominance as the emerging marketing platform. More companies will get involved and press the need to be more social. Despite this expanding acceptance, there will continue to be restrictions from corporations, the government and consumers. New applications will continue to dilute, and too many choices will lead to inaction. 3. With new FTC guidelines taking effect, disclosures of paid endorsements and testimonials will become more commonplace. It’s the law now, and it’s likely there will be some test cases in the first half of 2010. Basically, these

new rules require absolute disclosure and full transparency regarding testimonials and endorsements when a product or service is being offered for sale. If there is a business (monetary) relationship between the endorser and the company, it must be made known to the potential buyer. 4. Mobile technology and mobile marketing aren’t going anywhere – or, should I say, they are going everywhere. It wasn’t so long ago that Web sites were a new thing and everyone knew they had to have one. Mobile marketing has hit that point. The bandwagon will be packed this year as everyone jumps on. There won’t be a plan that doesn’t address it. 5. And in case you didn’t know it, the economy will continue to be the excuse of the year. Fail or stumble at anything, and it’ll be the economy’s fault. Deserved, earned or misplaced, the economy is still the scapegoat in 2010. And that’s not going to change anytime soon. Work hard, do your best, and be prepared to reinvent yourself like a chameleon, and you won’t need to blame the economy – or anyone, for that matter. Here’s a late toast to a new year, a toast to a great year. David Cain works at MediaSauce, a digital media and online marketing company in Carmel. David welcomes your questions or comments at David.Cain@MediaSauce. com.

Work hard, do your best, and be prepared to reinvent yourself like a chameleon, and you won’t need to blame the economy – or anyone, for that matter.

16 | January 5, 2010

Current in Westfield

www.youarecurrent.com

MONEY MATTERS What's the most you would spend on a Colts Super Bowl ticket?

"I'd rather watch it on TV. I wouldn't spend anything." Maggie Raigner Westfield

"I'd only spend $100." Jami Geyer Westfield

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime event...I'd say $500." Charlie Geyer Westfield

NOW OPEN

WHAT’S IT WORTH

stacked pickle A new neighborhood restaurant and bar has just opened in Carmel. Stacked Pickle, located at 12545 Old Meridian St. offers Carmel and Hamilton County a great option to come in for a casual meal or watch the big game. Equipped with two projectors, several plasma TVs and the popular sports packages, Stacked Pickle is a great place to watch your favorite teams like the Pacers and Colts – even when the latter’s resting its starters. The menu doesn’t have unique Photo by Maggie Green selections or interesting ingredients. Chris Long is the owner of the Stacked Pickle The restaurant, including its menu, is exactly what patrons would expect from any other sports bar restaurant – several draft beer choices, pizza wings and other favorite foods, pool tables and a fun, lively atmosphere. But Stacked Pickle, unlike its competitors, isn’t a chain. The business itself it unique to Carmel and adds a local alternative to the usual national franchises. Simply put, this new restaurant is a great place to come if you want to support your local small businesses and your favorite teams.

MY OPINION

150K

Style: Traditional Age: Built in 1997 Location: Emerald Green Circle, Westfield Square footage: 1,596 Rooms: Four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, great room, kitchen, breakfast room, main-floor master bedroom, laundry room, two-car garage Strengths: The home is priced under value for the neighborhood, features great cul-de-sac lot, is in good condition, and has new carpet on the main level Weaknesses: No formal dining room, small lot.

Owner: Chris Long 12545 Old Meridian St., Suite 150 | Carmel, 46032 (317) 844-4448 www.StackedPickle.com

Keith Albrecht is a Carmel resident and realtor with RE/MAX Real Estate Groups. Contact him at 317-819-3388 or Keith@ KeithsHomes.com.

Target Metabolism Weight Loss Center: Now in Carmel! patent-pending weight loss program, ClubMET. Resolution this year? Enter the contest! Spring we use the BodPod to judge our contestants is

CARMEL - Target Metabolism Weight Loss is happy to announce the kick-off of its next Biggest Loser contest! Deadline to enter is January 8th, 2010.This year’s contest will also coincide with the opening of Target Metabolism’s NEW CARMEL LOCATION! This center is located between US 31 and Rangeline Road, on West Carmel Drive. It is neighbors with Sola Salon Thompson and the Indiana Blood Center. The weight loss contest runs from the week of January 10 through March 15...just in time to feel fantastic for Spring Break! The number of fad diets that have appeared in the weight loss industry is alarming. Many programs and centers request that you purchase pills, shakes, bars and prepackaged foods...in the meantime, our obesity rate is sky-rocketing! Clearly these “quick fixes” do not work, and that is why Target Metabolism does not sell pills, shakes, bars or the like in their center. Target Metabolism has served thousands of clients with metabolism testing and their www.youarecurrent.com

ClubMET includes metabolism testing with FDA- Break is just around the corner! Join others approved medical equipment, routine weigh- in their quest and excitement to lose weight! ins in the BodPod, open access to a Registered Each contestant will receive 2 complimentary Dietician and the reward of massage therapy body analyses in the BodPod throughout the as members attain their wellness/change-of- contest (a $110 value). Educational seminars habit goals. will also be presented throughout the contest However, there by Beth Thompson (BS is NO OBLIGATION Exercise Science) and to use Target Target Metabolism’s Metabolism’s weight staff of degreed health loss program as a professionals. contestant! “Our According to Target goal with these Metabolism Founder Beth contests is to help Thompson, “Because of bring awareness to the manner in which our the importance of contest is judged, we are body composition. assuring that we are not We just want to help promoting crash dieting. Blaikie demonstrates how to use the BodPod at get people excited Emily In addition to that, we the Target Metabolism facility in Avon. about healthy weight judge our contest by loss...because quick-fixes and magic pills percent of pounds lost, so everyone has a fair don’t work...it’s time we all acknowledge that chance to win...no matter how much or how fact together -- and do something about it little they want to lose!” Target Metabolism’s together.” contests are judged by a piece of elite As a contestant, you are free to choose technology called the BodPod. The BodPod has whichever method of weight loss best fits your been featured on NBC’s Biggest Loser TV Show lifestyle. Need help sticking to your New Year’s in its physician’s medical center. “The reason Current in Westfield

because it tells us exactly what type of weight the contestant is losing. It tells us if that person is losing fat, muscle or water.” Target Metabolism’s goal is for contestants’ weight loss to come from pure fat. However, many times when people are trying to lose weight, they are intentionally or unintentionally eating too little. When your body senses that you are eating too little, your body fights you in your weight loss effort; it slows its metabolism, it hangs onto your fat and it burns muscle and water instead! “By judging our contestants progress by the BodPod, we can insure that the winner is not crash-dieting; rather, they have lost weight the true and healthy way”...and that makes Target Metabolism proud to give the winners of their contests the $1,000.00 cash reward!

Enter now and stay motivated to look great for Spring Break! To enter, visit www.targetmetabolism.com or call 271-5030 before 1/8/10.

January 5, 2010 | 17

DISPATCHES Trouser accompaniments – Androgynous trousers for women are very chic; however, the desired effect requires the right footwear. If you pair these trousers with killer heels, you’re a Sharon Stone–level sex bomb. If you sport some no-nonsense lace-up loafers, you’re a Fortune 500 genius businesswoman. And opt for equally sophisticated tops—and that doesn’t mean only fancy blouses or button-downs. They look just as cool with a T-shirt; find one with a special fabric, like silk or linen, and tuck it smartly into the waistband for a clean, pulledtogether effect. - www.elle.com Go for the turtleneck – Turtlenecks are great, with the possible exception of when they are trying to hide something. If, for example, you are trying to hide your third and fourth chins, what you will really be doing is drawing attention to them. You can wear a turtleneck under a blazer, a sports jacket, or even another sweater, if it’s not too thick. The thick sort should go solo. - www.gq.com

Are you ready for mauve in 2010? COMMENTARY By Vicky Earley The trade magazines are ripe with articles identifying the design trends for 2010, and they are piling up around here. One journal predicts an earthy twist to decorating, while another puts its money on modern eclectic. The problem with taking stock in such predictions is the national trends run the gamut. With that in mind, the following are my local trend predictions for 2009. 1. The home as a sanctuary: Decorating the home in soothing colors, with balance, will serve the demand for a serene and secure environment. This response to the crazy economic upheaval, global conflicts and multitude of stresses outside the door began in 2009 but will continue in our area with a passion in the New Year. 2. The home that wears the newest colors: While turquoise has been named the color of the year, “mauve” is being hailed as one of interior design’s brightest stars. Too many of us, however, have “been there, done that.” We will be happy to consider plum and violet. Even purple will have a welcome place in our homes in 2010. But mauve? Not this year! 3. The home as a celebration of nostalgic

style: Bedrooms reminiscent of 1930s and ‘40s Hollywood will slip in and begin to take over. This look of vintage glamour will present itself with luxury silks, some of which are even washable! This will herald a revival of sensuous glamour, which will be embraced in remainder of the home in 2011. 4. The home that is tactile as well as beautiful: Real texture will enter our homes in 2010. We have spent more than a decade trying to capture interest with faux finishes, but in 2010 we will, finally, be ready for the real thing. This will be due, in part, to the incredibly beautiful and interesting rich, new natural materials available. New products include sisal, jute, bamboo, silk, linen, leather and glass in furniture as well as wall coverings. 5. The house of drama: The dramatic home will feature an abundance of black and white with strong accent colors, mirrored furniture, crystal and textiles that shimmer. 6. The home that looks up to color: The national design trends swear wallpapered ceilings will be all the rage in 2010. Although I have seen a few trendsetting homes in our area that have carried this off very well, I believe 2010 will be the year

we consider the color of our ceilings and begin to look for rich paint colors. 7. Homes that live responsibly: While my definition of going green is “do it once, do it right and keep it out of the landfills,” the concept will become a mainstay in the decorating decision process. Green products for the home have moved well beyond recycled soda bottles that live again as carpet, but we will want more than a “green” label. We will want to know just what makes a product so “green,” and will want to know the history of these “environmentally friendly” products. 8. Homes that care for us: Bedding linens created from organic cotton will begin to make their way into homes, as will foam upholstery products that are partially manufactured from soy. This will be due to a new awareness of the chemicals that have been unknowingly placed in our homes for decades, as well as the availability of outstanding replacements. Vicky Earley is the principal designer for Artichoke Designs in downtown Carmel. If you have an interior design question, please contact artichokedesigns@aol.com.

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Salon 01 Recommends: Top 10 Hair Products!

1. The right shampoo. Have a professional recommend what is best for your hair type. Helpful Hint: More is not better. All you need is a nickel-sized amount. Start at the scalp and work towards the ends. 2. Don’t forget to condition! Conditioners can help repair heat and chemical damage and can help protect your hair from future damage. 3. Find a good brush. A higher quality hairbrush with boar bristles will cause less damage than one with synthetic bristles. 4. Shine on by applying a small amount of shine serum to your hair right before you walk out the door. This helps create the polished look you receive when you visit your salon. Try Salon 01’s silkening serum. 5. Dry shampoo is a must for every product wardrobe! This helps your hair stay clean and oil free without the need of jumping in the shower. Perfect for a touchup after the gym. By Alex Paredes 6. A quality blowdryer is a Ernst Buckingham is an accomplished barber must! Never underestimate who comes to us with over 22 years of the difference a professional

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blowdryer can make. 7. Pick the proper styling aid! For fine hair, a volumizing mousse such as Salon 01’s mousse boost gives the perfect pickme-up for your hair. Got coarse hair? Choose a straightening balm to calm down the frizziness. 8. Looking for smoother hair? A silkening serum with natural almond and jojoba oil helps protect and smooth your hair, no matter the texture! Check out Aquage Silkening Oil. 9. Hot tools are in! Rollers, curling irons and flat irons are an easy way to get that polished or messy look you are going for. Remember: Choose a tool recommended by a professional stylists. Chances are their recommendation is made with ceramic which will help cut back on the damage caused by heat. 10. Finish off your ‘do with a good hairspray! Hairspray not only holds your style in place but protects it from humidity. Use a soft flexible hold to ensure you don’t end up with a “helmet head” effect.

experience. “I was a classical guitar major at Butler University before becoming a hair stylist,” said Ernst. “Becoming a hair stylist was natural for me, and it allowed me time to play my music.” Although he still enjoys playing his guitar in his free time, Ernst became more consumed with hair than his music as time went on. He has mentioned that his favorite part of being a barber is the satisfaction he gets when his clients are happy with the look he’s created. While at Salon01 Ernst has dedicated himself to training other stylists in men’s work. Ernst offers a variety of barber services including hot lather shaves, perfect for any guy. As a Salon01 stylist Ernst is always looking to set trends and make sure that his work is up-to-date. For this coming season he would like to see more of a messy-low-maintenance style. To make an appointment with Ernst for you or the man in you life, call Salon01 at 317-580-0101 or visit www.salon01.com where you can see all of our stylist profiles. www.youarecurrent.com

New Year, New You! NOW is the perfect time to update your look for the new year. A cut and color from a talented Salon 01 stylist is the perfect way to get 2010 off on the right foot. Appointments are booking fast, so you should call and reserve your customized consultation time today. 317-580-0101. Current in Westfield

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treat yourself, you deserve it! January 5, 2010 | 19

And now the good news COMMENTARY By Dick Wolfsie The most common complaint I hear as a TV reporter is that there’s nothing but tragedy on the news. It might seem that way sometimes, but here’s a small sampling of feel-good stories I was proud to put on the air this past year. Paul and Georgia Bradley of Indianapolis celebrated their 80th anniversary in June. They were both approaching their 100th birthdays. When I met the couple at their home, Mr. Bradley extended his hand to me and said, “I’ve been watching you since I was a kid.” During the interview, Mr. Bradley also noted that he and his wife had never had an argument in 80 years. Observed Mrs. Bradley, “And they think I’m losing my memory.” Forty-year-old Lowell Allen of Indianapolis bowled a 300 game this year. Pretty cool, but not that newsworthy – except for the fact that his parents originally gave him up at birth due to his deformities and mental challenges. With tears in her eyes, his mom admitted what she described as a “selfish mistake” when she was just a teenager. But then a few years later, she and her husband recognized their error and took Lowell back into their home. Lowell zinged 12 strikes in a row this past August. A great story … with a perfect ending. Thirteen-year-old Olivia Rusk is bald. Has been ever since she was a toddler. She has a disorder known as alopecia, and the diagnosis devastated her mother, Sandy, more than it did Olivia. Sandy thought a pricey wig was the way to solve the problem. But her daughter thought of it more as an inconvenience than a solution. One day after gym class, Olivia shed the hairpiece and faced the world head on. Through her Web site, she shares her story with other alopecia patients all over the world. Her video, “I Could Be Great,” is about dealing with being different in a teenage world where hair sometimes seems more important than what’s really upstairs. Picture this: A young man with Down syndrome has a passion for photography. Who says he can’t have his own studio? Certainly not his mom, his aunt or his sister. They all encouraged him to shoot for the stars – so he did. Brandon Boas has his own Web site and had a recent showing in a Columbus, Ind. art gallery. He’ll talk to you all day about picture taking. Then he slips you his business card. Bob Gardner lives at Trudy’s House in Carmel, a wing of the retirement home Stratford at WestClay. Trudy’s House is for patients with Alzheimer’s. Bob does not have the illness; it was his wife Adair who was so diagnosed several years ago. After being separated for more than a year while she lived in the Alzheimer’s unit, Bob gave up his home and chose to join Adair in this special facility – an atypical situation, to say the least. Many claim her illness is progressing more

20 | January 5, 2010

Indiana Wordsmith Challenge

Hoosier Hodge Podge

Build the words

Solutions on page 23 slowly now that they are back together, but that is hard to judge. One thing is sure. This is not a sad story. It’s a love story. Finally, I’d like to throw a bone to Scruffy the dog. Or is it Blackie? The stray lives on a plot of land off I-65, about 20 miles north of Indianapolis. For four years (some say 12, others seven), he’s been fed and cared for by the loving

citizens in the Lebanon area … and always from afar. The pooch remains aloof, protective of his independence, afraid to venture within 100 yards of his caretakers. No one has ever touched this dog. But he (or she) has touched an entire community. I hope to do more stories like these in 2010. Got any ideas?

Current in Westfield

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

www.youarecurrent.com

Which way to the revolution?

COMMENTARY By Mike Redmond I suppose this is as good a time as any to get started on some New Year’s revolutions. Yep. Revolutions with a “v.” I’ve come to the conclusion that New Year’s resolutions, with the “s,” just aren’t cutting it anymore. They’re just promises to yourself (“This is the year I give up those miniature Hershey bars once and for all! Especially the Krackles!”) that you end up breaking by Groundhog’s Day (“Well, they were on sale.”) So I’m going for revolutions. Real life-changers – promises I’ll keep past Groundhog’s Day and on through the rest of the year, or at least until Washington’s Birthday.

Revolution No. 1: Get out of the house more.

I work at home, you see, and there’s a tendency in a job like mine – and I use the word “job” loosely – to simply park one’s carcass in front of the computer and lose track of time. Of course, it wouldn’t be a problem if I were doing what I was supposed to be doing, writing, instead of monkeying around on eBay (“I wonder if anyone is selling a toy gun like the one Steve McQueen carried in ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’”) or searching for myself on the Weird Wide Web (“Alleged humorist from Indiana”)

or, um, accidentally stumbling onto Web sites I had probably better not describe, except to say I wasn’t aware human beings could even get into such positions. Of course, I could just demonstrate a little more discipline. That would be revolutionary. It would also be unlikely. I mean, if it hasn’t shown up in seven years, I don’t expect it now. So the best thing I can do is get away from the source of the sloth and get out of the house. All I need now is someplace to go.

Revolution No. 2: Dress like a grownup.

This sort of goes with the first one. If I’m going to be in public, I should look nice. My mother never took us anywhere without first making sure we had been sandblasted, scrubbed, combed and dressed in nice, clean clothes. And that was just to go to the grocery. For the last few years, my wardrobe has been pretty much confined to T-shirt, jeans and sneakers. No, not the same ones every day. Pee-yew. If I’m going to go out into the world, seems to me I should snap it up a little. I’m thinking shirts with collars, for starters. And maybe shoes that have to be polished. I might even go for a necktie and a jacket, but let’s not get carried away.

Revolution No. 3: I changed my mind about this one. Revolution No. 4: Watch something uplifting and inspiring on television once in a while. This one may be a little tough to keep. Revolution No. 5: Treat everyone as I would want to be treated, up to a point.

I mean, I am not going to feed you caviar and hire a troupe of dancing girls from exotic lands to entertain you, which is what I’d prefer for myself. I will, however, jump-start your car and help you shovel your sidewalk. On alternate Thursdays.

Revolutions No. 6-10: None of your business.

I guess that’s it. Now I have something to do in 2010, which will be a refreshing change from 2009. Also 2008, 2007 and so on. Now hand me one of those Krackles, and let the revolution begin. Mike Redmond is an author, journalist, humorist and speaker. Write him at mike@ mikeredmondonline.com or P.O. Box 44385, Indianapolis, IN 46244.

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Grace, not flames – a ticket to salvation COMMENTARY By Bob Walters A friend pondering a rare trip to church (possibly a lifetime first … I didn’t ask) on Christmas Eve, commented, “I’ll probably burst into flames.” Ho, ho, ho. My, there is a lot packed into that statement: humor, surprise, humility, assumptions, conclusions, misinformation, and more than a hint of sarcasm. But not much truth. The comment reminded me of when I was baptized just a few years ago, wondering – considering my sin – if God would let me up out of the water. Why is it that we think an encounter with God, like a baptism or a Christmas trip to church, is an exposure to punishment, rather than a bridge to the peace and safety of salvation? Most of us – believer and non-believer alike – have figured out that our lives fall short of perfection; that “sin” isn’t a good thing. That my friend equated church with a Godly encounter is a good thing. Even wrapped in sarcasm, the fact that he “got” the sin thing is encouraging. That he approached the throne of grace with fear and trepidation (i.e. “flames”) doesn’t say much for how we Christians present the throne of grace. I wish more people readily understood that faith in Christ is the ultimate flame retardant;

www.youarecurrent.com

that any expression of that faith – even a mildly coerced Christmas trip to church – is an encounter with grace, not a fearful, flaming encounter with hell. Christians should never allow the eternal, loving glory of God in heaven to be framed merely as the opposite of earthly sin, nor to think that what punches our ticket through the pearly gates on judgment day are fear, shame and guilt. The Bible doesn’t provide many specifics about heaven or hell, but every bit of the Bible, ultimately, expresses God’s desire for a personal, loving, saving relationship with each of us. God sent Jesus Christ to draw us near to Him, not to drive us away. Faith and God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8), not fear and our guilt, punch our ticket to salvation. Quoting my wonderful Christian friend May, “Praise God that I am a sinner; it is the only thing that qualifies me for God’s grace.” With Christmas – the birth of hope – a couple of weeks past, in this New Year let’s work on receiving, with hope and love, sinners like us into our churches. We’re all welcome. Bob Walters (www.believerbob. blogspot.com or email rlwcom@ aol.com) prays for the peace and wisdom of the Holy Spirit to dwell with us all in 2010.

Current in Westfield

January 5, 2010 | 21

22 | January 5, 2010

Current in Westfield

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• You will save time & money • You will meet new people and new friends • You will have access to public transportation, to churches, schools, entertainment and shopping You work hard, so by living at The New Yorker Apartments you will have time to enjoy your life … and to have all the convenience of living downtown. Come on in and visit The New Yorker Apartments. Call - 784-5899 or 435-8618 and make an appointment. You might be surprised at the pleasant, large apartments that are available at such affordable prices. IT’S TRUE: Schedule an appointment to just come and see how much time and money you can save. STUDIOS, 1-2 BEDROOMS - FENCED PARKING LOT Professionally Managed by: MOYNAHAN-WILLIAMS Call Debbie – 317-435-8618

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January 5, 2010 | 23

Angela (right), guided by Lisa’s insights from her own bariatric experience

The Clarian Bariatrics team reeducates you on how to think, eat and behave. We teach the why’s behind each lifestyle change and guide you through every step to ensure lifelong success. Learn more at the next free surgical weight loss seminar or at ACallToChange.org

EVERY THURSDAY IN JANUARY, 6:30 P.M. SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 10:00 A.M. Clarian Bariatric Center at Intech Park at 662 Network Way, Suite 100, Indianapolis For a map and directions, visit ACallToChange.org. RSVP by calling 317-275-7010 or toll-free 877-275-2555.

Find support on your journey back to health. 24 | January 5, 2010

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