March 28, 2023 — Westfield

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Meet the candidates for District 1

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Two candidates are vying for the District 1 Westfield City Council seat in the May 2 Republican primary election. Jon Dartt, who re-

JON DARTT

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Age: 62

Occupation/brief employment background: I retired on March 1, 2022 after spending 28 years with Delta Faucet Company, 22 of those years as a Vice President, Sales.

Previous elected positions: No previous positions held

What are some of your priorities if elected and how do you plan on tackling them?

1. Engage all council members to a “listening tour” to establish a strong working relationship with city officials, developers, public safety officials and citizens.

2. Update Westfield’s comprehensive plan. The plan was developed in 2007 with few modifications since then. I would establish a task force to tackle several elements of the plan to ensure that the plan is used as our playbook for growth and development.

3. We should restructure and invest in our economic development team. Westfield is way behind other Hamilton County cities when it comes to bringing new businesses and the right businesses to the city.

What do you think the council’s role should be concerning economic development?

The council should play a major role in Westfield’s economic development. This would be seven additional headcount driving new business! They should be front and center with all developers, builders and state agencies that are working with companies that want to locate to the state and Hamilton County.

How can the city incentivize housing and development projects in Westfield?

I don’t believe the city needs to incentivize residential home builders to build neighborhoods. There are currently 9,000 homes on the books to be built over the next 1-4 years which would be enough to add another 25,000+ residents to our city. We should however drive a solid partnership with the builders to encourage the best product and amenities to the homeowners and renters. Westfield remains the fastest growing city in Indiana. What do you believe the council’s role should be to attract businesses and families?

The city council should be front and center when it comes to attracting new business and families to our city. The council has the decision-making ability and influence to bring businesses to Westfield.

What is Westfield doing well?

Our city does many things well. A few that I believe should be highlighted:

• Strong public safety is a major draw for why families and businesses choose Westfield.

• Grand Park is one of the greatest assets our city has. It has brought in millions of dollars in economic development and spending since it opened in 2014.

• Westfield High School is a top-rated school in the state and is a top 10 in the Indianapolis area.

tired after a 28-year career with Delta Faucet Co., faces a challenge from Mark Keen, a former superintendent of Westfield Washington Schools who previously held the seat from 2016 to 2019.

Current asked both candidates to respond to the following questions.

MARK F. KEEN

Age: Candidate declined to provide Occupation/brief employment background: Superintendent of Westfield Washington Schools, 1997-2016

Previous elected positions: Westfield City Council, District 1; 2016-2019 (did not run for reelection)

What are some of your priorities if elected and how do you plan on tackling them?

I am future focused and want the City to implement a strategic plan for the future to ensure that we not only develop further amenities for our people, but also be in a position to maintain what we have already built. It is vital that we have a solid commercial base to ensure that we have the resources to support our essential services and infrastructure without burdening the people of Westfield with high taxes.

What do you think the council’s role should be concerning economic development?

It is the council’s job to work with the greater government of Westfield to be an enabler to future development. It needs to support the expansion of the economic development department to be in parity with other communities our size, at a minimum. The council must do whatever it can to create a great atmosphere for businesses, so that those who are here can expand. An atmosphere that’s friendly to businesses would also allow site selection companies to recommend Westfield as a great place to locate.

How can the city incentivize housing and development projects in Westfield?

There is little need for housing assistance, as the city has 3000+ approved lots. With commercial projects we need to assist in any reasonable way we can to help developers to have space available for companies to move into. My time spent on the county economic committee has taught me that many companies want to move in quickly rather than do everything from the ground up. Westfield remains the fastest growing city in Indiana. What do you believe the council’s role should be to attract businesses and families?

The council needs to ensure that we take no actions that would harm our schools, which is the driver of most of our growth. We also need to take advantage of the incentives we have to offer to the right kind of business. Right now, we can offer incentives that do not use Westfield’s budgeted dollars.

What is Westfield doing well?

Our city is one of the best places to live, work and raise a family in the entire state of Indiana. Our schools win awards for academic excellence and our community is thriving, but there is always room to improve. We have a wide variety of commercial areas that have good infrastructure and are ready for companies. If the business atmosphere were to be positive, Wheeler Landing and the area around Springmill and 32 are areas where companies could locate.

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

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

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

Student impact fundraiser nets more than $62K — A Student Impact of Westfield fundraiser March 3 raised more than $62,000. The Black Tie Bingo event, which drew nearly 185 people, included a silent auction, 10 rounds of bingo and a game of heads and tails. Organizers said Black Tie Bingo will continue to be an annual event with all proceeds going directly to Student Impact operations.

WOW to offer Coffee & Canvas event

March 28 — Women of Westfield will host a Coffee & Canvas event March 28 in Westfield. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rivet, 337 Jersey St., and will feature a painting workshop with Jacynda Manns. The cost is $50 and includes art supplies, coffee and nosh. Proceeds will benefit Student Impact of Westfield.

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. A touch-a-truck area with old and new farm equipment will be available outside, in addition to representatives from Strawtown Koteewi Park and other organizations.

Scholarship applications being accepted

— Scholarship applications are being accepted by the Hamilton County Extension Homemakers Association, which is offering several scholarships worth $500 or more to Hamilton County graduating seniors or undergraduate students. Applications are due April 1 and can be obtained at the Purdue Extension Hamilton County office at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2003 S. Pleasant St., Noblesville, or online at https://puext.in/hamco4h. For more, call 317-776-0854.

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Institute hires deputy director Shear joy: Firefighter donates hair to kids’ charity

A Westfield High School graduate has been named deputy director of The Pursuit Institute, which has been designated as an independent career and technical education district by the state of Indiana.

EDUCATION

Kurt Cantlon will work directly with school districts to ensure alignment of educational pathways while guiding and supporting the expansion of career and technical education for students across Hamilton County. Cantlon previously worked in career and technical education as the director for Wildcat Creek Career Cooperative in Clinton County.

Cantlon started his career as a probation officer and worked in mental health before becoming a school counselor. He has worked in education for the past 14 years as a counselor and administrator.

“I am thrilled to return to work with the youth of Hamilton County, a place that I grew up and continue to raise my family,”

he said. “Career and technical education has become a true passion of mine in my years as a school counselor and leading a career and technical education district in another part of the state. Carrie Lively has done an amazing job getting The Pursuit Institute off the ground and ready to serve students. I am excited to join her to continue to innovate and build career and technical education for the benefit of the students and employers of Hamilton County.”

Six school districts — Carmel, Hamilton Heights, Hamilton Southeastern, Noblesville, Sheridan and Westfield — have already approved joint operating agreements to administer career and vocational training.

Students in all Hamilton County school corporations who have sought career and vocational education have attended classes at the J. Everitt Light Career Center in the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township. Under a joint operating agreement, schools will offer classes at their respective schools, allowing students from across Hamilton County to access those courses.

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

When COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and closures began sweeping across the nation in March 2020, several Carmel firefighters decided it was as good a time as any to grow out their hair.

GIVING BACK

Three years later, on March 14, the last of those firefighters finally said goodbye to his new do, shearing off more than a foot of hair to donate to a charity that is special to him.

Matt DeRyckere underwent the transformation at Carmel Fire Dept. Station 341, where he is a firefighter/EMT. The last time he had a haircut was February 2020.

“Once it got kind of long, I was like, ‘I think I can keep this going until it’s long enough to donate,’” he said.

DeRyckere donated his hair to Children With Hair Loss, a nonprofit that provides free naturally made hair replacements

to children. He wanted to support the organization after spending time at Riley Hospital for Children, which treated his son before his death in 2019. Since then, DeRyckere has attended Riley events and fundraisers, looking for opportunities to help children in need.

DeRyckere said he hopes his donation will make life a little easier for a child facing a difficult time.

Learn more about donating to Children With Hair Loss at childrenwithhairloss.org.

Cantlon

Carmel firefighter Matt DeRyckere displays the hair he plans to donate to Children With Hair Loss. (Photo by Edward Redd)

WYAP offering five scholarships

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

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EDUCATION

The Westfield Youth Assistance Program is offering four $1,000 scholarships and one $5,002 scholarship to graduating seniors or adults up to 25 years old who are continuing their education.

The scholarships highlight WYAP’s emphasis on giving back to Westfield/Washington Township youth, according to the organization.

During WYAP’s 14-year history, the program has connected hundreds of youth in Westfield with mentoring, tutoring, mental health counseling, medical services, enrichment activities and more, officials said.

In honor of former WYAP Early Intervention Advocate Christine Brown, who passed away in August of 2022, Christine’s family, the board of directors, and generous donors have established the Christine D. Brown Memorial Scholarship with one $5,002 scholarship. Brown worked with 502 youth over her 10 years with WYAP and touched countless lives in the Westfield community and beyond, officials said.

“After years of fundraising and planning, we are now in a position to offer $4K in scholarships to youth who have participated in our program that want to further their education and out of the tragedy of losing such a remarkable woman, Christine Brown, our program is also able to offer an additional $5,002 scholarship annually as recognition of her commitment to the youth in our community,” said WYAP President Steve Latour, who also serves as the Westfield Chamber CEO.

The scholarship is open to all current and former graduates 25 and under who attended Westfield Washington Schools or resided in the township.

The second application offers up to four $1,000 scholarships and is available to current or past participants of WYAP. WYAP looks to support those youth who won’t be defined by things that have happened in their lives and who know who they are and how they want to impact the world.

The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is determined to make the climb and sees that furthering their education will better their future.

Scholarship applications can be found by visiting the WYAP’s website at youthassistance.org/westfield.

COMMUNITY

CCA Gallery co-owner’s 2 photos selected for postage stamps

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

As an award-winning landscape and nature photographer, Kenneth Keifer is accustomed to having his work displayed.

But learning that two of his waterfall photographs will soon be featured on 2023 U.S. postage stamps was special.

“I was ecstatic to say the least,” said Keifer, who is an artist/co-owner of CCA Gallery in the Carmel Arts and Design District. “This was a real humbling, pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming mind-blower for me. And, it was especially thrilling for me personally because I was an ardent stamp collector as a child. To think that two of my photos would be seen in stamp collectors’ catalogs long after I am gone was an amazing, humbling thought that I still haven’t quite wrapped my head

CURRENT Q&A

around all these months later.”

The waterfall series is scheduled to be released June 12 with an issuance ceremony at Yellowstone National Park, which is primarily in Wyoming but stretches into Montana and Idaho.

One waterfall photo selected was Harrison Wright Falls in northeast Pennsylvania’s Ricketts Glen State Park. THe other was a waterfall photo at Yellowstone National Park.

For more, visit kennethkeifer.com.

Getting to know Allyson Gutwein

Allyson Gutwein, a Zionsville resident, is the executive director of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce. She is a former member of the Boone County Chamber of Commerce board. Gutwein was recently hired as the new executive director of the Boone County Convention and Visitors Bureau and will be transitioning out of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce role.

What made you want to accept the opportunity to become the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce as the executive director?

I have always loved helping businesses and have a real passion for seeing an area thrive because of the strong business community. I wanted a challenge, and three months after taking this role COVID closures caused the business community to take a hard look at what ‘open’ looked like. It was a challenge, for sure.

How has your previous career experience helped in your current role?

I had experience running my own small business, as well as managing others. Ninety percent of our businesses in the Zionsville Chamber are considered small businesses, with 60 percent to 70 percent of those small businesses being microbusinesses, businesses with 10 or fewer employees.

How did your summers spent on the family farm help shape the person you are today?

I learned that hard work is a skill. Knowing how to put in long hours, working when you were tired, it is a skill. I had very hard-working parents and extended family that made it commonplace to put in the work to get the outcome you desired.

Kenneth Keifer’s two photos on postage stamps will be released in a waterfall series in June. (Photo courtesy of Kenneth Keifer)

Keifer

University senior displayed her offensive firepower during career

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

University High School girls basketball coach Justin Blanding watched senior guard Payton Seay expand her offensive ability throughout her career.

“Payton is a physical basketball player that enforces her will on the game,” Blanding said.

“She scores in bunches but over four years really learned to use the offense to make the game easier for her. She is a scorer, so figuring out her spots on the floor has helped her game improve.”

Seay participated in the Hoosier Basketball Top 60 Senior Showcase. She wants to play in college but she is undecided about where.

Seay, a Noblesville resident, averaged 8.0 points per game as a freshman, 13.7 as a sophomore, 15.0 as a junior and 20.0 as a senior.

“I feel I made the most improvement in my scoring abilities and leadership skills,”

MEET PAYTON SEAY

Favorite athlete: Chris Paul

Favorite movie: “The Menu”

Favorite subject: Math

Seay said. “After losing six seniors (from the 2021-22 team), I felt that it was really important to pick up where they left off and continue to build.”

Each year, Seay improved her shooting. She shot 50 percent from the field as a senior for the Trailblazers (20-5), 42 percent as a junior, 41 percent as a sophomore and 38 percent as a freshman.

“Every offseason, Coach Blanding always

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pushed me to do more and more, and I was able to deliver,” she said. “I want to mention that this wouldn’t have been possible without the help of my teammates who put their trust in me and believed in me. Also, the hours spent at Shoot 360 really helped me.”

Seay enjoyed playing alongside her sister Taylor for the past two years.

“We are always pushing each other to be better,” she said. “I’m really going to miss playing with her but I’m confident that she will continue balling out without me.”

Seay also will miss playing with senior Kelsey DuBois, who is also a Noblesville resident who will play for New York University in the 2023-24 season.

“Me and Kelsey have been playing together since fourth grade,” Seay said. “We have shared so many happy memories. I couldn’t ask for a better post player and friend. She can do it all. NYU got a good one. It’s definitely going to be a little weird not playing with her next year, but it’s definitely been a journey with her.”

Seay wants to major in computer science and minor in cybersecurity.

University High School senior guard Payton Seay averaged 20 points as a senior. (Photo courtesy of Jasper Owens)

Seay

Forest alliance encourages advocacy at local level

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

“Any effort to conserve forestland in the state must address private forests,” Stant said.

ENVIRONMENT

The Indiana Forest Alliance presented information on local nature preservation and related issues at an informational meeting held March 9 at Sun King Brewery in Carmel.

IFA is a nonprofit established in 1996 to protect Hoosier woodlands. According to IFA Executive Director Jeff Stant, Indiana had 20 million acres of forests when pioneer settlement began in the 1800s. In less than 100 years, the total shrank to 1 million acres.

“It is important to appreciate how vital the forests are to our existence,” Stant said. “We are in, by many measures, the deepest, richest breadbasket in the country.”

Since the 1900s, nearly 25 percent of Indiana’s forest-covered area has returned. The state has approximately 5 million acres of forests, with 90 percent privately owned.

Also at the meeting, retired teacher Zelma Taylor shared how she partnered with several other residents in 2022 to advocate against a proposal to build 33 townhomes at 96th Street and Haverstick Road, which would have required the destruction of a forested area.

Taylor spoke about using petitions and gathering support from residents who wanted to preserve the woods. She said the proposal was later withdrawn without a reason given.

“We didn’t think we did it ourselves. It took a whole bunch of people,” Taylor said. Stant said preservation starts at home.

“I think that this is a great crowd to see, because it shows the community will try to hold on to what they have left and to make that into a political issue,” Stant said.

Learn more about the alliance at indianaforestalliance.org.

Stant

WESTFIELD

Project: Library/township

office construction

Location: Corner of Park and Poplar streets

the intersection of 171st Street and Eagletown Road.

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

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

Project: New roundabout

Location: A section of Eagletown Road between 166th Street and Ind. 32 is closed. The closure is for the construction of a new roundabout at

Expected completion:

Expected to open to traffic unknown due to a utility delay

NOBLESVILLE & NORTH

Project: Pleasant Street

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

Expected completion: End of 2024

DISPATCHES

Register to vote by April 3 — The deadline to register to vote in the May 2 primary election is April 3. Registration may be done online, by mail or in person. Voter registration forms are available at any public library in Hamilton County, any license branch, any city or town clerk-treasurer’s office and the Hamilton County Voter Registration Office in Noblesville (Room 106). Register online at IndianaVoters.in.gov.

Parade tickets on sale — Tickets are on sale to the public for the 2023 AES 500 Festival Parade. Parade tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online at 500festival.com/tickets. Proceeds from all 500 Festival ticketed events help support the organization’s free programming and events for Indiana youth and college students. The parade will take place at 11:45 a.m. May 27 in downtown Indianapolis. The grand marshal is Frank Shorter, Olympic gold medalist and the winner of the first OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

Ear, nose, throat and allergy appointments available now

Locations:

12188A N. Meridian St., Suite 375 Carmel, IN 46032

4880 Century Plaza Rd., Suite 170 Indianapolis, IN 46254

ADULT-ONLY EASTER EGG HUNT

This adult-only event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon April 1 at Urban Vines Winery & Brewery, 303 E. 161st St. Cost is $40. For questions, call 317-763-0678 or visit urban-vines.com.

EGG-PAW-LOOZA EVENT

Bring your furry friends and your family for Egg-Paw-Looza from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Asa Bales Park, 205 W. Hoover St. The event will feature three dog egg hunts, professional pet portraits with the Easter Bunny, activities, pet vendors, in addition to food and beverage vendors. Cost is $5 for individuals 5 and up, while ages 4 and under and dogs are free. For more, visit westfieldwelcome. com/egg-paw-looza. Tickets can be purchased at event with card only as cash will not be accepted.

HAMILTON COUNTY GOP LINCOLN DAY DINNER

The Hamilton County Republican Party will host its 2023 Lincoln Day Dinner April 10 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center, 13700 Conference Center Drive South, Noblesville. Guest speaker will be Congressman Jim Jordan, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, while Indiana governor candidates will also be at the event. The

CURRENT APRIL COMMUNITY CALENDAR

VIP reception begins at 5 p.m. with dinner following at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required that can be done on the Hamilton County GOP’s website. For more, call 317849-9600, email hcrp@hamiltoncountygop. org or visit hamiltoncountygop.org.

INVASIVE SPECIES PRESENTATION

Hamilton County Invasive Partnership and Westfield Green Together will host a presentation April 11 at the Westfield Washington Public Library. The event from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. will focus on invasive plants, how they impact our environment and what individuals can do to stop the spread of invasive plants in Hamilton County. Admission is free to attend.

EASTER EXPRESS

Nickel Plate Express is offering train rides as part of its Easter Express. Rides will be offered April 1, 2 and 8. Trains depart at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. April 1 and 8, while train rides are available at 1 and 3 p.m. April 2. Prices are $32 to $109. For more, visit nickelplateexpress.com.

PAINT WITH BUNNIES

Kiln Creations at 60 N. 9th St. will host “Paint with Bunnies” from 4 to 8 p.m. April

1. Cost is $25. For more, visit placefull.com/ paint-with-bunnies-at-kiln-creations or call 317-774-8982.

UPAINT TODDLER/PRESCHOOL STORY TIME

Have some fun with your toddler or preschooler with some story time and painting April 6. The event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at uPaint Pottery Studio, 13901 Town Center Blvd., Suite 200, Noblesville, will feature a spring story, painting a bunny and enjoy a snack. No reservation is needed. The cost is $15 per painter. For more, visit upaintpotterystudio.

com or call 317-773-4880.

BOURBON AND BBQ

Enjoy a bourbon tasting and barbecue meal during a two-hour train ride on the Nickel Plate Express April 22. The event, which is offered at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and is for individuals 21 and older, costs $74 to $79 per person. Ticket includes three bourbon samples and a barbecue dinner from Jefferson Street BBQ. Cocktails and beverages will be available for purchase. For more, visit nickelplateexpress.com.

CRASH COURSE

IMMI unveils safety system for first responders, EMTs

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Westfield-based company that manufactures safety restraints has unveiled a new safety system for emergency medical services personnel that will better protect them in ambulance compartments.

IMMI, which has its headquarters in Westfield, conducted a live ambulance crash demonstration March 16 at its Center for Advanced Product Evaluation, or CAPE, which is off 191st Street. CAPE is the testing and validation center for commercial vehicles in North America, company officials said.

IMMI created MBrace, an airbag protection device that deploys to protect a person’s head and neck in a frontal crash or rollover. The device includes a crash sensor that triggers an airbag deployment in a fraction of a second, according to company officials.

MBrace is also equipped with four retractors, which allows for freedom of movement while keeping an EMT safely buckled, according to the company The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the fatality rate for EMS workers was more than two times the national average for all workers in traffic accidents, company officials said.

The company’s safety products can be found worldwide on car seats, heavy trucks, school buses, recreational/off road, military, fire/EMS, motor coach and construction vehicles.

“After five years of research and development, we’re excited to launch this groundbreaking innovation in advanced safety to better protect the men and women who work every day to save lives transporting patients in ambulances,” said Larry Gray, CEO of IMMI. “IMMI is excited to offer a new solution for these heroes which aims to decrease fatalities and injuries.”

About 200 individuals consisting of fire and police personnel, manufacturers and dealers, along with several members of the media, were invited to the ambulance crash test. The crash involved an ambulance traveling 27 mph with dummies inside traveling down a makeshift track inside the CAPE that slammed into a concrete wall.

Nicolas Awabdy, vice president of engineering at IMMI, said the CAPE performs

crash tests on a regular basis that take hours of preparation. Ambulances and other vehicles that are used for testing are equipped with data acquisition units and several cameras, which help company officials make necessary adjustments to safety equipment that may be required after performing an analysis, Awabdy said.

High-powered lights are also used, in addition to high-speed cameras that capture different frames per second as part of the data collection process, he added.

“If it wasn’t for the high speed and events happen so quickly and the occupants are moving so fast, we couldn’t really bring it down to what it really looks like in slow motion,” Awabdy said. “That slow motion helps immensely as we try to understand how advanced safety works.”

The Mbrace safety system is designed for side-facing occupants and has been several years in the making, Awabdy said. The company has worked on the design and development while working with customers in understanding how to bring the safety feature to the back of an ambulance, he added.

IMMI plans to roll out the Mbrace safety system to the market in the next few months, according to Awabdy. He said the safety system is important since ambulances can be involved in accidents at high speeds.

“It’s so important that we’re bringing that next level of safety to protect EMTs and trying to protect those who have actually been in other accidents,” Awabdy said.

The Mbrace safety system will be installed in new ambulances, but it is pos-

sible it could be made as an after-market device, according to Awabdy. Testing for the safety system has occurred over several years that first involved developing the airbag and then bringing vehicles in for further testing, he added.

Six vehicles had previously been crashed prior to the March 16 test, which Awabdy said has helped the company with the design and development of its safety system equipment. In addition, the tests have also helped IMMI make adjustments that need to be made while looking at different size occupants and various crash scenarios. Awabdy said the company is also considering the safety system for military vehicle use.

“We’ve also considered maybe there’s opportunities in construction or off-highway markets where airbags are not standard equipment today,” he said.

ON THE COVER: IMMI, which is headquartered in Westfield and manufactures safety restraints, has unveiled a new safety system for emergency medical services personnel that will better protect them in ambulance compartments. (Photo by Adam Seif)

ABOUT IMMI

IMMI was founded in 1961 as Auto-Safe and started with four employees and two sewing machines.

For 62 years, IMMI has been a leader in developing, designing, testing and manufacturing innovative safety restraints and systems. Its safety products are found worldwide on car seats, heavy trucks, school buses, recreational/off road, military, fire/ EMS, motor coach and construction vehicles.

Headquartered in Westfield and operating seven additional global facilities, IMMI is also home to CAPE, the world’s leading state-of-the-art testing facility.

Corporate headquarters: 18881 IMMI Way, Westfield

Employees: 1,800 worldwide Website: imminet.com

An ambulance crash test at IMMI’s Center for Advanced Product Evaluation (CAPE) in Westfield was performed March 16 as part of testing on Mbrace, an airbag protection device created by IMMI that deploys to protect a person’s head and neck in a frontal crash or rollover. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Awabdy

Keith Albrecht Team

Making sense of the machines

Commentary by Dr. Kim Hall

Have you ever wondered what those new crazy machines at the eye doctor do?

Celebrating the little moments.

Celebrating our 20th year as Indiana’s most experienced freestanding heart hospital, Community Health Network provides heart care you can trust. Committed to putting patients first, we offer minimally invasive and convenient treatment options — so no matter what your heart needs, Community has a solution. With our dedicated team of experts, high quality patient care, and our Joint Commission Specialty Certifications, Community delivers exceptional heart and vascular care.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit eCommunity.com/heart or call 317.621.2727

VISION

It seems that these days, when you go to the optometrist, the pretest room has become more crowded than NASA HQ as you are asked to put your face into yet another machine. What in the world does each instrument tell about your eyes? Technology has certainly evolved over the years!

Let’s begin with the gold standard tests. Everyone has been asked to watch that farmhouse or hot air balloon as it goes in and out of focus. Luckily, we live in Indiana, so those targets are appropriate! This machine measures the curvature of the front part of your eye, along with the length of your eye, and in turn gives a starting point for your refractive state, a.k.a., glasses prescription. The target going in/out of focus simply serves to keep your focusing system in a relaxed state, which results in a more accurate prescription.

You may be seeing less and less of that air puff test. The “archaic torture chamber” actually measures the speed at which the air bounces off the front part of your eye, and that tells us how hard your eye is and how much pressure is inside of it. That test has been dreaded for ages, and, thankfully, smart optical engineers have been listening. It has evolved into a new and improved handheld device that measures your eye pressure with a super tiny probe that – yes – does actually touch your eye, but it is super tiny and so fast you truly don’t even feel it. I’m almost nervous to share that secret, as I may have ruined the mystique.

I have many more technologies to share about in upcoming editions. Stay tuned for parts two and three coming up soon.

Dr. Kim Hall is an optometrist at RevolutionEYES. She graduated from Purdue University in 1999 and the Indiana University School of Optometry in 2005.

You may be seeing less and less of that air puff test.

– DR. KIM HALL

Fishers business offers an array of cryotherapy treatments

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

HEALTH

Lori Allbright is the founder of Fishers Cryotherapy. She has run the business at 11789 Commercial Dr. since 2019.

Allbright was introduced to cryotherapy in 2014 when she sought treatment for her son, who was 11 at the time. She said he pulled part of a growth plate in his shoulder while playing baseball.

“He was constantly in pain,” she said. “So instead of drugging him, we found cryotherapy.”

As a treatment, cryotherapy is the process of manipulating the body’s temperature to trigger its natural defense mechanisms, Allbright said.

“Going from room temperature to negative temperature, your body immediately thinks it’s in trouble and it needs to protect itself,” Allbright said.

For treatments, patients step into a cryochamber filled with freezing air. In response, the blood vessels narrow, and the body’s surface layer blood is pulled to the core. The body receives more oxygen, nutrients, enzymes and can increase white blood cells, Allbright said.

Allbright said the treatments were effective for her son and for herself when she recovered from fasciectomy surgeries on both of her legs.

“I have compartment syndrome in both my lower legs,” she said. “My feet would go numb, my legs would kind of swell up and it

was just painful.”

After cold treatment, she said she could walk without pain an no longer suffers migraines during storms.

“One day it rained after cryotherapy, and I had no idea it was going to happen,” she said. “I had no idea that was a byproduct of doing cryotherapy or could be.”

Marcus Clancy, owner of Providence Star Academy Martial Arts Academy in Indianapolis, has been going to Fishers Cryotherapy for a year and is a fan of the treatments.

“(Allbright’s) personality is always the same. Like, ‘Wow, you’re really nurturing. You really care about this,’ and she told me her story,’” Clancy said of his first visit. “I came back the next day.”

DISPATCHES

Stocks benefit from cancer test breakthroughs — Amid the race to develop coronavirus tests, vaccines and treatments, many investors might overlook another realm of impressive medical breakthroughs. Molecular diagnostic firms are developing innovative blood tests that can detect many forms of cancer, some even at the earliest stages before cancerous cells mass together. In the past five years, genomic blood testing has become a $6 billion-a-year market, mostly driven by tests such as “liquid biopsies.” Three promising companies are:

• Exact Sciences (EXAS) had nearly $900 million in total revenues last year, mostly from two products -- Cologuard, an alternative to colonoscopies that

screens stool samples for colon cancer, and Oncotype Dx, a genomic test that can predict which women with early-stage breast cancer will not benefit from chemotherapy.

• Guardant Health (GH) makes liquid biopsy kits that test for mutations in the tumors of advanced cancer patients to enable proper therapy selection.

• Natera (NTRA) tests monitor for relapses in breast and lung cancer and can identify recurrent tumors months before traditional methods such as CT scans. The company also is expanding its blood-test technology to predict whether organ-transplant recipients are likely to reject a new organ.

Source: BottomLineInc

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.

The cryochamber reaches temperatures as low as minus 130 degrees. (Photo by Edward Redd)

Synonyms: COLOSSAL, HUGE, IMMENSE, JUMBO, MASSIVE, VAST; TV Stations: WFYI, WISH, WRTV, WTHR, WTTV; Johns: DILLINGER, MELLENCAMP, ROBERTS, WOODEN; Creatures: DRAGON, UNICORN, VAMPIRE; Attractions: CENTRAL PARK, TIMES SQUARE; Snack: POPCORN

Balancing accountability and retribution

Commentary by Terry Anker

Crowds chanted, “Ma, ma, where’s my pa?” Everyone knew the story. The president had displeased the electorate. Well, there must have been some voters among the hordes, and they were letting him know about it. Not quite “Let’s go, Brandon,” the president at the time is likely to have benefited from the scandal to become the only one elected to two nonconsecutive terms. The Whiskey Ring, Tea Pot Dome, Watergate, Whitewater and Iran-Contra all dominated American attention.

We might recall the incidents from firsthand memory or from being a U.S. or presidential history buff. But for many of us, we’ll have to look up their etymology. Maybe our recollections are better served by Monica, Stormy, Marilyn or Sally. Whatever the context was, they were all at the heart of political and social controversy in their respective times. Barrels of ink were dedicated to fueling the furor. Then, it all passed. The republic survived. In many cases, the politicians at the heart of the scandals rose

to greater popularity, with their stalwarts as some sort of martyred scoundrel.

The Tower of London has been filled with “lawbreakers” who formerly ruled. Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I were jailed for crimes against the Crown. The Doges of Venice held office for life if they could hold onto it. Many believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to leave office because of the threat of his prosecution after leaving power.

Deserved or not, exile, imprisonment, brutal torture and isolation have often been the result of a life of government service for much of the world. So here at home, how do we vet our rightful indignation with our leaders without creating incentive for them to never leave peacefully — or not run at all? What’s our balance between accountability and retribution? And what is its cost?

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

A bathroom dream come true

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Oh, my gosh, people, it’s happening! Our long-awaited bathroom remodel is finally underway, and I. Am. Thrilled! At least when I’m not gagging in disgust. Here’s the skinny. We’ve been in our house for almost 13 years and have been planning this particular blowout since Day 1. I love our en suite bath. It’s a gorgeous space with lots of natural light, but everything is original to the 1996 build. Picture peachy-beige faux marble, cheap brass fixtures, and the pièce de résistance, wall-towall white carpet. Yes, white carpet, or at least what used to be white. It’s more of a dingy gray now, in the one room where water and steam and occasionally bodily fluids roam free. I can’t even identify all the stains anymore, not that I’d want to. Usually, I just keep the lighting down and my eyes up. The sink traps don’t really work, either. I get a nice hit of rotten egg every morning when I

go to brush my teeth, and if we don’t leave the door open, I’m generally greeted with the same stench in the evening. So fun!

HUMOR

Anyhoo, my husband Doo recently started demo-ing, confirming our worst fears that the carpet is in fact more than 25 years old. We’d both been hoping that the previous owners had replaced it shortly before we moved in. Alas, if either of us suddenly develop a mysterious illness or become zombies, my money is on some exotic mold spore in the subfloor.

The contractor promises he’ll be finished by May, and I promise to keep you posted on life without access to a nighttime toilet. Woohoo! It’s happening! Peace out.

I promise to keep you posted on life without access to a nighttime toilet.

– DANIELLE WILSON

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

When do charming senior oversights become punishable?

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I recently read that an 85-year-old man was fumbling through his drawers (which is a funny image, right there) and found a $1 parking ticket fine he had gotten almost 70 years ago and forgot to pay.

Henry must have sharp financial sense. He knew that someday he’d be 85 and if he conveniently misplaced the summons, he could pay it 60 years later when a buck would be a mere pittance — and maybe he could pick up a little positive press for seniors at the same time.

I also forgot to pay a parking fine, right before we left for a vacation. It was a legitimate oversight. I had put the ticket in my back pants pocket, then went home, threw the pants in the Maytag, and that’s the last I remembered seeing it. It was washed completely from my mind.

When we returned from our trip, I received a note from the city saying my fine had doubled because of failure to pay. I was relieved because I had heard if you are delinquent on paying tickets, they can even take away your car. Who knows what they take away if you don’t pay a jaywalking ticket?

I’m a senior. Not quite as senior as Henry, but I think I’ve entered that period of life when some of my oversights would no longer be considered punishable. Some would even say they are charming.

I decided to pursue this and made the call to the Traffic Violation Bureau.

“Hello, I have a question. I’m curious

whether you have heard about this Henry, the senior citizen who didn’t pay his parking ticket for almost 70 years?”

“Yes, of course. What an uplifting, touching story about the inner goodness of human beings. His honesty is so heartwarming. Who is this, anyway?”

“My name is Dick Wolfsie, and I …”

“Yes, Mr. Wolfsie, we have your records. Disgraceful, contemptible — criminal, even.”

“I don’t get it. This guy doesn’t pay his ticket for six decades and he’s a hero. I skip a few weeks and you double my fine? You called his story heartwarming.”

“How old are you, Mr. Wolfsie?”

“I just turned 76.”

“I’m afraid you don’t have enough time left to make your story heartwarming.”

“Look, I still don’t understand why you are punishing me after two months, and it sounds like you have his photo on your bulletin board.”

“Oh, your picture is up there, too.”

I’m thinking about heading to my hometown in a couple of months and taking back an old library book I forgot to return in 1980. Of course, if I do return it now, they’ll charge me big time and call me a thief. But if I could stay alive for 30 more years, they’d think I’m downright adorable.

POLICIES

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

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

I was relieved because I had heard if you are delinquent on paying tickets, they can even take away your car. Who knows what they take away if you don’t pay a jaywalking ticket?

– DICK WOLFSIE

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre seeks to inspire with ‘Illumination’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Although “Illumination” is a collection of dances created over several decades, there is a connection.

PERFORMANCES

Gregory Hancock, executive artistic director of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, said the common thread is faith, hope and inspiration.

GHDT will present “Illumination” at 7 p.m. April 7-8 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“Pieces have been included from the company’s expansive repertoire, some in their full form and others as excerpts from larger full-length pieces,” Hancock said. “As a choreographer and director, it is interesting to look back into our history to see how dances have survived the test of time, and in some cases, have become even more relevant today. Although there are a variety of themes, styles and music represented in ‘Illumination,’ the idea of unwavering faith, often in the face of adversity, is paramount, along with the theme of light over darkness.”

Hancock said selecting pieces for a repertoire program was challenging.

“For this program, I started with a list of over 40 dances that were infused with faith and hope, and then continued to narrow down to select pieces that would complement each other, as well as showcase the individual talents of the GHDT company dancers,” he said. “This process eventually becomes more organic, and a natural flow to the program develops.”

Hancock said since the inception of his company, celebrating a global connection has been the focus.

“Honoring the individuality along with the sameness of the human condition through joy, sorrow, life, death, history, spirituality, and culture (is a goal),” he said. “As humans, we all have emotions, history, stories, plans and dreams that intertwine and take us on our journeys through life. The more we grow to under-

stand ourselves, the more we learn how connected we are as humans on this planet. During this time of spring and rebirth, this beautiful program of dances from GHDT’s eclectic repertoire will uplift, inspire, enlighten and illuminate audiences.”

GHDT company dancer Abigail Lessaris said “Illumination” is a beautiful show filled with inspiration in many different forms.

“The performance is filled with emotions on a wide spectrum,” Lessaris said. “There are pieces of love, grief, freedom and unwavering faith. The connection we feel when we experience artistry that evokes these emotions is so important. I am proud to be a part of a group of individuals who work hard to bring this kind of experience to our community.”

GHDT’s season continues June 9-10 at The Tarkington with “Director’s Choice.”

“(The show) again reaches back to both the distant and recent past to bring pieces to GHDT audiences that will be new to many audience members as well as the current dancers in the company,” Hancock said. “I am positive that designing the programming for this production will be a challenge. Audience members often ask

what my favorite piece is, and of course it is impossible to answer, as I have favorites at different periods, often depending on what is occurring in my life and our world at the time.”

As a bonus for the 25th anniversary season, it was recently determined GHDT will close the season with “The Music of La Casa Azul” with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra for a one-night-only performance Aug. 5 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. It’s a concert version of Hancock’s original full-length musical with CSO Artistic Director Janna Hymes as conductor.

Vocal direction of a cast of central Indiana singers will be under the direction of Tammy Anderson. New York City director and playwright Georgina Escobar will provide the stage direction.

“The dancers of GHDT will add a visual element to the production,” Hancock said. “I am thrilled to be working with so many talented artists on this project. What a spectacular way to close a sensational season of live art in our community.”

For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

‘AN AMERICAN IN PARIS’

“An American in Paris” is set for March 30 to May 14 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards. com.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

Tay Bronson & The Tackle Box will perform as part of the Live at the Center series at 7:30 p.m. March 29 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $5 minimum or register for free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Comedians Gwen Sunkel & Tennah McDonald will perform at 7:30 March 30 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Then Singer/Songwriter Kelsey Hickman will present her version of country rock and roll at 7:30 p.m. March 31. Leanne Marie Dobbs will perform Broadway leading men’s songs in “Why CAN’T a Woman” at 7:30 p.m. April 1. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

Spyro Gyra to headline at Carmel Jazz Fest — Long-running jazz fusion band Spyro Gyra will be the headliner at the inaugural Carmel Jazz Fest weekend with an Aug. 12 performance at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. The concert, which was announced March 20, is set for 8 p.m. Spyro Gyra emerged during the 1970s fusion wave and never let up, releasing 35 albums and earning 13 Grammy nominations in the past five decades. Tickets starting at $25 went on sale at March 24 at the Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office, online at thecenterpresents.org and by phone at 317-843-3800. Separate passes are required for Carmel Jazz Fest, which will take place on the Center’s campus and at other venues around the city Aug. 11-12. For more and tickets to the festival, visit carmeljazzfest. org/tickets.

Snarky Puppy to perform at NDP AMP —

The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater and MOKB Presents announced Snarky Puppy will perform Sept. 8 in Fishers. Tickets for the Snarky Puppy show went on sale March 24 at npdamp.com.

Thomas Mason and Abigail Lessaris appear in “Illumination.” (Photo courtesy of Lydia Moody)

Ex-pastor turns to acting full-time

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Ian Black, there were two key factors in his decision to take a break from his role as a pastor to act full time.

MUSICAL Black

“One of them was simply burnout in ministry,” said Black, who made the decision in 2022. “Lots of pastors struggle with burnout, and it often gets so bad that when we leave, we never return to ministry. I didn’t want to get to that point. So part of the decision to become an actor was to take a break from ministry so I could return to it down the road. But a huge part of it was my increasing desire to perform. I’d always loved it, and always wanted to pursue performing professionally as full-time as possible but had just never made that leap. Now is the time. (I’m) not getting any younger.”

Black, who lives in Lawrence Township in Indianapolis, plays Henri Baurel, the son of wealthy French industrialists, in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “An American in Paris,” which is set for March

30 to May 14 at the Indianapolis venue, His biggest challenge is mastering the accent.

“I only took two years of Spanish in high school, and accents do not come easily to me,” Black said. “I’m excited to tackle it and I imagine our dialect coach will get to know me very well. Hopefully by the end of the run, I will be passing as a true Frenchman.”

Black said he likes the fact Henri is so genuine.

“You get the sense he is truly kind and caring, even as he is figuring out more of who he is, who to love, what to do with his life,” Black said. “He experiences growth throughout the course of the show, demonstrated by his willingness to eventually let go of things he once clung to. And we learn about how many risks he and his family sacrificially undertook during the war. I really like his sense of humor. I also appreciate that he wants to go for his dreams, which is something that captures so much of what I’m striving to do in this chapter of life.”

Black appeared in “A Beef & Boards Christmas” as a dancer in 2016 and 2017.

Combining love of art with travel

Commentary by Randy Sorrell

‘A Good Person’ is a good film

Commentary by Julieanna Childs

Synopsis: Daniel (Morgan Freeman) is brought together with Allison (Florence Pugh), a once-thriving young woman with a bright future who was involved in an unimaginable tragedy that took his daughter’s life. As grief-stricken Daniel navigates raising his teenage granddaughter and Allison seeks redemption, they discover that friendship, forgiveness, and hope can flourish in unlikely places.

In his first film in five years, “A Good Person” director Zach Braff unfolds a story about grief and overcoming tragedy. Braff, who also serves as one of the film’s producers, wrote the screenplay for Pugh during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown while grieving the deaths of his sister, father and two close friends. Pugh and Braff were living together at the time.

During a Q&A at the film’s London premiere, Braff said while “A Good Person” is intense, it has lighthearted moments.

“I strategically designed places for the audience to have a rest, a breath, a laugh,

because that’s actually what happens in life,” Braff said. “Some of it is heartbreaking, but I also wanted to write about it with my own style, which is to find the humor in it all. I have a very funny family, and we always find a way to laugh our way through things, even the painful things.”

Freeman and Oscar nominee Pugh give powerful performances as two people entwined by tragedy, trying to rebuild themselves around the loss they’ve suffered. The characters illustrate the choices we make between holding on and letting go.

“A Good Person” is a story for anyone who’s searched for a person’s lost echoes. Sometimes the best comfort is inviting memories of joy into our present grief and allowing them to live in the quiet corners of our day.

ARTISTS

I love art … for so many reasons! It can be a source of joy and encouragement. A source of healing. Art can be a hobby, your career or a side gig. Check out this story of a wonderful friend and her journey.

She’s a product of especially great parents and Carmel schools. She’s involved in several nonprofits from Discovering Broadway and Actors Theatre of Indiana to others focused on saving lives and souls.

Jill Zaniker’s story of art and life is inspiring and instructive. She took several art classes in college, and after receiving a bummer grade, decided to “forget it” and move on.

Fast forward a few decades after focusing her energies on family, her business, retirement and a devastating and unexpected loss of her equally inspiring husband of 30 years, she decided to explore her second story.

Art classes/workshops presented by the brilliant Deb Slack, Cy Donnelly and Beth

Clary Schwier focused her talents and served as a launching point for exploring her creative side again, which resulted in a dedicated studio in her fashionable Carmel Arts & Design District home. Her new life philosophy and second story is, “You only die once and you need to choose to live everyday.” And, if you know Jill, she exudes it.

Jill is fortunate to be able to travel regularly and has an inventive habit of purchasing a piece of art from a local artist. Her latest purchase is from Venice. My wife Kim and I adopted this habit more than 30 years ago.

Hopefully, her story will prompt you to live more fully or finally pick up a brush again. Or to initiate the “buy real art” locally or in your travels.

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

Randy Sorrell, a Carmel artist, can be reached at 317-6792565, rsorrellart@gmail.com or rsorrellart.com.

Jill Zaniker with Italian artist Luisa Spagnoli in Venice. (Photo courtesy of Jill Zaniker)

Verbal hedging isn’t yardwork

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

At the dawn of every springtime, I make a list of things I want to do in my lawn and garden. While I’ll admit my outdoor to-do list is too lofty, I can’t wait to try to make all these things happen. I love working in the yard. I would never say I “kind of” like working in the yard, because my yardwork enjoyment is unequivocal. If I did want to play it safe, I’d employ a “verbal hedge,” which is a word or phrase used to lessen the impact of a statement. The “hedge” in this phrase (just like “hedge your bets”) has nothing to do with shrubbery. Back in 1500s England, the verb “hedge” meant to “equivocate or avoid commitment.” We find an example of this usage in Shakespeare’s “Merry Wives of Windsor”: I, I, I myself sometimes, leaving the fear of God on the left hand and hiding mine honour in my necessity, am fain to shuffle, to hedge and to lurch. Here are some examples of verbal hedges:

expo this weekend.” This noncommittal “maybe” expresses uncertainty about making firm plans for the speaker’s weekend plans.

GRAMMAR GUY

• “The movie was kind of good, but I was confused by Nic Cage’s character.” Saying a phrase like “kind of” makes the speaker’s opinion of the movie less forceful. Was the movie good or not? “Kind of” doesn’t commit either way.

• “As far as I know, I had no knowledge of the plans to steal the zoo’s only walrus.” You’ll see defendants in court hedge all the time. If someone uses a phrase like “as far as I know,” this absolves them from saying, “I definitely knew about the walrus theft” or “I certainly did not know about the walrus theft.”

Visiting the tombs of Jesus

Commentary by Don Knebel

• “Maybe I’ll go to the lawn and garden

TRAVEL

In our continuing tour of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we visit competing sites in Jerusalem associated with the tomb of Jesus. After Emperor Constantine declared in A.D. 313 that Christianity was legal in the Roman Empire, he sent his 80-year-old mother, Helena, to the Holy Land to find sites important to Christianity. She returned in A.D. 328 claiming she had found not only the tomb of Jesus in Jerusalem, but also a remnant of what she said was the “True Cross” on which Jesus had been crucified. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher was soon built around the tomb, with an underground Chapel of the Finding of the True Cross claimed to be where Helena had found the True Cross. For almost 1,700 years, Christians have made their way to that now cavernous church. For her piety and her discoveries, Helena was recognized as a saint.

In 1883, Protestants were thrilled when Charles Gordon, an English general, found a tomb near a Jerusalem rock formation suggesting a skull, which he thought identified the biblical Golgotha (the skull) where Jesus had been crucified. The tomb itself was in an old garden, where the Bible says it should be. And so, with great fanfare, the Garden Tomb, with its beautiful gardens and peaceful outdoor places to worship, opened to the public.

In 1986, Israeli archaeologist Gabriel Barkay, an authority on Jewish tombs, published an article concluding that the Garden

Tomb was not used at the time of Jesus. Consequently, guides at the Garden Tomb no longer claim it held the body of Jesus. But Protestant visitors still worship there, experiencing the same emotions as before. Others continue to experience comparable emotions at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. As with many other sites in the Holy Land, tradition and belief are as important as archaeology.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Israel. (Photos by Don Knebel)

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

The Garden Tomb in Israel.

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

Inside the Garden Tomb.

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59. Birthday number Answers on Page 16

a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

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