March 14, 2023 — Westfield

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Westfield HS winter bands set to perform / P13

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Westfield council to consider rezoning of land

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A rezoning request by Westfield Washington Schools for nearly 97 acres of land the district wants to build a second middle school on will now head to Westfield City Council for final approval.

GOVERNMENT

The city’s Advisory Plan Commission voted March 6 to send a positive recommendation to rezone 96.46 acres at Ind. 32 and Centennial Road to the council. The council’s next meeting is set for 7 p.m. March 13.

The district announced in January that it plans to build a new elementary and new middle school under a plan called Destination Westfield. Under the proposed plan, district officials would build a new elementary school at 171st Street and Towne Road, while a second middle school has been proposed for the land targeted for rezoning at Ind. 32 and Centennial Road with the possibility of an elementary school also on the site.

The parcel of land at Ind. 32 and Centennial Road is approximately $5.9 million, although a purchase hasn’t been finalized, according to Brian Tomamichel, assistant superintendent for business and operations with the district. The purchase is expected to be completed sometime this spring, he said.

Tomamichel said in a previous interview

he anticipates a bond would be needed to purchase the land, while another bond would be necessary for the construction of any buildings on the property. The district’s plans mean that its tax rate would remain unchanged, he added.

As part of the district’s Destination Westfield plans, officials want to keep fifth grade in elementary schools and move sixth grade to middle school. However, that change isn’t expected to occur for a few years, according to the district.

The district also plans to convert the

A rendering showing a concept plan for the property. (Rendering provided by Westfield Washington Schools)

Westfield Intermediate School into an eighth elementary school and renovate or rebuild Shamrock Springs Elementary School. A renovation of Carey Ridge Elementary School will get underway this spring to expand capacity to serve students and families in the school’s special education program, according to officials.

The district also plans to have public meetings to receive feedback regarding its overall vision moving forward, said Joshua Andrews, spokesman for Westfield Washington Schools.

Young named as bicentennial ambassador

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

also met criteria for being a student in good standing at their high school, she said.

CELEBRATION

Westfield High School student David Young is among 11 sophomores and juniors from Hamilton County who will serve as bicentennial ambassadors through the end of the year.

The bicentennial ambassadors will serve as a bridge from the past to the future through conversation and public engagement, said Jessica Layman, bicentennial coordinator. Hamilton County is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.

The purpose of the bicentennial ambassador program is to engage high school students by using the past 200 years to inform the future, according to Layman. Those chosen expressed a genuine interest in history and how communities function and

Young said being chosen as a Hamilton County bicentennial ambassador means a great deal and is happy to be a part of the program. He said he will be able to learn further about history relative to Indiana and more specifically Hamilton County.

In addition, Young said it will allow him to view different perspectives on historical topics and help him to construct a better understanding.

“I hope people enjoy the diversity in Westfield along with the array of opportunities that have been created in recent years. Beyond what meets the eye, Westfield has continuously become more diverse, and I hope people enjoy being able to meet new neighbors and peers of different backgrounds,” Young said. “Diversity allows for not only social growth, but economic

growth throughout the city as well. Along with that, we have also seen exposure to many new opportunities here in Westfield — both socially and economically.”

Other than Young, the following students were also selected as bicentennial ambassadors:

• Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School — Elizabeth Parkins

• Carmel High School — Ben Boyce

• Carmel High School — Ridhi Dondeti

• Carmel High School — Christopher Foote

• Carmel High School — Jane Martens

• Carmel High School — Sophia Stephens

• Hamilton Heights High School — Aurelia

Lingenfelter

• Noblesville High School — Gabby

Jellison

• Noblesville High School — Isabella

Lingenfelter

• Sheridan High School — Valerie Adams

Young

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Ice Rocks Hockey Club puts championship on ice

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The second period had been a problem for the Westfield Ice Rocks Hockey Club team all season.

out with injuries.

Farrier said the team was successful because of “100 percent buy-in from all of our players, incredible effort, and a desire to win as a team, not be the individual hero of the game.”

SPORTS

That changed in Westfield’s 3-0 victory over Brebeuf Jesuit March 4 in the Indiana High School Hockey Association’s Class 1A state championship game at Evansville’s Swonder Ice Arena.

“We played our best second period of the season, scoring all three goals in the middle frame,” said Mike Farrier, in his second year as head coach. “Second period has given us heartburn all year, and we finally figured it out when it counted.”

It was the first state high school title for Westfield, which lost 3-2 in double overtime to Culver in the Class 1A state championship game last season.

The Ice Rocks, whose home rink is the Arctic Center in Westfield, finished the season 15-23-2 with a 3-1 record in the postseason. Eight of the losses came in in the first six weeks when the team had seven players

Westfield High School senior Andrew Nicholson scored the first and third goals, and Mt. Vernon High School sophomore Keegan Houck tallied the second goal.

“Nicholson and Caleb Coates were our offensive stalwarts, and Noah McCoy was our goaltender, who got a shutout in the state championship game and was our defensive anchor all season,” Farrier said.

Coates and McCoy also are WHS seniors as is Lyla Bozoian, who will play for the women’s hockey team at Trine University. Two seniors, Caleb Ridener and Cam Burgess, attend Lawrence North.

Brendan Keen, a senior who attends Scecina High School and plans to play hockey at Trine University, is also on the team, along with teammate Noah Rush, who attends Noblesville High School and is Farrier’s stepson.

“I TRUST DR. SULLIVAN AS MY FOOT DOCTOR!”

The Westfield Ice Rocks Hockey Club celebrates with its state championship trophy March 4 after defeating Brebeuf Jesuit during the IHSHA’s Class 1A state championship game in Evansville. (Photo courtesy of Chris Thorsen)

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Jay Howard, MottazSport OK deal

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Jay Howard Driver Development in Westfield has signed a deal with MottazSport to provide advancement programs for team drivers.

Jake Mottaz, who leads his company known for karting, said teaming with Jay Howard Driver Development was an easy decision for Team MottazSport.

PARTNERSHIP

Jay Howard Driver Development, which is headquartered at 450 Enterprise Dr., and MottazSport are working toward a common goal of developing and advancing drivers up the motorsports ladder as both organizations look to differentiate themselves from other teams, according to a news release.

Jay Howard Driver Development is led by former NTT INDYCAR Series driver and multitime Indianapolis starter Jay Howard.

“Not only has Jake taken his karting team from a startup operation to a front-running program in national level competition, but he also sees the huge opportunity about a pipeline program from karts to cars,” Howard said. “Not every driver is destined to stay in karting forever, and this link we have will allow MottazSport drivers access to JHDD information, knowledge and experience while still in the karting ranks.”

“Jay runs a first-class operation and is responsible for the success of many drivers who have used American formula car racing as a stepstone towards a career in motorsport. This partnership will offer our drivers exclusive access to Team JHDD and their driver development program, as well as put our drivers under the watchful eye of Jay and his staff when they attend karting races,” Mottaz said.

Howard said the goal is not to pluck drivers from karting and put them in cars, but help provide them with the tools, knowledge and information to advance when they are ready.

“Not only has Jake taken his karting team from a startup operation to a front-running program in national level competition, but he also sees the huge opportunity about a pipeline program from karts to cars,” Howard said.

For more on Jay Howard’s Driver Development program, contact Howard by email at jay@jayhoward.com or visit jayhoward.com.

Ivy Tech to partner with TechPoint

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

demands of tech employers who see Indiana as their next home base, officials said.

HIGHER ED

Ivy Tech Community College is partnering with TechPoint as part of a statewide strategy meant to solidify the state’s reputation as a vibrant tech hub.

Officials say the collaboration provides career pathways for Hoosiers that meet the needs of employers for tech and tech-reliant talent through Ivy Tech’s Ivy+ IT Academy and supports TechPoint’s Mission41K goal of cultivating the next generation of tech leaders over the next seven years. In October, Ivy Tech announced the IT Academy would launch this year to offer students the most advanced and innovative way to get in-demand IT training and skills quickly.

IT Academy offers Indiana employers a one-stop shop for employees who need training with the largest variety of information technologies and tools offered anywhere, according to a news release. TechPoint brought together nearly 200 public, private, academic, and community leaders in 2022 to launch Mission41K, a movement to inclusively grow the state’s tech workforce to meet the

“Ivy Tech has more partnerships with the world’s largest tech companies than any other college or university in the country,” said Ivy Tech Chief Information Officer Matthew Etchison. “This is just one of many reasons that the Ivy+ IT Academy is uniquely positioned to offer the very best and most affordable IT bootcamps in Indiana. TechPoint and Ivy Tech are partnering to ensure more Hoosiers get to rapidly skill up and launch their IT careers.”

Dennis Trinkle, TechPoint’s senior vice president of talent, strategy and partnerships, said Ivy+ IT Academy will play an essential role in meeting TechPoint’s Mission41K goal by preparing Hoosiers for careers that provide a family-supporting wage and strong career pathways.

“Indiana’s employers across all sectors need more tech-skilled workers, and Ivy Tech has strong partnerships, a broad footprint and excellent programs planned to train individuals for tech and tech-related roles,” Trinkle said. “We highly value all they bring to the table.”

For more, visit ivytech.edu.

Healthcare should be simple.

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Event set for April 23

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Mission Possible has been the largest fundraiser for the Assistance League of Indianapolis for many years, accounting for about 15 percent of the all-volunteer philanthropic group’s annual budget.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner an hour later. Attendees can explore the Eiteljorg’s exhibits. A 50/50 drawing, raffle and line dancing will be among the festivities.

FUNDRAISER

But the organization’s funding efforts were hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Assistance League didn’t host an in-person Mission Possible event during the health crisis that began in early 2020.

“We believe that made an impact on the percentage of funds raised,” said Kathy Kerr Wylam, vice president of marketing for the Assistance League, which has 184 members, about 90 percent of them from the northside and Hamilton County. “We hope that going back to an in-person event will increase the amount raised for this year.”

That event will be held April 23 at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in downtown Indianapolis.

A search committee selected the Eiteljorg for the event, with cochairs Barb Mohr and Anne Kinney working out the details.

“We researched several locations and decided that the Eiteljorg offered us excellent space and the additional benefit of the opportunity to have guests view exhibits,” Kerr Wylam said.

Among the organization’s programs are ALI Bears, offering comfort through teddy bears; ALI Friends, compassion and caring for seniors and those with disabilities; Assault Survivor Kits, new clothing for victims of assault; and Operation School Bell, supplying clothing, supplies and athletics shoes to students in need.

Tickets for Mission Possible are $150 each or $1,200 for table of eight. Tickets must be purchased by April 10. For more to purchase tickets, visit ALIndy.org.

Kerr Wylam

DISPATCHES

Student group, Lions Club to host pancake breakfast — Westfield High School Service’s Over Self Club and the Westfield Lions Club will host a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. March 18 in the cafeteria at Westfield High School. Proceeds from the event will go toward the Miracle League of Westfield, which is seeking to create a league that would allow individuals with disabilities to play baseball. It includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, donuts, drinks, free face painting and a 50/50 raffle. The cost for the breakfast is $8 for adults, $5 for children under 12, while it is free for children ages 2 and under.

Candidate forum set for March 21 — The Westfield GOP Club will host a forum March 21 featuring city council and clerk-treasurer candidates who are running in the May 2 primary election. The event will take place at 6 p.m. at the Westfield Grand Park Events Center, 19000 Grand Park Blvd., and is open to the public.

500 Festival tickets on sale — The 2023 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard will May 20 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc., brings together race fans, business leaders and Indiana mayors to celebrate Hoosier traditions. Attendees will enjoy breakfast, hear from executives and participate in an exclusive Q&A session led by Katie Kiel. Tickets are available for purchase online at 500Festival.com/Breakfast, with proceeds supporting youth programs.

Hamilton County Community band set to perform March 19 — The Hamilton County Community Band is celebrating its five-year anniversary with a March 19 concert in Noblesville. The 7 p.m. performance in the Noblesville High School auditorium is meant as a thank-you to the community and to recognize those band members who have served with the band all five years, organizers said. To commemorate their fifth anniversary, the band commissioned a piece by composer Sean Sumwalt. The piece, entitled “The Road Home,” is based on the folk style choral work of Stephen Paulus. A free will offering will be collected to help with purchase of new music and equipment.

Cicero to host April 1 fish fry – A Fish fry is planned April 1 in Cicero. The event will take place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Walnut Grove Community Center, 12695 E. 256th St. The cost is $12 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under.

Spring into a fresh lifestyle

CURRENT Q&A Get to know Sue Wolfgang

Sue Wolfgang is Carmel’s first elected city clerk. The longtime Carmel resident’s term ends at the end of 2022, and she is not seeking reelection.

What does a city clerk do?

A city clerk’s responsibilities can vary depending on the jurisdiction, but for Carmel the clerk is responsible for two main areas. The first is acting as the repository for all city records. We maintain all of the city’s records and manage the city’s web link to enable easy public access to those records. The second is overseeing all financial transactions of our city court.

What is your proudest accomplishment in office?

I took office in January 2020. Two months later, the pandemic hit. I am extremely proud of the way my staff and I were able to seamlessly continue providing service to the public. In fact, we leveraged technology in such a way as to permanently improve the ability to hold meetings and enable public access on several platforms.

What was your first job?

My best friend, Sharon Kibbe, and I got our first jobs in the mid-70s as cashiers at Morgan Pharmacy, located in a small strip center on Range Line Road, near where The Old Spaghetti Factory now stands. I include her because she and I ended up working together again many years later. She currently serves as the executive assistant to Mayor Jim Brainard.

What is your best habit?

Some would refer to it more as an obsession, but it would be organization and consistency. Both have come in very handy in all aspects of my life.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I’m not sure anyone would classify it as a talent, but I am freakishly knowledgeable in the habits, lifestyles and modi operandi of serial killers in the United States from the ‘70s through the ‘90s. Trivia nights on the topic are usually mine to lose.

Propst selected as HCLA dean

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Noblesville man has been selected as dean of the Hamilton County Leadership Academy.

Winter bands set to perform

unteering his time to support the growth of Hamilton County by serving as dean. Propst is an ordained minister and has been serving alongside Faith Community in Noblesville since 2004.

LEADERSHIP

Patrick Propst will serve in the role for the class of 2024. HCLA is a 10-month program for professional and community leaders who live or work in Hamilton County that allows participants to learn about government, education, criminal justice, arts, culture, business, industry and more.

“As an alumnus of the HCLA Class of 2018, I immediately saw the impression and influence that HCLA and its deans had in Hamilton County,” Propst said. “In particular, I saw how each dean had a unique ability to channel the leadership, knowledge, networks and resources of each class to shape and elevate all areas of life in the county. I look forward to meeting this year’s class as they begin their journey with HCLA.”

HCLA President Andrew Bradford said the HCLA board is honored that Patrick is vol-

“His commitment to service will support the mission of HCLA to amplify impact and empower community members with access to people and insights into the operations of Hamilton County.”

HCLA officials say the dean plays an integral role in creating the class culture and connectivity and providing meaningful insight and expertise throughout the HCLA class experience. Individuals serving as dean serve as an ambassador for the program in the community and collaborate with the HCLA executive director and board to cultivate and maintain an engaging, dynamic, and thought-provoking learning environment.

Propst recently launched a podcast with a good friend called A Sinner and Saint, which explores the day-to-day experiences when we are at our best and our worst.

To learn more about HCLA, visit hcla.net.

The Westfield High School Band winter programs will host a community night this month that will include a barbecue dinner and performances from all five group shows.

The community night will be at Westfield High School, 18250 N. Union St., with a barbecue pork dinner beginning at 6 p.m. followed by performances at 7:30 p.m.

Attendees will be able to see students performances in the winds, indoor percussion, varsity, junior varsity and cadet winter guard groups. Tickets are $10 and include a pulled pork dinner that includes a sandwich, chips, cookie and drink. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the band and guard programs, according to organizers. Dinner and show tickets can be purchased by visiting whsband. ticketspice.com/2023-winter-cn.

Propst

University senior forward born to play basketball

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It was natural that Kelsey DuBois would take a liking to basketball.

“My mom was a high school coach while I was growing up, so I lived in the gym,” DuBois said. “Starting in kindergarten, I would go to the gym right after school and dribble laps around with my brother until she started practice.”

DuBois’ mother, Jessica DuBois, was an assistant girls basketball coach at Hamilton Heights High School at the time. She later was an assistant coach at Plainfield and head coach at Western Boone.

DuBois, a 6-foot-2 senior forward, averaged 15.3 points and 11.2 rebounds per game for University (20-5), which lost in the Class 2A regional.

“Kelsey is a coach on the floor and can do anything,” said Justin Blanding, coach of the Carmel-based high school. “She can really shoot the ball, finish inside and defend

MEET KELSEY DUBOIS

Favorite subject: History

Favorite athlete: Annika Sörenstam

Favorite TV show: “Criminal Minds”

Favorite Movie: “Despicable Me”

the paint. Kelsey learning how to dominate a game in all aspects of the game to win has been the biggest improvement for her over four years. She can dominate a game and not score a point.”

DuBois, a four-year starter and Noblesville resident, said she made the most improvement in her confidence this season.

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University High School basketball player Kelsey DuBois averaged 15.3 points and 11.2 rebounds last season.

“I don’t feel like I ever fully trusted the work I put in during the offseason, but this year Coach Blanding really got on me about trusting my skills,” DuBois said. “This really shows offensively and how I stretched the floor a lot more by shooting threes and driv-

ing from the wing. I also feel like it shows defensively by pressuring on the perimeter more and blocking shots more often.”

The Trailblazers lost in the semistate in 2022 and 2021. University finished 22-2 in 2020, losing in the sectional semifinals.

“The thing I find most special about the team is our willingness to make sacrifices and put in a ton of work,” said DuBois, who averaged 13.7 points and 10 rebounds for her career. “There was never a free period where you wouldn’t see one of us in the gym. In 20 years, none of us will remember how many games we won, but we will remember the 6 a.m. practices where Coach Blanding would make us run 16s (laps). Our run never felt special. It was just proof that those tough mornings were worth it.”

DuBois said her bond with senior Payton Seay was special, too. Seay averaged a team-high 20 ppg last season.

“Payton and I have been playing together since the fourth grade. Every pass and cut we made felt like second nature,” DuBois said.

DuBois, who played golf at University, will play basketball for New York University next season.

(Photo courtesy of Jasper Owens)

DuBois

ADVENTUROUS WRITER

Westfield resident, teacher fulfills passion of writing in free time

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A Heritage Christian School teacher by day, Elena I. Landa fulfills her passion by writing in her spare time.

“I like reading action and adventure but also historical fiction,” said Landa, who teaches high school Spanish. “I like science fiction a lot also.”

The Westfield resident, who pens her books as E.I. Landa, has written two books. Landa, who moved to the United States from Peru 22 years ago, said her books are adventures similar to Indiana Jones or Lara Croft.

Landa was born in the northern mountain area of Peru but grew up in Lima, the nation’s capital.

“My novels are international adventures, a mixture of science fiction and thrillers with metaphysical hints and romance touches,” Landa said. “I picked the Peruvian cloud forest as the main location of my novels to show another side of Peru and Peruvians, beyond the Inca Culture and Machu Picchu. There were several other advanced cultures dating thousands of years prior to the Incas that deserve to be known for their advances. I strive to bring down stereotypes of what Peruvians are perceived to be and young women. in general, while trying to express myself with authenticity and in an independent voice.”

In 2020, her book “Warriors of the Sacred Garden: Mila: Iron and Silk” was published. “Awakening,” the sequel, was published in the summer of 2022. The stories are set in the 1990s.

Landa didn’t plan to write another book, but after hearing from readers,, she is thinking about a third book with those characters.

“I love to travel and I like writing about different cultures and I like writing about different ethnic backgrounds,” she said.

Landa, who moved to Westfield seven years ago, said she likes writing about international secret societies, noting that her characters start in Peru but go all around the world.

Her great-grandmother was a healer because she worked with plants as healing remedies.

“People have an idea that it’s like a witch,

but it wasn’t like that,” Landa said. “People come to see her when they are sick. One of the main characters is based on her.”

Landa began writing 10 years ago, starting with short stories and poems, and then began taking the craft seriously four years ago. She decided to self-publish to keep control of her books.

Landa’s college degree is in literature, but she never thought she would become a teacher.

Landa said writing is a labor of love.

“I love the process,” she said.

The public will have an opportunity to meet Landa, who will appear at the Hamilton East Public Library Author Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. April 15 at the FORUM Events Center, 11313 USA Pkwy., in Fishers. For more, visit eilanda.com.

STUDENT FANS

Heritage Christian senior Paige Mangum has enjoyed reading her Spanish teacher’s work.

“Something I love about Ms. Landa’s

writing style is her vivid illustrations of the various lush settings in the story,” said Mangum, a Carmel resident. “You can tell it was written by someone who observes and admires nature’s beauty. Her world-building is very descriptive, making you feel like you are part of the story. She also weaves in a plethora of locations that hint towards the author’s love of travel, new experiences and various cultures. You can tell all her characters, especially the protagonist Mila, were thoughtfully created with their own identities, motives and complexities. The genre of her books themselves are very unique and appeal to a wide audience, a mix of adventure, sci-fi with hints of witty comedy and romance sprinkled in.”

Landa has been Mangum’s teacher for three years in high school.

‘She genuinely cares about each one of her students’ academic and personal growth, finding time for laughter and connection in the classroom as well as hard work,” Mangum said. “I know my Spanish skills would not be where they are today if it wasn’t for her constant guidance, encour-

agement and inspiration throughout the years.”

Heritage Christian senior Eimy Lozano-Fuentes, who lives in Carmel, had Landa for Spanish 3 when her books were in progress.

“I enjoyed how her writing style truly embodies who she is as a human,” Lozano-Fuentes said. “She cares so deeply for all her students and never fails to check in on us even if we don’t have her anymore, and just that care can really be seen in the storyline of her first book. Her book really brings the reader in and is so thought out that it blows your mind in so many different ways. I finished reading her first book and am in the process of reading her second book. She is very supported at our school and that is how I grabbed ahold of her book through our school’s library. It was an eventful read and a page turner from the start.”

ON THE COVER: Westfield resident Elena I. Landa at the Westfield Washington Public Library with her books. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Westfield resident Elena I. Landa, who teaches at Heritage Christian School in Indianapolis, is a native of Peru and is an author in her free time. She has published two books. (Photo provided by Elena I. Landa)

Friday, March 24, 2023

7:30-9:30 am

Bridgewater Club, 3535 E. 161st St., Westfield $20; advance registration is required

Join us to hear about the State of the Workforce in Hamilton County from both a national and local perspective.

Even prior to the pandemic it became clear that talent was going to be where communities won or lost in the 21st Century. In 2022 there were nearly 70,000 unique positions open throughout the county, which represents over a third of total county-wide employment.

In 2023 workforce is a realm of both uncertainty and opportunity. The Hamilton County labor market remains strong but fears of potential recession, high-profile layoffs from national blue chip brands, rising interest rates and the impacts of inflation all mean it is more important than ever to be informed and on the cutting edge when it comes to talent.

SCAN HERE TO REGISTER

In this program participants will hear from Mindi Woodson, Senior Vice President, of Lightcast (formerly EMSI-Burning Glass), learn about the County’s new Career and Technical Education (CTE) district, and engage with a panel of local Chamber of Commerce Executives. The goal is to see the big picture of how national trends are becoming (or not becoming) reality in Hamilton County, where employment is projected to grow and/or be challenged, and how our employer communities are adapting today.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Hamilton County Community Foundation.

Game on at new esports center in Fishers

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

fine their skills.

“It’s a state-of-the-art gaming center built for esports,” Surra said. “It’s about as equivalent to an actual esports tournament competition as you will get.”

RECREATION

Sal Surra, owner of YES! Gaming, has been working on the business since March of last year, aiming to provide a space for esports players in Fishers.

“Over the last five, six years I’ve been watching the industry grow and seeing what’s going on,” Surra said. “I just felt there’s going to be a greater transition of gaming into more standardized sport versus where right now it’s a little bit chaotic.”

Surra anticipates explosive growth for esports in the coming years and expects the creation some day of a professional esports league similar to the NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball. As a result, he wanted to create a space where aspiring pro gamers and teams could train and re-

The gaming center is focused on personal computer gamers because most esports competitions involve PCs. The facility is equipped with high-speed and powerful computers built for gaming with high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay. The center also has a Nintendo Switch, a PS5 and Xbox console. Surra welcomes casual and competitive gamers to the facility.

Fishers City Council member Cecilia Coble was among the city officials who attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Yes! Gaming.

“I learned a lot today. I am impressed,” Coble said. “I had no idea that this was a sport and is evolving. It’s amazing and I’m excited for the opportunity for our youth.”

DISPATCHES

Hiring a tax professional — In most states, including Indiana, tax preparers do not have to meet any licensing standards, so you need to do your homework if you plan to hire a professional to do your taxes. Ask about any professional certifications, such as a CPA or Enrolled Agent. Find out what your recourse against the preparer is if you get audited and penalties are assessed. Finally, ask for references and check them out.

Source: BottomLineInc.

Discounts that actually cost you money — Retailers have latched onto a way to offer giant percentages off that are mesmerizing

to shoppers but are not what they seem. The pitch: You get a gigantic discount, typically up to 70 percent off, but the fine print notes that you get that discount only on a second or third of multiple similar items.

Signs in store windows and on store shelves (and online) shout out the percentage and shoppers often don’t do the math to see just how unimpressive these offers typically are. For example, based on an offer of “buy two, get the third 50 percent off,” you take three items to checkout, where you then receive a total discount of 17 percent because you pay full price for the first two items.

Source: Source: BottomLineInc.com

From left, Marcella Surra, Sal Surra, Alex Surra and Roman Surra. (Photos by Edward Redd)

Interpreting back, neck pain

Commentary by Dr. Shashank Dave

With summer on the horizon, your neck and back pain could be holding you back from fully enjoying the warmer weather. It’s important to understand what could be causing your back and neck pain as well as your treatment options.

SPINE

UNDERSTANDING PAIN

Back and neck pain can originate from a variety of causes, including sprains and fractures, dislocations, stress from overuse, obesity and infections. Back and neck pain can cause mild to debilitating discomfort that impacts your ability to function.

WHAT CAUSES THE PAIN?

Your spine has five sections of vertebrae: the neck or cervical spine, the mid-back or thoracic spine, the lower back or lumbar spine, the base of the spine or sacrum, and the tailbone or coccyx. Pain generated from each area can have different causes. Some of the conditions that cause pain in these areas include muscle or ligament strain, disc herniation (slipped disk or ruptured disk) and degenerative disc disease, sciatica, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis, brain tumors, spinal tumors, torticollis or whiplash.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

To treat your back and neck pain, your

physician must first determine the cause. Your physician may use a combination of medical history, physical examination, diagnostic testing and imaging. They may also decide to conduct more advanced tests to better understand your condition. These can include an electromyogram to study nerve and muscle function, an MRI to study your spinal cord and an arthroscopy to investigate internal joint function.

Once your physician determines the origin of your pain, they can work with you to develop the best treatment plan to address your specific condition and pain. There are a variety of treatment options, such as medications to reduce pain and inflammation as well as physical therapy to potentially fix your pain.

If these do not work, your doctor could prescribe advanced pain management techniques. These more advanced techniques may include epidural injections, which can help with pain and inflammation, radiofrequency ablations, which deadens nerves thereby blocking pain, and nerve stimulation (either peripheral or central), which is a wire implanted that stimulates nerves and can also block pain.

Dr. Shashank Dave is an IU Health physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Methodist Medical Plaza North. For more information on back and neck pain, visit iuhealth.org/ spine.

DISPATCHES

Fiber to fight diabetes — New research shows that people who are willing to more than double the fiber in their diets from 16 to 37 grams per day can better control diabetes. It needs to be a high amount of diverse types of fibers. Getting nearly 40 grams may sound like a tall order, but it’s actually not that hard and it could make a radical difference in your blood sugar level by increasing insulin production.

Source: BottomLineHealth.com

Helping loved ones recover — When a loved one is ill, you can help their recovery even if you have no medical training. When you talk to them, get an update and be sympathetic, but quickly shift to a positive, upbeat tone. Don’t talk about your own illnesses. Let the person know that you are looking forward to meeting for lunch, or some other outing, in the near future. Have a funny story or wonderful reminiscence to share.

Source: BottomLineHealth.com

Improve your focus — Do you have more trouble concentrating than you used to? Studies show that our attention spans are declining, largely due to the use of technology. We feel we have to respond to every text, alert and call immediately. Instead, try putting the phone on “do not disturb” mode for a few minutes when you need to focus on something else. You may find it easier to concentrate and you probably won’t miss anything truly important.

Source: Cynthia Green, Ph.D.

Bug bite relief — If you need some relief from itchy bug bites but can’t find your anti-itch medicine, try these remedies as a substitute. Rub some mustard on the spot to help relive pain, itch and redness. Or, dab some water on the area, then gently rub a pinch of coarse salt over the spot. Continue rubbing until the itch stops – most likely in a couple of minutes.

Source: BottomLineInc.com

WILL BEAT ON IT. WINDS WILL RIP AT IT.

Mother Nature can be a real mother. Especially when it comes to roofs. That’s why you should consider a roof that stands the test of Father Time. Bone Dry. We’ve been around for over 30 years because we install roofs that last just as long. Nothing weathers the weather quite like a Bone Dry roof.

TOM WOOD SUBARU SUPPORTS “RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY”

How to fill the void?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Horror vacui. Fourth-century philosopher Aristotle is believed to have originated the concept, which scientists and physicists have tested and debated since. Nature abhors a vacuum. Essentially, the greater the emptiness, the more powerful the draw to fill it. Remove a bucket of water from the ocean and the hole left will be quickly filled by the surrounding water. Take a bucket of air to the bottom of the sea and the bucket would be destroyed by the surrounding aquatic pressure. For most of us non-experts, we are happy to stay on top of the wave and apply the truism to more human proclivities. Whether we are rushing to nab that close-to-thedoor parking spot or angling to get onto the airplane first, we all hurry to the opening. Maybe it is an echo of our days in primary school when we had occasion to be the lunchtime line leader. It is good to be in front. But when we run for the opportunity

Tom Wood Subaru, along with participating Subaru retailers across the United States, received socks to help homeless shelters in our local communities. We recently celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Day by donating 333 pairs of adult size socks to Wheeler Mission Men’s Shelter in Indianapolis.

Throughout the years of the Subaru Loves to Help® initiative, Tom Wood Subaru, along with participating Subaru retailers, have now donated over 500,000 pairs of new socks. Socks are one of the most requested items by homeless shelters like Wheeler Mission.

Wheeler Mission is a nondenominational, Christian, social services organization, which

provides critically needed goods and services to individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in Central and South-Central Indiana.

They are currently in great need of volunteers and basic items for those they serve, including new underwear, deodorant and bus passes. Bus passes can be purchased at buy.indygo.net. Potential volunteers can visit wheelervolunteer.org to sign up for a shift or contact Tammy Caldwell, volunteer engagement manager, at tammycaldwell@wheelermission.org for more information.

Through volunteering and donations, we can change the lives of others with one random act of kindness at a time.

en masse, are we not only clogging the pipeline but also missing other prospects as we fight our way to the anterior?

In politics, no one seems to be on the ballot, then we find too many from which to choose. In commerce, there is one kombucha to try, then the next day, there are shelves full of assorted brands. In music, someone introduces a “new” sound until it becomes old-school and hopes someday for revival. In our own lives, we fill the void of a lost pet, or growing children, or the halcyon days of our youth. We can’t help but fill them. Aren’t we better to plan for the opening than to get sucked into the void? What will be edited from our lives and how will we hope to fill the gap?

Maybe catch a ballet in Bali?

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Friends, I think I’m finally emerging from a six-month pseudo-funk, where my reality of teaching and parenthood clashed weekly with dreams of going to Harvard. Yes, Harvard.

HUMOR

It’s the only school in the nation that offers a fully funded doctorate in education, so I dove head first into the application process and signed up for Boston rental notifications. My husband Doo and I spoke endlessly about how the move would go down, whether we’d sell our house, how he’d commute, and ultimately where we’d go after. We had a great time planning for all the new possibilities and yelling, “It’s a sign!” whenever we saw a reference to New England. By the time acceptance emails were due to arrive, I’d convinced myself that I’d be part of the Class of 2026, become a state leader in educational policy and then eventually win the White House. But the fantasizing made me less and less content with my current situation.

Little things at school started to annoy me, our aging house began driving me crazy, and even living in Indiana became a bore. The lure of a potential Ivy League existence caused me to poo-poo my actual life. And then I got the “no,” which in hindsight maybe wasn’t such a surprise. We are talking Harvard. Nevertheless, I moped around for a solid two weeks, grieving my “loss” while feeling naïve and wholly inadequate.

But I’ve rebounded! I’ve applied to a part-time online program at Illinois (fingers crossed!) and Doo and I are considering a future yearlong sabbatical and slow-travel around the world, volunteering and doing cool work-aways. Harvard shmarvard. Let’s go to Bali!

Peace out.

Hunter Radke, Josh Boyd, and Scott Reckley (of Tom Wood Subaru) and Wheeler Mission staff prepare to make deliveries to homeless shelters.

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.

It is good to be in front. But when we run for the opportunity en masse, are we not only clogging the pipeline but also missing other prospects as we fight our way to the anterior?

– TERRY ANKER

Counting down my peculiarities

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

READERS’ VIEWS

Banning PLAs: What could go wrong?

Editor,

HUMOR

I just turned 76, and I’ve decided it’s time people know who I really am. Here are just some of my peculiarities and idiosyncrasies. Email me the numbers you can relate to:

(Wolfsie@aol.com)

1. I prefer baked beans cold.

2. I buy two-piece pajama sets and give away the tops. I wear the bottoms with a T-shirt.

3. I always mix cereals, like corn flakes with puffed rice. In fact, I mix everything. I once mixed ketchup and mayo and I tried to tell people I invented Russian dressing. But George Santos beat me to it.

4. I like leftover Chinese food and I always eat it cold (sometimes with baked beans).

5. I always go to bed with my socks on. But in the morning, I can’t find them.

6. When I ask for a to-go box in a restaurant, three out of four times I leave without it.

7. I own 25 pairs of underwear, but I am compelled to do a load of wash when only six are in the laundry basket.

8. A USB plug has two sides, but it always takes me three times to get it to fit.

9. When I buy a rotisserie chicken, the smell in the car makes me crazy, so I eat the wings while driving. That’s why my steering wheel is always greasy.

10. My checkbook register must have even numbers in the “total” column. If I owe the gas company $94.17, I pay them $100. The next month I have a credit.

11. I drink beer from a wine glass. I never drink it directly from a bottle or can. I don’t like mugs, either.

12. Sometimes, I buy sinfully decadent items at fast-food drive-thrus, like an order of cheesy fries, then after a few bites I dump it out the window. That

cuts fats and calories, but I always recycle the box.

13. If it’s cold enough to require a heavy winter coat, it doesn’t matter where I go: I forget to wear mine home.

14. When I put mayo on a sandwich, it’s applied to the top piece of bread. Mustard has to go on the bottom slice.

15. I found a photo in my basement of me interviewing the great Bob Hope. I have no memory of meeting him. That scares the heck out of me.

16. I always give the beggars on street corners or medians a couple of bucks. They may be scamming me, but I assume my life is easier than theirs. So, I’ll take that chance.

17. If my waitress has a pierced tongue, she gets a smaller tip. I lose my appetite and order less.

18. I have never been in therapy because I think I am totally normal.

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.

Many in the state legislature are trying to ban Indiana municipalities from being able to use project labor agreements in their cities.

These agreements are a set of requirements that a municipality and contractor agree upon when they partner on a local project, be it a bridge, roundabouts or even an NFL stadium.

Basically, the city can set a training and certification requirement for the workers, as well as an agreed upon minimum pay and benefits package. It’s important to understand that this applies to all workers in the project, both union and nonunion workers.

Why do some legislators want them banned?

One claim made by a lobbyist, and parroted by a GOP legislator, is that PLAs are discriminatory against organizations that don’t have trained personnel.

Another reason is the training stan-

dards. Currently, there are established industry standards for training and certification. Instead of using these standards, the Statehouse wants to allow the bidder of the project to set their own training and safety standards – and what could go wrong? We’ve just witnessed what can occur when the rail transport industry is deregulated. The implications of that tragedy are far reaching and the limits are unknown.

Banning PLA’s would eliminate local control of projects. The state legislature is telling our locally elected city councilors and mayors that they do not know what’s best for their own cities and their tax dollars.

PLAs ensure our bridges and stadiums are built to the highest safety standards by the most qualified workers. They shouldn’t be banned. In fact, they should be the standard.

Matt McNally, Westfield

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

I own 25 pairs of underwear, but I am compelled to do a load of wash when only six are in the laundry basket.

– DICK WOLFSIE

Oak Ridge Boys to play new songs and old hits

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It is billed as The Oak Ridge Boys’ “Front Porch Singin’ Tour.”

There will be selections from their 2021 album, “Front Porch Singin‘.”

However, group member Richard Sterban said fans can expect to hear the hits as well when the group performs at 8 p.m. March 17 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“When we come to town, you could count on the fact that you’re going to hear ‘Elvira,’” Sterban said. “You going to hear ‘Bobbie Sue.’ You’re going to hear our first hit ever, ‘Y’All Come Back Saloon.’ More than likely, you’ll hear ‘Thank God for Kids,’ one of our most requested songs.”

Songs from “Front Porch Singin’” will include the single “Love, Light and Healing.”

“What we do is try to create the feeling of actually sitting on a front porch, in front of the audience,” Sterban said. “We all sit on stools and each man takes turns talking. It’s a very down to earth, very homey kind of a segment and it features the new music.”

Sterban said Dave Cobb produced the

album during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when all recording studios were shut down in Nashville. Cobb told the group recording would be possible if everyone abided by protocols.

“He told us he wanted to create the feeling of four guys gathering on a front porch and just harmonizing,” Sterban said. “Dave Cobb is a master of capturing feelings like that, and he did with the Oak Ridge Boys. The album is a great mix of old Gospel songs that people will recognize, and we found some old country songs as well. Cobb has a working relationship with some of the new young hot songwriters here in Nashville as well. And we just have some brand-new country songs written by some of these young songwriters.”

Sterban said the songs are inspirational in nature.

“It’s music that gives people hope going through difficult times,” he said.

Sterban said group members realized how much they missed performing after being shut down for more than a year from performing during the pandemic.

“We had a new feeling of how much we love getting on stage and taking our music live to our audience because we missed that,” Sterban said. “We missed the

feedback from our fans and audience.”

Sterban celebrated his 50th anniversary with the Oak Ridge Boys in 2022. Joe Bonsall is celebrating his 50th anniversary this year. William Lee Golden joined the quartet in 1965, and Duane Allen joined in 1966. “The relationship that exists between the four of us is also something else very special,” Sterban said. “Over the years, we’ve become the very best of friends, we really have. Each guy in the group has a different personality. But I think that’s part of our appeal. I think we realized a long time ago to respect the differences that exist between the four of us. I think we realized a long time ago that even though we’re so different, we really do need each other.”

Sterban said the members pull together as a team, and that bond is a key to their longevity.

“We are a true brotherhood,” he said. “The friendship that exists between the four of us is very, very important. There’s no doubt about it. I think now that we’re older, we get along a lot better than we did when we were younger. I think we’re too old to let little things bother us.”

For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org. For more, visit oakridgeboys.com.

‘FOOTLOOSE’

“Footloose” runs through March 26 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’

Civic Theatre is presenting “Murder on the Orient Express” through March 25 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

The Oak Ridge Boys’ “Front Porch Singin’ Tour” is set for 8 p.m. March 17 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.

PEKING ACROBATS

The Peking Acrobats featuring The Shanghai Circus will perform at 8 p.m. March 18 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCH

Ripe to perform in Fishers —The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater and MOKB Presents announced Ripe will perform a concert July 15. Tickets for the Ripe show are now at npdamp.com. An Indianapolis area favorite, Ripe made their central Indiana debut at last year’s WonderRoad Festival and then returned in the fall to the Vogue. Now with a new release, Ripe returns for their own, stand alone outdoor headlining show. Ripe’s show is part of the venue’s annual summer series. Additional summer shows and events will be announced soon. Additionally, the NPD AMP will continue to host the Fishers Farmers Market, kicking off in May, along with local community concerts and national tours. Updates on the 2023 summer schedule can be found at npdamp. com. Boston’s Ripe is a pop quartet featuring singer Robbie Wulfsohn, guitarist Jon Becker, drummer Sampson Hellerman and trombonist Calvin Barthel. The four came together while studying at Berklee College of Music.

From left, Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban form the Oak Ridge Boys. (Photo courtesy of the Oak Ridge Boys)

Artist set to play at Urban Vines

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Justin Lev’s objective is to write lyrics and melodies for everyday enlightenment.

CONCERT

“My music is upbeat but relaxed,”

Lev said.

Lev, who performs as Eli Lev, wants his songs to resonate because they’re heartfelt, earthy, and share the wisdom he has gained through lifelong travel and self-discovery

Lev’s concert is set for 6 p.m. March 30 at Urban Vines Winery & Brewery, 303 E. 161 St., Westfield. Lev plays the acoustic guitar, harmonica, wooden flute and loop pedal.

“It’s a one-man show with a lot of different sounds,” Levi said.

Lev, who lives in Boonsboro, Md., is in the midst of a cross-country tour.

Lev is familiar with Indiana as he earned his undergraduate degree in 2005 and master’s degree in 2015 from Indiana University. After earning his undergraduate degree,

he taught at a Navajo reservation in Arizona and also taught in Israel and Europe.

“I’m a schoolteacher by trade but doing the music thing full time now,” he said. “I started doing music full time right after I got my master’s degree in education.”

Lev said friends from Carmel, Bloomington and Indianapolis will attend the show.

“I mix in some covers, but it’s mostly original songs,” he said. “I do covers in different arrangements.”

One good example is The Black Keys’ song, “Lonely Boy.”

“It’s a hard rock, bluesy kind of vibe and I’m going to put my own spin on it,” he said.

Lev’s latest extended play recording is ‘Walk.Talk.Dance.Sing.”

“It’s kind of a mix tape of the last couple of years of my life,” he said.

Opera shows to stir emotion

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Audience members will be going through a gamut of emotions during Indianapolis Opera’s shows.

In 2021, he completed his “Four Directions Project,” which includes four EPs that were inspired by indigenous traditions he learned while teaching on the Navajo Nation. That included covers in Lev’s own interpretation. For more, visit eli-lev.com. through some heart-breaking issues.

“There are ensemble pieces that are like choral numbers that are really very moving,” Savia said. “To me, it’s very reminiscent of Leonard Bernstein’s writing.”

PERFORMANCES

“You couldn’t have more of a contrast of one-act operas,” Indianapolis Opera principal conductor Alfred Savia said.

Savia will serve as the musical director for the Indianapolis Opera’s Contemporary Workshop Series production of “Gallantry” and “Veterans Journeys” at the Basile Opera Center, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis. The shows will be at 4 p.m. March 25-26.

“Veterans Journeys” is an opera by composer and psychiatrist, Dr. Kenneth Wells. This will be the Midwest premiere.

“It’s a heartfelt composition with poignant musical settings of putting in the minds of these veterans,” Savia said. “I had never really thought about what their mindsets are and what they are going through after being in combat.”

Dalton Woody and Shederick Whipple are performing as the veterans.

Savia said Woody’s character is going

“Gallantry” was written by Douglas Moore in the 1950s with an operatic take on the TV soap operas of that era.

“It’s a 30-minute little gem,” Savia said. “As I told the singers, you have to figure out how to sing vocally with your tongue firmly planted in your cheek.”

The parody follows a love triangle between a surgeon, his nurse and their patient.

“It’s all done masterfully with music,” Savia said. “I’m looking forward to our audiences’ reaction to one of my favorite oneact operas.”

Jessica Burton is serving as director for the one-act operas.

“I love ‘Gallantry” for its off-the-wall humor, while ‘Veteran Journeys’ is deeply meaningful to me as a military brat,” Burton said. “I hope that you fall in love with this touching story of vets and their journey through PTSD as much as I have.”

For more, visit indyopera.org.

Where’s Amy?

Amy Pauszek is a photographer, award winning film producer and scouting and casting associate for Talent Fusion Agency in Indianapolis. She can be reached at Amy@ youarecurrent.com. To see more of her photos, visit currentnightandday.com.

Where’s Amy at Taste of Carmel

From left, Carmel Education Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Penix (Carmel), Taste of Carmel emcee Jeff Worrell (Carmel) and Taste of Carmel design chair and sponsor Melissa Volz-Smith (Carmel) at the March 3 Taste of Carmel, which serves as a fundraiser for the Carmel Education Foundation. The annual event is Hamilton County’s largest indoor foodie experience to support Carmel Clay students in academic success and lifelong learning. More than 50 local food and beverage establishments showcased their signature items, and the event included a fabulous silent auction, raffles and gift card pulls. (Photos by Amy Pauszek)

Yasmin and Will Stump (Carmel).

Brian and Carol Urbanski (Carmel).

Angela Woodley (Carmel), left, and Maria Piedra (Carmel)

Damian and Geena Siela (Fishers).

Visiting Jerusalem’s Temple Mount

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing tour of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we go onto the Temple Mount in East Jerusalem.

TRAVEL

After the Romans destroyed the Jewish Second Temple in A.D. 70, the Temple Mount fell into disuse, with reports that Christians later used it for their garbage. After Islamic armies captured Jerusalem in A.D. 634, the new rulers decided to build a monument over an outcropping of rock on the Temple Mount, which Muslims call Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary), to demonstrate their presence in the city toward which Muslims had once prayed. The location was near where the Second Temple had stood. Reflecting Islam’s rivalry with Christianity, the dome on the monument, completed in A.D. 691, duplicated to within a few inches the dimensions of the dome on the nearby Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the holiest site in Christendom. An Islamic prayer hall at the south end of the Temple Mount has been rebuilt and enlarged several times, now accommodating 4,000 worshippers. Most Muslims today associate the rock beneath the dome with a night ride they believe Muhammad made to Jerusalem in A.D. 621, from which he traveled to heaven. As a result, the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque of which it is a part are the third-holiest sites of Sunni Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The Temple Mount is controlled by a trust administered by Jordan. Non-Muslims can go onto the Temple Mount but cannot enter the buildings or pray while there. Visitors to the Temple Mount can visit the nearby Bethesda Pool, where the Gospel of

Counting on these words

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

John says Jesus healed a paralyzed man.

GRAMMAR GUY

I’ve always been a numbers guy. In elementary school, if anyone made fun of my disproportionately large head, I would withhold answers to math homework. Yes, I was an egghead in more ways than one.

Of course, I love to think about the intersection of words and numbers. The other day I heard someone say, “To the 10th degree.” As a number and word nerd, I knew this was wrong. In fact, to the 10th degree is a large amount; however, the correct term is “to the nth degree.”

To the nth degree means “as much as possible.” In math terms, to the nth degree means the highest power of the variable in a polynomial -- think something “squared,” which would be a number with a little “2” in the top corner. To the “nth” degree is an algebraic term for the largest number possible in the top corner, signified by the letter “n.”

As it turns out, math and English get nerdy in a hurry! But we’re not yet done.

Did you know that “zero” gets treated

like a plural number? I’m guessing a team of powdered-wigged grammarians flipped a coin to decide this at some point in the days of yore. When you discuss one “potato,” you use the singular form of potato. When you discuss two “potatoes,” you use the plural form. What about “zero”? You have zero “potatoes.” Yep, when it comes to English grammar, zero is plural.

Speaking of plural number terms, what about “math” and “maths”? We all know that the full term is “mathematics,” but which is the correct shortened word term? That depends on where you live.

In the U.S., we shorten “mathematics” to “math.” The reason we do this is that “mathematics” is what we call a “mass” noun. A mass noun, as you may recall, is an uncountable, or abstract notion. Think about words like “sunshine,” “information” and “psychology.”

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

Dome of the Rock in East Jerusalem. (Photos by Don Knebel)

They can also visit the Church of St. Anne, erected by the Crusaders to honor Anne, the claimed grandmother of Jesus, who they somehow concluded had lived and bore Mary in Jerusalem.

Bethsesa Pool near the Temple Mount.

Crusader Church of St. Anne in East Jerusalem.

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

cross poison ivy and a fourleaf clover?

40. The wild blue yonder

41. Exertion

42. Follow orders

43. “Robinson ___” 44. In the know

45. Mac maker

48. Go down with the ship

50. Western neckwear

53. Angora and cashmere

56. What you get when leprechauns hold a conversation?

60. Cain and Abel’s brother

61. Resentment

62. Cooking acronym popularized by Rachael Ray

63. Gaelic tongue

64. Beginning

65. It’s a long story

Down

1. Used to be

2. Tennis great Arthur

3. 500-sheet unit

4. One of the “California Dreamin’” singers

5. Bad bacteria

6. 39th POTUS

7. Caribou cousin

8. Chowder bit

9. Voice quality

10. Wispy cloud

11. Corner chess pieces

12. Indiana travel aid

13. Like some microbrews

18. Tick off

19. Protect

23. Makes light and airy

24. Completely and finally

26. “Ah, me!”

27. Happy as a ___

28. Aussie greeting

30. Noisy sleeper

31. Santa’s suit soiler

33. Vegan staple

34. Marching Greyhounds horn

35. PC brand

36. Terrier type 38. “From ___ Eternity”

39. 34-Down range 43. Provide with duds 44. Truant GI 45. Disparage 46. Gondolier, e.g. 47. Zionsville Cemetery divisions 49. Baby hooter 51. “In that case...” 52. Place to get Colts highlights 54. Volcanic flow 55. Tedious task 57. Grafton’s “___ for Malice” 58. Had lasagna at The Italian House 59. RV park chain Answers on Page 27

6 Relatives

5 4-Letter Animal Sounds

4 Marching Band Instruments

3 Indiana College Towns

2 Pacers TV Announcers

1 Kurt Vonnegut Books

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

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

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

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

Studio M Architecture and Planning,LLC seeks Graduate Architects in Carmel, IN to produce architectural drawings (floor plans, elevations, details).

Send resumes to: rmills@studiomarchitecture.net, ref. Job Code: GA-CIN.

PUZZLE ANSWERS SPONSORED BY SHEPHERD INSURANCE

Relatives: AUNT, COUSIN, FATHER, MOTHER, SISTER, UNCLE; Sounds: BUZZ, HOOT, MEOW, OINK, WOOF; Instruments: DRUM, FLUTE, TROMBONE, TRUMPET; Towns: FRANKLIN, VALPARAISO, VINCENNES; Announcers: BUCKNER, DENARI; Book: JAILBIRD