Contact the editor:
Have a news tip? Want to submit a calendar event? Have a photograph to share?
Contact Managing Editor Matthew Kent at matthew@youarecurrent. com or call 317.489.4444 ext. 804. You may also submit information on our website, currentinwestfield.com.
Remember our news deadline is typically eight days prior to publication.
News tips/story ideas: stories@youarecurrent.com
Letters to the editor/ guest columns: letters@youarecurrent.com
West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd
Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com
If you’re interested in reaching virtually 100 percent of the Westfield market (13,420 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent (subject: Westfield advertising) or by calling 317.847.5022.
Obituaries: obits@youarecurrent.com
Legal advertising: legals@youarecurrent.com
Delivery questions: circulation@youarecurrent.com
By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com
Join our community: www.facebook.com/currentinwestfield www.twitter.com/CI_Westfield instagram.com/currentpublishing
Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Westfield, IN Vol. XV, No. 48
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.
The Westfield Police Dept. has determined that a report of a possible attempted abduction of a boy off his bike in early December was “unfounded” after authorities investigated the matter.
Police said Dec. 7 that they were investigating a possible attempted abduction after a boy reported he was riding his bike near the 700 block of Burgess Hill Pass when an unknown male approached and grabbed his arm. Authorities, who had initially provided a description of the alleged individual and vehicle he was believed to have been driving, sought video footage from residents in the
Maple Knoll addition.
However, police said Dec. 14 that it had obtained several videos from the neighborhood and had not been able to locate any footage that showed the suspect and/or vehicle in question, according to its Facebook page. Two days later, authorities provided another update regarding the alleged incident.
“After an extensive and thorough investigation, it was determined that this event was unfounded. There is no threat to the community. The Westfield Police Department thank the community for their vigilance and tips.”
Authorities confirmed that there have been no other reports of attempted abductions in Westfield other than the one that was reported.
Hamilton County Coroner John Chalfin’s final day in his position is Dec. 31 because of term limits.
By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.comThe Hamilton County Health Dept. has announced that it plans to end COVID-19 testing at its Noblesville office.
Testing will cease at the Noblesville office, 18030 Foundation Dr., Suite A, on Dec. 29, officials said. Residents are asked to call 211 or visit coronavirus.in.gov for other testing sites after that date.
According to the health department’s Facebook page, the agency is encouraging residents to pick up free in-home tests while supplies last.
PUBLIC SERVICEChalfin, who was first hired as a part-time deputy for the coroner’s office in 2008, won the first of his two elections in 2014. Coroners are limited to two four-year terms in Indiana.
“It’s been an honor to serve the people of Hamilton County and help them in some of their darkest hours,” Chalfin said.
Chalfin and his team investigate nearly a quarter of the county’s deaths and are responsible for tending to suspicious and unattended deaths, primarily homicides, suicides, and accidental deaths, according to a news release.
“We owe it to people to treat their loved ones with dignity. Anything we can do to provide them with more comfort and decency, we want to do,” Chalfin said.
Chalfin said under his tenure, he has done his best to keep pace with Hamilton County’s growth. The department’s caseload has increased 200 percent in the past decade from 200 cases a year to more than 600 cases a year, according to the coroner’s office.
But Chalfin said his proudest moment was overseeing the building of a new morgue in 2018.
“If we hadn’t built the morgue when we did, we would have been sunk, especially when COVID hit,” Chalfin said. “I’m also proud of our new office space, our increased manpower and the fact that we now have vehicles that allow us to do our own transport.”
Chalfin, who will be 79 in March, has no plans to slow down. He plans to attend either auctioneering or apply to law school, he said.
“I certainly won’t miss being on call 24/7, but I still want to do something that allows me to give back,” he said. “I feel as long as I’m alive, it’s my God-bound duty to do something to make the world a better place.”
Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control expanded the use of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months to age 5. Children in that age range who previously completed a Moderna primary series are eligible to receive a Moderna bivalent booster two months after their final primary series dose, according to the CDC.
Children 6 months through age 4 who are currently completing a Pfizer primary series will receive a Pfizer bivalent vaccine as their third primary dose, officials said.
“Updated COVID-19 vaccines are formulated to protect against some of the more recently circulating viruses,” CDC officials said in a statement. “Most importantly, COVID-19 vaccines are critical to providing ongoing protection as immunity wanes and the virus continues to mutate.”
The federal agency also said that parents should talk to their child’s healthcare provider to ensure that their child is up to date on their COVID-19 and other vaccines.
By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com
The chief financial officer for Westfield Washington Schools has announced plans to run for a seat on the Westfield City Council.
Brian Tomamichel, who serves as assistant superintendent for business and operations, plans to seek one of two at-large seats during the primary in May 2023. Tomamichel has worked for the school district for more than five years, where he manages a $130 million budget.
Among his accomplishments are increasing the district’s rainy day fund, which now has a reserve of $6.1 million, a decrease of nearly 35 percent in the district’s tax rate, in addition to the district’s bond rating increasing from BBB+ to A- that has resulted in lowered interest rates on projects, according to a news release. He and his wife Lindsay have three children, Berkeley, Braxton and Brooks.
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
The best way to celebrate the new year is with a fresh, amazing new home — built for daily living in an exciting community that’s packed with fun things to do! This featured Chamberlain floorplan at Osborne Trails has a flex room, rear covered patio and a luxurious owner’s suite with walk-in closet! Don’t forget our Everything’s Included® package of extras including quartz countertops in kitchens and baths, stainless steel appliances (including the fridge!), hard surface flooring in main living areas and much more. The Chamberlain is the perfect complement to Osborne Trails living. For more information,
*Offer available on select Central Collection floorplans (Brookville, Monroe, Shafer floorplans only) in the Osborne Trails community if buyer signs and delivers a purchase agreement between 12/05/22 and 12/31/22 and closes and fully funds on or before the date specified in the purchase agreement. Offer limited to the standard Bonus Room option and upgrade package offered in the specific community in which the home is located (“Standard Bonus Room”), as selected by the purchaser at the time the purchase agreement is fully executed (ARV not to exceed $34,000). Lennar offers other lower level options and upgrades not included in the Standard Bonus Room Package, and purchaser will be obligated to pay for such additional options and upgrades if selected by purchaser. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions and restrictions. Certain incentives could affect the loan amount. 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 LNIND1197
“In my position at WWS, I have been fortunate to be involved in many community projects and I have seen firsthand all Westfield has to offer,” Tomamichel said. “Unfortunately, I have also watched economic development drastically halt, community enhancement projects such as the Monon tunnel under 161st Street be placed on hold and costly and unnecessary legal battles stall council decisions on what really matters to our residents. I cannot help but think that we can do better, we can expect better, and we can treat people better.”
Tomamichel said he believes as the fastest-growing city in Indiana, public safety and infrastructure should be top priorities.
“Growth in Westfield is inevitable, and we need to meet it with both firm boundaries and fiscally responsible decision-making,” he said. “This does not mean that we should be anti-growth, but we should be strategic in our planning and development and with the goal of increasing the level of service for our community.”
For more, visit Tomamichel’s Facebook page by searching for Tomamichel for Westfield City Council at Large.
Student Impact of Westfield recently received a $10,000 donation from Meijer in Westfield as part of its Meijer Gives campaign after store employees voted for the organization to receive funding. Student Impact of Westfield will put the money toward a capital campaign to build an addition on its property. From left are Meijer store employees and Danyele Easterhaus, executive director of Student Impact of Westfield, Brittany Delph, executive program director and community development of Student Impact of Westfield, Emily Horkay, student life manager with Student Impact of Westfield, and Chad Clark, store director at Meijer in Westfield. (Photo provided by Student Impact of Westfield)
Stephanie Perry is the assistant director of community and public relations for the City of Fishers. What follows is a Q&A with Perry, part of a new series of Current Q&A interviews with local officials.
Q: What is your best habit, and what is your worst?
A: When my husband and I are both home in the morning, we have family breakfast with our kids and a cup of coffee together before work. I’m not a morning person, so it’s a great motivator to wake up and spend time together before the craziness of the day begins.
My worst habit is procrastinating, although I’ve gotten much better with it over the years. Breaking projects into smaller, more manageable pieces has been a lifesaver for me.
Q: What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?
A: Take a break and come back to it later. If I take time to clear my head, I can dive back in with a fresh perspective and new ideas. I also love a quick run or walk for a mental break.
Q: Is there a book that you recommend to everyone?
A: I’m currently reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and it’s quickly becoming a favorite.
Q: Do you have a favorite podcast?
A: I’m a big “Crime Junkie” fan. True crime is my go-to podcast genre. When I need to feel inspired, it’s “The Lazy Genius” or “The Simplified Podcast” with Emily Ley.
Q: What is your biggest indulgence?
A: Chocolate, a glass of red wine and a true crime documentary.
Q: Favorite local meal?
A: Red curry chicken from Thai Kitchen on Allisonville Road is my ultimate comfort meal. I also love The Weekender breakfast from The Roost, especially after a long run.
CarmelFest 2005 had just wrapped up about nine hours prior, when Carmel resident Steve Greenberg made a call to Brian Kelly, also of Carmel. At the time, each was working on a plan to launch a weekly newspaper in Carmel, but neither of them knew the other was on the same track.
It was at CarmelFest, where Greenberg ran across Ron Carter, the former longtime city councilor. Carter asked how Greenberg’s plan for the paper was coming along, and Greenberg, a career journalist and marketing specialist, said it was developing fairly well, although distribution was kind of a sticking point. Carter asked, “Do you know Brian Kelly? He’s working on the same plan as you are. You ought to give him a call.”
So, at 8:45 a.m. the next day, Greenberg called Kelly, whose career exclusively has been in publishing, and after a short conversation it became readily apparent to both that combining strengths and “going for it” was the wiser move.
Now, more than 17 years later, after launching their dream, Kelly has opted for retirement at the ripe young age of 64. His last day at Current will be Dec. 31. Soon, he and his wife, Maggie, a former media and marketing executive who also is concurrently retiring as bookkeeper for Current, will have no need to set an alarm clock.
Kelly will be succeeded as a co-owner, president and publisher by Carmel resident Ben Weir, who joined Current in September 2020.
“Brian shared heavily in the development of Current, and I believe we’re in a good position for future growth. His retirement is well earned,’’ Weir said.
Greenberg will remain as co-owner and executive vice president with no plans to retire as of now.
“My role still is to serve my customers and help the staff however I can while also helping to further Ben’s development at Current, not that he needs much assistance, believe me,” Greenberg said. “He is the future here, which is exactly what Brian and I wanted.”
What became evident led Kelly to his decision.
“Ben joining us made my decision not only easier, but he made it possible. Maggie and I have been talking about retirement for a handful of years, but the timing just didn’t seem right. Now, it is,” Kelly said. “Ben has brought a lot of energy and new ideas that
have resulted in a lot of growth the past two years, so the timing is perfect.
“We’ve been working on the transition, really, since March of this year. There are a lot of moving parts, but the process has gone quite well. A lot of that is the result of an outstanding staff. It may sound cliché, but it is absolutely true: Current would not be where and what it is without the brilliance of the people I’ve been so fortunate to work with.”
Meanwhile, back to the beginning, Kelly and Greenberg traipsed through the customary startup minefield, always managing to put, collectively, one foot in front of the other. After 16 months of business formation; a capital raise; legal, accounting and logistics work; and hiring a staff, the pair was off to the races, signing landmark advertisers, whose initial commitment to Current never will be forgotten, they said.
“It was pedal to the metal for both of us back then,” Greenberg said. “As late-stage entrepreneurs, it was either success or failure, and the latter never was an option. I recall a former Gannett publisher telling
me, ‘Good luck. You’ll be chewed up and spit out within six weeks.’ I told Brian what was said to me, and, after our respective blood pressures came back to normal, it was ‘go like hell’ from then on. It worked out well, I’d say.”
Joining forces proved to be a successful pairing of strengths.
“The partnership with Brian worked well, just as it will with Ben, because we both brought different attributes to the company. Complementary, I’d say, and perfect for a business with seemingly a billion moving parts,” Greenberg said. “Brian was strong on fiduciary experience and distribution/ operations, while I had heavy newsroom experience and years of sales behind me. Brian could sell, too, and often we paired for ‘four-legged’ sales calls. Suffice it to say, we slept in our spare time. I’m extremely proud of what we built. And if anyone could turn a penny into a spool of copper, it’s Brian. If he and Maggie end up on a beach in St. Somewhere, I’ll be happy for them, but, no lie, I’ll be overly envious … and he knows it.”
Kelly said the “cast of characters” made
Current the best stop of his accomplished career. Both founders recognize and appreciate that the accomplishments they’ve enjoyed through the years never would have been possible without the team they assembled way back when and have grown since then. It’s a colorful troupe at Current — and it always has been — so much so that Kelly often would say, “That belongs in the movie,” or “That belongs in the book,” and always preceded by, “Man, I love this place.”
Three of Kelly’s longtime Current colleagues are Mark Ambrogi, Night and Day editor; Dennis O’Malia, senior advertising sales executive; and Zach Ross, art director. Ambrogi actually was a childhood friend of Kelly’s in Cincinnati. Ambrogi is a veteran of central Indiana media. O’Malia was hired before Current even had a business address, and Ross came along in Year 2.
“I can’t say enough about Ambro, Dennis and Zach. You could say we’ve pretty much been through it all,” Kelly said. “I’m amazed at the detail and amount of work they each process week in and week out, year after year, and the same goes for the rest of our team. And speaking of outstanding talent, I can’t say enough about Maggie’s contributions to our company. She’s the best bookkeeper in town!”
Terry Anker, a Current Publishing board member, founding investor and weekly essayist who owns Anker Consulting Group, said, “As a longtime Hamilton County resident, Brian Kelly knew firsthand of the lack of a local journalistic perspective on events affecting our communities. When we were talking about the idea of a new concept in local news that would include print editions, it would be an understatement to say that not everyone supported the concept. Now, almost two successful decades later, Brian and Current have unequivocally proven to me and everyone else that newspapers work, especially the ones that he helped to found. Kudos to him on a well-deserved break from the daily action — but let’s hope he doesn’t go too far. The tireless work he and his bride, Maggie, have done for the not-for-profit community and as an advisor and friend to countless of small business owners and young people just starting their careers is more important now than ever.”
Fellow Current board member and founding investor Ersal Ozdemir owns Keystone Corp. He offered Kelly “heartfelt congratulations” on his pending retirement:
“Seventeen years ago, Brian co-founded
Current Publishing and set in motion several important local publications that helped fill a void in coverage in Hamilton and Boone counties,” Ozdemir said. “Over the years, Current’s publications have become valuable resources to residents and local businesses. This would not have been possible without Brian’s dedication and vision, and I am proud of what he has achieved and has done for so many communities. I am glad to call Brian a friend and wish him the best.”
Long before Current was even an idea, Kelly sold advertising for the Indiana Daily
Continued from Page 6 Student while attending Indiana University. Upon graduation from IU’s Kelley School of Business with a Bachelor of Science degree, he joined Gordon Publications, a national trade magazine company. After stints at Gordon’s Tustin, Calif., and Chicago offices, and later, the home office at Randolph, N.J., he was promoted to publisher of Software Retailing magazine at the ripe young age of 28. Later, he would help launch NUVO Newsweekly, and he was the founder of Kelly Publications, Inc., publisher of The Greenwood Gazette, The Greater Greenwood Business Journal and Business Update. He later sold KPI to Central Newspapers, Inc.
(now Gannett). He also previously served as publisher of Thomson Newspapers’ niche division in Indiana, launching Indy Curiocity, which was distributed in more than 1,700 Indianapolis-area classrooms, and Image Newspapers, a group of weekly newspapers in Hamilton County.
Kelly also is the recently retired chief executive officer of Grow Local Media, publisher of The Southside Times, Hendricks County Business Leader, Hendricks County ICON and Center Grove ICON.
“I’ve been very lucky in life, to say the least,” Kelly said. “I married the woman of my dreams and had a great career in an
industry I absolutely love, and always will. The partners I’ve had; the outstanding people with whom I work; the wonderful communities we’re fortunate to serve; and our wonderful customers and readers, many of whom have become great friends through the years … it’s all to be valued. I treasure these relationships, and that’s why Maggie and I will continue to call Carmel home. We’ll be doing some traveling and I’ll be indulging in my favorite pastime, reading. I’m looking forward to the challenge in my next stage in life, but I know I’m going to miss a lot of the day-to-day action in the office, and the people, of course.”
288
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Sam Orme knows one way his Carmel High School basketball team can improve.
“I feel like we can be a lot better defensively as a team right now,” Orme said. “We haven’t got there yet.”
Orme said the Greyhounds have taken some big steps.
“We have a long way to go in becoming our best,” Orme said.
The 6-foot-9 senior is Carmel’s most experienced player. Orme was averaging 16.6 points and 7.5 rebounds as of Dec. 20 for the Greyhounds (5-3). Orme averaged 11.8 points and 5.5 rebounds as a junior.
“He’s a leader by example, more so now,” Carmel coach Ryan Osborn said. “We graduated seniors last year that were naturally leaders, and these (current seniors) have stepped into the role.”
Osborn said Orme is coachable and engaged in practice.
“He’s always willing to do whatever (is
Favorite subject: History
Favorite movie: “Fight Club”
Favorite TV show: “Breaking Bad”
asked), and that goes a long way when your best player is one of your hardest workers,” Osborn said. “He’s turned the page from leadership perspective with his effort with practice every day and showing up to games ready every night.”
Osborn said Orme is the team’s anchor defensively.
“He has a high basketball IQ,” Osborn said. “His confidence exudes to everybody else.
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
He passes with either hand and finishes with either hand. He’s efficient offensively for us.”
The Greyhounds won the Class 4A state title Orme’s sophomore year. He averaged 5.8 points in that 2020-21 season. Last season, Carmel lost to Westfield in the sectional final.
“It was a tough one, but we’ll be back,” Orme said.
Orme’s biggest growth spurt came when he grew about five to six inches to 6-foot-6 the summer before his freshman year.
Orme chose NCAA Div. I Belmont over Miami (Ohio) University to continue his playing career.
“Belmont was the right fit for me in the end with the coaching staff and style of play,” Orme said.
Orme said the style of play is similar to Carmel offensively.
“They play a little faster, put up a lot of shots, which is going to be fun,” said Orme, who plans to major in finance.
Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said in many ways, 2022 was a disappointment in terms of advancements tied to economic development for the city.
Cook said turmoil between his administration and the Westfield City Council “has paid a price in the lack of investment” by the private sector being made in Westfield.
The longtime mayor, who has led the fastest-growing city in Indiana since 2008, noted some positive things that have occurred tied to economic development under his leadership, such as: An improvement in the quality of life; helping Westfield Washington Schools reach a high level of achievement; and the development of Grand Junction Plaza, an addition to Grand Park, a 400-acre sports complex that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Here is a look at what residents and visitors can expect to see next year in Westfield.
If you drive around Westfield, particularly along Ind. 32, ongoing activity regarding different developments can be found in the area. Among them include construction of a boarding, grooming, day care and training facility for dogs.
Barkefellers, which will be at 170 E. Tournament Trail, is set to open next year, according to the company. Barkefellers, which has three locations in Indianapolis and one in Columbus, describes itself as “a family-owned and operated luxurious pet resort providing lavish overnight accommodations, a salon spa, spacious doggie daycare, and obedience training,” according to its website.
Renovation work is also expected to occur at the old Marsh building on Greyhound Pass that will become the future home of Academy Sports & Outdoors. The drive-in front of the building will close for
renovations, while the left turn lane from eastbound Greyhound Pass will be closed to avoid traffic turning into the worksite, according to the city’s Facebook page.
The closure is expected to last about eight months, according to the city. Meanwhile, construction of a 60,000-square-foot medical facility at 535 Park St. being developed by Nexcore Companies LLC is also ongoing as part of a $34 million investment being made in the city.
The building, which is expected to be completed by December 2023, will have space for surgeries, a laboratory, a wound care center and a radiology department. It is one of several spaces tied to the Grand Millennium project, a mixed-use develop-
ment with residential, entertainment and multi-family components.
Work will also begin to take shape on a 55,000-square-foot building next year that will eventually become the new home of the Westfield Washington Public Library and the Westfield Washington Township trustee. The building is expected to be ready in the first quarter of 2024, said Sheryl Sollars, library director for the WWPL.
Questions about what will happen with Grand Park will also linger in 2023 as the city ponders whether to sell it or enter into 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.
In 2022, the city sent out requests for proposals regarding the facility and received seven from entities across the U.S.
Westfield Chief of Staff Jeremy Lollar previously said he hopes that a firm can be identified by March once interviews are completed with all seven companies that submitted proposals after narrowing the list down to the top three or four. A six-member panel will eventually make a recommendation to the Westfield City Council and the city’s Redevelopment Commission regarding the proposals.
If Westfield were to sell Grand Park, city officials have said they would use the proceeds to pay off park debt. The city still owes nearly $80 million for the complex.
Voters in Westfield will also head to the polls during the primary election to cast ballots for candidates seeking a spot on the Westfield City Council and for mayor. The makeup of the Westfield City Council starting in 2024 will change as several candidates have already stepped forward to run.
What remains unclear, however, is whether Cook, a Republican, will run again for another term as the city’s top leader. To date, Westfield City Councilmen Jake Gilbert and Scott Willis, both Republicans, have announced their plans to run for mayor in 2023.
Pressed for answers on his timeline tied to a decision or an announcement about whether he’ll run again, Cook said, “I’ll probably make that decision by filing time in February. I want to see who’s running, and more importantly, what they stand for.”
ON THE COVER: Questions about what will happen with Grand Park will also linger in 2023 as the city ponders whether to sell it or enter into a public-private partnership to operate the complex.
The Wicked Witch of the West famously warned Dorothy, “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too.” The erstwhile Kansan, at that moment, was under the protection of the most powerful sorceress in the Land of Oz, Glinda, The Good Witch of the South, and far beyond harm’s way. But true to her wicked word, the evil enchantress spent the rest of her life chasing and tormenting the youngster and her pet. Getting even for the accidental killing of her partner in crime, the Wicked Witch of the East, became an overwhelming obsession.
The Hatfields and McCoys battled for decades. Hamlet fought to the death. And Richard Nixon famously kept lists — all to ensure that the score stayed even. Likewise, the Book of Exodus demands “an eye for an eye” in retaliatory consequence. But does it all really do any good? Are we able to extract anything close to justice by tit-for-tat attacks? Or is our effort to find equilibrium creating a hopelessly unstable arms race, sure to collapse like a stack of Jenga?
Political leadership seems especially fond of vengeful action. We have come to expect all manner of investigation, special prosecution, and congressional hearing from one election to another — as if our newly elected majority representatives are the Horsemen of the Apocalypse arrived to right all wrongs perpetrated by the unholy who had ruled just before. Perhaps it’s inseparable from power, this desire to punish those who would challenge or resist us. If so, can we break the cycle? Those in charge would have to show restraint. We’ve done it before with nuclear arms treaties signed by our government. But as the Russians once again maraud, is armed détente more prudent? Still, could a little kindness to our foes impede vengeance from generational reproduction?
Longtime readers know that I am highly conflict adverse. I’m terribly uncomfortable with emotional displays, particularly anger, and avoid hard conversations like they’re large gatherings in 2020. But no more! My New Year’s resolution is to woman-up and learn to engage with friends and family in a healthy, productive manner when the proverbial poo hits the fan. Basically, I’m embracing “Fight Club.”
And I’ve started early. My husband Doo and I have been at each other for a few weeks. The stress of holidays, work and parenting four young adults has led to neither of us sleeping particularly well and numerous stupid but hurtful squabbles. Normally, I run for the hills (i.e., hide in my bedroom) at the first sign of an impending confrontation, but this time I decided to put my big-girl pants on and dive headfirst into the fray.
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@ youarecurrent.com.
After 30 minutes of neither of us really hearing each other and both of us pretty upset, we hit the pause button. I was honest and told him I needed to cry (privately, of course!) and blow dry my hair (which was on the verge of becoming a frizzy monstrosity). I felt better afterward, and when Doo offered to run errands with me, I assumed we were good.
We were not. The next morning, Doo announced he was still mad, and I had to force myself once again to step into an argument. I was anxious and uncomfortable, and we didn’t entirely resolve the issue, but at least we are now on the same page. And more important, I did it!
So welcome, “Fight Club 2023.” I embrace thee!
Peace out.
Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to info@youarecurrent.com. Writers must include a hometown and a daytime phone number for verification. Guest columns: The policy for guest columns is the same as the aforementioned, but the allowable length is 240 words. Guest columns should address the whole of Current’s readership, not simply special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.
Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.
snore?”
“I get a lot of complaints from the neighbors.”
Every year about this time I look back at the previous 12 months and express appreciation for the people, places and things that have made their way into my weekly columns. So, thanks to:
• My old roommate from college who called me after 55 years. He reminded me we hadn’t spoken in 55 years. I told him it was 57, if you count the two years we lived together.
• My wife’s mother, Margaret, gave an original copy of the “The Joy of Cooking” to Mary Ellen to read. Not to cook anything, just to read. In the poultry and game chapter, here is a summary of its advice: “Draw out the entrails, cut the neck close to the body, remove the windpipe end then chop off the feet.” As you can tell, this book was also a big hit with serial killers.
• My physical therapist, who helped me through rehab. For several months I was encouraged to do Kegels. There is a specialist for that at Community Hospital, but she was out one day, so I asked a question of another therapist who was not trained in the procedure.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Wolfsie, that’s a little over my head.”
“Then you are doing it wrong,” I told her.
• The folks at the Sleep Center at Community Hospital, where I participated in a sleep study. They had lots of questions:
“Does your wife say you snore?”
“She has no idea because she sleeps in another room … maybe because I snore.”
“Mr. Wolfsie, then how do you know you
• My wife, who wanted to try a new Chinese restaurant, found one online and ordered the food. I called back because I wanted to know how long it would take to get there. “Where do you live?” I was asked. I told him the northside of Indianapolis.
“Oh, about six hours. Sir, you are calling a Chinese restaurant in Canton, Ohio.”
“That’s OK,” I said. “I love Cantonese food.”
• The researcher at Ohio State University found that the average couple kisses about 25,000 times in a marriage. Were we keeping up with the Joneses, the newlyweds down the street? I told Mary Ellen how beautiful she was, how good dinner was, and how hot she looked in her jeans. I was hoping that kissing up counted.
• My brother-in-law, Tom, who gave me an Apple Watch for Christmas last year. I called him in Oregon and admitted I was overwhelmed by how complicated it was to operate.
“Come on, Dick. You just think you are out of your league. Relax. Don’t be nervous. And don’t be intimidated like so many others have.”
“Tom, that is exactly the same advice you gave me when I married your sister.”
I’m not done. More next week.
Tom Wood Subaru believes that all students deserve an equal and fair opportunity for a quality education. Through our partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, all Subaru retailers combined, have supported more than 300,000 students nationwide and are proud to be their largest corporate supporter!
Millions of students in high-needs schools lack the supplies and learning materials they need to be successful in the classroom. In fact, 92% of classrooms have students whose families cannot afford to purchase any school supplies for their children, often requiring teachers to purchase resources using their own money. We find these teachers just absolutely, amazing individuals!
My old roommate from college who called me after 55 years. He reminded me we hadn’t spoken in 55 years. I told him it was 57, if you count the two years we lived together.
Here at Tom Wood Subaru, we celebrated Subaru Loves Learning by providing teachers with flexible funding to purchase the school supplies and resources they need to help their students thrive in the classroom, through Adoptaclassroom.org. They believe that every child deserves the tools and materials they need to learn and succeed in school. With the help of sponsors such as Tom Wood Subaru, they’ve helped to equip classrooms with the supplies students need to learn and thrive. Since 1998, AdoptAClassroom.org has raised $57 million and supported more than 5.8 million students across the U.S........So amazing!
Our selected school for the last several years has been Edison School of the Arts. Principal; Amy Berns and
her team have been so amazing to work with and they sent us some amazing photos and videos to share with you! English Teacher; Mrs. Buchanan was so grateful for the new headphones and glue gun she was able to purchase for her classroom. Another teacher sent us a great video of her opening many items she ordered to help calm and destress the children in her class. She opened each box with joy, in amazement that these items were purchased for her classroom!
Edison is still really in need of so many more items though. How can you help you ask........well let me tell you! The teachers have created a wish list of items they are really in need of: https://docs.google.com/ document/d/1lL_vrJ65EzMKqgRXuuE1xmc-cy1GRbNfbyki3DSwVHY/ edit?usp=sharing
If you go to this link, you will be directed to a list of each individual teacher, with the link to their needs included. We would like to thank Subaru and Adoptaclassroom, for providing these great resources to the children in our community!
It’s that time of year again! When the dust settles on all the toy wrappings, tree needles falling and broken slot cars, we find ourselves on Dec. 26 starting to look at our unused health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts. That’s when the panic sets in, because “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” What to do? And the mad end-ofyear rush starts.
Most folks aren’t aware of the “gift of sight” they are missing out on. It’s the perfect gift for your returning college kid, that husband who hasn’t had his eyes checked in “forever” or that 5-year-old who has never had a full “real” exam before. It’s also an opportunity to give to others who don’t have as much under the tree this year.
Fashion frames, sunglasses and contact
lenses are eligible with most HSA/flex spend programs. Have you been eyeing that second pair of frames? How about computer lenses? Night driving lenses? Sport contacts for the pickleball players and golfers out there? There are myriad options available for you to help better your hobby, sport, fashion or functionality with new glasses.
So, this holiday season, when you are struggling to find that perfect gift for a loved one who already has everything, find a local optometrist and use your flexible spending/HSA before it runs out. The “gift of sight” is powerful and lasts a lifetime.
Dr. Jeremy A. Ciano, an international lecturer and published author, is a Current Publishing columnist. For more information or to ask a question, he may be emailed at DrCiano@ Revolution-EYES.com.
Improve your focus — Studies show that our attention spans are declining, largely due to the use of technology. We feel we have to respond to every text, alert and call immediately. Instead, try putting the phone on “do not disturb” mode for a few minutes. You may find it easier to concentrate and you probably won’t miss anything truly important.
Source: Cynthia Green, Ph.D.currentinwestfield.com
currentnightandday.com
“Clue” will be presented from Dec. 28 to Feb. 5 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
For Jeff Stockberger and Suzanne Stark, it’s only appropriate that the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre regulars appear in the first show of venue’s 50th anniversary season
Stockberger and Stark will perform in “Clue,” which will be presented Dec. 28 to Feb. 5 at the Indianapolis venue.
Stockberger estimated he has appeared in 75 to 80 Beef & Boards productions as an actor.
“If you add in all the shows that I either directed, stage managed, or backstage managed, that number goes up significantly,” he said.
His first show was “Peter Pan” in 1996 when he portrayed Noodler, the pirate.
“I’ve been a part of the second half of the 50 years, especially the last 20 years, and it’s been amazing to watch this theater continue to thrive in this difficult business,” Stockberger said. “Beef & Boards is one of the few remaining Equity (Actors’ Equity Association) dinner theaters in the country. (Owner) Doug Stark and the whole Stark family have proven that you can have a successful business while treating all employees with respect.
“There is a reason there has been so many people that have worked for Beef & Boards for 20 to 30-plus years. We’re family.”
Stark, the former wife of Doug Stark, has regularly performed in Beef & Boards shows through the years.
“I am terribly grateful to Beef & Boards every time they ask me to be in a show,” Suzanne said. “This year, especially, it really is special. Fifty years is remarkable for any business, and I know that many of the employees have been a part of the operation for a good number of those years. I am blessed to have been a part of the story.”
Stark has never seen “Clue” performed live, but said she loved the movie when it first came out (in 1985).”
“I really do love these comedy ensemble pieces,” Stark said. “To know we’ve made
an entire audience let loose and laugh for an evening is really satisfying as a performer. The waves of laughter are a bit addictive.”
Scot Greenwell plays the role of Mr. Green in “Clue.”
“I love ‘Clue,’ the film, which I’ve seen innumerable times, so I have to put that aside because the play is different in some places,” Greenwell said. “And trying not to break character will be a big challenge with this hilarious cast. I love being part of an ensemble, and I haven’t done a mystery like this, so I’m excited. I enjoy Agatha Christie plays, as well as sendups like the film ‘Murder by Death.’ Like those others, ‘Clue’ will be a fun escape for the audience.
Greenwell has performed for several theaters.
“I’ll perform wherever they’ll hire me,” he said. “I’ve acted at Indiana Repertory Theatre, the Phoenix Theatre, Civic Theatre, and Actors Theatre of Indiana. I’ve worked in the galleries of The Children’s Museum, and even outside the (Indiana) Statehouse, playing the father of gerrymandering.”
Greenwell said he wanted to act since he was a child.
“I loved school programs and singing with the church choir,” said Greenwell, who grew up in Loogootee. “I did high school musicals, alongside community theater, then went to the University of Evansville with broader theatrical interests. In 2004, I remembered how much I loved acting, and I’ve been doing so ever since.”
When not doing a play, Greenwell said he works as a standardized patient, “helping health care professionals and students hone their skills.”
Standardized patients are independent specialists who are trained to portray patients in realistic scenarios to help students learn.
Greenwell had an interesting internship with the NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives” when he was in college.
“I’d watched ‘Days’ since I was quite young, when my mom watched it,” Greenwell said. “So, in 1999, I lucked into an internship there, and it was thrilling. I learned about the soap industry and rubbed elbows with Deidre Hall, Ali Sweeney and Jensen Ackles. I wrote previews for magazines and attended an awards show.”
David Ranalli’s “Deception: An Evening of Magic & Lies” is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Craig A. Meyer’s “NYE with Elton & Me: My Life as Elton John” shows are set for 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Songbook Academy accepting applications
— High school students with a passion for singing and the stage can learn directly from Broadway performers and other arts and entertainment professionals at the Great American Songbook Foundation’s annual Songbook Academy, which is now accepting applications for its 14th national summer intensive July 15-22, 2023. Only 40 students nationwide are selected each year to attend the weeklong intensive at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Candidates may apply at app.getacceptd.com/songbookacademy. The application deadline is March 26, 2023, with an early bird discount available through Feb. 26.
Crash Test Dummies set to perform – Canadian rock band Crash Test Dummies, best known for their 1990s hit “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm,” will perform March 11, 2023, at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Opening the show will be Carleton Stone, an Americana and pop singer-songwriter from Nova Scotia, Canada. Tickets starting at $40 are on sale at the Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office, online at thecenterpresents.org and by phone at 1-317-843-3800. The concert is part of the Faegre Drinker Encore Series and the 20222023 Center Presents Season, presented in partnership with Allied Solutions.
After more than a decade, we arrive back in the world of Pandora, where Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) have started a family and are raising their three children. Life is good until the Sky People invade, led by Col. Miles Quaritch (Stephan Lang) and his troops, who attempt to capture and retrieve Jake.
To protect his family, Jake relocates them to the islands of Metkayina, where the Reef People offer them sanctuary. The tribe introduces the family to their rituals and how they coexist with nature and animals.
In “Avatar: The Way of Water” — the sequel to director James Cameron’s 2009 blockbuster “Avatar” — the audience is treated to a journey alongside the natives as they lead the children through the new aquatic habitat. You’ll need to remind yourself that what you’re watching isn’t real as the ocean floor and its creatures come to life!
Chaos erupts when Quaritch locates Jake and launches a military attack, kidnapping
his children. The Reef People join Jake and Neytiri in a battle to save their kids and protect the “Great Balance” of their world.
A suspenseful battle aboard a warship ensues with thematic and visual elements of “Titanic,” Cameron’s epic, action-packed film.
There are a few hiccups with the story: a rocky road into Pandora at the film’s beginning, and Quaritch’s obsession with tracking and capturing Jake is never really explained.
But for its hitches, this long-awaited sequel grabs the audience with stunning special effects and wholesome themes.
“Avatar: The Way of Water” is a flight of imagination showing that family isn’t just who you start with but those you connect with along the way.
During the past 14 years, Julieanna Childs has worked as a film studio representative, contracting for all the major Hollywood studios, including Marvel, Disney, Sony, Netflix, Universal, Paramount, Columbia, and Warner Bros. Her film reviews can be found at TheJujuReview.com. She is a Hamilton County resident.
To see a video of this drink being mixed, scan this QR code.
• The floorplan was redesigned to accommodate a larger shower, a soaking tub and a master closet.
• The custom wall treatment and floating vanity feature clean lines and warm wood tones, adding a touch of mid-century modern flair that honors the home’s roots
• Matte black plumbing fixtures and a quartz countertop elevate and modernize the
• The curves on the soaking tub, vanity mirror and vanity pendants balance the room’s clean lines for a sleek appeal.
words like “moist,” “slurp,” “bulbous,” “pus,” “phlegm,” “mucus,” and the like.
But today we’re not focusing on “moist” and its legions of blech; we’re going to take a “meh” word and make it marvelous by using euphonyms.
There’s a subreddit page I like to visit called r/eyebleach. It essentially gives your eyes a break from scrolling through cynical and often disturbing Reddit entries by showing photos of kittens, baby otters and puppies doing funny puppy things. The page has 9.4 million subscribers.
Our eyes and brains all need a respite from bad news, polarized politics and 2 a.m. doomscrolling. But, what about our ears?
There’s a term I love for synonyms that sound more pleasant than similar words: euphonyms. A euphonious word is a word that is pleasing to the ear. C.S. Lewis posited that the most pleasant-sounding term was “cellar door.” Others have their preferences, but I like cellar door.
On the other hand, many people have unofficial list of their least-favorite words. My friend Jeff has an official list in a Word document. The term for avoiding icky terms is called “word aversion.” By employing word aversion, we can avoid
Euphonyms allow neutral or negative-sounding words to seem more pleasant. We take “moist,” and it becomes “dewy.” “Supple” (one of the words on my “ick” list) becomes “limber.” We can replace “orifice” with “aperture.” Pleasant-sounding synonyms can really save a sentence.
You may be reading this and wonder, “Could a euphonym have a different definition?” Yes! We can consider an alternate application for this pleasing prose.
Personally, I’m fond of the sound of former Major League Baseball pitcher “Goose” Gossage.
Complete Bathroom Remodeling
-Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Installations
-Custom Showers
-Leak and Mold Solutions
-Low Maintenance Choices
Anderson Construction Services www.iwantanewbathroom.com
Learn more at:
Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, goodnatured work environment.
The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net.
We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays.
To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net 40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net
