May 9, 2023 — Westfield

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Willis wins GOP nomination for Westfield mayor

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Scott Willis secured the Republican nomination for Westfield mayor, defeating two other challengers in the May 2 primary election.

PRIMARY

Willis received 3,506 votes, while Jake Gilbert was second with 3,265 votes, according to unofficial results by the Hamilton County Election Office. A third opponent, Kristen Burkman, garnered 992 votes.

Willis, who gathered at his home in Westfield with his family and supporters, said he is excited that Westfield voters backed his campaign and believed in a path that moves the city forward.

“We’re excited about getting the hard work done,” Willis said. “I am honored that the residents of Westfield have placed their trust in me to be their next mayor. I have worked hard to earn their support, and I think my experience, qualifications and vi-

sion really resonated with people.”

Willis said his campaign strategy coming into the election was focusing on his experience.

“When you look at my background and experience compared to my opponents, we felt like there was a clear contrast, and we focused on that and we’re excited that Westfield residents saw it the same way,” he said.

If elected mayor, Willis said he will focus on transparency and communication.

“It is my hope that every resident of our city will be a collaborative voice in Westfield’s future,” Willis said.

Willis commended Gilbert and Burkman for their efforts, saying both candidates ran great races and worked incredibly hard. Willis thanked voters for trusting him and believing in his vision.

Mayor Andy Cook, who has led Westfield since 2008, announced earlier this year that he would not run for a fifth term. Willis said his focus moving forward is to get ev-

erything in place to hit the ground running Jan. 1.

“I look forward to a transition plan working with our current mayor to develop a transition plan so that we don’t miss a beat when taking office in January,” Willis said. Currently, there is no Democratic candidate for mayor, although the party could select a candidate for the general election in November. The deadline to do so is noon July 3.

Reached by phone, Gilbert said he was proud of the campaign he ran and thanked volunteers and voters who backed his vision.

“I know we fell just short, but I’m so proud of the effort we made,” Gilbert said. Gilbert also congratulated Willis on his victory and said he plans to continue supporting the city moving forward.

“I wish him nothing but the best,” he said. Burkman also thanked voters for their support during her bid for mayor.

Oak Trace student remembered as ‘a shining star’

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

An Oak Trace Elementary School thirdgrade student who died after being struck by a vehicle is being remembered as “a shining star” who enjoyed sports, loved to learn and was a good friend to those around him.

Oak Trace Principal Jane Hitch said Swain was “a shining star” at the school and loved to learn, was a gifted athlete and a good friend. She also said Swain played on many basketball, baseball and football teams.

EDUCATION

Tucker Swain, 9, was struck around 2 p.m. April 29 on Apollo Parkway. He was taken to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and was later pronounced dead, officials said.

Westfield Washington Schools sent out a message to families informing them of Swain’s death.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families, friends, staff and community members who had the pleasure to be touched by his life and spirit. Tucker was a

valued member of our Oak Trace family and will be greatly missed,” the statement said. “We ask that you keep the Swain family in your thoughts as they go through this unfathomable experience. It is during times like this that it is most important that we continue to come together as a Shamrock community to support one another.”

Hitch described the child as one who craved new challenges, sought out new books to read and kept teachers at the school on their toes by asking a lot of “why” questions in math.

“He was a great big brother, often walking his sister and brothers to their classrooms in the morning,” she said.

“Tucker was loved and will be missed dearly by all of Westfield, especially his Oak Trace family.”

The incident on Apollo Parkway remains under investigation, Westfield police Lt. Billy Adams said.

A GoFundMe page has been established to support Swain’s family. For more, visit gofundme.com/f/tucker-swain.

Tucker Swain, 9, was a student at Oak Trace Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Washington Schools))

Judge: School shooter to remain in custody

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Hamilton County Circuit judge has ruled that the former Noblesville West Middle School student who wounded a classmate and a teacher in a 2018 shooting at the school will remain in the custody of the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center.

CRIME

Hamilton County Circuit Court Judge Paul Felix held a hearing April 27 to review the potential release of the shooter, David Moore, who has been in custody since the incident in May 2018. Moore, who was 13 at the time of the shooting inside a classroom, is now 18.

A classmate, Ella Whistler, was shot seven times, and teacher Jason Seaman, who tackled the gunman, was shot three times inside a seventh-grade science classroom. A statement released by Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen on Thursday noted that Felix ruled that a psychological assessment will be conducted by a Department of Child Services authorized provider.

The court will meet again to review the release eligibility following the completion of the assessment and findings, according to Felix’s ruling released by the city.

“I wanted to share this update with our community so you are aware and informed of the updated legal status of this case. I know the actions of that day still impact countless individuals and families,” Jensen said. “Noblesville Schools Superintendent Dr. Daniel Hile and I are in regular communication regarding this and other topics that impact our entire community. The Noblesville Police Department also has been working closely with school district officials and Noblesville Schools communicated plans to their parents and staff last week.”

Jensen added: “We continue to partner with fellow law enforcement agencies and Noblesville Schools to proactively monitor this situation to ensure the safety of our community and its residents.”

CURRENT Q&A

Getting to know Dana Altemeyer

Dana Altemeyer has been the director of communications in the MSD of Lawrence Township for the past nine years. An Indianapolis native, she attended Butler University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and later her Master of Science in School Counseling. She holds an administrative certification through the University of Indianapolis and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Indiana University Bloomington. She and her husband, Bill Conrad, live in Lawrence Township with their two children, William, 7, and Charlotte, 4.

Q: What is your best habit, and what is your worst?

More people trust us with their hearts

A: Multitasking.

Q: Do you have a hidden talent?

A: Remembering song lyrics

Q: What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?

A: Spend time outdoors

Q: Is there a book that you recommend to everyone?

A: “The Mitford Series,” by Jan Karon

Q: Is there a businessperson you admire? Why?

A: MSD of Lawrence Township Supt. Dr. Shawn A. Smith. He leads by example and inspires others to rise to meet him. He puts students at the forefront of everything he does, always reminding those around him to do the same. He holds leaders around him to high expectations, supporting them, and fostering their individual strengths.

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COMMUNITY Rock the Junction returns

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Grand Junction Brewing Co. founder and managing partner Jon Knight views holding a craft beer and music festival as a philanthropic effort.

EVENT

The seventh annual Rock the Junction, a craft beer and music festival, is set for May 13 at the Grand Junction Brewing Co., 1189 E. 181st St., Westfield. The VIP entry is at 1 p.m., followed by general admission at 2 p.m. The event, which is open to guests 21 and older, will run until 5 p.m.

“The whole intent behind Rock the Junction is to give back to the community that has supported us,” said Knight, whose brewery celebrated its ninth anniversary in April. “Over the course of nine years, we’ve received a huge amount of support from the local community, and this is a 100 percent opportunity for us to give back.”

Knight said 100 percent of the net proceeds from the event go to local charity. The main beneficiaries are graduating seniors from Westfield High School.

“We provide two scholarships to graduating seniors,” Knight said. “We focus those

on what we consider underserved career paths when it comes to scholarship money. We’re looking for two-year vocational schools.”

There will be more than 20 breweries represented for guests to sample.

The bands scheduled to perform are Midnight Smith, Glamerica and headliner Chasing Katie.

General admission tickets are $35, while VIP tickets are $45.

For more, visit rockthejunction.com.

Rock the Junction will feature more than 20 craft breweries. (Photo courtesy of Grand Junction Brewing Co.)

Hamilton County Tourism launches digital passport

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

ARTS

Hamilton County Tourism has created a digital passport that will allow residents and visitors to engage with local art.

The Doable and Viewable Art Pass, which is now available, features more than 100 murals, sculptures, galleries and art studios located throughout Hamilton County. After seven mobile check-ins at participating locations, participants will earn a print created by local artist Gabriel Lehman.

Three cities in Hamilton County have received recognition from the Indiana Arts Commission as a Statewide Cultural District: the Carmel Arts & Design District, the Nickel Plate District in Fishers and the Noblesville Cultural Arts District.

“Our county continues to grow and evolve as a vibrant art destination,” said Aili McGill, executive director of Nickel Plate Arts in Noblesville. “As executive director of Nickel Plate Arts and manager of Nobles-

ville’s Cultural Arts District, I’m excited for the launch of this new art pass and the opportunity to expose more people to art in a fun, low-barrier way.”

To claim the Doable and Viewable Art Pass, individuals can go to VisitHamiltonCounty.com/Art. The passport can be saved to a smartphone home screen or bookmarked in a web browser for easy access.

Hamilton County Tourism will celebrate the launch of the pass with a county-wide scavenger hunt during National Travel and Tourism Week. Prizes will be hidden May 8-12 at various pieces of public art featured within the Doable and Viewable Art Pass.

Clues for the prize locations can be found on Visit Hamilton County’s Facebook and Instagram Stories each day.People are encouraged to take photos while checking in at the various art locations and share them on social media, tagging @VisitHamiltonCo or #VisitHC for the chance to be featured. For more, visit visithamiltoncounty.com/ art.

Stamp Out Hunger set for May 13

news@currentwestfield.com

GIVING

May 13 marks the 31st anniversary of the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger food drive.

On the second Saturday in May, letter carriers across the nation collect nonperishable food donations from customers. In Indiana, the donations go directly to more than 50 different local food pantries to provide food to people who need help, according to Carmel letter carrier Greg Gormong.

Central Indiana food pantries that the National Associate of Letter Carriers Branch No. 888 provides for include: Open Doors Food Pantry in Carmel, Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank based in Noblesville, Delaware Township Trustees in Fishers, Light and Life Free Methodist Church in Danville, Open Doors Food Pantry in Westfield, Zionsville Presbyterian Church in Zionsville, Lebanon Nazarene Church in Lebanon, Main Street Food Pantry in Fortville, Mama’s Cupboard in Sheridan, New Beginnings Fellowship Food Pantry in Thorntown, and Light and Life Free Methodist Church in Avon.

From this one day of collection, Branch No. 888 has averaged more than 90,000 pounds of food annually delivered to those pantries. During its 30-year history, the drive has collected more than 1.82 billion pounds of food through its network from Alaska to Florida and Maine to Hawaii, including Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Our food drive’s timing is crucial,” Gormong stated. “Food banks and pantries often receive the majority of their donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons.”

Participating in this year’s Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is simple. Just leave a non-perishable food donation in a bag by your mailbox on May 13th, and your letter carrier will do the rest. With your help, letter carriers and the U.S. Postal Service will make the 31st year in America’s great day of giving its best one yet.

If you cannot participate the day of, you can support your local food pantry online. Visit nalc.org/food, select your state, select a food bank in your area and make a contribution that way.

The Geist Half Marathon & 5K is back and more exciting than ever! This year's races feature scenic courses across Geist Reservoir, and a new 5K course through the Geist Waterfront Park. Plus, VIP registration, a post-race party, finisher medals, and new race t-shirts Secure your spot at the starting line today!

CHS senior’s decision to concentrate on lacrosse pays off

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School senior midfielder

Tori Tomalia took the advice of her club lacrosse coach to give up basketball and focus on one sport.

“She said, ‘Tori, if (you) want to play lacrosse at the level you want to play at, you have to stick to one sport,’” she said “Honestly, it was the best decision of my life.”

Tomalia gave up basketball after her sophomore season.

“I realized I did not enjoy going to basketball practice as much as I did lacrosse practice,” she said.

Tomalia also realized how much more she wanted to play lacrosse in college.

“The second I switched over to playing lacrosse only, it opened a whole new world for me, and I just love the sport so much more,” she said.

Tomalia, who has signed to play for the University of Connecticut next season,

MEET TORI TOMALIA

Favorite subject: English

Favorite athlete: Tamika Catchings

Favorite TV show: “Friends”

plays club lacrosse for Major Force Lacrosse, which plays a national schedule.

“UConn has been my No. 1 school for a long time,” she said.

Greyhounds coach Josh Miller said Tomalia’s athleticism keeps improving.

“She’s a heck of an athlete up and down the field,” said Miller, who is in his eighth year with the program and has been head coach for four seasons. “Her work ethic is

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100 percent all the time. She has a positive attitude that wears off on a lot of the other girls. She is the best player I’ve ever had as far as pure talent and athleticism. This is a team loaded with talent, and she’s leading us in every category.”

Tomalia was named the USA Lacrosse Player of the Week earlier this season.

Tomalia said her biggest improvement is her work on the draw, which is a 1-on-1 battle for possession at the start of each half and after goals.

“I’ve been working on doing a lot of different draws in high-pressure situations,” she said. “I think that’s been the most effective for us because we have a lot more possessions against some harder teams where we might have lost the draw last year.”

Tomalia, who has played lacrosse since third grade, said the team is hungry after losing to Guerin Catholic last year in the Indiana High School Lacrosse Association state championship.

“I’d say this is the most hard-working team and our most ambitious to win,” said Tomalia, who was on the Greyhounds’ state championship team in 2021.

Carmel High School senior midfielder Tori Tomalia leads the team with 66 goals and 21 assists.

(Photo courtesy of Josh Miller)

Tomalia

COMMUNITY

WESTFIELD

Project: Library/township office construction

Location: Corner of Park and Poplar streets

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

Project: New roundabout

County for a bridge to be built over the White River.

Expected completion: End of 2024

Project: Pleasant Street

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Location: A new roundabout at the intersection of 171st Street and Eagletown Road is now open. However, there will be periodic lane restrictions in the coming weeks due to utility relocation and pavement striping. Please use caution in the area.

Project: Academy Sports & Outdoors

Location: Drive in front of the building will close for renovations, while the left turn lane from eastbound Greyhound Pass will be closed to avoid traffic turning into the worksite. Closure is expected to last eight months. Motorists should use Thatcher Lane or Cool Creek Park Road as a detour.

Expected completion: To be determined

NOBLESVILLE & NORTH

Project: Pleasant Street

Location: 1.1 miles west of River Road to 10th Street and includes work by Hamilton

Location: Various locations; Eighth Street and Pleasant Street will be closed after Memorial Day (motorists are advised to use detour routes or visit www.reimaginepleasantst. com for more information)

Expected completion: Work will be ongoing

Project: Stony Creek pedestrian trail

Location: Under Ind. 37

Expected completion: Construction will continue this year with the trail expected to open by early summer.

Project: Roundabout construction

Location: Ind. 32 and River Road

Expected completion: End of summer

Project: Nickel Plate Trail

Location: The city of Noblesville will construct its portion of the Nickel Plate Trail from 146th Street to Pleasant Street. Trail will be 12 feet wide and include the rehabilitation of two existing railroad bridges and conversion to pedestrian facilities

Expected completion: By Thanksgiving

Flower Market

Trial date delayed for reserve deputy charged with OWI

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

asked by Mathioudakis to perform field sobriety tests, but refused to do so.

(Advertorial)

Tom Wood Subaru supports Miracle Place

Miracle Place is such a blessing to so many, they provide education, meals, love & encouragement to so many children and adults throughout Indianapolis.

Five years ago when Miracle Place was in need, Tom Wood Subaru stepped up and lent a hand. Every year since, Tom Wood Subaru has designated Miracle Place as our home town charity. During our “Share the Love” initiative, our customers can choose from 4 national charities; Meals on Wheels, Make-A-Wish, the National Parks Foundation, the ASPCA or our Hometown Charity; Miracle Place.

So Miracle Place is so grateful to announce, thanks to you & Subaru, Tom Wood Subaru was able to present Miracle Place with a check for $45,000! So in total, Tom Wood has been able to donate over $170,000 to Miracle Place!!! AMAZING!

Through your love & support, Miracle Place has been able to purchase a lot across the street, where they have planted a sustainable garden for those in the neighborhood. They have purchased a playground for the children, tablets

for the kids they help with homework, food for the children who otherwise may not have a meal, they have helped pay utilities for families in need and so much more! Again, we want to say THANK YOU, to you our customers!

Miracle Place is always in need of volunteers. Volunteers help with things such as:

• Yard Work, Trash Removal and Beautification of the Neighborhood

• Tutoring

• Special Outings

• Summer Camps

• Thanksgiving Dinner

• Christmas Fruit Baskets and Gifts

• Easter Lilly for each Neighbor

• Annual Fiesta Friday Dinner and Auction

Be sure to check out Miracle Place and everything they do. They are such a huge blessing to SO many people: www.amiracleplace.org.

Thank you to the sisters for everything you do! We are so blessed to know you and so incredibly blessed to have you in our lives!

CRIME

A Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office reserve deputy from Westfield facing a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated has had his bench trial rescheduled to June.

Patrick Heitz, 56, was charged Feb. 13 after Westfield Police Dept. Officer Jonathan Mathioudakis saw Heitz driving a White Ford F-150 on Little Eagle Creek Avenue approaching the area of Towne Road when the vehicle slowed down, activated its turn signal and drove left of the center double line.

In a probable cause affidavit filed in Hamilton County Circuit Court, Mathioudakis said he smelled an odor of alcohol on Heitz’s breath and that he had glassy eyes, slurred speech and red, bloodshot eyes after stopping Heitz. The probable cause statement alleges Heitz was unable to go from C to N in the alphabet as instructed and was

Heitz

The statement also alleges that Heitz “struggled to touch the tips of his fingers together as instructed and counted in the incorrect order during the finger count test.” Heitz was eventually brought to the Westfield Police Dept., where he was asked by Mathioudakis to take a certified chemical test, according to the probable cause statement. Bryan Melton, a spokesman with the sheriff’s office, said in an earlier interview that Heitz has been a reserve deputy since Jan. 8, 2013, and said the position is an unpaid volunteer. Heitz remains suspended from his role and Hamilton County Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush will make the final determination regarding his status, Melton said.

Heitz has retained two Fishers attorneys, Mario Massillamany and Jacob Zigenfus, from Massillamany Jeter & Carson LLP to represent him.

Sister Barbara McLellan (right) from Miracle Place receives a $45,000 donation from Scott Reckley (left), General Manager of Tom Wood Subaru.

awarded for roundabout at Hazel Dell Parkway, 146th St.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee has awarded $8.7 million to Hamilton County to transform the 146th and Hazel Dell Parkway intersection into a roundabout interchange. Construction could start as early as 2026.

INFRASTRUCTURE

“This is one of the highest crash locations in the county,” Hamilton County Highway Director Brad Davis stated. “There were 94 reported crashes at this intersection from 2015 to 2019 — most of them rear-end accidents. We hope that turning the intersection into a roundabout will slow traffic and help alleviate some of the danger.”

Project engineers believe the grade separated roundabout interchange will improve safety by eliminating angle crashes and reducing crash severity. The pedestrian crossings will only occur through

A possible configuration for the roundabout at 146th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway. (Rendering courtesy of Hamilton County)

Hazel Dell Parkway and the ramps to 146th Street, which have lower speeds than 146th Street.

The Indianapolis MPO is comprised of the cities, counties and towns in central Indiana. The MPO award was based on a competitive process that identified the significant improvements to congestion along with safety improvements for pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists as the justification for the award.

TALKING SPORTS

WHS seniors create podcast centered on Shamrocks’ athletics

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Three Westfield High School seniors didn’t hesitate at the opportunity to create what has become a popular weekly sports podcast while providing them with hands-on training in the world of media and broadcasting.

The trio of students Evan Cummings, Sam Mefford and Aidan McNally have become visible faces of “The Shamrock Sportscast” that has provided listeners play-by-play and commentary in sports ranging from football to basketball. Mefford said he, Cummings and McNally created the sports podcast this year because WHS didn’t have one.

“We thought we would give it a try and find a way to bring together the entire sports environment at Westfield into one platform to talk about it and people could listen,” Mefford said. “And certainly, we’ve had an awesome time doing that this year. It’s been so phenomenal to attend a lot of sporting events in order to cover it as well as talk about it and hear the feedback from the people around us.”

Mefford said the podcast, which is recorded once a week, comes down to preparation.

“We come together on Wednesday mornings with a breakdown and a week in review of the sports landscape at Westfield and then for some of the bigger games, we dive into the nitty-gritty of the competition,” Mefford said.

Cummings, a self-proclaimed sports fan, said his interest in sports media developed as a young child watching ESPN. He has been involved at the high school in various media aspects ranging from photography to working on the school’s TV show. He said being involved with “The Shamrock Sportscast” has been a good opportunity to cover high school sports.

“We usually compare notes if we have any and make sure we’re talking in-depth about different things,” Cummings said. “It really comes down to having good chemistry.”

Cummings, who will join McNally at Ball State University in the fall, wants to work for a professional sports league, such as the NFL, NBA or NHL, in the future. He also encourages students to be proactive by attending sporting events if they are interested in pursuing a possible career in the world of sports media.

“It never hurts to start making a name for yourself early, especially when you have great opportunities like we do here at Westfield,” Cummings said.

The podcasters have also enjoyed being able to interview athletes as part of the overall experience, allowing listeners to hear their perspective about a game, an upcoming event or the season in general, according to Mefford. He said he and his colleagues work well together, which allows them to bounce ideas off one another.

“I think it’s gone really well,” Mefford.

Mefford, who is headed to the University of Tennessee-Knoxville to study biology with a pre-med track, said although his experience in sports media isn’t in line with

science and medicine, he hopes he can continue doing it in some aspect as a college student.

“Sports has always been my passion and it’s been so cool to talk about it,” he said.

McNally said they have tried to mix up the formats of their podcasts with humor and information.

“We like to make it fun and interesting, and that’s how you keep listeners around,” McNally said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

McNally, who plans to attend Ball State to study sports media, said being involved in the podcast has also helped him with developing scripts and learn journalism. He wants to work for ESPN or as a commentator in the future, he said.

McNally said the podcast experience with Mefford and Cummings has been memorable.

“It’s been an honor, and I couldn’t ask for a better trio than the three of us,” McNally said. “I feel extremely lucky for the opportunity here at Westfield to do this, and I’m

extremely grateful for these two guys right here … and the experience I’ve had.”

ON THE COVER: Westfield High School seniors Aidan McNally, Evan Cummings and Sam Mefford pause for a portrait inside the Learning Center at Westfield High School. The students created a weekly sports podcast, “The Shamrock Sportscast,” that has offered listeners play-by-play moments and commentary at different athletic events. (Photos by Adam Seif)

TO LEARN MORE

To hear “The Shamrock Sportscast,” search for it on your favorite streaming service such as Apple Music or Spotify. For more, contact teacher John Oestreich by emailing oestreichj@wws.k12.in.us.

Westfield High School seniors Aidan McNally, Evan Cummings and Sam Mefford participate in their weekly sports podcast, “The Shamrock Sportscast,” with Westfield senior Cole Ballard. The podcast provides listeners with play-by-play, interviews and commentary at different athletic events. (Photos by Rocks Media House)

Mental health workshop set

By Jeff Decker news@currentincarmel.com

Mental health is a subject that can be difficult to talk about openly, even when it’s an important conversation to have. A program at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church aims to initiate dialogue about mental health and erase some of the stigma attached to it.

health,” The Rev. Trish Lisa said, noting the importance of having such “hard conversations” that are frequently shied away from by youth, their parents and church leaders.

“We want to build community in conversation about mental health.”

FAITH

The church, 1605 E. 106th St. in Carmel, will host Building a Mental Health Community from 8:30 a.m. to noon May 20 as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. The workshop is free and open to the public, though participants must register by May 18 at orchardpark. org. Designed for youth leaders, volunteers and parents, the program will address suicide awareness and the importance of self-care and offer an optional presentation on the intersection of faith and mental health.

“We just felt the need to address mental

A committee of Lisa; Kristie Watts, a licensed marriage and family therapist who has a private practice at the church; and Kristin Lehr, OPPC’s youth director; recognized the need and that the church had Watts on hand and the space to host mental health workshops. Addressing mental health has become especially important because of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Watts, who will deliver the keynote address at the May 20 workshop. Watts said that according to the World Health Organization, the latest Global Burden of Disease study shows that the mental health of young people has been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and that they are disproportionately at risk of suicidal and self-harming behaviors.

Lehr Lisa Watts

Mental Health is a Workforce Challenge and Opportunity

Mike Thibideau President & CEO, Invest Hamilton County

According to the Brookings Institute, a 2016 survey of individuals aged 25-54 who were not in the labor force showed that nearly half of men and 54% of women reported taking pain medications daily and, “one estimate suggests the opioid epidemic accounts for 43% of the decline in men’s labor force participation rate between 1999 and 2015 and 25% of the decline for women.”

This is data highlighting the impact of just one struggle (substance use) and one drug category (opioids) on our labor force. When we extrapolate that out amongst all the mental health challenges existing in our community the impact on work is tremendous. The pandemic has broken down walls of stigma, increased awareness of resources and mobilized philanthropic and civic-led action on mental health, but it has also driven up demand from our residents… and the capacity of our mental health ecosystem does not have the workers to meet it. This misalignment has no short-term, turnkey solution… but that does not mean we roll over.

Our community is filled with visionary leaders who have embraced mental health, and real actions that can be taken to make our lives better as residents and/or workers. Our mayors, first responders, County Commissioners, and County Council members are building ecosystems that care, and doing their best to identify visionary solutions that will forever impact how our community compassionately cares for those with the hardest struggles.

At Invest we’re working with community partners like our Chambers of Commerce, Community Foundation, and elected officials to deliver resources, facilitate collaboration, and organize long-term projects and partnerships to address these challenges.

While society and our elected officials think big… I think it is on all of us to think about our own spheres of influence. When was the last time our workplace explored a secondchance policy to hire justice involved

individuals? Do we have evidence-based second chance systems for directing individuals to treatment for addiction after a failed drug test or request for help? How accessible is our EAP program… and does it provide free therapy/counseling sessions?

We can all make choices today that have a snowball effect… if you don’t know where to start Invest Hamilton County and our network of partners are here to help.

To learn more about the work of Invest Hamilton County, visit our website at www.investhamiltoncounty.com.

WARBY PARKER OPENS IN CLAY TERRACE

Warby Parker celebrated its grand opening April 22 at 14407 Clay Terrace Blvd. in Carmel. It is the first location in the Indianapolis area to have an eye doctor on staff. (Above) Warby Parker staff, from left, Jess Merrick, Elisha Cain Parchman, Callie Bailey, Lashanda Cunningham and Keyon Congress. (Left) Approximately 150 guests attended the store’s grand opening. Each purchase included a gift to thank customers for visiting on opening day. (Photos by Edward Redd)

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This training gives you the skills you need to provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to appropriate care.

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June

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Mental Heath First Aid Training Heartfelt Thanks Golf Tournament benefiting

Register at riverview.org/23Golf. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Polly Craig at 317.776.7938.

Westfield residents Mary Elliott, left, and Stacey Wilkes attend the Women of Vision luncheon April 27 at Ritz Charles in Carmel. The event was a fundraiser for Riverview Health. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Do the eyes have it?

Commentary by Terry Anker

“Look at me when I talk to you,” proclaimed the exasperated mom to her sullen teenager. Like most of us, she came to understand that visual connection is an important, if not critical, part of interpersonal linking. Likewise, the youngster intuitively was rejecting her admonishment by passively refusing direct engagement, almost as if to say what cannot be seen correspondingly cannot be heard. There is something about the optical handshake that elevates our accountability and dramatically enhances the exchange. So instinctive is it to we humans that children from the earliest stages of development will demand the embrace of eye contact. As they grow into the toddler years, every parent recalls their grabbing our faces with messy, chubby little hands to ensure that our gaze is fixed upon them as they share whatever they might need to impart.

ESSAY

scowling or simply peeping too long rarely leads to anything other than discomfort on the part of the object of the fixation. So painful is it that siblings often cry out, “Dad, Sis is staring at me — make her stop!” There is great power imbued in our countenance. In rightly decreeing that “eyes are windows to the soul,” the great 16th-century English playwright William Shakespeare paraphrased the biblical verse, “The eye is the lamp of the body.” It’s from Matthew 6:22-24. If bright and clear, the verse continues, then the person we see is likewise true and strong. Video conference has helped with time and distance, but is there a substitute, for those of us without impairment, for visual contact? Whether a vicious stare down or Burt Bacharach’s more delicate “Look of Love,” it appears that the eyes have it.

All is not to say that the best correspondents are those who engage in the practice of the lengthy death stare! Glaring,

Flush with bathroom excitement

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Here’s an en suite bathroom update: We’re in our sixth week of remodeling and still operating out of a kid’s room. I’m losing my gosh-darn mind.

HUMOR

The big-ticket items are done. We have a new tile floor and swanky shiplap on the walls, a toilet that flushes, and one working sink.

ing to give us a new one, anyway (Thanks, Jeremy!) And we can’t paint until all the rest of this is taken care of, which means we can’t hang mirrors. Much like the bathing situation, getting ready in the morning is both a challenge and a hoot! I can blindly apply eye makeup, but I really shouldn’t.

Much like the bathing situation, getting ready in the morning is both a challenge and a hoot!

The plumbing is basically finished, and most of the hardware and lighting are in. But we’re waiting on a shower door as well as a second tub filler. Our first filler was apparently broken, causing only cold water to flow throughout the house, and then after a tweak, switching to scalding hot. Maintaining personal hygiene has been tricky, and at times, quite dangerous!

Additionally, one of our vanity countertops is cracked, and the repair job doesn’t look great. Of course, when I called Lowe’s to see about a replacement, I was told we had passed the 90-day return window. Fortunately, they took pity on me and are go-

– DANIELLE WILSON

The kicker was when I realized that I’d been providing nightly nudie shows to anyone in the nearby roundabout who happened to glance up at our window. My apologies, dear drivers! Or maybe, you’re welcome? I’d forgotten that the privacy curtain has not been reinstalled.

Anyhoo, I’m longing for the day when we’ll have our bathroom back, gorgeous and fully functioning.

Peace out.

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

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

Wrong things to do in the shower

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I have an app called Smart News. It’s worth every penny, mainly because it’s free.

seven bars of soap on the shower floor.

HUMOR

I am addicted to it because, along with dozens of articles each day that summarize the news, it also includes provocative warnings with attention-grabbing teases.

These were just in the past week:

• 6 things you do wrong in the shower.

• 5 kinds of pickles to avoid.

• 4 things your boyfriend should never know.

• 9 most ineffective pick-up lines.

• 7 things you are doing wrong with artichokes.

• 5 mistakes you make when loading the dishwasher.

• 5 names for a man that usually mean he’s a jerk.

• 11 biggest mistakes you make at Costco.

• 6 mistakes you make with your toaster.

• 3 things you do wrong when making your bed.

Reading these blurbs gives me more stuff in my life to obsess about. Let’s look at just a few of these:

Five things you do wrong loading the dishwasher: If you are a man and don’t want to bother reading the list, just load the dishwasher in front of your wife. You will quickly find out there are seven things you are doing wrong.

Six things you do wrong in the shower: One of the things people do wrong is not washing their feet. With my aching back, I can’t reach my feet. That’s why there are

Three ways you make your bed incorrectly: I was surprised to find that putting the fitted sheet on top of the flat sheet was not included as a no-no. I did that once when my wife Mary Ellen was on a business trip. In the morning, I was an hour late for work because I couldn’t get out of bed.

Five names of men who are usually jerks: According to an actual survey, women claimed that certain male names often meant the guy was going to be a jerk. One of those names was Frank.

Nine pick up lines you should never use: According to bartenders surveyed, one of the worst is, “Hi gorgeous, my name is Frank.”

OK, let’s get to those asparagus: The first thing they mention is that people forget to peel the spear. Apparently, peeling makes the vegetable more edible. I am no expert, but I believe this is also true of bananas.

Don’t trim off too much: Good advice for people mowing their lawns, barbers cutting hair and doctors doing circumcisions.

Ignoring the great diversity of asparagus: There are, says Smart News, more than 300 varieties, including Jersey Giant, Colossal and Atlas. Sound familiar? Those are also the names of three championship wrestlers. Don’t cook your asparagus with the rubber band still on the stems: Yes, if your spears are exceptionally chewy one night, I think you have discovered the culprit.

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.

“According to bartenders surveyed, one of the worst is, “Hi gorgeous, my name is Frank.””

– DICK WOLFSIE

‘American Idol’ stars Studdard, Aiken reunite on ’Twenty’ tour

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

To “American Idol” fans, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken were rivals during the second season.

CONCERT

But they became brothers.

Studdard and Aiken will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their “American Idol” showing and their friendship on the “Twenty” tour, which stops May 11 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. with 2003 “American Idol” winner Studdard and runner-up Aiken. The duo will perform songs from that year from the TV show.

“We do stuff we did on the show. Everything during this show we are doing the type of thing that was or could have been performed on ‘Idol’ in 2003. It’s about nostalgia,” Aiken said. “We hope to transport people back to that time.”

Studdard and Aiken toured together on the 10th anniversary of “American Idol.” They then appeared together in a threeweek holiday engagement on Broadway in 2018.

“I stopped touring so we compromised, and I did Broadway where I could sleep in the same bed every night,” Aiken said. “When the 20th anniversary came around, Ruben talked me into getting back on the bus. It’s been worth it so far. We’ve had fun. I’m a little more sore than I would have been 20 years ago, but we’ve had fun with it.”

Aiken said when his son was born 14 years ago, he began to step away from doing anything musically.

“I wanted to spend more time with him and I had some interests I wanted to work on, public service stuff,” Aiken said. “I stopped focusing on music, and Ruben kept on the road.”

Studdard said it wasn’t too hard to convince Aiken.

“I think there is always a burning desire for a performer to perform,” Studdard said.

“I definitely had to have a conversation or two with him, but at the end of the day, everyone wants to get on stage and sing, and I don’t think my brother (Aiken) is any different.”

Aiken said Studdard is being nice.

“He twisted my arm,” Aiken said. “I would not have done it on my own and wouldn’t have done it with anyone else, and that’s the truth. He didn’t have to put me in a headlock or anything. We have fun on stage. We don’t get along all the time because we’re like brothers. When we get on stage, there is a chemistry that I don’t think either of us even realized. We constantly get told this by people we work with or (who) come to the shows. It’s natural and easy to be on stage together.”

Aiken said except for a period between 2004 and 2005, when they might have gone a few months without being in touch, they talk or text at least once a month and usually more often.

“No one else has been through the same thing he and I have when it comes to that experience,” Aiken said. “We bonded from that. We’re very different people. Ruben grew up playing sports a lot. I grew up with people who didn’t have the same

passion for performing as I did. It wasn’t until I met Ruben and others on ‘Idol’ (that I found that) there were people that enjoyed it as much as I did.”

Studdard said they share their experiences with the audience.

“Not many people have had the opportunity to meet the caliber of record producers, writers and singers that we did,” Studdard said. “Just alone talking about our experience with (record producer) Clive Davis is enough to put in a bottle and send to other people in the industry. We had the opportunity to sit in the room with one of the greatest executive producers in the music business ever.”

Aiken said the four months that he and Studdard appeared on “American Idol” created a wealth of stories.

“We packed in enough experiences, memories and moments that could have filled most entertainers’ entire careers,” he said. “He talks about Clive Davis and Lionel Ritchie. We met Neil Sedaka. We worked with Burt Bacharach. We worked with Diane Warren — huge industry giants we got to work with. The stories change every night.”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘AN AMERICAN IN PARIS’

“An American in Paris” runs through May 14 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘MR. CONFIDENTIAL’

Actors Theatre of Indiana’s world premiere of “Mr. Confidential” runs through May 14 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.

‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’

Civic Theatre’s production of “The Sound of Music” runs through May 13 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Lonnie McFadden will perform at 7:30 p.m. May 12-13 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Jazz Brunch: Mother Day’s Edition with Blair Clark is set for 11 a.m. May 14. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

STUDDARD & AIKEN

Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its “American Idol” appearance at 7:30 p.m. May 11 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.

AN EVENING WITH NATALIE MERCHANT

:An Evening with Natalie Merchant: Keep Your Courage Tour” will stop at 7:30 p.m. May 16 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Red Barn Theatre tickets on sale — OnStage Foundation has announced that tickets for the Frankfort’s Red Barn Summer Theatre 2023 season are available by mail and are available for purchase online. Ticket brochures have been mailed, but anyone who did not receive a brochure may visit the Barn’s website at redbarntheatre.net for a digital version or email boxofficeredbarn@ gmail.com to request a mailed copy. Season or individual show tickets can be purchased at redbarntheatre.net. “The Red Barn season runs from June 7 through July 16.

Ruben Studdard, left, and Clay Aiken will perform May 11 at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Amplified Entertainment)

CHS junior gets dream role

By Jeff Decker editorial@youarecurrent.com

While backstage before the Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s first performance of “Alice in Wonderland,” Lily Guntz expects to be excited and nervous.

DANCE

But the Carmel High School junior knows any jitters will disappear when the lights come up and the music starts.

“It will all fade away,” said Guntz, who will dance as the lead character Alice. “I can do what I love, and that is to dance with all my heart.”

Guntz, 16, is one of about 70 dancers, ages 6 to 18, who will perform in “Alice in Wonderland” at 2 and 7:30 p.m. May 20 and 1 and 4:30 p.m. May 21 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

The Central Indiana Dance Ensemble most recently performed “Alice in Wonderland,” based on the 1865 English novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll, in 2016, according to Ashley Jacobs, co-artistic director for the ensemble.

“‘Alice in Wonderland’ is my favorite

spring ballet that we do,” Jacobs said. “The costumes, lighting, sets and backdrops really draw the audience onto the stage so they can really immerse themselves in the story.”

Guntz, who has been dancing since age 2, looks forward to performing in it.

“Dancing as Alice is a dream come true,” she said. “I never thought that I would be given this opportunity this early in my career and am so immensely grateful.”

For more, visit cidedance.org,

Reagalique offers wine variety

Commentary by Mark LaFay editorial@youarecurrent.com

happens to spread nicely on Bath Squares butter crackers.

dy Mlady, our 2022 Whiskers d Pet" ckage

DRINK

I was once told that you don’t have to wait until a special occasion to open a bottle of wine. Instead, make the opening of a bottle of wine the special occasion. Wiser words may have been said, but those are fairly wise. Regalique, a wine and gourmet food boutique at 110 West Main St., Suite 120, Carmel, has a great assortment of wines for you to celebrate. It also has a great assortment of gourmet food to pair with your wine. Below are three featured pairings for the month of May:

• The Duval Le Roy family has been making champagne since 1859, and its nonvintage Brut Reserve is a fantastic bottle. Serve chilled in champagne flutes or in white wine glasses. The nose is bright and vibrant with notes of toast, almond and citrus. On the palate, the wine is crisp and dry, with bright acidity — refreshing and memorable. The wine pairs nicely with soft cheeses like Tulip Tree’s Queen Anne’s Lace, which

• Domaine Alain Chavy, Puligny-Montrachet Les Charmes is a chardonnay from the Burgundy region of France (also called white Burgundy). The nose is subtle, notes of tart apples, lemon and minerals. On the palate, the wine is crisp, with prominent acidity. Tight, tart fruit gives way to minerality and subtle oak spice. The wine, as well as many white Burgundies, pair nicely with seafood.

• The 2019 Macauley Napa Cabernet is a quintessential Napa cabernet. The wine is dark, inky and opaque in the glass. The nose is packed full of ripe cherries, ripe raspberries, chocolate and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is round and full-bodied, the tannins aren’t very gripping, and the acidity is moderate, giving it a silky texture. The wine showcases plenty of fruit and spice with somewhat integrated alcohol, giving it a latent heat. The wine pairs nicely with Neuhaus Carre Dark Chocolates!

, g ack for a night of fun, including:

Wine, beer, bourbon & vodka tastings. A Silent Auction featuring experiences of a lifetime. Adoptable animals just waiting to steal your heart.

Friday, June 16, 2023

6 - 9:00 p.m.

Embassy Suites Noblesville Tickets available at dWhiskers.com

Benefiting the Humane Society for Hamilton County

Carmel High School junior Lily Guntz has the title role in Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s production of “Alice In Wonderland.” (Photo courtesy of CIDE)

VIEWABLE AND a r t DOABLE

IMMERSE YOUR INNER ARTIST while exploring public art, put your skills to the test at a u-paint class and enjoy art events throughout the county. With three recognized state cultural districts, no matter where you go in Hamilton County you will experience the arts.

May 20

May 20

June 17

June 20-24

Skillman has been longtime customer of Mecum Auctions

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Automobile dealership owner Ray Skillman is frequently asked which classic car he likes the most.

Indiana Peony Festival, Noblesville Art of Wine, Carmel HATCH Fest, Noblesville Spark!Fishers, Fishers

The sounds of summer have arrived and that’s music to our ears! Find full list of live music and concerts, from free to famous, happening around Hamilton County by scanning the QR code below.

“It depends on which day it is,” Skillman said. “I had a guy ask me if the building was burning down which one would I roll out first.” “I said, ‘I’d probably think about it so long, I’d burn up.’”

AUTOMOBILES

Skillman holds the No. 9 bid for all Mecum Auctions. Dana Mecum’s 36th Original Spring Classic is set for May 12-20 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

“I’ve been collecting for most of my life,” said Skillman, an 81-year-old Greenwood resident.

Skillman has a classic car collection in Greenwood.

“Even before I had the museum, I had them at home and other people’s garages and some in dealerships,” he said. “Then we built our building in 2006, and it’s about 45,000 square feet, so we have room to store some cars and work on cars.”

The museum is open by appointment at 1280 U.S. Highway 31, Greenwood.

“We don’t have enough people to man the place because they are busy working on cars,” Skillman said. “Some of the stuff is a little fragile.”

Skillman said it houses about 200 automobiles. There are also bicycles, motorcycles and neon signs at the museum.

There are probably 80 Indianapolis 500 cars, sprint cars, midgets, stock cars and dragsters.

“We have Corvettes, Camaros and Chevettes and stuff like that,” Skillman said. “We have a few hotrods and street rods.”

Skillman, who has 18 dealership locations, all in the Indianapolis area, attends some Mecum auctions in other states as well.

At one time, Skillman said he spent almost every day at the Mecum auction in Indianapolis.

“Now, I go on the days where the cars I’m interested in are running,” he said. “I usually go for three days.”

Skillman said the adrenaline rush of bidding is fun.

“There are cars you’ve watched for years, and they’ll show up at a Mecum sale and it’s fun to acquire cars at sales,” he said. “We buy a lot of cars from estates, from people

who have passed away or are getting older and they don’t have a reason to be involved with cars anymore. We’ll buy one car or 50 from a person at one time.”

Skillman said sometimes they sell cars at Mecum but are not planning to sell anything this year.

“There’s never been a year where we haven’t bought something,” Skillman said. “We bought six or seven cars from them last year. One of the cars was the one that Mario Andretti ran at Indy and took his rookie test in it and ran third in it. Then he won a couple championships in that car.”

Skillman said he likes the Indy 500 cars from the 1950s and 1960s the best, the roadsters and Dan Gurney’s Eagles and the Lotuses.

“There were four Turbine cars that ran in 1968 and we have one of them that Graham Hill ran,” he said. “We do have the 1997 winning car that Arie Luyendyk ran.”

Skillman said he has purchased several cars that cost more than $1 million each, including the Andretti car and Turbine.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has three of Skillman’s cars on display.

Skillman grew up in Owensboro, Ky., but his father started bringing him to the race in the 1950s.

Skillman also likes muscle cars from the 1950s and 1960s.

“It’s kind of the cars that you grew up with, and mostly the cars you couldn’t ever own,” he said. “I’m living out my childhood again.

For more, rayskillmanclassiccars.com.

Ray Skillman pauses with his 1965 Brawner Hawk Ford Indy Car at his car museum. Skillman purchased the car at last year’s Mecum’s Spring Classic in Indianapolis. (Photo courtesy of Ray Skillman)

NIGHT & DAY

Where’s Amy?

Where’s Amy stopped by opening night of Civic Theatre’s “The Sound of Music” April 28 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The sold-out opening weekend musical earned a standing ovation for each performance and is the hottest ticket in town. Don’t miss it. For more info, visit civictheatre.org

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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 attends Civic Theatre’s ‘The Sound of Music’

Parrish Williams (New Palestine), left, and Civic Theatre Executive Artistic Director Michael Lasley (Indianapolis). (Photos by Amy Pauszek)

Emily Tzucker (Carmel), left, with director Anne Beck (Fishers) and her daughter Nya Beck (Fishers).

Katie Emrich (Westfield) with daughter Audrey.

Fifty shades of beige

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Remember the beige craze of the 2000s?

If you wanted to sell your house, you’d paint the interior walls of your house

“bashful beige,”

GRAMMAR GUY

“autumn wheat,”

“tasteful tan,” “totally taupe” or “burnt oatmeal.” Yes, if your house had 50 shades of beige, you’d sell it lickety-split.

Now, light gray is all the rage. No more bland sand! Bring on the “faded fog,” “shy shark” and “silver lining” shades. I don’t know how it happened, but light gray became the neutral go-to of the mid-2010s to the present day.

While neutral colors have pleasant, easyfor-real-estate undertones, they can come across as dull and boring. When it comes to language, there’s a term called “beige

WMG Acquisitions, LLC (PO Box 768, Effingham, IL 62401) is submitting a Notice of Intent to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of our intent to comply with the requirements of Construction Stormwater General Permit to discharge stormwater from construction activities associated with Westfield Bank and Dental Office located at 251 Tournament Trail W, Westfield, Indiana 46074. Run-off from the project site will discharge to the Grassy Branch Creek. Please direct questions to WMG Acquisitions, LLC at 314-803-3222 or by email at ccornwell@ wmgdevelopment.com .

prose.” If you recall, I explored “purple prose” in the past. Purple prose is overly flowery language that uses tons of adjectives and words to describe something relatively simple.

Beige prose, on the other hand, is direct and is sometimes accused of being too plain. As a literary style, we have several notable examples.

I must begin with my main man Ernest Hemingway, the father of anti-fluff writing. Instead of “beige” prose, he’d describe his writing style as “efficient and direct.” In Hemingway’s 1935 Esquire essay entitled “Notes on the Next War,” he writes, “They wrote in the old days that it is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country. But in modern war, there is nothing sweet nor fitting in your dying. You will die like a dog for no good reason.”

You’ll notice Hemingway is comparing the purple prose of the Victorian era with his own emerging style. No fluff here — just get-to-the-point honesty from Ernie.

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

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed proposals for Westfield Trails Projects will be received by the City of Westfield, Indiana, at the Westfield Public Works Building, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, Indiana, 46074, until 1:00 p.m., local time, on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bids received later than the above time and date will be returned unopened. No conditional bids will be considered.

The Westfield Trails Projects include the 156th Street and Westfield Blvd Trail Connectors Project and the Midlands Trace Trail Project. The 156th Street and Westfield Blvd Trail Project is generally grading, asphalt trail construction to connect existing trails, drainage structures, concrete driveway construction, and mulched seeding. The Midlands Trace Trail Project is grading and asphalt trail construction to connect existing trail segments.

Bids shall be properly and completely executed on the Proposal Form obtainable at the office of the Owner. Each bid shall be accompanied by Form 96 Contractor’s Bid for Public Works, including NonCollusion Affidavit as prescribed by the State Board of Accounts, completely filled out, signed, and notarized as required by the statutes of the State of Indiana, Section III of Part II of Form 96 titled “Contractor ’s Financial Statement,” and acceptable bid security. The bid security shall be a certified check made payable to the Owner or satisfactory bond by an incorporated surety company in good standing and qualified to do business in the State of Indiana in an amount equal to 5% of the bid, said deposit being for the purpose of ensuring the execution of the contract for which bid is made. Any bid not accompanied by the above required items shall be deemed to be a non-responsive bid by the Owner.

No consideration for escalation on prices can be considered; therefore, contractors are advised to not include any such escalation clauses in their proposal for this project.

The Contractors to whom work is awarded shall be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, and they shall be acceptable to the City of Westfield, Indiana.

No bidder may withdraw their proposal within a period of 60 days following the date set for receiving bids. The City of Westfield, Indiana reserves the right to retain the three lowest bid proposals for a period of not more than 90 days, and said proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said time. The City of Westfield, Indiana further reserves the right to waive informalities and to award the contract to the lowest and most responsible bidder or bidders, all to the advantage of the City of Westfield, Indiana, or to reject all Proposals.

The Contract Documents and drawings will be available to all interested parties from: Repro Graphix, 437 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or at eplanroom.reprographix.com.

Please direct all questions regarding this project to Michael Pearce, City of Westfield, Department of Public Works, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, IN 46074, (317) 473-2917, mpearce@westfield.in.gov

By: Michael Pearce, City of Westfield

Across

1. Swiss peaks

5. Old Russian ruler

9. “The King and I” setting

13. iPhone voice

14. Perry County community that shares its name with a European capital

15. Against

16. Shoe part

17. Flying saucers

18. New Big Ten school in ‘24

19. Socrates quote (and the start to a Kurt Vonnegut witticism)

22. Carmel-to-Cincinnati dir.

24. 401(k) kin

25. Hardly macho

28. Sudden fear

30. ___ v. Wade

32. MCL dessert

33. Does the math, perhaps

34. Openly disregard

36. NYC airport

37. Sartre quote (and Part 2 to Vonnegut’s witticism)

40. Box office letters

42. TV awards

43. Gov. Bowen

46. Bar bill

47. Watch chain or pocket

48. The bad guys

49. Wombs

51. Route

53 Finished first in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference

54. Frank Sinatra quote (and the punchline to Vonnegut’s witticism)

58. “___ went thataway!”

60. I-65 rig

61. Craving

64. Apple variety

65. Said “Not guilty” in Hamilton County Court

66. Barely managed

67. Lump

68. US Supreme Court count

69. Indiana tax IDs

Down

1. Louisville Slugger wood

2. Tall tale

3. Play possum

4.

34. “I wanna be there!” acronym

35. Tree branch

38. Shocking ER treatment

39. “___ voyage!”

40. Queue after R

41. Lab rodent

44. Texter’s qualifier

45. Roget wd.

48. Hurricane center

50. Rolls partner

51. Restroom door sign

52. Tolerate

55. Where to watch Pacers highlights, maybe

56. Shapiro’s, e.g.

57. Sagamore Club payments

58. Toy soldier material

59. Med. plan

62. Ind. National Guard rank

63. Current staffers Answers on Page 23

Farm tower

5. More faithful

6. European capital

7. Biblical prophet

8. Take a break

9. ___ Arabia

10. Unfinished paintings

11. Falcons on a Colts scoreboard

12. “Mamma ___!”

20. Pen name

21. Be indebted

22. Clean air org.

23. Melancholy

26. Boone County Fair critter

27. Indiana Senate vote

29. Monument Circle musical grp.

30. Optimistic

31. Ins and ___

3 Knots 2 Largest Indy Banks

5 Minerals

1 Marion County Sheriff

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