November 1, 2022 — Westfield

County seeking public input on parks

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The public will have an opportunity to weigh in on the future of two county parks during an open house this month hosted by the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Dept.

HOUSE

The open house will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 9 at Bray Family Homestead Park, 4528 Ind. 38, Noblesville, which was acquired by the county in 2007. It is the site officials with the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Dept. are looking to further develop Bray Family Homestead Park, while it also recently acquired the HC Farms prop erty at 216th Street and Hinkle Road, said Don Nicholls, resource development spe cialist with the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Dept.

The meeting is intended to help guide master planning of both properties, accord

ing to Nicholls. Discussion will take place regarding potential recreational activities, amenities and programs for the parks that attendees think should be considered in planning to best serve the community, he added.

In addition, trails and shelters will also

Hamilton County Parks and Recreation will host an open house Nov. 9 at Bray Family Homestead in Noblesville to solicit public input regarding two parks. The feedback will help guide mas ter planning at Bray Family Homestead and at the HC Farms prop erty, according to the county. (Photo provid ed by Hamilton County Parks and Recreation)

be discussed, along with other recreational and nature education options proposed by planners and the public. For more or to learn more about the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Dept., call 317-770-4400 or visit myhamiltoncountyparks.com.

Feedback sought in Citizens proposed rate case

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

18% hike, according to testimony filed with the IURC.

makes the utility more vulnerable to sea sonal changes in natural gas prices.

UTILITIES

Citizens Gas of Westfield customers will have the opportunity to offer feedback in a proposed rate increase case being sought by the utility company.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC), which is the state agency representing consumer interests before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, is reviewing the utility’s request and is sched uled to file testimony on Dec. 2. The OUCC is seeking written comments from customers through Nov. 25 and can be submitted by visiting in.gov/oucc/contact-us/.

The utility company filed a request with the IURC in September to hike rates that would result in an increase of $165 for a typical customer consuming 735 therms per year. If approved, the rate increase would take effect next June and would reflect an

The utility says that residential bills would rise from $28.67 to $36.59 for a household using 20 therms, while those us ing 50 therms would see their bill rise from $53.93 to $66.34. A household using 100 therms would see an increase from $96.02 to $115.90, according to the company’s pro posal provided to the IURC.

Citizens Gas of Westfield’s current rates received IURC approval in 2017. The pending proposal would only affect natural gas rates and charges in its Westfield service territo ry, according to the OUCC.

Officials say as the system has grown, the costs to operate and maintain the sys tem have also grown, according to testimo ny provided to the IURC. Citizens also says it has taken steps to diversify Westfield’s natural gas supply, noting that Pandale Eastern is the only interstate natural gas pipeline directly supplying Westfield and

The utility company said in October that it predicted natural gas heating bills will increase on average about $10 a month for the upcoming heating season from Novem ber through March with the total average being $864 compared to about $812 last winter.

Other than the website, consumers can also submit comments regarding the pro posed rate increase by emailing uccinfo@ oucc.in.gov or by mail to Public Comments, Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counsel or, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing ad dress and a reference to either IURC Cause No. 45761 or Citizens Gas of Westfield.

An IURC evidentiary hearing is scheduled to start Jan. 26, 2023, while a final commis sion order is expected in June, according to the OUCC.

at

Santa to appear on tour

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Santa Claus will make an appearance during the annual Home for the Holidays Tour in Noblesville during the first weekend of December. The tour will feature six routes with the downtown portion being the traditional parade route, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said.

allow those who wish to see Santa in their neighborhood as well as those who wish to gather with friends and family downtown a great opportunity to do so,” Jensen said.

EVENT

“The Home for the Holidays Tour will be back and bigger than ever this year,” Jensen said. “This tour encompasses a large part of Noblesville as last year it covered over 110 lane miles.”

Although the city has had a route that covered the downtown Noblesville area in past years, Jensen said the city will include the traditional downtown parade route this year. The downtown tour will also include nonprofit organizations and community groups, he added.

“As our community grows, we want to honor our past traditions as well as create new ones for the nearly 70,000 residents who call Noblesville home. We hope this will

“We are excited for Santa Claus to spread holiday cheer across Noblesville on Dec. 3 and 4.”

The Home for the Holidays Tour will be split by the White River with three routes, including the traditional parade route, being held east of the river Dec. 3. The first tour will begin at 9 a.m. with the traditional downtown parade kicking off at 2 p.m., ac cording to the city.

Another three parade routes will be held Dec. 4 west of the White River, according to the city, which said that routes are still being designed and will be announced in the coming weeks. The Home for the Hol idays Tour was created to take Santa to the public while thanking first responders and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Home for the Holidays Tour is part of the city’s seasonal celebration, with Holidays at the Hill returning to Federal Hill Commons starting Nov. 19.

Event benefits nonprofits

By Mark Ambrogi mark@yourecurrent.com

Several years ago, Esther Lakes attended an art event with an artist friend in Atlanta. Lakes found it to be different from any event she has attended in Hamilton County.

to have a little more upscale feel to it, so we decided to make it an evening event to be held at the luxurious Hotel Carmichael with only juried and award-winning artists participating.”

FUNDRAISER

Since then, she has wanted to create something similar to raise funds for organizations that assist children.

After Lakes and her husband, O’Dell, sold Smith’s Jewelers in Noblesville after 50 years of ownership in 2020, Lakes created Spotlight on Art Benefitting Children with the help of community leaders. The event is set for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at Carmel’s Hotel Carmichael and will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, Children’s Ther Aplay and Prevail.

“The event will be similar to the one I attended in Atlanta, but on a much smaller scale,” said Lakes, founder and chairman of Spotlight on Art. “The event in Atlanta takes place for a couple of days, much like an art festival. We wanted Spotlight on Art

Lakes

A Carmel resident, Lakes serves as a board member for Prevail Inc. and the Boys & Girls Club of Nobles ville and has been a financial sup porter of both nonprofits.

The artists participating include painters, textile artists, a wood turner and a ceramic artist. There will be a booth of children’s art representing three local elementary schools as well as children’s art from the three organizations.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Facebook page, Spotlight on Art Benefiting Children or Prevail (prevailinc.com) or bit. ly/3N8BA4w.

Tickets are $50. Admission includes wine, champagne, hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to view and purchase art from award-winning artists.

“The artists have very generously agreed to donate 50 percent of all sales to the three children’s charitable organizations,” Lakes said.

NPX partners with Toys for Tots

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Nickel Plate Express and Toys for Tots are partnering to collect toys for families in need this holiday season.

Nickel Plate Express is offering free caboose rides Nov. 5 to each passenger who brings a donation. The caboose rides will board from the newly renovated Hobbs Station inside Forest Park from noon to 2 p.m. on a first-come, firstserved basis, with no tickets being sold for the event.

Passengers will enjoy a scenic ride on the historic Monon Caboose over the White River in downtown Noblesville, according to officials.

The Nickel Plate Express travels a 12.5mile track between Noblesville and Atlanta. The focal point is the historic Hobbs Station, which was built alongside the Nickel Plate railroad in Tipton County in 1948 and moved to Forest Park in 1967.

“Toys for Tots is excited to partner with

Nickel Plate Express for the 2022 Holiday season,” Toys for Tots Civilian Coordinator Sabrina Young said. “This year is Toys for Tots’ 75th year. We are so thrilled to be able to partner with an organization that has a beautiful train and draws a huge crowd each holiday season. It was the perfect fit to our iconic Toys for Tots train logo.”

Nickel Plate will accept new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots through Dec. 23. In addition to caboose rides being offered, the partnership will also offer a visit with Santa from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15. The public is en couraged to bring a toy to donate and then visit with Santa.

“I have always been passionate about giving back to the community,” said Emily Reynolds, director of Nickel Plate Express.

“This opportunity to work with Toys for Tots is a perfect chance for Nickel Plate Express to help others during the holiday season.”

For more about different trips on the Nickel Plate Express, ranging from Reindeer Rides to special dining experiences, visit nickelplateexpress.com.

DISPATCHES

Send us your stories and photos — Please email story suggestions on new business es, interesting residents, upcoming events and photos to Current in Noblesville Man aging 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.

Malin named to leadership role at Com munity First Bank of Indiana — Mark Malin has been named as Chief Leadership and People Development Officer with Community First Bank of Indiana. He was previously the multisite director at Northview Church in Carmel and also spent 34 years as the founding leader pastor of Oakbrook Minis tries in Kokomo.

OnSite International Inc. to host prayer breakfast Nov. 10 — OnSite International Inc. will host a free prayer breakfast from 6:15 to 7:45 a.m. Nov. 10 in the cafeteria at Westfield Middle School, 345 Hoover St. Reg istration is required by Nov. 3 and can be done by visiting www.westfieldprays.com.

Northside Disability Resource Fair planned Nov. 12 — White River Christian Church, Achieve Community Services, Con nections Case Management and The Colum bus Organization will host the Northside Disability Resource Fair Nov. 12. The free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at White River Christian Church, 1685 N. 10th St., Noblesville, and will feature more than 50 agencies, food, vendors and raffles. For more information, e-mail info@connec tions-in.com.

$50,000 winning Powerball ticket sold in Noblesville — A $50,000 winning Double Play Powerball ticket was sold in Noblesville at Kroger, 14800 Hazel Dell Crossing. The winning Double Play Powerball numbers for Oct. 24 were 12-48-51-63-67 with the Power ball of 26.

Best & Brightest nominations — Junior Achievement of Central Indiana is seeking nominations for its 19th annual Indy’s Best and Brightest event, presented by KPMG LLP. The event will honor 100 of central Indiana’s most outstanding young professionals, age 40 and younger, in 10 industry categories. Visit indysbestandbrightest.org through Nov. 4 to make a nomination.

Holiday event to feature vendors

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Shoppers can get in the holiday spirit during an upcoming event that will feature more than 100 local vendors while enjoying beer, wine, cock tails and other beverages.

EVENT

The Holiday Sip n Shop will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Roundtripper Sports Academy, 16708 Southpark Dr., Westfield, and is open to all ages. Admission is free.

Jenn Kampmeier-Aaron, who formerly owned Vino Mobile Bar before the business changed hands earlier this year, said she is partnering with Vino Mobile Bar to continue the event, which will be in its ninth year.

Kampmeier-Aaron said the event is a good way for people to get a start on their holiday shopping, adding that boutique items, food, children’s clothes and other gifts will be available for purchase from local businesses.

The Holiday Sip n Shop has typically brought approximately 80 to 120 vendors each year and attracts about 300 to 500 people annually, she said. A portion of the proceeds will directly benefit the Mustangs

More than 100 vendors are expected to attend the Nov. 11 Holiday Sip n Shop at the Roundtrip per Sports Academy in Westfield. (Photo provided by Jen Clark Photography)

Foundation in Westfield.

Live music featuring a DJ playing holi day music will be part of the event, while shoppers can also purchase beer, wine or a nonalcoholic drink if they wish while they browse different vendors. For more on the Holiday Sip n Shop, visit bit.ly/3SI8Q3M.

HSE wide receiver produces big plays for top-ranked team

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern High School ju nior wide receiver Donovan Hamilton’s speed and improved mental game has made the difference for him this season.

“(Hamilton) creates significant big-play potential for our team,” Royals coach Michael Kelly said. “Most teams struggle defending him 1-on-1.”

The 6-foot-4 Hamilton had 41 catches for 680 yards and eight touchdowns for the Class 6A No. 1 Royals, who were unbeaten heading into the Oct. 28 sectional game against Homestead.

“I think I’ve made the most improvement this season in the weight room and in the mental part of the game,” he said. “Coach Kelly and (strength and conditioning coach Stephen Krzyminski) are always pushing me to go hard in the weight room. Also, back to last season, coach (David) Weitz, our offen sive coordinator, was always on me about

MEET DONOVAN HAMILTON

Favorite athlete: Calvin Johnson

Favorite subject: Spanish

Favorite movie: “Toy Story 2”

Ideal vacation spot: Anywhere with a beach

my mental state during the game. He told me during the offseason he wanted to see me improve that more than anything else, so that’s what I did.

“My coaches in both football and basket ball told me I need to keep my head up after bad plays and just keep working. It has helped a huge amount in my game.”

Kelly agreed.

“The biggest growth this year has been

his ability to play the next play,” Kelly said. “He has matured significantly as a player.”

It also helped that Hamilton has been healthy

“I broke my thumb (last year) and missed over half the season,” said Hamilton, who had five catches in 2021. “I didn’t get a lot of playing time when I came back.”

Hamilton said a big key to the team’s suc cess is its work ethic.

Hamilton recently received his first col lege football offer from Ball State University.

“I have definitely had more coaches reach out to me after our team’s success this season,” he said. “I hadn’t had any prior to the season due to my injury holding me back from playing last year. So, it’s great to finally get some exposure and show what I can do.”

Hamilton averaged 7.7 points per game for HSE’s boys basketball team last season.

Hamilton’s older sister, Amaya, was a 2019 Indiana Girls All-Star, playing on the Royals’ state championship team. She is a junior guard/forward at Duquesne Uni versity. Their father, Brian Hamilton, was a defensive tackle for Notre Dame.

BRAIN AND

TEAM—

Goodman

Donovan Hamilton recently received a college football offer from Ball State University. (Photo courtesy of Olivia White)

Hamilton

Flanner Buchanan opens 12,500-square-foot Prairie Waters Event Center

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Flanner Buchanan has a long history as a funeral home providing services to loved ones dating back to 1881. But it is now looking to set itself apart with a new gathering space designed for a variety of life celebrations.

In October, Flanner Buchanan unveiled its new Prairie Wa ters Event Center, a 12,500-square-foot natural stone-craft ed facility that officials say can be used to host functions such as weddings, birthdays and other celebrations. The events center can accommodate up to 240 guests and also features an outdoor terrace designed to hold up to 90 peo ple that overlooks a small lake.

“We believe that Prairie Waters is the new model that has bucked the trend that a funeral needs to be sequestered in a traditional design and decorated funeral home,” said Bruce W. Buchanan, a fourth-generation owner and CEO of Flanner Buchanan. “I’m proud of this innovation.”

The event hall inside the facility can also host small and large gatherings or banquets, while a long promenade hall can also be used for gatherings as well. Visitors can expect to find books by Indiana authors displayed on the wall that includes works by poet James Whitcomb Riley.

Buchanan said Flanner Buchanan bought the Westfield property in 1989, with the cemetery opening eight years later.

“We knew at some point we would build some sort of funeral facility here, and at the time we didn’t realize we would do more of what I would call a total events-facility approach, which is moving toward what people are really interested in today,” Buchanan said. “They want to do life celebrations and there’s ways we can integrate weddings and other community events into a space like this. It’s not a funeral home — it’s a community center, a celebration cen ter, they can do funerals, they can do weddings and other civic events.”

Planning for the Prairie Waters Event Center began about five years ago with construction taking about a year and a half, according to Buchanan. He added that the vision for the facility is to not only serve Westfield and Noblesville, but the greater Indianapolis area and beyond.

“We think it’s unique enough that it serves a much broad er regional area,” Buchanan said.

Buchanan said the overall design of the events center will allow a large crowd to gather for a meal. For a more intimate event, individuals can use the gallery space or out door terrace for different functions, Buchanan said.

“For a funeral company to basically become an event cen ter has been an evolution for us, and what I’m very proud of is how we’ve taken the celebration-of-life concept and ap plied that beyond just a traditional funeral, and really, we’ve almost flipped it,” Buchanan said. “We’ve become an event business that does funerals instead of a funeral home that maybe just tries to do events and we’ve gotten good at it

An outdoor terrace overlooks a lake at the Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

because we’ve been at this for about 20 years.”

For more, visit flannerbuchanan.com/locations/pwec/.

ON THE COVER: Bruce Buchanan pauses outside the event hall at the Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield. The facility by Flanner Buchanan can be used to host a variety of different functions ranging from weddings, birthdays and other celebrations. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

Bruce and Julie Buchanan pause inside the promenade hall at the Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield. (Photo provided by Flanner Buchanan)

An inside look of the event hall at the Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

DISTRICT 2

» WILLIAM (BILL) ANDERSON

Age: 54

Education: Indiana Univer sity, Bachelor of Science, Management

Occupation: IT Project Manager

City of residence: Westfield

How long have you resided in your school board district: 14 years

Immediate family: Wife, Angela, and son, Jackson

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

Serving all the children in the community and keeping them safe; carry out our long-term vision that will map a course providing the necessary educational op portunities students need to reach their full potential; and implement and main tain our long-term plan that provides the ability to retain and attract the best and the brightest to Westfield Washington Schools long after my school board ser vice has ended.

» PATRICK PHILLIPS

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 Pub lic Affairs (MPA), 2018

Occupation: Information technology di rector at Indiana University

City of residence: Westfield

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

Immediate family: One son, Benjamin, 11

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? Supporting 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 referendum renewal.

WESTFIELD WASHINGTON SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 4

» REBECCA OGLE

Age: 48

Education: 1996 Franklin College, Bachelor of Arts in accounting

Occupation: Chief financial officer at safety manage

ment group

City of residence: Westfield

How long have you resided in your school board district: 20 years

Immediate family: Jason Ogle, Owen Ogle and Elliott Ogle

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 serv ing on the Board’s Finance Committee.

» JILL WOERNER

Age: 44

Education: B.S. Secondary Spanish Education from Purdue University, M.Ed. Educational Leader ship and Administration from Anderson University Occupation: National Director of Educa tion & External Outreach for AFS-USA

City of residence: Westfield

How long have you resided in your school board district: 8 years

Immediate family: Husband, Greg

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? Prioritizing stu dent safety and academics

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

Fiscal responsibility

» PATRICK FASSNACHT

Age: 48

Education: B.A. Purdue University, West Lafayette

Art Education

M.A.E. Ball State University Educational Administration and Supervision

Ed.S. Oakland City University School Superintendency

Occupation: Educational administration City of residence: Westfield

How long have you resided in your school board district: Twenty-five years Immediate family: Maggie Fassnacht, wife Sami Fassnacht, daughter, WHS Grad Josh Fassnacht, son, WHS Grad What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? Communica tion, voice, and transparency

Support, connections, and accountability Vision, principles-based leadership, and long-range planning

» ALAN FORD Age: 64 Education: M.S. EE Purdue University, West Lafayette Occupation: Senior sys tems engineer, retired naval officer

City of residence: Westfield How long have you resided in your school board district: 20-plus years Immediate family: Son, daughter-in-law, two grandsons, one sister What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? Parents and/ or guardians are premier deciders and responsible parties for the upbringing of their children. They should work in con junction with educators, mentors, etc., to provide the BEST opportunities for their children.

To support the first goal, I believe our schools should provide full, easy and uncomplicated access to the lessons and other activities provided to West field-Washington Schools attendees. I feel being a member of the school board will allow me to represent my own, as well as other parents’/guardians’ desires in the leadership of our schools.

» CURT WYATT Age: 70 Education: B.S. Agriculture, B.S. Ag Economics, MBA Finance, studied tax law Pepperdine University

Occupation: Real estate broker, FC Tucker/Carmel

City of residence: Westfield How long have you resided in your school board district: Three years Immediate family: Four children, six grandchildren

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? Representing the students, parents and community. Academics and test scores. Community outreach.

» AMBER WILLIS

Age: 42

Education: B.S. from Miami of Ohio in 2003 Occupation: Sales director, CSI Signs

City of residence: Westfield How long have you resided in your school board district: Born in 19802003 | 2008-current.

Immediate family: Husband, Anthony Willis, children, Gabriel, 14, Ava, 13, and,

Westfield currentinwestfield.com

Nora, 2

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? My top prior ities have always been academic excel lence while keeping the classrooms safe and for all students.

Continue to retain talented teachers and staff and provide regular professional de velopment opportunities and exceptional working conditions.

To monitor the growth of the district and make financially sound decisions for the taxpayers

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP BOARD (PICK 3)

» JIM AKE

Education: B.A. Degree Occupation: Self-employed business owner

City of residence: Westfield

Immediate family: Wife, Mary

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

Protection of all our citizens is a high priority. Delivering essential services ef ficiently needs a coordinated and cooper ative effort with other agencies. I will be proactive in these areas.

We must continue to be fiscally respon sible going forward mindful of what our township needs while caring for what we have.

We need to extend early warning sirens to everyone in our township. I will work to make that happen.

» SHELLY BROWN

Age: 61

Education: B.S. Agricultural Engineering; MS Industrial Engineering

Occupation: Retired Man ufacturing Engineer and Community Volunteer

City of residence: Westfield

Immediate family: Husband, Jim Mahoney

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

Housing is one of the biggest issues across Hamilton County and we have al most no starter homes available.

Pushing for economic development that provides jobs that pay enough to raise a family.

Advocating for schools to focus on mak ing sure every student has a path to be coming a productive member of our com munity with more emphasis on skilled trades and other two-year programs that provide skills needed by employers.

WESTFIELD WASHINGTON SCHOOL BOARD

WESTFIELD WASHINGTON SCHOOL BOARD AT-LARGE (PICK 1)

» DANYELE EASTERHAUS

Age: 53

Education: Bachelor of Sci ence in Mechanical Indus trial Technology, Ball State University, 1991

Occupation: Executive di rector of Student Impact of Westfield City of residence: Westfield (with a Sher idan address)

Immediate family: Husband of 23 years, Ryan; 4 daughters, 27, 19, 17, 14.

What are the top 3 issues that your campaign will focus on? The township is uniquely responsible for fire protection, providing community assistance, and parks & recreation, and these are the items where I will remain focused.

» ERICA STRAHM

Age: 49

Education: B.A. Indiana University-Bloomington Occupation: Youth Coor dinator/Adult Ally at VOICE Hamilton County. VOICE is part of Breathe Easy Hamilton County and the Good Samaritan Network. VOICE is a youth organization that seeks to engage, educate, and empower the youth of our county to live tobacco- and nicotine-free. I also teach Montessori preschool parttime in Westfield.

City of residence: Westfield

Immediate family: Will (19, Freshman at Purdue), Lucy (17, Senior at WHS), Sam (14, Freshman at WHS), and Charlie (8, Third Grader at Shamrock Springs Elementary).

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? Keeping township tax rate decreasing or flat, updating Westfield Fire Station 82 (owned by the township), and continuing to have enough money to offer adequate Township Assistance (the primary goal of townships) to our taxpayers.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 24

» DONNA SCHAIBLEY (INCUMBENT)

Party: Republican Age: 68

Education: Purdue Univer sity, B.A. in education and political science

Occupation: State representative for Dis trict 24 in the Indiana General Assembly City; Carmel Age: 68

Immediate family: Husband, John Schaib

ley, two children, three grandchildren Top campaign issues: I will work to further increase health care price trans parency to enable Hoosiers to compare health care prices. Also, I will work to increase school transparency and encour age academic excellence and to protect the most vulnerable children in our foster care system.

Website: schaibleyforindiana.com

» JOELLYN (JOEY) MAYER

Party: Democrat Age: 53

Education: BGS from Indi ana University

Occupation: Small business owner/IT consultant/IT broker

City: Westfield, IN

Immediate family: My husband, Matt, and I live in Westfield with our daughter and rescue pit bull.

Top campaign issues: Promoting quality public education, restoring reproductive healthcare freedom and focusing on fis cal responsibility Website or best way for voters to reach you: votejoey.net

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 39

» JERRY TORR (INCUMBENT) Party: Republican Age: 64

Education: Attended Ha nover College, graduated from the Musicians Insti tute in California.

Occupation: National account manager, Near North Title Group City: Carmel

Immediate family: Twin brother John Torr, younger sister, Janet Jayne, and father, Ken Torr

Previous political experience: I’m proud to be the current state representative for my district.

Top campaign issues: Ensuring Indiana continues our record funding increases for our public schools and empowering even more parents to choose the right education opportunity for their kids; ad dressing the spread of crime and drugs in our communities, keeping violent offenders behind bars and making Indi ana a national leader in treating mental health and addiction issues; working to fight inflation and ensure Hoosiers keep more of their hard-earned dollars, as the federal government continues to do the opposite.

Website: Jerry Torr for State Representa tive on Facebook.

» MATT MCNALLY Party: Democrat Age: 44

Education: The Citadel Mili tary College, B.A. in history Occupation: Commercial airline pilot City: Westfield Immediate Family: My wife, Brooke Mc Nally, our two teenage children, Isabella and Aidan, and our rescue bulldog, Luna. Top campaign issues: Women’s Health Care: Indiana has the third highest maternal mortality rate in the country. Much of that is due to a lack of access to healthcare. Supporting our Public Edu cation: To remedy our teacher shortage, we must pay teachers more and support them through added resources. Hoosier Veterans: Indiana has seen an increase in veteran homelessness of 16 percent over the last two years, despite having a $6 billion surplus. Our state must do more to support the troops and their needs when they leave the service.

Website: mcnallyforindiana.com

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 21

Note: Incumbent Republican State Sen. Jim Buck did not return the questionnaire.

» JOSH LOWRY Party: Democrat Age: 37 Education: B.S. in exercise science from IU; J.D. from IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law Occupation: Attorney City: Westfield Lived in district: 13 years Immediate family: Wife – Alexis; children – Ania, Lucy, Dominic, Eryn; Pets – Olllie, Oscar, Max, Floyd, Odell, Mango Top campaign issues: Women’s rights. A woman should make her own healthcare decisions – a state senator shouldn’t be able to tell her what to do. Fully funding our schools. Our teachers are underpaid, and our schools lack critical resources. Growing more high-paying jobs. Under the Republican supermajority, unions have been attacked and we bled high-paying jobs in exchange for low er-paying jobs. Website: lowryforindiana.com

HAMILTON COUNTY PROSECUTOR

» JESSICA PAXSON

Party: Democrat Education: B.A. in criminal justice and criminology, Ball State University, 2006; J.D., Indiana University Robert H. McKin ney School of Law, 2008.

ELECTION

Occupation: Deputy pros ecutor, Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office

City: Noblesville Age: 38

Immediate family: Single Top campaign issues: Aggressively prosecuting violent and habitual offenders; establishing a Spe cial Victims Unit focused 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 agencies to develop training programs for new officers and prosecutors Website: PaxsonForProsecutor.com

» J. GREGORY GARRISON

Party: Republican Education: IU Bloomington, Social Studies B.S. ed, 1970.

IU School of Law, J.D. 1973.

Occupation: Lawyer

City: Fishers Age: 74

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

Top campaign issues: Protecting citizens from violent crimes; build a rapport with law enforcement to prepare stronger cases for prosecution; train the next gen eration of deputy prosecutors to leave a legacy for the next generation. Website: garrisonforprosecutor.com

HAMILTON COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2

» AMY MASSILLAMANY

Age: 41

Education: B.S. public affairs

Occupation: Director, client development at RGP; RGP is a global consulting firm that specializes in finance, accounting, governance, risk and compliance, infor mation management, human capital and corporate advisory.

City: Fishers

Immediate family: Jackson, 14, a fresh man at Cathedral High School, and Sul livan, 11, a sixth grader at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School

Lived in district: 15 years

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

Maintain Hamilton County’s low tax rate and AAA bond rating by way of conserva tive fiscal decision making; continue to prioritize public safety; advocate for Ham

ilton

» NATHAN BULLOCK

Age: 27

Education: Graduated high school from

Occupation:

Lived

Immediate

What

Affordable

UNOPPOSED

» DANIELLE CAREY TOLAN, REPUBLICAN, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE

Voters

Word play

Commentary by Terry Anker

For many, the English language is fundamentally difficult to learn. There are countless words that mean different things but are spelled the same. Many others are spelled differently and have different meanings but are pronounced identically, and still more are spelled the same but have different meanings and pronunciations. Here, it would seem, context is everything, and most discern from the various possible intentions by the other words that come before and after the one in question. Word games, even among those of us who might call the English language our native tongue, can become impossibly complex, absent sufficient framework to help one dis cern the meaning.

Still, for those of us who enjoy the mental exercise of language, homonyms, homophones and homographs make rich fodder for double entendre and farce-like confusion. Games like Wordle, Scrabble, Wordscapes, crosswords, or clever vanity license plates challenge us to open our perspective and sharpen our wit.

An electric car owner might express their freedom from the pump with the plate BYBY GAS. In saying bye, bye to traditional fossil fuel, they are no longer required to “buy buy” at the filling sta tion.  OK, it all makes good sense and is terrific word play. But a significant percentage of our government road pro grams are paid for via fuel taxes. Good again. User taxes often make sense and are the fairest. But if we all “buy buy” electric vehicles, who is now supporting the infrastructure fees? Should electric utilities collect a percentage of their bills as a “plug-in” apportionment? Or are the folks left with traditional inter nal combustion engines footing more of the cost, and are those of us who are e-capable escaping the taxman? Maybe they should. Is it only in the context of our intended policy that we can decide?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

POLICIES

Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to letters@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.

HUMOR

Playing the quiet game

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

It’s been a while since I’ve had to utilize the Quiet Game, a tried-and-true parental ploy for getting children to be silent for a few godforsaken minutes. Even when our four kids were still living at home, they were mostly barricaded in their rooms or off with friends. Si lence basically became the norm. But recently, I had to unearth a version of the QG from my bag of retired mom tricks simply to make it home from West Lafayette.

My husband, Doo, and I, along with our oldest son, had spent the afternoon at Purdue University visiting our young est for Parents Weekend. We’d started at a seedy campus bar and ended at a parking lot tailgate party. Needless to say, the cheap beer and deceptively potent shots had flowed freely. Not for me, of course; real Coke and strong cof fee are my preferred means of partying these days. At any rate, by the time we were ready to head back, Doo and our firstborn were on a roll. An obnoxiously loud and decidedly fervent roll.

Somehow, I had to find a way to sur vive an hour-plus car ride in a Honda Accord with these two, who even when sober are famously known as high-deci bel talkers. As I began muttering the serenity prayer, I suddenly remembered the QG. “Let’s see who can be quiet for five minutes!” I announced with enthusi asm. “OK!” they replied.

Not surprisingly, neither made it. The grown men in my life just couldn’t keep their gosh-darn, drunken mouths shut. But they did at least try, and I was able to gain a couple precious moments of relative calm. Thanks, QG!

Peace out.

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

Terry Anker

“Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that ‘my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.’”

Dying to win an argument

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

times

from

of Psychoso matic

something I don’t generally read, but my doctor’s office lobby had a choice of that or a 1993 Reader’s Digest.

if I argue with my wife, I’m a boorish brute. But if she argues with me, she’ll live longer? More and more women will be gin taking issue with their husbands’ point of view in the hopes of staying healthy. This puts men in a tough spot. My favor ite phrase to Mary Ellen, “Would it kill you to agree with me for a change?” has a new meaning.

We have debated just about everything in our 42 years of marriage: How to eat pop corn; when to nap; how to load a dishwash er; how to cook a scrambled egg. We once debated whether my mother knew how to raise children. I thought my mom had done a pretty good job, but I must admit, Mary Ellen provided some strong proof to the contrary. Me!

I must not be a good debater, because I lose exchanges even if I present facts. For example, I was sure this past July was my wife’s 71st birthday, but she claimed she was only 67. I knew she was just kidding, but I liked the challenge and the chance to win an argument. I asked to see her passport and her driver’s license to bolster my position.

For a long time, they also said it was tea that is good for you, so now I’m drinking both tea and coffee four times a day, just to be sure. I might not live longer, but since I can never fall asleep, it will certainly feel longer.

This journal also claimed that drinking several cups of coffee a day is good for you, only months after the same publication said coffee causes heart disease. For a long time, they also said it was tea that is good for you, so now I’m drinking both tea and coffee four times a day, just to be sure. I might not live longer, but since I can never fall asleep, it will certainly feel longer.

My wife and I have argued about some odd stuff through the years (argue is the wrong word. Mary Ellen doesn’t want read ers to think we don’t get along). We talked about this the other day as our voices got louder and we shook our fingers at each other. In the end, I would have said I lost the argument, but now I know I simply got annihilated in a friendly discussion.

“Not only that, Mary Ellen, but I’m 75 and when we got married, I was four years older than you,” I said. “That hasn’t changed.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

“Oh, Dick, you’re living in the past. That was 42 years ago.”

She keeps reminding me that if she digs in and holds her ground in a disagreement, she will live to a ripe old age.

“Dick, don’t you always want me to be around to take care of you?”

No argument there.

DISPATCHES

Indiana is 8th-most federally dependent state — A recent study by WalletHub, a per sonal finance website, shows that Indiana is the eighth-most federally dependent state in the U.S. WalletHub compared the 50 states across three key metrics: Return on taxes paid to the federal government; federal funding as a share of state revenue; and share of federal jobs. To see full study results, visit wallethub.com.

Source: WalletHub.com

Initiative benefits truckers — The Indiana Dept. of Transportation’s Trucks Park Here system is a multi-state, regional effort to make interstate travel safer by creating a network of safe, convenient parking areas for truckers with the ability to collect and share real-time parking availability with drivers through dynamic message signs, smartphone applications, and traveler infor mation websites. INDOT has 19 sites in the Trucks Park Here system along Interstates 65, 69 and 70. The routes are among some of the most important corridors in the U.S. with truck volumes already exceeding 25,000 trucks per day and expected to grow.

Discounts that actually cost you money — Retailers have latched onto a way to offer giant percentages off that are mesmerizing to shoppers but are not what they seem. The pitch: You get a gigantic discount, typi cally up to 70 percent off, but the fine print notes that you get that discount only on a second or third of multiple similar items. Signs in store windows and on store shelves (and online) shout out the percentage and shoppers often don’t do the math to see just how unimpressive these offers typically are. For example, based on an offer of “buy two, get the third 50 percent off,” you take three items to checkout, where you then receive a total discount of 17 percent because you pay full price for the first two items.

Source: BottomLineInc.com

Hiring a tax professional — In most states, including Indiana, tax preparers do not have to meet any licensing standards, so you need to do your homework if you plan to hire a professional to do your taxes. Ask about any professional certifications, such as a CPA or Enrolled Agent.

Source: BottomLineInc.

By Chris Bavender news@currentinwestfield.com

of

seeing the MRI was scary and discouraging. Surgery that was needed to treat me was emotionally devastating,” Metz said. “I learned that the surgery would save my life and could cure me of the tumor but would leave me with a variety of possible permanent disabilities.”

After the surgery, Metz struggled with balance issues and had to learn to walk again. He also became permanently deaf in his left ear, had vision impairment because of dry eye syndrome and was left with a permanent facial deformity caused by nerve damage.

“Some days I felt like I was moving for ward in a heavy fog, trying to grasp it all, but knowing I needed to keep moving,” Metz said. “Just like in cycling, you must keep moving or you will fall over.”

Active in road biking, rock climbing, swimming and skating before his diagnosis, Metz focused his efforts on getting some function back so he could be reengaged with family activities and return to work

duties as chief health services officer and executive vice president at American Spe ciality Health. His wife, Ruth, saw informa tion about the Tour de Komen ride, and Metz was impressed with the focus on research to find better treatments.

Metz said he had to overcome many neg ative and difficult times climbing the hills of brain tumor recovery. It’s become a mes sage he wants to pass along to others.

“Once I learned to be aware and accept that recovery would be hard, that ‘living life’ with limitations, such as a disfigured face and hearing loss, would be different than expected, I came to grasp and accept that living life outside of that smaller box I had previously accepted could be hard, but fulfill ing, thrilling and joyful,” Metz said. “Accepting a new reality and pushing through it with all available tools and supporters makes cross ing the recovery finish line possible.”

The ride was founded by Westfield resident Kyle Vannoni, who lost his mother to breast cancer. The event benefits the Susan G. Komen nonprofit, which raises funds to sup port breast cancer patients and find a cure.

Learn more at tourdekomen.org.

Dr. Doug Metz recently completed the 100-mile Tour de Komen bike ride. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Doug Metz)

Soprano to play ‘Tosca’ in Indy Opera production

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It seems fitting that Angela Brown is finally getting to play one of her favor ite roles in her hometown.

PERFORMANCES

“Honestly, I don’t know exactly how many times be cause I have sung full productions and concert versions of ‘Tosca’ in several plac es in the United States and Europe, but never in Indiana,” Brown said at “Tosca” performances. “That I get to sing my favor ite opera and title role for my hometown audience, fans, family and friends is excit ing, to say the least. After (the) COVID (pan demic) and lockdown, it is nice to finally get back to some kind of normalcy.”

Brown, an Indianapolis resident, will perform in the title role of “Tosca” Nov. 11-13 in the Indianapolis Opera’s production at The Tarkington at the Center of the Performing Arts in Carmel. The opera is set during the French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1802).

“‘Tosca’ is one of my favorite operas because she is a complex woman,” Brown said. “She is jealous, hopeful, in love, vin dictive, courageous, brave and impulsive. It’s wonderful to be able to peel the onion of her madness all evening, not to mention the gorgeous music of (Giacomo) Puccini that I get to sing.”

Brown said it’s one of the more chal lenging operas for sopranos.

“The soprano uses the full range of her voice as well as the range of her emo tions,” Brown said. “You have to be smart to sing ‘Tosca.’ You could ‘blow your wad’ in the second act if you are not careful. At that point in the opera, Tosca has been beaten down to the point that she is pray ing and begging God. To be able to rally yourself after all the emotional turmoil she is expressing right before the signature aria, ‘Vissi d’arte,’ takes a smart singer. And I hope I fill the bill.”

Brown will work for the first time with Metropolitan Opera tenor Gregory Turay and director James Marvel. Turay plays rebellious painter Cavaradossi.

“This is exciting for me because Gregory

and I competed in the Metropolitan Opera competition together and we have known each other for many years,” Brown said. “I look forward to being his Tosca and to working with James Marvel for the first time, too.”

This is Marvel’s first time directing at Indianapolis Opera. He has directed many times at Indiana University.

However, Marvel, who is the director of the opera program at the University of Tennessee, said when Indianapolis Opera General Director David Starkey was at Asheville (N.C.) Lyric Opera, he did three or four shows.

“We’ve known each other for a couple of decades now,” said Marvel, who also runs an agency for other directors, conductors and designers.

Marvel has directed “Tosca” at least five times.

“It’s one of my very favorites,” said Marvel, who directed “Tosca” for Opera Carolina Oct. 13-16 in Charlotte, N.C. “I think it’s the most perfectly constructed opera both dramatically and musically that has ever been written. If you were to say to me, you can only direct one act of any

opera for the rest of your life, it would be Act 2 of ‘Tosca.’ If you were to say you can only direct two acts, it would be Acts 1 and 2 of ‘Tosca.’ I literally think it’s genius, it’s brilliant.”

Marvel said he has been aware of Brown’s work for several years.

“It’s been a dream of mine to work with her for a good while,” Marvel said.

Marvel said the key to directing “Tosca” is being flexible and to work with the peo ple in the room.

“If someone has a different interpreta tion of the character than you have, you can have conversations about it,” Marvel said. “Ultimately, your dedication has to be having the best show possible, not to having my show. It’s the performers’ ‘Tosca.’ The most challenging thing is the timing about what you do with the sol diers at the top of Act 3. Finding the right choreography with the soldiers and the changing of the guard and training them to walk as soldiers takes time. Every set is different.”

The performances are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11-12 and 3 p.m. Nov. 13.

For more, visit indyopera.org.

‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’

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

CARMEL APPRENTICE THEATRE

Carmel Apprentice Theatre will present “The Addams Family,” a musical, through Nov. 13 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

‘VIOLET’

Actors Theatre of Indiana will present “Vio let” through Nov. 13 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carm el. For more, visit atistage.org.

JON MCLAUGHLIN

Jon McLaughlin: Indiana 15th Anniversary Tour will stop at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1-2 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenter presents.org.

CHRIS BOTTI

Chris Botti will perform a concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION”

The Indiana Wind Symphony will perform “Pictures at an Exhibition” with soprano soloist Jessamyn Anderson at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit Indianawindsymphony.org.

DISPATCH

ICC to host Sing-A-Thon — The Indianapolis Children’s Choir will host its annual Sing-AThon fundraising event from noon to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5. Singers from first grade through high school and beyond will perform a free concert at Shelton Auditorium on the Butler University campus as the ICC raises funds toward its $40,000 goal. The fundraising event helps support ICC programming, scholarships and outreach efforts through out the year. For more visit, icchoir.org/ Sing-A-Thon to donate and see the full schedule of Sing-A-Thon performances.

Indianapolis resident Angela Brown, who will perform in the title role in Indianapolis Opera’s production of “Tosca,” pauses outside of the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Paulina Osherov)

WHS stages

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

This has been one of Westfield High School senior Isaac Schantz’s favorite shows.

Shop of Horrors’

THEATER

Schantz plays Mr. Mush nik, the owner of the flower shop, in the school’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” set for Nov. 10-12 at the high school.

“Mr. Mushnik is a very fun role,” Schantz said. “He’s funny. He’s quirky and very flamboyant.”

Schantz said he has played similar roles before.

“So, I have a bit of a grasp on the kind of steps I need to take to develop the charac ter to where it’s supposed to be,” Schantz said.

Schantz, who acts in musicals and plays, played the title role of “Tartuffe” in the play in the school’s March play.

Senior Luci Bluto is the assistant student director.

“I want to pursue film as a possible ca reer, so this is a really good opportunity for me and my potential career of getting

to see the behind-the-scenes aspect of a production,” Bluto said. “I get to see all the moving pieces of making a production.”

Bluto said there is a lot of comedy as well with hard topics.

“It ties in the wonder of musical theater in bringing light to big topics as well as making it fun and comfortable,” she said.

Bluto said there are some puppeteers, who help make the man-eating plant look active.

The performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 10-12 and 2 p.m. Nov. 12.

Molly Neff and Collin Alber rehearse a scene from “Little Shop of Horrors” on the set. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

Violinist will appear as CSO soloist

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Janna Hymes was immediately impressed when she saw violinist Alexis Kenney per form for the first time a few years ago.

“The minute I heard him play, he was on my list to work with as a guest art ist,” Hymes said. “At the CSO, we were able to contract him soon after.”

Kenney will perform as a guest soloist in the CSO’s Masterworks 2 concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Palladium at the Center for Performing Arts in Carmel.

“Alexi is a fantastic musician and that is always the main criteria I consider when choosing guest artists,” Hymes said. “I was impressed by his playing as well as his energy.”

Kenney will perform as the soloist on “Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1.”

Kenney solos with major orchestras across the U.S. and aboard and plays recit als at places like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Cen ter and London’s Wigmore Hall. Last year, he

released his first recording, “Paul Wiancko: X Suite for Solo Violin,” a piece he commis sioned and premiered in 2019.

The concert opens with “Overture from Colas Breugnon,” which Hymes describes as a fast and exciting piece by the spirited Russian composer Dmitry Kabalevsky. That is followed by “Bruch Violin Concerto.”

The concert ends with a piece by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

IWS to feature guest conductors

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

School graduate, will be the guest soloist.

MUSIC

Indiana Wind Symphony music director and founder Charles Conrad is using the rest of the 2022-23 season and the follow ing season to find his replacement.

Conrad, 68, said he is retiring at the end of the 2023-24 season, his 25th with IWS. He will turn 70 short ly before that season ends.

“We are in conductor search at this point,” Conrad said. “I’m going to have a guest conductor do at least a couple of numbers as kind of an audition at each show.”

The IWS will perform a concert featuring “Pictures at an Exhibition” at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Palladium at the Center for the Per forming Arts in Carmel.

Conrad will conduct the opening piece and then introduce guest conductor Trae Blanco, who is the director of bands at But ler University. Blanco will conduct the rest of the concert.

Jessamyn Anderson, a 2011 Carmel High

“Pictures at an Exhibition” is the arrange ment that was done for the Marine Band, which is most of the second half of the concert, Conrad said. Anderson will perform “Songs from a Silent Land” by com poser Michael Daugherty, a compo sition professor at the University of Michigan. The piece was inspired by poems of Emily Dickinson and Chris tina Rossetti.

“It’s a new piece that premiered in 2018,” Conrad said. “We were supposed to do it in 2020 but it got canceled because of COVID.”

Anderson will sing “The Girl in 14G” to demonstrate her Broadway skills. The song is about a girl who moves to New York and has a jazz singer below her and opera sing er above her.

Conrad is recovering well after having surgery to repair a detached retina in his right eye. The IWS had to cancel its Sept. 25 concert featuring the music of John Wil liams. It has been rescheduled for Feb. 26, 2023.

For more, visit Indianawindsymphony.org.

the

Violinist Alexi Kenney will perform during the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks 2 concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy Carmel Symphony Orchestra)

Blanco

Getting ready for the holidays

We are getting close to the holiday sea son and with the holidays, and you know what that means: Party time!

CHARCUTERIE

Our family loves to have friends and family over for food. There is something special about having loved ones in the home. The warm feeling is magnified during the holidays when we become more introspective, thoughtful of the past year and hopeful of the year to come. If you like to entertain in your home, or maybe hosting events for work, you can’t always cook a big awesome meal. Sometimes making hot and cold appetizers can become a drag. You can probably guess what I’m getting ready to say. Entertain with charcuterie!

Charcuterie can be as expensive as a nice dinner, depending on the items and quantities you purchase. You don’t need to go overboard with meat and cheese, which also happen to be the most expensive in gredients. A healthy mix of toast, crackers, savory and sweet spreads, fresh and dried

fruit, mixed nuts and preserved, pickled or fermented veggies can definitely help you have a lovely spread on a smaller budget.

When picking out items for your char cuterie board, find combinations you know to be good. High fat generally goes well with high acid. Salty can pair nicely with sweet as well. Soft gets a little more di mension when paired with crunchy. Guide the eater by grouping your inspired combi nations close together. This will make the munching more intuitive.

Finally, consider your portion sizes. I always suggest portioning your meat and cheese first. The reason for this is that meat and cheese almost always are the focal point of the board. When you are out of either of them, the grazing will start to dissipate.

Happy entertaining!

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.

Commentary by Mark LaFay

Blueprint for Improvement: Authentic Indianapolis addition

After

Built in 1926, the owners of this home in the But ler-Tarkington neighborhood wanted to expand their indoor space and upgrade their outdoor experience while maintaining their home’s architectural integrity.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Custom trim, moldings and authentic period finishes help ensure the additions blend seamlessly with the home’s original architecture, inside and out.

• An additional bedroom was constructed on the home’s second story, which was reconfigured to create space for a master closet and laundry room.

• A covered patio helps incorporate the secondfloor addition into the home’s exterior, while an integrated heater allows for outdoor enjoyment across seasons.

• Composite decking, custom aluminum railings and a concrete patio come together to create a perfect gathering spot that blends seamlessly with the home’s historic appeal.

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.

Become a volunteer today

Riverview Health is looking for volunteers to join its great team. Some of the many volunteer service areas include patient transport, guest services and the gift shop. Shifts are available in the morning or afternoon, at least one day per week, Monday-Friday. If you’re interested in volunteering at Riverview Health in Noblesville or Westfield, please contact the manager of Volunteer Services, Melinda Nash, at 317.776.7236 or mnash@riverview.org. You can also scan the QR code to download an application.

RIGHT

Before

Commentary by Larry Greene

Having your fill of words

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

ed fellow.”

GRAMMAR GUY

We all have that friend — the overshar er, the nonstop talker, the chatterbox. Sure, we’re stuck with them; as adults, it’s hard to get rid of a friend. We want to keep our friends at a safe distance and our enemies on line. However, did you know there are several words that describe various types of garrulous, long-winded folks? Let’s investigate.

If you want to describe someone as a Chatty Cathy but don’t want them to feel bad about it, call them “multiloquent.” It has a nice ring to it. The word is derived from the Latin prefix “multi-” (much) and “loqui” (to speak). Sure, Jeff is multilo quent, but occasionally he tells a good joke.

Let’s suppose you don’t want to sound kind when referring to a verbose ac quaintance. Consider describing him as a “blatteroon.” Seventeenth-century author Thomas Blount who wrote “Glossographia or a Dictionary of Hard Words” defined a blatteroon as a “babbler,” or an “idle-head

What does “prolix” mean? “Prolix” sounds like a medication featured in a commercial where people start in black and white and out of focus, but then be come clear and colorful by the end. In fact, symptoms of someone described as prolix (an adjective) include talking or writing to a tedious length, not being able to stop talking, and excessive verbosity. The noun version of “prolix” is “prolixity,” as in, “Deb bie is prone to prolixity.”

Speaking of undesirable symptoms, have you or someone you know expe rienced “logorrhea”? As gross as this sounds, it does not involve GI issues. Logorrhea is excessive talking or writ ing that is often redundant or tedious. Being around someone with logorrhea is unpleasant, as her long-windedness can result in frequent headaches.

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

Touring the mansions of Newport

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, on our way home from Cape Cod, we stop by Newport, R.I. Founded in 1639, Newport was originally best known for its religious free dom. A Quaker meetinghouse, built in 1699, is the oldest religious struc ture in Rhode Island, and Touro Synagogue, founded in 1763, is the nation’s oldest synagogue. Newport is now famous for its palatial oceanfront mansions.

TRAVEL

In the 1880s, America’s wealthiest fam ilies began competing to build the most expensive and elaborate “cottage” in Newport. The competition became most intense between two grandsons of Cor nelius Vanderbilt. Between 1888 and 1892, William Kissam Vanderbilt built Marble House, which he presented to his wife, Alva, on her 39th birthday. The 50-room summer residence, designed in the Beaux Art style by Richard Morris Hunt, a graduate of the French School of Fine Arts, cost $11 million to build ($359 million today). When Marble House opened, it was the most lavish house in America. Its dining room, with bronze chairs covered in gold, helped define the so-called “Gilded Age.” Not to be outdone, a year later, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, William’s older brother, began constructing his own cottage, designed by architect Hunt to emulate Italian Renaissance palaces. When The Breakers opened in 1895 at a cost of $12 million ($425 million today), its 70 rooms on five floors encompassed 138,000 square feet. The imposing Great Hall ceiling was 50 feet high. Soon after The Breakers was com pleted, Cornelius II suffered a stroke and died in 1899 at age 55.

Today, Marble House, The Breakers, The Elms, Rosecliff and other spectacular Gilded Age mansions are maintained by the Preser

vation Society of Newport County and open to the public. Most provide parking, but parking near the harbor and walking to the mansions provides an opportunity to see much of Newport, a very pleasant city with a population of about 25,000.

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

The Breakers mansion in Newport, R.I.. (Photo by Don Knebel)

Great Hall in The Breakers mansion in Newport, R.I.

Statue on a street in Newport, R.I.

NOW HIRING:

LIKE TO SEW & CREATE?

Custom drapery and soft furnishings

is looking for

who like to

is necessary and the

to learn and enjoy and increase

is a must. We’ll teach you our methods. Part-time weekday daytime, flexible 20 hour week position in a handy location in Carmel. Ability and willingness to climb a ladder is needed. Good

Call Mark at Silk

Creations 317 815-1660 to set a time to come by. Please do not drop-in. www.silkmountaincreations.com

PRESCHOOL TEACHING ASSISTANT

Seeking a reliable, motivated, positive Christian applicant with good communication and interpersonal skills to assist the Lead Teacher. Experience with children preferred. Full time - $16/hour + Email ltob.preschool@gmail.com to apply or for more information. Little Town of Bethlehem is a ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Carmel, IN.

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

Lines: ARMANI, CHANEL, DIOR, GUCCI, PRADA, VERSACE; Activities: CANOE, FISH, HIKE, PICNIC, SLED; Games: BRIDGE, HEARTS, POKER, RUMMY; Colors: BLUE, RED, WHITE; Candidates: MCDERMOTT, YOUNG; Cemetery: CROWN HILL

is bigger than a hospital.