July 18, 2023 — Westfield

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Court documents in gas station homicide case detail domestic abuse

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

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CRIME

Nearly a month before Noblesville resident Kaylah Ann Farmer was shot to death June 28 at the Speedway on 116th and Allisonville Road in Fishers, police in Noblesville started investigating allegations of domestic abuse by Farmer’s ex-husband, Joshua Alexander Farmer, who has been charged with her murder.

The alleged abuse included strangulation, battery and criminal confinement, and using a firearm to threaten Kaylah Ann and one of their children.

According to a probable cause statement filed in Hamilton County Court by Noblesville Police Department Officer Hayley Allen, Kaylah Ann Farmer’s supervisor at work notified the Indiana Department of Child Services in late May that Kaylah Ann Farmer had been attempting to hide a black eye and bruises, including bruising on her neck.

Allen wrote that on June 2, she interviewed Kaylah Ann and Joshua Farmer’s three children, identified as victims 1, 2 and 3 — ages 11, 6 and 4, respectively — about an incident that took place May 21. The oldest of the three children allegedly told police that his parents had been arguing, and during the argument he saw his father choking his mother to the point where he could hear her struggling to breathe.

“(Victim 1) states he could hear the accused punching her,” Allen wrote. “The accused had told (the boy) to go sit in the corner in their downstairs living room. He stated at this point his younger brothers were located upstairs. (The boy) stated his mother was instructed to sit in the other corner. He stated at this point his mother was naked because the accused had ripped her clothes off. He noticed the ripped red shirt and what looked like boxers by her.”

The boy also told Allen that he saw red

marks on his mother’s body, that her eye was starting to bruise, and her neck was red. Allen wrote that the boy said his father then pointed a gun at the 11-year-old’s head and pushed the child’s head down with the end of the barrel and told his mother to choose between herself and the boy.

Allen wrote that she also interviewed Kaylah Ann Farmer, who said she tried to call 911 during the argument, but Joshua Farmer took the phone away from her. She told police that during the argument, her ex-husband bit her, punched her multiple times in the head and face, used a baseball bat to hit her on the back, held a gun to her head, kicked her in the torso and choked her several times.

“Kaylah reported that choking her was his go-to way,” Allen wrote. “She stated he applied pressure with both of his hands to the point it was hard to breathe. She stated he knows when to stop so she doesn’t pass out.”

Charges stemming from that incident were filed in Hamilton County Court on June 5, and no-contact orders were issued, along with an arrest warrant for Joshua Farmer. Noblesville law enforcement officers searched for Farmer, but he evaded arrest, according to court documents.

The probable cause statement connected to murder charges against Joshua Farmer was filed July 5 by Fishers Police Department Det. Jonathan Dossey. He wrote that the shooting was reported at about 5:20 p.m. June 28. Responding officers found Kaylah Ann Farmer in the driver’s seat of her maroon van, dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

Dossey obtained security video footage from the business, which showed the maroon van pull up to one of the pumps, and shortly after a Kia Soul drove up and stopped at the passenger side door of the van for about 9 seconds. The Kia Soul drove away, but then returned.

“The Kia Soul drove back into camera

DISPATCH

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 Willow Creek Way and Grassy Branch Road, according to

view and stopped at the front bumper of the maroon van,” Dossey wrote. “I observed the windshield of the maroon van appear to be taking rounds as it appeared the windshield glass was spraying from the windshield. The Kia Soul was stopped in front of the maroon van for approximately 6 seconds. The Kia Soul then drove around the driver side of the maroon van and parked for approximately 20 seconds.

The Kia Soul then drove out towards 116th Street and turned eastbound.”

Dossey wrote that it appears the suspect shot the victim from three locations — front passenger door, front bumper and driver’s door. Witnesses told police they heard up to 40 shots fired.

Farmer had allegedly borrowed the Kia Soul from a friend, and police later found the car and collected a spent 9mm shell casing from the interior. That shell allegedly matched other casings found at the scene of the Speedway shooting.

Farmer was arrested June 29 when law enforcement officers spotted him hiding behind some shrubs in the 1100 block of Roosevelt Avenue in Indianapolis. No weapons were found in the area or in his possession.

Dossey wrote that the autopsy of Kaylah Farmer revealed more than 15 gunshot wounds, and more than 25 bullet fragments were recovered from her body.

The next scheduled hearing in the case against Joshua Farmer is Aug. 18 in Hamilton County Superior Court. A trial has tentatively been set for Nov. 8. Farmer remains in custody at the Hamilton County Jail.

An obituary for Kaylah Ann Farmer states that she was born in Muncie and worked at IU Health. She previously served in the U.S. Air Force.

“Her three children were her whole life,” the obituary states. “She absolutely loved them and enjoyed watching them play soccer.”

Memorial contributions in her name can be given to domestic violence awareness groups, according to the obituary.

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.

Joshua Farmer

County fair set for July 20-24

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County 4-H Fair will return to Noblesville with plenty of food, animals and other activities for the public to enjoy.

EVENT

This year’s fair is set for July 20-24 and will feature the 4-H Showcase that will highlight what 4-H members have learned over the past year, said Kathleen Bohde, Hamilton County 4-H youth development extension educator. Bohde said judging of various 4-H projects ranging from aerospace to veterinary science takes place in advance of opening day.

“4-H’ers are working on their projects and are excited to let the public see what they’ve been working on throughout the year,” Bohde said.

Bohde said although many people think of 4-H as an agriculture program, it has grown and adapted over the years by incorporating robotics, photography and other areas. 4-H members had the opportunity to choose from 60 project options, according to Bohde.

“It’s really neat to see how youths have dived deep and have something to show at the county fair that they’ve learned,” she said.

There are 1,400 4-H members in Hamilton County, a figure that is slightly lower prior to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. 4-H is offered at all school corporations throughout Hamilton County, according to Bohde.

“It is a countywide program that brings youths together, and it is a great way to get that sense of community and the youths can be competitive, but cooperative together,” Bohde said.

Bohde said there were 1,600 4-H members

in 2020. She projects 2024 will be a year in which 4-H grows exponentially in Hamilton County.

While many 4-H activities take place in the summer, Bohde said it is a year-round program and noted that the organization will accept applications from interested youths starting Oct. 1. Individuals who join 4-H can not only take away lifelong friendships, but also develop important life skills such as decision-making, time management and more, Bohde said.

But among the highlights of the county fair on an annual basis are the livestock competitions, which Bohde said gives 4-H’ers an opportunity to showcase their animals. Some 4-H members who plan to participate in the county fair’s beef show have been working with their steer or heifer for more than a year, according to Bohde.

Those individuals also spend a lot of time grooming, feeding and monitoring the nutrition of their animals as well, she added.

“We are learning about making sure that we have quality livestock that we know someday will come into the food supply,” Bohde said.

Bohde said many 4-H’ers are competitive and have enjoyed success at the Indiana State Fair and at national shows.

“(They are) highly competitive, but at the end of the day, when they come out of the show arena, they are good sportsmen and strive to be the best they can be,” Bohde said.

Other than livestock competitions, the Hamilton County 4-H Fair also will feature various activities for the public, including a county extension homemakers’ flower show, a 4-H agriculture tractor driving contest, live music, a pet parade and more. For more, visit https://bit.ly/3NMoHxL.

The Hamilton County 4-H Fair is set for July 20-24 in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of the Hamilton County Purdue Extension Office)

Willis set to be Westfield mayor

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Scott Willis is on track to become Westfield’s next mayor in January after no one filed to run against him in the Nov. 7 general election.

posed during the Nov. 7 general election and will result in a new slate of elected officials on the Westfield City Council starting in January.

VOTING

Willis, who serves on the Westfield City Council, secured the Republican nomination for mayor after defeating challengers Jake Gilbert and Kristen Burkman in the May 2 primary election. The deadline for a state chairman of a political party to nominate a candidate by petition or for an individual to declare an intent to be a writein candidate was noon July 3, according to the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office.

Willis, who is retired as a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, will occupy the top leadership position in Indiana’s fastest growing city next year after longtime mayor Andy Cook declined to run for a fifth term. Cook has served as mayor since 2008.

Willis said earlier this year that if he was elected as mayor, he would focus on transparency and communication.

“It is my hope that every resident of our city will be a collaborative voice in Westfield’s future,” Willis said.

All but two other races also will be unop-

Westfield City Council’s District 1 will be represented by Jon Dartt; District 2 will be represented by Victor McCarty; District 3 will be represented by Joe Duepner; and District 5 will be represented by Noah Herron. All of those candidates are Republicans. In District 4, voters will decide between Republican candidate Patrick Tamm and Democratic candidate Alexis Lowry. Two Republicans, Chad Huff and Kurt Wanninger, and one Democratic candidate, Gary Lane, will vie for the two at-large seats on the council.

Westfield is also set to have a new clerk-treasurer starting in January after Republican candidate Marla Ailor defeated challenger Tonya Hyatt in the primary election. That position became up for grabs after longtime Clerk-Treasurer Cindy Gossard announced earlier this year that she wouldn’t seek reelection.

Gossard was initially appointed to the position in 2001 and had been reelected in her role since 2003. She cited a “deteriorating relationship with the mayor and the administration” as one of her reasons for declining to run again.

Man dies after shooting in Noblesville

news@youarecurrent.com

An 18-year-old Cicero resident was killed after being shot July 2 in Noblesville, authorities said.

CRIME

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said July 10 that Christopher Stumpf was found with a single gunshot wound to his back around 1:30 p.m. July 2. He was seated in the front passenger seat of a vehicle in a residential driveway in the 21000 block of Overdorf Road in Noblesville.

Stumpf was transported to Riverview Health in Noblesville, where he died from his injuries, according to the sheriff’s office.

An obituary from Hartley Funeral Home

states Stumpf was a 2023 graduate of Hamilton Heights High School and was in the high school band. He was planning to attend Purdue University this fall to study construction management, according to the obituary.

“He had a big heart and if someone needed help, he would gladly help them,” the obituary stated.

Funeral services were held for Stumpf July 7 at Cicero Christian Church.

The sheriff’s office said in a news release that all persons of interest have been contacted and noted there was not an ongoing threat to the community. Authorities did not announce any arrests tied to the shooting.

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Saturday, August 12, 2023 | Four Day Ray, Fishers Register at WoofstockRocks.com or scan below!

Race in-person or virtually

Fundraise for PAWsome prizes

Leashed & in-stroller dogs welcome

Shirt, medal and swag for all participants

Proceeds benefit HSHC's Survivor Program and h d d f i l i d

Westfield schools, ISU to offer MBA program

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

DECLAN 2022 Top Fundraiser

EDUCATION

Westfield Washington Schools and Indiana State University are partnering to offer an in-person Master of Business Administration program starting this fall. The Professional MBA program, which is open to all Hamilton County residents, will be held on Thursday evenings at Westfield Washington Schools’ central office. It will be led by a faculty member from Indiana State University’s Scott College of Business.

Applications are being accepted by Indiana State University for its first cohort of Professional MBA students through the 21-month program, which costs approximately $30,000. The program is open to individuals who have an undergraduate degree and have five or more years of professional work experience.

“The Scott College of Business is committed to providing a distinct student-centered education in our Professional MBA program that combines world-class faculty with individualized career development and coaching to help professionals ad-

vance in business. Strong community collaborations make this possible and we are proud to serve the Indianapolis area,” said Terry Daugherty, dean of the Scott College of Business at Indiana State University.

Under the program that begins Sept. 7, students will take two courses per term with classes being offered from 5:30 to 10 p.m. once a week. Classes would alternate from one week to the next, according to ISU, which will assist students with registration and textbook delivery.

Joshua Andrews, spokesman for Westfield Washington Schools, said each cohort will receive a customized educational experience centered around the professional experiences and goals of the students in the program. Ten-week terms will be offered in the fall, spring and late spring/ summer.

Westfield Washington Schools will host an informal information session at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at Westfield Washington Schools’ central office community board room, 19500 Tomlinson Rd., Suite B. To RSVP, visit indianastate.edu/westfield.

For more information or to register for the Professional MBA program, visit indstate.edu/business/mba/promba.

Local groups receive arts grants

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Seventeen organizations in Hamilton County have been awarded grant funding through the Indiana Arts Commission.

FUNDING

A total of $3,431,351 was awarded to 414 nonprofits to fund arts projects and organizations around the state through two grant programs. Funding was awarded in 75 out of Indiana’s 92 counties, according to the organization.

The following Hamilton County organizations received funding:

• Front Porch Music Festival ($4,000)

• City of Westfield ($4,000)

• Conner Prairie Museum Inc. ($3,600)

• Resounding Joy ($4,000)

• Gal’s Guide to the Galaxy ($4,000)

• Nickel Plate Arts, Inc. ($15,937)

• Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre ($17,621)

• Fishers Arts Council ($7,576)

• Carmel Repertory Theatre Inc. ($4,529)

• Christian Youth Theater, Indianapolis, Inc. ($13,274)

• International Talent Academy ($7,264)

• Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections, Inc. ($13,274)

• The Center for the Performing Arts ($17,467)

• The Great American Songbook Foundation ($16,294)

• Central Indiana Dance Ensemble ($14,900)

• Indiana Artisan Inc. ($13,437)

• Hamilton County Artist Association ($5,993)

For more, visit in.gov/arts/.

36 to participate in HCLA program

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

• Jenell Fairman (City of Carmel)

• Derrick Ferguson (Meyer Najem)

• Anthony Gary (Village Capital Corporation, A Pedcor Company)

• Samuel Gibson (Custom Concrete)

• Heather Haas (ADVISA)

LEADERSHIP

Thirty-six people have been selected to participate in the Hamilton County Leadership Academy program. HCLA is a 10-month program for professional and community leaders who live or work in Hamilton County, with class sessions focusing on topics that affect the operations of the county. Participants learn about the areas of government, education, criminal justice, arts, culture, business, industry and more. The following individuals were chosen to participate:

• Katie Abernathy (Alpha Gamma Delta)

• Billy Adams (Westfield Police Dept.)

• Sandy Allen (Hamilton County Tourism)

• Joshua Andrews (Westfield Washington Schools)

• Chris Beaver (Beaver Gravel Corporation)

• Aaron Collins (OfficeWorks)

• Christina Collins (Ivy Tech Community College - Hamilton County)

• Brittany Delph (Student Impact of Westfield)

• Murry Dixon (Noblesville Fire Dept.)

• Brien Donahue (Performance Contracting, Inc.)

• Pete Dunbar (American Bank of Freedom)

• Katie Ellis (Purdue University)

• Patricia Ellis (Tegria)

• Emily Hitchcock (Conner Prairie Museum)

• Danielle Humphrey (Hamilton County Community Foundation)

• Tonya Hyatt (Northern Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce)

• Steve Latour (Westfield Chamber of Commerce & Downtown Westfield Association)

• Stephanie Lay (Everwise Credit Union)

• Julie Plake (United Way of Central Indiana)

• Brian Price (Wessler Engineering)

• Bailey Rayford (Kendal Logan Logistics, LLC)

• Jennifer Roam (City of Fishers)

• Elizabeth Roberson (Krieg DeVault LLP)

• Jennifer Rozelle (Indiana Estate & Elder Law)

• Hyacinth Rucker (The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis)

• Emily J. Schmale (Church Church Hittle + Antrim)

• Alexis Sowder (KSM Location Advisors)

• Peg Strass (Westfield Fire Dept.)

• Jordan Willy (City of Fishers)

• Ashley Woodward Fischer (Beck’s)

• Lindsay Zehren (Resounding Joy Indiana) For more, visit hcla.net.

Woofstock 5K to benefit HSHC

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Registration is open for the annual Woofstock 5K race benefiting the Humane Society for Hamilton County’s Survivor Program.

EVENT

The race is set to start at 8 a.m. Aug. 12 at Four Day Brewing in Fishers, 11671 Lantern Rd.

“The Woofstock Survivor 5k and Dog Walk is a big deal at the Humane Society for Hamilton County, and I’ll tell you why,” said Lily Pesavento, community engagement manager for Humane Society for Hamilton County. “The proceeds and fundraising efforts associated with Woofstock are what fund our Survivor Program. The Survivor Program provides lifesaving medical care to over half the animals who come through our doors, and covers the costs associated with rescuing animals at risk of euthanasia in

Indiana shelters.”

Racers who register before Aug. 11 get a T-shirt, medal and one drink ticket redeemable that day at Four Day Brewing, according to the registration page. Those who register on race day receive a medal and drink ticket.

For more or to sign up, visit hamiltonhumane.com/programs/events/woofstock.

An adoptable dog waits for its new family at the Humane Society for Hamilton County. (File photo by Adam Seif)

City remains mum on Grand Park proposals

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Details surrounding the status of proposals for the operation or management of Westfield’s Grand Park and the next steps will remain confidential until a panel of committee members completes its work, according to the City of Westfield.

GOVERNMENT

The city once pondered selling the 400acre complex that serves as the training camp site for the Indianapolis Colts or entering into a public-private-partnership to operate the facility. Grand Park, which opened in 2014, has 31 soccer fields, 26 baseball diamonds, two administration buildings, seven concession stands and a 378,000-square-foot multi-use event center.

What remains unclear, however, is when any information will be released after the city announced in March it was moving forward with evaluating proposals only for the operation or management of Grand Park and the Grand Park Events Center. In 2022, the city sent out requests for proposals regarding the facility and received seven from different entities across the nation.

City spokesman Chris Proffitt declined to answer specific questions tied to an overall timeline and how many proposals are being considered from the seven that the city received, due to confidentiality.

“The city, and therefore the redevelopment commission, the owner of Grand Park, will only have that information when the review committee completes its work, which is subject to confidentiality by statute,” Proffitt said. “Only those members know how far along they are in the process and are restricted by non-disclosure agreements. The only information I have is that there are no new bidders other than the previously disclosed ones.”

The city appointed six individuals to serve on a committee to review the proposals, which were received by the following entities:

• Card & Associates Athletic Facilities, LLC

• A confidential client of Cushman & Wakefield

• Indy Sports & Entertainment, LLC and related entity

• Ambassador Enterprises

• REV Entertainment

• Sports Facilities Companies, LLC

• Anytown USA, LLC

The panel of committee members will eventually make a recommendation to the Westfield City Council and the city’s Redevelopment Commission regarding the proposals. Committee members include Brian Tomamichel, chief financial officer with Westfield Washington Schools; Troy Patton, Westfield City Council member; Larry Clarino, board member with Westfield Public Works and Safety; Dan Moyer, a Westfield business owner; Chuck Lehman, a former Westfield City Council member; and Jeremy Lollar, the city’s chief of staff.

At one time, the city had indicated that selling Grand Park was an option and previously said that if that were to occur, they would use the proceeds to pay off park debt. The city still owes nearly $80 million for the complex.

In December, Lollar said officials planned to conduct interviews with the seven entities that submitted proposals with the hope of having someone identified by March.

“What this group is going to do is evaluate them and decide if any are worthy of recommendation, and we’ll make that recommendation for you all to decide on,” Lollar told the Westfield City Council in December.

Lollar also told the council at the time that while it was unlikely that no viable recommendation would be made, it could remain a possibility. If that occurs, the city could continue to keep the complex and operate the way it has been, he added.

The City of Westfield has not provided a timeline for when it expects to finish reviewing seven bids it received to manage Grand Park. (File photo)

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.

Town Hall and Milk Shakes with Congresswoman Please

Saturday I July 22 I 1-2 PM

Hamilton County Fairgrounds

Farm Bureau Milkshake Tent

2003 Pleasant Street

Noblesville, IN 46060 Contact

Hyatt selected to lead chamber

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

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

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 accountant 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.” She serves on the Noblesville Youth Assistance Program board and is a coach for Girls on the Run, according to Russell.

“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.” The OneZone Chamber, which serves Fishers and Carmel, and the Northern Hamilton County Chamber announced last month that they were merging. Russell will continue to serve as president of both organizations, according to the announcement, which said that the Northern Hamilton County Chamber would keep its identity and branding.

Officials said that Northern Hamilton County and OneZone Chamber memberships are now reciprocal, which means members of either can participate in both chambers’ events and services. New programming, marketing and initiatives for the newly combined organization are in the planning process, officials said.

Hyatt ran for the Westfield clerk-treasurer seat against Marla Ailor during the May 2 primary election, but lost by 135 votes. Hyatt’s husband, Dave, is president and CEO of Riverview Health, which has hospitals in Noblesville and Westfield.

DISPATCHES

Volunteers needed for water availability study – The Hamilton County Surveyor’s Office is seeking volunteers for the county’s three year Water Availability Study. The study is being done by INTERA, the engineering firm employed by the county, and will monitor aquifer levels throughout the county to better understand the groundwater availability within the county. The data will contribute valuable information to the study. If interested, reach out to the Hamilton County Surveyor’s Office at 317-7768495 or email at surveyor@hamiltoncounty. in.gov.

Prevent catalytic converter theft – Jiffy Lube of Indiana and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Dept. have partnered to launch the Catalytic Converter Identification Initiative to combat a trend of catalytic converter thefts and support vehicle safety. Through this initiative, Hoosiers that visit a Jiffy Lube store in central Indiana can opt to have their technician engrave the last 8 digits of the vehicle’s VIN on the catalytic converter and add a stripe of high-temp paint, which adds an extra layer of protection to any vehicle at no additional cost (and no purchase necessary). Services will remain in effect indefinitely.

Hyatt

Paws & Think program pairs shelter dogs with youth trainers

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

In a large room next to the dog kennels at the Humane Society for Hamilton County’s facility in Fishers, about a half-dozen very happy shelter dogs get to spend some time outside of their kennels and interact with young people.

PARTNERSHIP

Kids and dogs working together — it’s a great combination of energy and enthusiasm, leading to positive results for members of both species. That’s the goal of the youth-canine program, led by Indianapolis-based nonprofit Paws & Think.

Ashleigh Coster is executive director of Paws & Think. She said the program brings young people into the shelter to connect with dogs that need a little training.

“The idea is that at the end of the oneweek program, the dogs are more adoptable because they know their commands a little bit more,” she said. “But it’s also a chance to connect with young people and give them an opportunity to have a unique connection.”

Coster said many of the youths in the program face challenges, such as anxiety or depression. They partner not only with the shelter, but with the Fishers Youth Assistance Program to find kids and dogs who will benefit most from the interaction.

“Essentially, it’s a weeklong program,” she said. “Youth are here every day for about an hour. They are learning positive-reinforcement training techniques to help the dogs learn a lot of basic commands. The whole goal of the program is, one, for young people to connect and have a unique human-animal connection, but also to help make sure that the dogs are more adoptable towards the end of the week.”

The kids work with adult coaches who understand positive-reinforcement training, and help the young trainers learn how to teach the dogs.

“They’re able to help redirect as needed. They’re there for, obviously, safety measures as well,” Coster said. “But they can really help the young people that may be struggling teaching a certain command — they can help them with different ideas on ways to maybe get connected to that dog in a different way.”

Lilly Pesavento is the community engagement manager for the Humane Society for

Hamilton County. She said the youth-canine program is a fantastic opportunity for the shelter dogs.

“When you think about it, these are dogs that are kept in a cage day in and day out, people walking by them all the time,” she said. “This is an opportunity for them to feel wanted, for them to feel loved, for them to feel like they have a purpose, because so many of these dogs, they just want to learn. They just want that human connection.”

Pesavento said the shelter selects dogs for the program that are friendly with kids, men and women, and have been in the shelter the longest.

“Right now, we have two pit bulls that are in the program, and pit bulls are very hard to get adopted,” she said. “That’s very unfortunate because of the stigma of their breed. So this is also teaching young people that pit bulls are nothing to be afraid of. They’re not scary dogs, they’re not violent dogs, they can be trained, they’re very smart, they’re very attentive, they’re very gentle, and that’s a great part of the program is showing them this side of pit bulls.”

One of the pit bull mixes, Radio, was very happily learning new tricks from youth trainer Hannah Bachmann. She said she has an akita at home, and that’s another breed that people stigmatize.

Bachmann, a senior at Hamilton Southeastern High School, said she also picked up new skills through the program. She’s learned to be more patient with dogs, how to not reward bad behaviors and more about dog body language.

For more about Paws & Think, visit pawsandthink.org. To see adoptable pets at the Humane Society for Hamilton County, visit hamiltonhumane.com.

Youth trainer Rogan French gets a kiss from shelter dog Jackie during a Paws & Think youthcanine training program at Humane Society for Hamilton County. (Photo by Adam Seif)

SWEET SUCCESS

Westfield Farmers Market remains popular destination for vendors, public

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The Westfield Farmers Market is seeing no shortage of vendors and visitors each week with food, music and plenty of other options to choose from.

The market, which is open from 5 to 8 p.m. every Thursday at Grand Junction Plaza, is the biggest ever, said Nick Stepaniak, market manager. On a typical week, the market has 70 vendors offering products ranging from baked goods, honey, dog treats, soap and a variety of produce, Stepaniak said.

“We have seen continued success from our winter market with a lot of vendors carrying over to the summer farmers market,” Stepaniak said. “This has been the most successful year since I’ve been here in 2021.”

Stepaniak cited the market’s location at Grand Junction Plaza as one of the key factors in its success, noting that officials have tried to make it a destination for families to enjoy with different food trucks and vendors. Many other farmers markets in Hamilton County – such as those in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Sheridan – are held on Saturdays, but Westfield has enjoyed success by holding its market on Thursdays each week, Stepaniak said.

“We’ve taken a Thursday night and ran with it,” he said.

At a recent market, several members of the public waited to get their hands on sweet corn offered by Tipton-based My Dad’s Sweet Corn for the first time this season. That was evident by long lines as employees such as Tim Mendenhall kept busy selling bushels of sweet corn that arrived on the back of a pickup truck.

Mendenhall, who said the business has been at the Westfield Farmers Market for more than five years, estimated he brought 100 to 150 dozen bushels of corn and predicted that it would sell out by the end of the night.

“We’ve got a pretty good following now and we’ve been in other places for up to 20 years and the following keeps getting bigger every year,” Mendenhall said.

Among the visitors attending the farmers market was Linda Keen, who came with her husband, Mark, and their dog, Honey. They were among the dozens of people who bought sweet corn and were browsing different vendors afterwards.

Linda Keen said one of the main reasons she visits the farmers market is the people.

“We can walk here from our house if it’s not too hot and I can bring my dog, Honey, and walk her and we can walk around and talk to everyone,” she said. “There’s lots of room to move around, and I can bring my dog.”

Among the stops for Linda Keen and Honey was Lazy Labs Bakery, which sells dog treats made with organic ingredients. The Fishers-based business owned by Katie Mack was also at the winter farmers market held at West

Fork Whiskey Co.

Mack said she decided to be a part of the Westfield Farmers Market at Grand Junction Plaza in part because of the success she had during the winter months.

“We have built up a clientele from the winter and they come weekly and buy treats from us and we now have fan-favorite customers that need their two bags of treats each week,” Mack said.

Mack said she was surprised at how well her business did indoors at the winter farmers market, adding that “we’ve been doing great ever since.”

The winter farmers market, which relaunched this year after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is likely to return to West Fork Whiskey Co., Stepaniak said.

“We brought it back and saw plenty of success and had

ON THE COVER: Stephanie Mack, left, with her mom Katie Mack, who owns Lazy Labs Bakery. Katie Mack’s business, which is in Fishers, is among the vendors that can be found every Thursday evening at the Westfield Farmers Market this season at Grand Junction Plaza. (Photos by Matthew Kent)

every spot filled and had plenty of attendees,” Stepaniak said. “We’re always looking to continue to grow, and our application stays open all summer, so we’d like to grow even more.”

Stepaniak also encouraged the public to come check out the Westfield Farmers Market, noting there is plenty for children and adults to enjoy.

“Just come out on Thursday nights, it’s a great time,” he said. “We have live music, so make your Thursday night an exciting evening.”

IF YOU GO

What: Westfield Farmers Market

When: 5 to 8 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 5

Where: Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S. Union St.

More information: Visit downtownwestfieldindy. com/farmers-market-1

Customers wait to buy sweet corn from My Dad’s Sweet Corn during the Westfield Farmers Market July 6 at Grand Junction Plaza.

Visitors check out the Westfield Farmers Market July 6 at Grand Junction Plaza in Westfield.

(Photos by Matthew Kent)

Upland coming to Clay Terrace

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Upland Brewing Co. plans to open its second taphouse in Carmel in late August.

TAPHOUSE

Padraig Cullen, Upland Brewing Co. vice president of hospitality, said he had been eyeing the site at 14490 Clay Terrace Blvd., which previously housed Prodigy Burger Bar, for several years.

“I’ve always thought it’s a unique location. You’re in the heart of everything, and it’s got a real nice look to it with the garage doors,” Cullen said. “A lot of people are walking around in front of it.”

The Clay Terrace site will be the 10th location for the Bloomington-based craft brewery, which also operates a taphouse at 820 E. 116th St. in Carmel. Cullen said the Clay Terrace site will be twice as large as its 116th Street restaurant and employ approximately 50 people.

Since 1998, Upland Brewing Co. has been serving craft beer and a menu of scratchmade, locally produced food. Cullen said the company aims to create an approachable, calm environment where guests feel com-

fortable stopping by whether they are in work attire or looking to relax after traveling nearby trails.

“It’s nice and clean,” Cullen said. “It’s not divey, but (it’s a place) where everybody feels comfortable. That’s what we shoot for.”

Operating hours for Upland Brewing Clay Terrace will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Learn more at UplandBeer.com.

CSA opens new facility

By Kiersten Riedford kiersten@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Swim Academy opened its new facility July 5 at 830 City Center Dr.

The facility contains a six-lane pool — 5-feet deep and 25 yards long for each lane — and a small pool that is 3-feet deep for people to be safely introduced to water.

“Our goal in constructing this facility, which was a huge undertaking for us, was to create a safer, healthier and stronger community through swimming,” said Maggie Mestrich, director of business development for Carmel Swim Club and CSA.

CSA will offer swim lessons for ages 3 and older, lifeguard certification classes and community swimming hours.

Swimming lessons are divided into groups: 3- to 4-year-olds, 5- to 7-year-olds, 8- to 10-year-olds and 11 and older.

Community swim hours will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 8 to 9 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 8 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 2 to

9 p.m.

Community swim memberships are offered through monthly memberships, 20-visit punch cards and day passes. Monthly memberships range from $45 to $50, 20-visit punch cards range from $85 to $100 and day passes range from $5 to $30.

Any child who is on free or reduced lunch or whose family is on an accounting utility assistance program is eligible to participate in CSA’s free swim lesson program.

For more information, contact Senior Director Nicole Bills at carmelswimacademydirector@gmail.com.

Upland Brewing Clay Terrace is set to open in late August in the site that previously housed Prodigy Burger Bar. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

The Carmel Swim Academy facility contains a 6-lane pool — 5-feet deep and 25 yards long for each lane — and a small pool that is 3-feet deep.

(Photo by Kiersten Riedford)

Challenges of sticking together

Commentary by Terry Anker

Funny you should ask…

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

ESSAY

There are more than a handful of handy, intuitive inventions that, once discovered, seem to have been with us from the beginning. We wonder how humans might have survived before the simple, elegant and eminently useful ideas, gadgets and solutions came along, but each one had an origin point in some dreamer imagining a resolution to a vexing problem, with prototypes, refinements and collaborations until a stable and replicable process took hold. Someone rubbed sticks or sparked a particular kind of stone to carry fire in their pockets. Someone imagined and built a box to hold and store — then someone else fabricated a pair of wheels to make the whole thing mobile.

In 1941 a Swiss engineer named George de Mestral was walking his dog and, annoyed by the burrs sticking to his woolen socks and the animal’s thick fur coat, was inspired to eventually create hook and loop fabric strips that became Velcro. The relatively modest leap in engineering became a global blockbuster. Now, the product is every-

where, connecting everything. For Mestral, inspiration came from burdock seeds. Others have been initiated by Mestral’s Velcro to push the limits of its uses. Still more have applied the ubiquitous awareness of the straightforward function and utility of Velcro as a metaphor for countless other interactions.

Why is it that some people are like Velcro? We seem to stick to them quickly and effortlessly. Even if life pulls us apart over time and geography, when together again we reconnect as if we’d never been separated. And in parting once more, we don’t harm one another. Yet for others, no matter how great the effort, we cannot attach. Is it because there needs to be a hook-andloop to have the effect? Is it our differences that make this work? Or consistency? Or providence?

Love the hate mail

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

I’ve got mail! Hate mail, to be precise. Two avid readers have finally had enough of my nonsensical shenanigans and chosen to share their loathing with me. One was an honest-to-god handwritten postcard! Talk about your old school. I love the commitment, Carol! (This is not her real name, of course. Or is it?)

HUMOR

There was a time when notes like these would have sent me into either a defensive spiral or rage haze, both entailing creative combinations of swear words and harsh adjectives. But I’ve been doing this for more than 16 years. Sixteen! And I’ve seen some stuff, readers. This is nothing. I’m honestly rather flattered that two women took the time from their clearly busy lives to have a go at me. I matter, I really do!

I was disappointed, however, in the level of critique. There were no righteous accusations of spousal, child or alcohol abuse; no cruel indictments of my un-American stupid liberal politics; no brutal declarations that my hopefully-soon-to-be afterlife be spent in, ‘Hell-o operator, give me No. 9.” Come on! If you’re going to dish it out,

“If you’re going to dish it out, make sure it’s got meat on it. Mean-girl correspondence should be juicy, people.”

make sure it’s got meat on it. Mean-girl correspondence should be juicy, people. No, my new special friends simply think I’m boring, irrelevant and a waste of paper space. They’ve been reading me forever but can’t stand another minute of my dumb column and they’re vowing to, from now on, throw me out with the trash where I belong.

Beverly, I hear you, I do (again, this is not her real name. Probably). But I also thank you because mail is mail, hate or otherwise. I’ll take it! Peace out.

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

Through the years, I have written about 1,200 columns. I find that people are curious about the humor-writing process. So, this week and next will not be humor columns; they will be columns about humor. Here are some of the most common questions I get.

HUMOR

Do you write about things that really happened, or do you make all this stuff up?

You know how sometimes a movie begins with this phrase, inspired by a true story? That’s pretty much like my column. The idea is always based on something real. A week or so ago, I fell out of a small bed at a downtown inn where we were staying for our anniversary. That was 100 percent true. As soon as my head hit the floor, I knew I had a column. And a headache. Did I exaggerate the story just a bit? Of course.

Have people ever been angry at you for a column you wrote?

Yes. Here’s an example:

Several years ago, I wrote about why my wife never mows the lawn. In the piece, I suggested that I didn’t want her to mow because it would jeopardize her femininity as evidenced by other women in the neighborhood who were outside grunting and sweating as they pushed their mowers. I got a lot of nasty notes from the ladies on our street. My wife said I had to go apologize to each of them. I had a better idea. We moved.

You make fun of your wife, Mary Ellen. Is she OK with that?

The truth is that in most of my columns, I make fun of myself, not her. Self-deprecating humor is the best form of comedy. About 75 percent of President Barack Obama’s jokes at the 2012 annual White House Broadcasters Dinner were mocking himself. Trump only managed self-deprecation 30 percent of the time when he had his turn. Even Biden has now started to parody his advancing age. I recently wrote a column about all the dumb questions Mary Ellen asked me about baseball. Truth is, I couldn’t answer any of them myself. I was poking fun at myself for pretending I was an expert.

The last line of your story is my favorite part. What’s the key to a good ending?

I once had a newspaper (no name) whose copy editor chopped off my last several sentences when he needed the space. That’s when I started believing in capital punishment. People were telling me they liked my columns but didn’t understand the endings. The last line or two of a humor column are crucial. It ties it all up and goes back to something I may have mentioned maybe 400 words ago. I work really hard on that. I hope you like the ending to this one.

Do you ever run out of funny ideas?

I did this week. That’s why you are reading this column.

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 specialinterest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

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

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

“As soon as my head hit the floor, I knew I had a column. And a headache. Did I exaggerate the story just a bit? Of course.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

– DANIELLE WILSON

Pavel & Direct Contact to bring Latin flavor to Carmel Jazz Fest

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Pavel & Direct Contact will present its unique Latin jazz sound in a prime spot in the Carmel Jazz Fest.

“We’re always excited to bring exposure to the culture to different parts of the city and state,” said Pavel Polanco-Safadit, a pianist who grew up in the Dominican Republic. “As far as I know, we are the only Latin-flavored band this year in the Carmel Jazz Fest. I give it up to (the organizers) to do something different, to do some Latin jazz.”

The Indianapolis-based Pavel & Direct Contact will perform from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 12 on the Carter Green stage. The twoday festival is set for Aug. 11-12 at six sites.

Vocalist Leah Crane said the band is known for its high-energy performances.

“Sometimes, it’s hard to follow that much energy, so I think it’s good we’re going to close out the night,” Crane said.

Evelyn “Champagne” King will perform from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 12 on the Gazebo stage. King had a hit disco single, “Shame,” during the height of disco’s popularity in 1977.

Polanco-Safadit said the band’s music features Afro-Cuban rhythms during the set.

“What people love is we take cover songs that people know and put a Latin rhythm to it,” Crane said. “I’ll sing songs in Spanish, and some of the songs have both English and Spanish in it.”

One cover they usually put a spin on is “I Will Survive.”

Polanco-Safadit said the band also will feature its Latin jazz originals.

Direct Contact’s music contains an experience of Latin jazz, salsa and Latin-infused American pop songs.

“For us, it’s very important to connect cultures,” Polanco-Safadit said. “Sometimes, they hear the rhythms. Some might say I don’t know that song, in particular, but I like it. They recognize the rhythms.

We have amazing musicians for this.”

Besides Polanco-Safadit and Crane, the band consists of Steve Dokken, bass; David Allee, trumpet; Rob Dixon, saxophone; Freddie Mendoza, trombone; and Matt McGraw, percussion. Allee is the owner of The Jazz Kitchen and has been the band’s trumpet player for more than 15 years.

“We had the opportunity to come to Carmel when we played for the Carmel Symphony Orchestra,” Crane said. “That was the first time they ever had a local Latin band.”

Polanco-Safadit said that to say the

band has been very busy of late is in an understatement.

“In this past year, we’ve traveled to different countries -- the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Canada,” Polanco-Safadit said. “We’ll be doing the Indy Jazz Fest (in September). We’re doing a lot of private gigs as well.”

Polanco-Safadit will join Blair Clark at 11 a.m. Aug. 13 at Feinstein’s at the Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

For tickets and the complete lineup, visit carmeljazzfest.org.

‘SOPHISTICATED LADIES’

“Sophisticated Ladies” runs through Aug. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“The Piano Man: A Billy Joel Tribute” is set for 7:30 p.m. July 20 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. ATI Live presents Un5Gettable at 7:30 p.m. July 21, and Wayne Powers will perform at 7:30 p.m. July 22. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS’

“Broadway Under the Stars” will be presented at 8 p.m. July 21-22 in the Symphony on the Prairie series at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT

The Great American Songbook Foundation’s annual Songbook Academy, a summer intensive program, will conclude with a concert at 7 p.m. July 22 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCH

Indy Shorts presents ‘The Hoosier Way’ —

The Indy Shorts International Film Festival, set for July 18-23, will hold a free, all-ages screening of “The Hoosier Way” at The Toby Theatre in Newfields, 4000 N Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, at 5:30 p.m. July 23. Using a tapestry of clips from more than 40 16mm educational, promotional and home movies, the program features people, places and events that make Indiana unique. Footage includes the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911; Oscar Robertson leading Indianapolis Crispus Attucks to become the first all-Black high school sports team in the U.S. to win a state championship; Kurt Vonnegut at home; behind the scenes inside Gary’s steel mills; and more. The program will be introduced by curators/directors Jennifer and Jon Vickers and will be followed by a brief Q&A with filmmakers and Indiana University archivists. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for interactive 16mm film handling demonstrations. For more on Indy Shorts schedule of films, visit heartlandfilm.org/indyshorts.

Pavel & Direct Contact members, from left, David Allee, Freddie Mendoza, Matt McGraw, Leah Crane, Pavel Polanco-Safadit, Rob Dixon, Gerardo Becerra and Steve Dokken at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Mark Sheldon)

Pavel Polanco-Safadit and Leah Crane performing with Pavel & Direct Contact. (Photo courtesy of Larry Goshen)

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YAP takes on ‘Mean Girls’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Keegan Connor is taking a break in her duties as Miss Indiana’s Teen to explore her love of theater.

“I’ve never played a super-mean character like her,” Kauffman said. “She’s horrible. It’s definitely fun because in real life, I don’t act like her, so it’s kind of challenging for me.”

MUSICAL

Connor, who will be a Westfield High School senior, captured the title June 17 and since then has done some TV shows and personal appearances.

“It’s been crazy since I was crowned,” said Connor, who recently was in a parade and sang the national anthem at a South Bend Cubs baseball game. “But I found time to prioritize the show because I wouldn’t have signed up for it if I didn’t think I could handle both.”

Connor is now preparing for her lead role of Cady Heron in Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program’s production of “Mean Girls,” set for July 27-30 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“I think Cady is relatable from the get-go, even if you didn’t move from school to school to school,” Connor said. “She resembles a lot of people who are going through high school life, because no matter what you are going to get picked on, going to get judged. She does have a big character arc. By the start of Act 2, she steps into (queen mean girl) Regina’s role, and I think that shows how you can be influenced by people around you. Peer pressure is really real.”

Connor said this is the largest role of her career. The musical is based on the 2004 movie.

“I’m very honored and humbled to step into this role,” said Connor, who saw “Mean Girls” on Broadway and twice on tour. “A lot of the things from the movie are pulled into the musical as well, with iconic lines. I think the musical is a lot better than the movie, in my opinion. It brings more sense of community by the end of it all.”

Connor started with Jr. Civic when she was in seventh grade. She performed in “The Sound of Music” on the main stage this spring.

Claire Kauffman, who will be a Zionsville Community High School junior, plays Regina George.

Kauffman said her favorite song is “Someone Gets Hurt.”

Kauffman has been in several shows for YAP and Jr. Civic, including YAP’s “42nd Street” in 2022 and “Matilda the Musical” on the main stage last year.

Kauffman played the title role of “Annie” at Beef & Boards in 2018. She also performed in “Annie” at Civic Theatre.

Maddux Morrison, a 2023 Noblesville High School graduate who will attend Ball State University to major in musical theater, plays Cady’s gay friend, Damian.

“I was a fan of the movie, and then when it became a musical and went to Broadway, I was a fan of that as well,” Morrison said. “Damian is a fun role to play. He’s very confident and sassy. He really knows who he is. Playing the character has helped me as a person. He’s helped my confidence as a performer and also in real life. Something I love about the show and also this character is the show doesn’t take itself too seriously. When I was in high school, I took everything seriously. I didn’t stop and have fun that much. Doing this show and role has helped me to explore that side of myself.”

Morrison has been performing at Jr. Civic and YAP for eight years.

Amelia Schoeff, who will be a senior at Lebanon High School, plays Cady’s friend, Janis.

“She’s a goth and a victim of Regina,” Schoeff said. “I’ve never played a goth before, and it’s so different from me in real life. She’s so fun. She has a hysterical, dry sense of humor. She’s also relatable to a common high school experience for girls where she has been picked on by the main character.”

This is her first performance with Civic Theatre.

“Everyone that works on the show and the cast members are all incredible,” Schoeff said.

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

Kauffman

Morrison

Connor

Schoeff

NIGHT & DAY Beat the heat with lighter fare

Commentary by Mark LaFay

WHS grad’s original song wins

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Spenser Johns was stunned when she won the CarmelFest Has Talent 17-and-older division

TALENT SHOW

“I did not believe

FOOD

It appears the summer heat and humidity have finally found us. I normally like to avoid the heat and humidity, unless there is a frosty beverage in my hand and some water nearby. But even in the absence of such vacation-esque accommodations, I still love to be outside as much as possible.

The higher heat and humidity do cause some behavior modification in me, if only in what, and how much, I eat. Maybe you’re like me and you gravitate toward the lighter fare in the hot weather. We tend to consume more fresh fruit and vegetables in this weather, and meals can often look more like party grazing than a proper meal.

You don’t have to eat like a rabbit to eat lighter and fresher in the warm weather. There are several different fruit, vegetable, meat and cheese combos that we like to assemble for a filling but lighter approach to dinner inside and outside, such as:

Prosciutto and cantaloupe: Pork and melons are two things you can find plenty of in Indiana. This combo is, however, very Italian in origin. Once in Italy, we enjoyed fresh, ripe cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto, with a little high-quality olive oil drizzled over the top. Sweet and savory, but overall, somewhat mild in flavor and not heavy in the belly. Try LaQuercia Acorn Prosciutto.

Sharp Vermont cheddar and apple slices: I’m sure you’ve heard of apple pie with cheddar cheese slices, right? If not, try crisp Granny Smith apples and thin slices of Vermont cheddar cheese. The sharp and savory nature of the cheddar pairs nicely with the tart and sweet apple. The difference in texture is nice as well — crunchy and creamy. Try Cabot Sharp Cheddar. Grapes and brie cheese: Another classic light snack is grapes and brie. The sweet nature of the grapes goes wonderfully with the brie, which can be, at times, a little sharp with a bitter edge. Try this with Point Reyes Quinta, Tulip Tree Creamery Trillium or an imported triple-cream cheese from France.

I’d have any shot at winning,” she said. “I went after three amazing acts, with another one going right after me, and I truly believed I couldn’t even compete with any of them.”

The 2023 Westfield High School graduate was victorious in the July 3 competition after performing an original song called “The Real World’s Game.”

She said she wrote the song during her sophomore year. It’s about being confused on what she wanted to do with her life while getting questions about college and her future.

Johns, who will attend IUPUI to major in business and minor in music production, likes all genres of music.

“I don’t like tying myself to one box, especially since I am so young and my style and interests are always changing,” she said. “I’d say I mainly sing pop, classic

Spenser Johns, a 2023 Westfield High School graduate, captured the CarmelFest Has Talent 17-and-older division. (Photo courtesy of Spenser Johns)

rock and alternative music, but I try to throw some other genres into the mix and I am always experimenting and evolving my sound.”

Johns also won a Noblesville’s Got Talent in April and will get the opportunity to perform July 22 at the Noblesville Street Dance.

Vivian Vreeman, who will be a junior at Carmel High School in August, won the ages 13 through 16 competition.

Noblesville resident Azalia Davidson won the 12-and-under category. She sang “Yodeling at the Grand Ole Opry.”

The winners each received $300.

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4021 Millersville Rd., Suite 107A, Indianapolis.

Presenting Sponsor: SOLD! Bar Sponsor: $3,000

Partner Sponsor: SOLD! Table Sponsor: $2,500

Companion Sponsor: $5,000 Auction Sponsor: $1,500

Band Sponsor: $3,000 Dessert Sponsor: $1,500

VIP Ticket: $250

Individual Ticket: $175

Foreigner set for farewells

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

With Foreigner’s heavy touring schedule for the past 18 years, keyboardist Michael Bluestein knows it’s appropriate that this tour “feels like the last time” for the band.

CONCERT

“There certainly is a collective exhaustion that has crept up in the band,” Bluestein said. “I mean, we’re proud of the fact that we still put on a killer show, but there’s a sense that the ability to do that won’t go on forever, and we’d like to ‘go out on top,’ as they say.”

Foreigner will perform at 7 p.m. July 21 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. Loverboy is joining Foreigner as a special guest on the tour, which began July 6 and extends into 2024.

“It’s definitely bittersweet,” Bluestein said. “We’re all proud of what we’ve done and very excited to give it all on this farewell tour, but we’ll certainly miss performing for our awesome fans and miss playing these fantastic songs with each other.”

Bluestein said he always looks forward

to performing “Juke Box Hero” and “Long, Long Way from Home” because they are hard-driving rockers that always pump up the band and the fans.

Guitarist Mick Jones is the last original member still with the band, which started in New York in 1976. Kelly Hansen replaced Lou Gramm as the lead singer in 2005. Bluestein has toured with the band since 2008.

“It has been touching to see how special this band has been to so many people,” Bluestein said. “We have people practically begging us not to stop touring, and that definitely is moving.”

Keyboardist Michael Bluestein has been with Foreigner since 2008. (Photo courtesy of Live Nation)

From Seward to Juneau

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing tour of Alaska, we travel by ship from Seward to Juneau, Alaska’s capital, where we make the first of two stops.

TRAVEL

Disenchantment Bay, a narrow inlet at the head of Yakutat Bay, is a popular stop for cruise ships sailing to or from Seward’s well-equipped port on the Gulf of Alaska. It was named for Spanish explorer Alejandro Malaspina’s disappointment that it did not lead to the legendary Northwest Passage.

Ship captains now willingly sail to the end of Disenchantment Bay to take passengers to see Hubbard Glacier, North America’s largest tidewater glacier. The 76-mile-long glacier is 7 miles wide and 600 feet high where it meets the water, with 250 feet below the water line. The ice in Hubbard Glacier moves forward at about 1,000 feet per year, which means that the ice at the face is 400 years old. Some of the so-called “calves” that constantly break off and fall into the water are more than 100 feet tall, creating hazards for ships in the area.

Juneau, about 200 miles southeast of Hubbard Glacier, includes both an area lying between the base of Mount Juneau and Gastineau Channel, and Douglas Island, across the channel. Surrounded completely by mountains and water, no roads connect Juneau with the rest of Alaska. Visitors and goods come and go only by ships or

Lead and Assistant positions are available ages 2 through Kindergarten.

planes. Despite its location, Juneau has been the capital of Alaska since 1906, and efforts to move the capital have failed. Today, Juneau has a permanent population of about 32,000, making it the third-largest city in Alaska after Anchorage and Fairbanks. In the summer, about 6,000 people a day enter the city from cruise ships. Many of them take the Goldbelt Tram from the cruise ship dock up 1,800 feet to get a spectacular view of the city.

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

• Our Staff is passionate about building life-long learners through a play-based and faith-focused early childhood education program.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Request for Proposal/Qualifications.

The City of Westfield Indiana is requesting Statements of Proposal/Qualifications from interested professionals for development and Construction Services for the Westfield Police Headquarters Project. In accordance with IC 5-23-5, the City of Westfield, Indiana (City), invites any and all qualified parties to submit Statements of Proposal/Qualifications, under a public-private partnership, to develop, construct, and furnish the Westfield Police Headquarters project, in Westfield, Indiana. An electronic PDF of the Statement of Proposal/Qualifications should be emailed to Scott Jordan, Assistant Chief of Police at sjordan@ westfield.in.gov by 10:00 am EST on July 26, 2023 in order to be considered. Additional information and a packet outlining submittal requirements will be available at the City of Westfield and may be requested.

Juneau, Alaska, from Goldbelt Tram. (Photos by Don Knebel)

5. IU grad

9. A/C measure

13. Black, to 15-Across

14. Anthony’s Chophouse steak order

15. Masters of rhyme

16. Indiana’s “Summit City”

18. Fairy tale meanies

19. 12th grader at Fishers HS 20. Rhino relative 22. Hawaiian island 25. Shirt part 28. Butler anatomy class display 32. Miss Indiana pageant accessories 33. Kind of band or story 34. Windshield device 36. Colts punt path 37. “I smell ___!”

38. Fancy tie

39. I-69 sight

40. Big ___ Conference

41. What dogs and babies do

42. Speak

43. Mattel rival

45. Document file format

47. Covets

48. Genesis patri-ark?

49. “Ghosts” playwright

51. Bird in some clocks

56. Crooked Stick pro shop purchase

58. Indiana’s “Wagon City”

61. ___ Hospital for Children

62. German wife

63. Author Bagnold

64. Mine finds

65. Amazes

66. Goes bad Down

1.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

partner

28. Criticize harshly

29. Seoul man

30. Indiana’s “Pocket City”

31. Permit

35. Salk’s vaccine target

38. Stood up

39. Colts QB stat

41. Formally attired

42. Slangy affirmative

44. Holy books

46. Desert plant

50. Website warning letters

52. Radio-active trucker

53. Numbers game

54. “Step ___!”

55. Hoosier Park race figures

56. Sis’ sib

57. Number one cause of inflation?

59. Spanish gold

60. GM labor group

Answers on Page 23

Hinkle Fieldhouse whistle blowers

2. ISO woodwind

3. Weather-beaten

4. Opposed

Landfall for 48-Across

“Now I ___ me down...”

IMA vase

Noblesville HS swimming competition

Isn’t up to par? (Var.)

10. Indiana’s “Queen City of the Wabash”

11. Eiteljorg Museum Western tribe

12. Leak sound

15. Indiana state tree, by another name

17. Suitor 21. Liability’s opposite 23. “In what way?”

24. Mythical horse with a horn

26. Polygon’s corner

27. Zionsville HS prom

6 WRTV Storm Team Words 4 German Cities

3 Indiana State Fair Barns

2 Adhesives

5 Royal Titles

1 “Libations by the Levee” Festival Site

NOW HIRING LOVE DOGS?

NEED PART TIME JOB?

HUNT CLUB IS HIRING Part time Kennel

Assistant : responsible for the daily care of dogs, kennel upkeep, and other tasks related to keeping our guests happy and comfortable. Hours are from 7 AM to 12 PM or 3 to 8 PM with potential for 18 - 35 hours per week. Part-time Front Desk Assistant: responsible for corresponding with clients through emails ,phone, and in- person as well as various computer tasks. Hours are 8:30 to 11:30 AM or 4:30 to 7:30 PM and as needed. Applicants should have availability on weekdays as well as occasional weekends and holidays. Interested? Have questions

Email:huntclubkennal@gmail.com

NOW HIRING NOW HIRING

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, good-natured 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

PUZZLE ANSWERS SPONSORED BY SHEPHERD INSURANCE

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Words: CLOUDY, COLD, RAIN, SNOW, TORNADO, WINDY; Titles: BARON, DUKE, EARL, MARQUESS, VISCOUNT; Cities: BERLIN, FRANKFURT, HAMBURG, MUNICH; Barns: CATTLE, SHEEP, SWINE; Adhesives: EPOXY, GLUE; Site: RUSHVILLE