October 11, 2022 – Westfield

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Meet the District 2 school board candidates

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The District 2 seat on the Westfield Wash ington School Board is up for grabs during the Nov. 8 general election as voters will decide which of the two candidates vying

William (Bill) Anderson

for the seat will represent them.

Candidate William (Bill) Anderson, who was first elected to the board in November 2018 and serves as vice president, is seeking to retain his seat against challenger Patrick Phil lips. Both candidates bring different perspec tives about issues facing the district, how they

believe the district can tackle those matters and why they believe they are the right indi vidual to represent their district if elected. Below are responses in alphabetical order based on questionnaires that were sent out to election candidates and have been edited in some cases for space and style.

Patrick Phillips

Age: 54

Education: Indiana University, Bachelor of Science, Management

Occupation: IT Project Manager

City of residence: Westfield

How long have you resided in your school board district: Fourteen years

Age: 40 Education:

• Westfield High School, 2000

• Indiana University, School of Informatics, Bachelor of Science, 2004

• IUPUI, Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Master of Public Affairs (MPA), 2018

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

Immediate family: Wife, Angela, and son, Jackson Website or best way for voters to learn more about you: westfieldschoolboardcandidates.com/

Previous political experience: Westfield school board, 2019-present

Why do you want to run for school board? Serv ing on the school board for the past four years has allowed me to serve the Westfield community and local schools just as I had for many years prior. This current board has worked with (Supt. Paul) Kaiser and his team to strategically position Westfield Schools for the future needs of the kids of Westfield. And I want to continue this work to realize this vision for the future of our schools.

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? Serving all the children in the commu nity and keeping them safe; carry out our long-term vision that will map a course providing the necessary educational opportunities students need to reach their full potential; and implement and maintain our longterm plan that provides the ability to retain and attract the best and the brightest to Westfield Washington Schools long after my school board service has ended.

What do you see as strengths at the district? Westfield Schools have prepared students for their fu ture lives very well for a lot of years. We have one of the highest College Readiness scores in the state. Also, the backbone of education is the family. Westfield schools are great first and foremost because of the families in our community who are committed to education. I am running to represent them.

What do you see as areas of improvement at the district? We are currently improving our offerings to students that do not plan to go to college. We have several options for our students right now and we have plans and partnerships in the works to expand and improve these programs. Many other programs have also expanded and improved over the years. I am especially interested in our music department and how it has grown leaps and bounds recently and will continue to do so.

Occupation: Information technology director at Indiana University

Anderson Phillips

City of residence: Westfield

How long have you resided in your school board district: Fourteen years Immediate family: One son, Benjamin, 11 Website or best way for voters to learn more about you: facebook.com/ phillipsforthefield

Previous political experience: None

Why do you want to run for school board? I believe our school board has become too political and it is time to tone down the rhetoric and return the focus to our students and teachers. We must work together to foster an environment where all students can learn, thrive, and grow, and all means all. We should be talking about the serious issues that our students and the district are facing (such as) transportation, aging facilities, classroom sizes, teacher compensation, operating referendum renewal, increasing access to STEM programs for young women and girls and extracurricular activities for all students.

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? Sup porting our students and preparing them for the real world; ensuring our teachers feel heard and have the resources and support they need to be successful both in and out of the classroom; and passing our operating refer endum renewal.

What do you see as strengths at the district?Our students. They are the best and brightest amongst their peers, they care about our schools, our community, and each other, and they represent us well on every stage.Our teachers. They work tirelessly to ensure our kids are safe, cared for, and ed ucated, and they often do this to their own personal detriment.Our facilities. Our school buildings (education spaces, theater and performance spaces, vocational spaces, athletic spaces, etc.) are second to none in the state and beyond.Our administrators. They genuinely care about all the above, and are committed to capitalizing on our existing strengths, and planning for our future needs.

What do you see as areas of improvement at the district?

Classroom Resources: We have teachers who cannot take time off because there are no subs to cover their classrooms.We have classrooms and kids that are under resourced because we don’t have enough

Instructional Assistants: We must do better in this area. We must find creative ways to attract non-certified staff to serve the most important roles they do in our schools and support our students and teachers.

Space and facilities: Our enrollment continues to increase at a rapid pace, and we are bursting at the seams in our elementary schools. We likely need additional elementary schools, and we must plan for more expansion at the high school.

FINANCING FOR 12

City on track to pass ’23 budget

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

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POLITICS

City leaders in Westfield are expected to pass its 2023 budget later this month after reviewing budget requests with different department heads more than a month ago.

The budget, which was expected to be presented to the public at the council’s Oct. 10 meeting, could include revisions that were made following the council’s Aug. 31 special session meeting, although it re mains unclear what those changes might involve.

Details on the final 2023 budget were not immediately available as of press time, but council members heard initial requests from city department heads, including Westfield Police Dept. Chief Joel Rush and Westfield Fire Dept. Deputy Chief Jim Roberts, who was in attendance for Rob Gaylor. Rush requested three new officers next year, in addition to 10 new police vehicles and Taser replacements.

An estimated amount on how much three new officers and 10 police vehicles would cost the city was not available by the city during its initial budget review Aug. 31. The WFD. had requested adding 12 firefighters next year that Roberts said would cost the city $1.4 million. That figure includes sala ries, benefits and associated equipment for those individuals, he said.

The 2023 budget discussion with council members also involved proposed raises for city employees next year. The city’s chief of staff, Jeremy Lollar, told council mem bers that the 2023 budget would provide 5 percent pay raises for city employees, but did not know how much that would cost the city when questioned by city council member Cindy Spoljaric during the meeting. It remained unclear whether that 5 percent across-the-board raise would still be includ ed in the city’s 2023 budget proposal being shared with the public as of press time.

The council, which was set to have a public hearing during its Oct. 10 meeting, is expected to adopt the budget at its Oct. 24 meeting. Council meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Westfield City Hall, 130 S. Penn St.

Ivy Tech to begin School of Nursing program in January

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

terials and clinical resources as part of its Scholars Program.

Other health care partners, including Indiana University Health, have also supported the School of Nursing with donations to increase nursing enrollment, according to Ivy Tech.

EDUCATION

Ivy Tech Community College’s Hamilton County campus in Noblesville will launch its School of Nursing in January, officials have announced.

The community college, which announced plans for the School of Nursing Sept. 29, said it was approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing earlier in the month and will mark the college’s 19th nursing location.

“We heard from our community that cre dentialed nurses were a tremendous need in our area,” said Stacy Atkinson, chancellor of Ivy Tech Hamilton County. “We are ex tremely proud to help address the public health crisis by adding more credentialed nurses into the pipeline.”

Ivy Tech’s School of Nursing will admit 20 students for the upcoming spring semes ter and 20 students for the following fall semester, with increases in seats to come. The college has also partnered with Com munity Health Network to provide fully paid scholarships for 15 Ivy Tech Hamilton County students to assist with tuition, course ma

– STACY ATKINSON

“Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Atkinson and her team, we will educate even more highly skilled nurses that will meet the workforce demand in the Hamilton County region and the state of Indiana,” said Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech Commu nity College.

In the fall of 2021, after approval of Ivy Tech Hamilton County’s campus board and Ivy Tech’s state board of trustees, the col lege committed $1.75 million to the Hamilton County campus to begin construction on a state-of-the-art health care lab space that will now also permanently house its CNA and medical assisting programs.

According to Ivy Tech, by 2025 it will increase the number of nursing students enrolled by 600 and is the largest associate degree in nursing program in the country. It graduates more than 1,300 annually, officials said.

For more, visit ivytech.edu/nursing/index. html.

Atkinson stands outside of Ivy Tech Community College. (File photo)

“We are extremely proud to help address the public health crisis by adding more credentialed nurses into the pipeline.”

Dog walkers gear up for sixth annual Strut 2 Save Lives

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Indiana Donor Network will host the sixth annual Strut 2 Save Lives 1K dog walk Oct. 16 at Dr. James A. Dillon Park, 6001 Edenshall Ln., in Noblesville.

EVENT

The event, which was re scheduled from its original date of Sept. 11 because of inclement weather, will begin at 10 a.m. with registration followed by a wel come at 10:45 a.m. by Mayor Chris Jensen,

Walkers and their dogs participate in the Indi ana Donor Network Strut 2 Save Lives in 2021 at Dr. James A. Dillon Park in Noblesville. (Photo provided by Indiana Donor Network)

event founder and organizer Diana Clauson, and Indiana Donor Network COO Steve John son. The 1K dog walk will begin at 11 a.m.

The cost to participate is $25 for adults, $12 for children ages 12 and under, while families up to five participants is $65. All proceeds benefit the Indiana Donor Network Foundation’s Bryan Clauson Legacy Fund, which provides financial and counseling support for Hoosier organ transplant recipi ents, their families and the families of donor heroes.

A live DJ will provide music at the event until 1 p.m., while a professional photogra pher will be available at no charge.

Anyone who registered for the Sept. 11 date but can’t attend the Oct. 16 event can receive a refund. Individuals are asked to contact Savannah Scott by emailing sscott2@INDonorNetwork.org or call 317-222-3448.

For more on the event, visit indianadonor network.org/events/strut/.

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Franki Henriques, right, a volunteer handler with Mas sachusetts-based Search Dogs North east, and her blood hound, Diamond, work with Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Nate Biddle to follow the scent of a person hiding in the woods during a Sept. 27 training exercise. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Bloodhounds descend on Hamilton County for training

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Clear skies and crisp fall air in central In diana provided just the right conditions for Michael Sarvich to enjoy a week off from his job as an Amazon delivery driver.

in some states (although Indiana is not one of them). For those reasons, they are often used to follow trails of missing people or suspects on the run.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

He spent the time away in Hamilton County with his search-and-rescue partner, Joey, a 4-year-old bloodhound.

“People who don’t do this, they go on cruises, or they’re over in Europe,” Sarvich said. “My vacations are spent in a car with a dog in the woods.”

Sarvich and Joey, who live in Indianapolis and volunteer with the North Star Interna tional K9 Training Association, were among 15 teams from across the nation that partic ipated Sept. 25-29 in the second bloodhound seminar organized by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. During the week, the teams visited several sites throughout the county to practice trailing techniques and gathered in the evenings for dinner and discussion.

HCSO held its inaugural bloodhound semi nar in 2021 after COVID-19 restrictions closed a similar event held in Virginia to out-ofstate handlers. Indiana’s COVID-19 measures were not as strict at the time, allowing teams to attend from across the nation.

Neal Hoard, a HCSO deputy and seminar host, said the inaugural event went so well that HCSO plans to continue hosting it for the foreseeable future.

Bloodhounds have more scent receptors in their noses than any other dog breed, and their trailing work is so reliable it is permitted to be used as evidence in court

“They’ve been bred for this. They’re very ef ficient,” Hoard said. “They’re not agile. They’re made for straight lines and long distances.”

Hoard and his bloodhound, Maudie, are one of the few in central Indiana employed by a law enforcement agency. Some of the seminar participants work in law enforce ment, including a team from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Hoard said, but the majority — like Sarvich — are volunteers.

Most volunteer bloodhound handlers purchase their own dogs, and they continue to fund expenses related to their care and training. They’re typically on call 24 hours a day and must be willing to head out to a case at a moment’s notice.

It’s not always easy, Sarvich said, but it’s worth the effort.

“We show up at someone’s house at probably one of the worst moments of their lives. Their family member is missing, and they don’t know what’s going on,” he said. “We show up to try to help.”

Franki Henriques, a volunteer with Search Dogs Northeast, traveled 15 hours from the Boston area with her 7-year-old bloodhound, Diamond, to attend the seminar. They also participated in 2021, and Henriques said the experience was “priceless.”

“We actually get to work alongside law enforcement, so we are training exactly the way they would train,” said Henriques, who works full time as a pet groomer. “When we are deployed, we can follow the same pro tocol and procedures that law enforcement would want us to take.”

The Furnace is FREE

Meet the candidates for Hamilton County prosecutor

Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh • AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Democrat Jessica Paxson and Republican Greg Garrison are vying to be elected Hamilton County’s next prosecutor. Garrison defeated incumbent Lee Buckingham in the May primary. Election Day is Nov. 8.

Jessica Paxson

Party: Democrat

Education: B.A. in crimi nal justice and criminology, Ball State University, 2006; J.D., Indiana University Rob ert H. McKinney School of Law, 2008.

Occupation: Deputy prosecutor, Hamilton Coun ty Prosecutor’s Office City: Noblesville Age: 38

Immediate family: Single

Previous political experience: This is my first campaign for political office. Website: PaxsonForProsecutor.com

Why do you want to run for office? I am running for office because I believe we need the right leadership to keep Hamilton County safe. I was raised in Hamilton Coun ty. This is my home, and it is also where my young nieces are growing up. Carmel, Fish ers, Westfield and Noblesville are all ranked in the top seven safest cities in the state of Indiana. To keep it that way, we need leaders who have been working daily in this community with a focus on public safety.

What are your qualifications for this of fice? I have spent the last seven years serv ing as a deputy prosecutor in the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s office, largely focusing on violent and sex crimes. Prior to returning home to serve Hamilton County, I served in the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office as a deputy prosecuting attorney from 2011 through 2015. I spent two years in private practice, appearing in courts in 75 of Indi ana’s 92 counties.

What are the top issues that your cam paign will focus on? My campaign for pros ecutor is focused on four key issues:

Aggressively prosecuting violent and ha bitual offenders

Establishing a Special Victims Unit fo cused on domestic violence and sex crime

cases

Continuing the relentless pursuit of red flag law cases to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals whom law enforcement has identified as experiencing mental health crises

Partnering with law enforcement agen cies to develop training programs for new officers and prosecutors

What sets you apart from other candi dates for this office? I am and have been a prosecutor working in the courts consis tently for over 11 years.

The practice of law, like many profes sional practices, is constantly evolving with new tactics and advancing technology such as the use of DNA evidence. It is important to be consistently practicing law to stay at the top of the field.

How long have you lived in your district? I was raised in Hamilton County and still considered it “homebase” while attend ing college and law school. I returned as a permanent resident in 2018.

What other organizations are you in volved with? I was recognized by Prevail, Inc. as their “Hero of the Month” in June 2018. In 2020, Indiana Coalition to End Sex ual Assault & Human Trafficking recognized me for outstanding service as a prosecutor on behalf of victims and survivors of sexual violence. I co-chair the Hamilton County Sex ual Assault Response Team and am a mem ber of the Domestic Violence Task Force.

Something most people don’t know about you? Growing up as “latchkey kids,” my siblings and I were often cared for by our grandparents, so when my grandmother reached a point where she could no longer live on her own, I moved her into my home and continue to serve as her caretaker.

Something you want people to know about you? I recently discovered photog raphy as a way to document my love of nature and wildlife.

J. Gregory Garrison

Paxson

Continued from Page 8

Occupation: Lawyer

City: Fishers

Age: 74

Immediate family: Wife, Phyllis, seven children, 15 grandchildren

Previous political experience: None

Website: garrisonfor prosecutor.com

Garrison

Why do you want to run for office?

The prosecutor of Hamilton County must be focused at all times on the protection of the citizens. Currently, there are violent crimes within the county that are going unprosecuted. As we are seeing more and more crime coming from Marion County, the priorities of the prosecutor’s office need to change now. It starts with putting the vic tim first. The prosecutor should work hand in hand with law enforcement to build the case. Finally, the prosecutor should train and trust his deputy prosecutors to find the appropriate resolution, whether plea or trial, for each case.

What are your qualifications for this of fice? Approximately 50 years of experience in the prosecution of felonies across Indi ana. I have tried high-profile death penalty murder cases as well as successfully prose cuted Mike Tyson for rape in Marion County. I am not afraid of the hard work involved

in such cases and therefore, I will not limit myself to only pursuing “perfect cases.”

What are the top issues that your cam paign will focus on?

1. Protecting citizens from violent crimes

2. Build a rapport with law enforcement to prepare stronger cases for prosecution

3. Train the next generation of deputy prosecutors to leave a legacy for the next generation.

What sets you apart from other candi dates for this office? My entire legal career has been dedicated to criminal prosecution, from simple felonies to capital murder. I won’t back down from a tough case.

How long have you lived in your district? Approximately 40 years

What other organizations are you involved with? I am retired from full time prosecution of criminal offenses as well as civil forfeitures and racketeering claims.

Something most people don’t know about you? I spent 20 years as a radio talk show host at WIBC Indianapolis, three hours per day, five days per week. Now, I spend time with my grandchildren and avidly take care of my three horses. I have loved horses since preschool, and I cannot imagine my life without them.

Something you want people to know about you? Criminal law and its fulfillment have always been my focus. I am the right person to keep Hamilton County safe at a time when crime is on the rise across the nation.

Humane Society raises $12,500 for veterans program

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Cathedral High School

Cathedral High School

Cathedral High School open house

open house

Thursday, October 13

Mass - 5:00

-

NONPROFIT

The Humane Society for Hamilton County raised $12,500 from its seventh annual Ruff Ride Oct. 1 that will go toward supporting the organization’s Pets Heal ing Vets program.

The event, which is a joint partnership between the humane society, Harley-Da vidison of Indianapolis and Indiana Widows Sons, brought more than 100 riders and passengers to raise money for the heroes of our nation and animals waiting to find their homes, according to a news release. Participants in the Ruff Ride also received a tour of the humane society and were followed by a police escort as they went on a scenic ride through Hamilton County, the release said.

Rebecca Stevens, president and CEO of the

Humane Society for Hamilton County, said the organization was pleased with the turn out for the Ruff Ride. The Pets Healing Vets program pairs Hoosier veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injury with emotional sup port animals and currently serves more than 35 veterans and their companions.

“The number of participants in our Pets Healing Vets program is growing quickly, which means the cost to fund this life-sav ing program has grown as well. Events like this and individual donations are what make it possible for us to do our part in preventing veteran suicide.”

The humane society will also host its 16th annual Tinsel & Tails Holiday Petacular from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 17 at the 502 East Event Centre in Carmel.

For more on the event, visit https://www. hamiltonhumane.com/programs/events/ tinsel-tails-2.

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Pride of Westfield earns ninth place at BOA competition — The Pride of Westfield marching band earned ninth place among 12 bands named finalists at the Bands of America Kentucky regional competition in Louisville Oct. 1. The event, which was held at Cardinal Stadium at the University of Lou isville, featured bands from Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Indiana. The Carmel Marching Greyhounds captured first place, the Sound of Brownsburg marching band received sec ond, while the Centerville Jazz Band (Ohio) received third place.

Crew Carwash holding fundraiser for YMCA in Westfield — Crew Carwash is part nering with YMCA of Greater Indianapolis to help raise funds for the future Ascension St. Vincent YMCA in Westfield. During the month of October, individuals who visit Crew Car wash in Westfield, 777 E. State Road 32, are asked to consider making a donation to the Y. All proceeds will go directly toward the fundraising campaign to build the new Y Center. For more, visit https://crewcarwash. com/westfield-ymca/.

Intersection of 191st Street/Grassy Branch Road open — The Hamilton County Highway Dept. has announced that the intersection of 191st Street and Grassy Branch Road is now open. Motorists are asked to use cau tion driving through the site as incidental work may still be occurring.

Smart Outdoor Living

Westfield Police Dept. supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month — The Westfield Police Dept. is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink enam eled badges throughout October. The cam paign promotes increased awareness of the disease and offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer. It also raises funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and a cure. For more, visit www.nationalbreastcancer. org.

Studebaker named re gional sales manager with Centier Bank — West field resident Ben Stude baker has been named by Centier Bank as regional sales manager and will oversee the greater In dianapolis and Lafayette markets.

Studebaker

WHS sophomore’s golfing skills continue to grow

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School sophomore Addi Kooi has only played competitive golf for three years, but she is rapidly developing on the girls golf team.

“She’s had an incredi ble season,” Shamrocks coach Josh Bryant said. “Her game is blossom ing before our very eyes. She plays tennis on West field’s team. We love having multiple-sport athletes. She’s a competitor.”

Kooi finished in a two-way tie for fourth place with a 154 total in the IHSAA State Finals at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. She shot 79 in the Sept. 30 opening round and 75 in the Oct. 1 final round.

Kooi battled windy conditions in the sec ond round.

“The front nine was a challenge. We had a few shots that didn’t go our way,” Kooi said. “You have to work for every shot out here, and being patient really helped.”

Kooi said she learned some things from

MEET ADDI KOOI

Favorite athlete: Roger Federer

Favorite subject: Science/math’

Favorite TV show “The Office”

the first round, as far as where to place the ball.

“I definitely could have shot lower (than 75),” Kooi said. “I made a few mistakes.”

Bryant said she handled adversity very well during the state finals.

Kooi said she has improved the most in her short game.

“It saved me a lot of strokes getting up and down,” Kooi said.

Addi Kooi finished tied for fourth Oct. 1 in the IHSAA state finals. (Photo courtesy of Addi Kooi)

Kooi’s teammate, junior Samantha Brown, was one shot behind with a 78-77 for a 155 total. Westfield finished seventh as a team. “(Brown) pushes me so much,” Kooi said. “This is the first time I’ve ever beaten her.

She’s made me such a better player to see how she works and (how) she hits the ball. She’s a phenomenal player. It’s definitely impacted my play and got me to this level.” Brown, who has committed to play for Purdue University’s women’s golf team, and Kooi both earned all-state honors from the Indiana State Golf Coaches Association.

“Sam was the leading all-state points getter,” Bryant said. “The crazy thing about Sam is, she was 14-under par for the season cumulatively.”

Kooi has been playing tennis since she was little. She played No. 3 varsity singles for the Shamrocks as a freshman last season.

“I’m leaning more toward trying to play golf in college,” she said. “But I love tennis and I will play throughout high school. I think I’ve gravitated more to golf, and it is more of my passion now.”

Kooi’s mother, Keri Grossman, played college tennis at the University of Southern Illinois and her father, Jeff Kooi, played basketball at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa.

“My dad started golfing when he was young and he taught us all,” Kooi said.

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Kooi

Two seek school board seat

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The incumbent holding District 4 seat on the Westfield Washington School Board will seek to retain her position against a chal lenger during the Nov. 8 general election.

Candidate Rebecca Ogle, who was first elected to the board in November 2018 and

Age: 48

Education: 1996 Franklin College, Bachelor of Arts in accounting

Occupation: Chief finan cial officer at safety man agement group

City of residence: Westfield

How long have you resided in your school board district: Twenty years

serves as president, is seeking to retain her seat against challenger Jill Woerner. Both can didates were asked about issues facing the district, what improvements could be made and what they would focus on if elected.

Below are responses in alphabetical order based on questionnaires that were sent out to election candidates and have been edited in some cases for space and style.

Rebecca Ogle

Committee.

What do you see as strengths at the district? The district is high achieving in ac ademics and extracurricular areas (sports, visual and performing arts, etc.), expand ing our instructional offerings to support broader post-graduation pathways. The district has reestablished financial stability and demonstrated stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Immediate family: Jason Ogle, Owen Ogle and Elliott Ogle

Website or best way for voters to learn more about you: westfieldschoolboardcan didates.com/elect-rebecca-ogle

Previous political experience: Westfield Washington School Board, District 4 – elect ed in initial 2018 campaign

Why do you want to run for school board? I’m running to serve our commu nity and to contribute in a positive way by bringing my professional experience to assist with one of the largest businesses in Westfield.

What are your qualifications for this office? I am a certified public accountant, a certified fraud examiner, a certified con struction industry financial professional and a chief financial officer. My professional experience brings business expertise plus sound accounting and finance best practic es to board discussions and decisions. This experience has facilitated many success stories over the past 4 years. Please visit our website for our 2018 campaign COMMIT MENTS AND RESULTS report: westfieldschool boardcandidates.com.

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? If elected to serve again, my efforts as a board member will focus on:

• Protect the assets which make our schools great: qualified teachers and staff

• Protect our kids

• Proactively manage spending and be a steward of referendum funds, while serving on the Board’s Finance

What do you see as areas of improve ment at the district? The district has so many positives but there’s always room to grow and raise the bar – continuous im provement with proven sustainable process and procedures

How do you believe public school districts should address diversity, eq uity and inclusion matters? It should be addressed without introducing ideologies. Cultural humility is important; understand ing and embracing history and traditions of diverse cultures represented in our commu nity and elsewhere, is key to producing suc cessful citizens. Equity of learning has been in place for years via support programs and is important to continue to each child has the opportunity for an education. Inclusion of all students, regardless of socioeconomic status or other factors that are a barrier to learning should be addressed for those stu dents needing support.

How can public schools help student test scores reach pre-pandemic levels? Test scores can be improved through inter vention and remediation programs, espe cially early learning opportunities. Expand ing and adding these programs, especially in the elementary is a current focus of the district.

How do you feel about the district’s efforts to address student safety? What changes, if any, would you like to see made? I think the district has implemented sound policies and protocols regarding stu dent safety. The expanded partnership with WPD has also raised the bar for support in

Ogle

this area. Again, there’s always room for improvement but I know this is an active concern of the district and constantly being reviewed.

Something most people don’t know

Age: 44

Education: B.S. Second ary Spanish Education from Purdue University, M.Ed. Educational Lead ership and Administration from Anderson University Occupation: National Director of Education & External Outreach for AFS-USA City of residence: Westfield

How long have you resided in your school board district: Eight years

about you? I grew up on a farm in Sheridan and helped in the field and clean pig barns.

Something you want people to know about you? I was recognized as one of the IBJ’s 2021 CFOs of the Year, selected as the top honoree among private companies with less than $100 million in revenue.

Jill Woerner

How do you believe public school dis tricts should address diversity, equity and inclusion matters? Westfield Wash ington Schools’ stated mission is to ensure every Rock is life ready. Students must be prepared to engage with individuals who look, speak, think, and identify differently than they do. Understanding how people communicate, how more than one perspec tive in a situation may exist, and how those impact personal and professional relation ships will increase our students’ ability to be successful in our global society.

Immediate family: Husband, Greg Website or best way for voters to learn more about you: woernerforwestfield.com

Previous political experience: None

Why do you want to run for school board? Public schools have always been a hub of growth and community for students and families. Recently, they’ve become polarized and politicized. I want to use my background in education to help bring the focus back to an academic and social en vironment for the students, teachers, and community members.

What are your qualifications for this office? I have been in education my entire career. I am a licensed and experienced educator and school administrator who has served in neighboring school districts and at the Indiana Dept. of Education. I am also bilingual (Spanish/English), which will allow more voices in the community to be heard.

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on?

• Prioritizing student safety and academics

• Retaining and recruiting the best edu cators to serve the students of West field-Washington Schools

• Fiscal responsibility

What do you see as strengths at the district? Strong parental engagement and support for district initiatives; high levels of academic achievement and student pre paredness; and high number of teachers who are invested in student success

What do you see as areas of improve ment at the district? Recruiting and supporting staff members that reflect our community and innovation and flexibility in initiatives that serve non-traditional learners

How can public schools help student test scores reach pre-pandemic levels? Every child is unique and learns at their own pace. To overcome academic learning loss from the pandemic, having parents and educators working together to devise an individualized approach for students is truly the most effective way for each student to reach their full potential. Only with this collaboration among everyone who wants students to succeed will students’ needs be met so students can truly focus on their academics.

How do you feel about the district’s efforts to address student safety? What changes, if any, would you like to see made? Student safety goes beyond locked doors and school resource officers. Student safety also entails ensuring that students of any age and any background can walk through the hallways without ridicule or harassment because there’s been a com munity of parents and educators that work together to establish a culture of mutual respect and understanding. This requires leading through modeling, listening to oth ers’ perspectives, and intentional consen sus-building in a community.

Something most people don’t know about you? If people don’t know me per sonally, they likely wouldn’t know how much I love to travel the world and spend time with individuals from those countries.

Something you want people to know about you? I am passionate about student and teacher success and believe strongly that those are 100 percent interconnected. When we support teachers and high-quality instruction, we are building a strong future for our kids.

Woerner

UP FOR YOUR

Nickel Plate Arts raises $66K during gala

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The Diamond Gala benefiting Nickel Plate Arts at Conner Prairie Sept. 21 raised a record $66,000 for the nonprofit organiza tion.

FUNDRAISER

The 10th annual event, which featured a dinner, program and a live and silent auc tion, is the primary fundraiser for Nickel Plate Arts and drew about 200 people this year.

“The community really showed up in a big way and we are thankful to all of our part ners that were so involved and contributed to making our 10th anniversary gala a suc cess,” said Ailithir McGill, director of Nickel Plate Arts. “This was truly a fitting way to celebrate 10 years of this incredible organi zation. We are already looking forward to the next decade.”

Proceeds from the gala will assist in the creation of art studio spaces in downtown Noblesville’s historic Lacy Building. More information is expected to be released on the development in the future, according to the nonprofit.

Nickel Plate Arts also recognized the winners during its awards ceremony, which recognized some of the most inspirational artists and art advocates among central Indiana’s thriving arts scene.

Those recognized include:

Critt Hunter was named Emerging Art ist of the Year, an award that recognizes

artists who are just starting out on their creative path. It also recognizes those who have shown outstanding dedication to developing their artistic career while also seeking ways to make their communities stronger in that process, according to Nick el Plate Arts.

Cheryl Bowlin was named Arts Champion of the Year, which honors individuals who have fought hard to bring the arts into their work and their daily lives, ensuring that everyone has access to the arts regardless of background, income or ability.

Kelly McVey was given the Cultural Ven ture of the Year award, which recognizes community members who have been lead ing local arts and culture events or projects to greatness.

Shaunt’e Lewis was named Artist of the Year. Her art was described as being “iconic, visionary, and highly sought after.” According to Nickel Plate Arts, “she’s also been a great mentor to young or emerging artists, leading to this year’s On Ramp cohort for the Indiana Arts Commission, among other projects.”

Moonshot of Noblesville was named Arts Patron of the Year and was described by Nickel Plate Arts as a company “that has cornered the market on serving its com munity.” The nonprofit said the company has “developed lines of business in direct response to feedback they’ve received from customers, neighbors and visitors, and they have been navigating all of the business challenges the last few years have thrown at them with agility and grace.”

Westfield Middle School cross country runners gather after winning first place at the Indiana Middle School Cross Country Championships in the big school girls varsity division Oct. 1 in Terre Haute. From left, Carly Davis, Avery Taylor, Ella Lidskin, Jenna Burns, Maggie Naas, Sylvia Flynn, Sam Foster, Emma Pitney and Alivia Lozier. (Photo provided by Linda Ogle)

An attendee of the Diamond Gala benefiting Nickel Plate Arts holds up a card during the organiza tion’s annual fundraiser Sept. 21 at Conner Prairie. (Photo by Stewart Imagery LLC)

COVER STORY

Westfield Washington Schools seeks referendum renewal in Nov. 8 general election

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Westfield Washington Schools is seeking a renewal of its operating referendum in the Nov. 8 general election that would result in a 15 percent decrease in the tax rate next year if approved by voters.

The district’s operating referendum was originally started in 2010 and was renewed in 2016, which resulted in a 13 percent de crease from $0.23 to $0.20, said Brian Tomamichel, WWS assistant superin tendent for business and operations. However, the district is seeking to re new its referendum a year early and thought it would be good to place the issue before voters since they will be voting for school board candidates as well, Tomami chel said.

“It seems to make sense from our stand point of timing, and also we’re in a place where we can drop that referendum rate from $0.20 to $0.17, so it would be a 15 percent reduction this year as well,” Toma michel said.

If the renewal of the operating referen dum is approved, it would take effect in 2023 and continue for another eight years. Homeowners would not see the change reflected until they receive their May tax bill, said WWS Supt. Paul Kaiser.

For a homeowner who has a home valued at $338,600, they would see a tax reduction of $4.70 per month if the operating referen dum is renewed at a lower tax rate, accord ing to the district.

The district will receive about $8 million from its current referendum this year, and Tomamichel said when the decision to pur sue a decrease in the tax rate was made, the district had projected losing $500,000 annually. However, since assessed values have continued to go up, Westfield Wash ington Schools expects to collect the same amount annually if the renewal of the op erating referendum is approved by voters next month, he added.

Approximately 55 percent of the funding from the current referendum goes toward teacher benefits, while the remaining 45

percent goes toward utilities throughout the district, according to Tomamichel. If voters approve renewing the operating referendum, the district plans to maintain low class sizes and continue retaining and attracting teachers.

Kaiser said retaining teachers is im portant and pointed out that the district started the school year with every teaching position filled. That wasn’t the case at some school districts across the state, he said.

The district’s base salary for a teacher at Westfield Washington Schools is $45,000, Tomamichel said.

“We’ve increased our teacher base salary enough that people aren’t leaving us be cause of lower salaries,” Kaiser said.

Other than maintaining low class sizes and continuing to retain teachers, the dis trict also wants to start an orchestra and

agriculture science program with referen dum funding.

The district, which has an agriculture science teacher overseeing the agriculture science program at Westfield High School, is seeking to add a second agriculture science teacher at Westfield Middle School, Kaiser said. The district will eventually need to add two to three more teachers at the high school at some point based on the growth of the program, he added.

Westfield Washington Schools would like to hire an orchestra teacher in January to help build the orchestra program, which would be offered to students in grades 6 to 12. In addition, officials would like to start a welding program for high school students, Kaiser said.

The district also wants to start a land scape management program and expand

its culinary arts program at Westfield High School, according to Kaiser, who said those programs are contingent on the renewal of the operating referendum by voters.

However, Kaiser warned that if the refer endum is rejected, the district will have to make staffing cuts starting in the 2023-24 school year that would affect individuals such as teaching assistants, teachers, school administrators, maintenance staff and other positions.

“There’d be no area in our district that would not be affected,” he said.

Those cuts would also be noticeable in side classrooms because class sizes would go up as a result, according to Kaiser.

Tomamichel said making people aware of the renewal of the operating referendum and why it is needed is important as vot ers prepare to head to the polls during the Nov. 8 general election. He added that the district wants to make sure it gets out and tells the story while having community con versations with one another.

“It’s a conversation across the board, and I think we believe when we have those conversations, we can clearly communi cate the need for it and the desire to keep our schools where they are today, I would argue most Westfield parents want to see our schools stay at (current levels), but it’s important we have those conversations,” Tomamichel said.

ON THE COVER: Jennifer Norton, a fourthgrade teacher at Monon Trail Elementary School, helps students with their classwork. The Westfield Washington School District is seeking a renewal of its operating referendum that will be decided by voters during the Nov. 8 general election. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

FOR MORE

For more information on the renewal of the operating referendum at West field Washington Schools, visit wws. k12.in.us/ and click on “November 8 - Operating Referendum Renewal.”

Individuals can also reach Supt. Paul Kaiser via cellphone by calling 317385-4912 for questions.

Bessy Martinez, a teacher in the All Aboard preschool program at the Virginia F. Wood Early Learning Center in Noblesville, guides students in her classroom during a lesson. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

Tomamichel

ESSAY

Ready to roll?

Commentary by Terry Anker

On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, United Airlines Flight 93 did not arrive at its des tination. Most Americans recall without prompting the events of that day. Ag grieved radicals, making a point of their dissatisfaction with our society, decided to teach us a lesson in the form of mass murder. With most tragedy, there are tales of heroism. There are stories of the best of us to counter the obvious exam ples of the worst. In coming to know that their lives were surely to be soon taken, a group of daring passengers refused to go silently into that good night. They refused to allow the villains to reap the full pleasure of their heinous acts. In rushing the cockpit, they’d either take control of the guided missile upon which they found themselves or drive it into the open fields below. Their sacrifice might allow others to survive.

Even as he headed to his own execu tion, Todd Beamer entreated the cellular operator to call his young wife and say that he loved her. It must have resem bled an epic moment from a modern re make of “Romeo and Juliet.” At home, Lisa Beamer must have clung to their young sons, 3-year-old David and baby Drew. Leading the resistance, Todd dropped the phone and was last heard to proclaim, “OK, let’s roll.”

Life is filled with many moments of both importance and inconsequence. They come to us as we are — ready or not. Sure, not having our car keys in hand as we walk through a darkened shopping center parking lot is likely inconsequen tial. Or it may predict our demise at the hand of an armed robber. Can we prepare after the fact, or do we have to be ready to roll when life demands it? What is the price if we choose not to be?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK POLICIES

— WILLIAM JAMES

HUMOR

Gravely behind in decorating

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Oh, it’s on. I drove by my neighbor the other day as she was setting up Halloween decorations in her front yard. With weeks to go before the greatest and most perfect holiday of the year, she’s already fooling around with purple twinkle lights, Styrofoam tombstones, and what looked to be a new inflatable. How dare she! I have not yet mentally nor physically prepared for my own elaborate display of zombies, witches, a pumpkin-head man and various incar nations of demon-possessed Regans and Carol Annes. But now she’s thrown down the gauntlet. I cannot have her house up and ready while mine still bears the boring décor of fall mums and pretty green September grass.

I’ll have to start with the big-ticket items, which means hauling close to a dozen life-size animatronics and skele tons from our basement room of horrors up the stairs, out through the garage and onto the lawn. I’ll then spend an hour or so on each “tableau,” arranging them in either unsettling or humorous scenes involving cauldrons, lawnmow ers and spider-infested tea parties to eventually construct a veritable wonder land of evil. Next up is the arbor entry way, a cheap metal apparatus held to gether only by duct tape and my sheer force of will. The electrical comes last, which, depending on the weather and if I can locate enough splitters, extension cords, and green floods, could take any where from one day to several. I’m not that far from Lowe’s, but each trip takes precious time!

My gung-ho neighbor may have gotten the jump on me this glorious Halloween season, but not for long. Be cause it’s on.

Peace out.

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.

Danielle

The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.

Smashing tale of a lost cellphone

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

On my way to pickleball last Saturday, I realized I didn’t have my cellphone with me. I panicked, but as I admitted in a previous column, my phone is never really lost, it is simply — to coin a new application for a perfectly good word — “unfounded.”

I knew when I arrived home it would be exactly where I left it, which is usually where you find things.

I remembered load ing the car with my stuff: gym bag, sun glasses, hat, paddle and … the phone. It must be in the car, I thought. I pulled over, got out, and looked between the seats, under the seats and in all the side compartments.

has a magnet on the back of the case) on the car’s roof and sped away. Your watch tracked the phone as you drove. The phone remained secure until you hit a pothole at 111th and Westfield. In a nanosecond, it was dislodged and bounced into the street.”

After I thanked Sherlock, I left to buy a new phone.

I showed the destroyed phone to the salesman.

“Isn’t the protective case guaranteed?”

“It was completely smashed to smithereens. I retrieved it and went home, clueless as to how this had all happened.

– DICK WOLFSIE

I said.

“Yes, 100 percent guaranteed.”

“But the phone is smashed.”

“Sir, we guaran teed the case, not the phone.”

I explained how embarrassed I was.

I got back in the car and headed for the gym.

At the first stoplight, I activated the “Find My Phone” app on my Apple Watch. It said the phone was at 96th and Lantern Road. So was I! When I turned west, the watch said the cell was at 96th and Gray Road. Me, too! A few minutes later, we were both at 106th and Westfield.  Obviously, the phone was in my car. But where?

The last time I checked the app, it said the phone was at 111th and Westfield. I played my pickleball games and bee-lined back to that address afterward. Sure enough, there was my phone — smack dab in the middle of the street, and except for the protective case, it was completely smashed to smithereens. I retrieved it and went home, clueless as to how this had all happened.

My wife’s analysis: “Loading the car with your hands full, you placed the phone (which

Flower

“Oh, don’t be,” he said. “I’ve had several customers who drove over their phones.”

I said, “I did not run over my own phone. Someone else did it for me.”

The tech guys shared other cellphone misadventures.

“Years ago, I had a customer,” said one employee, “who forgot he had set his phone in the freezer while he needed both hands to retrieve a stuck ice cream container from the back.”

That made everyone laugh. Except me. It was a very painful memory. I searched for hours to find that cellphone. And my screen was frozen the rest of the day.

Check my Facebook page for photo of my phone.

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

Opening in October

Hip and knee replacement: What to expect from your care team

Commentary by Dr. Leonard Buller

Getting a knee or hip replaced is a sur gery that can improve an individual’s quality of life dramatically.

ment, the surgeon will make an incision on the front or side of the knee to access the joint. The surgeon will then remove the damaged bone, tissue, or cartilage and re place the area with a new (manmade) joint.

ORTHOPEDICS

Throughout the entire process, from before surgery to the recovery stage, the patient’s care team will be there every step of the way.

What happens before surgery?

The patient’s doctor will determine if surgery is necessary by taking X-rays. From there, the doctor can get a closer look and decide if surgery is the right path. Patients are encouraged to try other alternatives to limit pain before deciding on surgery. Options include exercise, over-the count er-medications, steroid injections, bracing, acupuncture, weight loss, or activity mod ifications. It is also vital that the patient’s health is evaluated with blood tests and sometimes a chest X-ray prior to surgery.

What happens during surgery?

A hip or knee replacement can last one to two hours, while the patient is under general anesthesia. For a hip replacement, the surgeon will remove the damaged bone, tissue and cartilage from the hip joint. Then, the “ball-and-socket” part of the hip is re placed with artificial parts (typically metal rods) that will allow the hip joints to work properly and smoothly. For a knee replace

What happens after surgery?

The patient’s movement will be extremely limited post-surgery. Patients can expect to be prescribed medication for pain. Following the surgery, a therapist may help with move ments and exercises to regain movement, momentum and recovery. Patients may be in the hospital anywhere from two to four days. It is vital to make sure the patient has a caregiver available to help them. Also, the patient should make sure they have enough groceries and prepared meals. Creating a designated area with easy-to-reach items and a plan for washing/bathing is also important. Patients should also make sure floors are walkable. Anything that may cause a tripping/falling hazard must be moved.

At IU Health Saxony, the care team will be there to answer any questions and help to make this process as seamless as possible. For more information, visit iuhealth.org/ joints or call 317-944-9400.

DISPATCHES

Get started running — Want to start run ning but are so out of shape you don’t know how to begin? Couch to 5K is a free app that takes you through an eight-week program designed to build up your endurance and stamina. It’s a great way to get started if you’ve never tried running. Available for iOS and Android.

Source: Greatist.com

Natural appetite suppressant — Research shows that a spinach extract, called Ap pethyl, can significantly reduce cravings and snacking. A teaspoon per day was given to women in the study and they lost 43 percent more weight than women in the placebo group. Appethyl is available online as spinach extract in powder or capsule form.

New radiation technique — For patients with cancer of the left breast, radiation therapy can be dangerous because it ex poses the heart and lungs to radiation. New research shows that holding one’s breath during radiation can push those organs out of the way and protect them. A machine assists with the process, so the patient breathes properly.

Source: Practical Radiation Oncology

Moving for better health — Sitting for most of the day is terrible for your health, raising your risk for diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. For better health, try to get up and do some light activity several times a day, even if you have a sedentary job. Moving around triggers blood flow, clears glucose from the blood and breaks down triglycerides.

Dr. Leonard Buller is an orthopedic surgeon at IU Health Saxony–soon to be IU Health Fishers

Pasteries

at Le Mac aron. A le Macaron will open later this year in Carmel’s Clay Terrace. (Photo courtesy of Le Macron)

Le

coming

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield residents Mary Lynn and her husband, Daniel Fanning, were shopping around for the right franchise.

Clay

FOOD

“I had been researching differ ent franchise opportunities in the area and I just hadn’t come across anything that we were financially able to do,” Lynn said.

Lynn said they were looking into Blaze Pizza but discovered an investment com pany mostly owns the rights to ones in the area. Lynn said Le Macaron French Pastries randomly came up on her Facebook feed. She started researching the franchise and contacted the company for more information.

“We fell in love with it,” Lynn said. “We love the concept.”

The couple’s store will open in Carmel’s Clay Terrace at 14550 Clay Terrace Blvd, Suite 115. Lynn said they are hoping to open at the beginning of December in the spot previously occupied by the Sunglass Hut. In addition to macarons, the shop will sell gelato, chocolates and other desserts.

“We don’t have to do any prepping of the food, it’s all done in Florida,” Lynn said. “They freeze them and ship them to us.”

The couple visited the Sarasota headquar ters, viewed the operation and tested all the products. The company was founded in 2009.

“We went to the confectionery and learned how they made them,” Lynn said. “Then we went back for training for four

days. It’s a family-owned business.”

Lynn said the shop is considering getting a liquor license in the future, which some other Le Macron franchises have.

“They do macaron pairings with cham pagne and wines,” she said.

There is a party room that Lynn said could be used for events. They also plan to explore catering opportunities.

“We’ll have croissants, so there is a possi bility we could have croissant sandwiches, along with the desserts,” Lynn said. “We’ll have a coffee bar, with cappuccino and tea.”

Fanning is a traveling machinist and Lynn said this will allow him to be home more, working full time in the store. Lynn said there is a possibility the couple, parents of two children, will open more stores in the future. She said different owners have plans to open a Le Macaron in Fishers at 8701 E. 116th St., this fall.

Mary Lynn and her husband, Daniel Fanning, are opening Le Macaron French Pastries in Clay Terrace. (Photo courtesy of Mary Lynn)

Carmel Community Players ready to set off ‘Tick, Tick … Boom!’ musical

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Dominic Piedmonte, the theme of “Tick, Tick… Boom!” immediately had an impact.

‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’

“The Addams Family” runs through Nov. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianap olis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘RENT’

MUSICAL

At first, the Indianapolis resident was unfamiliar with Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical.

“A friend told me about the auditions the day before I auditioned, and so I did a deep dive the night before and fell in love with the show immediately,” Larson said. “I was 29 and turned 30 the week after auditions, so I was incredibly connected to what Jonathan was feeling at the time of my audition.”

Piedmonte will play the role of Jon in the Carmel Community Players’ production of the musical Oct. 14 to 23 at The Switch Theatre, 10029 E. 126 St., Fishers. Larson went on create the musical “Rent” before dying of aortic dissection at age 35 the day of the off-Broadway preview in 1996.

“I really try to capture Jon’s mannerisms in the show, but also a bit of myself since a lot of what this show is talking about is turning 30 and having that feeling of not having done enough with the time that is given to us,” Piedmonte said. “That’s some thing everyone over 30 has experienced at one time or another.”

The biggest challenge for Piedmonte is mastering the lines.

“I’m on stage the entire time and have several monologues that are tricky in their wording because they are literally the writings of what was going through Jona than’s head when he encounters the feel ing of failure, realizations that the world around him feels dystopian, that everyone around him is so much more successful by the societal standards of the ‘90s,” he said. “Being a musician and artist myself as well as a full-time teacher, time just is something I never have enough of it seems. This show honestly really helped me process through some of the turmoil I was struggling with turning 30, and I

really am grateful that I’m given the oppor tunity to share this wonderful show that Jonathan Larson created.”

Like Piedmonte, Ervin Gainer is per forming for Carmel Community Players for the first time. Gainer said what he enjoys about the role is that he can relate to the character in some ways.

“I know what it feels like trying to achieve a dream that just doesn’t pan out in your favor,” said Gainer, who plays Michael. “I know what it feels like to settle for a job that isn’t your dream job/career, but it pays the bills and keeps a roof over your head. I know what it feels like to want love, have a family and be financially secure. Michael wants to live his ‘American dream,’ but it does come with challenges.

He is an openly gay male in corporate America who happens to find out that he is HIV positive at a time where folks left and right were dying of AIDS. To most, getting an HIV positive diagnosis meant a death sentence. You could be alive and well one week but gone the next week.

That is a major struggle for the character throughout the show and it weighs heavy

on his heart. I know how it feels to be openly gay and HIV positive because that is my life. I am thankful that nowadays getting an HIV positive result doesn’t mean a death sentence with all of the HIV medications that are out today.

“I love that this subject matter is touched in the musical. It’s so import ant. HIV stigma is still alive and well, unfortunately.”

Kathleen Horrigan, a Fishers resident, is directing with CCP for the first time. Horri gan said the biggest challenge is also serv ing as a director for the Lawrence Central High School play “You Can’t Take it  With You,” which is set for Nov. 11-13. She is the director of theater for Lawrence Central.

“I directed ‘Rent’ in Indianapolis for Footlite Musicals about 10 years ago and became quite a fan of Jonathan Larson,” Horrigan said. “Then my high school stu dents told me about the movie version of ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ and once I watched it, I was hooked then. Then I started reading a book about Jonathan Larson’s life and really wanted to direct it.”

For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

Civic Theatre’s production of “Rent” will be presented Oct. 22 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘POSTMODERN JUKEBOX’

Scott Bradlee’s “Postmodern Jukebox: Life in the Past Lane” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘MY NAME IS NOT MOM’

Internet stars Tiffany Jenkins, Meredith Masony and Dena Blizzard will present “My Name is NOT Mom” at 8 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘VOICE OF ROMANCE TOUR’

Johnny Mathis will visit with his ‘Voice of Romance Tour’ at 8 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Palla dium at the Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

EDWARDS TWINS

The Edwards Twins present “The Ultimate Variety Show: Vegas Top Impersonators” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more fein steinshc.com.

Candlelight Theatre hosts ‘Haunted States’

The Candlelight Theatre will present “The Haunted States of America” at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site this month. The actors include Geist resident Donna Wing, who is the Candlelight Theatre creative di rector. The show is set for three weekends, Oct. 14-15, 22-23, 28-29, at the Harrison Pres idential Site, 1230 North Delaware St., India napolis, For more, visit: bhpsite.org/events/ hauntedstatesofamerica/.

From left, Dominic Piedmonte, Margaret Smith and Ervin Gainer appear in “Tick, Tick … Boom!” (Photo courtesy of Carmel Community Players)

CHS graduate shakes off nerves to earn spot on ‘The Voice’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Morgan Taylor Koontz began performing in musicals when she was 9.

Nashville. “The excitement really got to me.

ACHIEVEMENT

The 2019 Carmel High School graduate has sung solo in public numerous times — such as at CarmelFest Has Talent and at Urban Vines — through the years and was selected as a Songbook Academy finalist in 2019.

But her blind audition performance for “The Voice” was another level of challenging.

“Personally speaking, I don’t think there is any amount of performing I would have done to prepare for the amount of nerves you feel when you go on that stage,” Koontz said. “Especially when you know it’s been recorded and in front of these incredibly talented and well-known artists right in front of you. The more you do it, the easier it gets, but that first time was really a dif ferent experience performing.”

Koontz, who performs as Morgan Taylor, shook off the nerves and earned a spot on Season 22 of “The Voice” on NBC with her rendition of Lizzo’s “Cuz I Love You.” The performance was taped a few months ago but it aired Sept. 26.

Blake Shelton quickly turned his chair around to indicate support, followed by the other three judges, Gwen Stefani, John Leg end and Camila Cabello.

All four celebrity judges made a pitch to have Koontz on their team.

“When (Shelton) turned around, it was so early on, I felt that I did a double-take,” said Koontz, who majors in commercial music and songwriting at Belmont University in

I think that showed in my performance, because in that moment what would you be doing if you weren’t singing? You’d be screaming to yourself. There’s a lot of adrenaline. There was one bit where I thought about what I was doing, and I had to reel myself back in and finish strong.”

Koontz said it is “super weird” to describe the feeling she had unless one had been in that position.

“You can’t even imagine it until you are there,” said Koontz, who is in an ensemble group at Belmont.

Koontz, who views her genre as soulful pop, chose Legend as her coach because he best fits her style.

“I wanted to go with John from the getgo,” she said. “But I won’t lie, I really recon sidered my choices because of all of the arguments, I was reconsidering all of them.

I’m happy I chose John in the end because I really like working with him. But I think you can’t go wrong with any of them, honestly.”

Koontz said musically speaking, Legend’s style is the closest to what her original mu sic sounds like.

“Vocally, he has the most to offer, but genre-wise, he also made the most sense,” she said.

Koontz submitted audition tapes and was invited to Los Angeles for the blind audition.

“The rest is history,” said Koontz, who was a three-year member of the Ambassa dors, the mixed show choir at CHS.

The taping was a few months ago, so she had to keep her selection a secret. Her par ents, Angela and Scott Gallagher, attended the audition.

BOOK, MUSIC, AND LYRICS BY JONATHAN LARSON

Morgan Taylor Koontz performs during the blind audition of “The Voice.” (Photo courtesy of Tina Thorpe/ NBC)

‘One Dark Night’ at Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Nick Zaza is eager to see how his Hal loween stage extravaganza plays in other markets.

MUSIC

The first one was performed in in 2018 in Akron, Ohio, where Zaza is based. The classically trained rock guitarist has previously played other shows across Ohio.

“One Dark Night…A Rock Symphony of the Macabre” will make its out-of-state debut at 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“We’re excited because the Palladium is beautiful,” said Zaza, who will perform four shows this month. “That’s the date I’m most looking forward to this year.”

The show will then be in the Pittsburgh area later in the month.

“The show is a celebration of the Gothic classical music from some of the great com posers, Prokofiev, Mozart, Beethoven. The musical element is classical music, rocked up with the band,” Zaza said. “It’s really electrified. We bring in the seasonal Hallow een element. We love the classical Holly

“One Dark Night…A Rock Symphony of the Ma cabre” is set for Oct. 22 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. (Photo courtesy of Nick Zaza)

wood monsters, Frankenstein and Dracula, but quite possibly, could the real monster be inside of us, the monster within? We have a story that goes through it and great multimedia visuals behind us. It’s really an immersive experience.”

There are actors performing as “haunters” who loom throughout the set and venue,

There is a six-person band for the orches tral rock show and a narrator.

“It seems to be catching on and blowing up,” said Zaza, who also tours with his own band.

For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org

Twins bring act to Feinstein’s

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Twin brothers Anthony and Eddie Ed wards are not only identical but they share the gift of being mas ter impersonators.

VARIETY SHOW

“We do over 100 lookalikes and soundalikes,” Anthony said. “Every year is a different show. Everything is live. It’s not a drag show.”

“The Edwards Twins and their Ultimate Variety Show” is set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael.”

“We started out at the Riviera many years ago,” Anthony said. “We decided to take the show on the road. We’re adding shows ev ery year. It’s been a great journey.”

The twins, based in Las Vegas, perform ap proximately 300 shows a year. They do about 20 different impersonations per show.

“We never usually do this small a theater, but Michael (Feinstein) is a dear friend,” An thony said. “We want to do as many of his showrooms as possible. We’ve been doing his showroom in (Los Angeles) for a very long time. We were in the area. I’m sure it’s a matter of time before we come back,

and we probably have to do two shows (in Carmel).”

Anthony said the show is fast paced and similar to variety shows like “Laugh-In,” “The Sonny and Cher Show” and “The Carol Burnett Show.”

“Carol saw me perform as her in Toronto and we became instant friends,” Anthony said. “Then two weeks later, she was in LA and she saw my brother in ‘La Cage’ and she thought it was me. She said, ‘Why are you guys together? You need to form an act.’ She said she would help any way she can, and she did. The rest is history.”

For more, theedwardstwins.com.

Anthony Edwards performs as Andrea Bocelli during the variety show. (Photo courtesy of the Edwards Twins)

Naraine’s art described as ‘bold’

Commentary by Randy Sorrell

Absolutely one of my favorite local artists is Janie Naraine, known in the art commu nity as JD Naraine. Perhaps that’s why we have several of her pieces confidently hanging on our walls! Her work is very bold and suggestive and can be well described as abstract figurative.

ARTIST

Naraine has been painting all her life and has a degree in fashion design from the University of Cincinnati and loved several classes in the fine art department. For years, she focused on portraits and transi tioned to her present mode about 15 years ago. Most of her work is completed with a live model and then finished back in her studio. Predominantly working in oil and pastel, Naraine also enjoys mixed media influences. She notes, “I play with color and shape and composition, capturing a bit of the essence of the model but also striving for a complete and finished painting.”

I fell in love with her style and work when my design studio was in the Indiana Design Center. Diane Wright featured her work at Coats Wright Art & Design there and

“Face of Many Colors” is displayed at CoatsWright Gallery in the Indiana Design Center

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now at her new place at 1057 East 54th St., C3, in south Broad Ripple. Her work also is available at galleries in Naples, Fla. Naraine mentioned how affordable her art is and that she is witnessing a strong movement of people wanting original art. That’s a trend I have experienced as well.

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

BEHIND BARS: ENCHANTED ELIXIR

Ingredients: Empress gin, lychee, lemon, grapefruit and sparkling wine.

by Harry & Izzy’s Northside bartender, Jen P.

see a video of this drink being

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

Creepy sound of onomatopoeia

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Most people know what onomatopoeia is, but I’d bet most of them couldn’t spell it! Just ask me. Onomatopoeia, of course, is the naming of a thing based on the sound it makes. I can’t think of a better season to discuss onomatopoeia than Halloween. The word onomatopoeia is a Greek word meaning “the making of a name or word.”

instance of a word formed by the sound it makes. If you give out the “Krackel” candy, you’re likely to be one of the more popular houses on the block.

GRAMMAR GUY

You’ll want to be careful about mysteri ous creatures rustling in your bushes. The word “rustle” means what it sounds like: to emit soft, rapid sounds when in motion.

We’re all wary of things that go “bump” in the night. Is “bump” an example of ono matopoeia? The answer is: probably. Bump first shows up in the late 16th century as an English word meaning “a protuberance caused by a blow.” We can pretty safely assume that “bump” came from the dull noise made that causes the bump itself. Obviously, there’s the noun “bump” and the verb “bump” as well. Bump’s cousins include thump and thud.

What about the sound a nice bonfire makes? The fire crackles, as we say. The word crackle is another good example of onomatopoeia in action. The word “crack” showed up first, and it’s yet another great

Does anyone have creaky basement stairs? I do, and they come complete with complimentary cobwebs. Creak shows up in the early 14th century, meaning “to utter a harsh cry.” By the end of the 16th century, the definition evolved to what we think of today — the sound of rusty hinges and old basement stairs.

Keep your ears open this season for spooky things that make creepy noises from which we get imitative, soundalike words. After all, onomatopoeia could be lurking around every corner.

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

A visit to Boston’s Old Town

Commentary by Don Knebel

Aerate

TRAVEL

Today, returning from Cape Cod, we visit Boston’s Old Town, so successfully combin ing the best of our past and present that I was induced to “dance” in public.

In 1630, Puritan settlers established Boston, named for an English coastal town, on an 800-acre peninsula extending into Massachusetts Bay. By 1710, Boston, capi tal of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, was the largest city in the 13 colonies, with a population of 9,000. In 1713, the colonial government constructed a brick building near the waterfront for meetings of the Massachusetts General Court. Now known as the Old State House, the brick structure replaced a building destroyed by fire. In 1742, Peter Faneuil, a wealthy Boston mer chant and reputed slave trader, built a mar ket house nearby, which he donated to the city. Despite its origins, Faneuil Hall became known as the “Cradle of Liberty” because Samuel Adams, James Otis and others made important speeches in the building support

PUBLIC NOTICE

Apollo Developers LLC (12941 Coyote Run, Fishers, IN 46038) is submitting an NOI letter to notify Hamilton County and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of our intent to comply with the requirements of the City of Westfield, as well as the requirements under the IDEM Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP), to discharge stormwater from construction activities for the following project: Springwater. More specifically, the project is located in the NW Quarter of Section 7, Township 18 North, Range 4 East, on the east side of Union Street just north of 161st Street. Construction activity is scheduled to commence in October 2022, and construction should be completed by December of 2026. Run-off from the project site will discharge into the Cool Creek. Questions or comments should be directed to:

Neil Goradia Marilyn Woods LLC 12941 Coyote Run Fishers, IN 46038 (317) 446-7654

ing independence from England. In 1762, Otis made a speech in the Old State House that inflamed Bostonians against the English. On March 5, 1770, the Old State House was the site of the so-called “Boston Massacre,” in which British troops opened fire on an un ruly crowd, killing five.

Today, the restored Old State House houses a museum. A cobblestone marker in front remembers the Boston Massacre. Nearby, Faneuil Hall, along with Quincy Market and two other markets, constitute Faneuil Hall Marketplace, one of the nation’s earliest and most successful urban renewal projects. Since its opening in 1976, street performers have helped make the Market place area one of Boston’s most popular destinations, attracting 18 million visitors a year. When I was there, five multi-talented African American performers, looking for “seven rich white guys” to teach to dance, pointed to me. What followed was not really dancing, but it was a lot of fun.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Citizens Wastewater of Westfield, LLC (2150 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202) is submitting a NOI letter to notify the City of Westfield and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of its intent to comply with the requirements under 327 IAC 15-5 to discharge storm water from construction activities for the following project: Cool Creek Lift Station and Force Main Upgrades, beginning near the intersection of East 161st Street and Lantern Park Parkway and terminating near the intersection of East 161st Street and Oak Road in Westfield, Indiana. The mitigated runoff from the project site will discharge to Cool Creek. Questions or comments should be directed to Payton Staman at the above-mentioned Citizens Wastewater of Westfield, LLC address.

Faneuil Hall in Boston, Mass. (Photos by Don Knebel)

WILL DO BOBCAT WORK

Locally

Mr. Handyman of

Zionsville, Carmel and Fishers

1950 E. Greyhound

Christopher Rogers Owner/Operator

Office

Classifieds

NOW HIRING: PAINTERS

We are in need of painters with or without experience Please Call (317) 397-9389 for info

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR SKILLED CARPENTERS!

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

For immediate consideration, call Gary Simpson at 317.703.9575.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

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

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

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

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

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