January 17, 2023 — Westfield

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Burkman to run for Westfield mayor

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A third candidate has stepped forward seeking to become the next mayor of Westfield in a race that could be historic.

ELECTIONS

Kristen Burkman announced Jan. 5 that she was seeking to become the first woman to serve as mayor in Westfield.

“I’m thrilled to embrace this opportunity to lead Westfield for what is next for this great city,” Burkman said. “To represent the voices of the people of Westfield would be an incredible honor.”

Burkman joins a Republican field that also includes candidates Scott Willis and Jake Gilbert, who are both city councilmen. She serves on the Westfield Advisory Plan Commission and said she is leading an ini-

tiative to revitalize the downtown Westfield streetscape.

It remains unclear whether Mayor Andy Cook, a Republican, will seek another term. Cook, who has been mayor since 2008, said in December that he would likely make a decision by the Feb. 3 primary election filing deadline.

Burkman cited her experience as a certified master citizen land planner, combined with a professional background in marketing and strategic planning, that she said creates a foundation of preparedness for serving as mayor. She is enrolled at Marymount University in metro Washington, D.C., pursuing a doctorate in leadership and organizational innovation, noting that the training has prepared her to implement the most current leadership and strategic planning trends in Westfield.

Gossard won’t seek reelection

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

ensure that the city is in compliance with the state of Indiana.”

“As Westfield moves to its next phase as a city, planning for the future is imperative,” she said. “The ability to seek new businesses, optimize the potential of Grand Park and revitalize our downtown will be key indicators for Westfield’s long-term success and sustainability.”

Burkman, a lifelong resident of Hamilton County who has lived in Westfield for 13 years, said her campaign emphasizes the need for citizen involvement and engagement.

“The ability to honor Westfield’s rich history while planning for the future requires a leader willing to listen to all stakeholders,” Burkman said.

Burkman said to address that need, she has made diplomacy, collaboration and data-driven analysis cornerstones for her leadership strategy. To learn more, visit kristenburkmanformayor.com.

DISPATCHES

Open Doors of Washington Township, Meijer partner on program

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

ELECTIONS

Westfield Clerk-Treasurer Cindy Gossard said she won’t seek reelection, citing a “deteriorating relationship with the mayor and the administration.”

Gossard, whose career in government will have spanned more than 30 years when her term expires in December, was initially appointed to the clerk-treasurer position in 2001. She has been reelected in her role since 2003.

“The deteriorating relationship with the mayor and the administration and the current work environment were contributing factors in my decision not to run for another term,” Gossard said.

Gossard and Mayor Andy Cook have filed lawsuits against each other in recent years. Cook originally sued Gossard for withholding pertinent information to the audit of all city accounts ordered by Cook in 2020, while Gossard later accused the city’s administration of installing “spyware” on all six computers in the clerk-treasurer’s office and accessing the data without her permission.

A settlement was reached, with part of the settlement stipulating that software would be removed from the clerk-treasurer’s office computers, officials said previously.

Gossard said Cook was a factor in not running for another term, noting that her job is to “safeguard the city’s finances and to

“That becomes difficult to do without a working relationship with the mayor and the administration,” Gossard said. “To be clear, I had never refused to provide records, never.”

In a statement released by the city, Cook said, “I congratulate Ms. Gossard on her years of service and contributions to the city’s growth. For the first 12 years of my administration, she was an integral part of the growth of Westfield, which is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in America. The last three years have been challenging, given the makeup of our current city council. However, I know Ms. Gossard leaves her position confidently, knowing that she has made a positive and lasting impact on the Clerk Treasurer’s office. I wish her well.”

Gossard said when she investigated concerns about unauthorized access in her office, she was sued by Cook in her capacity as clerk-treasurer and as an individual. That created a work environment that was difficult for her and her staff, she added.

Gossard confirmed that she intends to serve out the remainder of her term, which ends Dec. 31, and has made plans to retire.

“I appreciate the citizens of Westfield putting their trust in me all these years,” she said.

Marla Ailor has filed to run for Gossard’s position, according to the Hamilton County Elections Office.

— Open Doors of Washington Township in Westfield is partnering with Meijer through its hunger relief program known as Simply Give. The program encourages customers to purchase $10 Simply Give donation cards, which are then converted into Meijer food-only gift cards and given to a local food pantry in the store’s community. Open Doors will benefit from donation cards purchased at the Westfield Meijer store now through April 2. Meijer will double match any cards purchased on March 4 and March 25, effectively tripling contributions made on those days.

Hoosier Chocolate Fest set for Jan. 27 – Three local chamber of commerce organizations – Tipton County, Westfield, and Zionsville –will host the second annual Hoosier Chocolate Fest. One session will be held from 7-9 p.m. Jan. 27, while four sessions will be held Jan. 28. The event will take place at The Sixpence, 4400 N. 1000 E., Whitestown, and is for individuals 21 and older. Tickets are required. For more, visit www.westfieldchamberindy.com.

Burkman

Gossard

Leaders remember Estridge for contributions

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Paul Estridge Jr., a Hamilton County developer and restaurant owner, died Jan. 8 at age 65.

IN MEMORIAM

A Westfield resident, Estridge was an owner of Carmel-based Estridge Homes, part of a family of companies launched by his father in 1967. The companies worked to develop more than 35 neighborhoods and 9,000 homes in the Indianapolis area.

Estridge was also known for his philanthropy. He founded the Estridge Family Foundation in 2007, and since then it has donated more than $6 million to local nonprofits.

Estridge was named Builder of the Year by the Builders’ Association of Greater Indianapolis, Entrepreneur of the Year by INC. Magazine, Citizen of the Year by the City of Westfield and is a member of the Carmel High School Hall of Fame. Last year, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from OneZone, the chamber of commerce for Carmel and Fishers.

“Paul was such an incredible part of the story of our county, not only his work with Estridge Homes but his philanthropic work to support so many initiatives and projects across the county,” OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell stated. “Paul was an incredible mentor to me, like many others. His ability to listen to people and help guide them toward their passions was unbelievable. I always remember in our conversations together something that sums up his journey: We do not build houses, we build communities. That was truly Paul. A community builder.”

Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said Estridge positively impacted the city and surrounding area in many ways.

“Paul Estridge Jr. was a true pillar of this community, whether in business, philanthropy or just being a friend,” Cook stated. “He taught us how to come through trying times and come back stronger. Many may not remember that Paul was instrumental in conceiving a sports facility that became Grand Park.”

Estridge

Senior provides strong leadership to ZCHS girls basketball team

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The only number Zionsville Community High School girls basketball player Mallory Heerdt is concerned about is the victory total.

“Mallory does not worry about her stat line. She does all the little things that have made us successful this season,” Eagles coach Andy Maguire said of the senior forward. “She is the heart and soul of our team on the floor and in the locker room. We had a leadership academy this fall, and it was unanimous that Mallory was the leader of the team. Mallory is our most vocal leader, and she always leads by example.

“She knows everyone’s responsibilities on every play, and she does a great job of coaching her teammates up during the game. Mallory also is very helpful at practice with our JV and freshman kids when we are doing skill work, especially post work.”

As of Jan. 11, the 6-foot Heerdt, a three-

MEET MALLORY HEERDT

Favorite subject: Calculus

Favorite movies: All Marvel movies

Favorite musician: Zach Bryan

year starter, was averaging 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds for the Class 4A No. 2 Eagles (18-0).

“The success that we’ve had so far is the result of all the hard work that my team has put in behind the scenes, and so it is really special and means a lot to us to see it pay off,” Heerdt said.

Heerdt said she has improved the most in her leadership ability.

“My job is to make sure the team is running seamlessly on the court, whether that be on defense or offense, and this season I have taken that role very seriously,” Heerdt said. “My role has never been to get the most stats or score the most but to be the

voice for my teammates

“I am also very blessed that my teammates have so much talent that it allows me to fill this role.”

Senior Laila Hull, who will play for the University of North Carolina next season, averages team-highs of 22.2 points and 8.6 rebounds.

“Laila is my best friend, on the court and off,” Heerdt said. “When she moved here in sixth grade, we have been inseparable playing basketball with each other every single year since. I’ve seen her journey and her growth, and I am so, so proud of everything she has accomplished, and it makes me very happy to see her reach all her goals and dreams.”

Heerdt’s father, Brian Heerdt, is the ZCHS junior varsity boys basketball coach, so she has been around the game her entire life.

Although Maguire said Heerdt could play college basketball at the NCAA Division III or NAIA level, she doesn’t plan to pursue playing opportunities.

“Although I have a great passion and love for the sport, I know it is time to move on and start a new chapter of my life,” Heerdt said.

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Zionsville Community High School forward Mallory Heerdt is the Eagles’ senior captain. (Photo courtesy of ZCHS athletics)

Heerdt

Getting to know Ann Manship

Ann Manship has played violin with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra since its founding in 1975. She lives in the Geist area and works as a pharmacist.

What is your favorite piece of music to perform? To hear?

Beethoven’s “9th Symphony” literally gives me chills when performing this piece or hearing it. What is the most memorable thing that’s happened when you’ve been on stage with an orchestra?

During one of our educational concerts when older folks were invited on stage and a woman. possibly 80-plus years old, came up and enjoyed the experience of sitting within the orchestra. What is your best habit?

The art of conversation. I literally “interview” new people I meet and can get them comfortable talking. I have always said I could go to a stranger’s wedding reception and have a perfectly good time talking to the folks I meet.

What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?

I turn my concentration to an entirely different subject and explore it in my mind.

Is there a book that you recommend to everyone?

I have two books that surface to the top: No. 1, “Guns, Germs and Steel” by Jared Diamond. It is a “whirlwind tour of 13,000 years of world history.” It gives insight to the fates of human societies. No. 2, “Napoleon” by Andrew Roberts. I really do love history, and this gave insight to the political and cultural happenings of his era.

Is there a musician you admire? Why?

Joshua Bell, violinist, and Andrea Bocelli, Italian tenor. Not only do I enjoy their performances, but I am fascinated about their life journeys.

Earn up to

Connect Savings Account

Dartt to run for council seat

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Westfield resident has announced his candidacy for the Westfield City Council District 1 seat.

great downtown.”

ELECTIONS

Jon Dartt has filed for the District 1 seat held by Scott Willis, who is running for Westfield mayor. A former superintendent for Westfield Washington Schools, Mark Keen, is also seeking the District 1 seat in the May 2 primary election. He previously held the seat from 2016 to 2019.

Dartt, a Republican who retired last March after a 28-year career with Delta Faucet Co., was a vice president for the last 22 years with the company and had been on the executive staff since 2011.

Dartt, who was vice president of sales at Delta Faucet Co., cited his past experience in managing teams, negotiations and budgets that would be beneficial if elected.

“I think that’s critical, and there’s nobody on the council that has that type of experience than I do,” Dartt said.

Dartt also said his experience with longrange planning and building relationships with people would also benefit Westfield as it moves forward.

“I think those are all important aspects of what a council member should have,” Dartt said. “I think that’ll be a real key benefit or attribute.”

Dartt said public safety, education and downtown growth and development are among his priorities. He said his goal is to make Westfield a destination for people, noting that he believes the city has “a great opportunity to really drive a unique and

Dartt said although the city has a comprehensive long-range plan, he believes it should be updated on a regular basis. He also supports expanding economic development efforts and would like to see a team created that proactively recruits businesses to Westfield.

Asked about Grand Park and what should be done with the complex, Dartt said he doesn’t have a position about whether it should be sold but noted that “Grand Park is the jewel of Westfield.”

The city is pondering a possible sale or entering into a private partnership to operate the complex, which is owned by the Westfield Redevelopment Commission. The 400-acre complex serves as the training camp for the Indianapolis Colts and has 31 soccer fields, 26 baseball diamonds, two administration buildings, seven concessions stands and a 378,000-square-foot multi-use event center.

City officials hope to identify a firm by March once interviews are completed with the seven firms that submitted proposals. A six-member panel will eventually make a recommendation to the Westfield City Council and the city’s Redevelopment Commission regarding the proposals.

Dartt said there is more work to be done in developing the area in and around Grand Park, describing it as being unique to Westfield.

“There’s a lot of opportunity to expand and grow and I think we’ve missed the mark on that,” he said.

For more on Dartt’s campaign, visit jondartt.com or call 317-697-4448.

DISPATCHES

Library begins winter reading program —

The Westfield Washington Public Library has kicked off its winter reading program for adults and teens. The program, “Let’s Read a Latte,” will run through Feb. 28. The goal is to read for a total of 40 hours, and participants can sign up and track their progress on the Beanstack webpage by visiting wwpl.beanstack.org or on the Beanstack app on mobile devices. Time spent listening to audiobooks counts, too. Once sign-up is complete, participants are asked to stop by the library’s information desk to claim their sign-up prize. After logging 40 hours and completing the program, readers are eligible to receive a completion prize and will be

registered for a drawing for the grand prize, which consists of a cozy basket of goodies. For more, visit wwpl.lib.in.us/wwpl-2023winter-reading-program-for-teens-andadults/.

Send us your stories and photos — Please email story suggestions on new businesses, interesting residents, upcoming events, news tips and photos to Current in Westfield Managing Editor Matthew Kent at matthew@youarecurrent.com. For photo submissions, please provide the full names of individuals, along with a short description of the event, location and the date of when it took place.

Dartt

New turn signal law in place

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, the old law created “impossibilities.”

“It’s just removing these impossibilities,” Daniels said. “It’s removing the technical violations that weren’t necessarily dangerous.”

LAW CHANGE

Indiana’s new turn signal law went into effect Jan. 1. It removes the specified distance of when motorists are required to activiate their signal before turning or changing lanes. The law now states that drivers must engage their turn signal prior to making any lane changes or turns.

Previously, Indiana law required motorists to signal a minimum of 200 feet before a turn or lane change, or 300 feet if traveling more than 50 mph.

In February of 2022, lawmakers argued the specified distances were hard to enforce because the distance between some intersections and turns were shorter than the minimum 200 feet. For Chris Daniels of

Police voiced concerns that the specific distances of the previous law made it hard to enforce.

House Enrolled Act 1167, sponsored by Rep. Jim Pressel, removes the specified distance and replaces it with a mandate that drivers need only signal before safely making any lane turns or changes. No specific distance is listed in the law, stating instead that drivers must signal at a “reasonable” time before committing the turn or lane change.

Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the act into law on March 14, 2022.

WESTFIELD

Project: Library/township office construction

Location: Corner of Park and Poplar streets

NOBLESVILLE & NORTH

Project: Pleasant Street

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

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

Project: New roundabout

Location: A section of Eagletown Road between 166th Street and SR 32 is closed until Jan. 2, 2023. The closure is for the construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of 171st Street and Eagletown Road.

Expected completion: Expected to open to traffic Feb. 12 due to a utility delay

Project: Academy Sports & Outdoors

Location: Drive in front of the building will close for renovations, while the left turn lane from eastbound Greyhound Pass will be closed to avoid traffic turning into the worksite. Closure is expected to last eight months. Motorists should use Thatcher Lane or Cool Creek Park Road as a detour.

Expected completion: To be determined

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

Expected completion: End of 2024 CARMEL

Project: Roundabout, multi-use path construction

Location: The intersection of 106th Street and College Avenue is closed for construc tion of a roundabout. The multi-use path is under construction along 106th Street from Pennsylvania Parkway to College Avenue.

Expected completion: The intersection has reopened, with full and partial clo sures planned in the spring to finish the project.

Project: Culvert reconstruction

Location: The Monon Greenway is closed from north of west Smoky Row Road to the Hagan Burke Trail.

Expected completion: End of the year

DISPATCHES

Westfield GOP to hold municipal election kickoff — The Westfield GOP will hold a municipal election kickoff Jan. 17. The kickoff will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Grand Park Events Center, 19000 Grand Park Blvd., Westfield. Republican candidates will be in attendance and a cash bar will be available.

To RSVP, email westfieldingop@gmail.com.

Johns to serve as city council president — Westfield City Councilman Mike Johns will serve as council president for 2023, while fellow councilman Joe Edwards will serve as vice president of the council.

CARMEL SHOWROOM

99 E. Carmel Drive Suite 100 Carmel, IN

MERIDIAN-KESSLER STUDIO

5912 N. College Avenue Indianapolis, IN

ZIONSVILLE STUDIO

117 S. First Street Zionsville, IN

County equipped with salt, manpower to tackle winter weather

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The leader of Hamilton County’s highway department has seen his fair share of winter weather over the years, and he believes that preparation, manpower and communication with other entities are important factors that help clear area roadways.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Hamilton County Highway Dept. Director Brad Davis said the county begins its pre-planning process for the winter at the end of the previous winter season.

“Winter operations are taken very seriously and is nearly a yearlong process,” Davis said. “As soon as winter ends, preparations are being made for the next winter.”

The pre-planning process involves taking stock of the county’s inventory and working with municipalities to order salt they may need on their behalf, Davis said. In the fall, county officials also assess their equipment to ensure that it is in working order and to make any necessary repairs, he added.

“We make sure that anything that looks like it might break gets fixed or replaced,” Davis said.

In addition, the county works closely with the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency regarding weather conditions, Davis said.

County workers also review their snow routes, while a boost in manpower is also an important factor in dealing with winter weather, according to Davis. The county has two crews of 10 people, and will hire five to 10 additional drivers to supplement its workforce, if needed.

Salt from the county’s storage barn, which held nearly 4,500 tons of the material last month, was used to treat almost 1,200

lane miles of roadway and bridges in the unincorporated areas of the county in late December. The county uses a salt brine solution on the roadways ahead of a storm to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement and to allow for a much easier post-storm cleanup.

“We’re always preparing for the worst and hoping for the best,” Davis said. “That includes inspecting all our equipment and repairing anything now to avoid breakdowns later.”

The county’s fleet of equipment includes 14 snow trucks, two brine application trucks and nine pickup trucks with plows. Davis said the county’s salt supply is in good shape and he doesn’t anticipate having to purchase more this season.

Randy Gasho, a truck driver with Hamilton County, said preparation is important in his role clearing the roads. Gasho, who has been with the county for almost 25 years, said paying attention to everything around him when driving in the winter is a key factor.

Gasho said he doesn’t let stress get to him, noting that there’s not much that can be done when faced with poor weather conditions.

“You’re not going to beat the snow, you just hang with it until it’s over,” he said. “You’re not going to do anything to make it quit snowing, to make it warm up. You just hang with it until it’s over.”

Although it is unclear whether central Indiana will get hit with another round of severe winter weather this season, Davis encourages motorists to use common sense on the roads by being aware, slowing down and being careful while driving.

Gasho also noted that if people don’t need to be out, they shouldn’t be.

“Who needs to be out there other than us?” he said.

Hamilton County Highway Dept. Director Brad Davis, right, pauses inside a county garage in Noblesville. At left is truck driver Randy Gasho, who has been with the county for nearly 25 years. (Photos by Matthew Kent)

TOM WOOD SUBARU SUPPORTS MEALS ON WHEELS

One of our 4 charities during Tom Wood Subaru’s “Share the Love” initiative is; Meals on Wheels.

Meals on Wheels has been guided by a single goal – to support our area senior neighbors to extend their independence and health as they age. What started as a compassionate idea has grown into one of the largest and most effective social movements in America, currently helping nearly 2.4 million seniors annually!

MEALS ON WHEELS IS ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN TWO AREAS, VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS

VOLUNTEERS

Meals on Wheels could not serve our clients on 36 routes all over greater Indianapolis without our dedicated volunteers! Whether they deliver meals once or several times a month, the need to serve our senior, disabled and chronically ill clients is more important than ever. Volunteering is a win-win: a win for the clients and a win for the volunteer(s) to serve a basic need in the community.

• There are nine meal pick up sites: 7 hospitals and 2 healthcare facilities.

• Meals are delivered at lunchtime on weekdays (minimum once a month).

• Training is provided.

• 1 hour orientation + an experienced volunteer accompanies new volunteers on their first delivery day.

DONATIONS

Every dollar donated goes directly to purchase meals for our low-income clients who struggle. For example, a $100 donation will provide 25 meals! The impact is tremendous. Supporting this mission to innovate, collaborate and advocate to end hunger and malnutrition is vital to our success. Every dollar donated goes directly to purchase meals for our low-income clients who struggle.

Here is how to donate:

• Online donations can be made at: www. mealsonwheelsindy.org/donate

• Or mail checks to: Meals on Wheels: 708 E. Michigan St. , Indianapolis, IN 46202

During the month of December , thru Jan 3rd, 2023, Tom Wood Subaru donated $250 for every vehicle you leased or purchased.

The donations went to your chosen charity; Meals on Wheels, or one of the other “Share the Love” charities. (the ASPCA, National Parks Foundation or Make-A-Wish or Miracle Place)

To find out more about Meals on Wheels and how you can help, be sure to visit their website at: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/

WESTFIELD FIRE DEPT. RECOGNIZES PARAMEDIC FOR SERVICE

Left to right: Patrick Sebanc (Communications Coordinator of Meals on Wheels), Hope Steel (Volunteer Coordinator of Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana). Marisol Davalos Esqueda (Outreach Coordinator), Barb Renshaw (Director of Outreach for Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana), and Scott Reckley (Tom Wood Subaru GM).

Zach Wilska (Sales & Leasing Consultant ) and Scott Reckley. (Tom Wood Subaru GM) deliver a Meals On Wheels.

Westfield Fire Dept. Paramedic Alan Hensley was recognized by the city for his 15 years of service Jan. 4 during a gathering at Station 81 headquarters in Westfield. Hensley retired from his position and plans to work on home projects, camp, and take his grandchildren to ball games, according to the city. (Photo by Michael Sinclair)

Westfield mother seeks surgery outside the U.S. to treat daughter’s rare bladder condition

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Ashlyn Thompson just wants her daughter to have the best life possible.

Emery Thompson was born May 10, 2021, with bladder exstrophy, a congenital abnormality that occurs when the bladder does not form into a round shape and is flattened and exposed on the abdominal wall. The bladder is open and exposed on the outside of the abdomen.

Exstrophy means turned inside out. Bladder exstrophy occurs, on average, in 1 in every 50,000 births, with twothirds of the cases being male.

“No one expects to have kids with a medical complexity, for one,” Thompson said. “Never did I think I would come to the realization that I can’t give my child what they need here in America. This whole concept of medical tourism, I hadn’t even heard of the term. When I heard about people going out of the country to get medical procedures, I always thought it was plastic surgery, those terms of things people do because it’s less expensive in a lot of places. I just assumed we would have the best here.”

In the case of bladder exstrophy, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London has been performing the Kelly procedure for more than 20 years. The Kelly procedure is used to construct and strengthen the sphincter at the bladder neck following the initial closure of bladder exstrophy.

Thompson said Dr. Martin Kaefer, Emery’s urologist from Riley Children’s Health, has been supportive and has helped with consultation with Great Ormond. Emery will be the first American patient to have the procedure at Great Ormond. The surgery is expected to be performed in early April.

The procedure is not covered by insurance simply because it is not performed in the U.S., Thompson said. Until recently, Thompson had hoped the surgery would be covered by the family’s insurance. She said research shows the procedure has significantly higher success rates than options available in America. She said children who have the surgery in America often need surgeries again in later life.

Thompson has started a GoFundMe page to help raise $65,000 for the surgery and costs of travel and staying in London for up to six weeks. The surgery costs $45,000, which Thompson said is cheaper because of England’s national health care plan. All funds raised above the goal will be donated to the Association for the Bladder Exstrophy Community that supports research and provides life-altering surgery to bladder exstrophy patients in low-income nations.

Seven weeks after Emery was born, she had a surgery to put the bladder in the right place. Doctors had to break her pelvis on both sides.

“It was an 11-hour surgery, and we almost lost her twice,” Thompson said. “She coded a couple hours after surgery. A couple hours after that, her blood pressure tanked and there were concerns. That little girl is the strongest human

being I know. She fought back. My faith is the one true thing. I have a fantastic family support system. She had her legs in casts for 29 days and we couldn’t pick her up. Not being able to hold your child for that long and seeing them in that much pain was traumatic. She was in the hospital for 33 days.”

Thompson said surgery at Great Ormond is performed right after the child is born.

The Kelly procedure takes different parts of the pelvic floor to recreate the bladder sphincter.

“It’s harder for Americans to change things,” Thompson said. “I’ve learned a lot. I have full trust that everyone here that treats this condition has the best intentions, but in medicine there is a lot of, ‘This is the way we’ve always done it.’”

In contrast, Thompson said a majority of patients in the U.S. undergo a bladder augmentation as early as age 4 and some wait until grade school. Thompson said it is paired with the Mitrofanoff procedure, which allows the patient to be dry but rely on self-catheterizing through the stomach from there on out.

Thompson said she will push to make insurance policy changes in the future.

“It’s rather eye-opening to see there are limitations to someone who has a rare condition,” Thompson said. “She shouldn’t have to stick with less optimal options. It’s not something personally I’m going to let go. I’m going to work with organizations already in the lobby arena.”

Thompson, regional marketing manager for AgReliant Genetics in Westfield, is a 2007 Noblesville High School graduate. She and her husband, Andy Thompson, serve also have a 5-year-old son, Cole.

As part of the GoFundMe, there is a #InsideOutForEmery challenge to bring awareness to the rare congenital defect.

For more, visit gofund.me/071216d8.

ASSISTING OTHER PARENTS

Ashlyn Thompson and Emily K. Whiting had been friends before each gave birth to a daughter with medical complexities.

Whiting’s daughter, Charlotte, has a rare undiagnosed disease. Charlotte, 5, has an anomaly with almost every organ.

“She is a walking miracle,” Thompson said.

Whiting said there are more than 20 specialists involved with Charlotte’s care.

Whiting, who lives in Doylestown, Ohio, and Thompson created Charlotte’s Hope Foundation.

“The focus is on parents and caregivers who have medical complexities,” Whiting said.

Thompson and Whiting started the “Empowered by Hope” weekly podcast in December.

“When Ashlyn called me and pitched the idea of a podcast, it really fit with the direction I was trying to go with my ministry, which was to figure out to reach those

parents and caregivers at their greatest time of need,” said Whiting, who recently published a book called “She is Charlotte.”

“We’re focusing on parents and caregivers who are receiving the diagnosis for their child,” Whiting said. “Our goal is to serve those navigating this world of pediatric medical complexities. We want to support them and help them feel not alone and equip them to be their child’s best advocate.”

Thompson said seeing your own child in pain is something any family can empathize with.

“We are working on building resources,” Thompson said. “We really want to work on creating advocacy coaching for those families to help empower them so they feel like they know how to handle their child’s care and get what they need to get whatever quality of life they can provide.”

For more, visit charlotteshopefoundation.org.

Emery at the hospital a couple of weeks after surgery (Photo courtesy of Ashlyn Thompson)

ON THE COVER: Ashlyn Thompson holds her daughter, Emery, who has a rare congenital abnormality. (Photo courtesy of Ashlyn Thompson)

Adding insult to injury?

Famed fashion icon Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, Coco to most of us, is reputed to have said, “I’m so sick of immaturity, of name-calling, of labels, of gossip, of high school. It doesn’t make sense anymore, and I find myself being nice to people that I want to strangle.” Chanel long attributed her rise from extraordinarily humble beginnings to become a symbol of wealth, access and good taste as the result of her immunity to the critiques of others. She is believed to have said that it was her very differences from the rest, at the time, that granted her advantage. Attributed with changing the perception of sun tans from being the bastion of the working-class laborer to representing the idle leisure of permanent vacation, Chanel soaked-up criticism as she did the sun. Coco owned her cuckoo.

While name-calling appears to be something hardwired in nearly every human, it has a remarkable impact on most of us. Even the youngest child intuitively attacks her perceived transgressors with a pointed verbal assault. She demands, “Give me

back my toy, you monkey head!” And the so-called “monkey-headed” nursery mate retorts, “No chance, stinky face.” Now the fight is on! Words, then shoving, then tears — all from a denunciation that makes no sense.

Adults are little better. We wither as the insults are hurled at us. We resent those who’ve sent them. We plot our vengeance because of the offence. Mostly, the abuses are inconsequential. Often, we could care less about the person labeling us. Yet, why does it get under our skin? Why do we care so much about something so insignificant asserted by someone so inconsequential? Likewise, how often are we responsible for wrongly castigating others? Would we care less about the invectives launched at us if we weren’t so keen to shoot them at others?

Wasn’t the best idea

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

This year for my birthday, I decided to nix the annual family Escape Room experience and throw myself a good old-fashioned murder mystery dinner soiree. I may have chosen poorly. It started out OK. Sure, I was exhausted from taking down the last of the holiday decorations (you’re welcome, neighbors!), vacuuming virtually enough dog hair to make another, hiding nine potential murder weapons in creative yet not-impossible-to-find locations, going to the grocery, setting the table for 10 (even though it only comfortably seats eight), artistically arranging a body, and then, of course, transforming myself into Alex Cited, an overly dramatic 1920s theater owner with a penchant for spontaneous duets.

– DANIELLE WILSON

HUMOR

My guests arrived around 4 p.m. (it’s my party and I’ll start obscenely early if I want to!), looking fabulous as either flappers or Peaky Blinders. But I’d forgotten to preheat the oven, so already the schedule was delayed 20 minutes. And as the hostess, not only was I responsible for feeding everyone, but also facilitating the game. One minute I’m tossing the salad, and the next

I’m screaming hysterically about finding a dead guy in the basement. Then I’m back to checking the Stouffer’s. And on it went for three hours, through multiple meal courses and preposterous clue rounds.

Don’t get me wrong, I did have moments of fun. My redheaded daughter played her role with such a thick French accent and a professed disdain for gingers that I laughed every time she spoke. But I think it was simply too much work for me to enjoy.

I’m glad I tried something new, but lesson learned. Next year, I’m booking an Escape Room.

Peace out.

Commentary by Terry Anker

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

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

I’m glad I tried something new, but lesson learned. Next year, I’m booking an Escape Room.

Already broke these resolutions

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

HUMOR

For the year 2023, I made 12 New Year’s resolutions. I’ve already broken every single one. Here is the dirty dozen:

1. In a restaurant, when the waitress sees my totally cleaned plate and asks how I enjoyed my meal, I will not say, “I didn’t like it one bit.”  According to a survey I read, they hear this all the time and they do not think it is funny.

2. When people ask, “How’s Barney?” (my famous dog who passed 20 years ago), I will stop saying, “Still dead.” No one finds this amusing, and they think I am an insensitive jerk.

3. I will stop salting what Mary Ellen makes for dinner before I even taste it. In future years, I will tackle my addiction to pepper, Heinz 57 and teriyaki sauce.

4. I will put a cover on food when I heat it in the microwave, so the meal doesn’t end up as splatter all over the inside (amendment to resolution: I’ll try to remember not to use aluminum foil).

5. For stocking stuffers next Christmas, I will not buy kitchen gadgets for my wife that she will never use. We have 11 devices engineered to open jar lids. None of them work.

6. When Mary Ellen asks me what I want for dinner, I will not say, “I don’t care.” I still won’t care, but I will stop saying it.

7. When someone says, “You remind me of Dick Wolfsie,” I will not jokingly reply, “I’m sorry to hear that. I found him very annoying on TV.” I will stop this because when I have said it, many people have agreed with me.

8. I will not cut the crust off a sandwich, realize I’m still hungry, and then eat the crust.

9. I will not cheat when I play Words with Friends. Last year, with the help of a word-finder website, I

placed “oxazepam” (a drug) on just the right squares for a whopping 192 points. Now, no one will play with me, so I call the game, ‘Words All By Myself.’

10. I will not open the fridge looking for a snack and stare for two minutes hoping that some miracle will appear, like a corned beef sandwich on rye.

11. I will not whistle in my downstairs office while writing my column. My wife says that if I whistle while I work, I sound like one of the Seven Dwarfs. Which dwarf am I? See the next resolution.

12. When I watch a movie with Mary Ellen, I will not nod off, because when I wake up, I make her tell me what I missed.

“Mary Ellen, why are those people jumping off the ship?”

“It’s the Titanic, Sleepy. I hope you had a good nap.”

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

POLICIES

Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to info@youarecurrent.com. Writers must include a hometown and a daytime phone number for verification. Guest columns: The policy for guest columns is the same as the aforementioned, but the allowable length is 240 words. Guest columns should address the whole of Current’s readership, not simply special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

WATER FOLLOWS THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE. MAYBE YOU SHOULD FOLLOW THE PATH OF LEAST COMPLAINTS.

When you have as many years repairing leaks and installing new roofs as we do at Bone Dry, it translates into having the fewest complaints. What we’ve learned in three decades can teach you a lot about who to call whenever your roof turns into some kind of medieval water torture.

Dick

For stocking stuffers next Christmas, I will not buy kitchen gadgets for my wife that she will never use.

We have 11 devices engineered to open jar lids. None of them work. When Mary Ellen asks me what I want for dinner, I will not say, “I don’t care.” I still won’t care, but I will stop saying it.

– DICK WOLFSIE

PODIATRY

So many people want to start the new year by taking better care of themselves and we want to make sure you don’t forget your feet in your resolutions. Check out my top five tips for taking care of your feet in the new year!

• Move more: Regular exercise can help protect your foot health. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, which can prevent many chronic foot problems. Done in moderation, exercise can also help strengthen your feet, so they withstand the wear and tear they face each day.

• Give your feet daily attention: In the cold, dry Indiana winters, it’s important to moisturize your feet every day to deter cracks, bleeding and infection. Prevent these problems by washing and drying your feet at the end of each day. Then, just before bed, apply a hydrating cream and slip on some socks to moisturize your feet while you sleep.

• Buy new athletic shoes: Did you know that athletic shoes have a shelf life?

They wear out after about 400 miles of use — for the average individual, every six months or so. Take advantage of year-end sales and buy a new pair to prevent foot pain or sports injuries.

• Check your shoe size: Every time you’re ready to purchase a new pair of shoes, you need to measure your feet. Studies show that only about 38 percent of people in this country wear shoes that are the right width or length for their feet. The wrong shoe size can cause foot pain, bunions, hammertoes and many other problems.

• Stop living with pain: Already noticed foot pain or changes to the shape or appearance of your foot? Don’t wait for things to get better. Make an immediate appointment with our office. That’s the best resolution you can make.

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

Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan

Lawrence couple opens patisserie in Fishers

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Lawrence residents Christi and Aaron Parker celebrated the grand opening of their Le Macaron franchise at 8701 E.116th St. Suite 150 in Fishers

BAKERY

on Jan. 7. The patisserie offers macarons, beignets, croissants and many more traditional French baked goods.

The Parkers fell in love with Le Macaron and its atmosphere after visiting the Carmel location at 14550 Clay Terrace Blvd.

“We really liked the product,” Christi said. “The store is amazing and so are the treats. We kind of fell in love with the look of the store, and then fell in love with the company.”

The overall look and feel of Le Macaron were something that Christi felt was much needed in the Fishers area.

“The area is experiencing a lot of growth,” Christi said. “It’s an exciting, up-and-coming area that we really wanted to be a part of. With our store being so close to the Nickel Plate Trail, we really feel it’s a great place to be.”

Le Macaron offers a variety of traditionally prepared French goods, including 20

different flavors of macarons, cakes (some featuring macarons as decorative toppers), chocolates and candies, cream puffs, eclairs, tarts, crepes, beignets, croissants and more.

However, the menu has more than French pastries. The store also serves hot and iced Lavazza European-style coffee drinks, house-made gelato, sorbet and French-style teas.

Christi recommends first-time customers try the macarons and eclairs.

“Anyone coming for their first visit definitely needs to try at least one of the macaron flavors,” Christi said. “But I also recommend trying one of the eclairs. Traditional French eclairs are so different from American ones. They’re a lot smaller and more delicate, with many different flavors.”

As business grows, the Parkers want to get more involved with the communities of Fishers and Lawrence.

“Although we’re still just working to keep ahead with the grand opening, we really want to do community outreach and support things,” Christi said. “Looking at the long-term goal, it’s definitely to give back to our communities.”

For more, visit lemacaron-us.com.

Christi and Aaron Parker enjoy treats in their new Le Macaron franchise in Fishers. (Photo courtesy of Christi and Aaron Parker)

Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band to perform with Carmel Symphony Orchestra

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Janna Hymes has always been a big fan of Earth, Wind & Fire.

The music of Earth Wind & Fire fits perfectly with an orchestra.

currentnightandday.com

‘CLUE’

“Clue” performances run through Feb. 5 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

TAY BRONSON & THE TACKLE BOX

The Live at the Center series features Tay Bronson & the Tackle Box at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at The Tarkington. Tickets are $5 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

‘DRINKS WITH DEE DEE SORVINO’

“Drinks with Dee Dee Sorvino: A night of comedy, cocktails and chords” is set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20-21 at Feinstein’s Cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

editorial@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Community Players has named Hannah Janowicz its artistic director.

The Noblesville resident has been involved in performance art from a young age, performing in more than 20 productions and providing costuming, makeup, prop making and assistant direction.

MUSIC

“I have been listening to this music since I was in high school,” Hymes said. “This genre of music is appealing to so many as it covers different styles — funk, R&B, jazz, soul and more. The music is timeless, and people familiar with this music as well as people new to the group will enjoy it.”

Serpentine Fire, a tribute act for Earth, Wind & Fire, will join Carmel Symphony Orchestra for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Serpentine Fire performs the music of East, Wind & Fire. The show is billed as “a fast-paced journey through those ‘70s and ‘80s EW&F hits that everyone knows.” The band’s name is derived from one of those hits.

Hymes has not seen Serpentine Fire perform in person.

“I have heard they are fantastic musicians and wonderful entertainers,” Hymes said. “All of my favorites will be played at the concert, and there are many.”

“The orchestral arrangements are excellent and fit perfectly into the style of Earth, Wind and Fire,” Hymes said. “The brass parts are especially suited to their style, and I think the audience will truly enjoy this special concert. Sometimes pops concerts fall short because the arrangements don’t feature the orchestra and the orchestra is just filler. I look for programs that highlight the orchestra and make it more interesting to perform.”

Tyriq Johnson formed Serpentine Fire and is the lead vocalist.

FAMILY FUN CONCERT SET

CSO’s Family Fun concert is set for 3 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Palladium. Children will have an opportunity to sit on the stage with the CSO musicians during the interactive concert.

“Every time we perform this concert, we feel it is a success because the audience gets so excited coming on stage, being close to the musicians and present ‘in’ the sound,” Hymes said. “We plan this program to suit all ages and it never disappoints.”

Tom Chen, Carmel High School director of orchestras, will be conducting the program.

For tickets for either show, visit thecenterpresents.org. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

Janowicz graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in public communication and theatre studies, with an emphasis in arts administration and advocacy. Since then, she has worked in marketing, ticket sales and community outreach for various theater companies, including Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre and Muncie Civic Theatre. She recently returned to the stage and was featured in CCP’s 2022 productions of “The Fantasticks” and “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment.”

Janowicz is replacing Lori Raffel, who she met while working on CCP’s production of “Shipwrecked!”

Raffel, who has served on CCP’s Board of Directors since 1999, stepped down as artistic director in November 2022.

Serpentine Fire to perform in concert with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. (Photo courtesy of Carmel Symphony Orchestra)

CCP names artistic director

Janowicz

Classical concert pianist helps create multimedia performance

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Clare Longendyke’s grief during the COVID-19 pandemic provided inspiration for her project.

PROJECT

The Fishers classical concert pianist was awarded a 2022 Faith, Justice, and the Arts grant through St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Indy to create a new work of multimedia performance art called “Requiem for the Adrift and Shattered.”

“(The project) combines the live performance of four new solo piano works by composers with the presentation of a new film presented in three short chapters and the reading of poems by contemporary poets to create an hour-long performance.”

Longendyke said. “The inspiration behind the project was to create a multi-movement artistic work that includes multiple artistic forms and perspectives that address issues of social justice/injustice, all within the structure of a classical requiem, which is historically a piece of music that accompanies a funeral mass and offers repose to the soul of the deceased person.

“In the performances of ‘Requiem for the Adrift and Shattered,’ the music, film segments and poems will alternate, making the performance truly multimodal.”

The film was created by Deonna Weatherly, an Indianapolis-based videographer and film director. The premiere will be at 4 p.m. Jan. 29 at St. Paul Episcopal Church Indy, 6050 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Admission is free. There will be a second performance at 4 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Admission is free, although a donation to the IHC is suggested.

Longendyke said she felt grief when deep in thought, practicing or speaking with her husband, colleagues and collaborators during the pandemic.

“The feeling of uselessness that overwhelmed me when I would open my New York Times app every morning, and then question how my life as a concert pianist was making any difference in a world filled with hatred, unkindness, violence and destruction,” she said. “We all saw it

happening around us during the pandemic, the rotating media cycles that sparked fear, the growing distance between humans, the crumbling of our planet with no clear direction for how to stop or slow it down. I needed a way out, a spark of inspiration, during that time, and it came in the form of creating new work.”

Longendyke said the piano pieces she commissioned were by four composers from a variety of cultural backgrounds. They are Rex Isenberg, an American composer from Philadelphia now living in Los Angeles; Emily Koh, a Singaporean composer on faculty at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia; Reinaldo Moya, a Venezuelan composer who is residing in Minnesota; and Nkeiru Okoye, an American-born composer of African American and Nigerian ancestry.

“Each composer was prompted to compose a piece from a deeply personal place that aligns with their social justice advocacy, and the result was four divinely individual works of art,” Longendyke said. “Each of the four piano pieces responds to an issue or an emotion that the composer felt was vital to put into the world after the global upheaval of the last three years. Rex’s piece explores the search for solace in a troubled world. Emily’s piece is a response to the silencing of Asian immigrants and Asian Americans in the United States. Reinaldo’s work is a response to the grief of losing a family member, and Nkeiru’s piece is about hope, giving listeners something to root for. Deonna’s film is about the search for self.”

For more, visit clarelongendyke.com.

CABARET

EVENING TO BENEFIT CIVIC THEATRE

JANUARY 26 at 6PM & 8:30PM

Clare Longendyke will play the piano pieces for “Requiem for the Adrift and Shattered.” (Photo courtesy of Clare Longendyke)

Weatherly

The Mavericks set for Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For The Mavericks’ guitarist Eddie Perez, there is no shortage of concert material.

CONCERT

Perez said there is a lot of music over the band’s 30-plus years to cover in a two-hour concert.

“So, we try to hit the mark on just about all of it, from the country music stuff we first got our start with until present day with the Spanish record and everything in between,” Perez said. “It can be challenging to cover all the music and make sure you hit everything everyone wants to hear.”

The Mavericks will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Perez said some of the band’s concert staples include hits such as “Back in Your Arms Again,” Dance the Night Away” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.”

The Mavericks’ latest album, which is all-Spanish, was released at the height of the pandemic in August 2020. The band has covered a variety of genres through the years, crossing through musical boundaries.

“The roots were based in honky-tonk, country and ‘50s and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll,” Perez said. “When we started picking up instruments, that’s what we looked at. All of our music encapsulates all of the music over the years.”

Perez, a Mexican American guitarist from Los Angeles, joined the band in 2003.

Not long after Perez joined the band, the group took a break.

“It turned into an eight-year hiatus,” he said. “But in the incarnation that we are in now we’ve had seven or eight records in the last 11 years. We’ve toured extensively.”

During The Mavericks’ hiatus, Perez, who is based in Nashville, Tenn., was touring and making albums with Dwight Yoakam.

Raul Malo, the lead singer and songwriter, did some solo albums and toured during that time.

“A couple of us kept going (in the music world) and a couple tried other things,”

Perez said. “But we decided to see if there was any music left in The Mavericks, and we’ll probably know quickly. Here we are 11 years later, and I think it’s been the most advanced and prolific time.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Explore the world of hams

Commentary by Mark LaFay

When thinking about meats that are used on a charcuterie board, I group them into three categories:

• Spreadable meats like pâté, nduja, terrines, or rillettes.

• Ground meats, which are mainly salami.

• Whole muscle meats, like speck, lomo, bresaola, or ham like prosciutto.

In the whole muscle category, the king, in my opinion, is prosciutto, or simply put — ham. Dry-cured hams are simply whole hind quarters that are salted down and slowly dried and aged over extended periods of time. As the ham is dried and aged, it develops rich flavors that can be absolutely sublime.

The two most popular hams in the world are lesser-known Iberico ham and the more widely known Prosciutto di Parma. Iberico ham is made from aged hind quarters of Iberico pigs that live on the Iberian Peninsula of Spain. They are finished largely on acorns on the oak forest floor. Prosciutto di Parma is ham made from pigs in the Parma region of Italy that are finished with whey from the parmesan-making process.

Pigs don’t sweat, and so they tend to take on flavors of the ingredients of their diet. Parma ham takes on a slightly cheesy flavor as it ages and, you guessed it, Iberico ham takes on a nuttier flavor. Both hams when aged past 24 months become truly unforgettable. There are several other types of hams made in regions around the world. However, these two hams can’t be passed up. Domestically, we have a handful of producers of ham that are made in the tradition of Parma, but by law are not Parma hams. There are hundreds of producers of Iberico and Parma Ham. Start exploring and make notes as you find brands and ages that you prefer.

For a great domestic ham, check out La Quercia, an Iowa-based ham producer.

There are countless options for epic prosciutto, both domestic and international. Enjoy the exploration!

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.

Will AI replace human writers?

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Welcome to the year of AI content creation. From writing to artwork created by artificial intelligence software, the internet is embracing this “make-the-computer-do-it for-me” approach.

AI-written website articles,” you’ll get a result that is a solid “C”-grade essay. If that is your standard of quality, then feel free to publish it on your website.

GRAMMAR GUY

Soon after OpenAI launched ChatGPT at the end of November 2022, the company was valued at a cool $29 billion. But my question is: Will AI chatbots replace human writers? Not anytime soon.

As a content manager for a robotics startup, my day job involves writing relevant and interesting articles, case studies and thought leadership on my industry. It takes time to do this well, but quantity of content is simultaneously as important as the quality of the work.

For website articles, SEO, or search engine optimization, is king. In theory, you could crank out a ChatGPT essay once per day and load it up with all the keywords you want your potential customers to find in a Google search. This would direct customers to your website, where they might purchase your product or service. But what if the writing is lousy?

After weeks of experimenting with ChatGPT, I’ve found that the service creates vague and repetitive articles. If you type in a prompt such as, “Write a blog article discussing the limitations of

During winter break, Princeton computer science major Edward Tian built software that can sniff out a ChatGPT plagiarism checker called GPTZero. Essentially, GPTZero can determine whether a human or a bot wrote an article.

Although I come from the “don’t use Wikipedia as a source for your research paper” millennial generation, I do fear the rise of AI chatbots is going to make us even more reliant on these technologies to form coherent thoughts. In fact, there’s a dating app service that will help you compose replies to potential matches that will help you sound cooler, sexier and funnier. It’s a regular cyber Cyrano de Bergerac.

AI software like ChatGPT does have some cool applications. You can prompt it to write original jokes; you can use it as an alternative to Google to explain complex topics; you can even prompt it to write a silly limerick about your great Uncle Vern.

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

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed proposals for 161st Street Drainage Improvements will be received by the City of Westfield, Indiana, at the Westfield Public Works Building, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, Indiana, 46074 until 11:00 a.m., local time, on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bids received later than the above time and date will be returned unopened. No conditional bids will be considered.

Project generally includes excavation, pipe installation, pavement patching, and seeding. Bids shall be properly and completely executed on the Proposal Form obtainable at the office of the Owner. Each bid shall be accompanied by Form 96 Contractor’s Bid for Public Works, including NonCollusion Affidavit as prescribed by the State Board of Accounts, completely filled out, signed, and notarized as required by the statutes of the State of Indiana, Section III of Part II of Form 96 titled “Contractor ’s Financial Statement,” and acceptable bid security. The bid security shall be a certified check made payable to the Owner or satisfactory bond by an incorporated surety company in good standing and qualified to do business in the State of Indiana in an amount equal to 5% of the bid, said deposit being for the purpose of ensuring the execution of the contract for which bid is made. Any bid not accompanied by the above required items shall be deemed to be a non-responsive bid by the Owner.

No consideration for escalation on prices can be considered; therefore, contractors are advised to not include any such escalation clauses in their proposal for this project.

The Contractors to whom work is awarded shall be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, and they shall be acceptable to the City of Westfield, Indiana.

No bidder may withdraw their proposal within a period of 60 days following the date set for receiving bids. The City of Westfield, Indiana reserves the right to retain the three lowest bid proposals for a period of not more than 90 days, and said proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said time. The City of Westfield, Indiana further reserves the right to waive informalities and to award the contract to the lowest and most responsible bidder or bidders, all to the advantage of the City of Westfield, Indiana, or to reject all Proposals.

The Contract Documents and drawings will be available to all interested parties from: Repro Graphix, 437 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or at eplanroom.reprographix.com.

Please direct all questions regarding this project to Greg Wendling, USI Consultants, Inc., 317-544-4996, gwendling@usiconsultants.com.

Visiting where Jesus taught

Commentary by Don Knebel

Continuing our tour of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we go around to the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee to sites important in Jesus’ ministry.

TRAVEL

In the first century, Capernaum, home to four of Jesus’s disciples, was a fishing village, which became the center of Jesus’ ministry when Nazareth, his hometown, drove him out. According to biblical accounts, Capernaum was the location of many of Jesus’ healing miracles, including the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law in Peter’s Capernaum house. Jesus taught in Capernaum’s synagogue, where he healed a man possessed by demons. Jesus also performed miracles in Chorazin, a farming village famous for its wheat set on a hillside about 2.5 miles north of Capernaum, and in nearby Bethsaida. Because the people witnessing those miracles did not repent as he had expected, Jesus expressly denounced all three villages by name.

Archaeologists have uncovered the ruins of Capernaum and Chorazin but disagree about the location of Bethsaida.

Today, Capernaum includes a memorial to Peter, perched on columns above what has long been regarded as Peter’s house. Capernaum also includes the ruins of a fourth-century synagogue erected over the one in which Jesus taught. Although archaeologists have not yet found the remains of first-century Chorazin, they have uncovered ruins from the third century, including a large synagogue constructed of black basalt. Just west of Capernaum is the Church of the Beatitudes, perched on a hill over-

looking the Sea of Galilee associated with Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. It was built in 1936 with the financial support of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. In the nearby area of Tabgha, associated with Jesus’ reported miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes, a statue remembers the account in the Gospel of John when Jesus forgave Peter for having three times denied knowing him after Jesus’ arrest.

Memorial to Peter in Capernaum. (Photos by Don Knebel)

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

Church of the Beatitudes.

Statue of Jesus and Peter in Capernaum.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, goodnatured work environment.

The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net.

We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays.

To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net 40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032

www.IntegrityAutomotive.net