January 24, 2023 — Westfield

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Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Westfield, IN Vol. XVI, No. 1 Copyright 2022. Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved. 30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

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

January 24, 2023

Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com

Duke Energy selects routes for new power lines

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Duke Energy has selected the preferred routes for two new 6-kilovolt power transmission lines to meet the needs of individuals living and working in Noblesville and Westfield.

UTILITIES

The company said continued growth of both cities is demanding more of the local electric transmission system. The backbone of the area’s electric system is a 230-kilovolt line that runs north to south, parallel to Moon Road and North Gray Road that was built in 1984.

To prepare for future growth and maintain reliable service, Duke Energy must build a new substation and two new transmission lines, officials said.

“We appreciate the community’s participation throughout the planning phase of this project,” said Mark LaBarr, government and community relations manager at Duke Energy. “We remain committed to engaging with local residents and keeping them informed about this project as we work to support the tremendous growth and development underway in Noblesville and Westfield.”

The new substation will be built near the intersection of Westfield Road/Ind. 32 East and Moontown Road/North Gray Road. Two new 69-kilovolt power lines will originate from this new substation and connect to an existing 69-kilovolt transmission line to the southwest and an existing substation — Westfield Northeast — to the north, officials

Duke Energy’s preferrs route for its northern transmission line will be about 2.5 miles long. (Maps courtesy of Duke Energy)

said.

The new northern line will be about 2 1/2 miles long, and the new southern line will be about 1.8 miles long. The location and alignments of the routes for these new transmission lines can be identified by visiting bit.ly/3GNaq0v.

As part of the route selection process, Duke Energy carefully considered factors such as safety, reliability, land use, and cultural and natural resources, as well as community input, officials said. The company said its goal was to select a route that minimizes impact to homes, personal property, businesses, the environment and the community.

Westfield candidate filings for primary election

Compiled by Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Candidates are continuing to file for the May 2 primary election. The deadline to file is noon Feb. 3. Positions up for election during the primary include mayor, clerk-treasurer and seats on the Westfield CIty Council. The list below reflects all candidates who have filed as of 4 p.m. Jan. 17:

Westfield Mayor

• Scott Willis – R

• Kristen Burkman – R

• Jake Gilbert - R Westfield Clerk Treasurer

• Marla Ailor - R

Westfield City Council District 1

• Jon Dartt – R

• Mark F. Keen - R

Westfield City Council District 2

• Victor McCarty - R

Westfield City Council District 3

• Joe Duepner – R

• Justin C Griffiths - R

Westfield City Council District 4

• Patrick T. Tamm - R

Westfield City Council District 5

• Noah Herron - R

Westfield City Council At-Large (vote for 2)

• Kurt J. Wanninger – R

• Chad Huff - R

A new substation will be built neat the intersection of Westfield Road/Ind. 32 East and Moontown Road/ North Gray Road.

Duke Energy reached out to the community and solicited comments through five virtual and in-person open houses as well as through letters, postcards, emails and phone calls. Officials said they received more than 1,300 comments from residents and members of the community during an extended open comment period.

Preconstruction and construction activities will begin along the routes in early 2023 and will continue until the line is placed in service in 2025. Duke Energy will work directly with individual property owners along the routes to discuss easements or vegetation management that may be needed to construct, operate and maintain the new 69-kilovolt transmission lines.

For more, including locations and alignments of routes for the transmission lines, visit duke-energy.com/Noblesville-Westfield. Individuals can also email Noblesville-WestReliabilityProjects@duke-energy.com or call 1-866-302-2729 for more information.

DISPATCHES

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.

Altman elected president — Christine Altman has been elected president of the Hamilton County Commissioners. She replaces Steve Dillinger in the role. Mark Heirbrandt will serve as vice president. Election of officers is an annual practice at the first meeting of each year.

Hamilton Southeastern senior point guard guides team to success

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern senior Olivia Brown is the consummate point guard.

“She has a knack of knowing where to be and reading the other team’s offense to get her hands on a lot of passes,” Royals girls basketball coach Brian Satterfield said. “Olivia has also been great at creating opportunities for her teammates and herself at times. She sees the floor so well and looks to find her teammates whenever they are open. Her biggest improvement from last year is taking care of the basketball. Her decision-making and places she gets to on the floor have allowed her to lower her turnover average from a year ago. She is our best defender and doesn’t always score a lot of points, but she has a hand in most of the points we score.

“She leads us in assists, steals, deflections and tied for the lead in blocks while second in rebounding.”

MEET OLIVIA BROWN

Favorite subject: Health sciences

Favorite TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy”

Favorite movie: “The Princess and the Frog”

Prior to Jan. 17, the 5-foot-7 Brown was averaging 6.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 3.8 steals per game for the Royals (17-2). She commits only 2.7 turnovers per game.

“One of my big goals is to keep turnovers down and assists up,” she said. “I try to keep a 3-to-1 assists-to-turnovers ratio.”

Brown said she has improved on being a leader.

“One of the things (Satterfield) challenged me is to open my mouth even more than I have before and really get across to my teammates what we need to get done,” she said.

Brown, who has played varsity all four

years, is a three-year starter.

Satterfield said Brown is a fierce competitor.

“She is one of our hardest workers every day,” he said. “The staff wishes she would be more vocal on the court at times, but she, along with our other seniors, are always reaching out and talking to players to make sure everything is good.”

Brown said the team has many scoring options. Riley Makalusky was leading the team with a 18.8 points per game scoring average, followed by her sister, Maya Makalusky, at 15.3 ppg.

“As the point guard, I see all the things that are happening on the court,” Brown said. “I think we have such a wide skill set and everyone knows how to play their roles really well. I love the team chemistry we have going.”

Brown competed on the Royals’ track and field team as a middle-distance runner. Although she said track kept her in shape for basketball, she gave it up after her sophomore season to concentrate on basketball for recruiting purposes. Brown has signed with the University of Akron of the Mid-American Conference.

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Hamilton Southeastern senior point guard Olivia Brown averages 7.4 assists per game. (Photo courtesy of Olivia Brown)

Brown

CURRENT Q&A

Getting to know Daniel Beyer

Daniel Beyer is the manager of communications for the City of Lawrence. An Indianapolis resident, he has worked for Lawrence for five years.

Are you an early bird or night owl?

Right now, I’m kind of forced into being an early bird. My 2-year-old seems to have an internal alarm and wakes up at 5 a.m. every day, and I’m on morning duty.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I can cook. Does that count? I love watching YouTube cooking videos and learning how to make awesome food.

What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?

I work on a lot of video and writing projects. When I get stuck, I take a break and work on something else. I tend to procrastinate, but deadlines help. I’ll find a way to break through creative blocks and get things done.

What’s a no-skip album for you?

A: “Either/Or” by Elliott Smith, and my favorite bands right now are Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Sylvan Esso.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever heard?

I really can’t remember getting any bad advice. I think you can learn from advice you don’t agree with, and you need to make your own decisions at the end of the day.

Do you have a role model?

My boss, the mayor of Lawrence, Steve Collier is a great mentor. He really trusts people to do their jobs and gives people credit for the work they do. He’s open to change, listens to people and he really cares deeply about the City of Lawrence.

Do you have a favorite meal to have in Lawrence?

My go-to lunch spots are Foster’s Cafe in Ivy Tech (Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl), Porter Books & Bread (The Austen Sandwich) and Fitzgerald’s Lunch House (The Rooster Sandwich).

The Westfield Police Dept. recently recognized Lt. Bobbie Gorrell for her 35 years of service to the department. (Photo provided by Westfield Police Dept.)

Area lawmakers to serve on Indiana House committees

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Lawmakers from Hamilton County recently received appointments to serve on key standing committees in the Indiana House of Representatives.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

House standing committee appointments are made by the Indiana House Speaker biennially after the November election and are in effect for the duration of members’ two-year terms. House lawmakers convened for the 2023 session Jan. 9.

“We have a talented group of legislators who are ready to get to work and tackle issues important to Hoosiers,” said House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers. “I’m also excited about our House leadership team and continuing to work together as we take our caucus priorities across the finish line this session.”

State Rep. Chuck Goodrich, R-Noblesville,

will serve as chair of the K-12 Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee, and as a member of the House Education Committee, and the House Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee. He said committees will begin meeting at the start of the 2023 legislative session.

“I look forward to helping craft a balanced state budget that maintains our commitment to fiscal integrity,” Goodrich said. “Education makes up more than half of the state’s budget and will continue to be a top priority. I’m especially excited about identifying ways we can provide more hands-on work experience during high school to

ensure our students are better prepared for jobs today and into the future.”

State Rep. Chris Jeter, R-Fishers, received an appointment to serve as vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee, and as a member of the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, and the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee. Jeter said committees are responsible for vetting bills, including hearing public testimony and considering amendments.

“Committee meetings are a vital part of the legislative process, and it’s a great opportunity to hear directly from Hoosiers and make improvements to a bill or hit the

pause button,” Jeter said. “It’s great to be able to use my legal background to best serve our district and Hoosiers.”

State Rep. Donna Schaibley, R-Carmel, received an appointment to serve as vice chair of the House Public Health Committee, and as a member of the House Statutory Committee on Ethics and the House Insurance Committee.

“Committees are a great way for the public to voice their opinions about legislation,” Schaibley said. “This session we’ll examine a lot of important issues, including lowering health care costs for Hoosiers. This will be a busy session and I look forward to getting to work.”

State Rep. Jerry Torr, R-Carmel, will serve as chair of the House Judiciary Committee and vice chair of the House Joint Rules Committee. He was also appointed a member of the House Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee.

For more on legislation, visit iga.in.gov.

Local lawmaker files bill to aid small businesses

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A state lawmaker from Noblesville has filed a bill that would provide tax relief to Indiana small businesses.

POLITICS

State Sen. Scott Baldwin, R-Noblesville, filed Senate Bill 2, which would change state tax law so that LLCs and S corporations can deduct all state tax payments on federal tax returns, resulting in what could be $50 million in federal tax savings for Hoosier small businesses.

“One of my primary goals in the Senate is to make it easier and less costly to start and grow a business in Indiana,” Baldwin said. “SB 2 would provide significant tax relief for small businesses by leveling the playing field and allowing these businesses to qualify for tax deductions that other large corporations already receive. This legislation has broad support from the business community, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass it into law.”

Baldwin

Under federal law, businesses can deduct their state tax payments from

their federal tax liability. For businesses that pay income tax as corporations, such as C corporations, which are normally larger businesses, the deduction is unlimited. However, for corporations where the owners or shareholders pay their own individual income taxes, such as LLCs and S corporations, the deduction is limited to $10,000.

The legislation would allow LLCs and S corporations to receive an unlimited federal deduction for their state tax payments, similar to C corporations.

Baldwin’s legislation has been identified as a priority bill by the Indiana Senate Republican Caucus and is supported by a wide range of business organizations, including:

• Indiana Chamber of Commerce

• National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)

• Indiana Technology and Innovation Association (ITIA)

• Indiana Manufacturers Association

• Indiana Builders Association

• Main Street Employers

• Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association

• Indiana Association of Realtors

• Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers

• Indiana State Bar Association

• Indiana CPA Society

• S Corp. Association

• Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana/Kentucky; and

• Automobile Dealers Association of Indiana.

“We’re excited to support this proposal as it will allow Hoosier business owners to reinvest in their businesses and continue to drive economic growth in our state,” Indiana Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Taxation and Public Finance David Ober said. “Additionally, this tax relief will not cost the state anything, making it a win-win for both business owners and the state of Indiana.”

“The Indiana Technology & Innovation Association supports Senator Baldwin’s legislation to provide tax relief to small businesses and ensure Indiana has a competitive tax climate that encourages businesses to start, locate and grow in our state,” said Jennifer Hallowell, executive director of ITIA.

If SB 2 becomes law, Indiana would join at least 29 states that have already made the change to their tax laws so their businesses can minimize federal taxes.

SB 2 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy and awaits a hearing for further consideration. For more on the bill, visit iga.in.gov/ legislative/2023/bills/senate/2.

Huston Goodrich

Schaibley Torr Jeter

Senate Republicans outline legislative priorities

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

small businesses – when it comes to receiving a deduction on federal taxes and would be revenue-neutral for Indiana.

Now’s the Time

to Live Well Every Day

Indiana Senate Republicans have outlined their legislative priorities as the General Assembly continues to convene after the 2023 session began Jan. 9.

MAKE INDIANA’S MENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE WORK BETTER FOR HOOSIERS

POLITICS

Among its priorities include tax reform, tax cuts for small businesses, improving Indiana’s mental health system, modernizing health departments, lowering healthcare costs, raising pay for Indiana State Police, among others.

Below is a list of priorities released earlier this month based on information provided by Indiana Senate Republicans. A complete list can be found by visiting indianasenaterepublicans.com.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Senate Bill 3, authored by State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle)

• WHAT: Form the State and Local Tax Review Commission to study the feasibility of ending Indiana’s income tax and reforming property taxes for Hoosiers

• WHY: Indiana’s tax climate consistently ranks among the best in the nation. Senate Republicans want to take a holistic look at our tax structure to ensure we remain competitive in today’s economy. Plan for Indiana’s fiscal future Senate budget priority

• WHAT: Continue to aggressively pay down the Pre-1996 Teachers’ Retirement Fund, which has an outstanding liability of about $6 billion.

• WHY: Statehouse Republicans have paid down this pension obligation by $4 billion in the past few years alone. The sooner Indiana pays off this unfunded liability, the sooner $1 billion per year is freed up in the state budget for transformational tax cuts and important public needs.

$50 million tax cut for small businesses

Senate Bill 2, authored by State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville)

• WHAT: Change state tax law so LLCs and S Corps can deduct all state tax payments on federal tax returns, resulting in what could be $50 million in federal tax savings for Hoosier businesses.

• WHY: This change would level the playing field for businesses – especially

Build a better mental health care system for Indiana

Senate Bill 1, authored by State Sen. Mike Crider (R-Greenfield)

• WHAT: Provide ongoing funding to build out a system of certified behavioral health clinics.

• WHY: Last year, the 9-8-8 National Suicide and Crisis Line went live, giving Hoosiers a place to call when they need mental-health support. The next step for improving our mental-health infrastructure is to make sure every person has a place to go to get care.

Modernize Indiana’s state and local health departments

Senate Bill 4, authored by State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso)

• WHAT: Increase the quality of services performed by Indiana’s local health departments and promote collaboration between local health departments and the Indiana Department of Health.

• WHY: Focusing on preventing health problems, rather than treating them, will help improve the state’s poor health rankings and foster a healthy workforce.

LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS FOR HOOSIERS

Require ‘site of service’

transparency

Senate Bill 6, authored by Charbonneau

• WHAT: Make sure insurance claims are paid appropriately based on the location where service was provided

• WHY: Ending practices that allow inaccurate billing could save Hoosiers millions per year on medical bills.

Help lower prescription drug costs

Senate Bill 8, authored by Charbonneau

• WHAT: Require pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to pass on the rebates they receive for prescriptions to the patients buying the medicines or to all plan members.

• WHY: It’s common for PBMs to negotiate contracts with drug companies so a PBM gets a rebate every time a person covered by their plan gets certain prescriptions. SB 8 would ensure those savings go to the person or plan that bought the medicine.

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With landscape maintenance taken care of, and access to a great selection of amenities, you’ll get to spend more time doing what you love with the people who matter most. Live well every day in a home designed for the life you want to live now and for years to come.

Drop in and visit an Epcon community today — or schedule a private appointment with our team!

Pave the way for transformational tax reform

This spacious, stylish Great Room is the natural focal point of the fun at the RETREAT. Any day of the year, friends can gather to enjoy games like cards, bunco, mahjong or chess. There’s even a pool table! For special events like football watch parties, cooking classes, food tastings or performances, the Great Room is a casual and comfortable space that can’t be beat. The RETREAT adds socialization and style to your Osborne Trails life

DISPATCHES

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.

Bicentennial commission release book —

The Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission has released the official commemorative book of Hamilton County’s bicentennial, “Celebrating Hamilton County, Indiana: 200 Years of Change.” The glossy, 9-by-12-inch, full-color book features events and figures many people know and love, as well as never-before-published photographs, stories and oral histories. The book is available for purchase on Amazon and through MT Publishing Co. by visiting mtpublishing.com.

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/.

Open Doors of Washington Township, Meijer partner on program — 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.

Business seeks to raise $700K to create Miracle League to allow children with disabilities to play baseball

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A local business in Westfield wants to make playing baseball a reality for children with disabilities starting this summer as it continues its push to secure $700,000 through a fundraising campaign.

Sue Estep and her husband, Chris, who have owned Roundtripper Sports Academy in Westfield since 1993, held a Jan. 6 fundraiser that benefitted the Miracle League of Westfield. As of Jan. 17, a total of $85,000 had been raised and fundraising will continue for the Miracle League.

The goal is to have the league up and running by this summer if the $700,000 in seed money can be secured, according to Sue Estep.

Sue Estep said the proposed plan calls for one field to be built on Roundtripper’s property, but noted that she and her husband are committed to providing opportunities wherever they are needed.

“Our ultimate goal is that there will be no cost involved for families that want to participate,” Sue Estep said.

About 1,000 people visited Roundtripper Sports Academy during a family-friendly event and the Roundtripper Rally for a Cause for adults Jan. 6, according to Sue Estep. She remained optimistic the remaining funds can be raised to get the league up and running this summer, noting that a GoFundMe page has been established for individuals wishing to make a donation.

“So many kids have great abilities and sometimes aren’t given the chance to shine,” she said. “What this league allows us to do is to bring what we already do from a training standpoint to kids of all abilities and also allows us to have a place for young men and women who are aging out of school to have camaraderie, a connection to the community, and this will provide them that opportunity to continue that into adulthood.”

Westfield resident Adam Hoffman, whose 7-year-old daughter Londyn was born with an undiagnosed rare genetic disorder and is a two-time cancer survivor, said the idea of a Miracle League has been conceptualized over the past few years.

“We’re really excited to get the Miracle

League off the ground here in Westfield,” Hoffman said. “We wanted, as a family, to

give back to the community here in Westfield for all the support they’ve shown us

over the last couple years.”

Hoffman said his family, the Vollmer family and other individuals ultimately came together with Roundtripper Sports Academy to make the Miracle League a reality. Hoffman, who grew up playing baseball and previously served as commissioner of Westfield youth baseball, said the Miracle League will be a benefit to individuals with disabilities.

“Seeing the joy that the game brings to so many kids, there’s still so many other kids that don’t get the opportunity to play because there are those barriers, there are those challenges they have, and we want to bring those down,” Hoffman said. “Take those barriers away and give them a place to play and see that joy and love of the game on their face.

“This is just a phenomenal opportunity to bring that to life to Westfield.”

Hoffman also said with the presence of the Grand Park Sports Campus, he encourages the community to be inclusive for all individuals, especially as the city aims to bring visitors for various sporting events. He added that he believes the Miracle League will ultimately transform Westfield.

“It shows that Westfield is a forward-thinking community, an inclusive community,” he said.

ON THE COVER: Roundtripper Sports Academy in Westfield held a fundraiser Jan. 6 to benefit the Miracle League of Westfield. Pictured, from left is Darla Hall, Sue Estep, Graham Vollmer, Adrienne Vollmer, Nick Vollmer and Chris Estep. The academy, owned by the Esteps, is looking to raise $700,000 to create a Miracle League that would give children with disabilities an opportunity to play baseball. (Photo provided by Sue Estep)

HOW TO HELP

The public can donate in several ways. Individuals can donate by visiting give.onecause.com/playball.

A GoFundMe page has also been established at gofundme.com/f/ miracle-league-of-westfield.

For more, visit miracleleagueofwestfield.com.

Westfield resident Adam Hoffman, right, speaks with a member of the media earlier this month about plans for a Miracle League at Roundtripper Sports Academy in Westfield. Officials are working to raise $700,000 to create a Miracle League. (Photos by Matthew Kent)

Sports memorabilia and other items were auctioned off during a fundraising event Jan. 6 at Roundtripper Sports Academy to benefit the Miracle League of Westfield. The academy is looking to raise a total of $700,000 to create a Miracle League.

Earn up to

Connect Savings Account

Common-model luxury

Commentary by Terry Anker

Moving along our nation’s highways, we encounter all manner and sort of peculiarity. The world’s largest ball of twine is just ahead. Or, at Exit 328 B, we can enjoy the “world’s best” cup of coffee in air-conditioned comfort 24 hours a day. Wow! Still, most of what we meet is more mundane. It is the commonplace.

As such, both windscreen and rearview are filled with base-model modes of transportation piloted by base-model humans. There is nothing wrong with driving the most common car on Earth. In fact, that vehicle, the Corolla, has been well-tested and can be commonly repaired. Some would argue that owning it is a genius move. Can we take the same position in being a very common commoner?

In most options, we are not granted much choice. Our color, age, trim package and nameplate are determined before delivery to the lot. We are left to take what we get. The luxury edition went to the last person, and we are stuck with something with crank windows from 2004.

Monster truck or Italian sports car, we decide on maintenance. We decide which after-market accessories to install. We decide how and where we drive it. Sure, some got the hybrid with abundant “free” fuel. Others found themselves with a family truckster with 19 cup holders. Yet once delivered, we determine if we stay at base model or work to move up a bit. Education, exercise and relationship maintenance all add to our standard stock. We may not have been born rich, brilliant or beautiful, but we can clean update, and improve the model we are dealt.

The way we care for this one might give us a head start when St. Peter stands to negotiate our trade-in. But for most today, a top-performing Kia is likely better than a stalled Lamborghini.

Life is a (crazy) dream

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

wind and the dead-people visits distracted me from closing up shop, so to speak.

HUMOR

I don’t know what is going on inside my head lately. I had a dream last night that went from my grappling with a personal case of head lice while babysitting a couple of preteen strangers to me at an Easter parade where deceased friends kept stopping to say hello. I didn’t awake until the zombie horde forced a semi off a bridge next to where I was drinking coffee. I asked my husband, Doo, what he thought these visions meant, and he responded with a short monologue ala Sigmund Freud, emphatically telling him to, “Get out. Now!” Hilarious.

Doo also reminded me that I had left a bathroom drawer open, wide enough so that when he stumbled in this morning, he clocked his left thigh so hard he now has a noticeable bruise. I vaguely recall rummaging for Advil around 4 a.m. while peering through a window to determine if a tornado was approaching. I guess the screaming

All this is to say that, clearly, I have too much on my plate, at least subconsciously. As I type, I am mentally listing today’s “chores,” along with work and family “stuff” that needs to be addressed in the near future. But what’s a girl to do? Ignore parenting, wife-ing, teaching, cleaning, managing, shopping, sudoku-ing, exercising, planning, living altogether?

I’m certain my latest intake of Thai food and psychological thrillers aren’t helping, but in my defense, have you watched “The Menu” yet? Wonderfully disturbing. So, I’ll just have to deal with the crazy dreams and hope life settles soon.

Peace out.

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

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

I didn’t awake until the zombie horde forced a semi off a bridge next to where I was drinking coffee.

– DANIELLE WILSON

Getting testy over dark chocolate

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

recycle bin. Here’s the feature article’s headline:

Some Trader Joe’s dark chocolate has dangerous levels of lead and cadmium.

HUMOR

My wife read some troubling information in one of her monthly magazines. You might think the source of this bad news was Prevention, where every page is full of things you should not be full of, like red meat, trans fats, cakes and pies. Next thing you know they’ll be telling us to lay off cheese. Or did I miss that issue?

No, this time the messenger was Consumer Reports. As a result of our subscription, over the years we learned we purchased a lemon of a car, an energy inefficient freezer, unsafe snow tires and a dangerous snowblower.

At the back of the magazine, they list what items they are presently testing in their labs. So, there’s a good chance we also bought the wrong toaster, mattress and insect repellants. Last month, they were rating blood pressure monitors, which I really need when reading one of their reports.

We’ve learned that we wasted lots of money buying useless vitamins and organic food options. I have trouble sleeping at night because CR rated my pillow choice very low — lower even than MyPillow. I bought a MyPillow years ago, but I returned it. I emailed the owner and told him that sleeping with my head on his product made me lean to the left.

So, what did CR report on that upset my wife? Mary Ellen is a chocolate lover, and the darker, the better. Well, things could not have gotten any darker than last week when the new CR landed in our mailbox, just minutes before she tossed it in our

Say it ain’t so, Joe! That’s where Mary Ellen gets most of her chocolate. She will also occasionally pick up nonessentials like eggs, milk, bread, fresh fruits and vegetables.

For years, my wife’s consumption of chocolate was encouraged by reports that chocolate was good for us — especially the dark variety, which is full of antioxidants. True, it contains some caffeine, but if you can’t sleep, what better way to stay awake than scarfing down a candy bar?

CR tested dark chocolate bars at Trader Joe’s. For some bars, eating just an ounce a day puts someone over a level that CR’s experts say may be harmful. Well, there goes Halloween. Scary, huh?

Mary Ellen wanted to know whether the CR folks had to taste the candy, and if so, were there any openings available for those jobs?

My wife is health conscious and will cut down on her chocolate consumption. She asked if I’d be willing to make some similar sacrifices, based on past CR reports. I’m proud to announce that the vitamin pill I took last Tuesday was the last I will ever take.

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.

We’ve learned that we wasted lots of money buying useless vitamins and organic food options. I have trouble sleeping at night because CR rated my pillow choice very low

DICK WOLFSIE

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

currentnightandday.com

Actress Huffman gets challenged in ‘Bright Half Life’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It’s only fitting that Kate Huffman helped bring the play “Bright Half Life” to Indianapolis with her deep ties to the Indianapolis area.

Huffman, a 2001 Cathedral High School graduate from Indianapolis, has ties to Hamilton County as well.

Her sister, Molly, recently moved back to Indianapolis from Carmel. Huffman has two cousins living in Carmel and one in Noblesville.

The two-person play, written by Tanya Barfield and directed by Amy Harmon, was staged in Los Angeles with Huffman in 2022. Huffman and South Asian actress Krishna Smitha will return in their roles in the play, which will be presented Feb. 1619 at The District Theatre, 627 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis.

The play is a love story about interracial gay marriage.

“It’s a simple story that spans decades, and you Rubik’s Cube it up and we’re in our 30s for a page and half, and then 20s for a full scene,” Huffman said. “It’s brilliantly crafted. It lets you feel like you are getting the story of this relationship somewhat in order, even though it’s all over the place.”

Huffman said the play is an incredible challenge for an actress.

“The ability to authentically go back and forth between all those different stages of where you are in your life and relationship (is challenging),” Huffman said. “The first time I read it, (I thought), ‘This is beautiful,’ and ‘Oh, my gosh, this is so challenging to take on.’ I was lucky enough to get casted.”

Huffman said audiences have responded well to the performances.

“It’s been a beautiful journey,” Huffman said. “It’s fun. It’s funny and it’s relatable. It’s devastating. It’s like a dream-like ex-

perience to go through the play the way it’s told. It was written for any woman of color to play Erica’s love interest. The initial script had it for an African American. In the back there are scenes that are written for (a) Latina actress or East Asian actress and a couple others. There wasn’t anything for a South Asian actress, so we got to go back and forth with the playwright a little bit.”

Huffman said The District Theatre General Manager Pauline Moffat reached out to her about bringing the play to Indianapolis.

Huffman had brought her solo show, “I’m Too Fat for This Show,” a comedic look at her eating disorder, to Indy Fringe and The District Theatre previously. She toured with the solo show for several years.

“I told Pauline, ‘I didn’t write this play and don’t own it. If you want to us to come out, we have to work together to get the rights,” she said. “I’m thrilled it’s really happening because I think it’s a cool story for Indianapolis to get to see.”

Huffman said the play is one of the most special productions she has been involved with.

“I’ve had a lot of cool experiences, and at the end of all of them, I’d say that’s my favorite,” she said.

Huffman has a recurring role in the Apple Plus TV show, “Physical,” which stars Rose Byrne. She has been in a variety of TV shows, including “Fresh Off the Boat,” “On the Spectrum,” “Castle” and “$#*! My Dad Says.”

Huffman also is a body positivity coach and speaker in Los Angeles. Sometimes she includes screenings of her show, “I’m Too Fat for This Show.”

“I would do my show again if someone paid me so very much money. It’s a pretty exhausting show,” she said. “I’m grateful I have a recording of it.”

“Bright Half Life” has performances at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16-18 and 4 p.m. Feb. 19. For tickets, visit indydistricttheatre.org. For more, visit katehuffman.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 at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $5 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

‘GHOST LIGHT CABARET’

Civic Theatre will present ‘Ghost Light Cabaret,” a fundraiser, in performances at 6 and 8:30 p.m. at Feinstein’s Cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

THE MAVERICKS

The Mavericks will perform a concert at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $5 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

SERPENTINE FIRE

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will join with Serpentine Fire, an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band, for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

“FAMILY FUN!’

Camel Symphony Orchestra will present “Family Fun!”, an interactive show where children can join the musicians on stage, at 3 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

Handler, The Wallflowers to perform at Palladium — Comedian and talk host Chelsea Handler and The Wallflowers are the latest additions to the schedule at the Center for the Performing Arts. Each is appearing for the first time at the Palladium. Handler performs at 8 p.m. April 14. The Wallflowers, led by singer-songwriter Jakob Dylan, the son of Bob Dylan, perform at 7:30 p.m. April 26. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.

PLAY

Krishna Smitha, left, and Kate Huffman star in “Bright Half Life.” (Photo courtesy of Kate Huffman)

Huffman

ATI feature greatest hits in show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Actors Theatre of Indiana will draw on its past for its first fundraiser of the year.

FUNDRAISER

“ATI Greatest Hits, Vol. 1” is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the 200seat Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The show will feature ATI co-founders Cynthia Collins, Don Farrell and Judy Fitzgerald, along with other area performers.

“We will have our own solos from past productions, such as ‘Cabaret,’ ‘La Cage aux Folles,’ ‘Gypsy,’ and as co-founders, we will open the show together with a number,” Collins said.

Collins said she looks forward to performing “Nowadays” from “Chicago” with Holly Stults.

Farrell said he is eager to revisit some of his favorite shows in ATI’s history.

“For me, personally, it will be nice to reprise some songs from ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘La Cage aux Folles,’” Farrell said. “(It will be nice) seeing some other of my favorite actors reprise roles in shows such as ‘A Year With

Frog and Toad’ (and) ‘25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.’ Just so many great hits will be brought back that evening.”

Magician Jon Mobley will perform his “Sleight of Mind” show at 2 p.m. Feb.11 at the Studio Theater for another fundraiser.

“I personally saw Jon at another event and was frankly spellbound by him,” Farrell said.

In the final February fundraiser, Farrell will perform songs from Barry Manilow’s show, “One Voice: The Music of Manilow” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Studio Theater.

For tickets, visit atistage.org.

Nunziata, Wray to share stage

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

director Michael Orland works with Wray. Nunziata and Wray have talked over the phone but have not yet met in person.

“This is such a huge opportunity for me, and I am genuinely so excited,” Wray said.

MUSIC

Singer/Songwriter Anthony Nunziata has become a regular visitor to Carmel. Nunziata will make his fourth engagement in 16 months at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael.

“The community of Carmel has embraced me and my music with such open arms and hearts,” said Nunziata, who is based in Nashville, Tenn. “It has quickly become one of my favorite cities to play in and I look forward to coming back frequently.”

Nunziata will be joined by special guest Amelia Wray, a 17-year-old singer and actress.

“Amelia is a huge talent and I’m excited for her to share her talents with her hometown audiences of Carmel,” Nunziata said. “(We’ll perform) a classic song, an original and a surprise duet we will be debuting just for the Carmel audience.”

Nunziata’s friend and sometimes musical

“Performing is my favorite thing in the world, and I cannot wait to do it with Anthony. It’s not only going to be an amazing experience for all, but it’s going to be full of music and good food.”

Wray will play her new single, “Disappear,” a classic song by Elton John, and a duet with Nunziata. Wray, who played a recurring character on Disney Channel’s “Sydney to the Max,” released “Disappear” on streaming platforms in November 2022. She wrote the song with Orland and Bill Grainer.

“It’s an empowering song I wrote from a personal experience of mine that discusses heartbreak and healing from it,” Wray said. “It’s such a special song and I hope everyone who hears it loves it.”

For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

A PLAY BY Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett

BASED UPON “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl”

NEWLY ADAPTED BY Wendy Kesselman

Nunziata Wray

From left, Judy Fitzgerald, Don Farrell and Cynthia Collins are Actors Theatre of Indiana co-founders. (Photo courtesy of ATI)

‘The Son’ is powerful filmmaking

Commentary by Julieanna Childs

“The Son” is a heart-wrenching dive into mental health and the struggles of parenting.

drowning child, his burden of fault and his desperation to protect his son -- all the things the parenting books don’t teach us.

‘THE SON’

Writer-director Florian Zeller (“The Father”) takes a powerful look into mental health, divorce and parenting through a teen’s struggle with depression and the parents who are helpless to rescue him.

One day, Peter (Hugh Jackman) is interrupted when his ex-wife, Kate (Laura Dern), shows up with news that their teenage son is deeply troubled. Nicholas (Zen McGrath) is despondent, withdrawn from life, skipping school and lying to his parents. He’s frustrated and can’t escape the pain he bears every day. Hoping to change his mental state, he moves in with his father.

The story centers on Peter as he struggles to manage his dream job, his new wife, Beth (Vanessa Kirby), and their baby while adjusting to more time with Nicholas. The film explores the guilt and shame Peter carries amid not knowing how to save his

In one of the film’s more revealing scenes, Peter visits his father (Anthony Hopkins) to check on his health. The two are estranged. His father is callous in their exchange and unapologetic for prioritizing work above his family.

Jackman gives one of his best on-screen performances as a father fighting to save his son. Dern is equally emotional as she teeters between reminiscing over happier times and the difficult decision to protect their son.

A happy tale of rainbows and butterflies, it is not. Instead, “The Son” confronts the sins of a father’s past and grants the audience a few sunbeams between the moments of distress.

During the past 14 years, Julieanna Childs has worked as a film studio representative, contracting for all the major Hollywood studios. Her film reviews can be found at TheJujuReview.com. She is a Hamilton County resident.

BEHIND BARS: SIGNATURE MARGARITA

The Signature Margarita mixed by St. Elmo bartender, Kiya. This drink features Hiatus blanco, Grand Marnier, and lime, served over crushed ice.

To see a video of this drink being mixed, scan this QR code.

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

Warm and welcoming Carmel kitchen

Built in Carmel’s Eden Estates neighborhood in 1980, the home’s owners were looking to improve the kitchen’s functionality and update the room’s style — without losing the room’s warm and inviting character.

THE BLUEPRINT

• The fridge and double ovens once dominated the space, interrupting the room’s flow. Relocating the appliances increased the amount of counterspace, improving the kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic.

• Glass, stone and ceramic mosaic tile behind the range creates a beautiful focal point that unifies the room’s color palette.

• Removing the soffits provided ample room for taller cabinets, creating the illusion of a higher ceiling while increasing the kitchen’s storage space.

• Organizational additions — including a pull-out spice rack, cantilevered drawer organizers and a knife block drawer — ensure everything has its place.

Before

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

Commentary by Larry Greene

Modifiers are misplaced words

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

I didn’t wear glasses until I was 19. As an up-and-coming visionary word nerd, I had never thought I needed corrective lenses. Of course, I always fancied monocles, although I didn’t know how to keep one in place.

sentence in one of two ways. We don’t know if “often” modifies “karate-chopping” or “causes injury.” To correct this, we need to move “often” so it is clear which phrase it is affecting.

GRAMMAR GUY

As it turned out, I was near-sighted. I learned this by attending a large lecture hall-format class in college. I found myself squinting to see the professor’s handwritten notes scrawled on the chalkboard.

I began to get headaches from the eyestrain. Soon enough, I went to an optometrist and got my first prescription glasses. Now, I look 17 percent smarter!

You knew a grammar tie-in was coming, and here it is: The headache caused by a squinting modifier. Yes, squinting (or ambiguous, as they’re sometimes called) modifiers are misplaced words or phrases that are placed in a sentence so that they could refer to one or two parts of a sentence.

Here’s an example: Karate-chopping often causes injury. Due to the placement of the modifier “often,” we can interpret this

Byron told a stranger at the bus stop eventually the moon would shrink to the size of a walnut. In this example, does “eventually” modify “told” or “would shrink”? Did Byron wait until the stranger at the bus stop was walking onto the bus? Either way, I’d be suspicious.

Gluten-free creperies are open on Leap Day only in the village of Coubisou. Now, for those of you who don’t know French towns, Regardless, the placement of “only” in the above sentence makes you wonder: Are the specialty creperies only open on Leap Day, or are they only open in Coubisou?

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

A brief tour of Nazareth

Commentary by Don Knebel

As we continue our tour through Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we come to Nazareth, where Jesus lived before he established his ministry around Capernaum.

TRAVEL

Nazareth is about 25 miles southwest of Capernaum. At the time of Jesus, it was so small that it did appear on any maps. The road from Nazareth to Capernaum wound through the Arbel Pass and ended at the village of Magdala, home of Mary Magdalene, an early follower of Jesus. The caves above the Arbel Pass, where people had lived for thousands of years, were the site of a failed Jewish revolt against Roman rule in 40 B.C.

Today, Nazareth is the largest city in northern Israel, with a population of more than 75,000. Each year on March 25, nine months before Christmas, thousands of pilgrims come to Nazareth to remember the Annunciation, the time most Christians believe the angel Gabriel revealed to Mary she would conceive the Son of God.

Roman Catholics head for the Franciscan Basilica of the Annunciation, the largest church in the Middle East, built over a cave claimed to have been Mary’s home, with stairs leading to a room claimed to be Mary’s kitchen. A column is said to mark the spot where the archangel Gabriel stood while making his announcement. Greek Orthodox visitors go instead to the smaller Church of St. Gabriel, which lies over an ancient spring, also claimed to be where Gabriel appeared to Mary.

Travelers to Nazareth can stop at the Arbel Pass and see the caves where Jewish

rebels held out before being thrown to their deaths by Roman soldiers. An ancient well still stands beside the road that Jesus probably took to Capernaum when residents of his hometown rejected him. Many sites in Israel claim to allow people to “walk in the footsteps of Jesus.” The Arbel Pass really does.

Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. (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.

A cave under the Church of the Annunciation.

Arbel Pass near Nazareth.

Speech Pathology Services is looking to hire a part-time business manager for a small pediatric private practice located in Carmel. If interested, please contact: info@spscarmel.com

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

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

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

We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays. To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net 40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net