June 13, 2023 — Westfield

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City OKs plans for new hotels, apartments

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Two new hotels and more apartments are coming to Westfield after plans were approved by the city.

DEVELOPMENT

The plan commission gave its support during its June 5 meeting for detailed development plans for a 56,908-square-foot Holiday Inn Express to be developed at the southwest corner of U.S. 31 and 191st Street on 2.05 acres. The project being developed by Himanshu Patel indicates the Holiday Inn Express will have 97 rooms when it is completed, according to city documents.

The plan commission also granted a detailed development plan for a second hotel that will encompass 15,945-square-feet. The Wheeler Landing Hotel being developed by Grand Park, LLC, will be east of Grand Park Boulevard north of East Tournament Trail

and south of Virginia Rose Avenue will be on 2.44 acres.

A site plan provided in city documents

indicates the Wheeler Landing Hotel will have 140 rooms and 142 parking spaces. Meanwhile, plan commission members also approved detailed development plans for the second phase of an apartment complex known as Wheelhouse being developed by JC Hart Co., Inc.

Plans submitted to the city by JC Hart Company, Inc., indicate the company plans four multi-family buildings totaling 100,577 square feet on 5.71 acres that will bring 148 apartments and 318 parking spaces. Construction of other apartment buildings on the property have been ongoing.

The plan commission also approved a detailed development plan submitted by Heartpointe Church, Inc., for a 4,480-squarefoot daycare building at 445 E. 206th St. and a separate plan submitted by Washington Park Cemetery Association, Inc., for a 576-square-foot accessory structure and a 1,200-square-foot addition to an existing building at 4180 Westfield Rd.

Beckwith announces bid for lieutenant governor

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

He said a candidatel needs to have a voice for delegates and represent what they believe in.

vention, he said.

POLITICS

A conservative pastor from Noblesville has launched a bid for lieutenant governor. Micah Beckwith, a pastor at Life Church’s Noblesville campus, officially made his announcement June 5 and said the decision was one that he had been thinking about for quite some time.

“The big thing I’ve noticed over the last 10 years, myself being a delegate, that when it comes to the lieutenant governor, you really don’t have a voice and they’ve given the courtesy to the gubernatorial primary winner,” Beckwith said.

Beckwith, a Republican, criticized Gov. Eric Holcomb and said, “We’ve seen him abuse his constitutional authority” over the last four years. Asked to elaborate on what he meant by abuse of constitutional authority, Beckwith pointed to Holcomb’s decision to close churches during the COVID-19 pandemic as one example and said he didn’t have the authority to do so.

“There’s no constitutional power to do that, but he took it anyway,” Beckwith said, noting that Holcomb has also fought against constitutional carry in Indiana.

Beckwith’s decision to pursue a run for the seat is unusual since delegates normally select a nominee but confirmed he had already spoken to four gubernatorial candidates – U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Fort Wayne businessman Eric Doden, as well as Jamie Reitenour.

“I really do genuinely like all of them, they’re all good people and they all have great strengths,” Beckwith said. “They also bring weaknesses to the table as well, but my strengths would complement them.”

He said he thinks he could work with any of the four individuals, adding that they had wished him well. But Beckwith said his current campaign strategy in part is to promote the fact he is a candidate with conservative values while making a case to delegates and how he can serve individuals best as lieutenant governor.

“It’s going to be a very laser-focused campaign,” Beckwith said.

Beckwith, who previously ran for the U.S. House seat held by Victoria Spartz, said he has a campaign fundraising goal of around $200,000. He also plans to attend the con-

His campaign focuses, he said, include addressing property taxes in Indiana, saying the issue is one that the state Legislature has dropped over the last few years.

“I want to remove the burden of the property tax off the people of Indiana,” Beckwith said. “I really want to make sure we move the Legislature in the right direction.”

In addition, Beckwith said that “we have seen an agenda to indoctrinate our kids into this Marxist ideology that’s happening in our public schools whether people want to deny it or not.”

A post on Beckwith’s Facebook page dated June 6 also says that as lieutenant governor, he would “fight to let kids be kids, and I will keep the radical woke agenda from robing (sic) Hoosier children of their innocence.”

Asked to clarify what he meant by that statement, Beckwith said, “You can’t even define what a woman is anymore in public schools, I mean, that’s how crazy this has gotten, the stupidity of the culture.”

He also said he looks forward to educating Hoosiers around the state on the process regarding delegates and the lieutenant governor position as part of his campaign.

For more on Beckwith’s campaign, visit micahbeckwith.com.

Beckwith

A rendering of what the Wheeler Landing Hotel in Westfield will look like. (Photo courtesy of the City of Westfield/YSM Design)

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.

Chamber to host golf outing June 13 – The Westfield Chamber of Commerce will host its Young Professionals Golf Outing June 13 at Wood Wind Golf Club, 2302 W. 161st St. The event, which begins at 9 a.m., is open to young professionals 40 and younger who live or work in Hamilton County. To register, visit westfieldchamberindy.com.

Event to raise money for school foundation fund – The Liam and Reece Kelly Foundation will host a fundraiser June 17 to benefit a Westfield Education Foundation scholarship fund that was established in honor of Liam and Reece Kelly, who were killed in a plane crash in 2020. Scholarships are given to cross country athletes at Westfield High School. The event at Monon Trail Elementary School, 19400 Tomlinson Road, will feature a 5K run/1 mile walk, a Jeep ride, silent auction and pancake breakfast. The fundraiser begins at 8 a.m. with registration starting a half-hour earlier. For more, visit liamandreecekellyfoundation.org/.

County accepting grant applications –

The Hamilton County Commissioners and Councilors are now accepting grant applications from Hamilton County nonprofits for funding in 2024. The grant program is intended to furnish funding to organizations that provide services in furtherance of county goals, officials said. Awards are provided based on application score and funding available. Any funds awarded must be supported by other funding sources or documented in-kind services and may only be distributed to Hamilton County based organizations. Complete information, including eligibility criteria, can be found by visiting www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/1682/ Non-profit-Grant-Application. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. June 9. For questions, email Hamilton County Councilor Sue Maki at Sue.Maki@HamiltonCounty. in.gov or Lee Buckingham at Lee.Buckingham@HamiltonCounty.in.gov.

Jump start your

Work-based learning, robotics bills OK’d

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Expanding work-based learning opportunities for high school students and increasing access to robotics are part of two pieces of legislation authored by a Noblesville lawmaker have been approved.

more flexibility in a student’s schedule so they can pursue work-based learning and apprenticeship experiences, according to ISBE officials.

LEGISLATION

House Enrolled Act 1002, which was developed by State Rep. Chuck Goodrich, R-Noblesville, was recently signed into law and is intended to increase high school relevancy by expanding work-based learning opportunities. Goodrich said HEA 1002 creates career scholarship accounts for students that can be used to pay for career training, apprenticeships, certifications and internships.

The new law will also allow quality, work-based learning to count toward high school graduation requirements, according to Goodrich, who is a member of the House Education Committee.

“We know there are employers across the state who are struggling to find qualified candidates for job openings,” Goodrich said. “This is a critical step toward connecting our students with the skills they need for in-demand careers right out of high school.”

The career scholarship accounts can be used by sophomores, juniors and seniors to enroll in earn-and-learn opportunities and can also be used to pay for items such as transportation and uniforms, Goodrich said. The Indiana Department of Education and the Commission for Higher Education will approve available courses and tracks, and accounts will be awarded $5,000 under the state’s next two-year budget, officials said.

Goodrich said the legislation incentivizes schools and career centers to partner and bring more experiences to high school students, noting that high schools across the state will host annual career fairs that will allow students and employers to connect with one another. The Indiana State Board of Education will reexamine high school diploma requirements to provide

Goodrich said as part of the legislation, a teacher higher education and industry collaboration grant program and fund will be established that will help teachers engage with colleges and employers to learn about industry needs and employment trends. Goodrich also authored another bill, House Enrolled Act 1382, that creates a grant program to allow schools to establish their own robotics teams and will be supported annually with $4 million in the state’s new two-year budget.

Goodrich said the goal of the new law is to encourage more students to enter STEM careers and stay in Indiana.

“This is an important step toward ensuring young Hoosiers in schools large and small have the ability to explore the innovative and creative world of robotics,” he said.

The Indiana Department of Education will manage the grant fund, which K-12 schools can utilize to create and develop competitive robotics programs, according to Goodrich. Grant funding can be used to pay for a team mentor, supplies, competition costs, in addition to establishing or maintaining teams.

Goodrich also said the grants will help programs provide hands-on learning experiences, foster community partnerships and highlight career opportunities through the use of adult mentors, who will “prioritize a connection to manufacturing and machinery skills.” Goodrich added that Indiana has 3,000 students from 30 percent of school corporations in after-school robotics programs.

He said the bill, which goes into effect July 1, could help grow participation in robotics programs to 18,000 students around the state and noted the legislation was modeled after a similar program in Michigan that saw a 400 percent increase in student population.

Goodrich

“This is an important step toward ensuring young Hoosiers in schools large and small have the ability to explore the innovative and creative world of robotics.”

– CHUCK GOODRICH

FUEL TANKER FLIPS OVER IN WESTFIELD

WESTFIELD STUDENT PARTICIPATES IN INDIANA HOUSE PAGE PROGRAM

A fuel tanker flipped over at the intersection of Ind. 32 and Shamrock Boulevard June 4 in Westfield that led to the area being blocked off. Fuel could be seen leaking out of the truck as crews lifted the vehicle upright at the scene. Messages left with the Westfield Fire Department seeking more information about the incident were not immediately returned. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Westfield resident Landon Blazic, who attends Westfield High School, participated in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2023 legislative session with State Rep. Donna Schaibley, R-Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Indiana House Republicans)

TO THE UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2023

Matthew Alcantara

Reva Allam

Ruby Arnold

Nikolai Auclair

Christian Baltz

Paige Banta

Adam Bauer

Ella Boschee

Jackson Bowe

Kahmi Bracey

Curran Brown

Kylie Congdon

Samantha Cooper

Jaclyn Copeland

Liam Coveney

Catherine Dollins

Quinn Dryden

Kelsey DuBois

Justin Francis

Alfonzo Gallanosa

Pierce Garino-Heisey

Andrew Gipson

Francesca Gobbi-Belcredi

Christian Gray

Lyla Gregory

Celeste Hastings

Seth Hogg

Carson Holstine

Jacob Hooker

Cole Jacob

Chloe Kaplan

Saif Khatri

Salma Kherallah

Rémy Lance

Kathleen Lautenbach

Matthew Loynes

Jacob Malinzak

Mena Morcos

Michael Morfas

Abby Murchland

Ashley Ndebele

Peter Ogon

Andre Ozlowski

Sophia Paris

Truman Parker

William Paton

Jordan Patterson

Leyton Paul

Julia Poertner

Benjamin Pollack-Milgate

Audrey Priest

Francys Reder

Ethan Rekeweg

Samuel Ricketts

Jeremiah Robinson

Adam Russell

Leo Rusyniak

Steven Scott

Payton Seay

Christopher Senften

Sofia Shelley

Betty Ann Skinner

Isaiah Smith

Constantine Stefanidis

Vivian Suh

Julia Timmermans

Edward Wang

Karl Wang

Yixu Wang

Eva Warren

Kamryn Washington

Larry Wei

Lily Westerkamm

Molly Wikman

Aya Wiles

Foster Wilson

Amelia Wray

Mitchell Wray

Jinxin Xia

Zikai Zhong

WHS student vies for teen title

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School student Keegan Connor loves performing and sharing her passion.

COMPETITION

Connor, an incoming senior, will compete in Miss Indiana’s Teen competition for the third time from June 14-17 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. Connor won the Miss South Bend’s Teen title Sept. 10, 2022, to qualify for the competition for the third time.

“I look forward to showcasing my growth over the years on the Miss Indiana stage,” Connor said. “The Miss Indiana Organization has provided me with so many valuable life skills, but also a newfound confidence. I was always an outgoing kid growing up with a love of musical theater, but I never believed that I would be able to speak about my passions on a larger platform.’

Connor’s community service initiative is Keegan Cares, which is her nonprofit. She was diagnosed with scoliosis when she was 13. The office manager at her orthodontist noticed that her shoulder blade sticking

Keegan Connor will participate in the Miss Indiana’s Teen competition. (Brook Hollis Photography)

out was a sign of scoliosis. Connor had thought her back was just tight because of dancing in various forms. She had vertebral body tethering surgery at Mount Sinai in New York.

She has also created a nonprofit organization, Keegan Cares.

Connor said she will stick with her musical theater roots and sing “The Life I Never Led” from the musical “Sister Act!”

“The song’s message is all about living life regardless of what others think,” Connor said. “When that happens, that’s when you can truly step outside of your comfort zone and live life to the fullest.”

Registration open for Geist Half Marathon

news@currentinfishers.com

Registration is open for the Sept. 16 Geist Half Marathon. Runners are invited to examine the racecourse map, check out medal designs and sign up to race across the bridge.

EVENTS

“Runners from all over central Indiana take on this course through nature-filled roads and waterfront neighborhoods along the north-central portion of Geist Reservoir,” according to the City of Fishers, which hosts the event.

For those who aren’t up for a full 13.1 miles, planners have a 5K option.

“The City of Fishers team has reimagined this experience with a focus on participants, volunteers and community experiences,” according to the announcement.

For those who want to participate, but don’t want to run, there are volunteer opportunities. Volunteers get special parking on the morning of the race.

Volunteer jobs include:

• Packet pick-up – assist runners and walkers during packet-pick up

• Water stops – maintain water stations (groups of 10 or more preferred)

• Start/finish prep – Help prepare the start/finish line for runners to make the beginning and end of their races memorable

• Finish line – hand out water and medals at the finish line

• Food area – support snack stations to ensure participants are replenished after the race

• Kids Play Zone – oversee a safe play area for the kids

• Course marshal – direct participants along the course. Keep our runners and walkers safe

• Racecourse clean-up crew

• Gear check

• Goody bag stuffing

• Results and awards

• Event tear down

The city also needs a group of early risers to help set up the racecourse from 4 to 7 a.m., and cheerleaders are always welcome at the finish line.

To register for the race, go to geisthalf. com. To volunteer, go to geisthalf.com/Race/ GeistHalfMarathon/Page-13.

Concrete Cleaning Concrete Sealing Roof Cleaning Pressure Washing Epoxy Floors

MYSTERY SNAPSHOT CHALLENGE

Hey there, folks! Take a good look at this zoomed-in image we’ve snagged from a spot in Westfield. We want you to channel your inner Sherlock and head over to youarecurrent.com/mysterysnapshot to submit your best guess about where this photo was taken. Ready for the challenge? Check back next week for the answer. Below is an example from a popular roundabout sculpture in Carmel.

“Morning Sun” by artist Brad Howe is in the roundabout at Range Line Road and Lowe’s Way. In late 2022, the $209,000 sculpture moved two miles north from its original location at Range Line Road and Executive Drive. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

MYSTERY SNAPSHOT CHALLENGE EXAMPLE

Guerin Catholic girls team wins 2nd straight title

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It was the same opponent and the same result for the Guerin Catholic girls lacrosse team.

LACROSSE

The only difference was, this time it was not quite as close.

The Golden Eagles defeated Carmel 13-8 June 3 in the Indiana High School Lacrosse Association’s Class 2A state championship game at Heritage Christian. In the 2022 state final, Guerin Catholic edged Carmel 7-6.

Joe Bellflower, in his first year as head coach after serving as an assistant last year, said there were three keys to the season,

“First, great leadership from our captains Clare Alic and Caitlin Carter,” Bellflower said of the two seniors. “Second, strong team defense. We allowed only four goals a game. Third, growth of our young players throughout the season. We started five sophomores and they all improved throughout the year, which made us a much better team at the end of the season.”

Guerin Catholic (16-3) graduated three starters.

In the championship game, Alic had four goals and one assist. Carter also had four goals. Junior Alex Soucie contributed three goals and three assists. Katherine Constantino had one goal and three assists.

Bellflower, a Westfield resident, said the players live in Westfield, Carmel, Noblesville and Fishers.

CHS sophomore Sophie Mock and senior Tori Tomalia each scored twice and had two assists in the loss to Guerin Catholic. Sophomore Elle Tomalia scored twice, and sophomore Breckin Hare had one goal.

Tori Tomalia, who will play for the University of Connecticut next season, was named Indiana High School Lacrosse Association first team all-State, USA Lacrosse Academic All-American and USA Lacrosse All-American at the end of the season. She also won the Candi Parry award, which is for a player who embodies lacrosse in the state and gives back to the youth. Tori Tomalia finished with 62 goals, 28 assists and 114 draw controls for the Greyhounds (16-3)

“Tori has been an amazing player who has elevated everyone around her,” CHS coach Josh Miller said.

Guerin Catholic celebrates winning its second consecutive Indiana High School Lacrosse Association’s Class 2A state title. (Photo courtesy of Joe Bellflower)

Indy Biplanes take to the sky for good causes

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

airline pilots’ work was scaled back and they had more free time.

During 2020, the group even did some flyovers for kids’ birthday parties.

CHARITY

The joy of flying is one reason Monty Miller started Indy Biplanes. However, the desire to give back to the community has become an even greater reason.

Miller launched Indy Biplanes about five years ago, but the aviation group took off in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When people saw their formation, Miller said they got requests for flyovers when people were at home during the lockdown period in the spring of 2020.

“In 2020, we did 90 flyovers for charities of one kind or another,” the 58-year-old Carmel resident said. “There are 13 different charities we’ve done. We do the Carmel Farmers Market and Carmel Christkindlmarkt. We never charge anything. It’s 100 percent free. We’re similar to the Blue Angels, except we’re in biplanes and amateurs.”

Amid the pandemic, air travel was down 60 percent in the U.S. in 2020, so commercial

That has become scaled back because of the cost of gas and the time commitment. In addition to the larger charities, Miller said the group mainly performs flyovers for funerals of veterans or first responders and weddings.

Indy Biplanes is based at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport in Fishers.

A biplane is a fixed-wing aircraft with two main wings stacked above each other.

Miller said the biplanes, which weigh approximately 1,000 pounds and cruise about 140 mph, are worth between $30,000 and $100,000. Miller was in the crop-dusting business for 22 years and has worked at an aerospace firm for 12 years.

“We try (to fly) three or four times a week during the summer if the weather is good, because it is a perishable skill,” he said. “If we don’t have a flyover to do, then we’re training.”

The main period for flyovers starts in late April or early May. They have been invited to some air shows.

Retiring rabbi reflects on nearly 50 years at Indy synagogue

By Riya Chinni editorial@youarecurrent.com

congregation.”

The pilots don’t fly if it is too windy or during thunderstorms.

There are seven Indy Biplanes pilots, and one who has a military plane that is a little larger. The other pilot is a stand-in who will borrow a biplane.

“The things we do that require a lot of maneuvering, we’ll do with just two biplanes, like gender reveals,” he said. “If they are going to sing the national anthem, we try to show up with four or five (biplanes) for the flyover. Five is our best-looking formation.”

Don Anderson is one of the biplane pilots. Anderson, who already had his own plane for his company, Carriage Cleaners, saw the biplanes fly over his Fishers home.

“I found their hangar was three doors down from my hangar,” Anderson said. “I wanted to know what these guys are all about. I said, ’This looks fun.’ They said, ‘You ought to buy one and go with us, so I did.’ They took me under their wing to train me. It’s an extraordinary amount of training.”

Anderson said it has been an amazing experience.

“It’s a great camaraderie of friends,” Anderson said. “In what we do, you are literally trusting the man next to you with your life since we fly close together. We build great friendships. We are extremely well-known in the Fishers, Carmel and Noblesville area because they see us all the time. It’s nice to be a silent, little local celebrity, but no one knows it’s you. You go and help people raise money, honor veterans, fallen police officers. You go out and do these things and no one knows who you are. It’s a unique, fun way to be part of the community.”

For more, visit Indy Biplanes on Facebook.

FAITH

Following 47 years of service to Congregation Beth-El-Zedeck, Rabbi Dennis Sasso retired from his role of senior rabbi following his last officiation of service May 19.

Sasso moved to Indianapolis in 1977 with his wife, who is also a rabbi, to serve Congregation BethEl-Zedeck together, as a joint rabbinate. Sasso and his wife, Sandy E. Sasso, are recognized as the first married rabbinical couple in history and brought the unique dynamic to Congregation Beth-El-Zedeck as it continued to expand and grow in the late 1970s.

“When Sandy and I came here, it was a new precedent and we had no models to follow,” Sasso said. “There was nobody after whom we could pattern our experience, so it was growing together with one another and growing together with the

Throughout the years, Sasso, a Carmel resident, has served in many capacities as a rabbi — teacher, preacher, community outreach representative, pastor and many more. Sasso said his lasting memories from his time as rabbi include celebrating births, officiating weddings, celebrating bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies, and memorializing loved ones at funerals.

“You become integrated significantly in the life of people, and people become very much a part of who you are,” Sasso said.

In his role as an educator, Sasso has contributed to various institutions, such as Christian Theological Seminary and Marian University. He teaches topics such as Jewish and interfaith relations and Jewish-Christian dialogue. He plans to continue teaching in retirment..

Sasso said one of his teaching interests is religious history, with the goal of learning from the past.

The planes are kept at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport in Fishers. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Sasso

CENTER STAGE

Westfield High School graduate performs at Grand Junction Plaza, reflects on band’s success

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Growing up in Westfield, there was nothing else that Reverend Peyton wanted to do for a career than play music.

Peyton, a 1999 Westfield High School graduate, is the frontman of Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, a country blues band known for performing hundreds of shows each year. The band consists of Peyton, his wife, Breezy, and drummer Max Senteney. It performed in Westfield June 2 at Grand Junction Plaza during a stop on its latest tour before heading to Europe for six weeks.

Peyton, the guitarist and vocalist, described Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band as part of the front-porch blues genre. The band has been nominated three times for Blues Music Awards and has performed in 38 countries and 48 states, Peyton said.

The band has also released several records, but Peyton said performing live for audiences is what band members truly enjoy.

“It’s what we live for,” Peyton said.

However, the challenges of the height of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the music industry and performers, including Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band. Two planned European tours were canceled because of the pandemic.

“I’ve been (playing music) since I was a little kid,” he said. “Having all that completely slammed shut was absolutely horrifying.”

However, the band got creative and performed livestream shows. Now, Peyton said the band has rebounded and said things are going well this year as the trio looks forward to the European tour.

“It’s really great to be back there to see all the fans, friends across the Atlantic and, you know, it’s going to be an exciting summer,” he said.

His wife, Breezy, is known for performing on stage with a washboard that is lit on fire at the end of each performance, while Senteney plays on the drums. The band’s performance in Westfield drew hundreds of people to Grand Junction Plaza.

The band’s 15-song setlist included some of their popular songs, such as “Poor Until Payday,” while one song, “Clap Your Hands,” brought concertgoers to their feet as Peyton asked them to clap their hands during portions of the song. Peyton also performed a solo of Robert Johnson’s “If I Had Possession of Judgment Day.”

Peyton said the band’s music is unique.

“At its core, it’s real, from the heart, handmade music,” Peyton said.

Kayla Arnold, director of Westfield Welcome, said the city booked Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band after discussions with Westfield Washington Township Trustee Danielle Carey Tolan, who attended high school with Peyton.

Peyton enjoyed growing up in Westfield, where he still

has family, and joked that he had to use his GPS to get around during his recent visit. He said Westfield’s explosive growth “is wild to see.”

“There’s hardly anything that’s the same,” he said. “There’s all the amenities you expect from a big city and it’s all there and it’s pretty wild.”

Peyton’s love for music is also evident and said he enjoyed the opportunity for his band to perform in Westfield.

“I’m just lucky I get to create something I love to make,” he said. “It’s really cool that things like this are able to happen.”

ON THE ROAD

Reverend Peyton said all he ever wanted to do for a living is perform music, be on the road and pursue a career as a musician.

“It’s all I ever wanted to do,” Peyton said. “It was more than a dream — it was inside of me in some ways and it’s hard to explain. I never got sick of it, I never got tired of it. If the pandemic taught me nothing, it’s this: It’s who I am and what I’m designed for, and not being able to do that for what I was put on Earth to do was tough.”

Peyton said being in front of audiences with his band is something he greatly enjoys.

“It feels so good to be back out on the road, and even when things are bad, I’m just happy to be out there playing music for people and it feels so good to be back at it again,” he said. “I’m just always looking forward and trying to better myself and better this band,” Peyton said.

For more on Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, visit bigdamnband.com.

ON THE COVER: Reverend Peyton, the frontman for Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, performs at Grand Junction Plaza June 2 in Westfield. Peyton is a 1999 graduate of Westfield High School. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

Reverend Peyton, right, performs with his wife Breezy during Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band’s performance June 2 at Grand Junction Plaza in Westfield. Peyton is a 1999 graduate of Westfield High School. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

Signs of menopause, treatment options

Commentary

by Linda Witham,

Menopause occurs when a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods. Here, you can find out what menopause is, how it is diagnosed, the symptoms and treatment options.

HEALTH

WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?

Menopause most often occurs gradually, over several years, between ages 45 and 55. This stage signals the end of your ability to have children. As women age, the amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries decreases. This is the perimenopausal transition. Eventually, the ovaries stop making enough estrogen to thicken the uterine lining. To diagnose menopause, a women must go a full 365 days without a menstrual cycle. It is not necessary to have blood work to confirm.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE?

The symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, excess fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, mood swings, irregular bleeding, vaginal dryness and painful intercourse from vaginal atrophy. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your medical provider. If you have any abnormal uterine bleeding, which would include longer, heavier or irregular periods, follow up with your medical provider.

WHAT ARE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MENOPAUSE?

There are many commercially prepared hormone products approved by the Food and Drug Administration that can be prescribed for menopause symptoms. FDA-approved indications for hormone replace-

“Eventually, the ovaries stop making enough estrogen to thicken the uterine lining. To diagnose menopause, a women must go a full 365 days without a menstrual cycle. It is not necessary to have blood work to confirm.”

– LINDA WITHAM

ment therapy are vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, as well as prevention of bone loss and to reduce bone fractures. HRT involves taking estrogen and progestin or estrogen alone if the uterus has been surgically removed. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women who take estrogen have fewer hot flashes, better bone health, less cardiovascular disease, better sex lives, less insomnia, improvement in urinary symptoms, better mood, a reduction in Type 2 diabetes, lower risk of colon cancer, decreased joint pain, better skin and better quality of life. A woman’s risk of breast cancer should be evaluated before choosing HRT.

Providers can recommend nonhormonal treatments for hot flashes, such as antidepressants and vaginal moisturizers for vaginal symptoms.

For more, visit iuhealth.org/ find-medical-services/menopause.

Trilogy Health Services receives award – Fifty-six Trilogy Health Services communities across four states, including Indiana, have been recognized as 2023 recipients of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. The award signifies Trilogy’s commitment to improving the lives of residents through quality care. The distinction is the first of three progressive award levels through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The program honors providers across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to improving the quality of care for our nation’s elders and individuals with disabilities. The AHCA/ NCAL National Quality Award Program is a rigorous three-level process that is reviewed and evaluated by trained experts against a set of nationally recognized standards for organizational excellence.

Dennis O’Malia, metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain) patient

Linda Witham, an OB/GYN, is a nurse practitioner at IU Health North Hospital

Cold Plunge Studios now open

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

Cold Plunge Studios at 2792 E. 146th St. in Westfield celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 25. The business specializes in contrast water therapy, an ancient therapeutic practice known for its healing properties and health benefits.

The Pursuit Institute – Pre-Nursing Program

NEW BIZ

Jesse Gambert, owner of Cold Plunge Studios, said contrast therapy has several health benefits such as improved metabolism and brown fat activation, which helps with burning calories.

“It’s a sauna and a cold plunge, which is a more dynamic type of treatment,” Gambert said.

A single session involves a heat, plunge and rest cycle that is repeated a few times, according to the company’s website.

Clients start out with a breathing session in a high-temperature sauna where their body’s internal heat is elevated. Soon after, the client takes a cold plunge, a total body submersion in ice water below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. After the plunge, the client rests before repeating the process.

The cold plunge tubs reach temperatures as low as 34 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of therapy can reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery. (Photo by Edward Redd)

The quick rise in body heat increases blood and both thermogenesis and fat burning, while the drastic drop in body heat wakes up blood vessels and improves circulation. This can reduce inflammation, improve muscle recovery and enhance mental clarity, among other benefits.

Co-owner Phil Williams said the company plans to expand in the future.

Cold Plunge Studios offers memberships and single sessions for those who want to try cold plunging for the first time. The business is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Learn more at coldplungestudios. com.

New gym to offer group classes

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

This summer, a Noblesville resident is offering group workouts to anyone who has an interest in fitness.

Mirro said the gym’s motto is “half the time, double the result.” Instructors will lead three Tabata-style classes, a form of high-intensity interval training, offering sessions in “power,” “savage” and “tactical.”

Pre-Nursing is one of the programs in the health sciences pathway. The Pursuit Institute partners with All Heart Nurse Aid Training Center to offer a Pre-Nursing Capstone experience. Below is a snapshot of the program from both the student and instructor perspective.

Who would you recommend taking these courses?

INSTRUCTOR

Students who have already taken and passed the CNA certification and are looking to pursue a career in healthcare.

Would this program be good for students who want to go to college?

INSTRUCTOR

Absolutely. Nursing education has little “hands on” practice with this skill. This course provides a good opportunity to master the skills they may need for their job.

What about students who want to work right after high school?

INSTRUCTOR

Yes, this course teaches them a skillset that can help them land gainful employment right after or during school.

What types of jobs would align with students who may find this coursework interesting?

INSTRUCTOR

Student - Madison Brown

Year in School - 2023 graduate of Hamilton Heights High School

Anticipated Plan After GraduationAttend Ball State University to become an RN.

Instructor - Nicole Aber, President All Heart Nurse Aide Training Center LLC

What kind of hands-on activities did you participate in?

STUDENT

The hands-on activities we did included actually drawing blood, first at the nursing home then in the hospital. We also learned how to process the blood in the lab. I didn’t think it would be something I enjoyed, but I enjoy doing that more than I did being in the outpatient lab drawing blood.

FITNESS

On August 1, Sweaty Butts will open at 14300 Mundy Rd. in Noblesville. It will be a group-only exercise facility open to anyone. It will serve the Noblesville and Fishers areas.

Founder and owner of Sweaty Butts, Denise Mirro, has been involved in the fitness industry for 15 years. She said group exercise is a missing element in most gyms.

“The last six months, I’ve traveled around and all I did was join gyms to see what was going on,” Mirro said. “There is just no community feel.”

Mirro wants to create a community space for people who want to improve their health. Sweaty Butts will offer full-body, 30-minute workout sessions throughout the day. Guests can enjoy music while meeting new people and breaking a sweat.

Mirro

“Our power class is strictly heavy weight and slow repetition,” Mirro said. “Then savage is a lot of cardio, bodyweight and jumping. Then tactical is a combination of both.”

Instructors will be present during each session to help guests learn the workouts, so everyone can participate regardless of their fitness level.

Walk-in guests are welcome, and memberships will be offered.

“Guest can pay per session,” Mirro said. “We recommend memberships because it’s unlimited. You can come as many times as you want per day and as many times during the week.”

Sessions will begin at 5:30 a.m., rotating every 30 minutes until the gym closes at 11 a.m. Classes will resume at 4:30 p.m. until the facility closes at 8:30 p.m.

Skills acquired in the course can be utilized to start working in a lab setting, or used in nursing.

What does an average day look like in the program?

STUDENT

An average day for me included meeting with my teacher, understanding our work for the day and practicing blood draws. When I started the program, I practiced with a rubber arm, drawing water out of it. It was actually harder to draw from the fake arm than an actual person’s arm. Once I was in the hospital setting, I continued to draw blood but also worked in the lab and saw different aspects of the hospital.

To learn more about The Pursuit Institute, scan our QR code.

What makes this different than traditional classes offered at most high schools?

STUDENT

This was a lot different than a normal high school class because it didn’t really ever feel like class. You got to build relationships and work with people who had been working in this field for a while. I also learned about the workplace and how people do things differently and still get the job done.

INSTRUCTOR

This class is mainly off campus, and it is a true “hands-on” experience. This course allows the student to qualify to sit for a national exam and gain employment through Riverview Health.

ESKENAZI HEALTH FOUNDATION IS GRATEFUL TO Sandro Franchi & Jan Barnes FOR THEIR LEAD GIFT

Beyond Barriers is a campaign that through philanthropy and partnerships, addresses health equity in Central Indiana.

Value of blue-chip relationships

Commentary by Terry Anker

eskenazihealthfoundation.org

ESSAY

Although the specific attribution may wobble a bit, it is likely that famed turn-ofthe-last-century German-born theoretical physicist and allaround smart guy Albert Einstein said, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it.” As in most things, the crazy-haired thinker was right on target.

If we could have managed in 1993 to put $1,000 into our stock market’s Dow Jones Industrial Average and left it there until today, we would be able to walk up to an ATM and extract almost $14,000, so much that it might take a while to get it all, given the daily automatic teller cash withdraw limits. Still, increasing 14 times is remarkable. Adjusted for inflation, it would still bring $8,600. Incomes, depending on who you ask, during the same period increased between 125 percent and 150 percent. Not adjusting for inflation, 1,400 percent in the market beats what we might have managed in working, which produced less than 1 per-

cent of the growth. There has been much said about how the benefit of these kinds of returns may not be available to all and that there are countless specifics to be considered. Yet, the math is irrefutable.

What other investments might likewise produce outsized benefit? Is it better to own household objects longer, business assets, land or automobiles? The equations may vary, but what of pets, people and institutions? If old friends are indeed the best friends, why? Are long-term relationships like investing in an early retirement plan? Are the dividends beyond what we’d likely find in other forms of income? Is a 40-year marriage more valuable than one of 10 years? Perhaps it depends on the stocks purchased and the investment discipline followed. Are we hanging on to our bluechip relationships or risking a tech bubble?

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

Can feel stupid in a Jiffy

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

I hate feeling stupid or, more specifically, being perceived as stupid. Call it vanity. My recent trip to Jiffy Lube is a case in point. I went in for an oil change and came away questioning my cognitive abilities.

HUMOR

First, I misread the hand signals of the guy attempting to direct me into the right spot. I very nearly drove my great white whale of a van into the pit. Next, because I was embarrassed, I struggled to locate the hood pop. Oops, that was the gas tank. Best of all, I tried to take the keys with me into the waiting room. “Ma’am, we’re going to need those.” Ugh. By the time I got to the obligatory, “Would you like to replace your air filter for $29.99?” I was a hot mess. I stood stock-still for probably 30 seconds trying to decide if I really needed a new one or if I was being scammed because I’d come off as an idiot.

This is exactly why I normally let my husband Doo handle the things that are outside my comfort zone — car and tech stuff, for starters, but also the boring big-ticket house items like HVAC, siding and the god-awful plumbing. I want to be seen as a strong, capable, intelligent woman, but whenever I have to talk to the contractor about electrical issues or to the aforementioned automotive people about my transmission, I get nervous and end up sounding like a do-do head.

But why do I even care? I am stupid when it comes to cars. I just don’t want Derek at Jiffy Lube thinking this! Yep, pure vanity.

Peace out.

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

“This is exactly why I normally let my husband Doo handle the things that are outside my comfort zone.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

How can I get your number?

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

at the bank.”

There was a pause on the phone … a long one.

HUMOR

I’m a big “60 Minutes” fan. I remember watching the premier show in 1968. The producer of that show was Don Hewitt, an alumnus of New Rochelle High School where I graduated in 1965. The high school has a list of famous graduates and Don is listed along with 29 other people. I must have been No. 31 because I couldn’t find my name.

Recently, “60 Minutes” did a show about artificial intelligence, and the story focused on how some of these AI programs can mimic someone’s voice and be used to trick people into sending money or giving out personal information over the phone. This freaked out my wife, who is very concerned about having her identity stolen. She is not worried about my identity being stolen because, to quote Mary Ellen, “I don’t think anyone would want to be you.” She is very paranoid about this kind of stuff. She shreds everything, convinced that people will rifle through our garbage to find vital information.

“Mary Ellen, why are you shredding our junk mail?” I asked her.

“Dick, I don’t want people to know our address.”

“Well, if unsavory people are going through our trash at the curb, they can figure out where we live, because we live right behind the trash.”

Now, because of the “60 Minutes” story, she has heightened concerns about privacy. I called her the other day to ask a question.

“Hi, Mary Ellen, It’s Dick. I need your Social Security number to fill out a form here

“Hmm, when you call you never say, ‘It’s Dick.’ You always say ‘Hi, it’s me.’ Now, who is this?”

“It’s your husband. Now, can you give me the Social Security number, please?”

“I have a couple of questions before I give out this highly sensitive information. What is your brother’s name?”

“Peter, of course.”

“And where were you born?”

“New Rochelle. Look, if this is some kind of an IQ or memory test, you need to make the questions a lot tougher.”

“This is my way of checking if it’s really you. With all the new technology available, a crook could be calling me and making his voice sound like yours.”

“OK, Mary Ellen, you may ask one more question. Make it a good one.”

“OK, Dick — or whoever you are — when we got married, we stayed in a magnificent vacation spot in Big Sur, Calif. You said it was the most romantic, glorious hotel you had ever been in and it was a weekend you would never forget. What was the name of the hotel?”

“I don’t have a clue.”

“Oh, good it’s definitely you! It’s 897-006-0000!”

POLICIES

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

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.

“Now, because of the ‘60 Minutes’ story, she has heightened concerns about privacy.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Jr. Civic Theatre performers ready to make headlines with ‘Disney’s Newsies Jr.’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Nya Beck, there couldn’t be a better show to end her Jr. Civic Theatre career with than “Newsies.”

‘BEAUTY & THE BEAST’

“Beauty & the Beast” runs through July 9 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY’

MUSICAL

“It’s my all-time favorite show ever,” Beck said. “I grew up as a dancer, so the dancing in every production I see of this show appeals to me. I love the storyline as well.”

Beck, who will be a Fishers High School freshman, plays Katherine, a reporter, in “Disney’s Newsies Jr.” June 23-28 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“I like that she is very spunky,” Beck said. “She’s very intelligent and knows what she wants. She is kind of cunning as well.”

Beck said she enjoys performing “King of New York.” But she enjoys watching the newsies perform “Seize the Day.”

“I’m very thankful (the role) became available,” Beck said. “I would have taken anything to be in this one. I just wanted the opportunity to be in the show, I didn’t care which role.”

Beck is the daughter of Anne Beck, who coordinates Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program. Beck choreographed “Newsies” when Civic presented it in 2019.

The Jr. Civic show is for ages up to 14. The YAP is for high school students. Nya Beck also will appear in YAP’s “Mean Girls” July 27-30.

Andrew Horras plays Jack Kelly, the leader of the newsies.

“He’s very witty,” said Horras, who will be a Hamilton Southeastern High School freshman. “Jack Kelly never backs down from a challenge and wants to keep going and he wants to win. I feel like I can relate to that. I’m a better competitive person. I really enjoy playing him.”

This is the largest role for Horras, who has performed with Jr. Civic for three years.

Horras said “Once and for All” is his favorite number.

“Just standing there and looking powerful with a bunch of the newsies is fun,” he said. “Some songs are challenging.”

Horras said he had never seen the show until it was announced, and then he watched it.

“It’s a very ensemble-heavy show and they’re all enjoying it a lot,” he said.

Director Brent E. Marty said there are 44 performers in the cast.

“I think it’s the largest cast we’ve ever had,” Marty said. “The cast is very skilled. The talent base is improving every year. I think the people will be pleased with what they see if they know the show or don’t know the show.”

Thomas Murray, who will be a Zions-

ville Community High School freshman, plays Davey. Murray played Schwartz in “A Christmas Story: The Musical” in December of last year.

“I’ve always loved the music in ‘Newsies’ more than anything,” Murray said. “The music has such a nice ring to it. It’s very catchy.”

Murray said “Carrying the Banner” is a great way to open the show with the whole cast.”’

Daphne Pinchouck, a 10-year-old Fishers resident, plays Les.

“It’s a fun show,” said Pinchouck, whose favorite song is “King of New York.”  For more, visit civictheatre.org.

Main Street Productions presents “August: Osage County” through June 18 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

‘GODSPELL’

Carmel Community Players’ Rising Star production of “Godspell” is set for June 16 to 25 at the Ivy Tech Noblesville Auditorium. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Anthony Nunziata: Romance From Italy to Broadway” is set for 7:30 p.m. Jun 16-17 at Feinstein’s cabaret in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinhc.com.

‘SEE HOW THEY RUN’

Red Barn Summer Theatre’s production of “See How They Run” will be presented through June 18 at the Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre. net.

DISPATCH

Summer Shine exhibit showcases individual artists —The Fishers Arts Council features a new community exhibit called “Summer Shine” through June. Bold colors, big statements and love are the aim of the exhibit. “Having 22 artists on display is amazing,” Fishers Art Council Executive Director Les Reinhardt stated. “The only time we have ever had more artists in the gallery is during our annual Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists.” Artists from Fishers, McCordsville, Noblesville, Carmel, Beech Grove, Indianapolis and Bloomington are represented on the FAC Hub Gallery walls that reside inside the Collaboration Hub at Hamilton County Community Foundation. The exhibit is open for viewing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Fridays by appointment by contacting the Fishers Arts Council.

From left, Andrew Horras, Sadie Cohen and Nya Beck appear in “Newsies.” (Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)

“Seek and you shall find” Matthew 7:7 - 8 Grill: Thurs: 5-7, Fri and Sat: 10-1

206th and Cumberland Road, Noblesville We need your help!

“Seek and you shall find” Matthew 7:7 - 8

We need your help!

“Seek

“Seek and you shall find” Matthew 7:7

Thursday

CCP youth production set for ‘Godspell’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern High School student Nick Lantzer found himself inspired by the music of “Godspell.”

www.BethelLutheranChurch.com

www.BethelLutheranChurch.com

Friday Saturday 8a – 1p We need your prayers!

Explore our 16 SHOPPING AREAS including: office supplies, school supplies, kitchen ware, books, electronics, clothing, crafts, seasonal, toys furniture, and outdoor gear. Come enjoy food at The Grill from 10AM-2PM (benefits Youth)

Explore our 16 SHOPPING AREAS including: office supplies, school supplies, kitchen ware, books, electronics, clothing, crafts, seasonal, toys furniture, and Come enjoy food at The Grill open each day (benefits Youth). Don’t forget our Bake Sale inside!

Don’t forget our Bake Sale inside!

Explore our 16 SHOPPING AREAS including: office supplies, school supplies, kitchen ware, books, electronics, clothing, crafts, seasonal, toys furniture, and outdoor gear. Come enjoy food at The Grill from 10AM-2PM (benefits Youth)

Explore our 16 SHOPPING AREAS including: office supplies, school supplies, kitchen ware, books, electronics, clothing, crafts, seasonal, toys furniture, and outdoor gear. Come enjoy food at The Grill from 10AM-2PM (benefits Youth)

Don’t forget our Bake Sale inside!

Explore our 16 SHOPPING AREAS including: office supplies, school supplies, kitchen ware, books, electronics, clothing, crafts, seasonal, toys furniture, and outdoor gear. Come enjoy food at The Grill from 10AM-2PM (benefits Youth)

Don’t forget our Bake Sale inside!

June 21-25 & June 28- July 1 2120 E County Rd 150 S Frankfort,

MUSICAL

“There is something about the energy of the music that attracted me to it,” Lantzer said.

Lantzer, who will be a junior this school year, plays Judas and John the Baptist in Carmel Community Players’ Rising Star production of “Godspell,” which is set for June 16 to 25 at Ivy Tech Noblesville Auditorium.

Lantzer’s favorite number is “All for the Best.”

“It’s a classic song from ‘Godspell’ that has entered pop culture,” Lantzer said. “It’s always a fun song when you get to have choreography with canes.”

The 1971 musical was composed by Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote “Pippin” and “Wicked.” The song “Day by Day” became an international hit.

“There’s not a straight story line,” said Tanya Haas, a Carmel resident who is directing. “It takes pieces of the Gospel according to Matthew. The songs and scenes are ways of telling stories from Matthew’s Gospel without using straight biblical languages. It’s told with dancing, jokes and magic. We’ve been working hard on the music. We are trying to make it so all the kids are comfortable singing. Some of the kids think this is the first musical they have ever been in and have no previous choir experience. Then we have some kids who are very seasoned veterans who have done many shows. We are trying to find a good balance, so the kids have the best experience possible.”

Rachel Bush, an Indianapolis resident and

2023 homeschool graduate, has previously acted in Main Street Productions youth shows at Basile Westfield Playhouse.

“It has a very eclectic range of music, which is really cool,” Bush said. “I am not always used to singing a lot of harmonies, so I’m getting used to that and it’s been a little bit of a challenge.”

Haas said some of the songs have complicated harmonies.

Isabella Bardos, who will be a freshman at Noblesville High School this fall, performed in last year’s CCP Rising Star production of “Medley of Murder.”

“I really like the director and it’s just a really fun experience,” she said. “I like being in musicals.”

Bardos plays Anna Maria, one of the disciples.

There are 14 performers, ranging in age from 10 to 18.

For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

The cast of “Godspell” at a rehearsal: Front, from left,Quincy Russell, Greta Shambarger, Jack Levine. Middle, from left, Tatum Meadors, Quinn Yeater, Mason Yeater, Rachel Bush, Morgan Rusbasan, Emmy Bobenmoyer, Isabella Bardos, Fender Brokamp. Back, from left, Owen Yeater, Nick Lantzer. Not pictured: Joey Brandenburg. (Photo courtesy of Tanya Haas)

New comedy a winner

Commentary by Julieanna Childs

Writer and director Nicole Holofcener delivers another win in a sharp and perceptive story about our insecurities and the little white lies we tell to protect the people we love. Her newest film, “You Hurt My Feelings,” explores the occasional dilemma facing us in relationships: When is it better to lie than tell the truth? The result is a deliciously entertaining comedy that taps into something recognizably human.

Beth unexpectantly overhears Don confessing that he doesn’t like her new book. He’s supportive and encouraging as he reads over the drafts but doesn’t like any of them.

MOVIE REVIEW

The main story focuses on Beth (played by the lovely Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a semi-successful writer working on her new book. Her previous memoir was a mediocre success, although none of her students have read it. She’s laden with self-doubt and worries that her agent doesn’t think the new book is worth publishing.

Meanwhile, her husband, Don (Tobias Menzies), is a psychotherapist who isn’t helping anybody. Wrestling with aging and uncertainty, he assesses his work’s relevance to his patients.

The bombshell of the film is not an affair but a confession that disrupts their marriage.

Beth is totally devastated. She knows she’s probably an unexceptional writer, and her husband’s a crummy therapist. But the realization that he doesn’t really like her work is a blow to the gut, leaving Beth questioning her trust in him.

Blended with superb pacing by editor Alisa Lepselter, the film delivers a smashingly good adult comedy you rarely see in theaters anymore. Holofcener supplies endless laughs, including cuts of David Cross and Amber Tamblyn as a quarreling couple that Don is treating quite unsuccessfully.

Although there are big problems in the world, “You Hurt My Feelings” has a lesson for all of us: It’s OK to fret over the little intrusive troubles in our lived-in bubbles.

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.

Where’s Amy?

Where’s Amy attended Indiana Ballet Conservatory‘s production of “Fairy Doll” June 3 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. It tells the story of a mechanical doll that comes to life. The IBC dancers put on an outstanding show. Save the date of Nov. 25-26 for “The Nutcracker.”

MUSIC BY Alan Menken

BOOK BY Harvey Fierstein LYRICS BY Jack Feldman WRITTEN BY Bob Tzudiker and Noni White

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

From left, IBC students Catherine Annicchiarico (Zionsville), Arisa Cayetano (Carmel), Lily Murphy (Zionsville), Mia Krietemeyer (Zionsville) and Jade Crane (Westfield). (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

Actor a natural to play Lewis

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

His band is called Jefferson McDonald’s Great Balls of Fire, but that’s only part of the story.

MUSICAL

“There is a common misconception that I am a Jerry Lee Lewis tribute artist,” McDonald said. “I play everything, starting with classical music as a youngster, and it was only during the pandemic that I started playing 1950s rock ‘n’ roll shows under a variety of names. I was going out as Jefferson McDonald and his Rockabilly Buddies for a while.

I recorded an album at my cousin’s studio called ‘Memphis.’ Prior to the pandemic, I had penned a musical called ‘Jerry Lee Lewis VS Jerry Lee Lewis.’

“My show that I tour on cruise ships is called Jefferson McDonald’s Great Balls of Fire, but it covers a wide variety of artists, from Ray Price to Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and, of course, Jerry Lee Lewis.”

Fittingly, McDonald will portray Lewis and serve as music director for the Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Million Dollar

Quartet,” set for 7:30 p.m. June 16-17 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

McDonald has performed productions of “Million Dollar Quartet” at several venues.

“It’s been quite a blessing to do this show, and it’s been a wonderful introduction to some incredible theaters,” he said. “Some of them have brought me back for many productions. When I initially auditioned for ‘Million Dollar Quartet,’ I was intrigued by the role of Jerry Lee Lewis as I thought it was just hilariously written.

For more, visit atistage.org.

Jefferson McDonald plays Jerry Lee Lewis in ATI’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet.”

(Photo courtesy of Hubert Schreibl)

Blueprint for Improvement: A stylish and spacious culinary haven

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 1978 in the Raintree Place neighborhood of Zionsville, this home’s original kitchen was past its prime. We reworked the room’s footprint to let in more light, maximize space and improve functionality and style.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Combining the kitchen and dining room increased the room’s footprint, helping open the space, improve flow and let in more natural light.

• Ceiling-height perimeter cabinets provide ample storage and accentuate the ceiling height, and an oversized island means more room for cooking, dining and gathering.

• Functional optimizations include double ovens, a coffee niche, spice drawer and pull-out trash bins.

• The pearlescent finish on the backsplash tile adds an elevated feel with a touch of artisan charm.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

Meet Current in Noblesviile Managing Editor Matthew Kent from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Tuesday at CoHatch

13110 Harrell Pkwy Suite 100, Noblesville. Suggest story ideas, ask questions and learn more about Current in Westfield. For more, email matthew@youarecurrent.com

LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’S STANDARD CONTRACT RIDER NO. 67 CREDITS ADJUSTMENT

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or about July 24, 2023, Duke Energy Indiana will submit an update to its Standard Contract Rider No. 67, Credits Adjustment (“Standard Contract Rider 67”) to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. Standard Contract Rider 67 provides the rate adjustment to 1.) adjust for 2022 reconciliation, 2.) refund the IGCC Property Tax Incentives, 3.) amortize Excess Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes resulting from the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017, 4) refund resulting from the Rate Case Remand order (Cause No 45253), 5.) refund Step 2 rate adjustment from Duke Energy Indiana’s retail rate case (Cause No. 45253.), 6.) refund depreciation expense for the Gallagher Plant retirement, 7.) refund utility receipts tax, 8.) refund coal ash rate adjustment from Rate Case Remand order, and 9.) refund regulatory asset amortization. Standard Contract Rider 67 is applicable to all Duke Energy Indiana retail electric customers. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, Dana Kosco or Barbara A. Smith or Randall C. Helmen of the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission 101 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 317-232-2703

Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor PNC Center 115 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-232-2494.

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC By: Stan Pinegar, President

In accordance with 170 IAC 1-6 et seq., I hereby all affected customers have been notified as referenced rule and pursuant to the attached newspaper of general circulation in Hamilton County, info1mation and belief.

In accordance with 170 IAC 1-6 et seq., I hereby verify under the penalties of perjury that all affected customers have been notified as required under section 6 of the abovereferenced rule and pursuant to the attached legal notice, which was published in a newspaper of general circulation in Hamilton County, Indiana to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.

Presidential words of wisdom

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Have you ever heard of a politician who is short on words? A terse politician is about as common as a dancing potato, and as unelectable as a vampire who wants to raise taxes.

and division. While certainly effective, Adams suggests these messages only do damage to the fabric of the U.S.

GRAMMAR GUY

Surely, presidents of the past have something to say about words, right? As surely as more politicians are announcing their presidential candidacies (with lots of words), voices of the past are echoing through the hallowed halls of government.

For the sake of staying apolitical, I won’t include any presidential quotes from the past 50 years; instead, I’m going to shed light on some of the words about words that have staying power.

In an 1819 letter, John Adams wrote, “Abuse of words has been the great instrument of sophistry and chicanery, of party, faction, and division of society.” In essence, Adams here is railing against the abilities of people, parties and politicians to use words to promote wedges

Speaking to an audience in Oyster Bay, N.Y., in 1915, Theodore Roosevelt said, “I have a perfect horror of words that are not backed up by deeds.” The meaning here is about as plain as it gets. Teddy didn’t mince words, although he gave many speeches throughout his political career. Here Roosevelt basically says, “If you’re going to talk the talk, you’d better walk the walk.” It’s a warning against those who are all talk.

As we enter another presidential campaign cycle, I believe we should heed these words about words from former U.S. presidents. Pay attention to what candidates say and measure them against what they have done.

A visit to Fairbanks, Alaska

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, we begin a tour of Alaska with the first of two stops in Fairbanks, the northern-most city in the United States, about 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle.

TRAVEL

In 1901, E.T. Barnette established Fairbanks as a trading post, trading with the native Athabascan people. After Felix Pedro, an Italian immigrant, found gold in a nearby stream in July 1902, prospectors began coming to Fairbanks, named for Indiana Sen. Charles Fairbanks, later United States vice president. Miners dug 100-foot-deep shafts in the permafrost to reach ancient stream beds and then constructed horizontal drifts along the gold seam. By 1905, the Fairbanks Mining District supported 10,000 prospectors, panning for gold on 1,500 streams.

After a fire in 1906 destroyed most of the town, it was rebuilt with more substantial one- and two-story buildings, many of which survive. By the 1920s, individual miners, called “drifters,” were replaced by dredges that mechanically separated gold from sand and gravel. In the 1950s, most gold-mining operations ceased when

the dredging process became uneconomical. During the building of the 800-mile Trans-Alaska Pipeline system in the 1970s, Fairbanks, located near the mid-point of the pipeline, became a major supply center for workers and materials.

Today, Fairbanks is city of about 30,000 residents, who contend with temperatures as low as 50 degrees below zero in the winter and as high as 100 degrees in the summer. Winter visitors come to see the northern lights. Summer visitors can ride a reconstructed mining train to Goldstream Dredge No. 8, retired in 1959 after producing gold today worth about $15 billion. Visitors are instructed in gold panning techniques and most walk away with a few dollars’ worth of gold flecks. Visitors to the dredge can also observe a section of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline that rises from the ground nearby.

Trans-Alaska Pipeline system in Fairbanks.

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

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

Gold flecks in a pan in Fairbanks, Alaska.

(Photos by Don Knebel)

Across

1. Crackers stand-up performer

6. Lays down the lawn

10. Speaker’s platform

14. Be of service

15. Hot-and-cold fits

16. First 007 film

17. Old photo tint

18. Irving Theater poetry option

20. Colt or Pacer

21. Darling

23. IND flight info

24. UIndy URL ending

25. Not neg.

26. Pesters

28. PU military org.

30. Palindromic man’s name

33. Canine command

34. ‘60s psychedelic

36. Word attached to “cold” or “lion”

39. Poe’s “eternally”

41. Fishers HS trig class

functions

42. Numero ___

43. Clinton’s veep

44. Understands

46. [Oh, well]

50. Polar region

53. “For ___ a jolly good fellow”

55. IU Health scan

56. Opposite of WNW

57. Provide with food

60. Bic product

61. Candy with a hole in the middle

63. Dog-___ (like some book pages)

65. Tea type

66. Prepared to drive at Crooked Stick

67. Unaccompanied

68. No-goodniks

69. Fashion Mall store, for short

70. Local team found in the puzzle’s circles

Down

1. “The Friendly Ghost”

2. Go too

35. ___ Lanka

37. Makes smile

38. Indiana State Senator

Alting

39. Crammed down someone’s throat

40. Chill (out)

41. Mediterranean island

43. Irish tongue

45. Glutton’s serving at the buffet table

47. Off-the-cuff stuff

48. Linton’s county

49. Impede

51. ___ and outs

52. Ex-US Senator from Indiana who was Trump’s Director of National Intelligence

54. Bundle of wheat

58. Eye part

59. Smell bad

62. Some Current staffers, briefly

64. Union Brewing Company brew

5

3

1

Answers on Page 10

2

far

3. Plan in detail

4. Indianapolis trio?

5. Necklace fastener

6. Most secure

7. Storybook monster

8. Musical pair

9. “Try to ___ my way”

10. HST follower

11. One wearing cuffs in the back of an IMPD cruiser

12. Alternatively

13. “A piece of cake!”

19. Flying geese formation

22. Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer who played at Purdue and coached at ISU (and UCLA)

27. 2022 World Series champs

29. Where hangers hang

31. This and that

32. ‘Neath’s opposite

4 Dairy Products

“Colorful” Indiana Cities

Indy Pro Teams

Kitchen Gadgets

IUPUI Interim Chancellor