April 16, 2024 — Westfield

Westfield Washington Historical Society aims to engage, educate

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

The Westfield Washington Historical Society & Museum might be small, but its team of volunteers are mighty when it comes to promoting Westfield’s rich history.

GRANTS

WWHS & Museum was one of dozens of nonprofit organizations awarded grants from Hamilton County Tourism’s 2024 Tourism Gives program. The award, totaling $1,500, will help the volunteers bring history to life for residents and visitors.

“We increased our square footage with the museum and the cabin, so we thought we could use some items to represent ourselves at events,” curator Michael Kobrowski said about plans for the funds.

“That is what we’ll use this for, for tourism events, at schools, at businesses, when we want to have a table up, we can have a display and make some signs.”

If you’re interested in reaching the Westfield market (13,794 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@ youarecurrent.com (subject: Westfield advertising) or by calling 317.847.5022.

Konrowski said the intent is to create a traveling display and possibly purchase a laptop computer to get the word out about what the historical society does. He added that the museum is always looking to collect artifacts from those in Westfield Washington Township who may have them.

“History is precious here,” Kobrowski said. “With people coming in, others moving out or passing on, we’re still trying to get as much information from those families as we can. Westfield was part of the underground railroad, the Quakers who came here. Unfortunately, because it wasn’t legal, they didn’t write much down, so we’re always looking for ways to find any information that we can get: diaries, old letters, old treasures that really are treasure.”

WWHS & Museum volunteers said grant funding from Visit Hamilton County over the years has helped address many of the organization’s needs and help build the small but well-organized collection of Westfield artifacts that are housed at the museum behind City Hall.

what we have. Up until we had the cabin, we really didn’t have any money and it was very difficult to do much. Our dues are only $20 a year.”

April and May are some of the busiest times for the WWHS & Museum, with 1,200 students from Westfield Washington Schools visiting the museum and the 1835 Barker Family log cabin.

will encourage others to learn about what the museum has to offer.

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

“They’ve always been very good about supporting us. When we were building the cabin, they were very supportive in collecting money for that and for grant funds,” said Diana Peyton, a long-time volunteer. “It’s not always a lot of money, but it’s (money) that we can do more with than

“We talk about Westfield history, we talk about the government, we take them over to the log cabin and have different places and stations to learn about things,” Peyton said. “It’s difficult to find the museum if you don’t know that it’s here. How many people know that our museum is here, and we would like for them to visit the museum. We’d like to have people in and out. You’d be surprised that people still don’t know that we have the cabin.”

The volunteers hope the new displays

“I think there are so many people who are moving to this area that don’t know that downtown Westfield exists,” program director Barbara Day said. “I have met so many people who have come here because their grandchildren are here. And they may live in housing subdivisions, but they have no reason to come downtown right now. So, they don’t really know we exist, and they don’t know there’s a history in Westfield. We’re trying to get that out.”

The group is always on the lookout for volunteers.

“This is a community organization. Our cabin was built as a welcoming center and a community amenity. We would live to get more people involved, bring your kids in,” Peyton said.

Learn more by visiting wwhs.us.

Visitors learn about Westfield history inside the 1835 Barker Family log cabin. (Photo by Marney Simon)

Westfield mayor disappointed with energy rate case

news@youarecurrent.com

Westfield Mayor Scott Willis wants Duke Energy to rethink its plan to seek a rate increase for next year.

UTILITIES

Duke Energy recently submitted a rate request to Indiana utility regulators, seeking an overall 16 percent tiered increase.

The case was filed April 4 with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and reflects an overall average bill increase of approximately 12 percent in 2025 and an additional 4 percent in 2026.

“A modernized electric grid more resistant to power outages, hundreds of miles of new power lines, environmental responsibilities, increased electric grid security and new systems for customer convenience are some of the key parts of Duke Energy’s Indiana rate request submitted to state utility regulators,” the company stated in a news release announcing the request.

However, Willis said the numbers don’t add up.

“I am disappointed with Duke’s pursuit of a utility rate increase from the IURC,” Willis stated. “While I understand the need for investment to maintain infrastructure and ensure reliable service, an increase in utility rates would burden residents when Duke reported a 17 percent increase in profit for 2023. I urge them to explore alternative solutions that prioritize the well-being of our residents and engage in transparent dialogue with the community. As mayor, I will continue to advocate for the best interests of our residents.”

According to Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar, the last base increase was in 2020, and since then the company has invested $1.6 billion in the electric grid, power plants and overall system, and helped prevent more than 185,000 power outages.

If approved, the increase will vary among residential and business customers. The total monthly impact of the combined increases for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month would be about $27.63, according to Duke Energy.

Learn more at duke-energy.com.

Pursuit ends in vehicle crash in Westfield

used in a crime.

An active pursuit through Westfield April 1 of a vehicle allegedly stolen in Noblesville ended in a crash causing minor injuries to a Westfield Police Department officer and the alleged thief.

The incident began when WPD received notice of a stolen vehicle out of Noblesville entering Westfield shortly after 5 p.m.

According to a press release by WPD, a traffic stop was attempted, however the driver of the vehicle refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated, lasting for several miles.

Officials stated that the teenage driver of the white sedan took a turn from South Street onto N. Union Street too quickly and lost control of the vehicle, colliding with a marked WPD SUV.

A Westfield officer was outside of the vehicle attempting to get stop sticks out when the collision occurred, striking the officer’s leg and causing minor injuries.

The notification was a result of the vehicle traveling past the city’s Flock Safety license plate reader cameras. The cameras give police access to data in real time, providing alerts for stolen vehicles, a missing person’s vehicle, or any vehicle

“The Flock Safety system has repeatedly demonstrated its effectiveness in enhancing the safety of our streets. With this valuable tool at our disposal, we can rest assured that our community is in good hands,” Mayor Scott Willis stated. “I also want to commend our Police Department officers for their actions; this situation could have had a very different outcome if their swift action had not been taken.”

Flock Safety cameras are not used for traffic enforcement such as speeding or minor violations.

The driver, a juvenile male from Dayton, Ohio, was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital with minor injuries from the crash.

No other passengers were in the suspect vehicle.

Once released from medical care, the suspect was transported to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center on preliminary charges of theft of a motor vehicle; resisting law enforcement with a vehicle; resisting law enforcement causing bodily injury; criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon; and reckless driving causing bodily injury.

A stolen vehicle crashed into a Westfield Police Department patrol SUV April 1, causing injuries to the driver and a WPD officer. (Photo courtesy City of Westfield)

Library to temporarily close

The Westfield Washington Public Library will close April 22 at its Hoover Street facility so staff can begin moving the building’s contents to the new library location.

“The closure is necessary to ensure a seamless and efficient transition to the new building,” WWPL Executive Director Sheryl Sollars stated. “Patrons are encouraged to keep any items they have checked out until the new building is open as nothing will be due during the closure.”

During the closure, library staff will not respond to phone calls, emails or social media inquiries. However, library patrons can access the digital collection for streaming or downloading.

Patrons are also encouraged to take advantage of the countywide borrowing agreement, which allows cardholders to check out materials from non-Evergreen Indiana public libraries in Hamilton County. District residents can also visit or call any other location in the Evergreen Indiana consortium of over 130 libraries to

borrow items or get assistance with their accounts.

“While we’re sad to say goodbye to our current location, we’re incredibly excited about the opportunities that the new building will bring,” Sollars stated. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our new home.”

A grand opening for the new building at Park Street and Westfield Boulevard is scheduled for June 1.

For information on the relocation process and the new library, visit wwpl.lib.in.us/ moving.

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Shelves at the new Westfield Washington Library are ready for books to be transferred from the old building on Hoover Street. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Washington Library)

A partnership between Indiana Members Credit Union and Westfield Washington Schools resulted in a donation of $1,838 recently, part of the ongoing school spirit debit card program.

The debit card, emblazoned with the signature Shamrocks “Rocks” logo, allows fans of the school district to support the athletic department, by contributing money with each signature-based transaction.

Since the program was introduced in

2013, Westfield High School has earned $22,211 through the IMCU giveback program.

The card is available to IMCU members at the Westfield branch, 4005 Westfield Rd., as well as IMCU’s other 30 Indiana locations.

The IMCU Westfield Rocks debit card is free to members with IMCU’s free checking account and can be issued immediately through IMCU’s Instant Issue program, which allows members to receive their debit card on the spot.

For more, visit imcu.com.

Lindsey Coe, manager of the IMCU Westfield branch, presents a replica check to athletic director Andy Tebbe during a varsity boys basketball game in January. (Photos courtesy of Indiana Members Credit Union)

An amendment to the TowneRun PUD was approved in November 2023. The city has entered a road design contract to support the development. (Image courtesy of City

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Westfield is planning road improvements for Towne Road between 146th Street and 151st Street to prepare for new development in the area.

DEVELOPMENT

In March, the Board of Public Works and Safety approved a contract with A & F Engineering Co., LLC for the design. The roadwork and design will make way for future construction projects, including the TowneRun planned unit development, a 34.62-acre development concept that includes a mix of local commercial/retail uses, townhomes and single-family residences as well as a health and wellness club.

Johnathon Nail, Westfield’s director of public works, said the improvement is necessary given the amount of traffic expected from the new development. The work will include a new roundabout intersection of 146th Street with the current frontage, as well as the extension of that frontage road to the east.

“The reason for the improvements is that there is a development on the northwest corner being proposed that will bring a Lifetime Fitness to Westfield as well as some townhomes and other residential as well as discussions, although a little further down the line, of a fairly large development on the northeast corner as well,” Nail said.

The city will pay A & F Engineering a design fee of $348,130 for the design work.

of Westfield)

West Fork Whiskey plan includes ‘village’ setting

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

DEVELOPMENT

The owners of West Fork Whiskey plan to create a new neighborhood, centered on its Westfield distillery to include residences, retail and community amenities.

Representatives for West Fork Whiskey Real Estate Joint Venture, LLC were before the Advisory Plan Commission April 1 to discuss an amendment to the planned unit development, also known as the Osborne Trails planned unit development district.

Russell Brown, an attorney with Clark, Quinn, Moses, Scott & Grahan, LLP representing West Fork Whiskey, said the plan seeks the addition of townhomes and complimentary retail development surrounding West Fork Whiskey, to create a village-like development.

“The goal here is to create what would be called the West Fork District, the creation of a destination neighborhood and building a community around the West Fork brand,” Brown said. “When West Fork chose Westfield over a number of communities in central Indiana several years ago to build their headquarters, they themselves created a food and beverage destination. (This proposal) will take that vision one step further.”

Brown said the plans create a neighborhood destination that would be cohesively developed with the existing West Fork Whiskey site. The plans include up to 140 three-story townhouse units with a minimum size of 1,400 square feet. West Fork has entered an agreement with M/I Homes, Inc. to create the community.

The design plan complements the existing West Fork building while preserving commercial units along 191st Street and includes a pond, expanded parking, a dog park and a joint-amenities area with a small outdoor event space. Brown said the space is intended to be a community gathering area.

The design also includes a rack house for aging of West Fork products.

“The goal here is to have a complementary and/or cohesive commercial use,” Brown said. “We believe that this project will deliver a uniquely focused live and play district that provides another housing option for Westfield while supporting a business… that bet big on your community several years ago when they moved to this location.”

There were no comments at a public hearing held before the APC April 1. The item will now move to a workshop meeting May 8 for further consideration.

West Fork Whiskey intends to be the center point for a village-like development around its distillery on 191st Street in Westfield. (Photo by Marney Simon)

PANCAKE BREAKFAST RAISES $3,500 FOR MIRACLE LEAGUE OF WESTFIELD

Westfield High School SOS Club members Katie Leber, left, and Maxwell Montgomery served as chefs when club members joined with the Westfield Lions Club to host the second pancake breakfast, raising $3,500 for Miracle League of Westfield. The event was held March 23 at the high school. SOS Club members cooked breakfast, staffed the serving line and operated a face painting table for youngsters with assistance from the Lions. The Lions said the turnout was “phenomenal,” with players from nearly every WHS team taking part. Paul Sherrer, director of Westfield Washington Schools food services, assisted with logistics of the event. Event sponsors included the City of Westfield, Mark Heirbrandt, Busby Eye Care, Sobczak Construction, Compass Realty, Indy Eye Care, EPYK Realty, Sunshine Pediatrics, Heartland Growers, Lazar Insurance and Chuck Goodrich for Congress. The event raised $1,000 more than the inaugural event in 2023. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Lions Club)

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Carmel High School shortstop off to fast start

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School junior shortstop JD Stein’s team goal for the baseball season is a lofty one.

He wants to win the IHSAA Class 4A state title, which would be the first in program history.

“To do that, we have to get out of our sectional, which is pretty hard,” Stein said. “Our goal is show to everybody who we are in sectional and then make a little run and get there.”

Stein is off to a strong start in pursuit of his personal goals.

“I like to be a tough out, keep (my) batting average above .450 and hit a couple bombs,” Stein said. “I’m not going to try to do anything (special), just stick to my game.

In the first six games, Stein hit .500 with three doubles and two triples. CHS coach Ty Neal said Stein, who bats leadoff, is a disciplined hitter. He had seven walks and zero strikeouts in those five games.

“He’s a very talented player,” Neal said. “He’s a young man that works really hard on his craft. He’s a great teammate and

MEET JD STEIN

Favorite athlete: New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe

Favorite subject: Biology

Favorite musician: Drake

Favorite TV viewing: MLB Network

very coachable. His strength is going to increase each year. He’s a very good runner. He plays the game aggressively.”

The 5-foot-9, 175-pound Stein primarily played third base last season but played shortstop as a freshman.

“He is showing that he continues to play shortstop at levels above this (high school),” he said.

Stein said he changed his approach this

“ Putting it o is not an option.”

season to hit more line drives.

Stein also played shortstop for the Indiana Bulls travel team.

“I like to play short the most. I get more range and can show off my arm a little more,” he said.

Stein originally committed to the University of Louisville but has reopened his recruitment. He said he is still considering Louisville.

“I’ll probably pick a place in two or three months,” Stein said. “I’m kind of seeing what comes to me first and then take it from there.”

Stein’s father, Mike Stein, a 1986 CHS graduate, played baseball at Northwestern University.

“His dad does a lot to help JD. He’s hitting him ground balls and throwing batting practice to him,” Neal said. “It’s a great baseball family.”

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Carmel High School junior shortstop JD Stein has hit .500 in his first six games. (Photo courtesy of JD Stein)

DIGNITY IN DEATH

Remains of Hamilton County man laid to rest in Westfield

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

George Podolan was 77 years old when he passed away at home in Carmel on Jan. 25, 2023.

But for more than a year, his cremated remains were housed at the Hamilton County Coroner’s office in Noblesville, unclaimed by family or friends for burial.

On April 4, Podolan — remembered simply as “George” — finally received a proper burial, thanks to a partnership between Christian-based ministry He Knows Your Name, the Hamilton County Coroner’s office and Flanner Buchanan - Hamilton Memorial Park/Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield.

“We say that he is worthy of being known, seen and considered as valuable,” Linda Znachko, founder of He Knows Your Name, said during George’s funeral, which was attended by more than a dozen people who never met him. “We honor George, and we set in motion a process for future unclaimed to always have a laying to rest home here.”

In 2022, Znachko’s organization worked with the Marion County Coroner’s Office to bury the remains of 173 unclaimed persons at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Indianapolis. She invited every coroner in the state to the ceremony in an effort to push for burial of unclaimed remains in their respective jurisdictions, but only Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison showed up.

“I was becoming more and more aware that the coroners’ offices have an accumulation of unclaimed, and I find that appalling, quite honestly,” Znachko said. “I feel like it’s disrespectful to human life, and that these city offices and county offices have got to put in their budgets some money set aside to do this.”

Znachko and Jellison’s office joined forces to find a way to give George a proper burial. But Jellison said his office isn’t seeking recognition for the effort.

“Today is not about organizations and it’s not about coroners, it’s about dignity and providing dignity to those that don’t have family or don’t have someone to support them to a final resting place,” Jellison said. “The real reason we’re here today

A white dove was released during George Podolan’s funeral. (Photos by Marney Simon)

is to give George Podolan the dignity he deserves.”

Znachko hopes providing a burial site for George and other unclaimed remains in Westfield will serve as a reminder to Hamilton County residents that despite the overall wealth and resources of the county, people still die alone and are left unclaimed even if they have living relatives. She said that while it’s easy to assume that the unclaimed have died alone with no family, it’s often not the case.

“The truth is, a lot of them do have fam-

ilies, and they have neighbors,” she said. “(George) lived in Carmel. I think we need to realize that Hamilton County has roundabouts everywhere and they have the most beautiful parks everywhere, but this coroner doesn’t have enough money in his budget to (bury the unclaimed).”

George is buried in an ossuary — a vault for cremated remains — inside a memorial garden at Hamilton Memorial Park/Prairie Waters. The garden is specifically for cremated remains. Ben Upton, VP of Advanced Planning for Flanner Buchanan, said the

HE KNOWS YOUR NAME MINISTRY

Linda Znachko founded He Knows Your Name ministry in 2009, following the discovery of an infant in a dumpster in Indianapolis. Znachko said she felt called to action, to provide a name and burial for the unknown child.

The ministry, which is funded by a private foundation, provides burials for unclaimed children and adults in order to provide those persons dignity and honor in death by celebrating their lives.

In 2022, He Knows Your Name, with assistance from the Marion County Coroner’s Office, laid to rest 173 unclaimed adult decedents in Indianapolis. The ministry will partner with Marion County again in June for additional burials. The burial of George Podolan marks the first collaboration between He Knows Your Name and Hamilton County. Learn more about He Knows Your Name ministry by visiting heknowsyourname.org.

George Podolan of Carmel is the first unclaimed person laid to rest in Westfield thanks to He Knows Your Name, the Hamilton County Coroner’s office and Flanner Buchanan - Hamilton Memorial Park.

garden is a serene area overlooking the water that makes a peaceful environment for families to visit their loved ones.

George’s memorial stone is a cenotaph, which will hold the names of future unclaimed persons who are buried at the cemetery.

“Our goal is to be able to serve all of our cremation families to have a more natural area, so it makes it a perfect fit with our partnership with the coroner’s office and He Knows Your Name, to be able to place them here and have a place for their names,” Upton said.

For Znachko, the action is simply about providing dignity in death.

“I know that in our world we think other resources are important, but I think our time and our presence is the greatest gift that we can give and show, (it’s) the most powerful way of honoring someone,” Znachko said.

ON

THE COVER: Linda Znachko, founder of He Knows Your Name ministry, and Ben Upton, vice president for advanced planning with Flanner Buchanan, place the remains of George Podolan of Carmel into an ossuary at the memorial garden at Hamilton Memorial Park. (Photo by Marney Simon)

Sharp as a razor

Commentary by Terry Anker

Even before the disposable variety, there was Ockham’s razor. Granted, they are very different kinds of devices. The former removes unwanted body hair, and the other is an intellectual device in philosophy that pares off the doubtful to focus one’s attention on the more likely. In the 14th century, William Ockham is attributed with formalizing some earlier thinking into his notion that in the absence of evidence to the contrary, whatever is most likely the cause can be assumed to be it. While the outraged conspiracy theorists among us may advance innumerable alternatives, Ockham would have suggested that we stay with the simplest probable causation.

ESSAY

The term “razor” to define the thinking came in the 19th century from Irish academic William Rowan Hamilton. Now, the expression is used in a variety of mostly scientific, philosophical or economics concepts. It is all very highbrow. But in 1980, comedic writer Robert J. Hanlon compiled a joke book centered on the notion of Mur-

phy’s Law (namely, that if anything can go wrong, it will).

In a clever riff on Murphy, Hanlon took the notion that “we’d better be prepared because it is tough out there” to a new level, asserting, “Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.” Like Ockham’s, Hanlon’s razor attempts to walk we humans back from our all-too-eager willingness to imagine conspiracy where a more simple but less dramatic cause is probably the root. Evolution has brought us to be curious, unrelenting and suspicious. Caution has kept us alive. Still, the principle can go too far. We imagine all manners and sort of slight, insult and intrigue. Most people act through ignorance, incompetence or disinterest — not malice. Knowing it could improve our relationships and calm our anxieties, a sharp razor reduces the burn.

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

Life on the move

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Update: After selling our house much faster than we anticipated and then temporarily living with my in-laws, my husband Doo and I are now settling into our eldest’s new home, a cute little bungalow in the disputed territory of either Meridian Kessler or South Broad Ripple, depending on your reading of the boundary line. He still has another two months on his current apartment lease and we wanted our own space, so win-win for the Wilson clan.

HUMOR

The cool thing is that we’re only a mile from where Doo and I lived when we first became parents. I’m not sure if this is irony or some circle of life nonsense, but I do know we have majorly downsized. When I said “cute” above, I actually meant “tiny.” Like, TINE-EY.

It also means we’ve had to fill and unfill two storage units and a garage bay in the span of three weeks. My arms look amazing and my lower back aches nonstop. Doo’s body is in full-scale rebellion despite daily Aleve-IPA dosing. He nearly stroked out trying to get a king mattress up the narrowest set of stairs I’ve ever

“My arms look amazing and my lower back aches nonstop. Doo’s body is in full-scale rebellion despite daily Aleve-IPA dosing.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

seen. I have to both duck and turn slightly sideways to avoid getting stuck or hitting my head, and I’m not that big of a person. For our broad-shouldered, 6-foot-3 son, the journey to the second floor is both comical and perilous. The threat of accidental decapitation is real! Doo and I are both so tired at night that dinners consist of Jif peanut butter straight from the jar and a few stale pretzels.

Anyhoo, the housing saga continues. Where will we be in June? Stay tuned! Peace out.

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

Cold truth about lost coat

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Nippy temps will soon be over. This past cold season, I faced the winter chill without any substantial outerwear whenever possible. It’s not that I’m particularly hardy; I’m simply looking at things realistically. I’m tired of losing my coat. I lost three during the COVID-19 pandemic and we never left the house.

I’m going to explain my problem, but you must read this carefully, or you’ll be lost -- like my coat usually is.

I never liked wearing winter coats, especially in the car. I don’t want to be all bundled up and feel like the Pillsbury Doughboy at the wheel. I get too warm when the car heats up, but I can’t undo my buttons or unzip because of the seat belts. Then when I exit the car, I’m soon in a warm place, like a movie theater or Lucas Oil Stadium, and have to immediately take off my heavy jacket and stuff it under my seat, which is a great way to add mustard stains and sticky pieces of popcorn to my apparel.

Since I seldom wear a coat, I am accustomed to leaving places without one. And so, when I occasionally do take along a jacket, I often leave it behind because I’m not used to wearing it in the first place. Are you following me? If you are following me, please tap me on the shoulder and remind me that I just left my coat at Beef & Boards.

It’s even crazier for my wife, Mary Ellen, to get bundled up in the winter because she asks me to warm up the car before we leave the house. Then she asks me to drop her off in front of the restaurant. Then she asks me to pick her up at the door when we leave. We drive home in a heated car and get out inside our heated garage. Why

“I never liked wearing winter coats, especially in the car. I don’t want to be all bundled up and feel like the Pillsbury Doughboy at the wheel. I get too warm when the car heats up, but I can’t undo my buttons or unzip because of the seat belts.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

does she even need a coat?

For many years, this was a typical phone conversation on any given morning after Mary Ellen and I went out and I made the mistake of bringing a coat.

“Hello, this is Dick Wolfsie. I was at your movie theater last night and may have left my brown winter coat there. Could you please check your lost and found?”

“Let me see. We have a pair of glasses, an iPhone and a credit card.”

“Yes, all that is mine. Not only did I forget that stuff, I forgot that I forgot it. But about the coat?”

“Here’s a brown coat. How could you leave it, sir? Once you got outside, didn’t the bitter cold remind you of your coat?”

“I can’t explain this. Read my column. Look, I’ll get the coat tomorrow when it’s not raining.”

“Don’t you have an umbrella? “

“I left it at Starbucks.”

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

Fishers actress embraces role in Civic Theatre’s ‘Anastasia’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jill O’Malia is acting her age, or in fact, a little older.

MUSICAL

“I’ve been fortunate over the years to be cast as someone much younger than I was,” O’Malia said. “So, this is nice I don’t have to worry about the wrinkles. I’m a grandma.”

O’Malia, who was crowned Miss Indiana in 1969, portrays Dowager Empress Maria Fyodorovna in Civic Theatre’s production of “Anastasia” April 26 to May 11 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Empress Maria is supposed to be around 80 years old and is Anastasia’s grandmother.

“It was thought through history she was the only surviving Romanov,” O’Malia said of Empress Maria.

Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed in 1918 following the Russian Revolution of 1917.

“She was a very kind and pleasant person until the time her family was murdered, and then she became very stubborn and outspoken and her heart was broken,” said O”Malia, a Fishers resident. “So, the solo I sing is at a point where she is so broken, it’s kind of sad.”

This is the first time O’Malia has performed in a Civic Theatre show since “Into the Woods” in 2013.

“It’s great to be back. It’s a wonderful organization,” said O’Malia, who regularly acts for several community theater organizations.

O’Malia said she gets to sing a part of “Once Upon a December” with Young Anastasia at the end of the show. Young Anastasia is played by Westfield High School senior Keegan Connor.

Isabella Agresta plays Anya, or Anastasia. Agresta, a 2022 Franklin Central High

School graduate, said she would have been happy with any role but wanted to play the title role.

“I’ve done a few community theater roles where I’ve played the lead, but this is probably one of my favorites,” Agresta said. “It’s grown to be one of my favorite musicals. I always liked the music, and that’s what led me to audition.”

Agresta said “In my Dreams” is one of her favorite songs to perform.

“I also really love ‘In a Crowd of Thousands,’” Agresta said. “I think it’s a really important one in the show. It’s a big moment when she finally realizes she is Anastasia.”

Agresta said it’s an emotional role.

“I’m a really emotional person and I cry really easily,” Agresta said. “I’m afraid I might shed some tears during the show.”

This is Agresta’s second show with Civic Theatre. She performed in “Elf” in 2023. Indianapolis resident Troy Bridges plays Dimitry in his Civic Theatre debut.

From left, Troy Bridges, Isabella Agresta and Steve Kruze appear in Civic Theatre’s production of “Anastasia.”

(Photo by Joshua Hasty Photography)

“I didn’t know much about the musical beforehand, but it’s become a favorite of mine,” Bridges said. “I think I’ve acclimated pretty well to the role.”

Bridges said he researched the musical quite a bit after getting the role.

“I’ve been enjoying getting to know (Dmitry) a little bit,” he said.

Renée La Schiazza, a 2012 Carmel High School graduate and Carmel resident, plays Tatiana Romanov and various roles in the ensemble.

“I always liked the movie, but I think what intrigued me about auditioning is none of us has had the chance to do the show because it’s the regional premiere,” La Schiazza said. “The score is beautiful and there are a lot of wonderful dance numbers. It was really a great opportunity to be part of a new cast and do a show with just a lot of dynamic musical numbers.”

La Schiazza, the director of programs for the Great American Songbook Foundation, performed in Civic Theatre’s “The Sound of Music” In 2023.

Fishers resident Anne Beck is the director and choreographer. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘THE KING AND I’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The King and I” runs through May 19 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Deceptions: An Evening of Magic & Lies” is set for April 17, followed by Summer Nights: The Music of “Grease” April 18 and Storm Large April 19-20 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘SYLVIA’

“Sylvia,” a play by A.R. Gurney, runs through April 23 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

WORLD VOICE DAY

World Voice Day is set for 6:30 p.m. April 16 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Singers of all ages are encouraged to sign up for the free performance. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

SAMMY MILLER AND THE CONGREGATION

Sammy Miller and The Congregation’s concert is set for 8 p.m. April 19 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘RUMOURS: A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE’

“Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute” concert is set for 8 p.m. April 20 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCH

Bennett to serve as Carmel Jazz Festival headliner — Jazz vocalist Antonia Bennett, the late Tony Bennett’s daughter, has been invited to headline the Carmel Jazz Festival Aug. 9 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. However, due to this opportunity, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra is postponing its April 21 concert, which featured Bennett. Those tickets will be honored at the Aug. 9 concert or a refund can be requested by calling 317-8449717. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

La Schiazza O’Malia

Heartland’s Cinemania starts strong

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Heartland International Film Festival’s Cinemania is a box office hit.

FUNDRAISER

The 650 tickets for the April 19 fundraiser at the Crane Bay Event Center in Indianapolis sold out quickly. The inaugural theme for the signature fundraiser is “A Tribute to The Beatles in Film”

“It really shows the support behind our events,” said Jessica Chapman, director of marketing and communications for Heartland Film. “Every year, this event is going to have a different theme. Cinemania is a one-night celebration of iconic films.”

This year’s event will include an appearance by BritBeat, a Beatles tribute band.

Chapman said there was room for more than 650 people, but officials wanted to make sure there was space for visitors to enjoy interactive experiences.

“One of the themes is ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,’ and we’re going to have an aerialist pouring champagne,” Chapman said. “All the different areas are

based on classic Beatles songs.”

Other themed areas include “Strawberry Fields Forever,” featuring strawberry margaritas, and “Yellow Submarine.”

“BritBeat will take us through the different years of The Beatles with costume changes,” Chapman said.

There also will be performances by DJ Lockstar, jazz singer Rebecca Rafla, soul singer Bashiri Asad and the DysFUNKtion Brass Band.

Chapman said BritBeat will be on the main stage and the other performers will be in the Jimmy Stewart VIP Lounge.  For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.

Adana kebab great for grilling

Commentary by Mark LaFay

April is a bustling month for us at the shop as we finalize preparations for the summer farmers market season. We’re assembling and training our team, gathering and repairing gear, scheduling, planning and building up inventory for the grilling season. I’m a grill enthusiast who doesn’t need anything fancy — a Weber kettle grill with hardwood charcoal suits me perfectly.

FOOD

This week, we’re introducing a Turkish lamb sausage named after Adana, a town in Turkey. Having spent time in Turkey, I can attest to the fantastic nature of Turkish cuisine, with döner sandwiches and Adana kebab ranking high among my favorite dishes.

Adana kebab consists of spicy minced lamb sausage skewered and grilled over charcoal, traditionally seasoned with cumin seeds, Urfa pepper flakes and sumac. Cumin adds an earthy flavor. Urfa pepper contributes a mild spiciness, and sumac provides a slight bitterness, combining to create a memorable taste. For those interested in trying Adana kebab, you can

sample ours or make your own. Here’s a recipe to consider:

• Approximately 1.2 pounds ground lamb

• Kosher salt (approx. 10 grams)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon ground sumac

• 1 tablespoon ground Urfa pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoons ice-cold water

Mix all ingredients by hand for 3-5 minutes, chill overnight, then form around skewers to make them flat and thin. Grill over charcoal for optimal browning and crisping. Serve on grilled pita or a crispy fluffy baguette. Top with thinly sliced red onion, fresh ripe tomato, parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Optionally, add yogurt, fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing twist, or elevate it with some fine hummus.

Here’s to the grilling season!

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4201 Millersville Rd., Suite 19, Indianapolis

BritBeat will perform at Heartland International Film Festival’s Cinemania. (Photo courtesy of BrttBeat)

Fishers resident participates in Disability Film Challenge

By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com

Movie making isn’t only for Hollywood filmmakers.

COMEDY

A team of deaf filmmakers from Indianapolis is participating in the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge for the second consecutive year.

baum, Aaron Margolis-Greenbaum, Cullen Shade, Rydrea Walker, Justin Perez and Carlina Fucarino.

Their film, “Sugar Buddy,” is a buddy comedy.

One of the producers, Fishers resident Allison Friedman, was a finalist last year in the category of Best Public Awareness Campaign. She and her team are hoping for a repeat as a finalist.

“Our film challenge begins (soon), then we will have to wait until the films upload to all social media outlets,” Friedman said. “We will begin the awareness campaign, which runs from April 13-21, so we will need support to spread our disability film to get more attention in Indiana.”

Besides Friedman, the other members on the movie team are Sarah Margolis-Green-

The team wrote the script and filmed and edited the movie in five days.

Should “Sugar Buddy” win, the team will receive $2,000 grants as category winners and will have a chance to access a $15,000 seed fund/film finishing grant provided by the Adobe Foundation. Other prizes, like a Dell Technologies computer and one-year membership to Internet Movie Database Pro, further incentivize participation. In addition, organizations such as the Heartland International Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival and NewFilmmakers could take notice and elevate the film and possibly provide invaluable opportunities for networking and collaboration within the industry. For more, visit disabilityfilmchallenge. com.

Sky inspires Fishers artist

Commentary by Randy Sorrell

Feeling a little stale and need a shot of inspiration? We all have periods of low energy or lack of enthusiasm, don’t we? The challenge is how we push through them. If you’re a “creative” or entrepreneur, this anti-staleness strategy can have a major impact on your livelihood.

ART

Martin Fitzgerald, a Fishers resident and acrylic artist, gets inspiration from the sky, where all true colors reside! I dig that! His father was an artist, which is where Fitzgerald received his inspiration and training.

One of his inspiring techniques is to pair his paintings with a song that is best enjoyed while viewing. Check out Fitzgerald’s Facebook page for his art/music pairings.

Marilyn Wilson, an inspiring 80-yearyoung Zionsville resident has several strategies to “get her creative on” that most of us will appreciate. And they are really mechanisms to avoid boredom, which she has a low tolerance for.

She loves her iPhone photography while out walking when unusual things catch her eye. Recently, a grove of flowering dog-

wood trees in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis were subjects. She will employ them in greeting cards with a personal poem or note to uplift someone.

So, how do you get your creative on?

Send me an email and tell me your story. Let’s help unclog the stale energy in someone who may appreciate it.

Randy Sorrell, a Carmel artist, can be reached at 317-6792565, rsorrellart@gmail.com or rsorrellart.com.

Martin Fitzgerald’s painting is named for Jimmy Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks at 40.” (Photo courtesy of Martin Fitzgerald)

Friedman

Commentary by Larry Greene

Constructed in 1992 in Carmel’s Orchard Estates neighborhood, this home featured a well-designed and functional kitchen layout that was ready for a modern-style refresh. The homeowners were looking for a light and contemporary style while also increasing storage.

THE BLUEPRINT

• New maple cabinets extend to the ceiling, increasing storage space and extending the perceived ceiling height.

• A modern green shade on the lower cabinets add a sophisticated color pop that perfectly accents the wood tones throughout the open-concept space.

• The curved lines of the statement range hood provide a striking contrast to the clean lines on the cabinetry and backsplash, while the light wood tone adds a touch of natural warmth and nuance.

• The glossy artisan tile backsplash in tonal neutral adds texture to the overall aesthetic, while the hardware’s rich gold tones add a touch of classic style.

C: (317) 918-9744

Schuyler.Nehrig@infarmbureau.com

LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING

Locally owned/operated over 43 YRS

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CALL 317-491-3491

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Parents of Ball State Students

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

Susan 317-432-1627

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

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HUNT CLUB BOARDING KENNEL

SEEKS Part-Time Kennel Assistant responsible for the daily care of dogs, kennel maintenance, and other duties, as assigned. Exceptional customer service and good communication skills via in-person interaction.

Team Member availability includes weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Interested candidates submit resume to: huntclubkennel@gmail.com.