August 15, 2023 — Westfield

TOUR OF HOMES

When: August 19th 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Where: 15107 Larchwood Drive

Tour 5 Move-In Ready Homes & Enter to Win a Dinner at Monterey Coastal Cuisine

COMMUNITY

About us

Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVI, No. 28

Copyright 2023 Current Publishing, LLC

All Rights Reserved. 30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

Trio plans to open dog bar in city

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

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Opinions

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Three Westfield residents plan to open a dog park and bar in the city that will allow visitors to enjoy a drink while their furry companions run outdoors.

DEVELOPMENT

Crate Escapes will be on John Dippel Boulevard in Grand Park Village, said Megan Schaffer, who plans to open the business with her sister, Jen Ehlers, and her brotherin-law, Aaron Ehlers. The trio recently finalized a 3.5-acre purchase of land and hope to open by the fall of 2024, Schaffer said.

Schaffer said Crate Escapes, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Indiana and will be membership-based, will feature a 10,000-square-foot indoor area with a 2-acre area outdoors designated for dogs to play and run. A bar area will be available with a variety of cocktails, wine and beer options to choose from, according to Schaffer, who said the business will be family friendly.

“Families can come, or friends can come and people can come with their dogs and allow them to play off leash while they grab a drink,” she said. “We’re going to have a lot of live music, a lot of events, yoga in the morning and adoption events and people can come and let their dogs run off some energy.”

Crate Escapes will also offer dog care based on appointments, allowing people to drop off their animals, she added.

“When they come back, they can stay and eat and drink and whatever they want

from there,” Schaffer said. Day passes, in addition to monthly and annual membership fees will be available once Crate Escapes open. Day passes will cost $10 during the week and $15 on weekends, month-to-month fees will be $35, while $25 monthly annual memberships will be available, according to Schaffer, who said individuals will also have the option of paying $250 upfront for an annual membership.

“If you don’t have a dog, you’re welcome to come and get free dog kisses,” Schaffer said.

Schaffer, who owns a wedding pho-

tography business and also works at the Indianapolis Zoo, said she, her sister and brother-in-law look forward to bringing Crate Escapes to Westfield.

“We’re just so excited to be able to offer a facility where people can come with their dogs and spend time with family and friends and socialize and have a good time, have a chance to relax,” Schaffer said. “We really felt like Grand Park was a great area to grow and build with them with all the new development that’s going in up there.”

For more, visit crateescapeswestfield. com.

Raising Cane’s plans store in Westfield

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Westfield residents can look forward to the arrival of Raising Cane’s as one of the newest restaurants coming to the city.

The Baton Rouge, La.based company known for chicken tenders has filed plans with the city to build a 2,800-square-foot restaurant at 14909 Thatcher Lane. Other nearby restaurants on Thatcher Lane include Chick-fil-A, Applebee’s, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Burger King and Taco Bell, among others.

Westfield would mark the second Rais-

ing Cane’s restaurant within Hamilton County following the opening of the Noblesville location, 13020 Campus Pkwy., in April. Raising Cane’s opened another store in Avon last November.

Officials with Raising Cane’s did not re-

spond to a media inquiry about its timeline and when it intends to open the Westfield store. For more, visit raisingcanes.com.

Meanwhile, Dollar Tree also plans to open a 9,977-square-foot store in Westfield at 17659 Gunther Blvd., according to plans filed with the city. The discount store has more than 8,000 locations in the United States and Canada, according to its website.

Dollar Tree also operates Family Dollar, which it acquired in 2015. Officials said at the time that the combined merger would result in more than 13,000 stores in 48 states and five Canadian provinces with sales exceeding $19 billion annually.

From left, Westfield residents Megan Schaffer, Aaron Ehlers and Jen Ehlers plan to open Crate Escapes, a dog park with a bar, next year. The business will be located on John Dippel Boulevard in Grand Park Village. (Photo provided by Megan Schaffer)

A rendering of a planned Raising Cane’s restaurant. (Rendering courtesy of city of Westfield)

I’M BACK TO MY ACTIVE LIFESTYLE, PAIN-FREE!

“I had a great experience at Westfield Foot and Ankle. Everyone was friendly and professional. I received good advice and treatment from Dr. Sullivan and his staff, and they provided me with a wonderful peace of mind that I could continue my active work and leisure lifestyle.”

City considering 3 proposals for Grand Park

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The number of proposals being considered for the operation or management of Grand Park has been narrowed to three entities.

GOVERNMENT

The city sent out requests for proposals in 2022 regarding the 400-acre complex that serves as the training camp for the Indianapolis Colts and received seven proposals. In March, city officials announced that it was moving forward with evaluating proposals only for the operation and management of Grand Park and the Grand Park Events Center.

The Westfield City Council and the city’s Redevelopment Commission had a joint meeting Aug. 7, when officials said that the number of proposals being considered was three. 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.

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

Committee members include Brian Tomamichel, chief financial officer with Westfield Washington Schools; Troy Patton, Westfield

City Councilmember; Larry Clarino, board member with the Westfield Public Works and Safety; Dan Moyer, a Westfield business owner; Chuck Lehman, a former Westfield City Councilmember; and Jeremy Lollar, the city’s chief of staff.

At one time, the city had indicated 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.

Westfield City Councilman Scott Willis, a Republican who is set to become mayor in January, said there is no timeline attached as to when a decision will be made. Willis said the city is currently in a question-and-answer session with the three firms, noting that officials are preparing to move into a negotiation phase regarding each offer. Willis added that he will be brought in at some point regarding the decision-making phase of the process. Committee members will eventually make a recommendation to the Westfield City Council and the city’s Redevelopment Commission regarding the proposals, according to the city.

DISPATCHES

Jury duty scam calls – The Hamilton County Courts are warning residents about a jury duty scam that has bilked dozens of people out of thousands of dollars. Scammers are calling residents and telling them they missed jury duty and have to pay a fine. Victims have reportedly lost upwards of $2,000 to $3,000 through gift cards and mobile payments like Zelle and Venmo. When in doubt, Court Administrator Jill Acklin recommends residents hang up and call 317-776-8589.

Bicentennial commission releases book – The Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission has released the official commemorative book of Hamilton County’s bicentennial, “Celebrating Hamilton County, Indiana: 200 Years of Change.” The glossy, 9-by-12-inch, full-color book features events and figures many people know and love, as well as never-before-published photographs, stories and oral histories. The book is available for purchase on Amazon and through MT Publishing Co. by visiting www.mtpublishing.com.

City officials are considering three proposals for Grand Park. (File photo)

Joe Boarini, ball of foot pain patient

Furever Homes Dog Adoption Event

Westfield artist produces mural

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield artist Daniel Mann got a special assignment this summer.

We invite you and your dog to celebrate National Dog Day at Epcon’s Furever Homes Dog Adoption event. Join us on Saturday, August 26th from 12-3pm at The Courtyards of Westfield. At our Furever Homes Dog Adoption event, the Humane Society for Hamilton County will bring dogs that are available for adoption. We’ll also have a photographer getting some glam shots of your four-legged family member and goodies and prizes. Plus, you’ll get to explore our incredible low-maintenance community with your pup, so there’s something for everyone, canine and otherwise.

We want to extend a special thank you to the Humane Society for Hamilton County for helping make this event possible.

ART

Mann was commissioned by Kirklin Main Street through a state grant to put a large mural on the side of the building in Kirklin, a small town in Clinton County about 20 miles away from Westfield.

“The idea for the mural is rails to trails because the Monon Trail goes through Kirklin,” Mann said. “It’s a train with a traveler, and Kirklin was known for an outpost where (people) would trade furs.”

The 35-foot-by-25-foot top half is designed to look like a poster. The lower portion is 8 feet by 60 feet.

“Then down below there are a lot of characters that are walking on the sidewalks that are life-sized,” he said. “So, people can interact with it and take pictures. The idea that developed while we were doing it is it can be a scavenger hunt for kids — how many squirrels are in it or how many frogs are in it.”

Mann was assisted by artist Ashlyn

Sloan, an Indianapolis resident who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. His wife, Samantha Mann, also assisted with the project.

Mann said he has ties to Kirklin as he and his brother, Chip, have done some development there the last 15 years.

“We saved some of the buildings through our development piece but there are a lot of businesses there, antique shops and restaurants, that sort of thing,” he said.

Mann was a professional artist for 12 years before concentrating more on his development company, KD Real Estate.

From left, Daniel Mann, Samantha Mann and Ashlyn Sloan in front of the mural.

(Photo courtesy of Daniel Mann)

Westfield Lions Club sees growth

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The Westfield Lions Club is continuing to see growth in its membership as it embarks on a renovation project at its new clubhouse on East 161st Street.

NONPROFIT

The club, which was established in 1930, added eight new members during the 202223 calendar year, bringing its total membership to 63, said Jeff Larrison, secretary of the organization.

“That was the most new members added by any of the 34 clubs in District 25D,” Larrison said.

The Westfield Lions Club accepted an award marking the recognition last month from District Governor Julia Kozicki, who serves with the Noblesville Lions Club.

“Once the Westfield Lions were able to move into their new clubhouse on 169th Street, they began working on strategies to grow the club and improve their ability to serve the citizens of Westfield, Hamilton County and around the state,” Larrison said. “Along with their plans to continue to grow the club, the Westfield Lions are close to beginning the renovation work on their clubhouse so that the community will have another option for a gathering place.”

The club acquired 1.6 acres of property at 1031 E. 169th St. last year. The organization plans to rent out the space to the community for functions such as meetings, birthday parties and other gatherings when renovation work is completed.

The renovation project is estimated to cost the organization $350,000, Larrison said.

The club sold its space on Jersey Street last year to make way for Old Town Companies’ Union Square development, which will feature retail, commercial and residential

space. Lions Club members met temporarily at Christ United Methodist Church after sell ing their building on Jersey Street.

The new club is between Oak Ridge Road and the Monon Trail on East 169th Street.

“The biggest benefit of our new building and its renovations will be that it gives us a larger, more up-to-date facility for the club and public to use,” Larrison said. “Our club is growing its membership and we need the extra space for meetings and for events that we plan to hold.”

Those events, he said, include annual fish fries, pancake breakfasts and other fundrais ers. The Westfield Lions Club also plans to rent out the space to the community as well, according to Larrison.

Work on the building will include renova tions for a large kitchen area, larger bath rooms and other improvements. The upstairs portion of the building, which encompasses 3,800 square feet, could possibly be used for meetings held by local nonprofits such as Boy Scouts and 4-H clubs free of charge because those organizations were able to do so at its old building, according to Larrison.

The club meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays at its clubhouse. For more, visit westfieldlions.org.

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 in order 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 317-776-8495 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).

Lion Ted Engelbrecht, left, presents 1st Vice President Bill Nesbitt with the club’s award. The Westfield Lions Club was recently recognized for adding the most new members within its district. (Photo provided by Jeff Larrison)

Partner with a dedicated team of experts who craft your home to the highest standards in the most coveted communities. Our refined and time-tested approach is free of stress and full of creativity resulting in a breathtaking home where life is lived.

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

Colts training camp dates set – The Indianapolis Colts will conduct three more training camps at Grand Park this month. The remaining dates are Aug. 15, 16 and 17. The Colts will have joint practices with the Chicago Bears on Aug. 16-17, which are sold out. Free tickets, which are required for each day, can be obtained by visiting colts.com/ news/2023-training-camp-schedule-datespractice-times-chicago-bears.

Learn about Assistance League – Learn more about membership in the Assistance League of Indianapolis at an informational coffee meeting set for 10 a.m. Aug. 17 at the ALI chapter office, 1475 W. 86th St., Suite E, in Indianapolis. Membership in ALI is an all-volunteer philanthropic nonprofit. RSVP to Janine Bercovitz, vice president of membership, at membership@alindy.org. Learn more at ALIndy.org.

Church to host GriefShare sessions –Noblesville First United Methodist Church is hosting weekly GriefShare sessions. GriefShare, which began Aug.10, is a 14week non-denominational group featuring Christ-centered programming that focuses

on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The sessions will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the church, 2051 Monument St. The church requests a onetime fee of $20. For more, contact Coleen Albright by emailing coleen.albright58@gmail. com or call the church at 317-773-2500.

Website connects residents to resources –The Hamilton County Community Foundation, Duke Energy, the Hamilton County Trustees Association and Good Samaritan Network have partnered to launch Help4HamiltonCounty.org to provide residents with a onestop resource for support services. The new resource offers connections in the areas of aging and seniors, food assistance, medical and mental health, youth and families, housing and education and employment.

Study: Hamilton Co. has most purchasing power - SmartAsset released its annual study on the places with the most purchasing power. According to the study, Hamilton County has a $54,165 cost of living and a median income of $98,173, ranking it first in Indiana with a purchasing power index of 91.70.

Riverview Health Auxiliary invites you to the Autumn Elegance Style Show & Luncheon featuring the latest fashions by The Secret Ingredient.

When: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 Where: The Bridgewater Club, 3535 East 161st Street, Carmel, IN 46033

Registration & Shopping: 10:30 a.m.-noon Style Show & Luncheon: 12 p.m. $60/ticket

Sponsored by Riverview Health Medical Staff

Bluewater Kings Band

Saturday, September 23 | 7:30 - 10:30PM

WESTFIELD

Project: Library/ township office construction

Location: Corner of Park and Poplar streets

10th Street and includes work by Hamilton County for a bridge to be built over the White River.

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

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

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

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 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

CONSU M E

FALL DINING GUIDE

Consume will be delivered to 130,959 households on Sept. 5, 2023 Its mission is to help our audience get dialed in on where to gather for gastro delights with an autumn focus, among others. It will have meaningful content packaged with targeted advertising messages to help readers choose from among dining and entertainment spots in Carmel, Fishers, Lawrence/Geist, Noblesville, Westfield and Zionsville. There, they can gather with friends and family for fall specials, outdoor dining and football watching, as well as other pursuits. Consume will feature which establishments have fall specials and fall-centric menus, fall-inspired cocktails and fall attractions; it will cover restaurants, bars, breweries and coffee shops. So, Consume, because it’s good for your business!

WESTFIELD LIONS CLUB INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS

Make-A-Wish fundraiser set for Aug. 25

By Shelly Gattlieb news@currentincarmel.com

ucts and experiences,” said Leslie Scott, Indiana market director of advancement for Make-A-Wish.

NONPROFIT

The Wine, Women & Shoes fundraiser is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 25 at Lucas Estate in Carmel to benefit Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, the largest chapter in the U.S.

The event includes a fashion show presented by Saks Fifth Avenue as well as wine, shopping and food. A marketplace will include 12 high-fashion retailers, with a percentage of proceeds donated to the nonprofit.

The Key to the Closet raffle will have more than $10,000 worth of merchandise, gifts and a trip to Mexico. Each $100 raffle ticket includes a $100 gift card to Moyer Fine Jewelers, with one winner receiving the entire closet.

“Everyone is a winner in this game in terms of the gift card, but one very special winner will win all of the amazing prod-

Scott

Scott said the event is a way for the organization, which grants wishes for children battling critical illnesses, to engage with the community while also receiving support for its efforts. Attendees can expect to network, have fun and learn more about the wish recipients.

“They are just remarkable humans,” Scott said. “It is super exciting that we have a very special wish alum who is going to co-emcee the program this year and share her story.”

This year, the chapter is reaching a milestone.

“We are celebrating 40 years of granting local wishes, so it’s a really big deal for us,” Scott said. “In May, we just granted our 20,000th wish.”

Tickets for Wine, Women & Shoes are $250 and may be purchased at winewomenandshoes.com/event/indianapolis.

SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS

The heat is on! And Bone Dry’s highly trained service techs are on the road and fully equipped to get your home’s air-conditioning ready for the season. Call today and ask about our Summer TuneUp Special for only $49.95! We can even be there the same day! Phone 317.454.7412 or visit bonedryhvac.com.

The Westfield Lions Club recently inducted two new members to its organization, Alan Virgin and Josh Lowrty. From left are Mark Albright, Alan Virgin, Bob Benson, Josh Lowry and Jeff Larrison. (Photo provided by Jeff Larrison)

Food and beverage vendors open at 7 p.m. Bring your chairs to enjoy the music. The stage will be located at the corner of 2nd Ave NW & W. Main Street.

Carmel family’s business sees continued growth

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

For Monica Urick, creating over-the-top – and often deep fried – concoctions is just another day in the office.

CONCESSIONS

As CEO of Urick Concessions, the Carmel resident and her team dream up unique recipe ideas throughout the year and gather each spring to test them out as potential new offerings to sell at the Indiana State Fair, their biggest event of the year.

“People have stopped at the gas station on the way in (to test recipes) to buy their favorite snacks, like Little Debbie’s or Ho Ho’s or Ding Dongs to be like, ‘Let’s dip it in funnel cake mix and fry it and see what happens,’” Monica said. “We’ve thrown everything in the fryer. If you dip it in funnel cake mix and fry it, it just makes everything better. We’ve tried everything. Some are not successful.”

That would include the Buffalo Chicken Bomb, a coated spicy chicken salad meatball that Monica said – much to her disappointment – was an “absolute disaster” that fell apart in the fryer. But since debuting at the fair more than a decade ago, Urick Concessions has racked up its fair share of hits, including three voted as the event’s top treat: deep-fried pizza, deep-fried bananas foster cheesecake on a stick and corn fritters.

This year four Urick Concessions creations are among 30 new offerings selected by the fair as Fair Food Favorites, quite a feat for a company that – according to Monica – grew large enough to become the primary year-round food vendor of the fairgrounds by “accident.”

GETTING STARTED

Before launching Urick Concessions, Monica, a native of Connecticut, was a district manager with clothing store The Limited, where she specialized in high-volume retail. After moving to Indiana, she and her husband, Jerry Urick, opened a window coverings business in Fishers that they ran together for several years before selling it.

That’s when they decided to give the concessions business a try, as Jerry’s aunt and uncle had operated a few food trailers, including one that sold apple dumplings at the Indiana State Fair. The Uricks bought their first trailer from them.

“We started (working) little shows, and as entrepreneurs saw the opportunity to grow. I thought it would be just a fun little side hustle, but we don’t really know how to do anything small,” Monica said. “It really wasn’t the plan to be as big as we are now.”

While operating a concession trailer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Uricks saw the success of other vendors and realized their new endeavor had full-time potential. The business grew as they branched to Grand Park in Westfield, Conner Prairie in Fishers and took on additional responsibilities at the state fairgrounds.

Now, Urick Concessions focuses almost exclusively on the fairgrounds, where it manages the food offerings in most buildings year-round and operates the catering services. Urick Concessions also participates in the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, CarmelFest and, when their schedule allows, other community events in Monica and Jerry’s hometown.

‘A GOOD, HAPPY MEMORY’

As Urick Concessions has grown, so has its team of employees. Founded in 2000 by Monica, Jerry and Jerry’s brother, Bill Urick, it’s grown to include a full-time staff of approximately 16 employees, 60 permanent part-time employees up to 100 total employees for some events.

Bill’s children, William Urick II and Corey Urick Page, had to stand on milk crates when they started helping out with the family business as kids, Monica said. They’re now among the full-time staffers, working behind the scenes between events and, like Monica, contributing wherever needed. Learn more at UrickConcessions.com.

Several members of the Urick family are fulltime employees of Urick Concessions, including, from left, Bill Urick, facilities director; Corey Urick Page, director of HR/marketing; Jerry Urick, CFO; Monica Urick, CEO; and William Urick II, director of operations. (Photo courtesy of Monica Urick)

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.

The Midland Trace Trail is 4-96 miles according to the city. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

MYSTERY SNAPSHOT CHALLENGE AUG. 8 SOLUTION

Westfield golfer’s confidence grows after successful summer

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School senior golfer Samantha Brown’s main goal remains the same as it has all summer.

“I’m trying to hit as many greens as possible,” Brown said. “I feel like if I’m hitting greens, I have a chance at making putts. The more putts you make, the lower you go.”

The Purdue University-bound Brown won the Indiana Junior Girls PGA Championship at Purdue’s course in June and the Girls State Junior Championship at Coyote Crossing Golf Club in West Lafayette in July and tied for second in the Indiana Women’s Open in July at Kokomo Country Club. She finished third in early June at the Pete & Alice Dye Junior Invitational, a national tournament at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel.

“I feel like one of the big things for me this summer is confidence,” Brown said. “If you know you belong in the big tour-

MEET SAMANTHA BROWN

College plans: Play golf at Purdue University and study business

Favorite subject: English

Favorite athlete: Nelly Korda

Favorite type of music: Country

naments, you can compete at the national tournaments.”

Now, her goal is to finally break through to win the state high school individual title.

“I’ve never played well in the state finals,” she said. “My game just hasn’t been on.”

Brown finished tied for seventh in the IHSAA Girls Golf State Finals at Carmel’s Prairie View Golf Club in 2020, tied for 13th in 2021 and tied for sixth in 2022.

Shamrocks girls golf coach Josh Bryant

said Brown has had a tremendous high school and junior golf career.

“She came into high school as a multi-winner on the Indiana Junior PGA Golf tour,” Bryant said. “She was and still is an elite ball striker.”

Bryant said Brown’s Greens in Regulation percentages are some of the best he has seen throughout her junior golf career.

“This skill alone keeps her in most tournaments she plays in and would be enough to be competitive in every event, but she has taken that ability and pushed herself in all areas of her golf game,” Bryant said. “She has become a real student of the game as she has progressed through high school golf through her work with swing coaches and mentors, which has allowed her to improve off the tee, around the greens and course management.”

Bryant said he is most proud of the progress Brown has made with her mental game.

Brown is optimistic about the fourthranked Shamrocks’ chances of making a run at the IHSAA state championship after they won the State Preview tournament Aug. 5 at Prairie View. Teammate Brown tied for third while teammate Addi Kooi was the medalist.

Although Brown said the team didn’t play its best, it won by 11 strokes. It was Brown’s first high school tournament this season as she had just returned Aug. 4 from the Junior PGA Championship in Hot Springs, Ark.

Westfield High School girls golfer Samantha Brown’s aim is to win a state high school title. (Photo courtesy of Brown family)

Brown

City official receives certification

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Ailor said she looks forward to stepping into the clerk-treasurer’s position.

GOVERNMENT

A Westfield deputy clerk recently earned the Certified Public Funds Investment Manager certification from the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada.

Marla Ailor, who has worked for the city since May 2022, earned the certification through the program that is “designed to give treasury professionals the confidence and knowledge to manage investments on their municipalities’ behalf better,” according to a news release. Ailor is set to become clerk-treasurer in January after defeating challenger Tonya Hyatt by 135 votes during the May 2 primary election.

She will fill the role held by Cindy Gossard, who declined to run for reelection earlier this year, citing a “deteriorating relationship with the mayor and the administration.” Gossard was initially appointed to the clerk-treasurer position in 2001 and had been reelected in her role since 2003.

“Working for the clerk-treasurer has been a unique opportunity to take on new tasks that are helping me identify the skills necessary to advance my role as Westfield’s clerk-treasurer-elect,” Ailor said. “The advantage of continuous learning in the workplace is generating new ideas and perspectives, which is very exciting for me.”

To earn the CPFIM certification, individuals must participate in a six-hour certification training and successfully pass a comprehensive exam on the following training objectives components: identifying and understanding investment options; how and where to buy investments; establishing internal controls and developing procedures; identifying and mitigating risk in the portfolio; quantifying and reporting safety measures; understanding liquidity needs and yield calculations; managing and forecasting investments; and implementing and monitoring strategy.

The certification is awarded to about 125 individuals on an annual basis, according to the city.

Ailor

HELPING HANDS

City gets huge assist from volunteers at Colts training camp

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

As hospitality coordinator for Westfield Welcome, Bailey Spitznagle has a huge job during the Indianapolis Colts training camp. She organizes and schedules the approximately 40 volunteers needed daily for a variety of roles.

The Colts conclude training camp at Grand Park with joint practices with the Chicago Bears Aug. 16-17.

Westfield resident Lori Dubach has performed a variety of roles from volunteering in VIP and information tents and has driven players and families on the golf carts.

“It’s hard not to pick the players on the carts because it’s fun to interact with the players and see them,” Dubach said of her favorite role. “I had Shaquille Leonard (July 30) and he was just delightful and pleasant and really friendly.”

At the July 31 practice, Dubach worked the information tent.

“You get to see lots of people. Sometimes, they have questions and it’s nice to be able to help them out or if they need an assist with a ride to Colts camp,” Dubach said. Dubach, who has volunteered at camp all five seasons, could only work two days this year because of her duties as a Cherry Tree Elementary School first-grade teacher in Carmel.

Westfield residents Sandy and Bill Kirsch have fun escorting the players.

Sandy said Leonard has become a favorite passenger.

“One year there were people in the way and (Leonard) said, ‘Blow your horn,’” she said. “I said, ‘We’re not allowed to do that.’ So, he said beep all the way to the field. He’s just funny.”

Bill said last year, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. asked him if they got paid and he told them it was all volunteer.

“He said, ‘Maybe they’ll give you tickets to a game,’” Bill said. “I said, ‘We get tickets to a preseason game.’ He said, “Preseason game? They ought to put you guys up in a suite.’ I told him, ‘Why don’t you talk to (Colts owner) Mr. (Jim) Irsay about that.’ I never did hear back from him.”

Last year, Sandy was escorting five linemen when she got a flat tire on the way over to the field.

“I was behind her, and the players in my cart started cracking up,” Bill said. “By the time she got it back from the field, it was smoking.”

Jill Luzckowski, a Westfield resident, said working the VIP Suites entrance is her favorite volunteer role.

“I like to see all the people excited about going in and seeing the Colts,” she said. “I like seeing the little kids come in.”

In previous years, Luzckowski had volunteered for two days each camp, but increased to six days because she retired in January.

Spitznagle sends out a link for the volunteers to sign up for the shifts they want to do.

Michelle Bruce, Westfield, enjoys volunteering at the wristband security entrance, which is for family and friends of players and coaches. She has volunteered every year except 2021 when there were still some COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in place. Training camp was not held at Grand Park in 2020 during the height of the pandemic.

“Last year was my first year doing it,” she said.

Bruce said she enjoyed it so much she has 13 shifts in the wristband capacity during training camp. She has previously worked in the ticketing and information tent. She takes time off from her job as an administrative assistant for a privately owned sanitation sewage company in Fishers.

“I love volunteering. It’s rewarding to give back to the city,” said Bruce, who has lived in Westfield for 24 years.

Noblesville resident Rebecca Dixon, who has volunteered all five seasons, likes the ticketing spot because she enjoys the interaction with the public, especially the children.

“I always tell them to run the dash (in the Kids Zone) to see if they can beat my score, and sometimes they come back and tell me what they ran,” she said. “Of course, they always beat me,”

PLENTY OF PLANNING

On her second day working for the City of Westfield, Bailey Spitznagle learned there were talks of the Indianapolis Colts moving training camp to Grand Park.

“It was announced soon after that the Colts would be coming here in 2018,” she said of the 2017 announcement. “That was super exciting and a little intimidating to think this event is put on by not many of us who work at Grand Park from Westfield Welcome.”

Spitznagle said shortly after training camp ends, Westfield Welcome will start planning for 2024.

“We plan pretty far in advance, but when it gets down to crunch time, about four months ahead of it, we have a lot more meetings,” Spitznagle said. “We try to make sure we have everything in place on our end. I know Grand Park is constantly having meetings with the Colts.”

ON THE COVER: Volunteers help in a variety of ways during the Indianapolis Colts training camp at Grand Park. Top, from left, Mark Craig, Brandon Breedlove, Craig Cooley, Kathy Cooley, Carly Motz, Billy Adams and Leta Jones. Front, from left, Bill Kirsch, Lois Craig and Sandy Kirsch. (Photo by Adam Seif)

(Right) Westfield resident Sandy Kirsch is among the volunteers this year at the Indianapolis Colts training camp at Grand Park.

A line of carts transporting players.

Volunteer, Brandon Breedlove, driving the cart in front.

(Photo by Adam Seif)

NBA gamer shifts gears to cleaning business

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A former professional NBA 2K gamer is looking to clean up in a different way in Indiana.

NEW BIZ

Carmel resident Stanley Lebron started Glorious Cleaning, a home cleaning business, in September 2022. The company serves Hamilton and Boone counties.

Lebron, 28, was born In the Dominican Republic and moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., when he was 1 year old. He started working at his father’s grocery store when he was 7.

Lebron became a part of the NBA 2K League season in 2018 after being drafted by the Miami Heat.

After two seasons, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers and moved from Miami to Portland for one season.

Lebron spent one year with the Sacramento Kings’ gaming team. Then he moved to Indianapolis in 2022 when he became a member of the NBA 2K franchise from Spain

called DUX Infinitos. The team worked out of downtown Indianapolis at the Pan Am Tower. He met his girlfriend in the area and decided to stay.

“I made a decision before the draft in January that I was just going to put (the gaming) on pause, try to pursue this business,” Lebron said.

He has been doing 90 percent of the cleaning himself but wants to add employees.

Sogility names new director

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Sean VandeWiele is ready to put his soccer experience and education to use for a fresh challenge.

having a soccer person at the heart of the athlete development program, we can ensure we continue to provide soccer-specific training.”

SOCCER

The Fishers resident started July 24 as the director of athlete development at Sogility, a technology-driven soccer training facility in Westfield.

“I think the challenging part of this role is making sure athletes are being pushed to their full potential while still taking physical limitations into account,” VandeWiele said. “But I’m always up for a challenge.”

VandeWiele, a 2015 FHS graduate, was the boys freshman team coach at Warren Central High School in 2019. He then spent three years coaching at FHS — two seasons as the boys junior varsity coach from the summer of 2020 through the fall of 2021, and the summer and fall of 2022 as the boys varsity assistant coach.

VandeWiele

VandeWiele said he will be stepping away from coaching to concentrate on his development role this season.

VandeWiele, who played soccer at Fishers High School and Defiance College in Ohio, is replacing Samantha Dewey, who will remain as part of the athlete development team but needed more time to focus on a new coaching position.

“Big shoes were left to be filled,” Sogility CEO Jimmy Carson stated. “But we think we found the person that can step into those shoes and move things forward. By

“The knowledge gained from receiving my degree in Exercise Science gives me insight into how the human body functions on a muscular and skeletal level which allows me to use science-based knowledge to help players develop,” he said. “It also allows me to continue to educate myself further on the human body and different movements I can implement in soccer-specific training.”

For more, visit sogility.net.

seated, during an NBA 2K session. (Photo courtesy of Stanley Lebron)

Coach spreads word about heart health after scare

By Jeff Decker editorial@youarecurrent.com

A Carmel basketball coach ignored his body’s warning signs. Feeling blessed that he survived a life-threatening health scare, he is urging others not to make the same mistake.

PREVENTION

Walt Morris, 63, a boys varsity assistant basketball coach for Carmel High School, had kept himself in good shape and would go walking and running most days. But in early 2022, he began experiencing pain in his jaw that he dismissed as a tooth issue. Later, he felt pain radiating in his neck and had trouble swallowing. But he told no one.

“You just rationalize stuff,” said Morris, a Noblesville resident.

About 9:30 a.m. July 25, 2022, Morris was jogging when pain shot through his jaw, knocking him to the ground. He walked about a quarter mile home, where his wife, Lisa, not normally home during the day, recognized he was having a heart issue. She took him to the emergency room of Riverview Hospital in Noblesville.

The next morning, electrocardiogram testing indicated he had an aortic dissection, a tear in the inner lining of the heart’s aortic valve. Doctors told him he might have 30 minutes to live and was rushed to Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center in Carmel, where he underwent 11 hours of surgery that saved his life.

Morris, a part of four IHSAA boys basketball state championships (two at North Central High School and two at Carmel), wants to use the episode to help others by spreading the word about the importance of telling doctors about their family heart history and not ignoring symptoms. To do so, he has recorded an 83-second video that is on the Carmel basketball team’s social media accounts. Posted July 26, the video has nearly 20,000 views on Twitter.

“I want to let everyone know what I wasn’t doing right, the stuff I was ignoring,” Morris said.

A healthy heart has a tricuspid aortic valve with three small flaps called leaflets that keep blood flowing through the valve.

Dr. Felix Alva, a cardiologist with Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent Hamilton Heart Care in Noblesville, explained that a bicuspid aortic valve has just two such leaflets. The bicuspid aortic valve is a genetic anom-

aly, and the condition can cause the valve to become enlarged and weak. A dissection is when the inner layer of the aorta tears, compromising the heart’s ability to pump enough blood.

A CT scan and electrocardiogram can indicate an enlarged aorta, though patients aren’t usually tested unless they have a family history of heart issues or are in a situation like Morris was. Alva said it is important for a patient to inform their family doctor of heart issues in their family and to not ignore symptoms that can include sudden or persisting pain, shortness of breath and rapid pulse.

“Any kind of chest pain always needs to be evaluated,” said Alva, Morris’ cardiologist. Morris didn’t know that his heart had a bicuspid valve until he was tested. His late father, Ed Morris, survived an aneurysm when he was 69. Walt Morris and his sister, Patricia Butcher of Arcadia, were born with bicuspid aortic valves that were passed along genetically from their father.

Walt Morris, who retired from teaching three years ago, said he thought of himself as a grateful person. Now he appreciates life even more.

“This makes every day more of a gift to me than I really realized,” he said. “I’m trying to be a better person, trying to be better at helping more people.”

Lisa and Walt Morris. (Photo courtesy of Walt Morris)

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Navigating the arc of life

Commentary by Terry Anker

A different word for everything

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

ESSAY

We leave the world the same way we enter it, naked and alone — so goes the modern retelling of Ecclesiastes 5:15. For those of us who prefer the original, “As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.” Like much of the accumulated wisdom of humankind, the admonishment is open for some degree of interpretation. Is the crux of the message to inform us that worldly possessions do not pass with us into a next existence — reminding us therefore of the folly to build our entire beings around them? Or it could be to better help us to prepare for the natural arc of life?

We begin life nearly helpless and often end it almost the same way. We grow, learn and obtain an ever-increasing set of physical skills until we begin to shrink, forget and lose mastery of our corporal self. In be-

tween, we build a family, a home and a career only to arrive at a point no longer filled with mortgage payments, back-to-school nights, anniversaries and early morning staff meetings. We go from a life of leisure to one of great obligation and back again. If this curve is assured, what elements of our youth might we anticipate as we slide down the back end of the slope? Children smile effortlessly. They worry little. They are curious and willing to learn without embarrassment. They largely know no shame. They forgive as easily as they love. They take help as offered and let you know how they feel. They eat as they wish and play with their favorite toys for hours. If our return is guaranteed, could we find joy even as we confront the diapers?

Wasn’t exactly fun money

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

“Have a yard sale!” they said. “It’ll be fun!” they said. Alas, dear readers, I naively fell for their hateful lies and recently turned my driveway into a B-grade flea market smelling of sweat and desperation. I did make around $500 and managed to purge more than a decade of accumulated trinkets and trash from our basement and several forgotten closets, but fun?

wanted, nay, needed, a semi-broken train set circa 1998 or a collection of mismatched Christmas mugs. I even meticulously stickered every item with pink price tags in anticipation of a fast-paced, crowded Saturday.

HUMOR

Absolutely not.

For starters, I spent days sifting through boxes and containers sorting everything from old college textbooks to my husband Doo’s outdated hunting equipment into three categories: Throw Away, Keep and Sell/Donate. The thrill of rediscovering a beloved wedding photo was vastly outweighed by the hours hunched over baskets full of discarded Barbie accessories and probable exposure to mold.

Next, I had to haul the junk upstairs, wipe away dirt and spider webs and arrange charming vignettes in such a fashion as to draw the buyer in, to make them think they

Of course, then it rained. I nearly stroked out last-minute prepping in my hot, humid garage before finally deciding to postpone it until the following day, when I had to compete with dumb church services and family lunches. Ugh. Where are all the people? Ultimately, I made some cash and cleared our storage room by half, and Goodwill received two van loads of decent artwork, toys and glassware. But my friends are big, fat liars. Because having a yard sale was definitely not fun.

Peace out.

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

One of the things on my bucket list is to be fluent in another language. My wife Mary Ellen and I are planning a trip to Mexico this winter, so I decided to look into the many apps that you hear advertised on the radio like Babbel, a lousy name for an application that claims to help you speak a new language clearly. There was also Rosetta Stone and Duolingo.

HUMOR

I opted for Duolingo and am achieving some success. Up until now, the app has been pretty good, so long as I speak only in the present tense and want to order only beans and rice at a restaurant. It also gives me different scenarios and then provides the terminology I might employ in those situations, like at a library or a café. Here’s one:

• You are walking down the street alone. You see a stranger. You ask for directions and then strike up a conversation. You suggest having a drink where you can talk, maybe get to know each other better and then plan to have some fun together. This sounds to me like a chapter from “Spanish 101 for Street Walkers.”

Now, in my sixth month of study, I get the feeling that Duolingo is running out of new things for me to translate from English to Spanish. The sentences below are actual examples from Unit 14 along with a few editorial remarks by me. All are 100 percent true. Totalmente Cierto!

• Yesterday, the birds cleaned the kitchen.

• (What about the bottom of their cage?)

• The horse and the cow went out for dinner.

• (Good luck. It’s hard to find a good vegan restaurant in Indiana)

• My cat cleans the house.

• (But his litter box is still a disgusting mess)

“I opted for Duolingo and am achieving some success. Up until now, the app has been pretty good, so long as I speak only in the present tense and want to order only beans and rice at a restaurant.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

• The duck learned to use the toilet.

• (But never flushes or puts the lid down)

• The pig wrote a letter to his grandmother.

• (How many pigs still have a living grandmother?)

• The horse is taking lessons in German.

• (But is having trouble putting on the lederhosen)

• The cats are learning Chinese.

• (Big deal, they are Siamese cats)

• Pigs can learn to spell.

• (Yes, and they think “farm” is spelled E I E I O.)

I doubt I will ever have to use any of these phrases, but it’s always good to be prepared. For example, right now I have to wrap up this column quickly. There is a lot going on in my house and I need to attend to it now…

• Mi cerdo y mi vaca estan en la computadora pidiendo una pizza de anchoasa entregar.

• (My pig and my cow are on the computer ordering an anchovy pizza to be delivered)

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

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.

“I had to haul the junk upstairs, wipe away dirt and spider webs and arrange charming vignettes in such a fashion as to draw the buyer in.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

CCP’s musical revue seeks to raise funds for permanent home

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel Community Players will celebrate its 30th birthday Aug. 16.

‘SOPHISTICATED LADIES’

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

PAULSON AND SCHARBROUGH

PERFORMANCES

A nice gift would be a new home. The acting company has not had a permanent home since it had to leave Clay Terrace in 2018.

Carmel Community Players will hold a two-night fundraiser featuring a musical revue of the works of Jerry Herman called “Jerry’s Girls” Aug. 18-19 at Woodland Country Club of Carmel in the grand ballroom. The reception starts at 6:30 p.m. with the performance at 7:30 p.m. each night. There also will be a silent auction and prizes. Proceeds benefit the CCP Capital Fund.

“For the next 30 years, we hope we only have one new home,” longtime CCP board member Rich Phipps said.

Since April 2018, after its lease was terminated at Clay Terrace, CCP has performed at four different venues: 17 productions at The Cat in Carmel, four productions at the Ivy Tech Auditorium in Noblesville, three productions at the Switch Theatre in Fishers and one at the Carmel Friends Church

CCP was issued a certificate of incorporation as a nonprofit corporation on Aug. 16, 1993, by Indiana Secretary of State Joe Hogsett, now Indianapolis mayor. CCP performed its first production, “Once Upon a Mattress,” later that month at what was then Carmel Junior High School.

Phipps, a Carmel resident who has been on the board since 2009 and is CCP’s treasurer, attended the first public meeting of the Carmel Community Players in early 1993 before it was incorporated.

“I went to the meeting expecting this group would be saying they are going to put on a show, but they were much more ambitious than that,” Phipps said. “Right from the get-go, they wanted to put together complete theatrical seasons with productions of all ages with musicals, comedies and youth shows. The emphasis

was really on community.

“It’s not just the name, it was fundamental to the whole identity of the organization. CCP people started participating in everything from the CarmelFest Parade, Carmel International Arts Festival and they sang at the farmers market.”

In the past 30 years, CCP has performed 137 shows, along with more than 30 cabarets, talent shows and fundraisers.

There were 23 productions, all plays, at 15th 1st Street NE in Carmel, a 60-seat venue fondly referred to as “Studio 15,” Phipps said.

There were 25 productions, mostly musicals, at the former Carmel Performing Arts Center at 575 West Carmel Dr., which is now Piano Solutions.

Then there were 46 productions at Clay Terrace’s Playhouse, which had approximately 120 seats. The first one was presented in October 2009 and the final one began in February 2018.

“(Clay Terrace) was almost like a permanent home, but we always knew it was year to year on the lease,” he said.

There are several advantages to having a permanent home.

“Some directors only really want to direct shows where they can release on location,” Phipps said. “To pick up a show from a rehearsal site and only move in a couple days before opening night, it limits what you can do. It limits what kind of set

From left, Vickie Cornelius Phipps and Susan Smith (with Marilyn Monroe) in CCP’s 2007 production of “Nunsense” at Clay Middle School. Both actresses will be featured in “Jerry’s Girls” at the CCP Fundraising Gala. (Photo courtesy of CCP)

you can have. You can’t be as ambitious in your vision of the show.”

The Cat, for instance, has a smaller stage, so it limits the cast size.

“From an audience perspective, it gets confusing where you are going to be,” he said. “We lose patrons that way because senior citizens, in particular, might not want to drive all over the place to try to find us.”

Phipps said it’s hard to find directors if they don’t know the production site.

“I’ve only directed a few shows, but I’d never want to direct a show without knowing where we were going to put it on because it impacts everything in terms of the staging and how much room you have and what kind of set you have,” he said. “That’s probably the biggest driver along with controlling your own destiny in putting on the shows when you want to put them on.”

“Jerry’s Girls” features six women with ties to CCP and Herman’s shows, such as “Hello, Dolly!” and “Mame.”

Phipps’ wife Vickie is one of the six performers, along with Susan Smith from Carmel. The others are Fishers residents Diane Tsao and Jill O’Malia, Heather Hansen of Zionsville and Georgeanna Teipen of Greenfield.

Tickets are $75 or $500 for a table of eight. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

Joe Paulson and Sarah Scharbrough will perform at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Freeform Concert Series presents Steve Everett with Jefferson Rinck at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Admission is free for this series. There is a $25 food and beverage minimum per person. Deception: An Event of Magic & Lies’ is set for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17 and Nicolas King & Seth Sikes —The New Belters will perform at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE

The Marshall Tucker Band will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 18 and Unforgettable Fire: U2 Tribute Show is set for 8 p.m. Aug. 19 in the Symphony on the Prairie series at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

“FOUR

OLD BROADS’

“Four Old Broads” will be featured Aug. 1827 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

DISPATCH

Documentary set for PBS showings — “The Addict’s Wake,” a documentary on the opioid crisis in Brown County, is being released nationally on PBS this month. It will show at 9:30 p.m. Aug. 26 on WIPB, the Ball State University PBS station and at 9 p.m. Aug. 31 on WFYI, Indianapolis’ station. Amy Pauszek, a Geist resident whose photo column Where’s Amy appears in Current newspapers, and former Fishers residents Lisa Hall were the producers, and Zionsville resident Michael Husain was the director.

Islamic Theatre presents new play

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Mohammad Amin is convinced theater provides strong benefits.

PRODUCTION

“Our goal is to give confidence to kids, especially children of immigrants and refugees, to be able to communicate stories to a different audience,” said the Carmel resident, who founded the Lantern Islamic Theater Co. “It also helps children develop skills.”

The company’s second full production is “Halima at the Flying Hijab,” set for 7 p.m. Aug. 18–19 at Eman School, 11965 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. The first play was presented last summer.

Amin, a 2016 Carmel High School graduate, wrote the play with Hana Shatara Sobers, a Whitestown resident. Sobers also has a role in it.

“It’s about a little girl whose time it is to put on the hijab, but she is not ready and tells a big lie,” Sobers said. “It’s about the truth you are not comfortable with and realizing you have to tell the truth.”

Lina Fatnassi, 9-year-old Eman School

fourth-grader from McCordsville, plays Halima.

“The hardest part is memorizing all my lines,” she said.

Atif Baloch, Fishers, plays a role as a protester. His son, Zohair Boloch, is playing Imam, who is accused of stealing Halima’s hijab., Musa Sethi, a Fishers resident and a freshman at Eman, enjoys interacting with people in the cast.

The group is supported by the Alhuda Foundation mosque in Fishers. Tickets are $10 and available at Eventbrite and at the door.

Time for fall beers

Commentary by Mark LaFay

The kids are going back to school, and in my opinion, that means it’s fall. I know it isn’t officially fall yet. I mean, we haven’t had Labor Day weekend, and the temperatures are still ebbing and flowing between 80 and “make it stop.” But we are deep in the heart of August. Currently, we are wrapping up fall guides, pumpkin beers are coming back on tap, and the smell of pumpkin-spiced bacon (yes, that is a thing) can be faintly detected on the easterly breezes. One of the many things I love about fall is the food and the beverage. I don’t drink much beer anymore, but I love a good Oktoberfest and pumpkin beer. Judge me. I don’t care. Generally speaking, these Oktoberfest and pumpkin beers are only available this time of year. If you don’t have a favorite, here are four options to get you going.

UPLAND OKTOBERFEST

Upland makes killer beer. Champagne Velvet is my favorite beer. This is a delicious beer that is more of a märzen than a true fest beer. It is malty, crisp and delicious. Grab one at their new tap house in Clay Ter-

race (opening soon).

NEW HOLLAND ICHABOD

New Holland is in New Holland, Mich. The pumpkin beer, Ichabod, is out of control. It is brewed with real pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg and it is lower in alcohol, which I prefer. This used to be bottle-only but is now available in cans.

BIG LUG OKTOBERFEST

Available primarily at the brewery and various Sahm restaurants, this is a traditional fest beer that is fuller bodied than a pilsner, light in color and absolutely delicious.

MOONTOWN KING OF TROY

This isn’t a fest beer, it is essentially a Dortmunder in style, which is not as rich as beer. But it is lights-out delicious, and I’ll drink it year-round.

The cast of “Halima at the Flying Hijab” will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 18–19 at Eman School, 11965 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

NIGHT & DAY

Where’s Amy?

Where’s Amy attended the one-night only performance of “La Casa Azul” Aug. 5 at the Palladium at the Center for The Performing Arts in Carmel. The production was a collaboration with Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and the Carmel Symphony Orchestra on

Gregory Hancock’s musical about the life of artist Frida Kahlo. The night ended with a VIP reception where guests had a chance to mingle with the cast, board members and crew. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

Where’s Amy attends ‘La Casa Azul’

PUZZLE ANSWERS SPONSORED BY SHEPHERD INSURANCE

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE:

Months: APRIL, AUGUST, JULY, JUNE, MARCH, MAY; Majors: DENTISTRY, LAW, MEDICINE, OPTOMETRY, PHARMACY; Lakes: LEMON, MICHIGAN, MONROE, WAWASEE;

From left, “La Casa Azul” vocal Director Tammy Anderson (Indianapolis), stage director Georgina Escobar (New York City), CSO conductor Janna Hymes (Carmel) and composer, choreographer, producer Gregory Hancock (Carmel). (Photos by Amy Pauszek)

From left, G2 Dancer Audrey Springer (Noblesville) with her mother Christine Springer (Noblesville) and her grandmother Arlene Springer (Noblesville).

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

Hard look at lazy words

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

worn sunscreen when we were at the zoo.

This is a truism for me even on cloudy days. I can get a sunburn through a T-shirt during a solar eclipse.

GRAMMAR GUY

Americans like being the best at things. We’re the best at baseball, jazz, freedom, national parks — pretty much anything Ken Burns has already covered. Yes, living in the Land of Opportunity is glorious. Now, I’d like to award us (and, by us, I mean U.S.) a super-sized gold medal for smashing words together more efficiently than anyone else in the world.

Because Americans value efficiency, we combine multiple words into one super word. One way we do this is through contractions. Don’t worry, I’m not talking about the kind of contractions that lead to babies. I’m talking about combining two words to make one short word. These words include don’t (do not), we’ve (we have), and can’t (can not). Yes, contractions increase our efficiency, so we have more time to manage our burgeoning stock portfolios while refilling our Big Gulps (for free). But some contractions can be tricky.

Have you ever been tripped up by “should’ve?” Should’ve is a contraction for “should have.” For example: I should’ve

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER

Docket No. PZ-2023-00180 V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 28 day of August, 2023 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Caucus Rooms, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development.

Standards Variance application to:

The property owner is seeking a zoning variance to allow for the installation of a pool and paver pool deck 8’ into the drainage and utility easement. A variance is requested to allow for safe mobility around the pool and to not disrupt or reconfigure the existing home and porch.

With the property being known as 14330 Overbrook Drive, Carmel, IN 46074 Parcel No. 1709-19-00-03-039.000

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2023-00180 V

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows:

17-09-19-00-03-056.000

17-09-19-00-03-040.000

17-09-19-00-08-021.000

17-09-19-00-08-012.000

17-09-19-00-15-018.000

The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche.

All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.

Rob Shea

Ken Lovik

PETITIONERS

What about “should of”? As Americans, sometimes we talk so quickly, we say things like “shoulda,” which is an even shorter way of saying “should’ve.” Many people mistakenly think this phrase is “should of.” “Should of” is incorrect and should never be spoken, typed, or otherwise communicated. The same rule applies for “must’ve” (not must of), “could’ve” (not could of), and “would’ve” (not would of).

If someone you care about uses “should of,” wait until you have some one-on-one time with them, calmly sit them down, and then gently correct them. Please don’t correct them in public; that’s the quickest way to lose friends and end up with a house full of cats (I believe the politically correct term is “fur babies”).

In general, contractions like “should’ve” are still regarded as informal speech, so, if you’re writing your doctoral dissertation or cover letter to be hired as a lawyer, avoid these shortcut words. However, in everyday conversations, feel free to contract away. After all, the First Amendment grants us free speech and since it’s the first one, that probably means that it’s the best.

What do you think? Are shortcut words like these lazy, efficient or a mixture of both?

A visit to Ketchikan

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing tour of Alaska, we make the first of two visits to Ketchikan.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY

Herron Holdings, LLC (15555 Monon Hills Ct, Westfield, IN 46074) is submitting a NOI letter to notify the IDEM of the intent to comply with the requirements under 327 IAC 15-5 (Rule 5) to discharge stormwater from construction activities for the following project: URBAN APPLES in Washington Twp, Hamilton County, Indiana, more specifically, part of the NE 1/4 of Sec34-T19NR3E; located at 18326 Spring Mill Rd, Westfield, IN scheduled to commence on August 28, 2023 and be completed on or before December, 2025. Stormwater Run-off from the project site will discharge to Little Eagle Creek. Questions can be directed to Noah Herron at Herron Holdings, LLC; 15555 Monon Hills Ct, Westfield, IN 46074

TRAVEL

Ketchikan is on Revillagigedo Island at the southern end of Alaska’s portion of the famous Inside Passage, a waterway that snakes around the islands and fjords in Alaska’s Panhandle and along the coast of British Columbia.

Before Europeans came onto the island, the indigenous Tlingit people used it for a fish camp. In 1885, an Oregon canning company sent Mike Martin to Revillagigedo Island to establish a salmon cannery, which soon supported a town. Ketchikan, named after the Tlingit name for a creek running through town, was incorporated in 1900. In 1903, the town enacted an ordinance banning brothels from the downtown area, west of Ketchikan Creek. Until they were shut down in in 1954, a number of brothels operated along Creek Street, a boardwalk perched above the east side of Ketchikan Creek in what was then disparagingly called “Indian Town.”

Today, Ketchikan is a picturesque city,

with a population of about 8,000. Each summer, cruise ships make about 500 stops in Ketchikan’s harbor, bringing in about 1 million visitors. Ketchikan bills itself as “Alaska’s First City” and the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Because of its rainfall, Ketchikan is also sometimes called the “Rain Capital of Alaska.” Ketchikan and the surrounding area include the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. Until recently, the Chief Kyan pole in Whale Park near the center of town was featured on Page 25 of U.S. passports. The historic buildings along Creek Street have been restored. The Star, named for the star in the center of its maple dance floor, was once the largest brothel in town and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Dolly’s House, another former brothel on Creek Street, is now a museum.

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

A view of downtown Ketchikan.

The Chief Kyan totem pole in Ketchikan, Alaska. (Photos by Don Knebel)

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

39. Pacific Island nation

41. Convent dweller

42. Like a neglected garden

43. “...ish”

44. The Melting Pot concoction

46. Sandra or Ruby

47. “Later!”

49. Flub

50. There are 220 in 44-Down (Abbr.)

51. Corydon’s Spring Wine Walk mo.

52. Jockey rival

54. Coach Parseghian

57. Senior member

59. In addition

63. Purdue campus quarters

65. Lin-___ Miranda of “Hamilton”

67. Local company whose CEO’s name can be found in the puzzle’s circles

68. Mountaineer’s tool

69. Tide type

70. “People Puzzler” channel

71. Pompous walk Down

1. Gawk

26. Ray Skillman inventory

27. Fashion Mall unit

28. Taste or touch

31. Demanding attention

32. Finished

33. Eyelid woes

36. “Becoming a vegetarian is a big missed steak,” e.g.

37. Make beloved

40. “The Naked Maja” artist

42. “Those ___ the days”

44. Hoosier Park distance

45. Grecian pot

48. Basile Center performance

52. Macho guys

53. More logical

54. Yemeni port

55. Civic Theatre part

56. Kind of code

58. IU Health VIPs

60. Hawaiian feast

61. Send some pixxx?

62. Bullring bravo

at the Pacemates

2. Close

3. ___ Drive-In

4. Noblesville lodge member

5. Colts stats

6. Former IND carrier

7. Indy newspaper

8. Included for free

9. Itinerary preposition

10. Comparison words

11. John’s Famous ___ (Indy restaurant)

12. Part of NBA, briefly

13. Appropriate 15. ___ & Young (accounting firm)

19. Japanese garment

22. Pre-Euro currency

23. Indiana’s Lincoln

25. Rope fiber

Butler “Pre-” Majors

Elkhart County Courthouse Home

64. NFL award won five times by Peyton Manning 65. Prefix meaning “wrong”

66. Perform with the Mud Creek Players Answers on Page 23

ARMESON LECTRIC LLC

Boarding/Daycare for Small & Medium Dogs at My Home in Carmel!

Susan 317-432-1627 pawptrl@aol.com

Fenced Yard

24 Years

Experience

Luv the dogs

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:huntclubkennel@gmail.com

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