January 31, 2023 — Westfield

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City considers purchase of land

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

City leaders in Westfield have approved a resolution authorizing the city’s chief of staff to pursue the purchase of land that recently hit the auction block.

disclose what that amount is but said the purchase of the parcels would give the city the opportunity to extend Oak Road north from 171st Street up to Ind. 32.

GOVERNMENT

Three parcels of land at 2510 E. 171st St. totaling a little more than 25 acres went up for auction at 10 a.m. Jan. 26 at the Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield. Details regarding the purchase price and winning bidder at the auction held by Pendleton-based Don Smock Auction Company, Inc., were not available by Current’s publishing deadline.

The Westfield City Council signaled its support in a 6-1 vote during its Jan. 23 meeting to authorize Westfield Chief of Staff Jeremy Lollar to pursue the purchase of the land. City Councilman Troy Patton voted against the resolution.

Lollar told the council during the meeting that the city wanted to purchase the land for an amount not to exceed the average of two appraisals. Lollar did not publicly

Lollar declined to reveal the price tied to the appraisal or the name of the firm that conducted the appraisal for the city because of confidentiality in advance of the auction after the meeting. However, he noted that the information would be made available if the city ended up purchasing the property.

Lollar added that the city is planning to begin construction of an expansion tied to Simon Moon Park. If acquired, one of the parcels could be used for park green space with trails and native plantings, he said.

The area is in a floodplain, but Lollar said the land could potentially be used for disc golf and other activities, noting that developing a trail nearby is another possibility. Lollar said money for the potential land purchase could come from a portion of funding tied to the repayment of a $6 million loan made in 2014 for Grand Park or by using impact fees such as those earmarked for roads or parks.

Mayor’s political future unclear

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

City officials approved a resolution last year stipulating that $3 million would be repaid by Jan. 1, with the remainder being paid on or before Dec. 1, 2023. The city is looking at possibly selling Grand Park or entering a public-private partnership to operate it.

The 400-acre sports complex, which serves as the training camp for the Indianapolis Colts, has 31 soccer fields, 26 baseball diamonds, two administration buildings, seven concession stands and a 378,000-square-foot multi-use event center.

Seven entities submitted proposals that are under consideration for the complex, which is currently owned by the Westfield Redevelopment Commission. A six-member panel will eventually make a recommendation to the Westfield City Council and the Westfield Redevelopment Commission regarding the proposals.

Westfield City Councilman Scott Willis was among those who supported the potential land acquisition, saying he thought it would benefit the city in the long-term and noted that it would help tackle ongoing congestion along Ind. 32.

“It’ll be cheaper to get it today than it will be to acquire it down the road,” Willis said.

DISPATCHES

Library begins winter reading program —

of the city’s Advisory Plan Commission, announced her candidacy for mayor Jan. 5 and is seeking to become the city’s first female mayor.

ELECTIONS

Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said he hasn’t made a decision on whether to run for another term but anticipates doing so this week.

Cook, who has been mayor since 2008, said Jan. 23 that he would decide before the Feb. 3 primary filing deadline.

Three candidates have already entered the mayor’s race — Kristen Burkman, Jake Gilbert and Scott Willis. Gilbert and Willis are Westfield City councilmen, while Burkman, a member

If Cook decides to run again, that will set up a four-way race during the May 2 primary election if no other candidates file. Cook, Burkman, Gilbert and Willis are all Republicans. But Cook stressed that he hasn’t made a decision one way or another on running again. “I want to see who else jumps in,” Cook said.

The deadline to file for the primary is noon Feb. 3.

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-2023-winter-reading-program-for-teens-and-adults/.

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

Clinic receives $35K grant

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

ORGANIZATIONS AWARDED GRANTS INCLUDE:

• Prevail, Inc., Noblesville – $180,000

NONPROFIT

A nonprofit organization based in Westfield serving uninsured and underinsured clients has received a $35,000 grant from Hamilton County.

Heart and Soul Clinic was among a dozen nonprofit organizations in the area that received grant funding from Hamilton County. In total, the nonprofits received more than $750,000 in support for 2023, officials said.

“The county is proud to be able to support many of our not-for-profit organizations,” Hamilton County Councilor Sue Maki said. “While we could not fund all organizations or always fund to the amount requested, we do believe we used the taxpayers’ money to make the greatest impact on Hamilton County residents.”

Lisa Kreag, executive director of Heart and Soul Clinic, said the organization plans to use the funding to go toward the costs of labs for the patients it serves. Heart and Soul Clinic pays for patient lab costs through Riverview Health, Kreag said.

The grant program is intended to furnish funding to organizations that provide services in furtherance of county goals, officials said. The largest grant totaling $180,000 was awarded to Prevail, Inc., an organization based in Noblesville, to help

• PrimeLife Enrichment, Carmel – $100,000

• Hamilton County Education Foundations – $90,000

• Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County, Noblesville – $75,000

• Good Samaritan, Fishers – $60,000

• Trinity Free Clinic, Carmel – $51,564

• Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank – $50,000

• Family Promise of Hamilton County – $45,000

• Heart & Soul Clinic, Westfield – $35,000

• Indiana Center for the Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide – $30,000

• Hope Family Center, Cicero – $20,000

• Meals on Wheels – $10,000

• Conner Prairie Museum, Fishers – $7,500

provide crisis intervention and support services for survivors of crime and abuse.

County officials also awarded $90,000 to fund mental health initiatives for underinsured and uninsured students in Hamilton County’s six school districts through their youth assistance and education foundation programs.

The Kiwanis Club of Westfield donated $20,000 to the Westfield Library Foundation Inc. Jan. 17 to sponsor the construction of a lactation room at the new Westfield Washington Public Library, which is under construction. From left, Kiwanis Club of Westfield President Jake Plummer, Westfield Library Foundation Executive Director Erin Downey, Library Director Sheryl Sollars and Kiwanis Club of Westfield Past President Chris Fenn display a replica check. (Photo courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Westfield)

COMMUNITY

NOBLESVILLE & NORTH

Project: Pleasant Street

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.

Project: Academy Sports & Outdoors

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Expected completion: End of 2024

WESTFIELD

Project: Library/township office

construction

Location: Corner of Park and Poplar streets

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 Ind. 32 is closed. 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

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

CARMEL

Project: Range Line Road reconstruction

Location: 116th Street to Carmel Drive. A roundabout is under construction at 116th Street

Expected completion: Summer

Project: New roundabout

Location: E. Main Street and Richland Avenue.

Expected completion: Fall

Project: New roundabout

Location: E. Main Street and Lexington Boulevard.

Expected completion: Fall

Hamilton County kicks off year of bicentennial events

By Edward Redd news@currentinwestfield.com

Hamilton County kicked off a year of celebrating its bicentennial with a program Jan. 22 at the Palladium in Carmel. Local leaders and residents came together to recount and reflect on critical events that shaped Hamilton County over the past 200 years.

200 YEARS

Josh Kaufman, winner of Season 6 of “The Voice,” emceed the event.

The program began with acknowledging that the land of Hamilton County was previously the homeland of the Myaamia (Miami people) and was near land with ties to the Delaware, Shawnee and other indigenous groups who were forced out.

“For land acknowledgement to be meaningful, it must be coupled with action. We seek to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships, collaborating with relevant federally recognized tribes to present a complete narrative of our entangled histories,” said Jessica Layman, Hamilton County bicentennial coordinator.

The program also included historical

stories and readings dating from the early 1800s to the 1960s. Speakers and storytellers included Hamilton County historian David Heighway, Conner Prairie storyteller Dwight Gallian and Fishers City Councilor Cecilia Coble, among others.

Live music was performed by the Freetown Village Singers, The Moontown Picklestompers and Josh Kaufman, accompanied by the Mudstock Jazz Combo.

“We hope that we’ll establish a legacy that will last for the next 100 years and will be the template for the next triennial committee,” Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman said during the closing.

Carmel residents, from left, Elizabeth Itzkowitz, Johnny Itzkowitz and Kathy Prusak attend the event. (Photo by Edward Redd)

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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.

WHS to host winter guard competition

Feb. 4 — The Westfield High School Band and Guard programs will host the Indiana High School Color Guard Association for the Shamrock Showcase Winter Guard Competition Feb. 4. The all-day event, which begins at 10 a.m., will feature more than 60 school and independent groups who will compete. Tickets, which are $7 each for individuals 5 and older and $3 for children under age 5, are available at the door. Online tickets and a full event schedule can be found by visiting https://whsband.ticketspice. com/2023-shamrock-showcase.

Goldstein named to dean’s list — Westfield resident Joshua Goldstein was among more than 1,800 students who were named to the dean’s list for the fall 2022 semester at Bradley University. To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must achieve a minimum 3.5 grade point average for the semester on a 4.0 scale.

Bicentennial commission releases 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.

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Volunteers needed for water availability study — The Hamilton County Surveyor’s Office is seeking volunteers for the county’s three year Water Availability Study. The study is being done by INTERA, the engineering firm employed by the county, and will monitor aquifer levels throughout the county in order to better understand the groundwater availability within the county. The data will contribute valuable information to the study. If interested, reach out to the Hamilton County Surveyor’s Office at 317-776-8495 or email at surveyor@hamiltoncounty.in.gov.

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City of Westfield Board of Public Works & Safety 2023 schedule

news@currentinwestfield.com

The City of Westfield has announced its 2023 meeting schedule for the Westfield Board of Public Works & Safety. All meetings take place at Westfield City Hall, 130 Penn St., on the fourth Wednesday of each month and begin at 1 p.m. with exceptions noted below.

• Feb. 22 - deadline to submit agenda items is Feb. 15

• March 22 - deadline to submit agenda items is March 15

• April 26 - deadline to submit agenda items is April 19 (different location due to early voting)

• May 24 - deadline to submit agenda items is May 17

• June 28 - deadline to submit agenda items is June 21

• July 26 - deadline to submit agenda items is July 19

• Aug. 23 - deadline to submit agenda items is Aug. 16

• Sept. 27 - deadline to submit agenda items is Sept. 20

• Oct. 25* (Special date due to holiday schedule/different location due to early voting) - deadline to submit agenda items is Oct. 18

• Nov. 15* (Special date due to holiday schedule) - deadline to submit agenda items is Nov. 8

• Dec. 13* (Special date due to holiday schedule) - deadline to submit agenda items is Dec. 6

Rhodes named to dean’s list – Westfield resident Emily Rhodes has been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2022 semester at Belmont University. Eligibility is based on a minimum 12-hour course load and a minimum GPA of 3.5.

CHS senior wrestler aims for state finals podium finish

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School senior wrestler Isaac Ward’s goal for the postseason is clear. He wants to end up on the podium in the IHSAA state finals Feb. 18 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Ward lost in the first round of the state finals in the 126-pound division last year and the 113-pound class as a sophomore. The topeight placers make the podium.

“I think making it to state last year will definitely help with my experience because I know what it takes to get there, and this year our team should have multiple state qualifiers once again,” Ward said.

CHS coach Ed Pendoski said the experience of being under the lights in the first round should be a benefit.

“Going through it once, you know what is coming,” Pendoski said. “There is a familiarity that makes things calmer.”

As of Jan. 24, Ward had an 18-0 record in the 132-pound weight class. He is ranked fifth in his class by Indianamat.com.

“This year, I have made the most improvements in my mentality and constantly being

MEET ISAAC WARD

Favorite athlete: Allen Iverson

Favorite movie: “Fight Club”

Favorite musician: Zach Bryan

on offense,” he said. “My highlight result probably (was) going 5-0 and winning the Mooresville Holiday Classic as an individual and as a team.”

Ward started out the season at 138 pounds but moved down to 132. which he said has been a good weight for him this season.

“One thing Isaac has always brought to the wrestling room is there are no excuses

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in his world,” Pendoski said. “He works hard. He owns his mistakes. He owns his choices. I think he’s matured a lot through this season. He’s competing at a really high level. A lot of kids will make excuses why they lost, but it’s almost a Ward family tradition not to do that”

Pendoski said Ward has put on muscle.

“What he really has an advantage is with his length and his body,” Pendoski said. ‘There are lot of good kids in his weight class, but no one is unbeatable.”

Ward’s older brother, Ethan, wrestled for CHS. Ward also has two younger brothers competing in the Carmel club program.

Ward will attend Wabash College but is unsure if he wants to wrestle in college.

Growing up, Ward played football, baseball and lacrosse. He started wrestling at age 10.

“I gave up all other sports my eighthgrade year,” Ward said. “I am passionate about wrestling because I love the solo aspect of you controlling your own match as well as enjoying the team and coaches.”

Carmel High School senior Isaac Ward is unbeaten this season. (Photo courtesy of Isaac Ward)

COVER STORY

Individuals, businesses recognized at annual chamber event

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The first surprise for Gina Terril was that she was even nominated for the Lantern Awards’ Citizen of the Year. Her second surprise was that she won.

The Westfield resident won the award from the Westfield Chamber of Commerce during the Jan. 19 event at the Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield.

“It was a complete surprise,” Terril said. “I’m overjoyed and in utter shock. I never considered myself remotely worthy of such an honor.”

The Westfield Lantern Awards had been an annual tradition since 1982 before the COVID-19 pandemic. A socially distant ceremony was held in November 2020. It was not held in November 2021 and then the decision was made to move the awards to January. Terril, who has worked for Indiana Members Credit Union for nearly 28 years, has lived in Westfield since 2012 and serves on the Riverview Hospital Foundation Board.

“It’s just giving back to a wonderful county hospital with a servant’s heart,” she said.

Terril is a co-founder of the Cancer Care Cup with her husband, Danny, who she married in 2014.

Prior to their marriage, Danny was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013 and has been in remission since 2013.

“I was still working and taking care of him at the hospital,” Terril said. “We met other couples who were hard pressed and out of personal time off. They had to go back to work and their loved one was fighting in the hospital. We saw people staying in their cars. He said, ‘When I get out of here, let’s do something about this and let’s take care of their everyday needs, hotel stays, gas cards, utility bills.’ Because when you get cancer, you get financial cancer, too. The paycheck stops but the bills don’t stop coming in.

“We work with all the social workers at the hospital, and if there is a need, we try to fulfill it.”

The charity gala and golf outing, which are held annually in August, have donated more than $175,000 to cancer patients and families of Hamilton County since 2017. Terril said it doesn’t matter which form of adult or pediatric cancer the patient might have.

“The beauty of it is that the board is mostly cancer survivors,” Terril said. “With the community’s help, they fill the cup up and we are happy to share it.”

Terril is a Hamilton County Leadership Academy graduate and is part of the HCLA Alumni Council. She also volunteers at Hamilton County Meals on Wheels as a personal home delivery driver.

“I can’t think of a more deserving Westfield resident than Gina Terril to be named the 2023 Citizen of the Year. Whether it is through her philanthropic work with the Cancer Care Cup or her service on the Riverview Hospital Foundation Board, Gina demonstrates the best of us in all that she does

Kayla Arnold, left, is named Young Professional of the Year as Janelle Campbell looks on. (Photos courtesy of Whitney Moore Photography) Diana Peyton is honored with the Distinguished Service Award.

of Fame. However, it was a surprise for her to be named the Westfield Young Professional of the Year.

“Westfield Welcome does more than 30 annual events,” Arnold said. “We look to grow that every year, just being able to get the community out and get them connected. We love to see families coming out to our events.”

ON THE COVER: From left, Janelle Campbell, Steve Rupp and Gina Terril during the Citizen of the Year presentation. (Photo courtesy of Whitney Moore Photography)

LANTERN AWARDS

The following is a list of award recipients and finalists from Lantern Awards program (names in bold were the award recipient among the finalists)

• Community Volunteer Award of Distinction: Barbara Haehner, Heart & Soul Free Clinic; Carrie Larrison, Open Doors Food Pantry of Washington Township

• Westfield Washington Schools Award of Distinction: Ashley Knott, Westfield Educational Foundation

• Healthcare Awards of Distinction, sponsored by Indiana Members Credit Union: Erik Angelotti, Ella Pharmacy

• Westfield Young Professionals Hall of Fame Induction: Joshua Andrews, Westfield Washington Schools Kayla Arnold, City of Westfield; Thea Snelly, The Zulu Group, Keller Williams Realty, Matt Trnian, Grand Park Sports Campus: Brian Tomamichel, Westfield Washington Schools

• Westfield Young Professional of the Year: Kayla Arnold

• Westfield Citizen of the Year Award: Finalists: Lisa Brandenburg, Shelly Brown, Matthew Deck, Dr. DeLayne Lefevre, Gina Terril

• Distinguished Service Award: Diana Peyton

for Westfield,” said Steve Latour, CEO of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce. “Gina has made one meaningful contribution after another, both personally and professionally, and sets the bar for all of us to work towards.”

Other individuals were also recognized for their work in the community. With her contributions as president of the Westfield Washington Historical Society, Diana Peyton received the Distinguished Service Award.

Peyton was instrumental in restoring the Barker log cabin, which was built in 1835 and owned by Nicholas Barker. The cabin was taken apart and rebuilt near Westfield City Hall. It is scheduled to open to the public this spring.

Kayla Arnold, who works for the City of Westfield as director of the Westfield Welcome program, knew she was being inducted into the Westfield Young Professionals Hall

• Nonprofit of the Year Award: Humane Society for Hamilton County, Open Doors Food Pantry of Washington Township; Student Impact

• New Partner of the Year: STAR Financial Bank (Large Business Category); West Fork Whiskey Co. (Mid-Size Business Category); Nori Japanese Steakhouse (Small Business Category)

• Board of Directors Business of the Year, Small Business Category: Dean Ballenger Agency, Hittle Floral, Quack Daddy Donuts

• Mid-Size Business Category: Greek’s Pizzeria Westfield, Meijer Westfield, Sobczak Construction

• Large Business Category: Abbott Labs, Community First Bank of Indiana, Heartland Growers

From left, Janelle Campell, Gina Terril, Steve Rupp and Steve Lator pause after Terril is named as Citizen of the Year

WATER FOLLOWS THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE.

MAYBE YOU SHOULD FOLLOW THE PATH OF LEAST COMPLAINTS.

Finding at-home jobs — For job seekers wanting to work from home, the internet is full of scams. There are so many spam postings that it’s tiring to sort through them for legitimate opportunities. Two websites do a pretty good job of screening their postings. Flexjobs.com does charge a small fee, about $50 per year to access its database of listings. RatRaceRebellion.com is free to but is fairly legitimate.

Source: BottomLineInc.com

Look for dividend-paying stocks — Dividend-paying stocks tend to hold up better than the overall market during volatile times and economic slowdowns. But many large-cap, blue-chip dividend payers such as McDonald’s and Procter & Gamble have already experienced big gains the past year, so they may not provide the downside protection you would expect. A better defensive strategy is to invest in dividend-paying medium-sized companies -- those with stock market values between $2 billion and $10 billion. Their businesses are mature enough to pay reliable dividends but still have the ability to grow much faster than large companies. Also, their stocks are bigger bargains.

To find attractive dividend-paying, mid-cap stocks, look for companies with steady recurring revenues, little or no debt, leading market positions in their niches and strong enough cash flow to increase dividends at least 10 percent annually for the next five years. Dividend growth is the best indication that earnings are growing and that management believes they will continue to grow.

Source: BottomLineInc.com

Free smoke alarms and tests — The American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign is a multi-year effort to reduce the number of home fire deaths and injuries by 25 percent. People of all ages are vulnerable to home fires. The Red Cross encourages everyone to call 1-888-684-1441 to make an appointment to test existing smoke alarms and/or install free alarms in your home.

Price checking app — To save some money during the holidays, try the free app ShopSavvy. While in a store, simply use your phone’s camera to scan an item’s barcode, and the app will show you how much other stores charge for it, both locally and online.

Source: BottomLineInc.

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‘Night Must Fall’ comes to Basile Westfield Playhouse

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Adam Phillips is making his return to acting after a 13-year hiatus.

The 33-year-old Carmel resident is coming back with a splash with the role of Danny, a charming killer, in Main Street Productions’ “Night Must Fall” Feb. 9-19 at Basile Westfield Playhouse.

“Night Must Fall,” a psychological thriller, was first performed as a play in 1935. It was made into a movie in 1937 with Robert Montgomery and again with Albert Finney in 1964.

“It’s a dream character when you look at the script,” Phillips said. “It’s an incredible role, so I was thankful to get cast. I read the script a few weeks before auditions and fell in love with the writing. I only auditioned for Danny. My wife and I are having a baby. Our due date is three days after the show ends. When I came to audition, I said, ‘I’m not going to show up for a role I’m not dying to be in.’ So. this was a perfect marriage.

“I’ve always been more attracted to (playing) villains. There’s a lot of fun in finding the dark spots of those characters.”

Phillips’ last production was “Biloxi Blues” at the now-defunct Spotlight Players in Beech Grove.

“My wife and I traveled the country for my work, and we just came back to Indy a few years ago,” said Phillips, a software developer and Perry Meridian High School graduate. “We got settled in and it seemed like the right time to get back into it.”

Phillips said the line memorization came along quicker than he expected.

“Being away from it a bit, you feel you are familiar with the territory, but it’s all changed a bit,” he said.

Noblesville resident Ian Hauer is directing for the first time with Main Street Productions. He has his own acting company, The Hyperion Players. Hauer said the script was recommended to him by one of the producers, Jen Otterman.

“I read it and was fascinated by it and applied the last time Westfield was taking

applications for directors, and they went with me,” Hauer said. “It’s a strong script. It’s an Agatha Christie-type thriller. It’s a little bit faster paced than something Christie would do. It’s a wonderful building of tension from beginning to end. I’ve encouraged the cast to really sell the tension to the audience.”

Hauer said casting Danny was the toughest decision.

“It creates a lot of talent and a lot of emotional range. You have to hit the notes right,” Hauer said. “Adam does a fantastic job with that. We’re lucky to have him.”

Indianapolis resident Rachel Kelso is making her third appearance with Main Street Productions.

“I had never read the script before the season was announced,” Kelso said. “I always look at the shows putting up and I’ll order some scripts to see if there is a role for me. I ordered the script and

fell in love with the character of Olivia. I like that she sticks with her convictions because she has her suspicions, and no one agrees with her. They are all laughing it off, saying, ‘You’re crazy. You’re wrong. He’s charming.’ She is (saying), ‘No, there is a problem here.’ She stands by that, and I admire that quality.”

Kelso said she tries not to look at other portrayals, so not to influence her character choices.

“A lot of times I’ll watch movies, if I haven’t already seen them, after the show is concluded,” she said.

Like Kelso, Phillips said he has avoided watching other portrayals of his character.

“I saw a tiny snippet of Robert Montgomery’s version just to get an idea of the dialect,” he said.

For more, visit westfieldplayhosue.org.

‘CLUE’

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

THE WRIGHT BROTHERS

The Wright Brothers will play a farewell show at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at Feinstein’s Cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The concert was rescheduled from Dec. 3. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

ACTORS THEATRE OF INDIANA

Actors Theatre of Indiana will present “ATI’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 1” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.

DISPATCHES

Dublin Irish Dance set — “Wings: A Celtic Dance Celebration” is set for 8 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. “Wings: A Celtic Dance Celebration” is a new dance production created by a critically acclaimed artistic team. “Wings” features Irish and world champion dancers together with Ireland’s finest musical and vocal virtuosos.

‘Around the World in 80 Days’ — The Belfry Theatre’s production of “Around the World in 80 Days” will be performed at Arts for Lawrence Theater at the Fort from Feb. 10-19. The adventurous play is adapted from Julies Verne’s novel of Phileas Fogg’s attempt to travel the world in a hot-air balloon. For more, visit artsforlawrence.org.

Fantastic Cat set for Concerts for a Cause — Indianapolis vocalist Ryan Brewer will open for the Fantastic Cat group Feb 4 at the Concerts for a Cause event at the Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St. Fantastic Cat is a band of four singer/songwriters from New York City. The event begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and dinner with performances starting at 7 pm. The nonprofit benefitting from the concert will be Cycles for the City, which provides new bikes to kids from low-income homes. For more, visit www.indyconcertsforacause.org.

From left, standing, Matt Hartzburg, Ashley Engstrom, Ian A. Montgomery, Adam Phillips. From left, on sofa: Lizzie Schultz and Rachel Kelso, in wheelchair, Julie Wallyn and kneeling, Cassie Knowling. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

Performers eager to share

‘The Diary of Anne Frank’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Gemma Rollison has always felt it necessary to know the story of Anne Frank because of her Jewish heritage.

PLAY

“I’m Jewish on both sides, not religiously,” Rollison said. “It was always something from a young age that my mother made sure that I knew. It never really hit me until I decided to research about it for this role.”

Rollison plays the title role in Civic Theatre’s production of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” which is set for Feb. 10-25 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

The story centers on Anne Frank, who wrote a diary and planned to write a book about her life hiding from the Nazis in a concealed annex in the Netherlands. She and her family were eventually captured, and she died of typhus in a concentration camp.

“It was really inspiring to me because if I had lived those 75-plus years ago, it could well have been me, and that’s a very frightening reality,” said Rollison, a homeschooled high school senior who lives on the south side of Indianapolis.

Rollison said her character is always jumping around and saying everything she thinks.

“She speaks very fast and she is very witty, so there are lot of lines to remember,” Rollison said. “There is a lot of complexity in what she says.”

Hamilton Southeastern High School senior Sydney Pinchouck is the understudy for the roles of Anne and older sister Margot but is guaranteed at least two performance as Anne.

“My dad’s family is Jewish and I read it as a young girl,” Pinchouck said. “Anne is the reason I was inspired to learn about my Jewish heritage. I also went to a Christian school for much of my life and learning about the Holocaust in a Christian school was a rough experience. We spent a lot of time talking about the Holocaust but it was less sensitive. Some insensitive comments were directed to me, things people didn’t realize they shouldn’t be saying to someone who is Jewish.

“Having Anne’s experiences to read helps me become more connected with that part of my life. So when I found out that Civic was doing the show, I knew I needed to be

part of it.”

Rebecca Piñero, an Indianapolis Shortridge High School junior, is cast as Margot.

“I’m have two little siblings, so it’s easy to connect to the text you see between Margot and Anne,” Piñero said. “I’ve always been very interested in her story. I read her autobiography and autobiography of her best friend. I saw it performed at the IRT a few years ago.”

Piñero said it’s difficult to portray the history while understanding the grief of it.

“But you also still want to explore the hope and the triumph in the moments of the annex,” she said.

David Wood, a Lawrence resident, plays Anne’s father, Otto Frank.

“I’ve seen the play a few times and seen the movie,” Wood said.

Adrienne Reiswerg is the dramaturg for the production, making sure the Jewish holidays and traditions are accurately portrayed.

“My daughter-in-law, Michelle Cohen, is Jewish and thus my granddaughter,” Wood said. “My brother-in-law is Jewish. I have a little background, but I’ve learned more.”

Wood said he always thought Otto Frank was a fascinating character.

“It’s hard to get to know the real Otto because he’s always portrayed so stoically because he was so heroic to Anne,” Wood said.

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

David Wood and Gemma Rollison appear in “The Diary of Anne Frank.” (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty Photography)

Harlem Quartet to join Carmel Symphony Orchestra for concert

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Felix Umansky, it will be nice to perform in his hometown of Carmel.

soloists, but it’s a collaborative masterpiece I think with the orchestra and string quartet soloists together.”

Umansky said the Harlem Quartet has performed the piece several times, but not for a few years.

MUSIC

“I’m definitely looking forward to seeing many familiar faces, friends and family,” he said. “I’ll be seeing friends that go back to high school or even middle school.”

The 2004 Carmel High School graduate is a cello player for the Harlem Quartet, which will join the Carmel Symphony Orchestra for a Masterworks concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The performance will be Umansky’s first at the Palladium.

The Harlem Quartet will join CSO for Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story.”

“It’s such a fun piece of music,” Umansky said. “This piece itself is fantastic. This arrangement by the late, great Randy Fleischer, he really made an amazing arrangement for a string quartet and orchestra. Unlike some concertos, the orchestra plays a really big role. So, it’s not just having the spotlight shine on the string quartet

CSO Artistic Director Janna Hymes is pleased to finally have the Harlem Quartet perform the concert.

“They were scheduled over the past few years with the Carmel Symphony and the pandemic got in the way, but finally they will be here,” Hymes said.

The concert has a definite Valentine’s Day theme.

“Since this performance is scheduled just before the most romantic day of the year, we’re presenting a program filled with some of the world’s most romantic music,” Hymes said. “Each piece has a ‘love’ connection, and I will introduce many of them. Even music from the hit show ‘Bridgerton’ will be on the program.”

Hymes studied under Bernstein while learning the fine art of conducting an orchestra.

“It brings back wonderful memories of the maestro for me,” she said.

For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

From left, Felix Umansky, cello; Melissa White, violin; Ilmar Gavilan, violin; and Jaime Amador, viola, form the Harlem Quartet, which joins the Carmel Symphony Orchestra for a Feb. 11 concert. (Photo courtesy of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra)

“Since this performance is scheduled just before the most romantic day of the year, we’re presenting a program filled with some of the world’s most romantic music”

— CSO ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JANNA HYMES

Best buys are local

Commentary by Terry Anker

We have a bit of a confidence problem. Or maybe we are a tad overly modest about our successes. Whatever the genesis of the matter, we Hoosiers are too quick to dismiss our own advantages while fully embracing perceived, if not self-inflicted, shortcomings. Sure, it is tough to be the best at everything. And there is more than a fair amount of decent competition. But in most cases, Indiana is solidly in the mix. It could be the 50-mile rule — that notion that all things close to us must be discounted in preference for all things distant. Maybe it is simple human nature.

ESSAY

Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville and other municipalities find their way into the top10 national lists each year. Could they be better? Maybe. Yet it is not entirely honest to find less value there. Our institutions of higher education — IU, Purdue, Notre Dame — and others might lack the brand appeal of an East Coast address but are routinely generating remarkable advances in science, human thought and even the occasional

U.S. Supreme Court justice. What the landscape may lack in visual interest, to some, it makes up for in arable abundance to all. Hoosier farmers produce more by land mass than any other state (eighth in production, 38th in size). Balanced budgets provide security to public sector employees. And companies like local investment management firm Woodley Farra Manion, which was just named the top such firm in the U.S., continue to be iconoclastic. How can it be? With talent harvested from Hamilton, Boone and Marion counties, shouldn’t they be behind firms from further away?

Work hard. Improve every day. Stay humble and always be willing to learn, adapt and innovate. Geography doesn’t dictate intelligence, but it may dictate bias. Buy local and expect the best. It is here for the taking.

Happy birthday to me

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

able number of failed attempts. Take that, Balkans!

HUMOR

Friends, I’ve just celebrated another birthday, and even though it occurred in the middle of a work week while I was suffering from a nasty head cold, it was one of the best in years. What gives?

Because it didn’t begin well. I awoke around 2 a.m. to a coughing fit that had my husband, Doo, scrambling to check on me, and then dosed myself with NyQuil until being rudely awaken by an incessant alarm at 6. But I came downstairs to a candle-bearing scone, a latte from Starbucks and a handmade card from our youngest filled with inappropriate but hilarious words of encouragement.

Once at school, my day only got better. Despite being bullied by my teacher neighbor into a dumb hug, I was inundated by sweet colleagues and students stopping by to wish me HB. And during my prep period, I finally named all 197 countries in less than 15 minutes on Sporcle after an immeasur-

I ended my most special of Thursdays with gal-pals and McDonald’s cheeseburgers before hitting two school events, the opening races in a swim meet and then the first half of the annual talent show. I returned home with enough time to chat with Doo, read and respond to the gazillion text messages that had poured in, and be in bed by 9. Perfect. I turned 51 mid-work week while battling a stupid non-COVID virus. By most accounts, this should have been an obvious do-over. But people bent over backwards to celebrate me, making this birthday one of the best in a long time. Peace out.

By most accounts, this should have been an obvious doover. But people bent over backwards to celebrate me, making this birthday one of the best in a long time.

– DANIELLE WILSON

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.

Destination unknown

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

My wife is getting ready for our upcoming vacation. She has already packed and unpacked and packed again. She practices to make sure everything fits in her suitcase. I practice putting on my pants to be sure there will be room for the waistband to expand after I indulge in the all-you-can-eat buffets on the cruise.

HUMOR

I assume I’m going with Mary Ellen on this trip, but there isn’t a great deal of evidence to support this. My input hasn’t been requested, so I don’t want to jump to any conclusions that could lead to disappointment.

My wife did exhaustive research, studied travel brochures, and did endless web searches to secure the best plane fares. She even made a few meal reservations for when we are off the ship. In fact, she already checked the menu at one restaurant, and she knows what she wants for dinner in three weeks. She made a great salad dressing choice.

saw her this obsessed with a vacation was years ago when we went to Ireland. There were travel posters in every room, shamrocks pasted on the fridge and Irish music blasting from the portable CD player. Mary Ellen even started calling our beagle Blarney instead of Barney, which might have confused him, but he was getting so many corned beef leftovers, he let it slide.

I finally questioned her detailed planning. I was concerned that this much preparation might make the trip seem less spontaneous.

Our house is littered with books, charts, maps and travel magazines. The last time I saw her this obsessed with a vacation was years ago when we went to Ireland. There were travel posters in every room, shamrocks pasted on the fridge and Irish music blasting from the portable CD player.

“Dick, when you enter a new country, it’s important to have a plan for what to do — a strategy.”

“Yes, I agree — if you are invading, but not if you are vacationing.”

The other day, I asked why she looked so preoccupied.

Mary Ellen said this trip may be a bit pricey, but it’s the perfect way to celebrate the 50th. This confused me because I know it’s not her 50th birthday. We celebrated that four different times about 20 years ago. And I am almost positive it’s our 43rd anniversary coming up, so it’s obviously just a ploy to get me to agree to splurge on this trip. But just to be sure, I’m going to run the numbers again.

Our house is littered with books, charts, maps and travel magazines. The last time I

– DICK WOLFSIE

“Dick, I’m repacking in my head, thinking about how to position my shoes, where to stuff my bathing suit and how to layer in my blouses. I don’t like to leave anything to the last minute. When do you plan to pack?”

“The week before our 50th anniversary.”

After reading this, you might be curious to know where we’re going on this trip. I promise you that once Mary Ellen tells me, you’ll be the first to know.

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.

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

Baby got back slang

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

As I approach the magical age of 40, I’m supposedly getting to the peak of my life (and then it’s all downhill from there). What I didn’t realize is what a rude awakening this would be for my newly aching body. My kids all still want to be held from time to time, which is killing my back. Now, before you recommend your favorite chiropractor, allow me to make a segue as weak as my back.

guessing the sellers wanted to communicate freely to each other about things like problem customers, prices for cabbage and private theories about the identity of Jack the Ripper.

GRAMMAR GUY

Today, I want to introduce you to the idea of “back slang.” Feel free to groan all you want, but I had to whet your appetite for a healthy dose of word nerdery. For those of you who love wordplay, back slang is a way to play with language in which you speak or spell a word backward. Easy as “eip,” right?

Originally conceived in Victorian-era London, back slang began as a clandestine way for costermongerers (street merchants who sold produce) to talk to each other about things they wanted to keep secret. I know this sounds weird, but I’m

Imagine a loud, crowded street market where you needed to share trade secrets with your fellow carrot-seller across the way. If you shouted something about “storrac,” you’d be talking about “carrots.” As this secret way of communicating evolved, the sellers developed a fast way of talking that made no sense to their clientele. For instance, if you could get away with swindling an old man, you could tell your friend to “less eht delo nam mus deliops jabbac,” which translates to, “Sell the old man some spoiled cabbage.”

You’ll notice the spelling in the back slang example above isn’t truly backward.

Visiting Beth She’an National Park

Commentary by Don Knebel

In our continuing trip through Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we come to Beth She’an National Park, featuring ruins from thousands of years of successive occupiers of the site.

TRAVEL

The park site, about 20 miles southeast of Nazareth, was first settled in about 7,000 B.C. As the site was repeatedly occupied and abandoned, accumulating debris created a large mound, or “tell,” archaeologists cutting through the tell determined that Canaanites established a city around 200 B.C. After Egyptians captured the area in about 1,500 B.C., they made the city an administrative center. The Egyptians lost control of the area to the Philistines, who used the city as their base. According to the Bible, Philistines defeated King Saul at nearby Mt. Gilboa and hung his headless body and those of his three sons on the wall of the city, then called “Beth She’an.” King David drove the Philistines from the area, adding Beth She’an to his United Monarchy. When the Assyrians conquered the divided Northern Kingdom in 732 B.C., they burned Beth She’an. The Greeks later took over the area and created a city named Scythopolis atop the ruins. The Romans conquered the area in 63 B.C. and expanded Scythopolis beyond the tell, adding a colonnaded main street, or cardo, a hippodrome and a 7,000-seat theater. Scythopolis became the leading city of the Decapolis, a loose confederation of 10 Greco-Roman cities Jesus visited. By the fourth century, Scythopolis was a Christian city, captured by the Muslims in 634. A massive earthquake destroyed the city in 749.

top of the tell, where a replica of an Egyptian stele (monument) chronicles the successful efforts of Egyptian Pharaoh Seti I to recapture the area from rebellious Canaanites.

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

Visitors to Beth She’an National Park can explore one of the largest Roman theaters in the Middle East. They can also climb to the

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

Replica of the Seti I stele at Beth She’an National Park in Israel. (Photo by Don Knebel)

Beth She’an National Park, about 20 miles southeat of Nazareth.

Ruins of Scythopolis in Israel.

37. Some Indy Zoo primates

38. Dupe (and not a feline’s foot, as you might expect)

42. Minn. neighbor

43. Village Spa heated massage item

44. Public square 47. “I’m happy” in Siamese?

48. Table scraps

49. St. Elmo menu item

52. DIY buy

53. Descartes’ conclusion

54. White River slender swimmer

55. Sauvignon ___

57. Utah national park

59. Cut into cubes

61. Superbly pitched game at Victory Field 64. Latin 101 verb 65. Overly fussy

66. Pleasing scent

67. Part of AARP (Abbr.)

68. Letters before Q 69. Taste quality

1. Playground game

2. Mine find

3. St. Elmo menu item

4. Slightly, to an ISO player

5. Eagle’s

dive

6. Food providers

7. Spanish gold

8. The Father of Genetics

9. Native Bread worker

10. School grp.

11. Like a literary Dodger

12. Tragic end

13. Two trios

. Rat, for one 23. Wood Wind Golf Club garb, often

. ___ salad

. Hawaiian dance

. IU prof’s aides

. Needs to repay

Cartoon Characters

Tom Wood Fords

Indy Mayors

Reasons to call

Desserts

Indy Hockey Team

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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.

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Characters: BETTY BOOP, GOOFY, POPEYE, PORKY PIG, TWEETY, YOGI BEAR; Desserts: CAKE, CUSTARD, ICE CREAM, PIE, PUDDING; Fords: BRONCO, EDGE, EXPLORER, MUSTANG; Mayors: BALLARD, HOGSETT, LUGAR; Reasons: FIRE, INJURY; Team: FUEL