December 13, 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.

30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

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

With

Gift

through Dec 31st West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd

City outlines next steps for Grand Park

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The City of Westfield plans to conduct interviews with seven entities who submitted bids for the Grand Park Sports Campus with the hopes of having someone identified by March of next year.

GOVERNMENT

That information from Jeremy Lollar, chief of staff for the city of Westfield, was shared with the city’s Finance Committee during its Dec. 1 meeting at Westfield City Hall as part of a discussion about the next steps ahead for the complex. The latest news from Lollar marks the first time new information was shared publicly after the city released the names of seven firms that submitted proposals in mid-September.

City officials are looking to sell Grand Park or enter a public-private partnership to operate the complex, which is owned by the Westfield Redevelopment Commission. The 400-acre complex, which serves as the training camp for the Indianapolis Colts, has 31 soccer fields, 26 baseball diamonds, two administration buildings, seven concession stands and a 378,000-square-foot multi-use event center.

Lollar told the Finance Committee, which consists of City Councilmen Troy Patton, Joe Edwards and Scott Frei, that the city plans to have an internal meeting involving Grand Park Director Matt Trnian, Client Services Manager Rachel Nelson and a panel of six individuals appointed to review proposals. According to Lollar, that meeting will provide insight into the operations and the needs from a capital perspective regarding Grand Park.

When that internal meeting takes place, it will be followed by interviews with all of the firms that submitted proposals, and then the field will be narrowed to the top three or four, Lollar said.

The panel of six individuals will eventually make a recommendation to the Westfield City Council and the city’s Redevelopment

Commission regarding the proposals. Those six individuals who will serve on the committee are Brian Tomamichel, chief financial officer with Westfield Washington Schools; Troy Patton, Westfield City Council member; Larry Clarino, board member with the Westfield Public Works and Safety; Dan Moyer, a Westfield business owner; Chuck Lehman, a former Westfield City Council member; and Lollar.

The city received proposals from the following entities:

• Card & Associates Athletic Facilities, LLC

• A confidential client of Cushman & Wakefield

• Indy Sports & Entertainment, LLC and related entity

• Ambassador Enterprises

• REV Entertainment

• Sports Facilities Companies, LLC

• Anytown USA, Inc.

“And then we very likely may enter into additional conversations with those top candidates with the hope of having a group identified by March, which would then start our real conversation associated with nego-

tiation prior to a recommendation to council and the RDC,” Lollar said.

Lollar told the Finance Committee that there are some “interesting proposals,” but said that was all he could say regarding the matter.

“Ultimately, you (the city council) get to decide,” Lollar said. “What this group is going to do is evaluate them and decide if any are worthy of recommendation, and we’ll make that recommendation for you all to decide on.”

Lollar also said that, in his opinion, some of the proposals are better than others, but noted that everyone who submitted bids must be given fair and equal treatment.

Still, Lollar cautioned that while it is unlikely that no viable recommendations will be made, that could remain a possibility. If that occurs, the city could continue to keep the complex and operate the way it has been, he added.

If Westfield were to sell Grand Park, city officials previously said they would use the proceeds to pay off park debt. The city still owes nearly $80 million for the complex.

Lollar

uwci.org

Despite medical setbacks, mom of 5 finds strength in blessing

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

For Jill Olecki, losing both of her legs wasn’t nearly the most difficult challenge she faced in the last three years.

RECOVERY

Despite multiple cancer diagnoses, months she doesn’t remember, a totaled van and two amputations, the mother of five said being away from her children was the hardest battle to face.

“With COVID, there were huge amounts of time they couldn’t come (to the hospital) at all,” Olecki said. “Thank God for FaceTime, especially when I was in for months this past year. I didn’t get to see them but maybe once under special permission. That was super hard for me.”

So, this holiday season has been extra special for Olecki, who is embracing every minute with her husband and children, who range from age 4 to 14. After all, it was on Thanksgiving in 2021 that she was rushed to the hospital for what would turn out to be a five-month stay. She doesn’t remember much of it, including last year’s Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

“This year, experiencing (the holidays) is such a gift, one not to be taken for granted,” Olecki said. “I’m going to do my best to stay healthy to keep it going.”

Olecki, 40, grew up in a military family stationed in Terre Haute. She graduated from Terre Haute South Vigo High School and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where she studied mechanical engineering and met her husband, Dave. Olecki moved to Carmel in 2004, and approximately five years ago she and her family moved to Westfield. They are active in the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Holy Rosary parishes in Carmel and Indianapolis, respectively.

In February 2019, Olecki, who hadn’t been feeling right for a while, started experiencing severe back pain during a workout. Trips to an urgent care center and emergency room didn’t provide answers, but an eventual MRI revealed a compression fracture in her spine, an injury typically seen in elderly patients, Olecki said.

Soon, she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system and can spread to other parts of the body. Treatment included chemotherapy treatments and a stem cell

transplant using her own cells.

For a time, it appeared her recovery was going well, but the following spring she began to experience headaches, foot drop and other “weird symptoms,” Olecki said. For the second time in two years, she was diagnosed with lymphoma, this time a version that affects the central nervous system. Olecki said it isn’t clear whether treatment from her first diagnosis failed to remove all the cancer or if it popped up independently.

“It wasn’t big tumors. It was more like sprinkling in different places of my body,” said Olecki, who lost vision in her right eye as a result.

This time, treatment involved altering some of Olecki’s T cells in a laboratory to fight the disease that had invaded her body. The process removed the cancer from her central nervous system, but eventually an MRI showed it had returned to her upper spine, where it initially appeared. Donor cells successfully treated the recurrence.

A couple of months later, Olecki returned to the hospital with graft versus host disease, as the transplanted donor cells began to attack her body. She received treatment and returned home until Thanksgiving, when she became unresponsive after battling a fever and chills.

She doesn’t remember much of what happened next, but Olecki said it’s a miracle she made it out of the hospital, as she was intubated three times and nearly died twice. When she finally went home in April, she still had sores on her legs that didn’t appear to be healing. Doctors discovered bacteria inside the knee bone of her right leg, which they recommended treating through amputation. She underwent the procedure in mid-April.

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Laura Strobel Fross, ingrown toenail and hammertoes patient

A DIFFICULT JOURNEY

Jill Olecki, center, enjoys a sweet treat while surrounded by family and friends. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Krcmery)

New Luxury Ranch Homes

Selling at The Courtyards of Westfield

The time is now to say goodbye to climbing stairs and doing yard work like raking, edging, mulching and lawn mowing. Move into a new single-level home offering open, light-filled interiors and private, garden courtyards in a low-maintenance community that provides you with more time to do the things that matter most.

We invite you to drop by the community Welcome Center to experience everything this boutique community will feature. Surrounded by the best of Westfield, Carmel and Zionsville, you’ll have plenty of entertainment, dining, parks and sports destinations just minutes away. Don’t spend another day in an aging home that no longer fits your needs.

Live well every day in a new Epcon luxury ranch home that works for you now and for years to come.

Shoppers browse a vendor’s products during the Westfield Band Boosters Holiday Craft Show at Westfield High School Nov. 19. A total of 140 vendors selling candles, honey and other goods were present during the annual event, which also featured a pancake breakfast, live music, concessions and more. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

Local resident cashes in at poker tournament

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Noblesville man was among the winners who walked away with a cash prize during an annual poker tournament held last month by the Westfield Lions Club.

FUNDRAISER

Noblesville resident Victor Parra won $2,000 during the Lions Club’s annual Poker-for-Sight Texas Hold’em Tournament held Nov. 18-19 at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds 4-H building. Darlington resident Jake Outcelt won the top prize of $10,000, while Pendleton resident Josh Alford won $4,000 for his second-place finish. The tournament, which is held twice a year and drew 325 people last month, is part of the Westfield Lions Club’s efforts to raise money to donate to the community and is the largest poker tournament in the Midwest, according to the club. It has a guaranteed $25,000 purse with $10,000 paid

to the winner.

“This was one of the biggest in the club’s history,” said Mike Birk, chairman of this year’s tournament. “We want to thank each of our players and all the Lions that helped present this incredible event.”

For more on the Westfield Lions Club, visit westfieldlions.org.

The Westfield Lions Club’s Poker-for-Sight Texas Hold’em Tournament drew 325 competitors to the Hamilton County Fairgrounds Nov. 18-19 for the event, which helps raise money to donate back to the community. (Photos provided by Westfield Lions Club)

Darlington resident Jake Outcelt won the top prize of $10,000 during the Westfield Lions Club’s Poker-for-Sight Texas Hold’em tournament held Nov. 18-19 at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds.

Unwrap HUGE savings this holiday season!

by Lennar

FREE BONUS ROOM — UP TO $34,000 IN SAVINGS!*

The Central Collection has room to spare! It’s time for the greatest gift you could ever give yourself: a new home in a community that’s packed with things to do! This featured home has a bonus room with a full bedroom and full bath. Offer available on select to-be-built Central Collection homes (Brookville, Monroe and Shafer floorplans) and select Central Collection inventory homes when you sign a purchase agreement now through 12/31/22 and close.

This special offer makes the Osborne Trails lifestyle even more desirable.

Located at 193rd and Springmill 180 acres with proposed 3 miles of walking/biking trails An abundance of outdoor living with front and rear covered porches available Stunning clubhouse with soaring 2-story fireplace, lounge area, fitness area, pool and multiple gathering spaces Full schedule of fun-filled events and activities

Lennar reserves the right to change or withdraw any offer at any time. Age restrictions apply to the occupants/owners in this community as permitted under the Fair Housing Act. This means for some communities that a designated percentage of the homes in the community must be occupied by at least one person 55 years or older (80% or 100%, depending on the community). There may also be minimum age requirements for other residents in the home, and/or a certain number of younger residents permitted in the community. These communities publish and adhere to policies and procedures that demonstrate the intent to operate as age 55 or older housing, and comply with HUD’s rules for age verification of residents. In other communities, all residents must be age 62 years or older (with limited exceptions). You are encouraged to review community documents and disclosures for applicable restrictions before purchasing. Please consult with a Lennar New Home Consultant regarding any questions regarding this community’s age policies. Features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, and designs vary and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Items shown are artist’s renderings and may contain options that are not standard on all models or not included in the purchase price. Availability may vary. Plans to build out this neighborhood as proposed are subject to change without notice. Please see your New Home Consultant and/or home purchase agreement for actual features designated as an Everything’s Included feature. Sq. ft. and acreage are estimated; actual sq. ft. and acreage will differ. Garage/bay sizes may vary from home to home and may not accommodate or be accessible to all vehicles. Models/lifestyle photos do not reflect racial or ethnic preference. Scenes may be of locations or activities not on a Lennar property. All product and/or company names are trademarks TM or registered trademarks ® of their respective owners, and use of these marks does not imply any sponsorship, endorsement, support, or affiliation between the trademark owners and Lennar. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2022 Lennar Corporation. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Everything’s Included and the Everything’s Included logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. Date 12/22

DISPATCHES

Send us your stories and photos — Please email story suggestions on new businesses, interesting residents, upcoming events and photos to Current in Westfield Managing Editor Matthew Kent at matthew@ youarecurrent.com.

Riverview Health implements flu restrictions — Riverview Health has implemented flu restrictions because of an increase in cases. The hospital is implementing the following temporary restrictions:

• No visitors with influenza-like illness, fever or cough.

• No visitors under the age of 16, unless special arrangements are made.

• No visitors except immediate family, partner or significant other.

In a statement, the hospital said it will continue to monitor conditions and remove restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.

“As we work to provide a safe environment for our patients and staff, we apologize for any inconvenience this visitation restriction may cause,” said Brandy Hill, spokeswoman for Riverview Health.

Moritz named to BJU’s University Singers — Westfield resident Ashlyn Moritz has been named to Bob Jones University’s University Singers, the college’s largest choral organization. Moritz, a freshman majoring in political science, is a part of the choral program, which is a developmental program comprised of seven graded choirs, according to the university. Performances include concerts of standard choral literature, sacred service music, and the annual opera and oratorio performances.

Oakley receives scholarship — Westfield resident Dylan Oakley has been awarded the Class of 1943 scholarship at Manchester University. The Westfield High School graduate is a senior majoring in sport management at the North Manchester campus. Members of the Manchester Class of 1943 established the scholarship fund to assist worthy students at Manchester University as part of a desire to help prepare young men and women for vital leadership roles in today’s world, according to the university.

Ice skating tickets available — Tickets for the Ice at Carter Green in Carmel are on sale. The rink will be open through Feb. 26, 2023. Skate sessions last 90 minutes, unless noted on the skate session calendar. The cost per session on all days is $10 for adults and youth 11 and older, $8 for children 10 and younger. Learn more at theiceatcartergreen.com/tickets.

Nominations being accepted for Lantern Awards

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The Westfield Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for Lantern Awards, which honor outstanding residents and businesses in the community.

CHAMBER

The community event, which began in 1982, features an award ceremony from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 19, 2023, at Prairie Waters Event Center, 4180 Westfield Rd., Westfield, according to the chamber. Individual, industry, community, business and nonprofit awards will be presented during the event that recognizes work from 2022.

Individual awards include the following:

• Westfield Chamber Distinguished Service Award

• Westfield Citizen of the Year Award

• Community Volunteer Award of Distinction

• Westfield Young Professional of the Year/Westfield Young Professionals Hall of Fame

Industry awards include the following:

• Westfield Washington Schools Award of Distinction

• Healthcare Awards of Distinction

• First Responders Award of Distinction Community Awards include the following:

• Community Event of the Year Business and nonprofit awards include the following:

• Westfield Chamber Board of Directors Business of the Year Cup

• New Partner Award of Distinction

• Community Leadership Award of Distinction

Nominations can be made through Dec. 23 by visiting form.jotform.com/westfieldchamberindy/lanternawards2023 with separate forms required for each award category submission. A full description and criteria of each award category can be found on the website.

Tickets for the event are also available with individual tickets being $75 and reserved tables being $750. Tickets can be purchased by visiting bit.ly/3VCH23e.

For questions, email info@westfieldchamberindy.com or call the chamber office at 317-804-3030.

•

American Songbook Foundation

• Special musical performances by local talent

• Remarks from the Bicentennial Commission and dignitaries

• Attendees receive a goodie bag and limited-quantity commemorative item (upon availabilty)

Church accepting applications for free home repairs

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

CrossRoads Church at Westfield is accepting applications from Hamilton County residents for free home repairs that will be provided by high school students next summer.

CHARITY

The program is offered in partnership with Group Mission Trips, a youth mission organization based in Fort Collins, Colo., and will bring 300 high school students in June for a week to provide free home repairs for those in need. It is geared primarily toward older adults, veterans and any low-income families who live in the community and own their own homes, according to the church.

To be considered for repairs, residents must live in Westfield, Noblesville, Cicero, Tipton or Sheridan, according to the church.

“We want to help people stay in their homes for as long as possible,” said Eric Lohe, lead pastor of CrossRoads Church in Westfield. “During the week of June 19-23, 2023, 300 high school students from across

the country and their adult leaders will come to the Westfield community, live at Westfield Middle School, and go out in smaller groups of six people to serve in Westfield and the surrounding communities. They will serve at 35 to 45 home sites where each of those small groups will spend a week doing repairs for the people and families.”

Building or repairing wheelchair ramps, constructing decks, doing mobile home skirting and exterior and interior painting are being offered through the program. Applications, which are due by March 1, can be found at forourneighbor.life or by visiting bit.ly/3AdlYHY.

When applications are submitted, staff from CrossRoads Church at Westfield will assess needed repairs and determine if they have the skills and manpower to meet the need, according to the church. Not all those who apply will be guaranteed repairs because students may not have the skills to make the proper repairs, the church said.

In the summer of 2021, students and adults who participated in the program repaired 26 homes in local communities. For more, email forourneighborinfo@gmail.com or call Lohe at 317-402-6574.

DISPATCH

Event to benefit Miracle League of Westfield — A January event hosted by the Roundtripper Foundation in January will benefit the Miracle League of Westfield, which provides opportunities 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 https://westfieldml.leagueapps.com/

Hosted by Michael Feinstein, artistic director for the Center for Performing Arts and founder of the Great

CrossRoads Church at Westfield is currently accepting applications from individuals in need in Hamilton County for free home repairs that will be performed by 300 high school students next summer. Pictured are before-and-after photos of repairs that were previously made at a home by students who participated in the program. (Photo provided by CrossRoads Church at Westfield)

Lohe

Westfield Welcome made a $1,500 donation Nov. 29 to Family Promise of Hamilton County from this year’s Trick or Treating in the Plaza event at Grand Junction Plaza. Family Promise of Hamilton Coun ty helps transform the lives of families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. From left, Nancy Ramsey, executive director of Family Promise of Hamilton County, Chelsea McCarty, com munity events coordinator for Westfield Welcome, and Kayla Arnold, director of Westfield Welcome display a replica check. (Photo courtesy of Kayla Arnold)

NHS sophomore basketball player develops into ‘stat stuffer’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville High School sophomore Meredith Tippner has had a memorable calendar year.

She has already been a part of state championships in soccer and basketball and now is off to a strong start in the 2022-23 basketball season. In games through Dec. 3, the 5-foot-10 Tippner was averaging 16 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 2.6 assists for the Millers, who were 7-2 during that span.

“Meredith has been awesome for us this season,” Millers coach Donna Buckley said. “She is a stat stuffer. She scores, rebounds, defends and has the ability to impact the game in so many ways. She is an unbelievable talent and an even better kid.”

Tippner said her biggest improvement has been rebounding, inside post presence and using her body to establish position.

Noblesville captured the IHSAA Class 4A girls state title in February. Prior to this

MEET MEREDITH TIPPNER

Favorite athlete: Steph Curry

Ideal vacation spot: Florida

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite TV show: “All American”

school year, Ashlynn Shade, who has signed with the University of Connecticut, transferred to La Lumiere, a prep school in La Porte.

“Ash cannot easily be replaced,” Tippner said. “But I think the best way we replace her contributions is as a team. We all need to score more efficiently than last year, rebound more and defend at a high level. I

have been focused on trying to make the best decisions for my team. I feel like that’s what we all need to focus on in order to make another run. A better decision, a deflection, an extra pass, these are the things that make winning teams.”

Tippner already has collegiate basket-

ball offers from Ball State University, the University at Buffalo, Butler University, the University of Evansville, Purdue University Fort Wayne, the University of San Francisco and the University of Toledo.

In soccer, Tippner scored 15 goals for Noblesville’s girls team, which captured the IHSAA Class 3A state title Oct. 29 at Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis.

Tippner loves both sports, but basketball is her favorite because she said she is always in a position to make a contribution.

“With a soccer field being so large in comparison, the action may be 40 yards away,” Tippner said. “But in basketball, I’m always just feet away from making a difference, even if it’s just getting into a passing lane, bumping a cutter, or taking a charge.”

Tippner said one sport helps the other with vision, explosion, judging speed and direction of teammates and opponents and making something a player could do on their own easier by combining with a teammate.

“Both sports are actually very similar as far as what it takes to win,” she said.

Tippner said being part of two state championships was exciting.

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.

”

R., Goodman Campbell Patient

Jay

Noblesville basketball player Meredith Tippner prepares to shoot a free throw. (Photo courtesy of Matt Tippner)

Tippner

CARMEL

Project: Roundabout, multiuse path construction

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

is expected to be completed by the end of November according to the 37 Thrive website.

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

NOBLESVILLE & NORTH

Project:

Pleasant Street

Location: 1.1 miles west of River Road to 10th Street and includes work by Hamilton County for a bridge to be built over the White River.

Expected completion: End of 2024

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 this month with closures planned in the spring to complete the project.

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.

Expected completion: The road is expected to reopen in January 2023.

Project: Storm water work

Location: Along 116th Street and Washington Boulevard near the intersection with Pennsylvania Street. Closures are not expected, but lane restrictions may be in place.

Expected completion: December

FISHERS

Project: Interchange construction on 146th street.

Location: The intersection of Ind. 37 and 146th Street. Best detour is bypassing 146th street by taking 141st street.

Expected completion: The updated completion date on the 37 Thrives construction website claims expected completion of the State Road 37 Improvement project is set for May 2023. The 146th street interchange construction

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.

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 construction of a new roundabout at the intersection 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

Project:

ZIONSVILLE

I-65 reconstruction and widening

Location: INDOT is reconstructing and widening I-65 from north of Ind. 32 to north of Ind. 47 in Boone County. The project will add one lane in each direction and reconfigure the I-65 and Lafayette Avenue interchange near Lebanon.

Construction began in March 2021 and will continue until late this year. INDOT also is considering a new exit on I-65 at West County Road 300 North, although a timeline and financial details haven’t been made public.

Expected completion: The added lane and reconfiguration will be complete late this year. A timeline for the new exit hasn’t been announced.

Annual Westfield in Lights event draws hundreds of people to Grand Junction Plaza

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

It was a dream come true.

Those were the words spoken by Westfield Mayor Andy Cook following the lighting of a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree Dec. 3 at Grand Junction Plaza during the Westfield in Lights event that drew an estimated 500 to 600 people. It was the first time the event was held at Grand Junction Plaza since the park opened last December and featured more than 30 vendors, games, caricature artists, llamas and more.

The Westfield Middle School choir performed a variety of familiar holiday songs, including “Silent Night,” for attendees spread out across the lawn as an unlit Christmas tree stood as a backdrop. Westfield in Lights wasn’t just about lighting a Christmas tree, however, as Santa Claus also made an appearance on a Westfield Fire Dept. firetruck that drew plenty of excitement from children in attendance.

Cook took a moment to remind attendees that while the city was waiting a while for the tree lighting event, it was important to remember the significance of the season.

“Let me remind you of this,” he said. “Let’s not forget what the season is all about, OK? it’s about the birth of Jesus Christ, it’s about peace and goodwill for all mankind, and, yes, it’s about presents and it’s about lights and it’s about Christmas trees, isn’t it?”

Cook said that the annual event being held in Grand Junction Plaza was particularly significant.

“We’ve been dreaming of this location for

over 15 years and we’re finally here (in this) beautiful, beautiful location,” he said, drawing cheers from the crowd. “Our dream was to have a place where families can gather and make memories and to do the tradition of Christmas and other events for years and years to come, and this is where it’s going to happen.”

Cook thanked Kayla Arnold, director of Westfield Welcome, and her staff for putting together Westfield in Lights and other events that happen throughout the year. Cook was joined on stage by two of his grandchildren, Oliver and River Andrew, before counting down from 5 to mark the occasion of the tree lighting.

Cook said after the tree lighting that it’s been a dream for 15 years to have a central location where people can gather. He also recognized the hundreds of people in attendance, saying it represented several things and that having Westfield in Lights in Grand Junction Plaza was special.

“This is a culmination of a dream from years and years ago,” Cook said. “It’s all about Christmas, it’s about the holiday season, it’s about the family values that Westfield represents.”

Arnold thanked the community for its support.

“It’s incredible. To stand up on the

stage and see the lawn full of people has been a dream all year,” she said. “I’m at a loss for words, quite honestly.”

Arnold also said that families have continued to make Westfield in Lights an annual tradition, especially as their families continue to grow.

“It’s been fun to see that progression and it’s such a blessing,” Arnold said.

For residents such as Megan Brink, Westfield in Lights was a good way for her family to spend time together as her daughter, Molly, was among the students performing with the Westfield Middle School choir. Molly Brink said it was exciting to perform for the crowd.

“It’s just nice to do it in such a beautiful place, too, with the tree and giant stage, and it was really fun,” she said.

BY THE NUMBERS

500-600

Estimated number of people in attendance

Number of vendors 35

Height, in feet, for Christmas tree in Grand Junction Plaza 30

A lit-up Christmas tree is seen in Grand Junction Plaza during Westfield in Lights Dec. 3. The event drew an estimated 500 to 600 people and marked the first time it was held at the park since it opened a year ago.

A lit-up Christmas tree is seen in Grand Junction Plaza during Westfield in Lights Dec. 3. The event drew an estimated 500 to 600 people and marked the first time it was held at the park since it opened a year ago.

ON THE COVER: Westfield Mayor Andy Cook, left, speaks to the crowd during Westfield in Lights Dec. 3 at Grand Junction Plaza. The event drew an estimated 500 to 600 people and marked the first time it was held at the park since it opened a year ago. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

Members of the Westfield Middle School choir perform during Westfield in Lights Dec. 3 at Grand Junction Plaza. (Photos by Matthew Kent)

ESSAY

’Tis the season

Commentary by Terry Anker

Among the many blessings of aging is that along with the extra pounds and fine lines comes a considerable amount of perspective. Although a few of us get a bit crankier as our bones begin to creak, there are just as many that come to better understand the difference between the truly unacceptable and the merely inconvenient. Life is long, and much learning occurs. Things that we found to be beyond the pale in the rigid certainty of ignorant youth come to light with greater nuance as we travel through life. The “I will nevers” of a teenager become the “I can understand whys, even tolerate” of a fully developed adult.

Despite social media, politics and the 24-hour news cycle, this is a season to pull together. What does it really matter if Aunt Jane disagrees with us on the genesis of the pandemic if she makes killer sweet potato pie? And even if Uncle Mitchell demands that we defund this or that, he still used to attend all of our childhood softball games, cheering the loudest.

If Ecclesiastes has it right and “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven,” why can’t this be a season of acceptance? If we are so certain in our position or simply too immature to get over ourselves, can’t we just overlook the disagreement and seek to find commonality for a few short weeks? With the cold, gray days of February, we can return to disliking each other again. But maybe, just maybe, we will have realized that it all didn’t really matter as much as we thought. Grandma only had one brother, and it would make her very happy to know that he came over for dinner — even if he is a Patriots fan!

CURRENTOON

Slept in heavenly peace

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Friends, you’ll never believe what happened this weekend. No, I didn’t win the Powerball, but it was like hitting the lottery in some ways. I slept through the night! I know, a true Christmas miracle.

Prior to having children, I could sleep eight hours without even turning over. Solid, deep, delicious ZZZs almost every single night. I’d awake rested, energized and generally in good spirits. Pregnancy changed all that, what with raging hormones and an ever-growing belly that made staying in bed for more than 120 minutes a pipe dream. Then of course, once the rugrats arrived, my time became their time. Feedings, diapers, bad dreams, sudden coughing and the random thunderstorm all colluded with my little ones to ensure I never reached REM sleep.

The tween and teen years were no better, as my kids became independent creatures of the dark. I’d jolt awake to a toilet flush or a microwave beep, possibly a poorly concealed guffaw. And once they started driving, it was always the post-curfew garage door opening that thrashed my hopes of uninterrupted slumber.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK POLICIES

is an

of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@ youarecurrent.com.

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

And despite being an empty nester now, I still generally wake up two to three times. Basically, the combination of motherhood and middle age has made me a perennial light sleeper with superhuman hearing and little bladder control. Go figure.

Which is why I am rejoicing this morning. I went to bed at 9 p.m. and can’t remember seeing the clock until 5 a.m. What? I had to confirm this tremendous feat with my husband because I simply couldn’t believe it. My sleeping through the night?

Peace out.

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

Terry Anker

associate editor

“Never

Have time for a fob story?

Kevin asked where my spare fob was, and I told him it had been missing for several weeks.

HUMOR

This kind of thing could only happen to me (in a way, that’s good, because if things like this happened to you, you’d have your own humor column).

The other day as I got into my car and pressed the button to start the engine, it fired up as usual. But wait: My key fob was not hanging on its little knob where I always put it.

I went inside the house, and sure enough, there it was on the table. How could my car start without the fob? It was way out of range. It meant anyone could get in my car and drive off.

I was on my way to visit my friend, Bob. I said to him, “My car started this morning, but it wasn’t supposed to.”

“Were you out of gas?” “No, my car is not supposed to start without the fob inside.”

“Your fob was not inside?”

“Yes, it was inside — inside the house.”

Bob was no help. He reminded me that a month ago I drove around with my cellphone on the hood of the car, so this didn’t surprise him. He suggested I go to the dealership.

I headed over and spoke with my service advisor, Kevin.

“You have great technicians, right?” I said. “Only the best, Dick. What’s wrong?”

“My problem is that my car started.”

“Hmmm. In 25 years, that’s the oddest complaint I’ve ever heard.”

“BingoI It must be somewhere in your car,” he said, “Go home and look for it. I have people waiting with serious powertrain issues. I can’t help you now.”

Back in my driveway, I looked for it under the seats, between the seats, under the floor mats. The problem was the fob is black, the seats are black, and the carpet is black. Looking for it in the daylight was not working, so I waited until it was dark out and used a flashlight. Mary Ellen came outside and found me on my knees searching the car. I explained what happened.

“Do you want me to call it?” she asked.

“Jeesh, it’s a fob Mary Ellen, not a cellphone.”

I finally found it, lodged on the track that the seat slides back and forth on. I put the extra key in a safe place, and I felt relieved.

By the way, I’m not the only one in my family who loses things. The next evening, Mary Ellen said she wanted to prepare a holiday dessert ahead of time and couldn’t find our electric mixer that we keep in the basement.

I told her not to worry, that I’d give it a call first thing in the morning.

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

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

“Bob was no help. He reminded me that a month ago I drove around with my cellphone on the hood of the car, so this didn’t surprise him.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Local man launches electrical contracting business

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Trevor Agre moved to Cicero from Southern California in 2021 with a dream of owning a business. In June of this year, that dream came true.

ENTREPRENUERSHIP

Agre is a licensed electrician who owns and manages A5 Electric, a residential and commercial electrical contracting business based in Cicero that provides services to the greater area of central Indiana.

Agre has been in the industry for 21 years and used his experience to create his own company.

“I was born and raised in Southern California,” Agre said. “My family and I moved to Cicero because we saw opportunities here that we didn’t have in California. While working in construction as a laborer, I saw the benefits of a skilled tradesman and decided being an electrician was a great fit for me. So, I joined the (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and did a fiveyear apprenticeship in Los Angeles.”

A5 Electric, named for Agre’s family of five, offers services from full-service upgrades, whole home re-wires, outlet upgrades and light fixture installations. If it needs electricity, Agre said, A5 Electric can install or fix it.

Agre became a journeyman electrician in 2009. From there, he “worked (his) way up” through the management side of the trade to become a general foreman. Agre oversaw projects with a budget of $500,000 to $15 million in electrical work. He said hose projects prepared him to operate his own electrical contractor business.

A5 Electric officially started business in

late June 2022. Agre set out to specialize in residential, commercial and tenant improvement construction. So far, he said business is going well thanks to the support of the community.

“Business is doing very well,” Agre said. “I never expected to have the support of my community as fast as I have earned it, but I pride myself on quality installation and practices. I feel that has a lot to do with my success.”

Agre looks forward to what the future holds for A5 Electric. His goal, he said, is to grow his team.

“I hope to keep growing my business to the point where I have several employees,” Agre said. “I want to help train up future generations in the construction and electrical trade. As this is a family business, I hope to hand over the company to my three boys when they are old enough.”

For more about A5 Electric, call 317-982-1587.

DISPATCHES

Stocks benefit from cancer test breakthroughs — Molecular diagnostic firms are developing innovative blood tests that can detect many forms of cancer, some even at the earliest stages before cancerous cells mass together. Over the next decade, the diagnostics market is expected to soar to more than $50 billion annually. Three promising companies are:

Exact Sciences (EXAS) had nearly $900 million in total revenues last year, mostly from two products — Cologuard and Oncotype Dx,

a genomic test that can predict which women with early-stage breast cancer will not benefit from chemotherapy.

Guardant Health (GH) makes liquid biopsy kits that test for mutations in the tumors of advanced cancer patients to enable proper therapy selection.

Natera (NTRA) tests monitor for relapses in breast and lung cancer and can identify recurrent tumors months before traditional methods such as CT scans.

Source: BottomLineInc

Trevor Agre, owner of A5 Electric, and his family moved to Indiana from California to start the electric company. (Photo courtesy of Trevor Agre.)

Donut 5K set for Christmas Eve

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Donut 5K run will be a little different this year, since it will take place on Christmas Eve.

DISPATCHES

EVENT

“We’ve always been the Saturday before Christmas, unless Christmas falls on a Saturday,” said Todd Oliver, the president and race director for Carmel Road Racing Group. “This is the first time for the race that Christmas Eve has fallen on a Saturday, and we’re really excited about it.

The race, billed as the “The Sweetest Race in Indiana,” is set for 9 a.m. Dec. 24, starting at the Carmel Racquet Club. Jack’s Donuts will provide treats on the course and at the finish line.

“Before we moved to Carmel, we were downtown at the NCAA (Headquarters),” he said. “When the NCAA was the host venue, the race was always held the third Saturday in December. We switched to the Saturday before Christmas when we made our partnership with the Carmel Racquet Club. We were at the Monon Center for three years and we outgrew the Monon Center, and we went to the Carmel Racquet Club in 2017.”

The 2020 run was held in downtown Indianapolis because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is the first time we’ve offered four animal rescues to be the beneficiaries,” Oliver said. “We’ve had three in the past, but we are expanding it to four because of the popularity of the connection of benefiting the animal rescues.”

The 5K is limited to 2,000 people, and Oliver said it is on pace to sell out again. Oliver said the cap is to ensure everyone receives a medal, shirt and the famous Donut Me stocking hat.

Oliver said because the event is on Christmas Eve, large groups and families are registering together. With Thanksgiving being such a popular day for families to run

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together, race organizers figured Christmas Eve might be as well.

Packet pickup and a post-race party will be indoors on the courts of the Carmel Racquet Club.

There will be a cash prize for the top three male and female finishers.

“It’s considered one of the fastest 5Ks in the state,” Oliver said. “The reason for it is we have a lot of former collegiate and professional runners who come home for the holidays.”

Since many participants walk with their dogs, there is a costume contest for the dogs. There also are awards for fastest and biggest dog.

To register, visit donut5krun.com.

Basil, the anti-aging herb — There are more than 40 varieties of basil, but new research is showing Indian basil has anti-aging properties and is used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including stress, heart and respiratory problems, diabetes, digestive and skin disorders, inflammation and pain. The traditional method is to boil fresh leaves and water until the water reduces to half. Then you can either drink the resulting tea or eat the crushed herb when it cools. However, since it is difficult to find the fresh leaves in the U.S., dried Indian basil may be easier to find.

Source: Bottom Line Inc.

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

Source: BottomLineHealth.com

Runners participate in a previous Donut 5K. (Photo courtesy of Todd Oliver)

currentnightandday.com

Irish Christmas music coming to the Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Celtic Woman violinist Tara McNeil views the group’s Christmas Symphony Tour as special.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

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

‘A

CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL’

CONCERT

“It’s a very different show than our spring tour,” McNeil said. “We get to perform with these incredible orchestras around the states. Every city has incredible musicians we get to share the stage with. It’s such an honor, especially for me because I’m from a classical background. As a violinist, I performed with orchestras at the start of my professional career. It’s special to make music with these people who have given their lives to it from a very young age.”

The “Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony Tour” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

The 16-show tour, which began Dec. 2, ends Dec. 22 in Waterloo, N.Y.

“It’s been three years since we were last out on our Christmas tour (because of the COVID-19 pandemic),” McNeil said. “We missed it because I had got used to it being part of my Christmas routine. We are very grateful to be back. The Christmas music is always so much fun and everyone is in great spirits, especially the audiences.”

McNeil said the show begins with “Ding Dong Merrily On High,” a very energetic number.

The group will perform songs from their new EP, “Christmas Cards from Ireland.”

“We have songs that have never been performed that we are doing on this Christmas tour,” she said.

The songs include “The Toys’ Waltz” and “I Saw Three Ships.”

The concert includes new arrangements of “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night.”

“It’s going to be great to perform them,” McNeil said.

There are traditional Celtic Woman songs such as “Danny Boy” and “Amazing Grace.”

“Even though it’s not Christmas music, I don’t think it would be a Celtic Woman show without those two,” McNeil said. “We

wanted to include them, otherwise people might be kicking up a fuss.”

Celtic Woman formed in 2004. McNeil joined the group in 2016 and is now the longest-running member.

Hannah Traynor is making her first tour with Celtic Woman. Murgen O’ Mahony is making her first Symphony Tour.

McNeil replaced Mairead Nesbitt, the only other violinist for Celtic Woman. Nesbitt left to pursue solo projects.

“Celtic Woman is a combination of Irish traditional music,” McNeil said. “It brings in classical musical elements and brings in musical theater. It’s always been the platform for Irish women to perform and showcase their talents across the world. It’s always been made to be this platform for us. It’s always been about the music, and the music is the priority. We’re trying

to give a little piece of Ireland and our history. I think it will continue, and I hope it does for a long time.”

The group performs nearly 90 shows in the spring in North America. Typically, it tours Europe and China in the fall, but the pandemic has curtailed that the last three years.

“With our big 20th anniversary coming up (in 2024), I’m hoping we can do a worldwide tour,” McNeil said. “I feel very lucky to be part of Celtic Woman. I admired the women who were in the group before me. I wanted to find a way to showcase my talents. I feel lucky with these talented singers. They are some of the closest friends in my life.”

For tickets, visit thecenterpresents. org. For more, visit celticwoman.com.

Civic Theatre presents “A Christmas Story, The Musical” through Dec. 24 at The Tarkington 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 Theater, 9740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis. For more, visit mudcreekplayers.org.

‘UH-OH, HERE COMES CHRISTMAS’

Carmel Community Players will present “UhOh, Here Comes Christmas” through Dec. 18 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘MICHAEL BOLTON: GREATEST HITS & HOLIDAY FAVORITES’

‘‘Michael Bolton: Greatest Hits & Holiday Favorites’’ concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘GLORIA’

The Indianapolis Children’s Choir will have four performances of “Gloria” from Dec. 1618 at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. For more, visit icchoir.org.

‘FESTIVAL OF CAROLS’

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s “Festival of Carols will present concerts at 8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 3 p.m. Dec. 17-18 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Vocal groups get Songbook honors — The Great American Songbook Foundation has selected three acclaimed vocal groups as its 2022 Songbook Hall of Fame inductees. The Lennon Sisters, The Manhattan Transfer and Straight No Chaser took part in a video induction ceremony and will be honored throughout the coming year with programming.

From left, Celtic Woman members Hannah Traynor, Murgen O’ Mahony, Megan Walsh and Tara McNeil will perform Dec. 15 at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Celtic Woman)

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY BENJ PASEK AND JUSTIN PAUL 12/2-12/24 ACS Ad for The Current.indd 1 11/10/2022 1:33:07 PM

Ballet plans Christmas show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville-based En Pointe Indiana Ballet’s Christmas show presents a true contrast between acts.

DANCE

“It’s inspired by Smuin Contemporary Ballet company in San Francisco, which is the last company I danced for,” said Robert Moore, who is En Pointe co-artistic director with his wife, Pollyanna Ribeiro. “The first act is classic Christmas, and the second act is cool Christmas. The first act is all classical ballet. It’s religious classical music and it’s all in white. The second act is more jazz inspired. It’s all in red and it’s done to the more popular Christmas music that we know today.”

“An En Pointe Christmas” is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at Noblesville High School.

The nine-minute finale is a rendition of Boston Pops’ “12 Days of Christmas.”

There are 109 dancers in the school. The ages range from 3 to 20.

“The talent is better than ever,” Moore said. “We have a pre-professional day program, and they dance almost 40 hours a

Noblesville residents Joseph Moore and Bella GoMillion will perform in “An En Pointe Christmas.” (Photo courtesy of En Pointe Indiana Ballet)

week. There are 23 of them dancing in the show and the age range is 14 to 20. They are all pursuing professional careers. I’m proud of the school and the talent we’ve been able to cultivate.”

Moore said the Christmas show is constantly evolving.

“We bring back some of the favorites we do each year,” Moore said.

For more, visit enpointeindiana.com.

‘Festival of Carols’ concerts set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jim Toombs has watched as the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s “Festival of Carols” has come a long way. The Carmel resident said when he first started singing with the group, “Festival of Carols” was held in a local church.

“We were hoping that two/thirds or maybe the whole congregation was there,” Toombs said. “Nowadays there are usually three soldout performances at the Palladium with a full orchestra.”

“Festival of Carols” is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 3 p.m. Dec. 17-18 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The ISC will perform the “Festival of Carols” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University’s campus in Indianapolis

There you can spread out.”

Toombs, a tenor 2, has been a member for 27 years. He is a Steffen singer, which means he has been in the choir for more than 20 years. The honor is named after ISC founding conductor Elmer Steffen.

“The organization has really grown,” Toombs said. “We’ve been to Carnegie Hall several times. We’ve been invited to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In 2010, we went to China to sing in the Beijing Concert Hall.”

Toombs

The artistic director is Eric Stark, the director of choral activities at Butler.

“He is amazing,” Toombs said. “The quality of the performances are great. We’ve developed relationships with other music organizations.”

There are approximately 150 ISC members.

“The Palladium is such a wonderful facility to sing in,” Toombs said. “It’s easy to hear and easy to see. Some places you get stuck on these risers and your elbow to elbow.

A 1976 Carmel High School graduate, Toombs was a member of the Ambassadors, the mixed show choir, and played clarinet in the marching band at CHS. He is a deputy prosecutor with Hancock County.

For more, visit indychoir.org.

CHOIR

ICC set for ‘Gloria’ concerts

By Mike Beas editorial@youarecurrent.com

It could be said that Joshua Pedde saw the light when contemplating options for

p.m. Dec. 17.

The final “Gloria” will be presented at 4 p.m. Dec. 18.

As a result, the Indianapolis Children’s Choir’s “Gloria” will be performed four times from Dec. 16-18 at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis.

“Every year we look for a new theme of what our Christmas show should be,” said Pedde, a Carmel resident who is in his seventh year as the artistic director

the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. “The word ‘Gloria’ just kept coming up, and when I looked at the definition, it’s the abundance of light.

“As we continue to find our way out of the pandemic, it’s how we are coming back together, that sense of joy that we experience during the holiday season.”

The Dec. 16 performance of “Gloria” starts at 7 p.m., followed by shows at 3 p.m. and 7

Indianapolis Children’s Choir is comprised of 600 kids ranging in age from kindergarten through 12th grade. The afternoon shows will feature 400 singers, with 200 taking part in the lone evening performance.

In every performance, the choir will be accompanied by a 15-piece chamber orchestra.

Performance pieces include “We Need A Little Christmas,” “What Child is This?” and “A Tribute to Carols.”

All performances will be inside the church’s main sanctuary.

“I think the joy that I see, not only from the audience, but from the singers, is absolutely wonderful,” Pedde said. “I think it goes back to me having wonderful teachers, so to be able to do that for other students is just a great blessing.”

For more or to purchase tickets, visit icchoir.org or call 317-940-9640 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Christmas Eve, December 24

Young Family Service - 11:00 am Songs and Story, followed by Outdoor Petting Zoo

Family Service - 4:00 pm Pageant, Carols, Communion

Traditional Candlelight Service - 8:00 p.m. Communion, Choir and Brass

Christmas Day, December 25 - 9:00 am Contemplative Service with Communion

St. Christopher's Episcopal Church 1401 West Main Street Carmel, IN 46032 stchriscarmel.org

By Mike Beas editorial@youarecurrent.com

Growing up just south of Milwaukee in the city of Oak Creek, Wis., Lauren Nasci was barely past her second birthday when she was introduced to the world of ballet.

DANCE

Now 30, her passion for this approach to performance dance has only increased.

Nasci, a 2014 Butler University graduate who is a founder and community outreach director of Ballet INitiative, will take part in the upcoming productions of “Nutcracker with a Twist,” set for Dec. 16-18 at the Basile Theater at the Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis.

Naturally, the question the Carmel resident receives most frequently centers on the so-called twist in the title of the holiday favorite.

“Our twist is that our first scene is set in the 1920s with Duke Ellington’s version of Tchaikovsky’s scores,” Nasci said. “Most ‘Nutcrackers’ are the classic Tchaikovsky score. We do use the classic score in our second act, so we do have a little mix of both.

“We wanted to have a fresh take to ‘The Nutcracker.’”

The Dec. 16-17 shows are at 7:30 p.m.; the Dec. 18 presentation begins at 2 p.m.

The show lasts between 1 hour, 45 minutes, to two hours, with a 15-minute intermission.

Adult tickets are $35 and can be purchased at balletinitiative.org. Tickets are $20 for those 13 and younger.

Ballet INitiative dancers will perform “Nutcracker with a Twist,” at Dec. 16-18 at The Basile Theater at the Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis. (Photo courtesy of Ballet INitiative)

a potential theme to upcoming Christmas shows.

for

MUSIC

Pedde

Where’s Amy?

Where’s Amy attends ‘A Christmas Story’

BEHIND BARS: THE WHISTLER

The Whistler is a tart and refreshing cocktail featuring Hiatus blanco tequila, elderflower, grapefruit soda, lime.

To see a video of this drink being mixed, scan this QR code.

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

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

From left, Brittany Hersey (Zionsville), Dawn Passafiume (Carmel), Susan Edel (Carmel), Abbey Edel Price (Carmel) and Katie Edel (Carmel) pause with a prop of “Ralphie” attended Civic Theatre’s Dec. 2 opening night of “A Christmas Story, The Musical” at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. This family-friendly musical is sensational. Do not miss it. The feel-good holiday classic runs until Dec. 24. For more, visit Civictheatre.org or call 317-843-3800. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

Sometimes, a little refresh is all a room needs to give it an entirely new look and feel. That was exactly the case with this Meridian-Kessler home. The previously-updated kitchen needed a style upgrade to transform the room into a brighter, more modern gathering space.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Zellige hex tile was used to transform the backsplash, providing a subtle yet vibrant pop of color, reflective of the homeowner’s style.

• Granite countertops were replaced with quartz for a more durable work surface with less maintenance and a more seamless, sleek appearance.

• Brass hardware was added to the existing cabinets, giving them an instant upgrade that blends classic warmth with modern style.

• New floating wood shelves provide additional storage and display space, with a rich chestnut stain that adds dimension to the bright space.

• The existing sink was replaced with a farmhouse sink, including a built-in soap dispenser and a goose-neck faucet that provides a more contemporary look.

Commentary by Larry Greene

‘Gaslighting’ is Word of the Year

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

The folks over at Merriam-Webster are at it again. They are claiming that the Word of the Year 2022 is “gaslighting.” That is so typical of them. They can believe that if they want to, I guess.

a personal or political context, it is a way to manipulate someone into questioning their reality. This form of psychological manipulation ranges from mean and selfish to downright cruel and malevolent.

GRAMMAR GUY

According to their version of reality, Merriam-Webster defines gaslighting as “the act or practice of grossly misleading someone, especially for one’s own advantage.” That may be true for them, but I heard they’re all off their rockers.

If you haven’t picked up on it yet, ol’ Grammar Guy has been employing gaslighting in the first two paragraphs of this column. My passive-aggressive, flippant, subjective treatment of truth makes it sound like Merriam-Webster is full of morons, and I’m actually a better judge of words than they are.

Although gaslighting can be thrown around as a catch-all buzzword for being untruthful or generally passive-aggressive, it has a more nuanced, precise function. Whether you see gaslighting in

The term “gaslighting” comes from a 1938 play called “Gas Light” by British novelist and playwright Patrick Hamilton. In the play, a man tries to convince his wife that she is becoming insane. He blames her for the belongings disappearing, although he is secretly hiding them.

Additionally, the husband is searching for some hidden jewels in the attic late at night. As he turns on the gas-fueled lights in the attic, the lights in the rest of the house dim. The husband convinces his wife that she is merely imagining things.

“Gas Light” was adapted into a 1944 film called “Gaslight.” I find it interesting that the term quickly evolved into a verb.

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

Visiting the Chicago River and historic Navy Pier

Commentary by Don Knebel

Chicago has many excellent places to visit, any one of them justifying a trip to the nation’s third-most populous city. Today, we visit two of them — Navy Pier and the Chicago River for an architectural tour.

TRAVEL

Navy Pier is Chicago’s second-most visited site (after Millennium Park), drawing about 9 million visitors each year. The pier, extending 3,300 feet into Lake Michigan, opened in 1916 as both a dock for ships carrying freight and passengers and a waterfront recreation site. Originally known as Municipal Pier, it became Navy Pier in 1927 in honor of Chicago’s World War I veterans. The name became literal during World War II, when the United States Navy used the pier as a training center, employing about 10,000 people on its 50 acres.

After the war, use of the pier for shipping declined and it was reimagined, opening to the public in 1995 as a place for dining, relaxation and entertainment. Among its most popular attractions today are the Chicago Children’s Museum, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, a botanical garden, a large Ferris wheel and a drop tower. A variety of tour boats leave from Navy Pier, some offering dinner cruises.

The most popular cruises, departing from both Navy Pier and near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, tour the Chicago River and explore the city’s history and unique architecture. Probably the most informative of these tours is run by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. The 90-minute tour includes a description of 50 landmark buildings visible from the river, including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Marina Towers, the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and the Montgomery Ward Complex.

Knowledgeable guides explain how the flow of the Chicago River was reversed to keep sewage from flowing into Lake Michigan and how some of the buildings along the river are perched above rail lines.

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Navy Pier in Chicago at night. (Photo by Don Knebel)

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

The Chicago River in downtown Chicago.

A view of Chicago from the Chicago River.

Rides at Navy Pier.

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