March 12, 2024 — Westfield

If

for

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

When people think of Westfield, waterfront property doesn’t usually come to mind.

But Mayor Scott Willis and his administration plan to look at development along one of the city’s recreation gems — the Monon and Midland Trace trail systems — the way one might think of developing a river district.

City staff is working on development plans that will tie into those trails, highlighting them as the frontage of potential commercial and retail development. The intersection of the two trails east of Oak Ridge Road and south of Ind. 32 provides a walkable link from all points into downtown, where the Midland Trace passes through Grand Junction Plaza.

Jenell Fairman, director of economic development for the City of Westfield, said trail-oriented development plans will treat the trails as “beachfront property” by strategically maximizing the trail with amenities, encouraging developers to incorporate trail-facing amenities such as plazas, playgrounds and art installations, retaining natural areas and collaborating with the public works and parks departments to create trail connectivity to other trails and neighborhoods.

Fairman noted that there is already a model for that growth in Carmel, where newer development and activity are focused on the Monon Greenway. For example, Midtown Plaza and Carter Green are open spaces that were built to front the Monon Greenway, and patio space at the Palladium and Hotel Carmichael also faces the trail.

“All of these things are trial focused because that is where the action happens in our county. That is where the action is happening with people walking,” Fairman said. “We don’t have a people-oriented development (in Westfield) in our history.

When you look at an old city, those cities

The Midland Trace is already a popular spot for walkers, hikers and bike riders. The city of Westfield is working with developers to leverage the trail system as “beachfront property” where businesses along trails would create frontages along the trail to enhance walkability downtown and beyond. (Photos by Marney Simon)

grew with downtown grids, where you can work in an office, and you walk two blocks away and there are five different choices of restaurants to go to. Here, everything was built on the car, people get in their cars to drive places. The trails are where people will actually get out on foot and walk from place to place.”

Fairman said the city is working with developers to capitalize on the trail system, to think of the trials as their front doors rather than their backyards. For example, a development with a rear parking lot could place that lot on the street side of the property, leaving the portion of the property facing the trails as the new front door.

“We have an advantage in Westfield in knowing what has happened to the other Hamilton County cities, and how growth has continued to flourish over the last 15 to 20 years,” Fairman said. “Westfield has been

very slow to invest in that public-private partnership that is required to make it truly thriving as a commercial hub. But Westfield is the sixth-fastest growing city in the U.S. Westfield is about at the same stage in growth that Carmel was 15 or 20 years ago. So, we have seen what that pattern of growth looks like immediately to our south and we’ve seen it be very successful from a financial standpoint. We have a really great model to follow, from Carmel and Fishers and Noblesville. We’re following all the same rules, we’re in the same county, so we have the same opportunities for investments, state grants, and the same TIF opportunities. All of our rules are equal.

“If we can take those lessons learned and we can see what has been successful in the other communities and we can apply those best practices to Westfield, then we can plan strategically for growth.”

The Midland Trace connects Grand Junction Plaza on Union Street to Simon Moon Park and neighborhoods all the way to Westfield’s east side. With a connection west of downtown to the Monon Trail, the city intends to work with developers to use the trails to their advantage to attract foot traffic.

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

2024 Kick off May Coloring Contest — The 500 Festival and STAR Financial Bank have announced the launch of the 2024 Kickoff to May Coloring Contest. The contest invites children 12 and under to participate. The coloring sheet and entry form can be downloaded at 500Festival.com/Color. Winners will be chosen based on creativity and originality. The two grand prize winners selected will receive a scholarship of $500, courtesy of STAR Bank, and a free one-year membership to the INDYCAR Nation Rookie Program courtesy of INDYCAR. All entries must be received by Noon, April 8. For more about the contest entry rules, visit 500festival.com/ kickoff-to-may-coloring-contest-rules.

Willis vows transparency – Listing off the pillars of his plan to invest in Westfield over the next four years, Mayor Scott Willis said residents can expect more accountability. Speaking to an audience of about 240 people during a Westfield Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Feb. 22 at Prairie Waters Events Center, Willis said he plans to develop a transparency dashboard on the city’s website where residents can track local statistics, crime rates, investments, infrastructure and development planning, and population growth. “I want to be able to have a place where you can go and get a quick snapshot of what is happening in our community. We owe it to you all to be transparent, good or bad,” Willis said. The mayor added that his administration is looking to strengthen communication channels between the city and residents, starting with adding a newsletter and strengthening the city’s accountability mechanisms.

“Clue” on stage – The Westfield High School performance of “Clue” hits the stage at WHS March 21-23. There are four performances scheduled: Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 22 at 7 p.m.; Saturday March 23 at 2 p.m.; and Saturday March 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, and proceeds from ticket sales support the performing arts at WHS. For advance tickets, go to whs.wws.k12. in.us/students/performing-arts.

Mill Street Closure – The city of Westfield announced that a small portion of Mill Street between Ind. 32 and Jersey Street is closed through Aug. 30, 2024. The closure is related to construction in the Union Square development and will not impact east/west travel on Jersey Street.

Single-family homes not the plan for Westfield’s Grand Park

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Westfield’s plans for the future of Grand Park include more than a management deal for the sports complex.

DEVELOPMENT

Mayor Scott Willis’ administration is working on development strategies for the Grand Park area to include hospitality, family entertainment, restaurants, retail and outdoor recreation.

One item Willis is discouraging, however, is additional single-family residential development around the perimeter of Grand Park.

“The mayor has been very clear that what he doesn’t want is any more garden-style apartments, free-standing, multi-family buildings that are just apartments,” Westfield Director of Economic Development Jenell Fairman said. “We would have multifamily if it has mixed use, where there is retail and office space (on the ground

level).”

Development plans are in addition to the anticipated transition of the management at Grand Park sports complex.

In December 2023, the city entered a memorandum of understanding with Grand Park Sports & Entertainment, a public-private partnership of Keystone Group, Indy Sports & Entertainment, Indy Eleven and Bullpen Ventures for management of the 400-acre park complex. The agreement is not yet finalized.

Willis will conduct his first town hall meeting since taking office to give an overview to the public of his vision for the future of Westfield from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 21 at Wood Wind Golf Club, 2302 W 161st St.

Willis said he wants to foster an open dialogue, allowing citizens to gain insights into plans and initiatives for the city. Residents can email suggestions for topics of discussion at communications@westfield. in.gov.

Additional parking added to Westfield Library project

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

With downtown development ramping up in Westfield, the city will add additional parking spots along Park Street, with assistance from the library.

CITY NEWS

On Feb. 26, the Westfield City Council approved an interlocal agreement between the City of Westfield, the Westfield Washington Library and Westfield Washington Township to add parking to the new library at the corner of Park and Poplar Streets.

Johnathon Nail, director of public works, told the members of the city council that the agreement will add 14 angled parking spaces along Park Street adjacent to the library project.

“It will add this work into the library’s project, and the city will then compensate the library,” Nail said. “Ultimately, we were very interested in adding parking where we can on Park Street, and the library can do this as part of their project cheaper than the city can do it as a stand-alone project, given that the contractor is al-

Parking is a premium in downtown Westfield. The city and the library have struck a deal to create additional parking spaces for public use at the site of the new library at the corner of Park and Poplar Streets.

ready mobilized, they have equipment out there and material available.”

Per the agreement, the city will pay the library district $85,273 to incorporate the parking project into its existing facility construction project. The scope of the work will include curbs and sidewalk construction along with the 14 stalls.

For library construction updates, visit wwpl.lib.in.us/new-construction.

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(Photo by Marney Simon)

STAR Club teaches leadership skills at Westfield High School

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School students interested in learning about the military have a new club to join. But the group isn’t only for those looking to enlist after graduation.

NEW PROGRAM

This academic year, the high school started Students Taking Active Roles, or STAR Club. The club is a leadership and character development program developed for teens by the United States Army.

Westfield Washington School District Communications Coordinator MaryEdith Malin is the club’s sponsor. She said the program is modeled after Junior ROTC, where students are taught life skills, leadership and responsible citizenship that adheres to the Army’s doctrine of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

Although the club is presented by the Army, it isn’t a recruitment tool.

“In this area, since there are not a lot of (military) bases, there is not a lot of knowledge,” Malin said. “I think a lot of students think they would go into the military if it was their last option. But there is a lot more to it, a lot of career options that we can hopefully introduce them to.”

The partnership between the high school and the Army helps leverage expertise and resources of soldiers to assist students in developing critical life skills. The Army provides the programming as well as the funding. Club members learn about chain of command, conflict resolution, personal finance, first aid, public speaking, problem solving, team building, disaster preparedness, and career exploration, as well as military history. The students also participate in a community service project.

STAR Club currently meets twice a month, but Malin said the goal is to expand meeting times as the club grows.

Students interested in joining the club or parents who have questions can contact Malin at malinm@wws.k12.in.us.

Lions Club assists Student Impact

news@youarecurrent.com

Members of the Westfield Lions Club assisted Student Impact, a Christian-based organization dedicated to students.

NONPROFIT

In February, Lions members put together 200 snack bags that were delivered to Student Impact.

Established in 1999, Student Impact operates with the mission “to build relationships through love and acceptance in a safe and consistent environment.”

As part of that safe environment, students who go to Student Impact’s building The Rock at 536 N. Union St. are provided with a meal and snack bag each day.

“Student Impact shares that same passion for our Westfield students, and providing this small service is something we are proud to,” Westfield Lions Club member Carrie Larrison stated.

Last fall, Student Impact Executive Director Brittany Delph spoke to the Lions. Club members decided after that presentation to provide assistance by way of a $1,500 donation to Student Impact’s G.I.R.L.S Group, a program targeted specifically to empower

Members of the Westfield Lions Club spent time in February packing snack bags for Student Im pact, a Christian-based organization that serves youth in Westfield. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Lions Club)

girls and develop their confidence, leader ship skills and strong self-images.

Student Impact assists students from middle and high school through program ming, events, special groups and sports. In addition to snacks and meals, students who enroll with the program spend time at The Rock playing card and board games, making art, playing video games, engaging in indoor and outdoor activities and sports, and hav ing fun with their peers, according to the group’s website.

For more, visit therockwestfield.org.

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Rush says goodbye, thank you to Westfield

Commentary by Joel Rush Former Westfield Police Chief

For the past 14 years, I’ve had the honor of serving the City of Westfield as chief of police. As I reflect on what was the best job of my life, there are so many people I need to thank. But I must acknowledge that while I call it a job, it never seemed like one. It just became who I was, my identi ty. I was so proud to represent the City of Westfield and to be part of an amazing team of people who proudly serve the city I call home.

VIEWS

First, I have to thank (former) Mayor Andy Cook for seeing something in me that put me in charge of an organization that has grown into one of the finest police agencies in the country. Together, we took a team of 38 officers and grew into a nationally accredited, full-service police department of 72 officers. My philosophy on leadership is simple: Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and get out of their way; build strong relation-

ships with those you serve and treat all people with compassion; hire people who have excellent character and teach them how to become great police officers and give them what they need to do their job. Thank you to the entire team of officers. I will miss you all.

Because the cornerstone of our efforts has always been the people we served, we worked hard at establishing robust outreach programs. Thank you to everyone who has given their time back to our department.

I would also like to thank all the city workers I have been blessed to work with over the years. Lastly, but most importantly, I want to thank my family. I uprooted them from their home to take this position and we never looked back. And, in a profession that has been under scrutiny for the past several years, they have been my rock.

Westfield is my home. I’m proud to have served it and I wish nothing but success to the next Chief. Please take care of the team. Stay safe.

DISPATCHES

Investing in people – Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said when it comes to his administration, empowerment and continuous improvement are one of his four pillars for making Westfield a successful city that people will want to call home. In a luncheon speech hosted by the Westfield Chamber of Commerce Feb. 22 at Prairie Waters Events Center, Willis said one of his goals in this first term is to enhance customer service,

cultivate a culture of innovation, and prioritize employee training. “If we want to build a world class city, we have to build a world class organization that is serving our residents,” Willis said. “We’re going to invest in our people.” In January, the city council approved Willis’ proposal to add more than $3 million to this year’s budget, with increased money for salaries and benefits included in most departments.

Timothy Wayne Almack, 69 of Westfield, passed away February 23, 2024. He was born August 29, 1954, to the late Earl Almack and Betty (Derry) Almack in Alexandria, Indiana.

In addition to his parents, Tim was preceded in death by his sister, Julie Terry.

Tim is survived by his wife, Leslie; children, Benjamin (Lauren), Isaac, and Nathan; 7 siblings, Regina (Tim), Mike (Cheryl), Bill (Jodie), Cecilia (Gary), Earl (Joan), Dave (Laurie) and Della

gather

March 1, from 2-6 pm in St.

Nine

city council meeting. Attending the ceremony, from left, are

Chief Rob Gaylor, paramedic Angela Mason, firefighter/paramedic Jerry Sparks, firefighter/paramedic Kodi Phillips, firefighter/EMT/paramedic candidate Luther Hurt, paramedic Walter Rippy, paramedic Joshua Cole, paramedic Aleigha Galindo, firefighter/EMT/paramedic candidate Miranda Tuggle and paramedic Brandon Jenkins.

ber Patrick Tamm

administered

(back, center)

the oath of office. (Photo by Marney Simon)

Greyhounds senior point guard grows as a leader

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School point guard Ryan Clevenger made his biggest strides in leadership this season.

Clevenger

“I had to take that role being one of the only seniors with experience from last year,” he said. Greyhounds boys basketball coach Ryan Osborn said Clevenger filled the role quite well.

“Ryan was a vital piece to our team this season,” Osborn said. “He grew up in terms of leadership, accountability and production. Ryan brought a level of toughness to practice every day that challenged everyone in the gym. There aren’t many productive point guards out there that lead without saying a whole lot.”

Osborn said Clevenger learned how to lead the team when it mattered most.

“His teammates respected him and responded with the same level of competitive spirit,” Osborn said. “Watching Ryan grow into a humble leader over the last

MEET RYAN CLEVENGER

Favorite athlete: Paul George

Favorite TV show: “The Rookie.”

Favorite musician: Zach Bryan

Favorite subject: Business

Favorite vacation spot: Rosemary Beach, Fla.

four years is one of the biggest joys I’ve experienced as a head coach. He takes pride in doing things the right way and it was important to him that he left an impression on our team and younger players that would resonate for years to come. He exceeded expectations.”

Clevenger averaged 9 points, 3.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game for the Grey -

Ryan Clevenger was a key performer for Carmel High School’s basktball team. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Clevenger)

hounds, who finished with a 12-11 record.

“Going 8-2 in our last 10 games was a

For Jephrey, a backache could have ended in heartache.

fun experience as it turned our season around,” Clevenger said. “Especially with how hard those 10 games were, it was awesome to go 8-2.”

In that stretch, Carmel beat then-Class 4A No. 1 Fishers 54-46 Jan. 27 and then-4A No. 1 Lawrence North 42-35 Feb. 1. Both were home games for Carmel.

“Beating both two No. 1 teams back-toback was a great experience for us as we had great weeks of preparation leading into that, so we had total confidence going into the games,” Clevenger said.

Fishers got revenge by topping Carmel 54-41 in the Feb. 27 Class 4A sectional opener.

Clevenger said he still hasn’t made a college choice. He plans to major in business and is considering playing basketball in college.

Growing up, basketball was always his favorite sport to play, Clevenger said.

“I have played it ever since I can remember,” he said. “I also played football and baseball but stopped playing both of them to focus on basketball.”

He stopped playing baseball going into his freshman year.

The sudden, shooting pain he experienced was caused by a life-threatening ruptured aneurysm. The expert team at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital responded with skill and compassion. Exactly the kind of care that makes a difference.

Learn more about screenings at eCommunity.com/vascularscreen

HOW SWEET IT IS

Westfield resident to open “Becky the Bakester” bakery in Westfield

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

For Becky Lane of Westfield, life is as sweet as you make it.

Lane, a Kokomo native who lived with her family for 15 years in the Chicago suburbs, moved back to Indiana after a car accident left her with a wrist injury that took some time to heal. The family came back to the Hoosier State to be closer to extended family, settling in Westfield in 2016.

But when the pandemic hit and the house was packed — her husband Gary worked from home and her boys Max and Cooper were home e-learning — Lane decompressed by heading to the kitchen to bake, an activity she always considered relaxing.

What came next was an idea: Turn baking from a hobby into a business.

“I would bake or cook just for the stress relief and for the love I have for cooking and baking,” Lane said. “After a while, I thought, ‘Why can’t I do this?’ After I decided I wanted to go for it, that summer I spent making pies.”

Lane recruited her friends as unofficial taste testers for her creations, and in September 2020 officially launched her home-based baking business, Becky the Bakester. She started with neighborhood pop-up events and food truck nights, outdoor events and taking orders for front porch pickup.

After a year, Lane realized that she wanted to grow the business more, which led to her first venture outside of her own kitchen. In November 2021, she moved into a shared kitchen in Carmel, and about one year later into another shared kitchen at the Bountiful Board in Sheridan.

Wanting to find a place to call her own, this winter Lane found an available rental at 203 W. Jersey St., a sought-after development area of Jersey and Park streets in downtown Westfield, where older homes are being converted into commercial buildings, flanked by successful businesses such as RIVET Coffee Bar and Roastery, Nyla’s and Greek’s Pizzeria of Westfield.

The Becky the Bakester store will officially open in April, with a soft opening this month, though exact dates have not been announced.

“Having this space, I am going to branch out more into savory items,” Lane said. “I’ve been making scones for the Westfield Winter Markets, and those have been selling really well. I’d like to get into more of the traditional bakery items like cake slices or cupcakes and bread.”

Baking is not just a hobby. Lane attended culinary school when she lived in Illinois, but at the time decided not to opt for a career in food service or hospitality.

Lane’s specialties include pies, gourmet made-fromscratch marshmallows and chocolates, as well as cookies, cake pops and other sweets, all items she’s excited to share with Westfield.

“We just love the city, we love the schools,” Lane said.

“We’ve made awesome friends here. I love this community. I’m a member of the Chamber of Commerce and I want to be a fixture in the community that people will come and say, ‘I got treats from Becky the Bakester, or, Becky the Bakester made treats for the school.’ I like to support the schools and different things when I can.”

Aside from her regular business, Lane has also made sweet treats for the Westfield Washington Schools’ “Laugh It Off” event and sells her goods at Westfield Markets.

Lane said she is scared but excited for her new adventure. She also said she owes a lot to her friends, neighbors and extended family who have always helped her out.

“I feel like I owe all of them more than I can ever repay, but it’s just been so fun,” Lane said. “The growth of this has been great. I have customers who have been with me since the beginning. It’s fun to have grown with my customers and have them see the growth. I’m just excited to take this next step. I’m trying to be a part of the community and giving when I can.”

ON THE COVER: Becky Lane, aka Becky the Bakester, is busy prepping her first brick and mortar store on Jersey Street in Westfield. She has turned her love of baking from a homebased bakery into a full-fledged business, set to open next month. (Photo by Marney Simon)

HOME SWEET HOME

Besides her signature pies, Lane will have other sweet treats at her Becky the Bakester shop, including cake pops, cake slices, and specialty marshmallows.

“I just like trying new recipes, trying new flavors,” Lane said. “That’s what I like about marshmallows. There is absolutely no flavor in marshmallows, so you can add any flavors.”

Lane will also continue to take orders, both online and at the store when it opens. Gourmet marshmallows and treats are available for delivery in Indianapolis via Market Wagon.

Learn more about the shop and place orders at beckythebakester.com.

Becky Lane will open a bakery at 203 W. Jersey St. in Westfield. The bakery will feature pies, cookies, cake pops, specialty marshmallows and retail items. (Photo by Marney Simon)

Cake pops and specialty marshmallows are some of the signature items customers will find at the Becky the Bakester bakery, set to open in April on Jersey Street. (Photo courtesy of Becky Lane)

FREE Business Checking

Sun King coming to Westfield

news@youarecurrent.com

Westfield’s $25 million residential and commercial downtown development has its first tenant.

On March 4, a development plan to bring Sun King Brewery to the Union Square mixed-use site under construction was approved by the city’s Advisory Plan

Indianapolis-based Sun King has been operating since 2009 and is the second-largest brewer in Indiana, according to the Sun

The Westfield location will feature a taproom, indoor seating for more than 400 and patio seating for 200 overlooking Grand Junction Plaza. The taproom will showcase Sun King’s diverse range of award-winning craft beers, including its signature core and seasonal releases, along with experimental beers and handcrafted signature cocktails.

“Sun King is excited about being a part of the Westfield community. The design of Sun King’s taproom and food hall will offer guests a welcoming indoor space and a stunning outdoor patio and upstairs deck

Sun King brewery was the first tenant approved for Westfield’s Union Square mixed-use development. (Image courtesy City of Westfield)

that share picturesque views of Grand Junction Plaza,” stated Dave Colt, co-owner of Sun King Brewery. “Our fans will be able to enjoy pints of Sun King beer, signature cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks, all while enjoying local dining options.”

Union Square has been in the works since 2022, a partnership between the City of Westfield and Carmel-based Old Town Companies. The development is bordered by Ind. 32, Union Street, Jersey Street and Mill Street and is just across from Grand Junction Plaza.

Sun King has breweries in Carmel, Fishers, downtown Indianapolis and Sarasota, Fla. For more, visit sunkingbrewing.com.

Students visit Statehouse

news@youarecurrent.com

Twenty-five high school students from six Hamilton County schools, including Westfield, Guerin Catholic, Hamilton Southeastern, Noblesville, Hamilton Heights and Sheridan high schools, made a visit to the capitol in Indianapolis in February, seeking stricter regulations on e-cigarettes and vaping products.

LEGISLATURE

The students accompanied educators and leaders from Breathe East Hamilton County in an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with state legislators, including State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Dist. 32). The visit included a tour of the Statehouse, providing students with a firsthand look at the legislative process and a look at how elected leaders deliberate on state matters.

The primary focus of the visit was to highlight the importance of implementing higher cigarette taxes and more stringent regulations on vaping products, which pose serious health risks and contribute to a range of long-term health issues, Breathe Easy representatives noted.

The students are a part of VOICE, Breathe Easy Hamilton County’s youth-led initiative to involve younger generations in the legislative process.

“Getting to go to the Statehouse was cool,” said Drew Law, a junior from Westfield High School. “I believe VOICE is making a huge difference in Indiana and it has given me a platform to serve and help my community.”

Breathe Easy Hamilton County is a public health agency sponsored by the Good Samaritan Network and funded through the Indiana Department of Health Tobacco Prevention Cessation. For more, visit breatheeasyhamiltoncounty.com.

High School Students accompanied Breathe Easy Hamilton County to the capitol in February. (Photo courtesy of Breathe Easy Hamilton County)

An ‘eggs-asperating’ grocery list

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Do you need help? I’d like to give you some. Help is unwanted in my house. I try to give help, but my wife Mary Ellen doesn’t want it.

She is totally helpless.

This is of her own choosing. If you are confused by this, let me give you a few examples that might be helpful.

When Mary Ellen cooks dinner, I always ask, “Anything I can help with?” It’s been more than 40 years since she could think of something that I would really be of any help doing. I sometimes say, “Is there anything you can help me, help you with?” Nope. Nothing.

On rare occasions, she requests that I go to the supermarket, but she takes no chances with my ability to find exactly what she needs.

“Dick, I need almond milk. I am sending you a text to remind you exactly what to get. It has to say ‘unsweetened’; it has to say ‘Almond Breeze’; and it has to say ‘Original’ on the container. It can’t say ‘Vanilla.’ Now, I will also send you a picture of the package so you can’t make a mistake.”

I ask people shopping in the dairy department if they know where almond milk is, and

they just shrug. Apparently, these people drink something that comes from a cow’s udder. Yuck!

Finally, I saw a pecan milk bottle, so I bought it.

“What did you buy, Dick? This is cashew milk. I don’t like cashew milk.”

“I figured any nutty idea was as good as the next.”

Once, she requested canned tomatoes and said she would text me a photo and description of exactly what she wanted. But when I got to the supermarket, my phone was dead. I wasn’t taking any chances. I did not want to go back to the store. So, I got tomatoes every which way: Diced, as a sauce and a soup, stewed, crushed, whole peeled, quartered, sun dried and condensed. They were all wrong. I was back at the store an hour later. What the heck is tomato paste? At least, it doesn’t sound as bad as Gorilla Glue.

Recently, Mary Ellen requested I stop and pick up — get ready for this — a container of egg whites.

“Mary Ellen, I’ll never find something weird like that. I’ll buy two dozen eggs and separate them myself.”

“No, the package must say cage-free. It has

“On rare occasions, she requests that I go to the supermarket, but she takes no chances with my ability to find exactly what she needs.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

to be 100 percent liquid, and it must be zero cholesterol.”

I asked one of the clerks, “Do you sell egg whites?”

“Of course.”

“Where should I look?”

“Inside our eggs.”

Finally, later that day, Mary Ellen agreed she would extract the egg whites herself. This incident did cause some conflict between us, but we made up. Now, only our eggs are going to be legally separated.

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Dick

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Soprano Brown featured in Indy Opera’s ‘Charlie Parker’s Yardbird’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The role of Addie Parker was made for Angela Brown.

MUSIC

Brown debuted the role of Charlie Parker’s mother, Addie Parker, in June 2015 at Philadelphia’s Perelman Theater. She will reprise the role in the Indianapolis Opera’s production of “Charlie Parker’s Yardbird,” set for 7 p.m. March 16 at Madam Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis.

The story focuses on the legendary saxophonist and one of the inventors of bebop. The premise has Parker’s soul linger between life and death, and his spirit returns to his famous New York City jazz club called Birdland, where he is challenged to compose a final masterpiece.

The Indianapolis soprano said the story follows Addie from a young mother to the time of her son’s death from a heart attack at age 34 in 1955. Charlie Parker was a heroin addict.

“Addie is a role that was created for me, so I was able to put my fingerprints on her first and being able to draw from all of my ancestors like my mother and my grandmother and thinking about all the Black mothers in the community,” Brown said. “When I was growing up, that poured into me. I’m able to put flesh on the bones of Addy and just imagine how she felt having a son that was multitalented that she loved and adored, but that had vices in life and the fear and the anguish and the pains that she gets to come out four separate times in this 90-minute opera. She’s giving you frustration, she’s giving you joy and adulation. She’s giving you fear and she’s also giving you grief, so it’s been great to portray.”

Brown said she has reprised the role in all but two of the presentations. It was the first opera to be performed at the Apollo Theater in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood. It’s also been performed in London.

“I never gave birth to a child, but I have three stepsons,” Brown said. “I know how much I love them and seeing them go through as Black men in America. This was a woman before the Civil Rights Movement who was proud of her son but she knew he was a drug addict. He also was married and had a child, but he also was playing around on his wife and he liked white women. She knew at that time she could be lynched or killed in Kansas City, Mo.”

Brown said the music is accessible to audiences.

“You hear the names of the different pieces that he made famous,” Brown said. “It was all scored on a saxophone. You feel the influences of bebop throughout the opera.”

Brown described the opera as a 90-minute “ghost story,” which opens with Parker dying.

“The premise is Charlie Parker is com-

ing back to write a symphonic piece that he’s always wanted to write,” Brown said. “He dies in a white woman’s apartment, his benefactor. So, he has been placed in a morgue as John Doe. He comes back in spirit form. While his spirit is writing this music, he is visited by his mother, his best friend Dizzy Gillespie and his three wives. They are all telling him he’s a genius, he’s well-loved but he has to get off the drugs. Finally, there is a funeral and he is set free.”

Brown can’t remember the last time she performed at Madam Walker.

“I’ve done special programs,” she said. “I’ve never done an opera or some type of stage play, but I’ve definitely sung there.”

Brown said it’s fitting to be held at Madam Walker because Parker performed at the jazz clubs nearby on Indiana Avenue.

For more, visit indyopera.org.

‘BEAUTIFUL”

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents “Beautiful — The Carole King Musical” through March 30 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘DRIVING MISS DAISY’

Civic Theatre’s production of “Driving Miss Daisy” is set for March 15 to 30 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.

‘BOHEMIAN DELIGHT & THE FIREBIRD’

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will present “Bohemian Delight & The Firebird” at 7:30 p.m. March 16 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Dan Hall and Steven Stewart will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 14 and Ryan Ahlwardt and his Friends are set to perform at 7:30 p.m. March 15 and vocalist Maddie Poppe March 17-18 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael. For more, feinsteinshc.com.

ST. PAT’S COMEDY AT THE CAT

St. Pat’s Comedy at The Cat, presented by Dave Dugan, is set for 7:30 p.m. March 15-16 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way. For more, visit thecat.biz.

DISPATCH

CSO, CCPLF present women’s program —

As part of Women’s History Month, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra and the Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation are teaming up to present “Preparing for Competition and Handling Pressure and Passion in our work: Perspectives from Female Musicians and Community Leaders” at 2 to 3:30 p.m. March 17 at the Carmel Public Library’s Community Room. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register online at carmelclaylibrary.org. The event will include brief opening remarks, a 30-minute performance and talk by Carmel Symphony Orchestra musicians featuring works by female classical composers, and a 45-minute panel discussion.

Angela Brown performs as Addie Parker in New Orleans Opera production. She will perform in Indianapolis Opera’s production of “Charlie Parker’s Yardbird” March 16. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Strout Photography)

WRITTEN BY ALFRED UHRY

Musical gives fresh look at crime

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A chorus girl, actress and model, Evelyn Nesbit has been described as one of the first to be labeled an “It Girl.”

READING

Nesbit was at the center of what was billed as one the crimes of the century when, in 1906, architect Stanford White was killed by Nesbit’s husband Harry Thaw. Nesbit alleged White raped her when she was intoxicated or unconscious, but she later had an affair with him.

Scott

A reading, which includes musical numbers, of “Evelyn and the Eternal Question” is set for 2 p.m. March 16 at the Carmel Clay Public Library’s Community Room. Admission is free for the Actors Theatre of Indiana’s Lab Series program. A registration link is on atistage.org.

Scott said she knew the story of “Girl in the Velvet Swing,” and E.L. Doctorow’s “Ragtime,” both movies about Nesbit.

“I used to work at the Indiana Historical Society, and they had a tiny collection of books in the break room,” Scott said. “One

of the books in the collection was ‘American Eve’ by Paula Uruburu, which gave a more detailed account of Evelyn Nesbit’s life. I started reading this book at the beginning of the #MeToo movement and during the (Supreme Court justice Brett) Kavanaugh hearings, and a light bulb went off in my head. I saw the pattern of history repeating itself, particularly when someone speaks truth to power and gets damaged by it. Every popular reference to her is always told in cartoonish ways where we forget that Evelyn was a teenager put in impossible situations. The choices were limited then. So, I wanted to explore this story from a victim’s advocacy perspective. Not to judge her or make her a cartoon, but to demonstrate how easy it is to get trapped in these situations with dangerous people.”

At first, Scott was interested from what she described as a true crime nerd’s perspective.

“I love ‘Ragtime,’ and naturally, all of her photos are stunning, but I did not look too deeply into her life until I started writing this musical,” Scott said.

Across

1. Like some WRTV newscast banter

6. Eli Lilly and Company inventory

11. “___ voyage!”

14. Deliberately mislead

15. Gold bar

16. Big name in ice cream

17. Send to the Indiana Senate

18. SUV at Bill Estes Chevrolet

19. Ages and ages

20. Michiana city that could be in the state’s menagerie

22. Poor imitation

24. Nary a soul

27. So-so

28. Seasonal Golden Arches sandwich

31. Rock genre

33. Lecherous look

36. FOX59 reporter Graves

37. Workshop items

39. Expunge

40. Peculiarity

42. Futuristic animated TV family

44. U-turn from NNE

45. Mario’s brother in video games

47. Wander

48. ___ Christian Anderson

50. Wildebeest

51. Grill brand

52. Chum

54. Chews like a beaver

56. John Roberts’ judicial grp.

59. Hamilton County city that could be in the state’s menagerie

64. Tuna type

65. Halley’s ___

68. Baby-to-be

69. Bar Louie spirit

70. Public persona

71. Amherst school, familiarly

72. Picnic pest

73. Interior design

74. Most of Santa’s mail Down

1. Sheltered, at sea

2. Shapiro’s pickle flavoring

3. Onion’s kin

4. Nagging desire

5. Garfield Park Conservatory garden type

6. “Same here”

7. Genetic letters

8. “Gross!”

9. Blunder

10. Power source

11. Marion County city that could be in the state’s menagerie

12. Fragrance

13. Big Apple inits.

21. Indy Zoo CEO Shumaker

23. ___ Speedwagon

25. “The Matrix” hero

26. Texting icon

28. What you’d be smart to join?

29. Northwest Indiana city that could be in the state’s menagerie

30. Hinkle Fieldhouse backboard attachment

32. Bullring cheer

34. Ocean vessel

35. Current big shots, briefly

37. Getting even with

38. Full of tension

40. Campfire residue

41. Carry with effort

43. Weep

46. Paintball shooter

49. Had a seat

51. Conflict that ended on Nov. 11, 1918

53. Clearheaded

55. Subsequent

56. Heroic tale

57. Goatee site

6 Double ___ 4 “I” US States

5 Denver Omelet Ingredients

3 UND Fencing Team Blades

2 UIndy Colors

1 “Pride in Progress” City

58.

60.

61.

meaning “half”

postings

63. Leaky tire sound

66. ___ and cheese

67. Self-conceit

Answers on Page 12

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024

CARMEL FISHERS

NOBLESVILLE WESTFIELD NORTHERNTOWNS

THE SKIES ALIGN FOR A SPECTACULAR SHOW IN HAMILTON COUNTY ON APRIL 8, 2024

Get ready to be mesmerized by a celestial masterpiece as the communities of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and the Northern Towns become the perfect stage for the Total Solar Eclipse, when the moon gracefully dances in front of the sun and casts its shadow across the landscape.

Witness the magic of the cosmos with friends and family at official viewing locations like Carmel Civic Square, Conner Prairie, Cool Creek Park, Grand Park Sports Campus, Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center and Strawtown Koteewi Park.

Grab your Eclipse glasses, set up your cameras and join Hamilton County in this celestial celebration—it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience!

VisitHamiltonCounty.com/Eclipse