December 6, 2022 — Westfield

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Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Westfield, IN Vol. XV, No. 45 Copyright 2022. Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved.

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Local volunteer inspires minds of people through model railroads

By Elle Kreamer elle@youarecurrent.com

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

EDUCATION

A volunteer at the Hussey-Mayfield Memo rial Public Library has been ‘conducting’ the trains that run around a 6-by-8-foot tabletop model railroad in the youth sec tion since the table was built in fall of 2020. Mike McClanahan, affectionately known as “Mr. Mike the Train Guy,” has devoted his retirement to volunteering at the library, maintaining the display and cultivating imagination in the minds of people of all ages.

McClanahan’s nephew, Zionsville resident Brian Hull, was hired by the library, which attracts visitors from throughout Hamilton County, in 2020 to build the table that the railroad would sit on. When the library asked Hull if he could add a model train display to the table, Hull called on his step father, Westfield resident Bill McClanahan, and Mike McClanahan, Bill’s brother, to help design and build the display.

To keep the children engaged with the ta bletop display, McClanahan, 73, said he has them look through catalogs for scale model scenery, giving them notecards where they can write down item numbers for any new pieces they would like to add.

“I want the kids’ imaginations to come alive,” McClanahan said. “That’s why I keep adding things like zombies, ‘Where’s Waldo,’ a yeti, a Sasquatch, mermaids, dragons. That’s all stuff the kids asked for, and if they ask for something, there’s a reason why they wanted it.”

McClanahan, a Carmel resident who retired from a long career in radio and television, said although many people visit to see the train display, children often show the most enthusiasm, running to the table and climb ing onto the benches to watch the trains and search for intricate details in the scenery.

“Seeing those faces, that hits you,” said McClanahan, holding back tears. “I’ve never seen that before, but it happens every day.”

McClanahan traces his passion for model trains to experiences from his own child hood growing up in Indianapolis. He recalled a trip to Union Station in downtown India napolis in the 1950s with family members. Alongside posters for long-distance train rides was an architect’s model of a building with a smokestack that he said still stands at the northwest corner of Fall Creek Park

way and Keystone Avenue.

McClanahan said pushing a little red button below the glass pane containing the diorama sent a miniature steam engine out from behind the building pulling train cars filled with coal.

“There was gravel, grass, trees, bushes and pieces of wood,” McClanahan recalled. “It all looked so real that I found myself on the other side of that glass watching the train. There was nothing like this.”

McClanahan’s work at the library is aimed at inspiring wonderment in children that he said reflects the fascination with the trains that he once had.

“If there’s something that they want, I’ll try to find it,” McClanahan said. “If I can pro vide it for them and it helps them imagine, then that’s them getting their dream, and I’m all for that.”

Robyn Bowers, a children’s librarian at Hussey-Mayfield, said McClanahan has made the youth section of Hussey-Mayfield into a

destination for children and their families.

“He has such a passion for this, and he shares that with the kids,” Bowers said. “He wants the kids to feel ownership for it. He spends so many hours, more than a lot of people work in a week, to make this special for them, and he wants to teach them how to run it.”

Children 8 and up who come in to learn how to control the trains can log hours with McClanahan to become Junior Engineers. When they complete their training, they earn a badge that allows them to operate the trains with adult supervision when Mc Clanahan is not there.

“I just thank God that my nephew built this table,” McClanahan said. “If someone else would have built it besides him, I’d probably be at home playing solitaire on the computer all by myself. I wouldn’t have drawings (from the kids) all over my refrig erator and my cabinets. I wouldn’t have a reason to get up in the morning.”

From left, Mike McClanahan teaches Liv Lewallen, 4, and her sister, El Lewallen, 7, of Carmel how to operate the model trains. (Photos by Elle Kreamer)

F r o m i n t i m a t e d i n n e r s t o l a r g e p a r t i e s , o u r c h a r c u t e r i e b o a r d s a r e a g r e a t a d d i t i o n t o a n y h o l i d a y g e t t o g e t h e r .

S o u p s a n d c h i l i m a d e f r o m s c r a t c h ; a v a i l a b l e T u e s d a y t h r o u g h S a t u r d a y , f r o m 1 1 a m - 4 p m .

C a l l u s t o r e s e r v e o n e o f o u r n e w i g l o o s f o r a w a r m , o u t d o o r d i n i n g e x p e r i e n c e !

N o w b o o k i n g p r i v a t e e v e n t s f o r u p t o t h i r t y p e o p l e . Our tins make great gifts! Stop by the store to pick up or visit our website for shipping.

Looking for

$15K grant to help fund wetland project

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A $15,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation will help fund the transfor mation of a 7-acre plot of wetland into an edu cational greenspace at Shamrock Springs Elementary School, 747 W. 161st St., Westfield.

EDUCATION

The grant, which was awarded to the Westfield Education Foundation, will support the building of a wetland project known as the Shamrock Outdoor Learning Lab. The wetland will be converted into greenspace to help students and communi ty members develop positive relationships with the environment, other people and each other through interaction with nature, according to school officials.

Robb Hedges, principal at Shamrock Springs Elementary School, said providing hands-on outdoor education opportunities is important.

“Studies show students who learn outdoors develop a sense of self, indepen dence, confidence, creativity, decision-mak

ing and problem-solving skills, empathy toward others, motor skills, self-discipline and initiative,” Hedges said. “Obviously, these are things we want to develop in our Rocks and in our community, so we are glad that the Duke Energy Foundation is helping turn our vision into a reality.”

The greenspace includes a pond, wetland animals, prairie grass, flowers, a trail and recently planted sapling trees. A boardwalk is being constructed on the west side of the pond and is scheduled for completion in the spring, according to the district.

The foundation plans to purchase floating islands that will be near the boardwalk with the grant it received. Kim Vogelgesang, Duke Energy Foundation manager, said she is excited about the impact the project will have on the community.

“We are pleased to support Westfield Washington Schools with their Shamrock Outdoor Learning Lab,” she said. “This will serve the community for generations by enriching the development of the green space and managing the watershed through wetland creation and habitat restoration.”

DISPATCH

A 7-acre plot of wetland at Shamrock Springs Elementary School will be made into an educational greenspace. The Westfield Education Foundation recently received a $15,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to help fund the project. (Photo provided by Westfield Washington Schools)

500 Festival Princess Program now accepting applications — The 500 Festival is ac cepting applications for the 2023 Festival Princess Program. Applications are available at 500Festival.com/Princess with the deadline to apply at 11:59 p.m. Jan. 8, 2023.

Heart and Soul Clinic medical director receives award

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

under her care. The clinic served more than 570 patients in 2021, according to the clinic.

RECOGNITION

The medical director at a free clinic in Westfield that provides medical and dental services to uninsured and underinsured peo ple in Hamilton County was recently recognized for her service. Dr. Barbara Haehner received the Vol unteerism Award from Serve Indiana, the service and volunteerism division of the Indiana Dept. of Workforce Development. Haehner’s service was recognized during the 2022 Serve Indiana Awards for Excel lence ceremony Nov. 3 at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick History Center in Indianapolis. Haehner, who started volunteering at the Heart and Soul Free Clinic in 2015 after retiring, continues to serve as the clinic’s medical director and primary medical pro vider. She volunteers 25 to 30 hours a week by providing medical care to patients and

“People think of Hamilton County as being one of the wealthiest counties in the state, but there are still anywhere from 30,000 to 40,000 uninsured Hoosiers there,” Haehner said. “Everyone in our clinic is a volunteer, and we have grown and grown. We have many more services now than when we started. It is a blessing to serve others.

The Serve Indiana Volunteerism Award is given to any individual 18 years older. A minimum of five volunteer hours per month or equivalent of 60 volunteer hours a year are required.

“Even though Dr. Haehner is retired, she gives her time, talents and passion to take care of patients that have barriers to health care,” said Lisa Kreag, executive director of the Heart and Soul Clinic. “She is dedicated, and this truly has been her calling. She cares deeply, and the clinic is truly grateful to her as the medical director.”

DISPATCH

Event to benefit Miracle League of Westfield — A January event hosted by the Roundtrip per Foundation in January will benefit the Miracle League of Westfield, which provides op portunities for children with disabilities to play baseball. The Roundtripper Rally for a Cause on Jan. 6 will be held from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.. The event at Roundtripper Sports Academy, 16708 Southpark Dr., Westfield, will feature music, food and drink trucks. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by visiting bit.ly/3UjIUfI. A family-friendly free event will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on the same day with inflatables, crafts, a balloon artist, face painting and music from Tommy Baldwin.

Dr. Barbara Haehner, center, receives the Serve Indiana Volunteerism Award during the 2022 Serve Indiana Awards for Excellence Ceremony Nov. 3 in Indianapolis from Serve Indiana Commission Chair Stefonie Sebastian, right, and Serve Indiana Vice Chair Jo Yocum, left, at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick History Center. (Photo courtesy of the Indiana Dept. of Workforce Development)

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A former superintendent for Westfield Washington Schools plans to seek the Dis trict 1 city council seat that he once held.

Schools, he represented Westfield as the District 1 city councilman from 2016 to 2019 while working as a senior advisor to the Indiana Dept. of Education.

POLITICS

Mark Keen, who previously served as the city council District 1 rep resentative from 2016 to 2019, has launched his bid for the seat cur rently occupied by Scott Willis, who is running for mayor.

“I take my commitment to serving our community seriously,” Keen said. “If my fellow residents of Westfield decide to elect me to represent them on the city council, I want them to be assured my door is always open and I will be their advocate, not just another politician.”

Keen, who served in the U.S. Army for 28 years, also served on the board of directors for the Westfield Chamber of Commerce from 1998 to 2007. After leaving his position as superintendent for Westfield Washington

Keen was named Indiana Superintendent of the Year in 2006 and Central Indiana Superintendent of the Year in 2016. He was also recognized as the Westfield Chamber of Commerce Community Leader of the Year. Keen said Westfield needs responsible leadership to guide the community as it continues to see rapid population growth and development.

“I was honored to represent the parents and children of Westfield as the Superinten dent of Westfield Washington Schools from 1997 to 2016 as we became a nationally rec ognized school system and I want to again serve the citizens and keep our city on the right track,” Keen said.

Keen said he is committed to serving and stengthening the community.

For more on Keen’s campaign, visit drkeenforcouncil.com.

Keen

Hamilton Southeastern senior linebacker ‘tackles’ success

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern senior outside linebacker Clayton Allen found it easy to pinpoint his biggest improvement — tackling.

“I almost doubled my tackles from last season to this season,” he said.

Allen had 76 tackles, including 26 solos and 50 assists for the Roy als, who finished 12-1 after losing to Fort Wayne Carroll in the Class 6A semistate.

Allen had 26 total tackles as a junior and primarily played special teams on varsity as a sophomore.

“He had some medical issues his fresh man year and overcame a lot of adversity and became a really good high school foot ball player,” Royals coach Michael Kelly said. “He’s a smart kid, just an all-around great kid.”

Kelly said one way Allen made improve ment was his commitment to working hard in the weight room.

MEET CLAYTON ALLEN

Favorite athlete: Michael Jordan

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite TV show “Riverdale”

“Last year, he was in the battle for a po sition, whether he was going to be a starter and he wasn’t a starter last year, but he kept fighting,” Kelly said. “He came in and was one of our best players on defense.”

The Royals won their first sectional title since 2011 and first regional since 2005.

“We have a phenomenal coaching staff,” Allen said. “Coach Kelly is such a great head coach. He really has instilled a culture of

I’M BACK TO LIVING A NORMAL LIFE.

For Jay, the thing that pained him most wasn’t his back, it was living within the limits his back pain set for him. Skipping workouts. Contorting to pick up a shoe. Avoiding playing with Agnes. Now that Goodman Campbell physicians treated not only his pain, but the underlying spine issues that caused it, Jay is back to living the life he loves.

Learn more about Jay and his story at GoodmanCampbell.com.

”

hard work and dedication in HSE. I think that was key, especially on the defensive side. Our defensive coordinator had us pre pared for every single game. There wasn’t a single game where I wasn’t prepared for what coverage we were going to be in.”

Allen said he is eager to see how the team progresses next season.

Allen competes in the 400 meters and the low and high hurdles for the track and field team, but football has always been his top sport.

Allen started playing flag football in kin dergarten and moved to tackle football in second grade.

“I used to be a running back through elementary (age) and junior high, and then I kind of developed and ended up liking defense more than offense,” said Allen, who became a linebacker as a freshman. “I fit right in at the outside linebacker spot.”

Per his college plans, Allen said he wants to go to a larger school, perhaps in the Big Ten, for education, so he might not play football in college. He is leaning toward majoring in business, but also is considering engineering or computer science.

Jay R., Goodman Campbell Patient

Hamilton Southeastern senior outside lineback er Clayton Allen was key contributor to the Roy als’ 12-1 record. (Photo courtesy of Clayton Allen)

Allen

The Westfield Lions Club donated a $1,000 check to Westfield Youth Assistance. From left, Westfield Lions Chairman Mike Birk, Megan Contreras and Kristina Logan display a replica check. (Photos cour tesy of Westfield Lions Club)

The Westfield Lions Club donated a $1,000 check to Open Doors of Westfield. From left, Westfield Lions Club Chairman Mike Birk and Carrie Larri son, an officer with Open Doors of Westfield.

WESTFIELD

Project: Road closure

Location: A section of Spring Mill Road

Expected completion: A section of Spring Mill Road between Ind. 32 and 186th Street will be closed until the end of the day Nov. 22 for the installation of a water main and a sanitary sewer main extension. Please use the detour route during this time.

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

Expected completion: End of 2024

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

CARMEL

Project: Roundabout, multi-use path construction

Project: Grand Park Boulevard extension

Location: A section of Grand Park Boulevard between Wheeler Road and 186th Street is closed for construction of the future Grand Park Blvd. extension. Paving has been pushed back due to a utility conflict.

Expected completion: TBD

Project: New roundabout

Location: A section of Eagletown Road between 166th Street and Ind. 32 is closed until Jan. 2, 2023. The closure is for the con struction of a new roundabout at the inter section of 171st Street and Eagletown Road.

Expected completion: Closed until Jan. 2, 2023

Project: Drainage project

Location: A section of Westfield Park Road where it intersects with the Monon Trail is closed for a drainage project. Access to businesses in this area will remain open. Please note, the Monon Trail crossing will also be closed during this time.

Expected completion: Late December

Project: Road Closure

Location: Roosevelt Street will be closed through Dec. 12 for the installation of a water lateral and a sewer lateral. Please use detour routes during this time.

Expected completion: Mid-December

NOBLESVILLE & NORTH

Project: Pleasant Street

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

Location: The intersection of 106th Street and College Avenue is closed for construction of a roundabout. The multiuse path is under construction along 106th Street from Pennsylvania Parkway to College Avenue.

Expected completion: Road expected to reopen in December, with full and partial closures planned in the spring to finish the project.

Project: Culvert reconstruction

Location: The Monon Greenway is closed from north of west Smoky Row Road to the Hagan Burke Trail.

Expected completion: End of the year

Project: New roundabout

Location: E. Main Street and Lexington Boulevard.

Expected completion: The project is set to conclude with median reconstruction between Lexington Boulevard and Richland Avenue in 2023.

Project: Widening and improvements along Smoky Row Road

Location: Between the Monon Greenway and U.S. 31. The road will be fully closed during the project.

Expected completion: The road is expected to reopen in December with closures planned in the spring to complete the project.

Project: Widening of the Monon Greenway

Location: Between City Center Drive and Carmel Drive

Expected completion: November

Project: 1st on Main construction

Location: North Range Line Road is closed just north of Main Street to accommodate construction of the 1st on Main mixed-use development.

WEF plans Bourbon raffle

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

• Willett Pot Still

A bourbon and jewelry raffle by the Westfield Education Foundation will help raise money for student scholarships and grants for teachers to support classroom initiatives.

EDUCATION

The foundation will raffle the following bourbon and jewelry:

• Blanton’s complete 8-bottle collection (stoppers spelling B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S)

• Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 years old

• Whistle Pig The Boss Hog VIII

• Weller 3-bottle collection (Full Proof, Antique 107 and Special Reserve)

• Colonel EH Taylor single barrel bottled in bond

• 14k Rose Infinity Necklace Necklace

• Eagle Rare

• Westfork Whisky 2-bottle collection (Grand Opening bottle and Hugh Hamer double oaked)

• Calumet Farm 15 years old

• Sweet Wheat 1792

• Elijah Craig Single Barrel 1789

• Knob Creek 12 Year

• Four Roses Private Tour

• Willett Rye Family Estate Bottled Small Batch

• Horse Soldier Premium

The raffle will culminate with a Dec. 14 event known as Bourbon & Bling hosted by Moyer Fine Jewelers, 14727 Thatcher Lane, Carmel, that will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will feature street magic enter tainment, bourbon tastings, wine tastings, a silent auction and a performance by Signature Sound Choir. The bourbon raffle drawing will culminate the night, according to the foundation.

Events such as Bourbon & Bling are in tegral to keeping pace with the growth of the Westfield community, said Ashley Knott, executive director of the Westfield Educa tion Foundation.

“As the Westfield community and school district continues to grow, we will contin ue to strive for academic success and the development of life-ready skills,” Knott said. “Events like this one allows the Foundation to support innovation in our classrooms and meet the needs of all students.”

Raffle tickets, which are $100 each or five for $450, can be purchased by visiting bit. ly/3XHZIzT. There will be a total of 16 win ners, according to the foundation.

Tickets for Bourbon & Bling, which cost $100 each, can be purchased by visiting westfieldeducationfoundation-bloom.kind ful.com/e/bourbon-bling-event-. For more, visit wwswef.org/bourbonandbling.

MEAL

WESTFIELD FIRE DEPT. FIREFIGHTERS ENJOY THANKSGIVING

Members of the Westfield Fire Dept. enjoyed a Thanksgiving Day meal on Nov. 24. (Photo courtesy of the Westfield Fire Dept.)

The

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Council OKs term limits for elected officials

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

City leaders in Westfield have approved an ordinance in a split vote that establish es term limits for elected officials starting in January 2024, but it could face legal challenges.

POLITICS

Westfield City Council members voted 5-2 during their Nov. 28 meeting to pass the ordinance, which was initially introduced in October by City Councilman Troy Patton. City Council members Cindy Spoljaric and Scott Willis voted against the ordinance.

Under the ordinance, council members and the mayor would not be eligible for election for more than two four-year terms, while the clerk-treasurer would not be eligible for election for more than three four-year terms. Mayor Andy Cook has been in office since 2008, while Clerk-Treasurer Cindy Gossard was initially appointed in 2001 and has been reelected to four-year terms since 2003.

Still, some council members, such as Willis, questioned the legality of the council passing the ordinance, saying he believed there was a “high probability” the city would get sued.

“I just see this being full of landmines that we’re going to have to navigate,” Willis said. “From a fiscal conservative standpoint, I don’t think this is a good use of taxpayer dollars.”

City Attorney Manny Herceg also spoke to the council, saying he believes the or dinance “would not pass legal muster” if it were challenged in court and would be overturned. He added that he believes it is a significant enough issue that would make its way to the Supreme Court as well.

DISPATCH

information was incorrect in a story about the event in the Nov. 22 edition of Current.

Correction — The Christmas tree at the Westfield in Lights event is 30 feet tall. The event was created in 2009 by the Down town Westfield Association and was taken over by the City of Westfield in 2013. The

Three nonprofits receive Pillar Award grants

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Three local nonprofit organizations re ceived Pillar Award grants from the Hamil ton County Community Foundation last month during the annual Festi val of Philanthropy.

RECOGNITION

The Nov. 15 event at Ritz Charles in Carmel celebrated the work of more than 50 non profits, while those in attendance selected three nonprofits to receive Pillar Award grants, according to the HCCF. Each organi zation received $5,000.

The Pillar Award winners are Agape Thera peutic Riding, Brooke’s Place and Fueled for School, according to the HCCF. Agape Ther apeutic Riding is an organization that cul tivates personal growth by strengthening the mind, body and spirit through unique horse-assisted experiences, according to the HCCF, which noted that the nonprofit served 1,369 individuals through 6,928 les sons in 2021.

Brooke’s Place provides support groups, therapy services and education to empower children, teens, young adults and their fami lies to thrive in the midst of grief, according to the HCCF, which focuses on three initia tives that overlap and influence each other: mental health, family and youth empow erment and inclusive economic growth. In 2021, 2,708 individuals received grief support and education through Brooke’s Place.

Fueled for School works to eliminate hunger among Hamilton County students by providing youth who are food-insecure with nutritious meal packs, promoting the educa tional value of nutrition, increasing access to local food and instilling hope, according to the organization. In 2021, Fueled for School provided 350 students with 2.5 pounds for the entire school year, while the organization also provided 40-pound holiday break boxes during spring, fall and winter breaks.

“We were so excited to be back at the Ritz Charles this year to celebrate more than 50 not-for-profits serving Hamilton County and making transformative changes throughout our community,” said Tom Kilian Jr., president of Hamilton County Community Foundation.

For more about HCCF, visit hamiltoncoun tycommunityfoundation.org.

COUNTY ELECTION BOARD CERTIFIES GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS

From left, Hamilton Coun ty Election Board mem bers Ray Adler, Kathy Kreag Williams (who is also county clerk) and Greg Purvis review absentee ballots with missing signatures or other problems left unre solved by voters who did not respond after county officials alerted them of the issues. The review is part of the normal process of certifying election results, which occurred Nov. 18 at the Hamilton County Judicial Center. The unresolved ballots did not count toward voting totals. View the final election results at secure2. hamiltoncounty.in.gov/ Elections/2022G/results/ index.htm. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Just Tacos Time now open

By Chris Bavender news@currentincarmel.com

Just Tacos Time celebrated a grand open ing Nov. 15 to introduce the community to the new eatery. The restaurant opened Oct. 19 at 1315 S. Range Line Rd.

RESTAURANT

Owner David Abebe, who also owns a commercial cleaning ser vice, is new to the restaurant business and is involved in its day-to-day operations. He chose the Range Line Road location because of its high-traffic volume and proximity to residential and commercial areas.

“So far, we have heard very positive re sponses from the customers,” Abebe said. “We have had customers come again to the restaurant.”

Just Tacos Time is decorated in tradi tional Mexican decor with brightly painted walls featuring birds, sombreros and a large guitar. It can seat 25 people and has a mix of high- and low-top tables. A staff of five employees keeps the restaurant running smoothly.

Abebe said he wanted to keep the menu simple and focus on tacos, burritos and breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Just

S.

Tacos Time offers several protein options, as well as vegetarian and vegan items, and a children’s menu.

Prices range from $5 to $10.

“There is no special dish. I just encourage everyone to try everything,” Abebe said. “Most customers like our tacos best.”

For now, Abebe has no plans to add spe cialty items to the menu.

“I just want to focus on the tacos,” Abebe said. “The plan is to introduce more of the Carmel community so they can come experi ence fresh and fast tacos.”

Just Tacos Time is now open at 1315

Range Line Rd. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A makerspace at Westfield High School is allowing stu dents to tap into their creative sides through an elective course.

The makerspace, known as The Idea Farm, is housed on the first floor at the high school and gives students an op portunity to explore 3D printing, computer coding, textiles, woodworking and other areas such as a music lab, said Joel Bruns, innovation specialist at WHS.

Bruns, who has been with Westfield Washington Schools for 22 years, has had a number of positions throughout his tenure, ranging from being a drama and technology teacher to teaching English as a second language. He also has served as a librarian at Westfield Middle School and joined the high school in the fall of 2014, he said.

Bruns said the makerspace area was formerly a library, and he said the goal when he was hired was to reimagine what a library was. That eventually led to the creation of the makerspace that was established in 2015 after a discussion with some students that garnered positive feedback.

A small room inside the current makerspace eventually paved the way for what would become a bigger reality that initially started with a sewing machine, a 3D printer and some micro-computers and electronic components, according to Bruns. Donations from the community and tools that were provided also helped lay the foundation for The Idea Farm.

“Very modestly, but over time, it gained momentum and gained momentum,” he said.

Bruns, who teaches a course called Innovation by Design, also helps with the school’s internship program and leads independent study courses with students. But the longtime educator said he wants students to understand that school is hard and sometimes can be a struggle.

“Learning is different than school and can be a lot of fun,” he said. “School and learning (aren’t) the same thing and learning is a blast.”

Bruns, who said he would’ve been a better student if he’d had the opportunity to use a makerspace, said he believes “good, authentic learning” is about exploration. The Idea Farm, he said, gives students an opportunity to be creative. One example is helping students learn how to write com puter code while having the opportunity to use 3D printers, with which they can design and model different items. In addition, The Idea Farm also gives students a chance to do laser engraving and laser cutting, along with textiles such as sewing and embroidery, according to Bruns.

Bruns, who plans to leave the district soon for a job with the state of Indiana as director of digital user experience at the Indiana Public Retirement System, said students who use The Idea Farm can explore their passions and develop skills that they can use in the future.

Kori Kimbrough, a junior at WHS, encouraged other stu dents to see what The Idea Lab has to offer. She took Bruns’

course last year.

“I think you get the opportunity to figure yourself out and what you like to do,” Kimbrough said.

Molly Burgan, a sophomore at WHS, said she decided to take the elective course after hearing positive feedback from other students.

“You come up with your own ideas, and it helps with cre ativity and think about what you want to make,” she said.

ABOUT THE IDEA FARM

The Idea Farm was established in 2015 by inno vation specialist Joel Bruns, who has been with Westfield Washington Schools for 22 years. It offers students an opportunity to explore computer coding, 3D printing, textiles, woodworking and more.

To learn more about the makerspace, which is housed on the first floor of Westfield High School, visit cagefreeideas.com/.

Makerspace at Westfield High School allows students to explore computer coding, 3D printers, music lab

ON THE COVER: Madison Goddard, a sophomore at Westfield High School, checks on her micro-bit computer project during an Innovation by Design class inside The Idea Farm Nov. 17. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

Joel Bruns, an innovation specialist at Westfield High School, works with Molly Burgan, a sophomore, inside The Idea Farm during an Innovation by Design class Nov. 17. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

ESSAY

Give or take?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Giving Tuesday has now officially passed, although the requests for the “final” gift of the year continue to flow in. Private philanthropy is a good thing. People make direct and immediate choices about the world around them and decide how they are willing to do nate their own labor to contribute to the cause. Instead of showing up hammer in hand to help raise the barn, most of us these days choose to spend the day at our own toil, whatever it may be, and forgo the benefit to ourselves and our families, and instead giving the fruit to some cause of our liking.

While it is important to follow laws regarding government revenue, one cannot claim a personal moral gold star if the tax collector eventually comes, gun in hand, to take from us the product of our labor. Conversely, there is honor to be had in working voluntarily for the benefit of others. We might contribute from excess, from gratitude, from a hope that others might care for us if we were in need, or from a genuine charity, agape. Whatever the motivation, we have worked so that some other — un able, unwilling or un-situated — does not. There is no exchange. There is little market. There is no expectation of inter est paid.

Even so, as some give, others take. Many of us hold our philanthropy to in clude direct service on boards or in the soup kitchens of nonprofits, in addition to our financial contributions. So, we be come both benefactor and beneficiary. What roles do — and should — we play? Is it right to expect gratitude from the takers? Is it right to expect gifts from the givers? Are there strings attached? Should there be? If Giving Tuesday is a mirror to Taking Tuesday, how do we make sure that doing the right thing is doing the right thing?

You may email him at terry@ youarecurrent.com.

CURRENTOON

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

It was nice while it lasted

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

I’ve been an empty nester officially now for three months, two weeks, and five days, and I have loved every single glorious moment. The quiet evenings, the relatively clean kitchen (my husband, Doo, still doesn’t seem to understand that we have a dishwasher), and the peace of mind that can only come when your babies-turned-youngadults are no longer underfoot have been simply magical. Which is why I am somewhat dreading the holidays, as my college kiddos will once again be home.

Don’t get me wrong, it’ll be great to see them, especially our twins who are studying in Colorado and California. But why, sweet mother, do classes not resume until the end of January? Why must universities start second semes ters so ridiculously late? Do they not realize the disruption these extended breaks will cause to my beautifully crafted, long-awaited parental mile stone? This is enough time to form ac tual habits, like 1 a.m. muffin baking and sleeping ‘til noon. This will enable my newly independent offspring to rejoin the dole, which in turn will fundamen tally alter our Meijer bill and undoubted ly drive me bat-poo crazy.

And one of them is bringing her cat! I haven’t even begun to wrap my head around how a temporary pet is going to add to the chaos. No, my only chance at survival will be to convince them to return early. Perhaps between a few white lies (“We’re vegetarians now” and “The dryer’s broken”) and guilt trips about their jobs (“The lab really needs you there!”), I’ll manage to convince them to leave ahead of schedule.

POLICIES

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

Fingers crossed! Because I have grown to love being an empty nester. Peace out.

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

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC.

“The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.”

— LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

HUMOR

The Hammacher Schlemmer Christmas ’22 gift catalog just arrived! It’s the lon gest-running mail-order retail er of its kind, its pages filled with unique (if not quirky) selections. Here are some of my favorites. Who knows, maybe this holiday you’ll

John Wayne’s Canvas Rancher Jacket: This hand-crafted jack et features a notched corduroy collar. I guess the notches each rep resent some poor soul Duke wasted in a mov ie. Do the five buttons denote the people he eliminated in his real life for not embracing the Second Amend ment? None of these jackets were returned, with customers saying, “You’ll have to pry that coat from my cold, dead hands.”

The Warming Cat Bed: “Recommended by veterinarians,” says HS. But only two vets could make an honest endorsement — the only two small enough to fit in the bed. The catalog says it can also be used for a small dog — but I’d take the cat out first.

The Side Sleepers’ Ergonomic Pillow: Ideal for someone who is sleeping with someone on the side. The pillow adjusts to your head and neck, providing support (pro viding support is what you will have to do if you get caught).

The Perfect Spiral Robotic Quarter back: This training tool loads footballs and launches them 75 feet. You pump each ball, putting in as much air as you like. Endorsed by Tom Brady.

The Lego City Police Station: The 680-piece Lego set comes with a three-sto

ry building, a jail, cops and police dogs. At kids’ bedtime when toys must be put away, parents can post a sign that says, “Decon struct the police.”

The Electronic Tag Game: This is a modern version of tag, where kids wear LED lights so they can see who has been tagged. Huh? When I was a kid, I wasn’t smart enough to reduce a fraction, but I sure didn’t need a light to know who was “it.”

The New York Times Jigsaw Puzzle of Your Birthdate: Ever wonder what the front page of the New York Times looked like the day you were born? Me, either. This 600-piece puzzle tests your concentration and pa tience. Remember the New York Times slo gan, “All the news we print will fit,” unless the dog chewed a piece.

– DICK WOLFSIE

The Personalized Animated Singing Elephant Chair: This giant plush pachyderm sings, “Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro?” At 8 years old and first discovering my body, that’s not how I sang the words.

One favorite item from a past holiday edi tion is still available:

The Soft Kangaroo Wallet: This billfold is made from the hide of a kangaroo. How ironic that here’s an animal, one of the few on the planet with an actual pocket that can carry something, and we made him into a wallet.

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

This giant plush pachyderm sings, “Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro?” At 8 years old and first discovering my body, that’s not how I sang the words.

Local roofing company supports workers, communities

By Elle Kreamer elle@youarecurrent.com

Growing up with parents in the roofing industry, Zionsville siblings Gene and Randy Judd were no strangers to the hardships associated with the sea sonal nature of the busi ness. Randy said growing up in Rockford, Ill., their mother encouraged them to attend college and not become roofers.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Despite his mother’s ad monition, Gene followed his entrepreneurial dream and started his own roofing busi ness. After graduating from Indiana Univer sity in 1987, Gene, who now lives in Zions ville, worked out of his garage in Speedway as a roofer. He launched Bone Dry Roofing in 1989 and it now has 13 locations across the U.S., including Indianapolis.

“It was tough for (our parents) to make a steady living at the time,” Gene said. “We moved 13 times when I was younger because my parents would be looking for a job. I would come home from school and the sheriff would be there to move my family out of our home.”

Gene’s brother, Randy, who also lives in Zionsville, joined the business as its vice president in 1997. He is semi retired from Bone Dry Roofing.

“The culture at Bone Dry has always been very employee-centric, as well as custom er-centric,” Randy said. “At the start, the company was highly based on referrals and reputation and word of mouth. So, we were very, very much concerned about all the customers being happy with our work, and that’s really how we were able to grow.”

Gene said he tries to maintain a consis tently supportive work environment for employees, no matter how much the com pany grows. He said the firm does its best to take care of employees by providing them with financial advisors, 401(k)s, paid-time off, health insurance and educational opportuni ties through the company’s training program, Bone Dry University, among other benefits.

The company has approximately 500 employees.

“When I started the business, I wanted to provide stability and peace of mind for my family to be able to offer them some of the

advantages that I didn’t have growing up,” Gene said. “I want my people to be able to have that peace of mind so they can support their families and have a secure position.”

Twenty-four years ago, Grant Costeel, a longtime roofer, was living in a trailer on the west side of Indianapolis. He said he was looking for better opportunities, so he flipped through the phone book looking for the biggest ad for a roofing company. When he found a full-page ad for Bone Dry Roof ing, he said he applied immediately.

Costeel was hired as a roofer and soon after was running the crew. He is now the manager for Bone Dry Roofing in Indianapo lis, and said he is proud to be a part of such a reputable and supportive company and to be able to support himself and his daughter.

“It’s great to go to somebody’s house, especially as a salesman or as an employee, and to be able to go to the door and say all these great things and know that they’re true,” Costeel said. “The brand is how we make people feel. They always say people won’t remember you for what you say or do, they remember you for how they make you feel.”

Gene said in addition to supporting em ployees, Bone Dry Roofing promotes a cul ture of giving through philanthropic work.

Gene said the company has been building roofs for Habitat for Humanity projects in the Boone County area for approximately 20 years, and it tries to do the same in each of the 13-plus communities where Bone Dry does business. He said the company is involved in other philanthropic efforts, including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and conducts a ‘Bone Dry Loves Pink’ breast cancer awareness campaign every fall.

Gene Judd

Bone Dry Roofing employees construct a roof for a home built by Habitat for Humanity of Boone County in 2019. (Photos courtesy of Bone Dry Roofing)

Riverview event raises more than $200K

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

DISPATCHES

An October fundraiser hosted by the Riverview Health Foundation to benefit the acute inpatient unit at River view Health brought in more than $200,000, according to organizers.

EVENT

The Oct. 28 black-tie event known as Shaken, Not Stirred at Ritz Charles in Car mel drew more than 260 attendees, who enjoyed casino-style games, magicians, musicians and learned about the need to update and renovate the acute inpatient rehabilitation unit. Total proceeds from sponsorships, ticket sales, live and silent auctions and gifts at the event totaled more than $200,000, according to the foundation.

“We host an event like this once every three years, so we wanted it to be a spe cial night for everyone in attendance,” said Megan Wiles, executive director of the Riv erview Health Foundation. “The focus of the evening was to celebrate the amazing staff of Riverview Health and to raise awareness of this project. The renovation to the acute inpatient rehabilitation unit is the fundrais

ing focus for the foundation right now.”

Wiles said based on current building costs, it will cost $2.7 million to completely renovate the unit.

“We’re confident that former patients, family members, physicians and other phil anthropic individuals and families will see the importance of supporting this project. In addition to individual and family gifts, proceeds from our event as well as upcom ing events in 2023 will help to reach this lofty goal,” Wiles said.

Wiles said the foundation believes it is

an important project that will directly ben efit the patients of the unit, in addition to their families.

“Riverview Health Foundation welcomes gifts of all sizes and we will be happy to talk with anyone about making a gift and potential naming opportunities,” Wiles said.

To make a gift, visit riverview.org/ donate or email Megan Wiles at mwiles@ riverview.org. For more about the proj ect, visit the Riverview Health Founda tion Facebook page at facebook.com/ RiverviewFoundation.

Healthier bread — Like it or not, bread just isn’t that good for you, especially white bread. Even though whole grain bread is a better option, it is still low in nutrients. Now, though, there is a healthy bread substitute. Called Barely Bread, it’s a soy-, yeast- and gluten-free, paleo-friendly bread substitute that actu ally tastes a lot like real bread. The tex ture isn’t identical to regular bread, but it is close. Available online or at Whole Foods, it’s worth trying.

Source: MSN.com

Reduce arthritis pain naturally — Unlike many medical remedies for arthritis, these are safe and inexpensive. Give them a try to see if they work for you:

1. Tea – contains polyphenols that sup press arthritis inflammation

2. Vitamins C and D

3. Grapes and grape juice – contain resveratrol which suppresses inflammation

4. Taping – therapeutic taping has been proven to reduce symptoms. Have a physical therapist show you how to do it properly.

Holiday Porchfest

More than 260 individuals attended an Oct. 28 fundraiser hosted by the Riverview Health Founda tion to benefit the inpatient unit at Riverview Health. (Photo provided by Riverview Health)

currentnightandday.com

Marie Osmond to make her Palladium debut

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Marie Osmond, Christmas is about memories, not possessions.

my sixth decade of music performing con sistently, which is crazy, so I’ll do a few things that people will enjoy.”

Osmond said she will share stories of her career during the concert.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

“I feel people need a little bit of hope, a little bit of laughter and some love,” she said. “They actually need to be togeth er. My philosophy has always been, ‘Do you remember what you got for Christmas five years ago?’ But I do remember the time I spent with friends and family, going to events and having dinner. Those are the things that make memories, and those are the things I like to provide for people.”

CONCERT

Osmond wants to add to the audience’s memories with an 8 p.m. concert Dec. 10 at the Palladium at the Center for the Per forming Arts in Carmel. It is Osmond’s first visit to the Palladium and is part of her symphonic Christmas tour.

“I’ve been associated with Christmas since I was a fetus,” Osmond said. “I started out with Andy Williams’ Christmas shows at 3. I did my first Bob Hope Christ mas show when I was 13, and he kind of became a second dad. I did USO Christmas shows and then Donny and Marie and Os mond Family (shows), so I know a little about Christmas. It’s super fun.”

Osmond will perform a couple of songs from her 2021 album “Unexpected,” which feature a collection of Broadway and opera classics that debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Classical Crossover Albums Chart.

“It blew my mind,” she said. “I didn’t think it would do anything. It was me spend ing 25 years learning to sing legit opera.”

Osmond, 63, said the type of Christmas music she performs fits well with an orchestra.

“It’s going to be musi cally diverse, eclectic,” said Osmond, adding she will mostly perform Christmas songs. “It’s

Osmond and her older brother, Donny, ended their 11-year residency at the Flamin go in Las Vegas in 2019. Donny now has a solo residency at Harrah’s in Las Vegas.

“He’s going to die Wayne Newton,” Os mond jokingly said of her brother. “It was lovely (that) people came 11 years to see the show. In my heart, I felt I needed to go to people, especially because traveling is costly right now. I love the road. I’ve probably performed more on the road than anyone in my family, whether it was doing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘The Sound of

“I think the whole part of the holiday spirit is to interact,” she said. “I think a good location is important. I hand-pick all these areas. I wanted to go to places that I hav en’t been. Although I swear I’ve performed everywhere, from fairs to festivals to honkytonks, I wanted to put this show in places where I felt people would enjoy it.”

Her nephew, David Osmond, will per form with her.

“He’s a phenomenal talent,” she said. “I don’t use him because he’s an Osmond. I use him because he’s terrific. He has an amazing story. He teases me, ‘I know why you have me in the show, so you can make costume changes.’ I said, ‘OK, there you go.’ But, no, he’s terrific. There will be things that bring back wonderful Christmas memories. We’ll have some new

Osmond will perform with local orches

“I believe in (doing) that. There are so many talented musicians,” she said. “Some of them have been performing five or six decades, too. It’s nice to utilize local

One thing that drives

“It’s a Wonderful Life” runs through Dec. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianap olis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘A

CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL’

Civic Theatre presents “A Christmas Story, The Musical” through Dec. 24 at The Tarking ton at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT’

Mud Creek Players’ production of “The Christmas Spirit,” a holiday comedy, runs through Dec. 17 at Mud Creek Theatre, 9740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis. For more, visit mudcreekplayers.org.

‘UH-OH, HERE COMES CHRISTMAS’

Carmel Players will present “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas” from Dec. 9-18 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘CHRISTMAS AT THE PLAYHOUSE’

“Christmas at the Playhouse” will feature six original one-act plays from Dec. 9-11 at the Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

Osmond is

“When we did the show in Vegas, the show would be an hour-and-a-half and my meet-and-greet would be like three hours,” she said. “I’ve been through a lot of difficult things and people know that I understand, so they will come and talk to me about things. God doesn’t care who you are in this life, he cares about how you do your job and how you treat other people. That’s my philosophy.”

For tickets, visit thecenter presents.org.

Marie Osmond will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Palladium.

‘DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS TOUR’

“Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour” concert is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘MARIE OSMOND: A SYMPHONIC CHRISTMAS TOUR’

“Marie Osmond: A Symphonic Christmas Tour” concert is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenter presents.org.

‘I’LL

BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS’

Indiana Wind Symphony’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” concert is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Palladium at the Center for the Perform ing Arts in Carmel. There will be a matinee performance at 2 p.m. featuring a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. For more, visit thecen terpresents.org.

(Photo courtesy of Marie Osmond)

Soloist returns for IWS show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

After graduating from Carmel High School in 2011, Jessamyn Anderson began perform ing with the Indiana Wind Symphony.

CONCERT

The soprano soloist will appear with the IWS Dec. 11 for two performances at the Palladium at the Center for the Per forming Arts in Carmel. The matinee performance at 2 p.m. will include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The 7 p.m. performance’s theme is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

Director Charles Conrad that kids would love the drama of the piece.

In the evening, Anderson will sing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “It’s the Most Wonder ful Time of the Year” and “O Holy Night.”

Anderson

“I am most excited about bringing my daughter to the afternoon kids’ show,” An derson said. “It’s wild that I was a freshman in college when I first sang ‘O Holy Night’ with the IWS, and now I’m bringing my baby to the shows. I feel like I’ve grown up, pro fessionally speaking, with this ensemble. For the afternoon show, I will perform ‘Let It Go’ from ‘Frozen’ and our special, epic arrangement of ‘O Holy Night,’ a first for the matinee.”

Anderson said she convinced IWS Music

“It has been a joy to watch and hear her develop over those years into an outstanding operatic sopra no who has tremendous versatility,” Conrad said. “I am certain that we will be seeing her on stages around the world in the next few years. She is a wonderful artist with which to collaborate.”

Anderson and her husband live in Colum bia, Tenn., near Nashville.

“We love it in Tennessee, but I do miss being close to my family — and round abouts,” Anderson said.

The guest conductor for the concert is Catherine Maloney, who is the band teacher at Pendleton Heights Middle School. She has been accepted to be the next conductor of the Indiana National Guard Band following recent auditions. She has played flute with the IWS since 2013.

For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

‘Christmas at the Playhouse’ set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Nicole Amsler is eager to direct her own one-act play as part of “Christmas at the Playhouse.”

Amsler said. “It’s about a family and you see all the dysfunction, but they are all writing those newsletters that are very sweet. They all say the best things but behind the scenes you realize that is not truly how it is.”

PLAYS

The group of six oneact original plays is set for Dec. 9-11 at Basile Westfield Playhouse.

Amsler, a Noblesville resident, wrote and directs “Holiday Cards.” She also is the director for “Clara The Christmas Tree Angel,” which was written by Enid Cokinos.

Two plays, “A Requiem for Shermy” and “Last Minute Shoppers,” were written by Mark Harvey Levine. The other plays are “Garland, Gynos, and Gurneys” by Megan Ann Jacobs and “Tradition” by Josh Elicker. The short plays by Indiana writers are 10 to 12 minutes long. Amsler said Logan Laflin will sing between the acts.

Amsler said “Holiday Cards” started as a book she wrote during National Novel Writ ing Month several years ago.

“When I started playwriting, I decided it would make a really good short story,”

There are six performers in “Hol iday Cards” with a mother, her two adult children and significant others and a younger daughter.

“I’ve had this play staged before where I went to go see it and some one else directed it,” Amsler said. “It was done in New York and in Wis consin. It was very interesting to see other people direct that play, so I’m ex cited to be able to do it myself. If you don’t direct the ending correctly, there is a pretty big reveal that gets lost if you change the lighting or let people think it’s come to an end. There is actually a pretty big surprise at the end.”

Amsler said all the plays are uplifting and fun.

Earlier this year, Amsler acted for the first time in 27 years in “Calendar Girls” at Epilogue Players Theatre in Indianapolis.

For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

Amsler

‘A Christmas Carol’ returns to Beef & Boards — Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre will present its special one-hour production of the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol.” The one-hour production features traditional car ols and is on stage for eight more performances through Dec. 20. The remaining weekday matinees are at 1 p.m. Dec. 6, 9, 13, 16 and 20. The remaining weekday evenings are at 8 p.m. Dec. 7, 12 and 19. For tickets, more informa tion or show schedule, visit beefandboards.com.

Candlelight Theatre presents ‘Deck the Halls’ — “Deck the Halls,” a Candlelight Theatre production featuring stories of holiday traditions with characters that leap from the pages of history, will run Dec. 8-11 at the Benja min Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis. Guests will

be guided from room to room in President Benjamin Har rison’s home to meet some of the most beloved holiday personalities, alongside lesser-known tales and stories that will help enliven and inform guests’ appreciation of the season. Geist resident Donna Wing and Noblesville resident Ann Richards are in the cast. For more, visit bh psite.org/events/deckthehalls/.

Singer-songwriter Merchant to visit Palladium — Sing er-songwriter Natalie Merchant will visit Carmel’s Center for the Performing Arts in May 2023 on a tour supporting her first full album of new material in nearly a decade. “An Evening with Natalie Merchant: Keep Your Courage Tour” is set for 7:30 p.m. May 16 at the Palladium. Tickets starting at $55 went on sale Dec. 2 at the Palladium’s

Fifth Third Bank Box Office, online at TheCenterPresents. org and by phone at 317 843-3800. Merchant first gained public attention in the 1980s as front person for the al ternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs.

Center’s special events staff grows — the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel has made several person nel moves as it expands its special events and venue rental operations. Ramona Adams, who joined the Center in 2020 as director of events, has been promoted to the newly established position of vice president of events. Abigail Tomlin has been named event manager. Nicole Chernish and Sara Kious have joined the team as event coordinators.

Friday, December 9 - 7:30 pm

Saturday, December 10 - 7:30 pm

Sunday, December 11 - 2:30 pm

Thursday, December 15 - 7:30 pm

Friday, December 16 - 7:30 pm

Saturday, December 17 - 7:30 pm

Sunday, December 18 - 2:30 pm

by Robert Fulghum

Carmel teen gets special role

the Snow Queen has many entrances at the end of Act 1.”

Stephenson plays other roles in the scenes in the two shows when the other dancer, Indianapolis resident Miriam Danek, portrays Snow Queen.

BALLET

Anya Stephenson is eager for the chal lenges of portraying the Snow Queen. “Snow Queen has always been one of my favorite roles,” Stephenson said. “I enjoyed the music of the snow scene. I’ve been working with the snow pas de deux with my partner and it’s been a new challenge for me. I like working on a new character to bring to life for the audience.”

Stephenson Farley

The Carmel High School freshman will appear in the Ballet Theatre of Carmel Acad emy’s production of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 16-18 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. The shows are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 2 p.m. Dec. 18.

“Something that has been important to me is building my stamina,” Stephenson said. “The choreography is very intricate and there is a lot to think about because

Stephenson is Snow Queen in the final two performances.

“It’s one of my favorite ballets to watch and to dance in,” Stephenson said. “I love learning new chore ography every year and it never gets old.”

Ciara Farley, a homeschooled junior from Carmel, will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the first two performances. She has been with BTCA for 11 years.

“This is one of my dream roles and I’m ex cited to have been cast as Sugar Plum,” Far ley said. “One of the things I look forward to is the artistry of the performances. I love ‘The Nutcracker.’ It has so many memories. It’s a magical experience.”

For more, visit ballettheatreofcarmel.org/ nutcracker/.

CCP to present holiday play

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

One of Kevin Shadle’s favorite authors is Robert Fulghum.

PRODUCTION

So, it’s not surprising Shadle would be a fan of “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas,” a play based on Fulghum’s books.

Shadle, a Fishers resident, will perform in Carmel Community Players’ production of “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas” from Dec. 9 to 18 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. The play features a collection of stories, songs and vignettes.

“What I like about it is that it is very real,” Shadle said. “It’s very human. It’s not your usual Christmas show in that you don’t feel like you are sitting in church and it’s not sil ly. Everybody will be able to identify with so much in this show. That’s what I definitely love about this.”

Westfield resident Kate Hinman is the di rector, and it is her first time directing with CCP. She also is a Fulghum fan. So, when she saw on Facebook that CCP was looking for a director for the show, she asked to see the script.

The cast of “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas” in cludes back, from left, Kevin Shadle, Tom Riddle and Matt Trgovac, and front, from left, Joy Ried and Tonya Rave. (Photo courtesy of Tanya Haas)

“I was through three vignettes, and I said, ‘I want to do this show,” Hinman said. “It’s very funny. It’s an actors’ show be cause they are challenged because they are going from telling the story to interacting with invisible characters. Each actor has one to two monologues.”

Tonya Rave, a Lawrence Township resi dent, said the vignettes are poignant.

“A lot of what my character Peggy says resonates with me, so it makes it more fun to play the character,” Rave said.

For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY BENJ PASEK AND JUSTIN PAUL

Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark, and upon

Wind

CHRISTMAS MUSIC A day of Perfect for the whole family!

Commentary by Mark LaFay

CHARCUTERIE

called Rustic Bakery. They make several dif ferent toasts, crackers, cookies and more. In fact, if you go to a wine tasting in California, the odds are good you will find Rustic Bak ery’s flatbread crackers at your wine tasting. Its Sel Gris flatbread crackers are delicious. Thin and flavorful, these crackers pack great flavor and pair wonderfully with anything you could have on your charcuterie board. They also go great alone (and they are great for resetting your palate when wine tasting).

The water cracker is great for meat and cheese because it is thin, light, savory and generally very mild in flavor. Carr’s Water Crackers are a very popular brand, and for good reason. Carr’s has been in business since 1832. The crackers are baked in a tradi tional brick oven, and they are thin, crunchy and tasty! Carr’s crackers are great for providing crunch without overpowering the meat, cheese or jams with additional flavor.

Whatever route you go, don’t leave off the crunch carbs from your charcuterie board.

Wind Symphony

In Northern California, there is a bakery

Where’s Amy?

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

Where’s Amy attends IBC’s ‘The Nutcracker’

In light of the great celebration of car bohydrates also known as the holidays, it is only fitting that we take a look at some great carby, critical charcuterie components (score 4 points for the alliteration). Crackers, bread, and toast are must-haves for a successful charcuterie board. They are delicious on their own. They also serve as excellent vehicles for deliver ing meat, cheese and accoutrements to your mouth. Unlike the ballpark hot dog bun, the crumble of toast and the crunch of a cracker provide additional dimension to your munch ing experience besides having tasty flavors that can be savory and sweet.

Toast is a great option for a charcuterie board. You can make your own toast by crisping up some brioche and cutting it into bite sized pieces. You could also opt to get a pre-made toast like Trois Petite Cochon Toast. These toast minis are made in France with natural ingredients and baked off into a crunchy, crumbly bite. These are great for sweet jams or savory toppings. I find the ‘crouton-esque’ nature of these toast minis to be quite pleasing.

Where’s Amy attended Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s annual “The Nutcracker” performance Nov. 26 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The presentation included a special accompaniment by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. For more on future performances, visit indi anaballetconservatory.org. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

Keeping watch for sasquatch

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Visiting Chicago’s Millennium and Maggie Daley Parks

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, we visit Millennium Park and Mag gie Daley Park, which each year draw mil lions of people, including fami lies, to the heart of Chicago. Millennium Park lies just west of Lake Michigan, between Randolph and East Monroe streets. Named for the third millennium, the 25-acre park opened in 2004, four years behind schedule.

TRAVEL

The park cost $475 million to construct, about half provided by private donors in exchange for naming rights. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion features a band shell designed by architect Frank Gehry, with 4,000 permanent seats and lawn space for 7,000 more. The AT&T plaza features “Cloud Gate,” a three-sto ry sculpture designed by Anish Kapoor. Nick named “The Bean” because of its shape, the sculpture, made from 168 sheets of polished stainless steel, reflects the nearby skyline. Crown Fountain, named for Chicago’s Crown Family, includes a black granite reflecting pool between two glass brick towers. The 50-foot-tall towers display videos of the fac es of about 1.000 Chicagoland residents, with water appearing to flow from the subject’s mouth about every five minutes. The 2.5-acre Lurie Garden, named for philanthropist Anne Lurie, features perennials, trees, grasses, shrubs and trees.

Maggie Daley Park is named for the wife of longtime Chicago Mayor Richard Michael Daley. She died of cancer in 2011. Lying be tween Columbus Drive and Lake Shore Drive, the 20-acre park is linked to Millennium Park by the BP Pedestrian Bridge, a winding footbridge over Columbus Drive. The park includes many attractions for families and

children, including a quarter-mile ice-skat ing ribbon, rock-climbing walls, tennis courts and a miniature golf course featuring Chicago highlights. A 3-acre Play Garden for children 12 and under includes the popular Enchanted Forest.

In 2021, Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park collectively attracted about 25 million visitors, making them among the top 10 most popular destinations in the United States.

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

WSP (115 W. Washington St., Ste. 1270S, Indianapolis, IN 46204), on behalf of the City of Westfield (2728 East 171st Street, Westfield, IN 46074), is submitting a Notice of Intent to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of our intent to comply with the requirements of 327 IAC 15-5 to discharge storm water from construction activities associated with the 196th Street and Grassy Branch Road Reconstruction located 0.31 miles east of US-31, Latitude N 40° 4’ 20” Longitude W 86° 7’ 17”. Runoff from the project site will discharge into Cool Creek and Sly Run. Questions or comments regarding this project should be directed to Jeff Hill of WSP at Jeff.Hill@ wsp.com or 317-972-4526.

GRAMMAR GUY

My daughter has started roaming the streets looking for Bigfoot clues. Accord ing to her kindergarten classmates, Big foot only comes out at night, and that’s when he drops clues around the neighborhood. While on walks with our puppy, my daughter finds interesting rocks, oddly shaped pieces of mulch and even the occasional rusty shard of unknown garbage. All of these items are clues. My friend Byron (the con spiracy theory enthusiast) is thrilled by my daughter’s new Bigfoot obsession.

As a kid, I wasn’t as concerned about Bigfoot. Instead, I lost sleep over the Okie Ogre, a nocturnal monster who ate family pets and spit out their bones in the driveway. Was the Okie Ogre merely a freakishly large raccoon, or had the abominable snowman missed a left turn at Albuquerque? Was it even real? It’s hard to say. Perhaps I should have been getting ready for a yeti or keeping watch for a sasquatch. It’s time to make a hard pivot from

abominable snowmen to adnominals, or adnouns. No, these aren’t nouns you find in popup ads on websites; adnouns are adjectives used as nouns. While I’ve written before about the “verbification” of nouns; now we’re going to “nounify” some adjectives.

Here’s an easy example to understand adnouns: “…the land of the free and the home of the brave.” At the end of “The Star-Spangled Banner” (an unfortunate na tional anthem because who has that kind of vocal range?) we find two adjectives used as nouns. “Free” and “brave” stand alone as adnouns here.

In the “Sermon on the Mount” in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Here again we see an adjective — the word “meek” — standing alone as a noun.

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

The “Cloud Gate” sculpture in Chicago’s Millennium Park. (Photos by Don Knebel) Don

Don Knebel at Maggie Daley Park in Chicago.

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