July 11, 2023 — Westfield

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Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVI, No. 23

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30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

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West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd

Lowry launches bid for District 24 seat

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Westfield resident will run for the Indiana House District 24 seat next year.

Nov. 7 general election.

Lowry previously ran for Indiana State Senate in 2022, but was defeated by incumbent Republican Jim Buck, who represents District 21.

schools great so that everybody has the same opportunities.”

Opinions

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

POLITICS

Josh Lowry, a Democrat, recently announced a bid for state representative in District 24, which encompasses portions of Westfield, Carmel, Sheridan and eastern Boone County. The seat is currently held by Republican Donna Schaibley, who has served in the role since 2014.

“I am running for state representative for the same reason that my wife and I became foster parents. I want to provide the children of our community a better life,” Lowry said. “These years of fostering and adopting have shown me the impact we can have on the community when you decide to take action instead of just hoping things will get better. Unfortunately, we are running out of room to adopt more in our house, but I know I can keep impacting lives for the better as District 24’s state representative.”

Lowry, a native of Martinsville, is a trial attorney who spent five years as deputy attorney general practicing constitutional law and defended state agencies such as the Indiana Department of Child Services and the Indiana State Police. Lowry moved to Westfield in 2009 after meeting his wife Alexis at Indiana University.

Alexis Lowry is a Democratic candidate who is seeking the District 4 seat on the Westfield City Council and will face Republican challenger Patrick Tamm during the

“Although I came up short, as we knocked on thousands of doors, we came across so many Hoosiers that shared the same vision for Indiana – supporting our public schools and amazing teachers, increasing access to affordable healthcare and growing career opportunities here in Indiana so our kids can grow up and afford to stay,” Lowry said. ““And it was all based around one simple principle – Hoosier Hospitality. That is more than just treating others with respect. It means helping those in need.

“It means showing compassion and kindness to others, even when we disagree. Most importantly, it means that when someone is different from us, we still greet them with open arms and let them know that one Hoosier always has another Hoosier’s back,” Lowry said.

Lowry said he is seeking the District 24 seat in part because he and his wife are foster parents and wants to have a positive impact on the community as the couple does through fostering. He said many people choose to live in the Hamilton County area because of its highly ranked school districts.

“Right now, a lot of the laws being passed are trying to divert funds from the public schools to private schools,” Lowry said. “Private schools are great, but we have to make sure that we keep public

DISPATCHES

Send us your stories and photos – Please email story suggestions on new businesses, interesting residents, upcoming events, news tips and photos to Current in Noblesville Managing Editor Matthew Kent at matthew@youarecurrent.com. For photo submissions, please provide the full names of individuals, along with a short descrip-

tion of the event, location and the date of when it took place.

INDOT to close portion of Ind. 32 – The Indiana Dept. of Transportation has closed a section of Ind. 32 in Westfield over Cool Creek to replace the bridge. The affected area of Ind. 32 is over Cool Creek between

He also pointed out that the state of Indiana is $11,000 below the national average for salaries, adding that there needs to be “more legislative priorities that help grow good paying jobs so not that people who are already here can find good jobs, but we want our kids to find good jobs and stay here.”

Lowry said he is in favor of putting Hoosiers first, noting that he believes many politicians at the Statehouse are trying to score political wins rather than helping others around them. If elected, Lowry said he would work across the aisle with other lawmakers regardless of their political party.

He pointed to the work of State Rep. Victoria Garcia-Wilburn, D-Fishers, in passing mental health legislation for first responders by working with her fellow colleagues.

“There’s absolutely the appetite for people to work across the aisle on 90% of the issues,” Lowry said. “Most issues are not partisan … and there’s a lot of stuff that really we can work together to find ways to do it.”

Lowry said if elected, he would represent everyone within District 24 regardless of their political affiliation.

“It’s more than just the politics. If we want to stop being so divisive as a community, then we have to stop being divisive as a community and that starts with one conversation to the next,” Lowry said.

For more on Lowry’s campaign, visit lowryforindiana.com or email hello@lowryforindiana.com.

Willow Creek Way and Grassy Branch Road, according to the city. The closure began last week and will be in effect for 45 days weather permitting. Access to homes and businesses will remain open, according to the city. For more or detour information, visit https://bit.ly/3JrYZxj.

Lowry

COMMUNITY County to build women’s shelter

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton County plans to build a women’s shelter for domestic violence victims and their children off Ind. 38 in Noblesville next year.

GOVERNMENT

That facility was one of several projects discussed during the State of the County address June 28 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, where Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger highlighted various projects taking place. The county recently purchased nine acres of land off Ind. 38 for $550,000 for the shelter, Dillinger said.

Officials plan to work with Prevail, Inc., a Noblesville-based organization that works with victims of crime and abuse, regarding the planned facility. Details of how large the facility will be and how much it will cost haven’t been determined, according to Dillinger.

Construction on another project is also set to begin next year on a county emergency operation and 911 center off Ind. 37 in Noblesville that will include a child care facility. The project, behind Home Depot in Noblesville, is needed because ofHamilton County’s growth and a lack of space in its current location at 18100 Cumberland Rd., said Mike Hubbs, director of the county’s 911 communications center.

Hubbs said officials are still working through details regarding how large the

new facility will be.

“We’re in the scoping phase right now,” Hubbs said. “We definitely need the space.” Dillinger’s State of the County address also highlighted other county projects currently taking place, including an interchange project at 146th Street and Allisonville Road, that is set to be completed in the summer of 2025. The $44 million project on the border of Noblesville and Fishers will convert the intersection into a grade-separated interchange with 146th Street going over a roundabout on Allisonville Road.

Construction on the interchange project began in March and is expected to improve traffic flow through the corridor when it is finished.

“We had to do something with this intersection,” Dillinger said.

Work is also nearing completion tied to the first phase of a county wastewater treatment plant at U.S. 31 and 236th Street.

Foundation to hold seminar

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

IMMERSE YOUR INNER ARTIST while exploring both doable and viewable art. Put your skills to the test at a u-paint class and enjoy art events throughout the county. With three recognized state cultural districts, no matter where you go in Hamilton County you will experience the arts.

July 29

August 5

August 11–12

August 25–26

Brews on the Boulevard, Carmel Art Fair on the Square Carmel Jazz Fest, Carmel GreekFest 2023, Carmel

LIBRARY

The Westfield Library Foundation will host a legacy giving seminar July 19 for individuals interested in learning how they can support the Westfield Washington Public Library in their will, trust or other estate plan.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at The Bridgewater Club, 3535 E. 161st St., Westfield.

“Designating the Westfield Library Foundation as a beneficiary in your will or trust is simple, costs you nothing now and creates a lasting legacy for our community,” said Erin Downey, executive director of the Westfield Library Foundation. “This program will show those in attendance how to cre-

ate a lasting legacy that ensures future generations are enriched by our community’s greatest resource of history, culture, and imagination.”

The Westfield Library Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports innovative programs and services for the Westfield Washington Public Library and its patrons through major gifts, bequests, corporate sponsorships, naming rights and private donations.

Michele Dole, a certified financial planner, will be the keynote speaker and is a nationally renowned expert in legacy giving and brings a wealth of experience in investments, trusts, estate planning, charitable planning, and nonprofits, according to Downey. To register for the free event, visit westfieldlibraryfoundation.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/legacy-giving-event.

The sounds of summer have arrived and that’s music to our ears! Find a full list of live music and concerts, from free to famous, happening around Hamilton County by scanning the QR code below.

Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger speaks June 28 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

TENDERLOIN TUESDAY

EVERY TUESDAY IS JUNE 27 – JULY 25

The best way to travel the Tenderloin Trail TM is with a passport. Claim yours today for Tenderloin TuesdayTM deals and discounts from more than 35 participating restaurants.

Claim your passport at TenderloinTuesday.com .

HCLA names

2023 graduates

news@youarecurrent.com

Thirty-four community leaders are among the latest graduates from the Hamilton County Leadership Academy.

LEADERSHIP

The HCLA is a 10-month program for professional and community leaders who live or work in Hamilton County.

The following individuals were named as recent graduates.

• Ramona Adams (The Center for the Performing Arts)

• Ali Alvey (Beaver Gravel)

• Stephanie Amick (Agape Therapeutic Riding)

• Ed Bukovac (Citizens Energy Group)

• Jamar Cobb-Dennard (Indiana Business Advisors)

• Todd Crosby (Eli Lilly and Company)

• Christi Crosser (Nova 29, LLC)

• John DeLucia (Citizens State Bank)

• Dustin Dixon (Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office)

• Laurie Dyer (T&T Sales and Promotions, Inc.)

• Brad Fruth (Beck’s Hybrids)

• Roz Harris (Fit Chicks)

• John Helling (Hamilton East Public Library)

• Taylor Hollenbeck (Indiana Office of Technology)

• Sam Hughes (Church Church Hittle + Antrim)

• Dave Hyatt (Riverview Health)

• Travis Lovett (Krieg DeVault LLP)

• John Mann (Noblesville Police Department)

• Harley McCorkle (Duke Energy)

• Kathryn McLaughlin (Community Health Network)

• Brian Millis (ADVISA)

• Jennifer Neher Sommers (Conner Prairie)

• Kathy Pelletier (The Children’s TherAplay Foundation, Inc.)

• Jennifer Penix (Carmel Education Foundation)

• Stephanie Perry (City of Fishers)

• Julie Pettypool (Browning)

• Anita Rogers (Hamilton County Community Foundation)

• Steven Rushforth (Hamilton County Government)

For the full list of graduates, visit youarecurrent.com

WESTFIELD

Project: Library/township office construction

Location: Corner of Park and Poplar streets

Expected completion: Work is expected to continue through the end of the year with the library expected to open in early 2024.

Project: New roundabout

Location: A new roundabout at the intersection of 171st Street and Eagletown Road is now open. However, there will be periodic lane restrictions in the coming weeks due to utility relocation and pavement

striping. Please use caution in the area.

Project: Academy Sports & Outdoors

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Location: 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. Motorists should use Thatcher Lane or Cool Creek Park Road as a detour.

Expected completion: Fall 2023

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

Project: Pleasant Street

Location: Various locations; Eighth Street and Pleasant Street will be closed after Memorial Day (motorists are advised to use detour routes or visit www.reimaginepleasantst.com for more information)

Expected completion: Work will be ongoing

Project: Stony Creek pedestrian trail

Location: Under Ind. 37

Expected completion: Construction will continue this year with the trail expected to open by early summer.

Project: Roundabout construction

Location: Ind. 32 and River Road

Expected completion: End of summer

Project: Nickel Plate Trail

Location: The city of Noblesville will construct its portion of the Nickel Plate Trail from 146th Street to Pleasant Street. Trail will be 12 feet wide and include the rehabilitation of two existing railroad bridges and conversion to pedestrian facilities

Expected completion: By Thanksgiving

Finding the best care for you starts with a conversation between you and an Ascension St. Vincent doctor. What sets us apart is our unrelenting commitment to advanced and high-quality care in our community.

• The most advanced heart and vascular care

• Cancer care specialists and navigators with you from diagnosis through recovery

• The Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission for brain tumor and stroke care

And you’ll find we excel just as much in the things that can’t be measured — listening more closely and caring more compassionately

Your first choice for leading care

MYSTERY SNAPSHOT CHALLENGE

Hey there, folks! Take a good look at this zoomed-in image we’ve snagged from a spot in Westfield. We want you to channel your inner Sherlock and head over to youarecurrent.com/mysterysnapshot to submit your best guess about where this photo was taken. Ready for the challenge? Check back next week for the answer.

(Advertorial)

Tom Wood Subaru supports Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital

Tom Wood Subaru, in its continued commitment to making a positive impact in our community, recently made a heartwarming donation of blankets and craft kits to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. The gesture aims to provide comfort, warmth and fun to young patients during their hospital stays, bringing a touch of cheer to their healing journey.

Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, renowned for its exceptional pediatric care, was thrilled to receive the generous donation from Tom Wood Subaru. The blankets, known for their cozy and high-quality material, are a symbol of care and support for the brave children undergoing treatment.

Tom Wood Subaru’s commitment to giving back to the community aligns perfectly with the hospital’s mission of providing exceptional healthcare services to children in need. By creating a comfortable environment, the blankets not only offer physical warmth but also contribute to the emotional well-being of the young patients and their families.

“We are incredibly grateful to Tom Wood Subaru for their thoughtful donation,” expressed Laura Keefe; Certified Child Life Specialist at Peyton Manning. “The blankets bring smiles and comfort to our young patients during their time at the hospital. This act of kindness showcases the compassion and dedication that Tom Wood Subaru has for our community. Everyone has been so grateful for comfort and distraction!”

This initiative is part of Tom Wood Subaru’s larger philanthropic efforts under the Subaru Love Promise, a commitment to making a positive impact in areas such as healthcare, education, animal welfare, and the environment.

Tom Wood Subaru, along with Annabeth Stem from the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, were honored to support Peyton Manning

Children’s Hospital and contribute to the wellbeing of the children in their care. Together, they strive to create a brighter future for the community they serve.

You may ask, “How can I help?” Well, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital is in great need of the following: Infant toys, colored pencils, markers, coloring books (regular and adult), puzzle books (word search, sudoku, etc.), and infant board books (new packaged items only please). They solely rely on donations around the holidays, so during this time of year, they are really running low on these items!

If you would like to donate to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, please bring donations inside door 4, the main entrance of the children’s hospital, during normal business hours; Monday through Friday. If you have questions, please contact Laura Keefe at laura.mcilrath@ascension.org or by phone at 317-338-8835.

As the blankets wrap the young patients in warmth and comfort, Tom Wood Subaru, The Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, will continue to inspire hope and healing, reminding us all of the power of compassion and the difference we can make when we come together.

From left: Anna Stover, Julie Janssen, Laura Keefe, Scott Reckley, Peyton Dorsey, Shannon Cook and Hunter Radke.

Grand Junction Plaza in Westfield opened in 2021. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

MYSTERY SNAPSHOT CHALLENGE JUNE 27 SOLUTION

Hyatt selected to lead chamber

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Westfield resident will serve as executive director of the Northern Hamilton County Chamber in Cicero.

ORGANIZATION

Tonya Hyatt, who was recently named to lead the chamber, will be responsible for the operational aspects of the organization, in addition to oversight of member acquisition and retention, member services and events. The Northern Hamilton County Chamber serves Arcadia, Atlanta, Cicero and Sheridan.

“I am thrilled and honored for this opportunity to advocate for the businesses, communities, and people of northern Hamilton County,” Hyatt said. “Great things are happening in this great section of the county, and I am excited to represent the Northern Hamilton County Chamber as the new executive director.”

Hyatt, who holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Purdue University, has served in various professional roles throughout her career, including an ac-

countant and senior financial analyst for large multi-hospital systems and as an operations coordinator for Community Growth with a focus of growing businesses and improving its respective community. In addition, she has been a finance committee member for the Boys & Girls Club, a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, a board member for Arts Place, as well as many other volunteer roles.

Northern Hamilton County Chamber and OneZone Chamber President Jack Russell lauded Hyatt’s abilities and described her as “a community focused leader with a passion to build strong networks and communities and has a long history of community advocacy and volunteering.”

“We are excited to welcome Tonya as the executive director of Northern Hamilton County Chamber,” Russell said. “Her knowledge of rural communities mixed with her passion to serve make her the perfect person to serve our mission of helping businesses and communities thrive in the northern part of our county.”

Hyatt

COMMUNITY

Rotary Bingo Bash set for Oct. 7

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The Rotary Club of Westfield’s Bingo Bash fundraiser will return Oct. 7, with proceeds benefiting several community organizations.

EVENT

The event, which is open to individuals 21 and older, will be at the Palomino Ballroom, 481 S. 1200 E., Zionsville, and will feature bingo games, a 50/50 drawing, food and a silent auction, said Melody Jones, past president of Rotary Club of Westfield and chairwoman for the Bingo Bash event. This will be the second year for the event, Jones said.

Proceeds from last year’s event went to organizations such as the Northside Twins and Multiples Club, Westfield Youth Assistance, the Westfield Education Foundation and Student Impact, according to Jones. The Rotary Club of Westfield also contributed $5,000 to its international project known as WATERisLIFE, an Oklahoma-based nonprofit organization that works to ensure that households, schools, orphanages and

medical facilities have access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene programs, according to its website.

In 2022, the Bingo Bash raised more than $12,000 and the Rotary Club of Westfield hopes to triple that amount during this year’s event, Jones said. The Rotary Club of Westfield was established in 2009 and currently has 30 members, she added.

Among the organizations it supports includes Meals on Wheels, Westfield Youth Assistance, Student Impact, Open Doors, the Westfield Historical Society, the Washington Township Trustee’s office, Family Promise, among others.

“All of the money we raise from Bingo Bash go back to these organizations,” Jones said.

Tickets for the event will go on sale Aug. 7 through an Eventbrite website and will cost $50 per person that includes dinner and bingo cards. Bingo Bash attendees will have the opportunity to play 10 games and can use three bingo cards during each game, Jones said.

For more, visit westfieldrotaryin.com.

Team places 2nd in tourney

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For head coach Kristin Norris, mental toughness was the determining factor in her volleyball team’s success.

SPORTS

“In addition to training for the game, we incorporated a mental toughness curriculum throughout the season, and it paid off,” Norris said. “We were outsized or outmatched and found ourselves in very tough spots several times, but we were able to crawl our way back. This is a talented group of players, and they understood the pressures of the game, how to capitalize on momentum and have a drive you don’t often see at this age.”

The 12-and-under Tigers volleyball team at The Academy Grand Park finished second June 25 to Ocala (Fla.) Power United in the 12 Premier Division at the AAU National Championship in Orlando.

Grand Park joined The Academy Volleyball Club, based in Indianapolis, in 2018. The team changed its name July 1 to The Academy Monon Select, based at the Monon Volleyball Academy, 800 E. 169th St., Westfield.

“Working with this incredible group of girls has been the highlight of my coaching

Front, from left, Honor Durham (Noblesville), Madelyn Yonkus (Westfield), Laney Buchanan (Carmel), Amingoo Gantulga (Carmel); back, assistant coach- Becky Far, head coach- Kristin Norris, Chloe Schott (Zionsville), Caroline Far (Carmel), Nora Miller (Zionsville), Riley Dixon (Zionsville), Taylor Norris (Zionsville) and assistant coach Melanie Buchanan.. (Photo courtesy of Katelyn Storms)

career,” said assistant coach Becky Far, a teacher in Carmel Clay Schools.

Assistant coach Melanie Buchanan said the team fought through a lot of tough situations to get to the championship match.

Westfield resident Madelyn Yonkus said she was proud of her team and how well they played.

ROCK HISTORY

Teens perform classic hits from David Bowie, Queen, Bonnie Raitt, others at Grand Junction Plaza

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

It is likely that audience members at Grand Junction Plaza were familiar with songs from various artists in American history that resonated with them — Motley Crue, Journey, Tom Petty, David Bowie, Elvis and The Beatles, to name a few.

But for Westfield High School students, including some 2023 graduates, Grand Junction Plaza was an opportunity to showcase their musical talents while taking audiences back in time.

“American Pie,” which was originally performed in the auditorium at WHS in May, was recently brought to the public in front of an outdoor audience for the first time in 11 years. This year’s theme, “I’m Going Back to Indiana,” seemed like a good fit for this year’s show, said Mark Ewing, a social studies teacher at the high school.

“The idea is to teach the history of the United States in a pop culture setting from the 1950s up to 2000,” Ewing said. “The whole concept is that Indiana is kind of viewed maybe as not the coolest, hippest place, but we actually kind of are. We have a lot of really good and cool influential people who are from here and a lot of really important cool pop culture events have taken place here and just some of the musicians that are from here are bona-fide rock.”

But for recent WHS graduate Tammie Shalit, who performed Motley Crüe’s hit “Home Sweet Home,” preparation was key going into her performance. That involved not only knowing the lyrics, but also performing the song with other people on stage, she said.

“The big thing that we want people to take away is understanding rock history and the importance of rock songs or in general how music plays an important part in history,” Shalit said.

The opportunity for students to perform outdoors was also something welcomed by Ewing and students, some of whom are leaving Westfield next month as they head to college.

“We love the auditorium at the high school, it’s our confines with a lot of cool stage effects that we do there with lighting and fog machines that you can’t necessarily do outside, but this is just an awesome set up and the sound system is out of this world,” Ewing said.

The performance was also a positive way for many to end their high school career, especially for recent WHS graduates such as Annie Spaletto, who is headed to Indiana University in Bloomington this fall to study dietetics. Spaletto, who performed “These Boots Are Made for Walking” by Nancy Sinatra,” said it was “kind of bittersweet when you think about it,” noting that her last four years have been with such amazing people and great

experiences.

Other students, such as Margo Murphy, were unaffected by the hot weather and performed “I’ll Be There” by Mariah Carey. She said despite it being a nerve-wracking experience in some ways, she was thankful for the opportunity to perform.

“It doesn’t really matter the weather, I just give it my all no matter what,” she said. “Honestly, I’m thankful that part of it all is the love and support from family and friends and getting to participate in a group experience with so many loving and welcoming people altogether.”

UPCOMING EVENTS AT GRAND JUNCTION PLAZA

• Mr. Daniel, a popular children’s museum performs for free from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

• July 11, 18 and 25

• Workout Wednesday takes place from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. July 12, 19, 26 and Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

• Learn about watersheds, invasive species and creek wildlife while splashing around to beat the heat on Thursdays July 27 (10 to 11 a.m.), Aug. 3 (10 to 11 a.m.) and Aug. 5 (9 to 10 a.m.). Free tickets, which are required, can be found at westfieldwelcome.ticketleap.com/ creek-stomp-summer23/dates.

ON THE COVER: Sophie Keagy performs “Steve McQueen” by Sheryl Crow during her performance at Grand Junction Plaza. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

Sydney Muller performs Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” at Grand Junction Plaza. (Photos by Matthew Kent)

Brayden Billington performs David Bowie’s hit “Spacy Oddity” at Grand Junction Plaza.

Breaking down municipal financing, bond issuance and ratings: How it could impact you

Commentary by Oscar Gutierrez

Local Labor Market 2023 Midyear Review

Unique Open Positons – Hamilton County

Municipal financing is complicated and difficult to understand to the average taxpayer and, as a result, often ignored and misunderstood. However, there are direct correlations between municipal financing, bond rating and cost to taxpayers which make it extremely important to both the local government entity and its residents.

OPINION

Basically, local governments and school districts issue municipal bonds for development projects, such as road projects, new schools, construction projects and community enhancements. These can be described as “loans” investors make to fund projects. Interest paid on these bonds is often tax free, which is a huge benefit to local schools and governments.

The amount of interest paid on bonds is based on a municipal bond rating. In simple terms, a municipal bond rating measures the creditworthiness of a bond, which ultimately impacts the overall cost of borrowing for the municipality. Understanding municipal bond ratings is very similar to your individual credit score. If you have a car loan, mortgage or credit cards, you are familiar or have at least seen your credit report at one time or another. Personal credit scores are rated primarily by three agencies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Bond ratings also have three primary rating agencies — Standard and Poor’s (S&P), Moody’s and Fitch. Personal credit scores and bond credit ratings have a direct impact on the interest that will be paid on any financing; the higher the rating/score leads to lower risk, thus lower interest rates.

Here is a relatable example: For those

who recently purchased a home, and had a mortgage prior to 2022, their interest rate made a significant impact on their affordability, and their credit mattered more than ever. For a municipality assuming a $20,000,000 bond issue, a small change of a quarter of a percent is the difference of $305,000 in interest costs. Deviations like this is why the credit rating of government entities is more important today than two years ago when we lived in a 2 percent interest rate world. Since the housing crisis of 2008, finance professionals and elected officials have had the luxury of low rates, and credit worthiness was not a costly factor. We have an entire generation of finance professionals and elected officials who didn’t have to worry about the credit worthiness of their municipal entity.

While the idea of municipal financing, bonds, bond ratings and property tax descriptions and breakdowns might be intimidating, it is important to the pocketbook of local residents and should not be ignored. If you’re interested in learning more about your local city, town or school district as it relates to municipal financing, I would encourage you to contact your local city/town council representative or your local school board members for details. As local elections are in full swing, it is vital to understand the priorities of candidates in terms of financial stability because it truly does impact us as residents. Stay engaged, it matters.

Mike Thibideau, President/CEO, Invest Hamilton County

Amid the fears of recession, impacts of inflation and the tumultuous nature of consumer spending in our economy comes very real impacts on what is still a very hot (but cooling) labor market. Talent is still in very short supply and more expensive than ever before with over 26,000 open positions so far in 2023 and median wages for open roles up to $23.45/hour. Local unemployment was 2.8% in May.

Compared to the peaks of 17,000+ open positions per months in May 2021 and 2022 the 11,724 open positions in May shows how the labor market is loosening slightly and puts the local labor market right about where we were in May 2019 (which was not a contracting or shrinking economy), except far more expensive with wages up 33-40% depending on experience and education. This past month the median wage for open positions requiring a high school level of education in Hamilton County was $19.02.

With the notable exceptions of Tractor-Trailer Drivers and Registered Nurses most high-demand occupations have now seen multiple consecutive months with more hires than new postings, which is in sharp contrast to employers hiring experiences since mid-2018. Overall, while compared to 2021 and 2022 the market is cooling it is our hope we’re entering back into a

period of more predictable and resilient growth.

At Invest Hamilton County, we love where data, stories and impact intersect. Currently, in partnership with our education, economic development, philanthropic, and business community leaders we are performing a labor market forecasting project going all the way out to the year 2030 focused on our resident and employer occupation makeup. After the data launch this fall, we’ll update it every summer and use it to develop tools and empower impactful collaboration across communities and stakeholder groups.

Please reach out (investhamilton county.com) if you would like to learn more about the local labor market, have any questions we can help answer, or would like to share your story.

Sources: Hoosierdata.in.gov; Invest Hamilton County via Lightcast; June 2023

(Chart: Unique open positions June 2018-June 2023, Hamilton Co, IN; Source: Invest Hamilton County via Lightcast June 2023)

Oscar Gutierrez is president and founder of Bondry Consulting.

“While the idea of municipal financing, bonds, bond ratings and property tax descriptions and breakdowns might be intimidating, it is important to the pocketbook of local residents and should not be ignored.”

– OSCAR GUTIERREZ

Growing wiser with age?

Commentary by Terry Anker

We’re all prone to cast the aspersion. No matter how mature we have become or imagine ourselves to be, we feel the need, from time to time, to label our fellow humans as idiots. They cut us off in traffic. They go through the 12-items-or-less line with 27 items. They say something on their social media feeds that is so disturbingly inconsistent with our own studied and thoughtful views that we know that there must be something wrong with them. Perhaps they write an entirely incomprehensible column that we wonder who, in their right minds, would have conferred a doctorate upon the writer. We determine them to be idiots, each and every!

ESSAY

Definitionally, an idiot is medically determined to be one suffering from an intellectual disability. Yet, we probably intend it as a pejorative. “Those folks are just plain stupid.” So far, stupid has not been defined as a protected class of Americans, so we evaluate applicability individually, based upon

circumstance. Math would dictate that half of the people in any room are smarter than the other half. But most of us are brighter sometimes and not-so-bright at other times. Experience, prudence and education all enter the equation. The hubris of youth can lead to an abundance of kidiotic behavior. With each passing year, the expectations increase but we are likely to tolerate imprudence from youngsters while expecting more from those of us a bit longer in the tooth. Sure, I.Q. is a weighty variable on our preferences and actions. But is it the most important? Does it ever seem not to matter?

If we all make suboptimal choices from time to time, is carelessness, disregard, immaturity or aggression to blame? Are we doomed to grow from kidiot to idiot? If not, how do we avoid it?

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Friends, I’ve always considered myself a “fit” person. I work out regularly and take geriatric vitamins. But my recent experience with Delta Airlines suggests that I’m not in as good a shape as I thought. Here’s the skinny.

large purse. I arrived as the last person was being checked in under the final boarding call — unable to breathe, let alone talk, and with a now-defunct boarding pass. Bless the attendant who quickly assessed my situation and got me on the plane.

HUMOR

My 6 a.m. flight from Mobile, Ala., to Atlanta was delayed 25 minutes because of, per the pilot, “a series of unfortunate events.” This was problematic because I had a tight layover, but I didn’t sweat it. The ATL-IND route runs every two hours. If I missed my original, I’d just catch a later one.

But Delta had no faith in me and automatically bumped me to another flight — the following morning. Umm, no. Unacceptable. There was still time! I’d have to navigate a crowded jetway, 30 B gates, several escalators, a stupid train and the majority of Terminal A, but it could be done. So, off I raced, sprinting and speed-walking, trying not to pee my pants, dragging a carry-on and

As I collapsed in my seat, though, I was a hot mess. I could not slow my heart rate, and my blood pressure was through the roof. What was happening? I should be able to hurry through an airport without suffering a cardiac episode, but apparently not. “Ma’am? You’re in the wrong seat.” Oh, lord.

Despite exercise and old people supplements, friends, I’m not in as good a shape as I thought!

Peace out.

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

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.

“As I collapsed in my seat, though, I was a hot mess. I could not slow my heart rate, and my blood pressure was through the roof.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

Seventh-inning snooze

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I love baseball, and now with a few rule changes, the games are faster and even more exciting. I knew it would be fruitless, but I was hoping to entice my wife, Mary Ellen, to enjoy the sport so we could watch a few games together. So, one day in the car, I attempted to pique her interest.

HUMOR

“Would you watch a baseball game with me one night?” I asked.

“How long does a game last?”

“Well, no one knows exactly.”

“How could that be? Haven’t they been playing baseball for over a hundred years? Can’t somebody time it?

“It’s not like football or basketball. Theoretically, the game can go on forever.”

“Maybe it just seems that way?”

“Let’s try again. Ask me any questions you might have about baseball.”

“OK, why do they call it a strike when the guy doesn’t hit it, but in bowling it’s a strike when he does?”

“Again, I have no clue.”

“And why four balls and only three strikes?”

“I don’t know that, either.”

“Maybe my questions are too hard, Dick. Here’s an easy one: When is the World Series?”

“They don’t play those games until November, after each baseball team has played 162 games in the regular season.”

“Then when is the Super Bowl?”

“That’s in February after each football team has played 17 games. Again, in the regular season.

“That sounds like an easier job than 162 games. Maybe it’s hard to find guys willing to work every Sunday. Dick, is your favorite team in the National Group or American Group?”

“They are not groups. They are called leagues, the American League and the National League.

“What’s the difference?”

“I couldn’t really answer most of Mary Ellen’s questions. As I continued talking about baseball, I glanced over, and she looked like she was nodding off. We pulled over and I drove.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

“Again, you have stumped me. It’s a hard question to answer.”

“Why is that a difficult question? Nordstrom and Kohl’s are in different leagues. Any fan of shopping knows that.”

“OK, here’s one difference. The American League has a DH, a designated hitter. The pitcher does not bat. Someone bats for him.”

“That doesn’t seem very fair to the pitcher.”

“The pitcher doesn’t care.”

“Well, if he doesn’t care, he shouldn’t be playing.”

“By the way, Mary Ellen, there was a perfect game a few nights ago.”

“What does that mean?”

“The pitcher allowed no hits, no runs, no walks. Not a single person reached base. Everything was perfect.”

“Sounds perfectly boring. Why would anyone go to a game like that?”

I couldn’t really answer most of Mary Ellen’s questions. As I continued talking about baseball, I glanced over, and she looked like she was nodding off. We pulled over and I drove.

That night we watched a game together. I explained to her the fascinating intricacies of baseball. It was a close one between the archrival Cubs and Dodgers. I don’t know the final score. I fell asleep in the seventh inning.

POLICIES

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

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

Carmel Jazz Fest to feature blues and soul singer Robinson

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Tad Robinson is thrilled to be part of the inaugural edition of the Carmel Jazz Fest. “It looks to be a nice eclectic group of musicians,” the Greencastle resident said. “I think they are doing a beautiful job organizing it.”

The Tad Robinson Band will perform from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 11 and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Aug. 12, with both shows on the Gazebo stage.

Robinson sings and plays harmonica. The band consists of Paul Holdman, guitar/ vocals; Brian Yarde, drums/vocals; Harlan Terson, bass guitar; and Kevin Anker, keyboards.

Terson is from Chicago and the others are from the Indianapolis area.

Carmel Jazz Fest is set for Aug. 11-12 at six different venues throughout the city.

“It’s always good to play in that community because there are a lot of people who love roots music, Americana, blues and jazz,” Robinson said. “I think the festival is doing a great job in representing those music (genres).”

Robinson said many of the groups performing in the Carmel Jazz Fest make great music.

“We’ll be playing some new tunes that will be on the upcoming album, plus doing our usual set of blues and soul,” said Robinson, whose band’s setlists are mostly his original songs.

Robinson has seven albums on the Seven label and Delmar Records. He is working on a new album and expects to make an announcement of a release later this summer.

Robinson, who has played in more than 20 countries, did three tours outside the U.S. in 2022.

During last year’s busy schedule, Robinson performed Aug. 31 in the Live at Center Series at the Palladium, then a few days later he performed at the inaugural All In Music and Arts Festival at the Indiana

State Fairgrounds.

“I got to perform with the Allman Brothers Dreamset, which was a really nice experience,” he said. “I think the idea of the dreamsets is unique and a nice idea. All the guys couldn’t have been nicer. I enjoyed that festival a lot. I’d love to return.”

Robinson, who is originally from New York City, lived in Chicago for a decade before moving to Greencastle. He has 10 Blues Music Award nominations, which are considered the Grammys for blues music.

Robinson has already spent 10 days in Sweden this season.

“Later in the year, I’ll also be on the West Coast with some touring in Southern

California,” he said. “It’s been a good year.”

At 67, Robinson shows no signs of slowing down.

“We’re just beginning,” he said. “In the world of roots music, jazz and blues, I don’t think they hold age against you as much as in pop music. I think sometimes people see it as an asset. You get rid of your bad habits, and you know how to communicate more musically at that level when you are a little bit more experienced. Doors seem to be opening, so I’m happy to go through them.”

For more, visit tadrobinson.com. For festival tickets and the schedule, visit carmeljazzfest.com.

‘SOPHISTICATED LADIES’

“Sophisticated Ladies” is set to run July 14 through Aug. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Liberace and Liza: A Tribute” is set for 7:30 p.m. July 14-15 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinhc.com.

LOBSTER PALOOZA

Indianapolis Opera’s annual fundraiser, Lobster Palooza, is set for 6 to 10 p.m. July 15 at the Basile Opera Center, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis. For more, visit indyopera.org.

‘CURTAINS’

Red Barn Summer Theatre presents “Curtains” through July 16 at the Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

‘MUSIC OF ABBA’

“Arrival from Sweden, the Music of Abba” will be featured at 8 p.m. July 14-15 in the Symphony on the Prairie series at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

DISPATCH

Three win CarmelFest Has Talent titles — Westfield resident Spenser Johns won first place in the 17-and-old division in the CarmelFest Has Talent competition July 3 at the Carmel Gazebo stage. Rachel Dwaram, Fishers, finished second and Jenna and Jacey Green, Columbus, Ind., third. In the ages 13-16 category, Vivian Vreeman, Carmel, took first place. John Paul Pack, Carmel, finished second and Jackson Mullen, Fishers, third.

In the 12-and-under class, Azalia Davidson, Noblesville, was victorious, followed by Liv Keslin, Zionsville, in second and Leah Dwaram, Fishers, in third. First place paid $300, second place $200 and third place $100 in all three categories.

MUSIC

Tad Robinson will perform twice during the Aug. 11-12 Carmel Jazz Fest on the Gazebo Stage. (Photo courtesy of Michael Mark)

NIGHT & DAY

Filmmaker enjoys sharing stories

By Jeff Decker editorial@youarecurrent.com

A local documentary filmmaker often tells others he has the best job in the world.

ming from gun violence but didn’t feel right about including it in the film, Walls said.

INDY SHORTS

Rocky Walls, co-founder of 12 Stars Media in Noblesville, enjoys meeting interesting people, hearing their stories and working with other creative types to share those stories.

“To top it off, we tell stories that inspire positive change, so there’s inherently a lot of fulfillment that comes from our work,” Walls said.

Two of Walls’ stories, “Gun Control” and “Fleeing Silesia,” will be told during the Indiana Spotlight 2 program, part of the Indy Shorts International Film Festival. Walls’ documentary shorts will be shown July 18 at Living Room Theaters, 745 E. Ninth St., Indianapolis, and July 22 at The Toby at Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis. They also will be available online from July 18 through 23 at watch. eventive.org/indyshorts.

In “Gun Control” (11 minutes), Indianapolis artist, designer and furniture maker Brian Presnell addresses gun-related childhood trauma through art therapy. The short is a follow-up to a feature-length documentary, “IMBPREZ,” released by 12 Stars Media in 2021. During the filming of that documentary, Presnell mentioned his trauma stem-

PUZZLE

“Six months later, Brian reached a more peaceful acceptance of these experiences through a form of art therapy, and we produced ‘Gun Control’ to tell that story,” Walls said.

“Fleeing Silesia” (28 minutes) tells the story of one family’s escape from Silesia, a state in Eastern Germany, after World War II. The Lachmann family of central Indiana and a family friend, Joel Wittman, had previously filmed footage hoping to preserve the family’s story but hadn’t been able to piece it together. Peter Max Wendrich Lachmann, son of Peter Franz Joseph Lachmann, whose story is told in the short, approached 12 Stars Media after seeing one of its films.

“The first time we heard the story, directly from Peter over a cup of coffee, we were hooked and ready to help them get it across the finish line,” Walls said.

Walls is also co-founder of Hoodox, a streaming service exclusively for Indiana-focused films and shows. Hoodox is partnering with Indy Shorts to offer PitchDox, a festival contest in which Hoosier filmmakers can submit their unfinished documentaries to a panel of filmmakers in the hopes of winning $10,000 to complete their project.

For more, visit heartlandfilm.org/ indyshorts.

SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT*

Sat Jul 22 at 7pm

DAUGHTRY: BARE BONES TOUR*

Wed Aug 9 at 7:30pm

SPYRO GYRA*

Sat Aug 12 at 8pm

BEN HARPER*

Tue Aug 15 at 7:30pm

LIFE WITH THE AFTERLIFE: TRUE TALES OF THE PARANORMAL WITH GHOST HUNTER

AMY BRUNI

Sat Sep 16 at 8pm

UPTOWN: MOTOWN REMIXED

Thu Sep 28 at 7:30pm

ANIMANIACS: IN CONCERT

Thu Oct 5 at 7:30pm

THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS: BILL MEDLEY & BUCKY HEARD

Fri Oct 6 at 8pm

THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH*

Sun Oct 8 at 7pm

THE ROBERT CRAY BAND

Wed Oct 11 at 7:30pm

WISH YOU WERE HERE: THE SIGHT & SOUND OF PINK FLOYD

Sat Oct 14 at 8pm

STEWART COPELAND: POLICE DERANGED FOR ORCHESTRA

Thu Oct 19 at 7:30pm

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Pies: APPLE, CHERRY, KEY LIME, PECAN, PUMPKIN, RHUBARB; Towns: PAOLI, PENDLETON, PERU, PLAINFIELD, PLYMOUTH; Needs: BOW, RIBBON, SCISSORS, TAPE; Synonyms: GLUM,

HARRY CHAPIN AT 80: A RETROSPECTIVE, FEATURING THE CHAPIN FAMILY

Fri Oct 20 at 8pm

BILL FRISELL FIVE AND AMBROSE AKINMUSIRE’S OWL SONG

Sat Oct 21 at 8pm

ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

Sat Oct 28 at 8pm

AN EVENING WITH BRUCE COCKBURN

Wed Nov 1 at 7:30pm

BÉLA FLECK, ZAKIR HUSSAIN, EDGAR MEYER WITH RAKESH CHAURASIA

Thu Nov 2 at 7:30pm

GRACE POTTER

Fri Nov 3 at 8pm

ETTA MAY

Fri Nov 3 at 7:30pm

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE MCPHEE

Sat Nov 4 at 8pm

TRES SOULS

Sat Nov 4 at 8pm

THE LITTLE MERMEN: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY TRIBUTE BAND

Sun Nov 5 at 3pm & 7pm

EASTON CORBIN

Thu Nov 9 at 7:30pm

GREGORIAN: PURE CHANTS

Fri Nov 10 at 8pm

CANDACE BUSHNELL: TRUE TALES OF SEX, SUCCESS AND SEX AND THE CITY

Sun Nov 12 at 7pm

ANNE SOFIE VON OTTER & BROOKLYN RIDER SONGS OF LOVE AND DEATH

Fri Nov 17 at 8pm

MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO

Sat Nov 18 at 8pm

THE BLACK MARKET TRUST

Sun Nov 19 at 7pm

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR: CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA

Fri Nov 24 at 2pm

JIM BRICKMAN: A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS

Thu Nov 30 at 7:30pm

THE MIDTOWN MEN: HOLIDAY HITS

Fri Dec 1 at 8pm

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS  CHRISTMAS TOUR 2023

Tue Dec 5 at 7:30pm

JON MCLAUGHLIN: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Fri Dec 8 at 8pm

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND HOLIDAY SHOW

Sat Dec 9 at 8pm

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY’S WILD & SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY

Wed Dec 13 at 7:30pm

AN EVENING WITH BRANFORD MARSALIS

Fri Jan 26 at 8pm

ALAN CUMMING & ARI SHAPIRO: OCH & OY! A CONSIDERED CABARET

Sat Feb 3 at 8pm

MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MÉXICO: HEREDEROS

Fri Feb 9 at 8pm

SOFIA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Fri Feb 23 at 8pm

ARETHA’S GOLD: CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE TRIBUTE TO ARETHA FRANKLIN

Fri Feb 24 at 8pm

THE IRISH TENORS

Fri Mar 8 at 8pm

CARRIE NEWCOMER WITH PIANIST GARY WALTERS & STRING QUARTET

Sat Mar 9 at 8pm

BRUCE HORNSBY WITH YMUSIC

Sat Mar 9 at 8pm

IMAGINATION MOVERS

Sun Mar 10 at 1pm & 4pm

JESSE COOK

Sun Apr 7 at 7pm

RAY CHEN

Fri Apr 12 at 8pm

SAMMY MILLER AND THE CONGREGATION

Fri Apr 19 at 8pm

RUMOURS: A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE

Sat Apr 20 at 8pm

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN & SPECIAL GUEST

Fri May 17 at 8pm

BEN HARPER GRACE POTTER ROBERT CRAY DAVE KOZ

KATHERINE MCPHEE

Musical plays tribute to Ellington

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Serving as musical director of “Sophisticated Ladies” has a special meaning to Tenéh Karimu.

PERFORMANCE

“Sophisticated Ladies,” which will be presented July 14 to Aug. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theater in Indianapolis, features the music of Duke Ellington.

“I grew up listening to jazz, especially Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan and Dianne Reeves,” Karimu said. “I stole my mom’s Duke cassette tape, which this show has so many of the songs on, and (I) would listen to it pretty much every night. Jazz is such an integral part of the fabric of this country because it comes directly from the songs and lives of members of the African Diaspora, specifically survivors of American chattel slavery. I am so honored to be a part of this production with this inimitable cast and team.”

The Indianapolis resident has never seen the show. Karimu said this is the first time the show has been performed in Indianapolis since the 1980s.

“So, for me, and quite a few people, this will be our first time experiencing this,” said Karimu, who is leading an eight-person orchestra.

This is the 100th anniversary of when Ellington moved to New York City to perform. Act I examines Ellington’s early days at the Cotton Club through his widening acceptance abroad, while Act II explores the private man as captured in his music

“We have a smaller ensemble than other productions, but that simply gives all of our folks more time to shine and bless us with their gifts,” Karimu said.

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

SPONSORED BY Estridge Homes, Carmel Music Academy, Current Publishing, Field Brewing, Scenthound, Sugar Creek Vineyard & Winery

Tenéh Karimu is the musical director of “Sophisticated Ladies.” (Photo courtesy of Tenéh Karimu)

INSIDE & OUT Blueprint for Improvement: Elegant and elevated bath

Commentary by Larry Greene

This Windermere home featured a spacious master bath with good bones but an outdated style. Thanks to a few functional upgrades and an elevated mix of materials, this bathroom makes each day feel like a spa day.

THE BLUEPRINT

• A luxurious soaking tub replaced the original deck-style tub, and wall-to-wall carpeting that made the room feel dated and drab and was replaced with stunning porcelain tile.

• Built-in shelving featuring beautiful sconces surrounds the tub nook, providing additional storage and display space as well as privacy.

• The shower was upgraded with a frameless glass enclosure and features Calacatta Gold marble and brushed gold fixtures, giving the shower space an upgraded spa-like feel.

• Tonal wallpaper, butcherblock counters stained in a rich tone and brushed gold fixtures complete the bathroom’s elevated aesthetic.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

Capital offense a tiny violation

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

As soon as I wrote a column on Caps Lock, the lowercase -- a.k.a., “minuscule” letters -- demanded an essay of its own. The irony is that both of my Apple keyboards have decapitalized the command keys, leaving Caps Lock in a minor key.

he didn’t always employ that style. The trend of his name appearing in small letters started in the 1960s, when book cover designers decided to opt for this style. After that, the “e.e. cummings” format stuck.

GRAMMAR GUY

I’m sure the first topic that comes to mind is the American poet E.E. Cummings. Edward Estlin Cummings (you can see why he went with “E.E.”) often wrote in all lowercase letters, played with spacing and challenged traditional punctuation rules. Cummings took full advantage of his poetic license but didn’t always write exclusively in lowercase. Contrary to popular belief, Cummings didn’t even write his own name in all lowercase letters. His signature clearly featured two capital “E”s with periods after each one, and a capital “C” followed by an apostrophe and a lowercase “s.” How’s that for a John Hancock?

Cummings’ poetry did feature entire poems in lowercase letters, although

Fast forward to today, when we find many areas of no caps. Texting has led to shorthand typing that often lacks proper capitalization or punctuation. I don’t fault people for this method, as they are simply eking out a brief communiqué. The person receiving the message gets the point without needing the formal style we’re used to seeing in books, newspapers and magazines.

In these other forms of communication, the rules aren’t as important as the perceived urgency to communicate. After all, telegraphs never discriminated between uppercase and lowercase.

From Anchorage to Seward

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing tour of Alaska, we first visit Anchorage and then take a scenic highway on to Seward. In 1914, a site at the end of Cook Inlet in Southcentral Alaska was selected for unloading materials for building the Alaska Railroad. A tent city sprang up, which was incorporated as Anchorage in 1920. The city grew rapidly, first because of the railroad, then because of military installations, and finally because of oil discovered at Prudhoe Bay. Today, Anchorage, with a population of nearly 300,000, is by far the largest city in Alaska. About 40 percent of all Alaskans live there. Covering 1,706 square miles, about five times the size of Indianapolis, Anchorage is the United States’ fourth-largest city by area. The modern and vibrant city includes a number of important statewide cultural institutions, including the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts and the 170,000 squarefoot Anchorage Museum.

TRAVEL

ning along the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet, the highway passes the picturesque and glacier-covered Chugach Mountains and offers numerous places to stop for hiking, whale watching, moose and bear sightings, kayaking and the like. The City of Seward, named for former U.S. Secretary of State William Seward, who arranged for the purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million in 1867, is between the mountains and the Gulf of Alaska.

With fewer than 3,000 permanent residents, the number of people in Seward swells dramatically during the summer with the arrival of large cruise ships. Seward is the site of an important annual salmon run in July and August. It is also the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where more than 40 flowing glaciers have created some of the most spectacular fjords in the country.

The 127-mile Seward Highway, connecting Anchorage and Seward, provides some of the most scenic views in the country. Run-

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

Seward Harbor in Seward, Alaska. (Photos by Don Knebel)

A cruise ship in Seward Harbor.

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

1. Brickyard 400 sponsor

4. WTTV spot seller

9. Gomer Pyle’s org.

13. Nest egg choice 14. Sharp flavors

15. White River angler’s basket

16. US Senator who attended ISU

18. The “U” of UHF 19. Gets older 20. Split hairs 22. ___ Friday’s 23. One lacking in pigment 25. Defunct IND carrier 26. Abound 27. Prefix with natal 28. Santa ___, Calif.

30. Underwater explorers 32. Shapiro’s, for one 34. Rid of weaponry 37. US House of Representa-

tive who attended Indiana Wesleyan

41. Temporary vehicle from Tom Wood

42. Wyo. neighbor

45. Grow every which way

48. Grissom, e.g., initially

51. Fair Oaks Farms cow chow

52. Place to dock

53. Bedwear, briefly 56. Bill of ___

58. Art museum vase

59. Persian ruler

60. Butler frat letter

61. Florida tourist attraction

63. US Vice President who attended IUPUI

67. Similar

68. Odds opposite 69. Fire

70. Some sneakers

71. Like Indiana Dunes

72. IU Health trauma ctrs. Down

1. Bro or sis

2. Three, up front

3. Mathematical curve

4. Daughter of Zeus

5. Applies

33. Decorative filling

35. Word with bag or cream

36. Poet Teasdale

38. Stock market index name

39. Indiana Gov. Gates

40. “Impossible!”

43. Pecan, e.g.

44. Colts stats

45. Mouse’s sound

46. University of Evansville school color

47. Far from fresh

49. “My ___ Flicka”

50. Tissue analysis

54. Edgerrin in the Colts Ring of Honor

55. Hindu deity

57. Old AT&T rival

59. Sault ___ Marie

62. Approves

64. Need an attorney? “1-800 Call ___”

65. I-69 sight

lightly, as perfume

6. Genetic letters

7. Sphinx site

8. “Fiddlesticks!”

9. Web address 10. Parlor piece

11. Wall Street news

12. Anthem department 15. Snip

17. Cinematic FX 21. IMPD speed checker 23. Hide-___-seek 24. Director Spike 26. Marge Simpson or Carol Brady

29. Yemeni port 31. 1040 grp.

Pies 4 Gift Wrapping Needs 3 Synonyms of Sad 2 Indiana U.S. Senators

Indiana “P” Towns

Local Pro Soccer Team

66. USN rank Answers on Page 17