February 8, 2022 — Westfield by Current Publishing

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IT’S A WRAP Westfield woman operates unique business from home / P13

Women form local Moms for Liberty chapter / P3

Chief of staff to retire / P5

Westfield Playhouse gets new name / P6

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February 8, 2022

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Community First Bank of Indiana announces recent promotions — Community First Bank of Indiana recently promoted several Hamilton County team members. Carlonda Davis has been promoted to vice president, human resources director/DE&I officer. Janelle Campbell has been promoted to vice president, residential mortgage sales manager. Gavin Fisher has been promoted to vice president, commercial lender 3. Pete Needler has been promoted to vice president, commercial lender 2. Zack Gabriel, a commercial loan portfolio manager, has been promoted to assistant vice president. Bart Irwin, an investment advisor, has been promoted to vice president. Mikki Richter has moved to the role of bank officer, treasury management assistant. For a full list of all recent CFB promotions, please visit CFBindiana.com/press-release/ JanuaryPromotions. 500 Festival, Aon partner — The 500 Festival has announced that Aon will be the inaugural presenting partner of the 500 Festival Employee Wellness Challenge. Aon colleagues in more than 120 nations provide clients with advice and solutions around risk, health and wealth that give them the clarity and confidence to make better decisions to protect and grow their business. The challenge is a way for companies of all sizes to promote employee wellness, add excitement to team building and encourage company participation in the month of May. Register for the challenge at IndyMini.com/ EWC. Winter Blast returns — Clay Terrace will host the seventh annual Winter Blast from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Village Green near Hoosier Sister. The free event includes carriage and train rides, face painters, a hot chocolate trail, ice sculptures, guaranteed snow and more. Governor’s Fellowship — Gov. Eric Holcomb is accepting applications through Jan. 28, for the 2022–2023 Governor’s Fellowship, which places fellows in various state agencies on a rotating basis throughout the year. The program is open to college graduates who received their bachelor’s degree beginning in summer or fall of 2021 or will receive it in the spring. Fellows are paid, full-time employees who participate in the day-to-day activities of state government. Applicants should know if they have been selected for an interview no later than Feb. 14.

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Women found local Moms for Liberty chapter By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com One of the founders of Unify Carmel has parted ways with the controversial group to help lead another organiPOLITICS zation with a broader vision and different methods of pursuing it. Paige Miller, a retired Carmel Clay Schools teacher, is serving as chair of the newly formed Moms for Liberty of Hamilton County, which “is dedicated to Miller fighting for the survival of America by unifying, educating, and empowering parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government,” according to its Facebook page. The group is affiliated with a national organization of the same name and, despite its moniker, is open to anyone who supports its mission, not just moms. Anyone from Hamilton County is welcome to join the group. Unify Carmel’s only goal was to “take back the school board,” said Miller, adding that the group chose not to focus on face mask requirements, vaccine mandates or statewide concerns. Moms for Liberty plans to address such issues in an effort to put “ultimate control” of children in the hands of their parents, not educators. Besides Miller, several founders of Moms for Liberty are women who left Unify Carmel en masse after they could not reach a resolution with other members of the leadership team over an internal dispute. Miller said she did not support some of Unify Carmel’s tactics, such as advising its members to continuously interrupt the Sept. 27, 2021, school board meeting by loudly speaking over board members as they attempted to conduct school business. After the meeting, CCS banned public attendance at school board meetings until December 2021. “(Unify Carmel co-founder and board president Alvin Lui) was getting very combative, and that’s never going to solve the problem. That’s not what we want to do. We want to engage our community, but we want to be

able to sit down at the table and have discussions, not screaming and yelling,” Miller said. “When they spoke over the school board, and I wouldn’t let my students do that, I thought that set a bad example. That was not anything I wanted to be part of, nor did I do any of that. That’s not how we’re going to solve this.” Lui did not respond to requests for comment. Unify Carmel’s online presence has been quiet of late, as its Facebook page hasn’t been updated since Nov. 15, 2021, and its Twitter and Instagram accounts haven’t been updated since Dec. 9, 2021, other than

a merry Christmas message posted on Christmas Day. Miller said she was unsure if the group was still active. Allon Friedman, another early supporter of Unify Carmel, said that the group still exists and that efforts are underway to create a political action committee. PACs exist to raise funds to support or defeat specific candidates and are bound by a variety of election finance laws. Miller said talk of transitioning Unify Carmel to a PAC was another reason she decided to leave the group and help launch another one.

A CONTROVERSIAL SYMBOL? An image posted publicly to Facebook showing the Moms for Liberty of Hamilton County founding members pausing for a photo at a private residence led to various reactions on social media among those who noticed that a banner hanging behind the group had similarities to the original flag used by the Confederate States of America. The group’s chairperson, Paige Miller, said the design does not represent or show support for the Confederacy. “It was just on the wall, and we thought it would make a nice backdrop,” she said. Miller provided an email with comments on the banner from the American Legion’s Americanism Division, which exists in part to provide education and protection of the U.S. flag and which Moms for Liberty asked to provide clarification on the backdrop. “The photo you sent me reflects a patriotic bunting, not a flag,” stated Ann Byers of the Legion’s Americanism Division. “It also is not a Confederate flag or ‘stars and bars.’ In short, the photo was taken in front of a decorative piece that is red, white and blue.” Experts contacted by Current disagreed on the symbolism displayed in the banner. Carole Emberton, an associate professor of history who specializes in the American Civil War era at State University of New York at Buffalo, said it appears the banner is designed to reflect the Confederate flag. “You can move the star around and change the color of it, but it still is what it

Photos shared publicly on Facebook showing the Moms for Liberty of Hamilton County founding members in front of a banner that shares similarities to the original flag used by the Confederate States of America. (Photo by Zach Ross)

is,” said Emberton, adding that many people may not recognize the symbolism as being tied to the Confederacy because the Confederate battle flag is the one most commonly associated with it. But Peter Ansoff, president of the North American Vexillological Association, a membership-based organization for people who study flags, said any resemblance to the first Confederate national flag “is just a coincidence.” “The banner in the photo has no connection to Confederate flags,” Ansoff stated. “In fact, it’s actually not even a flag – it’s a decorative streamer called a ‘pull down,’ which is designed to be displayed vertically, against a wall or column, with the blue union on top. You’ll frequently see pull downs in patriotic displays, and they can be purchased from flag dealers. They allude to the U.S. flag, of course, but they are not intended to be used as flags.”

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Old Town offers scholarship — The Old Town Design Group has established the Orchard Project Scholarship to provide tuition assistance to a Hamilton, Boone or Johnson County student preparing for a career in the construction industry. Applications are being accepted through March 18. For more or to request the scholarship application, please email casey@oldtowncompanies.com. Military Veterans Hall of Fame — The Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for the Class of 2022 through Aug. 1. To be eligible, the nominee must have been born in Indiana, entered military service from Indiana, lived in Indiana for a minimum of five years and have no felony convictions. A nomination form can be found at imvhof.com/nominate. To learn more about the organization or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit imvhof.com. NCL offering $500 scholarship — The Crossroads Chapter of National Charity League is offering a $500 scholarship to a female high school senior who has shown consistent involvement in community service and leadership. Applicants will have until Feb. 15 to apply. The winner will be notified in April. NCL was formed to encourage mothers and daughters to build relationship and leadership skills, while serving together in their community. To apply, visit nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/crossroads/ and scroll to the bottom of the page to find the link to the scholarship application. Homework help — A new school year has added video tutoring services to help middle school and high school students better understand their math and science homework through Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s free AskRose Homework Help program. Rose-Hulman tutors are available Sunday through Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m. for tutoring sessions to help students in grades 6 through 12 by video, telephone call, email or chat. Tutors can be accessed via the AskRose website, AskRose.org, or calling by 877-275-7673. Email scam — MetroNet is alerting customers of a scam email claiming to be from MetroNet asking for payment information to be updated in MetroNet Customer Portal accounts. The email contains a link to click to update information, but it may distribute malware of viruses. All emails from MetroNet will come from the @metronetinc. com domain. Learn more at metronetinc. com or by calling 877-407-3224.

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Westfield chief of staff to retire news@currentinwestfield.com

“Todd is a natural leader and a man of deep faith. He’s chosen to put those attriWestfield Chief of Staff Todd Burtron will butes together and take his skills to the retire Feb. 27 after spending 26 years with next level as a future attorney,” Cook statthe city. ed. “He has served Westfield with CITY NEWS Burtron first distinction and with honor and I am served as a grateful for the many years he has firefighter followed by five years dedicated to our wonderful city.” as Westfield fire chief. He was Cook appointed Dept. of Public appointed chief of staff by Mayor Works Director Jeremy Lollar as the Andy Cook in 2011. According to a new chief of staff. Lollar began his press release from the City of Westcareer with Westfield in 2005 as a Burtron field, Burtron was instrumental in water supervisor and then assisdeveloping Westfield’s Grand Park Sports tant director before becoming director of Campus; negotiated the $91 million sale of public works. Lollar graduated from Indiana the city’s water and sewer utilities; impleWesleyan University with a bachelor’s demented a fiscal Sustainability Strategy; and gree in business administration. helped move city employees to a self-fund“Working with Todd over the last seven ed insurance program. years has been a highlight of my profes“There are not enough words to properly sional career,” Lollar stated. “He has been express my gratitude to this community,” an exceptional mentor, leader and friend Burtron stated. “Serving for the past 26 during my tenure as director of public years has been such an honor and I am works and the city is forever changed by humbled to have been allowed to lead such the impact of his service. It is an incredible a dynamic team who have transformed honor to be following in his footsteps and Westfield in so many positive ways.” I look forward to continuing to advance Burtron’s announcement comes after he this community in the direction that he and was recently admitted to Indiana University the mayor have guided us over the last 10 Robert H. McKinney School of Law. years.”

CPD major ready for retirement By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

in 1994 in the Thistlewood neighborhood. As a father of a young daughter at the time, he said it was difficult to process the After 35 years of serving on the Carmel “senseless” death of the youngest victim, a Police Dept., Major David Strong is ready for 13-year-old girl. a slowStrong, a Carmel resident, was LAW ENFORCEMENT er pace part of the SWAT team for 17 years, of life. serving four years as commandStrong, 58, retired Jan. 30, with er. He helped launch the Indiana Lt. Johnathan Foster replacing him SWAT Officers Association, which as major of support. The outgoing he lists among his proudest major plans to spend more time accomplishments. with his wife, five daughters and “It’s been 20 years now, and it’s Strong grandchildren, as well as enjoy bike still going,” Strong said. “It was nice riding, hunting and traveling. to be involved with that and get that proStrong, a Westfield High School, Indiana gram up and running for the state.” University and FBI National Academy graduStrong’s other accomplishments include ate, joined CPD in 1987 and spent 18 years in earning the CPD Medal of Valor, Distinthe operations division before becoming the guished Service Awards, Meritorious Service range master and then an administrative Award, American Red Cross Life Saving lieutenant. In 2016, he became major of the Award and the 2003 Indiana SWAT Officer of support division, overseeing record keeping, the Year honor. He was also captain of the training, recruiting, the school resource 2001 World Police and Fire Games gold medofficer program and many other services. al-winning team. Among Strong’s most memorable moments in his career was being one of the first officers on the scene of a triple murder

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From left, board member Teresa Skelton, board member Thom Johnson, donors Frank and Katrina Basile, board member Kevin Shadle, board member Tom Smith and board member Bill Miller. (Photo by Rachel Greenberg)

Playhouse gets new name news@currentinwestfield.com The Westfield Playhouse will soon have another name on the façade of its building in downtown Westfield, 220 N. Union St. Main Street Productions, the community theater company that operates Westfield Playhouse, received an unspecified “sizeable” donation from Indianapolis philanthropists Frank and Katrina Basil. Main Street Productions held a signing event in the playhouse lobby Jan. 26. The Westfield Playhouse’s new name is Basile Westfield Playhouse. “It was a joy to work with Mr. Basile on

this donation,” Main Street Productions Vice President Bill Miller said. “He believes strongly in our mission and wanted to help us take our theater to the next level. In the coming several months you will see new improvements to our home to enhance your experience while at our playhouse.” Main Street Productions President Brandi Davis said the donation will help guarantee high-quality entertainment continues to be produced by the playhouse. The name will be used immediately, starting with electronic and printed publications. Signage on the building will come at a later date.

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Events lure Carmel residents, visitors outside during winter By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com When it comes to planning winter events, Nancy Heck agrees with the philosophy that there’s no such thing THINGS TO DO as bad weather, only bad clothing. So, as Carmel’s population has grown and its central core redeveloped, Heck and the rest of her team in the City of Carmel’s Community Relations and Economic Development Dept. have worked to expand the number of outdoor public events scheduled during the coldest time of the year. “Especially during these winter months when it is so important for people’s physical and mental health to get out in the fresh air, we wanted to give them a reason to come out,” said Heck, the department’s director. Carmel has long presented holiday events in December, such as a tree lighting and visits with Santa, but in 2017 it stepped up its winter offerings with the launch of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt and the Ice at Carter Green, an outdoor rink that remains open through February. Both events have

Aaron Costic of Nebo, N.C., carves an ice block on Jan. 9 during the Festival of Ice. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

grown and offered different opportunities in subsequent years. Recently, the city also added igloos to provide a sheltered place to socialize, placed light displays along the Monon Greenway and added winter programming in Midtown Plaza. Besides providing an escape from the winter doldrums, the events also are designed to give a boost to local businesses. “In many ways, it’s a saver for a lot of small businesses that are so used to January being so slow, and February as well,”

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said Dan McFeely, a City of Carmel spokesman. “The events that we do, from the ice carving to Meet me on Main, gives them a little shot in the arm.” Rosalyn Demaree, executive director of Indiana Artisan, which operates a shop on N. Range Line Road, said sales tend to slow between January and March each year, as they do for most retailers, but that the shop tends to see an uptick in traffic when the city hosts events in or near the Arts & Design District. “We always get extra people in, and always new people, during the event,” Demaree said. “They might be longtime Carmel residents, but they’ve never ventured into the arts district for one reason or another.” The impact is long lasting, she said, as many shoppers introduced to Indiana Artisan because they’re in the area for an event return to make purchases later. “The events definitely help us, if not at the immediate time,” Demaree said. “It creates an introduction to the business, and then they come back.” Carmel isn’t alone in its increased focus on winter events. Throughout Hamilton County, municipalities and other organi-

zations have launched new cold-weather activities, from a snow tubing hill at Strawtown Koteewi Park in Noblesville to the Merry Prairie holiday celebration at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Brenda Myers, president and CEO of Hamilton County Tourism, said most activities that drew people to the area used to occur during the six to nine warmest months of the year, but now the county is a yearround destination. “We have way more winter product than we ever have had before, and that makes us a better place to live and visit,” Myers said. Many of the winter visitors come from within a few hours’ drive to see friends and family in and around the Indianapolis area. Others visit simply for a quick getaway. “A lot of people (visiting) here are from Chicago and other parts of Indiana, so they’ll use us as a destination getaway,” Myers said. Heck said the City of Carmel has finetuned its winter events in recent years, and she expects the next phase of growth to occur around the Ice at Carter Green in a winter pavilion that debuted in 2021.

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Junior standout powers FHS girls swim team By Rick Morwick rick@youarecurrent.com If experience counts for anything, and it often does at the IHSAA girls state swimming finals, JoJo Ramey has a lot to look forward to this postseason. A podium finisher in multiple state meet appearances, the Fishers High School junior is ranked No. 1 in the state in the 500-yard freestyle and No. 3 in the 200 free heading into the Feb. 11-12 state finals at the IU Natatorium on the IUPUI campus in Indianapolis. Barring a dramatic unforeseen circumstance, Ramey will not only reach the state finals, she’ll be a frontrunner for blue ribbons in her two individual events and two relays — the 400 freestyle and 200 medley. The Tigers’ relays are ranked Nos. 4 and 5, respectively, and are major reasons why FHS is ranked No. 2 in the state team poll. “I feel very confident in myself and my team,” said Ramey, a three-year varsity standout who will continue her career at the University of Florida. “We have been working extremely hard this season and we are looking forward to see how it pays off.

MEET JOJO RAMEY

Favorite movie: “Titanic” Interests outside of swimming: Boating, traveling, spending time with friends and family College plans: Will continue career at the University of Florida; undecided on major Favorite vacation destination: Turks and Caicos Islands “Our team culture is really good, and we are like a family.” Not surprisingly, Ramey has played a pivotal role in the Tigers’ success. They

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Fishers High School junior JoJo Ramey is ranked No. 1 in the state in the 500-yard freestyle heading into the postseason. (Photo courtesy of Jon Ramey)

finished runners-up for the second consecutive time to national power Carmel at last year’s state meet and are again expected to make a strong showing. “JoJo is a leader by example. She establishes a level of excellence in and out of

the pool for all others to emulate,” Fishers coach Joe Keller said. “She has earned the highest level of respect from both teammates and competitors because of her humility and sincere regard for others’ success.” A lifelong swimmer, Ramey took her first swim lesson when she was 6 months old and has been training and competing — at a remarkably high level — ever since. “JoJo may very well be the hardest-training athlete I have coached over 31 years,” Keller said. “She may be the most competitive as well. She loves to race.” Heading into this season, Ramey had qualified for the state meet in eight events since her freshman year. Her best finish was runner-up in the 500 freestyle two years ago. Last year, she placed fourth in the 500 and 200 freestyles and was a member of the Tigers’ fifth-place 400 freestyle relay and seventh-place 200 medley relay. “My goals heading into the postseason are to enjoy every moment with my team,” Ramey said. “Also, I am preparing for International Trials in April, where I hopefully will get the chance to travel with Team USA to World Juniors.”

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Aviation community supports NHS grad’s quest to help Able Flight

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By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Zack Reising developed a passion for air travel at an early age. “I was interested in FUNDRAISING being an astronaut (until) I learned I was too tall,” the 6-foot-3 Reising said. “Coincidentally, about the same time, my dad took me to his fraternity house at Purdue and there was a picture of (Apollo 11 astronaut) Neil Armstrong (who also had been in the fraternity). (Armstrong) got his pilot’s license before he got his driver’s license. I said, ‘I wanted to be like him.’ That got me on the track of being an aviation geek.” Reising, a 22-year-old Noblesville resident with cerebral palsy, started visiting Indianapolis Executive Airport and met pilot Greg Mink about five years ago. Mink has a YouTube channel, Premier 1 Driver, with more than 200,000 followers. Reising has been featured on Mink’s videos several times. “I call him a rock star,” Mink said. “Everybody loves seeing him. He’s been the recipient of several nice gifts from a lot of my viewers, including a flight simulator. Someone had a custom model of my jet made and had me give it to him. I like to call Zack my inspiration.” Reising, a 2018 Noblesville High School graduate, attends Ivy Tech and studies aviation technology. Sam Pittman met Reising by helping produce videos for Greg Mink. Pittman’s company, Scannell Properties, got the idea to help Reising through his company’s Pay it Forward program. So, he talked with Reising and his father about creating a fund to help with Reising’s flight training. “Zack selflessly decided he wanted the funds to go to Able Flight instead of his own flight training,” Pittman said. “Able Flight gives so many people the opportunity to fly with a multitude of disabilities.” Pittman approached Able Flight Executive Director Charles Stites, who was initially skeptical about the project’s chances for success. Pittman, 23, created a four-minute documentary featuring Reising. “This was my first documentary style (production),” said Pittman, who grew up in Carmel and graduated from Heritage Christian High School. “My original idea was, I see the comments on the videos on what an inspiration Zack was and wondering if there

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Greg Mink, left, takes Zack Reising on a ride in his airplane. (Photos courtesy of Sam Pittman)

was any way to give back to him.” Getting the video on Mink’s channel was important in drawing attention. “It’s a tight-knit community online,” Pittman said. “It resonated with a lot of people to help other pilots in need. They thought it was a great cause.” Jeff Reising, Zack’s father, said his son was excited about the project because he wanted to give back. “There are at least half a dozen people who have been off the charts with the opportunities. Zack saw this as a way to give back and help others with disabilities,” Jeff Reising said. “That was the driving force pushing this.” The Able Flight Blue 7 Scholarship GoFundMe page, started by Pittman, had an original goal of $30,000, but it has already reached $40,804. Blue 7 is a nickname Mink gave Reising. Reising said additional funds have been sent directly to Able Flight for the Blue 7 scholarship, raising the total to $44,000. The $30,000 goal was to help three people with disabilities complete the Able Flight program — one per year. “It’s really amazing,” Reising said. “It’s guaranteed we can now fund five students. Able Flight said I’ll be able to pin the wings for the first Blue 7 scholarship winner.” Reising’s goal has been raised to $54,000, so more can take advantage. Reising, who does have his driver’s license, is working toward a pilot’s license. “Legally, he can get his pilot’s license and alternatively he can get a light sport aircraft license, which requires fewer hoops to go through and requires only a driver’s license,” Jeff Reising said. “Then you just have to do the flight stuff. Zack has passed his written test and has 125 flight hours already. “

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February 8, 2022

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project, which will later impact other areas, is expected to be complete by May.

Project: Chad Hittle Drive roundabout FISHERS Location: A section of CONSTRUCTION Project: Roundabout 191st Street from Tomlinson construction on 146th Road to U.S. 31 will be street. converted into a boulevard with a Location: The intersection of Ind. 37 and roundabout at Chad Hittle Drive. 146th Street. Best detour is bypassing Estimated completion: Drivers will 146th street by taking 141st street. continue to see construction signs and Expected completion: May activity off the road, but no associated Project: Roundabout construction on 131st closures at this time. street. CARMEL Location: The intersection of Ind. 37 and Project: Range Line Road reconstruction 131st Street. Best detour is to avoid 131st Location: 116th Street to Carmel Drive. The street by taking 126th street. initial phase affects the right southbound Expected completion: July lane of Range Line Road as crews replace ZIONSVILLE a water main. Work will stop for the Project: Templin Road Bridge winter and resume in mid-March with reconstruction construction of a roundabout at Medical Location: The shoulder of this bridge Drive followed by construction of a is closed. The Templin Road bridge over roundabout at 116th Street. Eagle Creek was inspected and an Expected completion: Summer engineering firm has been hired by the Project: Transmission and water utility Boone County Highway Department to work work on design of a complete bridge Location: Veterans Way between The Cat replacement. Theatre and 1st Street SW. Partial closures Estimated completion: Construction will will occur but access to all addresses will start in 2022. be maintained. Expected completion: The four-phase

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Nickel Plate Express offers Valentine’s-themed train rides

“We also welcome their questions about the history of the train and are always amazed to (find out) that they are traveling on rail lines that were laid in the early 1850s,” she said. The 65-minute ride will take passengers to the Town of Arcadia, where it will reverse course and return to Forest Park. “The ride allows people to see such diverse scenery,” Dickover said. “They will travel past sports fields, farm fields, neighborhoods as we approach and leave Cicero and Arcadia, and travel over the train bridge at the north end of Morse Reservoir.” Tickets are $47 per person for the adults-only excursion, and $28 per person for the family excursion. They are available at NickelPlateExpress.com.

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The Nickel Plate Valentine’s Express adult excursion will include a Valentine’s-themed mimosa. (Photo courtesy of Nickel Plate Express)

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Nickel Plate’s Valentine’s Express will roll out of Noblesville’s Forest Park Feb. 12 and 13 for special excurTHINGS TO DO sions for families and adults. The excursions will take place at the same time in three different 1956 vintage Hi-Level Santa Fe Budd train cars. “The adult excursion will feature an afternoon Valentine mimosa and a little treat box of sweet and savory snacks along with romantic music,” said Toni Dickover, a Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad Board of Directors member. “The family ride will include a sweet treat, along with a Valentine’s card activity for the kids to do on the train or take home to work on. “Parents can also order the Valentine mimosa or (a) beer pour in the family car.” The first Valentine Expresses were in 2019 and 2020. The trips weren’t offered last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The excursions pay tribute to the romantic nature of trains as often portrayed in movies. “Even a daytime train ride spending some quiet time talking together is romantic. There’s just something kind of magical about settling into the train, being served and gazing out over the countryside while the train gently rocks and the scenery passes by,” Dickover said. “We see couples of all ages enjoy our drink and food experiences because it provides a moment to relax, listen to the music, talk and be present. Others prefer to come with their (friends) or another couple.” Dickover said she enjoys seeing passengers relaxing and having a good time.

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February 8, 2022

COVER STORY

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Westfield woman operates unique business from home By Anna Skinner anna@youarecurrent.com Like many people across the U.S., Amber Blakley lost her job during the COVID-19 pandemic. But instead of sulking, the Westfield resident embraced it as an opportunity. Blakley, 35, used the time to create a gift-wrapping business. The unique venture was an immediate success, and she now wraps gifts year-round. “I actually first learned gift-wrapping skills and caught the bug of gift wrapping during my time in the Hamilton County 4-H program,” said Blakley, who participated in 4-H for 10 years. “I did gift-wrapping projects for nine of those 10 years. That’s where I learned the foundation of everything.” Blakley, who worked for a nonprofit before losing her job, wanted to apply skills she already had and be home with her daughter. “So, that’s when I started offering custom gift-wrapping services, right in time for the holidays of 2020,” Blakley said. “I got a good amount of business that year just getting started and trying it out. Ever since then, I’ve been offering it year-round for all sorts of occasions.” Blakley wraps thank-you gifts for teachers and birthdays and even offers services for corporate orders. “One of the biggest surprises is, I’ve been asked to wrap lots of empty boxes for people to use as décor for holidays or birthday parties or even elementary school classrooms,” Blakley said. Blakley has wrapped custom items, too, including a 3-foot-tall gift box to resemble a pineapple. Sheridan Elementary School third-grade teacher Nina Lechner wanted a flamingo and pineapple theme for her classroom. “She wanted a giant pineapple, so I got a huge box and wrapped it to look like a pineapple,” Blakley said. Lechner appreciated the box. “It makes a statement in our classroom,” Lechner said. “It brings joy to the kids and staff alike. It has become a conversation piece, for sure.” Blakley operates her business from her

GIFT WRAPPING TIPS

Amber Blakley wraps gifts for Valentine’s Day. (Photo by Rachel Greenberg)

home, but she also wraps gifts at the Indiana Artisan shop in the Indiana Design Center in Carmel. She wraps gifts for customers who purchase items at the store. Although Christmas is Blakley’s busiest time of year, Valentine’s Day is a close second. “I would also be happy to build more business throughout the whole year,” Blakley said. “There are tons of occasions throughout the year and not just holidays people need gifts wrapped for.” Blakley is also a seamstress and sometimes uses a sewing machine to sew pouches for certain gifts, such as gift cards or money. “One thing I’d like to offer this year for graduation gifts for Westfield students is sewing a gift card into the shape of a Shamrock,” she said. “Part of what I love about this is, if somebody has a certain idea in mind, I love the challenge of being given that idea and making it happen.” For Valentine’s Day, Blakley said wine

bottles are popular gifts, which she wraps in a “fun way.” “A lot of people say (the gifts) are too pretty to open, but I view it as two gifts in one — the gift inside but also the experience of opening the gift,” Blakley said. “That can create a really special moment for the gift recipient. No, it’s not too pretty to open. It’s an extra gift there for you, and the giver saw you as a special person and wanted to do this extra step for you because you’re special to them.” Blakley plans to offer gift-wrapping workshops this year for people to learn gift-wrapping skills. Blakley’s husband, Kyle, is an engineer. They have two daughters, Annabelle and Madeline. Blakley said she doesn’t wrap her own gifts. Although Kyle doesn’t use her tips, he is “very good” at wrapping. ON THE COVER: Amber Blakley wraps gifts year-round. (Photo by Rachel Greenberg)

Amber Blakley has made a career out of her gift-wrapping skills. She uses double-sided tape and, for people who wrap their own gifts, she advises never leaving a raw edge of paper and always folding the paper under a quarter inch. To make the gifts more fun, Blakley suggests adding an embellishment with ribbon or twine. “If they’re going for a certain theme, then I definitely try to make that come to life,” Blakley said. “For example, last year I wrapped several gifts for a birthday party with a spy and detective theme. I added a magnifying glass on one of the packages, and another one had fingerprints on it.” Blakley also suggests using a box when possible since boxes are easier to wrap. “I hardly ever use gift bags,” she said. “It takes a certain circumstance to do that. There’s no shame in gift bags. They are easy to use and carry. But for me, I like to figure out a way to wrap it without using a bag.

February 8, 2022

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ESSAY

HUMOR

To each his own?

Perfecting imperfect parenting

Commentary by Terry Anker The cliché goes that possession is nine-tenths of the law. Essentially, it reinforces the playground rule that whoever has — and can defend — the swing gets to keep it for all recess. Who “owned” it before and those waiting in line to use it after are at a distinct disadvantage to the one who is in the seat. Short of physical altercation where the stronger would displace the current holder, others dispossessed of the swing are left to appeal to a higher authority to resolve the dispute. “Teacher, Johnny won’t share the swing. He’s used it long enough. Make him share!” As we matriculate from childhood in pursuit of something that looks like adult lives, we leave behind the short pants but carry along much of this deeply imbued sensibility of possession. Our homes are our homes. Our businesses belong to us. Our communities are defined by us living there. As we move from the more tangible, the connection to custody becomes less clear. If a bank holds a mortgage on our homes, do we really own it? If a tax authority makes a claim against it, should they demand an interest? If we found and build a business with our own cash and labor, it is ours. But what if the entrepreneur takes investors? Is it her company any longer? Can she raise her salary assured that she answers to no other? Nonprofits are often administered by leaders decades into the job but demand term limits to keep boards fresh. Healthy buy-in can rot into a confused sense of controlling ownership. If we are the fiduciaries, can they be the sole decision makers? Englishman J.R.R. Tolkien wrote, “It is mine, I tell you. My own. My precious.” Still, if others have a legitimate interest, does the possessor necessarily prevail?

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

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” — WINSTON CHURCHILL

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.

Let’s get real. I’m not a perfect mother, but I do think I did a fairly decent job of co-raising our four mostly grown children. To my knowledge, no one has been incarcerated, therapy has been minimal and gainful employment is within reach for all. For whatever reason, though, my heirs truly enjoy harping on my shortcomings as a parent. No Mom of the Year here, apparently. Their main complaint is that I failed to model a healthy way to deal with hard emotions, which is absolutely true. In the grand tradition of the English, I generally suppress my feelings until I can bawl like a baby in private. And because my little darlings never saw me cry, they don’t know how to appropriately express sadness or grief. Fair enough, but that is what trained psychologists are for. Get over it. A newer jab, stemming primarily from my highly extraverted first daughter, is that I don’t attend to their needs as social beings. Basically, because I don’t shower her with hugs and back scratches and other physical signs of affection at every waking moment, I don’t love her. That seems a bit harsh, and in my defense, I’m an introvert who works full time with hundreds of often-dramatic teenagers. I don’t have it within me to snuggle a bottle of cabernet at the end of the day, let alone a chatty Cathy girlchild. No matter. In her opinion, it’s another strike against my would-be claim to maternal glory. Whatevs. I’m not perfect. No parent is. But generally speaking, my kids turned out fine. That’s got to be worth a Mother of the Month, right? Peace out.

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

February 8, 2022

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Who’s got my back? Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

those issues at your age — if they reach your age.” I’m a lucky guy. I have three great physNow, back to Eva. She’s in charge of ical therapists. Anna, Bri and Don work on getting my pelvic floor back in shape, since my neck, shoulders and arm, and Eva helps those muscles were weakened because of a me perform a certain exercise that I wrote surgery several years ago. Men might want about in a column a to question Siri or few years ago. Now, Alexa about KegelI never have enough time to do all I’m back for a second ing. Every woman these routines, so last night I tried to knows what it is. round of treatment. I’m glad it’s not literEva’s a tiny thing, do everything simultaneously while ally a round. It’s embut by just working watching TV. I was stretching my barrassing enough on me for a month, upper body, twist- ing my neck from already, but I can’t my pelvic floor is side to side and pulling up on an imagine someone getting back to its ringing a bell when elastic band held under my foot — all original condition. we finish. Ding, ding, By comparison, last while doing Kegels. ding! More on this winter it took three – DICK WOLFSIE later. big men with a giant My orthopedist had electric sander to previously ordered an X-ray and an MRI on get our dining room floor back in good shape. my shoulder for injuries I received from a bad I have exercises to do at home for my arm fall when I was out jogging a few months and shoulder, as well as doing my Kegel ago. These were just a few of the notes from maneuvers. I never have enough time to do the radiologist who read my results: all these routines, so last night I tried to do “The coracoid process is intact. The everything simultaneously while watching coracoclavicular ligaments are intact. The TV. I was stretching my upper body, twisthumeral head and bony glenoid are ining my neck from side to side and pulling up tact. The infraspinatus and teres minor are on an elastic band held under my foot — all intact. Visualized portions of the chest wall while doing Kegels. I must have looked odd appear grossly intact.” because Mary Ellen thought I was developI have never been considered a person ing a terrible neuromuscular disorder. with any tact, so this all came as good news. Last week, Eva wasn’t around, so I asked Now, here’s the bad news I read: Patient Anna a question about Kegels. Anna didn’t has edematous capsular thickening at the train for that specialty, and she told me, IGHL and rotator interval most consistent “Sorry, Dick, that’s a little over my head.” with adhesive capsulitis. Supraspinatus ten“Then you are doing it all wrong,” I told her. dinosis with a partial intrasubstance tear at the far anterior. “Could you translate that into English?” Dick Wolfsie is an author, I asked my bone doc during the follow-up columnist and speaker. Contact appointment. him at wolfsie@aol.com. “Well, Dick, you’re 75. That pretty much explains everything. Everyone has most of

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February 8, 2022

HEALTH

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Foot pain and heart disease Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan Since February is American Heart Month, it’s a good time to talk PODIATRY about peripheral artery disease, or PAD. FOOT SIGNALS

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February 8, 2022

BUSINESS LOCAL

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Reluctant entrepreneur ready GET YOUR MOWER SERVICED to take Laser Flash to next level ANY BRAND. ANY MODEL. NO PROBLEM.

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com Laser Flash founder and owner Peter Murphy had been planning to relocate his business long before the Carmel Redevelopment Commission announced its intentions to purchase the building that houses it for redevelopment. Murphy opened the laser tag facility in 2002, and within a few years he knew he’d need more space. He thought he found the right location in north Carmel in 2009, but the Great Recession led the bank he was working with to close its commercial loan department, and the deal fell through. In summer 2018, he announced plans to partner with EdgeRock Development to relocate and expand to a new 50,000-squarefoot facility on Ind. 32 west of U.S. 31 in Westfield. “I was hoping to stay in Carmel, but there’s not much land left to develop here in the central core, so being on the Monon in Westfield is a great location,” Murphy said. Those plans are still in the works, albeit with a bit more urgency, as the CRC has asked the Carmel City Council to approve a purchase of the building at 611 3rd Ave. SW, which also houses Magnetic Concepts, for $4.8 million. The site, combined with a parcel owned by developer PedCor to the north and the Salon 01 building to the south, have been proposed by Carmel officials as a possible site for a museum featuring the Great American Songbook, but city officials have said they are interested in purchasing land in the area for redevelopment, regardless of its eventual use. If the CRC purchases the Laser Flash building, it plans to lease the building back to Laser Flash for $1 per year for approximately two years as the Westfield facility is constructed. The city council’s finance committee is set to discuss the sale at a meeting set for 6 p.m. Jan. 12 before sending it back to the full council for a vote. For Murphy, a Carmel resident, the planned move is just another step in his unexpected journey into the family entertainment business. AN UNXPECTED JOURNEY A native of Urbandale, Iowa, Murphy began a career in electrical engineering after he and his wife left active duty with the military in 1984. The couple had two small children when the company he worked for

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closed and he pulled out of a plan to pool severance bonuses with other engineers to start their own company, a decision he came to regret. Murphy ended up in Portland in a job he didn’t find fulfilling, and eventually the young family relocated to the Indianapolis area — halfway between grandparents in Iowa and Washington, D.C. Murphy took a job with Thomson Consumer Electronics, eventually going part time after his wife returned to active duty as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and he kept wondering what it would be like to start his own business. He found inspiration to finally become an entrepreneur after a friend recommended the book “Ender’s Game,” which includes a zero-gravity version of a game similar to laser tag, an activity he knew very little about. Around the same time, his son requested a laser tag birthday party, and while there, Murphy became inspired to open his own facility — and do it better. Less than nine months later, Laser Flash opened in Carmel. While laser tag may be the featured activity, it’s not the focus of his company. “What I’m selling here is not laser tag,” Murphy said. “What we’re selling is socializing.” That led to a difficult stretch in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when the business was forced to close as part of shutdowns to prevent the spread of the disease. Laser Flash used the time to upgrade its technology in the arena, making the game more of a team-building activity. Learn more at laser-flash.com.

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February 8, 2022

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Ex-English teacher helps bring Steinbeck classic to stage By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com A former English teacher, Brian Coon has had his students read “Of Mice and Men” dozens of times. PLAY “Almost every year, I taught it to sophomores or juniors,” Coon said. “I was really attracted to this show. This is one of my all-time favorite novels.” The Westfield resident portrays George Milton in “Of Mice and Men” from Feb. 10 to 20 at the Basile Westfield Playhouse. Coon is also the show’s lighting director. The show’s director, James Williams, approached Coon about being the lighting director. “My only caveat was, I still would audition for it,” Coon said. “I like doing the lighting, but I didn’t want to miss out on the chance to possibly be in the show.” George is the role he wanted, Coon said. “The whole show is George and Lennie (Small),” he said. The play is based on John Steinbeck’s 1937 novel about two migrant field workers, George Milton and Lennie Small. Small is a strong man who is mentally disabled and doesn’t know his own strength. The play is set in the U.S. during the Great Depression. “Joe Wagner, who is playing Lennie, is fantastic,” Coon said. Coon’s most recent performance was in “Going, Going, Gone” at the old Westfield Playhouse venue in 2019. A Fishers resident, Wagner said he has a history with the character, although he has never played him before. “In college, friends would make fun of me and call me Lennie sometimes because I was kind of uncoordinated and knocked things over all the time,” Wagner said. “So (the role) was always in the back of my head. When I saw it come around, I thought I would give it a shot to see if it would work.” Wagner said a lot of pressure comes with playing an iconic role. Lon Chaney Jr. played Lennie in the 1939 movie, and

“SHEAR MADNESS” “Kinky Boots” will run from Feb. 10 to March 27 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com. “THE BIG BANG” Actors Theatre of Indiana will present “The Big Bang,” a musical, through Feb. 20 at at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org. “THE 39 STEPS” Civic Theatre’s production of “The 39 Steps” runs through Feb. 19 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, civictheatre.org. “MR. CONFIDENTIAL” Actors Theatre of Indiana Lab Series will present a reading of “Mr. Confidential,” a musical, at 2 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistag.org. “PIAF! THE SHOW”

Joe Wagner, left, and Brian Coon appear in “Of Mice and Men” at Basile Westfield Playhouse. (Photo courtesy of Rob Slaven of Indy Ghost Light Photography)

John Malkovich played the role in the 1992 remake. “It’s such an interesting character because he is just so innocent and incredibly dangerous,” Wagner said. “He is trapped inside of a body he can’t control. That is really compelling to me because he does these sad and horrible things, but he almost has no control over how it happens or how anything looks.” Wagner said his character pleads with George that they need to leave the ranch because he knows if they stay, he is going to get in trouble. “Already he is not feeling right, so his instincts are correct,” Wagner said. “He is a tragic victim of circumstances.” Wagner said he has seen a handful of different performances in movies and on YouTube. “It was important to me to not speak

in a stereotypical, mentally handicapped voice,” he said. “It just wasn’t something that I was super interested in. I have an aunt who is special needs as well. They say multiple times he’s just like a child trapped in a man’s body. A child I can completely connect with. “The language and lines help you out immensely. If you do the line the way it’s written, that is half the work for you.” Williams, a Fishers resident, is directing his first show for Westfield Playhouse. “This is my first time with this show,” he said. “I fell in love with it several years ago in high school when they still taught it. It’s been a bucket list for me. The role I would have loved to play is Lennie, but I feel I’m almost too old for it. I’ve seen several productions of it. I wanted my turn at it.” For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

“Piaf! The Show” will feature vocalist Nathalie Lhermitte in a program celebrating the career of French singer Edith Piaf at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org. “THE BLACK DAHLIA” Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will present “The Black Dahlia” Feb. 12 to 27 at the Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, 329 Gradle Dr., Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org. “THE GLASS MENAGERIE” The Hyperion Players will present its inaugural production with “The Glass Menagerie” Feb. 10 to 12 at Ivy Tech Hamilton County Auditorium, Noblesville. For more, visit hyperionplayers.com. “OF MICE AND MEN” Main Street Productions will present “Of Mice and Men” from Feb. 10 to 20 at the Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

February 8, 2022

NIGHT & DAY

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Studdard embraces role of Lola By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

wildly exciting idea. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, the unexpected pair learns to Jonathan Studdard was attracted to the embrace their differences and create a line of role of Lola in “Kinky Boots” for multiple sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever reasons. seen. However, the most remarkable THEATER “She’s strong, achievement is their friendship. she’s warm, she’s Studdard has seen the production nurturing, and she always wants a few times. people to see the best in them“The most notable would definiteselves,” Studdard said. “Of course, I ly have to be when The Paramount was inspired when I saw the show in Chicago produced it,” he said. “It a while back and saw a story about starred Michael Wordly, and he was Studdard a Black queer character that loves outstanding.” fabulous things. But, most importantly, the The past six months have been memostory of acceptance and chosen family was rable for Studdard, who had been in Civic huge for me. This character resonates with Theatre’s all-Black cast of “The Color Purple” me because she is a character who has a in October 2021. big personality, loves deeply and fiercely, “Being part of Civic’s ‘Color Purple’ was a and she loves to bring the party.” life-changing experience, to say the least,” Studdard will appear in Beef & Boards he said. “It brought me so much joy to tell Dinner Theatre’s production of “Kinky Boots” the story and being surrounded by people from Feb. 10 to March 27. The Indianapolis that are family and chosen family.” resident said with music by Cyndi Lauper, Studdard was planning to reprise his the show has countless jams. role as The Cat later this month in Civic The plot centers around Charlie, a factory Theatre’s “The Cat in the Hat” before it was owner struggling to save his family busicanceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. ness. Lola is a fabulous entertainer with a For more, beefandboards.com.

Ballet INitiative to debut “INdy” By Chris Bavender editorial@youarecurrent.com Ballet INitiative will present a world premiere performance of “INdy” at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Tobias Theatre at DANCE Newfields in Indianapolis. There will be only one performance. The show is a collaboration of local composers, choreographers, dance companies, visual artists, and photographers to create a dance show showcasing the Indianapolis arts community. “We wanted to have a performance celebrating the local Indianapolis arts community that has supported us ever since we started back in August 2020,” said Ola Tarnowski, marketing and public relations director for Ballet INitiative. “There was no better way in our eyes to do so other than giving the arts community complete artistic free range in a performance. We told our choreographers and composers they could create anything that inspires them, and us and our dancers will bring their ideas to life. “Along the way, we felt it would be even better to include as many local artists of all different medias, (such as) musicians,

visual artists, photographers, other dance companies, to create an entire community of artists in one performance.” Tarnowski said attendees will see lots of variety at the show. “They’ll see all different styles of dance, from ballet and jazz to modern and contemporary,” Tarnowski said. “Along with our dancing, they’ll also see never-before-performed, brand new pieces created just for us, and (have) the ability to hear and see all different kinds of art in just one show — the art, the brand-new music compositions, the photography. “Lastly, they’ll see our deep connection with each other and the love we have for not only our art form, but the art of the city we are so proud to call home.” The performance will be Ballet INitiative’s debut at the Tobias Theatre. “This is our first performance in a largescale theater as an organization,” Tarnowski said. “As we’ve grown in interest and support in the last 18 months, we are filled with hope as we enter the larger-performance scene of Indianapolis. We’re so proud and excited of all our artists’ hard work. For more, visit balletinitiative.org. Untitled-1 1

1/10/2022 3:44:07 PM

February 8, 2022

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Show pays tribute to Piaf By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The History of the World Like You’ve NEVER Seen it Before! Starring John Vessels and Darrin Murrell Music by Jed Feuer | Book and Lyrics by Boyd Graham Directed by Michael Blatt | Musical Direction by Brent Marty THE BIG BANG is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. concordtheatricals.com SPONSORED BY

French vocalist Nathalie Lhermitte is a natural fit to perform as Edith Piaf. “I heard the voice of Edith Piaf MUSIC at the age of 4,” Lhermitte said. “It was a very strong, emotional shock. The meaning of the words of her songs did not reach me. I was too young, but the truth in her voice reached me in the heart.” Lhermitte will perform in “Piaf! The Show” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The production is inspired by the award-winning film “La Vie en Rose.” The show celebrates the life and career of legendary French nightclub singer Piaf through her most popular songs. Lhermitte will be accompanied by live musicians and historical images for a multimedia audience experience. “It is true that the role of Edith Piaf has been in my comedian life for a long time,” Lhermitte said. “I joined this great team of Directo Productions for two years already, and in order to celebrate the 60 years of its dis-

appearance, the show has been expanded.” Piaf died in 1963 at age 47. An autopsy wasn’t performed, but the suspected cause of death was liver failure attributed to liver cancer and cirrhosis. “This show follows through the songs (that reflect) the spirit of the artist,” Lhermitte said. “Edith Piaf lived only for her songs. It was only natural for us that they live for her.” The show, directed by French theater maverick Gil Marsalla, includes photos of Piaf and images of Parisian locations. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

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French vocalist Nathalie Lhermitte will perform in “Piaf! The Show” Feb. 10 at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of the Center for the Performing Arts)

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February 8, 2022

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‘Mr. Confidential’ reading set By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

“It was outselling TV Guide and Time magazine at its height in the 1950s,” said Bernstein, who has worked in the television Samuel Garza Bernstein’s dream of bringand film industry most of his career. ing “Mr. Confidential” to the stage is taking The magazine centered on Hollywood, another step closer. Broadway and Washington news MUSICAL Actors Theatre of but eventually became more about Indiana Lab Series Hollywood, Bernstein said. will present a reading of “Mr. Confi“All of the juicy stuff was all dential,” a musical, at 2 p.m. Feb. 12 true,” Bernstein said. “They never at the Studio Theater at the center lost a lawsuit. There were silly for the Performing Arts in Carmel. stories like Frank Sinatra is the Bernstein wrote the musical’s Tarzan of the boudoir because he Bernstein book and lyrics, adapted from eats Wheaties between lovemaking a 2007 nonfiction book he wrote about sessions. He did eat Wheaties and he did Confidential magazine and the family that eat them between having sex, so it was created it. David Snyder wrote the music. kind of true. What you get is the silliness The magazine was founded by Bob Harrison. of Wheaties are what powered his sexual Bernstein started developing the musical prowess is silly. If they said Gary Cooper in 2012. was having an affair with Anita Ekberg, he “All the things that are most unbelievable was having an affair with Anita Ekberg.” are completely true,” Bernstein said. “What Bernstein met ATI co-founder Don Farrell I’ve played around with is the timelines to and began talking to him about creating a put a narrative together. Let’s say I made show in 2019. Farrell will portray Harrison in Bob a little more of a romantic than perhaps the reading. There are 15 cast members. he was in life.” For more, visit mrconfidentialmusical. Bernstein said Confidential magazine was com. extremely popular back in its day.

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Blueprint for Improvement: Contemporary kitchen in Carmel Commentary by Larry Greene Built in 1980 in Carmel’s Cedar Point neighborhood, this home’s original kitchen was ready for a remodel to improve form, function and flow.

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THE BLUEPRINT • The existing peninsula was removed to improve flow and infuse the space with light. • An island was added to increase functionality for the homeowner, an avid baker. • Caesarstone Misty Carrara countertops were used on the perimeter cabinets, and Bianco Paradiso granite was used to accent the island. • White upper cabinets combined with a light backsplash resulted in an airy and open feel, while base cabinets in a warmer wood tone help to ground the space.

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February 8, 2022

LIFESTYLE

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Illeists sound the silliest Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Lotus Tower in Aswan, Egypt. (Photos by Don Knebel)

A visit to Aswan Commentary by Don Knebel Today, continuing with places to go during Indiana winters, we will visit Aswan, Egypt, with an average high TRAVEL temperature in February of 77 degrees, with no rain. Aswan, originally named Swenett, is located along the Nile River at the first (northern most) of its granite outcroppings known as “cataracts.” Because the cataracts made river travel further south difficult, Swenett defined ancient Egypt’s boundary with Nubia. Because of extensive granite deposits near the surface, Swenett’s granite quarries produced obelisks and enormous granite blocks that were transported hundreds of miles north on the Nile. Because Swenett lies very near the Tropic of Cancer, where the sun is directly overhead on the summer solstice, its location was important to ancient geographers. Today, Aswan, with a population of about 350,000, is an important tourist destination. Just south of the city is the 2-mile-long Aswan High Dam, erected with Russian support between 1960 and 1970 to control Nile flooding. The 230-foot-tall Lotus Tower near the dam commemorates Egyptian/Russian friendship. Nearby is a wonderfully preserved temple to Isis, originally built by the Greeks on the Island of Philae and moved to higher ground to escape the waters of Lake Nasser, created by the dam. Feluccas, graceful traditional boats propelled by both oars and sails, take visitors to the temple and other sites along the river, including Elephantine Island, reportedly once the site of a Jewish temple and now the site of a Nubian village. At night, Aswan’s famous spice market, which sells much more than spices, teems with visitors, who can engage horse-

Feluccas sail on the Nile River.

There’s a 1995 episode of “Seinfeld” where Jerry, George and Kramer play basketball at the local health club with a guy named Jimmy. Not GRAMMAR GUY only does Jimmy sell special training shoes that supposedly increase your vertical leap, but he always refers to himself in the third person. Because of Jimmy’s use of third-person, George invests in the specialty shoes and Elaine mistakenly agrees to go on a date with Jimmy. Hilarity ensues. Believe it or not, there’s a term for someone who refers to himself in the third person: an illeist. At first glance, this sounds like a person who believes in a sick deity; I assure you this isn’t the case. Illeism is the act of referring to yourself in the third person. Illeism is also known as “self-talk” or “self-naming.” And, while you’re wondering, here’s the secret on when to use the hyphen: Write “third person” when the term is used as a noun and write “third-person” when using the term as a compound adjective.

We get the term “illeism” from the Latin word “ille,” which means “he” or “that man.” The word was first used by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1809. The plural version of illeism is the term “nosism,” more commonly known as “the royal we.” In Curtis’ research, Curtis has found three primary areas where illeism thrives: In Shakespeare, among professional athletes, and among politicians. If I had time to add a fourth category, it would be Elmo. But Curtis doesn’t have time to discuss Elmo. Finally, illeism wouldn’t exist without politicians. In 1996, Bob Dole famously declared, “Make no mistake, Bob Dole is going to be the Republican nominee.” Some say illeism sounds pretentious, and I tend to agree. For some reason, however, the elitist illeist are the ones who sound the silliest.

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

LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’S STANDARD CONTRACT RIDER NO. 50 PARALLEL OPERATION FOR QUALIFYING FACILITY DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around February 25, 2022, Duke Energy Indiana, in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10, will submit its Standard Contract Rider No. 50, Parallel Operation-For Qualifying Facility (“Standard Contract Rider 50”) to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. This filing of Standard Contract Rider 50 provides the updated calculation of the standard offer rates for the purchase of energy and capacity for 2022.

Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan.

drawn carriages for trips around the city. Many visitors come to Aswan on Nile River boats shuttling between Luxor and Aswan. Guests can stay at the five-star Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote part of “Death on the Nile,” sipping afternoon tea on a terrace overlooking the Nile.

Don Knebel is a local resident who works for Barnes & Thornburg LLP. For the full column visit donknebel. com. You may contact him at editorial@youarecurrent.com.

Standard Contract Rider 50 is available to all qualifying Duke Energy Indiana customers and is expected to be approved approximatelythirty-days from the date of filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or Randall C. Helmen with the Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers: Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission 101 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 317-232-2703 Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor PNC Center 115 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-232-2494 Duke Energy Indiana, LLC

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February 8, 2022

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INTERIOR CLEANING/DETAIL EXTERIOR WASH + WAX • GIFT CERTIFICATES

Classifieds

VISA, MasterCard accepted. Reach 124,150 homes weekly

SERVICES

(765) 233-7100

pain hetownred2007@gmail.com

• Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Cabinets

dan@dansdetail.info

FIREWOOD SALE Topping – Removal Deadwooding – Landscaping Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES Call Steve 317-341-4905 or 317-932-2115

WILL DO BOBCAT WORK & DO WINTER/STORM CLEAN-UP Trim/Remove shrubs & trees Clean out houses, garages, basements, attics, gutters, paint. Do odd jobs, demo small buildings Provide personal services Fully Insured Text of all Jay. 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jaypersonalservices.com

GUITAR LESSONS

Wth recording artist Duke Tumatoe Learn from professional and have fun On Line or In Carmel duke@duketumatoe.com or 317-201-5856

• House Wash • Roof Wash • Concrete Cleaning & Sealing House Wash • Concrete Cleaning & Sealing • Stamped Concrete Cleaning • Stamped Concrete Cleaning & Sealing • Deck Cleaning & & Sealing • Paver Cleaning and Sealing Cleaning Staining • Fence Cleaning and Staining••Dock Paver Cleaning and and Sealing Sealing • Dock Cleaning and Sealing

Give us a before call at 317-490-2922 to schedule your Free Quote & Demonstration omaliashsr.com Serving, Hamilton, Marion, Boone Madison & Hancock counties

house washing

Give us a call at 317-490-2922 Serving, Hamilton, Marion & Boone counties • omalias.com NOW HIRING

NOW HIRING

CARMEL OFFICE

Hiring experienced lawn care laborers, shrub and tree trimmers, Bobcat operators immediately. Text/call Jay 574-398-2135

www.pawpatrolindy.com

317-802-6565 317-432-1627

PEF Noblesville Receptionist position

“The Safe and Reliable Alternative to Boarding”

Answering phone and communicating with customers. Basic clerical duties. Assist Administration as needed Forward resume to bill@peﬁnc.com

Insured/Bonded Serving Carmel & Westfield

NOW HIRING

DOG WALKER/PET SITTER

Local Dental Lab FULL TIME position for Driver/Ofﬁce work. Responsibility includes Pick-up and delivery ,and some ofﬁce work Good driving record required. Start pay @ $15.00 per hr. Please email rdl-mg@sbcglobal.net

OFFICE MANAGER: CARMEL PART TIME M-Th 8:30 am -1:00 pm Additional hours possible To cover for co-worker. Must be mature and experienced Must have internet skills Medical Terminology Preferred SEND RÉSUMÉ TO ORTHOGOOD@SBCGLOBAL.NET

Seeking experienced, mature person to walk dogs and care for cats. Flexible, part time work. Apply at www.FetchPetCare.com

COMPUTER TECHNICIAN NEEDED

Local Computer repair shop in need of PC and Mac techs with experience pref both PC and Macs, certiﬁcation strongly desired, pleasant personality & some sales experience. Pay starting at $16/hour and up for F/T. Send resume with cover letter to jobs@ctcarmel.com

to schedule your Free Quote & Demonstration

Hiring 2 full time Maintenance Technician HOA MGMT ofﬁce – work would be performed on locations around Indy area. Company vehicle provided. $15-$17 with beneﬁts. Please send resume to: jfreeman@cas-indiana.com

Pet & House Sitting Service

after

NOW HIRING

PART TIME/FULL TIME

CAREGIVER/HOUSEKEEPER URGENTLY NEEDED -

This is a live-out position work, from Monday to Thursday. $700 weekly Childcare and Light housekeeping Must be able to interact with children Speak English, and non-smoker. MUST HAVE REFERENCES AND BE RESPONSIBLE,If interested you can reach Mary at foodstores101@gmail.com

2022 VIRTUAL TEACHER RECRUITMENT FAIR Elementary: Tuesday, March 1 Secondary: Wednesday, March 2 5:00-7:00pm

www.msdwt.k12.in.us

To RSVP and for questions: dbarton@msdwt.k12.in.us WHY MSDWT? • Teaching at all grade levels! • Equity and Culturally Responsive Practices Competitive Salary • $46,000 beginning teacher salary & full benefit package! 8550 Woodfield Crossing Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46240

February 8, 2022

Current in Westfield

www.currentinwestfield.com

NOW HIRING

SHERWIN – WILLIAMS AUTOMOTIVE IS HIRING FULL-TIME & PART TIME BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: • Must be at least 18 years of age. • Must have a valid driver’s license. • Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status. • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. frequently and up to 100 lbs. on occasion • Must be able to operate a computer and communicate via the telephone. • Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing • May work in areas where toxic, flammable, and hazardous materials are present.

Please apply at http://sherwin.com/careers Part-Time (Job Number: 21000I82) Full-Time (Job Number: 21000OUR) Full-Time: Mon-Fri Starting Pay: Up To $20 - Job No. 21000OUR Part-Time: Mon-Fri Starting Pay: Up To $15 - Job No. 21000I82

For questions please contact store manager at: 317-787-8361

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR SKILLED CARPENTERS!

Looking for job security? Simpson Construction Services has so much work that it must hire ﬁve people for residential remodeling NOW. The skilled carpenters we select will have strong abilities in bathroom remodeling, but also with respect to kitchens, decks, basements, wood and tile ﬂooring, doors and windows, interior and exterior painting, drywall, plumbing and electrical, siding and room additions. Again: Only skilled carpenters need apply. For immediate consideration, call Gary Simpson at 317.703.9575.

WORK HERE. BE HAPPY. Who are Clarity Care Givers? We are the premier Personal Services Agency serving elders across Central Indiana. And, we are an amazing place to work! Are you compassionate? Are you service and detail-oriented? Do you have a heart of service? If you have these qualities, and caring for vulnerable adults is or could be meaningful for you - please send your resume to: apply@claritycaregivers.com or call Amber and Suzanne at 317.774.0074, Option 3. Clarity Care Givers offers a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive culture focused on strong connections, recognition, compassion, and life balance---to name a few. Come to Clarity Care Givers, LLC Trusted, Requested - Preferred

NOW HIRING

SYSTEM SOFTWARE ARCHITECT.

NOW HIRING

MECHANICAL ENGINEER.

Carmel, IN. Develop high level software architecture, deﬁning the safety and control data ﬂows for multicore complex software in Active Safety Area. Estimate and verify software architecture design meets all derived software requirements. Develop Software architecture to meet functional safety, and other automotive standards. Develop performance and resource consumption matrix for microprocessor usage. Perform the safety analysis of the software design and develop the software architecture that addresses software safety and cybersecurity requirements. Requires Master of Science in Electrical or Computer Engineering with coursework in Advanced Computer Architecture, Advanced Hardware Design, Micro Electronics, Computer Architecture, Digital Imaging Processing, and Digital Control Systems. Mail resumes to: Aptiv Corporation Attn: Lori Tucker, HR Site Manager, 13085 Hamilton Crossing Blvd, Carmel, IN 46032. Ref: 70618A

Carmel, IN. Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and schematics. Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, and maintain mechanical products, systems, equipment, and processes. Develop, coordinate, and monitor all aspects of production. Investigate equipment failures of difﬁculties to diagnose faults and recommend solutions. Work with engineers to implement operating procedures, resolve malfunctions, and provide technical support. Requires Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering and coursework in CAD/CAM Theory and Application, Finite Element Analysis, Advanced Dynamics, Composite Materials, and Design Optimization Methods. Mail resumes to: Aptiv Corporation, Attn: Lori Tucker, HR Site Manager, 13085 Hamilton Crossing Blvd., Carmel, IN 46032. Ref: 70783A.

SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Carmel, IN. Develop physical platforms for Active Safety/IDI/advanced sensor automotive products. Develop total systems solutions through logical and systematic transformation of customer/product requirements. Create design artifacts, perform technical planning, requirements analysis/management and systems architecture/ design/integration/veriﬁcation. Lead technical design analysis, trade off studies, FMEAs, design reviews and customer presentations. Lead project technical discussions with cross-competency team, management and customers. Requires Master’s degree in Mechanical or Systems Engineering and one year of automotive embedded engineering experience, including implementing DIDs, PIDs, DTCs and CPIDs in DMS diagnostics, camera alignment, vehicle validation and testing of front camera module (FCM), root cause analysis of FCM issues, and debugging tools CANalyzer, Wind River IDE, Vector CANdela, and CANoe DiVa. Mail resumes to: Aptiv Corporation, Attn: Lori Tucker, HR Site Manager, 13085 Hamilton Crossing Blvd., Carmel, IN 46032. Ref: 70739A.

VEHICLE SYSTEMS ENGINEER.

Carmel, IN. Design and Develop ADAS products (radar, cameras, ECUs, software). Collaborate with engineering teams to determine development cost, resource requirements, and project timelines. Present project quotes to engineering management for approval. Generate BOM for product design and work with purchasers to determine cost. Interface with technical teams to perform requirement analysis. Generate pursuit business case inputs for the Active Safety product lines. Requires Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or Electrical and Computer Engineering and two years of experience with automotive electrical or systems engineering, creating DFMEA documentation, developing validation test plans and reports, performing cost optimization, and coordinating design change activities. Experience must include use of pSpice, Altium, and PSIM. Mail resumes to: Aptiv Corporation, Attn: Lori Tucker, HR Site Manager, 13085 Hamilton Crossing Boulevard, Carmel, Indiana 46032. Ref: 70677A.

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Call Dennis O’Malia 317-370-0749

February 8, 2022

Current in Westfield

www.currentinwestfield.com

May 7, 2022 | Indianapolis

“One of America’s most iconic races” #1 Half Marathon of the Decade!