May 21, 2024 — Westfield

21, 2024 Current in Westfield

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Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVII, No. 16

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H Steakhouse to open in downtown Westfield

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

DEVELOPMENT

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The effort to add new dining options to downtown Westfield now includes a steakhouse. Plans for a $6.4 million restaurant investment by H Steakhouse were announced May 13 to the Westfield City Council.

The steakhouse will be on a half acre at the southwest corner of Jersey and Mill streets. Owned by local restaurateur Henri Najem, H Steakhouse will include a 9,500-square-foot restaurant with seating for more than 200 patrons and a yearround patio.

Najem said he wants to create more than a typical steakhouse.

“Our vision is to create more than just a restaurant; we want to provide a haven where guests can escape the ordinary and immerse themselves in an extraordinary culinary adventure,” Najem said. “With our globally influenced menu, contemporary and inviting ambiance, and year-round patio, we are confident that H Steakhouse will become a destination for discerning diners and culinary enthusiasts alike.”

Najem also owns Savor in downtown Carmel and Flamme Burger in the Keystone Crossing area. Najem’s sons Nick and Alec, who operate and manage those restaurants, will also be involved in the new restaurant’s operations. The menu will feature a wide selection of handmade pasta, fresh seafood, free-range chicken and USDA prime aged-beef options, along with unique side dishes and desserts, an impressive wine list and handcrafted cocktails.

“H Steakhouse will anchor a prominent corner directly west of Grand Junction,” stated Jenell Fairman, Westfield’s director of economic development. “The Westfield Redevelopment Commission has partnered with Najem to bring this project to market. Tax increment generated from this project will be used to invest in public

H Steakhouse will sit on a half acre at the southwest corner of Jersey and Mill streets. (Image courtesy of Westfield City Council)

improvements downtown, including public parking and streetscape improvements.”

Representatives from H Steakhouse told the city council May 12 that they will add a handful of additional parking spaces to the site, but that they have also had preliminary communications with the Westfield Washington Public Library for potential valet parking options.

“We greatly appreciate the investment and the belief in what we’re trying to do here as well,” Council President Patrick Tamm said.

The steakhouse is the second business to announce plans for downtown Westfield. In March, Sun King Brewery

DISPATCH

Summer farmers market – Westfield Welcome will kick off the 2024 Westfield Summer Farmers Market, presented by Duke Energy, May 30. The market will include fresh produce and artisanal goods in downtown Westfield at Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S. Union St. The market runs each Thursday, except for July 4, from May 30 through Sept. 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. Food trucks are

announced plans to construct a tap house and patio overlooking Grand Junction Plaza.

“Revitalizing downtown Westfield is a key priority for my administration, and the investment from the Najem family will be an excellent addition to the area. We are excited for our residents to enjoy an elevated dining experience in Westfield,” stated Mayor Scott Willis.

H Steakhouse will appear before the Advisory Plan Commission June 3, with an anticipated opening in early 2025, coinciding with completion of the Union Square parking garage.

also on-site. Westfield Welcome/The City of Westfield is now the organizer of the farmers market, which was previously organized by the Downtown Westfield Association. Applications for vendors and information for businesses interested in sponsoring the Westfield Farmers Market can be found at westfieldwelcome.com.

Westfield High School educator is Teacher of the Year

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Westfield High School Spanish teacher

Jen Hasler-Troutman has been selected by the Indiana Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese as its 2024 Indiana Teacher of the Year in the high school category.

EDUCATION

Hasler-Troutman has been in education for more than two decades.

“Hasler-Troutman really deserves this renowned state award,” stated Israel Fernando Herrera, chair of the AATSP Indiana Recognition and Distinction Committee. “Her 26-year strong dedication and passion for teaching Spanish, her distinguished presentations, her impressive service and her deep involvement with students’ success and advancement were evident in her dossier.”

Hasler-Troutman will represent AATSP Indiana in the Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association Conference Nov. 9-10 in Indianapolis, with the potential to be named 2024 Indiana Foreign Language Teacher of the Year, vying with the Teachers of the Year in five other languages. Selected teachers have the opportunity to represent their schools for the state of Indiana in the 2026 Central States Teacher of the Year, the Central States award and the 2026 ACTFL National Teacher of the Year award.

For more, visit the Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association Conference at iflta.org.

USPS job fair – The United States Postal Service will hold job fairs across the state of Indiana May 30. Various positions are available with starting pay up to $22.13 per hour. The job fairs are part of the USPS Delivering for America Plan, with the goal to stabilize the workforce by creating opportunities. Fairs take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 30 at 275 Medical Dr. in Carmel and 424 S. Michigan St. in Sheridan. Applications are accepted online at usps.com/careers.

Hasler-Troutman

Ind. 32 set to become a “roundabout corridor”

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

ROAD WORK

Residents of Hamilton County were presented with plans for the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Improve to Move plan, a project to implement 5 miles of improvements on Ind. 32 between Westfield and Noblesville, during a presentation at Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield May 8.

The project addresses traffic congestion and safety from East Street in Westfield to Mensa Drive in Noblesville. About 100 residents attended the public meeting to view plans for the project, which is in the first phase of an anticipated three-year planning and construction effort.

The plans widen the 5-mile stretch of road to four lanes, starting on the western portion at East Street and Ind. 32. A roundabout is planned for that intersection as part of a separate project that is part of an interlocal agreement between Westfield and INDOT.

The Improve to Move plan adds seven 2-lane roundabouts along the corridor, at the following intersections:

• Carey Road/Grassy Branch Road

• Gunther Boulevard

• Moontown Road/Gray Road

• Pebble Brook Boulevard/Hazel Dell Elementary School

• Hazel Dell/Little Chicago Road

• Mill Creek Road

• Hague Road/Pleasant Street Extension

The Hague Road/Pleasant Street Extension will be constructed by the City of Noblesville.

INDOT officials at the May 8 meeting said the construction will create a “roundabout corridor” between Westfield and Noblesville, according to Nick Batta, design project manager for CMT Engineers and Consultants, the firm working with INDOT on the project.

The planning includes preliminary design and environmental studies in 2024; land acquisition, final design and permitting in 2024 and 2025; utility relocations in 2025; and construction over two construction seasons in 2026 and 2027.

While the total cost of the project has not been determined, Batista said construction costs are anticipated at $75 million. INDOT officials said so far, residents have expressed concerns mostly related to the process of land acquisition, as the roadway will widen between 25 and 30 feet on each side.

INDOT is planning a public hearing on the project in the first quarter of 2025.

For more, visit improvetomove32.com.

Attendees at a May 8 meeting at Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield view plans to widen Ind. 32 between Westfield and Noblesville. (Photo by Marney Simon)

Memorial Day ceremony set for May 23

news@youarecurrent.com

City leaders in Westfield have invited the community to this year’s Memorial Day remembrance ceremony to honor those who have given their lives for the nation.

EVENT

The ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. May 23 at the Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial, 401 N. Union St. in Westfield “Memorial Day honors the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” Mayor Scott Willis stated. “We are forever grateful

for their selfless sacrifices and the sacrifices of their families. We hope that you are able to join us to pay respects to those we have lost.”

Attendees should arrive prior to the time. Parking is available at Christ United Methodist Church, which will also serve as a rain location in the event of inclement weather. A shuttle service is available for those who need assistance.

Lisa Wilken, a U.S. Air Force veteran and board member of the Indiana Veteran Support Council, will serve as emcee. Additional speakers include Willis.

DISPATCH

Library grand opening – The Westfield Washington Public Library will host the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art building June 1 at noon starting with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the atrium. The grand opening will be followed by a variety of activities to kick off the library’s Summer Reading Program, for a day of celebration and entertainment for visitors of all ages. The new 43,000-square-foot facility at 17400 Westfield Blvd. features expanded parking, a dedicated teen area, a spacious community room, outdoor space and a coffee shop. The new Westfield Washington Township offices are also located in the building.

WESTFIELD-NORTH

RipFest Camp returns for summer session

By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com

When it comes to training Olympians, RipFest Diving has an established background. Its CEO and head coach, John Wingfield, has coached 11 Olympians — and counting — at his diving camp in Arcadia.

DIVING

The RipFest diving camp is a holistic organization that encourages participants to come as they are and do their best. Its program includes experienced coaching, unique tools and training techniques.

“We meet kids where they are and move them forward no matter what their aspirations or goals are,” said Kate Bramlett, RipFest’s director of operations. “Our program is set up so that anybody at any skill level can come in and reach their goals, and even reach potential that they never knew possible.”

RipFest offers training sessions in the winter, summer, fall and during spring break and is spearheaded by Wingfield, who was the U.S. Olympic diving coach in 2008 and 2020.

Depending on the season, the camp typically has a 1-to-8 or 1-to-10 ratio of coaches to athletes and varies from 12 weeks to two weeks.

A unique aspect to RipFest is its Dryland Center, which has trampolines, dry boards, dry-platforms and conditioning areas. The center, which is also RipFest’s central hub for camp training, includes training aids such as harnesses, visual spotting tools and state-of-the-art video replay systems.

“For our camps, we have people come from across the world to come to our facility and train,” Bramlett said. “Sometimes

they come for just one week of camp and sometimes they stay for four. Sometimes, they stay for the entire summer. People really come to learn to dive, and all of our coaches are USA-certified diving coaches. They’re professional coaches with either clubs that they coach or aspirations of coaching a team.”

RipFest’s training is “a lot of professional skill movements,” which is essentially ensuring students’ progress at a specific skill before moving onto the next one. Its program is also internationally known and draws campers from around- the globe to train with its USA certified diving coaches, according to Bramlett.

“We get a wide spread of athletes,” Bramlett said. “We have some that come in from Japan, we’ve had Egyptians comes, we’ve had Australians come, a couple of Germans from. They all have Olympic aspirations.”

Bramlett said coaches keep the camps fun and entertaining.

RipFest is suitable for participants 8 and older and is accepting registration for its summer camp online at ripfest.net/ summer-camp.

Divers jump off a springboard at the Ripfest facility. (Photo courtesy of Kate Bramlett)

Assessments mailed, appeals due June 17

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Property owners in Hamilton County have likely seen an increase in assessed values the last few years.

HOME VALUES

The Hamilton County Assessor’s Office is responsible for assessing property values annually.

According to the office’s website, “the value shows any changes to assessed value from the prior year and serves as the basis for property taxes payable in the following year.”

The website states that changes to values “typically relate to several required processes including, land order, reassessment, trending or new construction.”

The Metro Indianapolis Board of Realtors indicates Hamilton County’s yearover-year increases in median home value was 13.2 percent between January 2021 and January 2022, and Hamilton County data indicates a median home value increase of 13.5 percent between January 2022 and January 2023.

According to Hamilton County Assessor Kevin Poore, who has held the office since January 2023, assessments are “initially based on square footage and property features using a cost approach to value.”

“We use (the) base value information to compare sales data as assessments are required to reflect market value,” Poore said. “The assessor’s office evaluates neighborhood by neighborhood, comparing sales from within each neighborhood to their current assessments. If the assessed values are below the market value sales we are seeing in the neighborhood, we are required to factor the assessments to reflect that sales data. This analysis is done on an annual basis.”

Since last year, Poore said values have “somewhat leveled out,” but are continuing to rise.

“Over the years, we have still shown a change of about 4 percent (increase) in Hamilton County,” Poore said. “It really varies depending on the price point, subdivision or even the area of accounting.

Some neighborhoods may go up more than others.”

In 2021, the previous assessor, Robin Ward, told Current she’d “never seen values like this before” and thought the COVID-19 pandemic would slow things down, but Poore said time has shown values are “still pushing higher.”

“I certainly think interest rates have slowed the market down in terms of price points,” Poore said. “You have less supply and fewer people looking to sell their homes right now because they don’t want to deal with a higher interest rate. Because of that, demand is high, and if nothing else, values are flat, if not still slightly increasing.”

Since 2019, countywide total assessed values, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and exempt parcels, have risen 57 percent.

THE COUNTYWIDE INCREASE PER YEAR:

• 2019 to 2020: 6 percent

• 2020 to 2021: 6 percent

• 2021 to 2022: 14 percent

• 2022 to 2023: 13 percent

• 2023 to 2024: 7 percent

Poore said that nearly all cities countywide are trending toward rising assessed values.

“I don’t know that it’s hotter in any one particular area than another,” Poore said. “I think in the past, when we looked at it from township to township, they’ve all been fairly consistent within a couple of percentage points.”

Last year, Poore said the assessor’s office saw a “record number of appeals.” This year, it has already had many appeals come through.

“Last year, we had nearly 2,500 appeals, which is 700 or 800 more than we had the previous year,” Poore said. “The first week here this year was really busy, and we have had a fair number of people waiting to file appeals.”

Assessments for property owners were mailed through the Hamilton County Assessor’s office April 30. The deadline to file an appeal is June 17, 2024. For more, contact the Noblesville office at 317-776-9617.

Trail closure – The Midland Trace Trail is temporarily closed between Carey Road and Sanders Glen because of trail realignment and stormwater connection for the Simon Moon expansion project. The trail will reopen June 1.

Westfield businesses

The OrthoIndy Foundation and AgReliant have made donations to the new Westfield Washington Public Library to help support the library and offset construction costs of the new facility at 17400 Westfield Blvd.

On May 10, the OrthoIndy Foundation contributed $25,000 to help offset the cost of the elevator at the new library.

“Westfield’s unique new library is a wonderful opportunity for the Ortholndy Foundation to promote mobility for more central Indiana residents,” stated Dr. John Dietz, Jr., a surgeon at OrthoIndy in Westfield.

“It is an honor to assist the community in their efforts to continually raise the quality of life with better access by providing an elevator to assist residents who may struggle with stairs.”

AgReliant donated $10,000 to the library, a gift that will be recognized with a bench carrying the business name outside the library.

“Their contributions will make a significant impact on our ability to provide essential services and resources to our community,” stated Erin Downey, executive director of the Westfield Library Foundation.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new library is scheduled for June 1.

For more on the Westfield Washington Public Library, visit wwpl.lib.in.us.

Dr. John Dietz, Jr. of OrthoIndy presents a ceremonial check for $25,000 to Erin Downey, executive director of the Westfield Library Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Library Foundation)

ZCHS pitcher’s increased velocity leads to more success

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Community High School pitcher Mateo Wells has started to develop his 6-foot-6 frame.

Wells said he stopped growing this year, so he has been able to add some strength and weight. He has boosted his weight to 225 pounds.

“Pitching mechanics is something kids work on nonstop,” Eagles coach Jered Moore said. “When they are still growing, it impacts things. Now that he’s done growing, he can focus on getting stronger. His fastball velocity has increased.”

Wells said his fastball averages 87 to 90 mph. Moore said his fastball had reached 92 mph several times this year. As of May 14, Wells has a 5-0 record with a 0.46 earned run average. He has 62 strikeouts in 46 innings.

Wells was 3-0 as a junior with 24 strikeouts in 35 innings.

“My main improvement is adding 2 mph

MEET MATEO WELLS

Favorite athlete: Formula One

driver Daniel Ricciardo

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite movie: “The Benchwarmers”

Favorite vacation spot: Cancun

to my fastball, which is pretty significant, especially in our conference,” Wells said.

Wells said being able to throw his changeup more consistently has been a boost, too.

“Last season, I was only a two-pitch guy, and being able to add a third pitch has made me more efficient this year than I was last year,” Wells said. “I was more of just a fastball and curveball-type of guy, but

Zionsville Community

High School pitcher Mateo Wells boasts an earned run average of 0.46 this season.

(Photo courtesy of Matthew Dumbris)

in the offseason, I changed my two-seam (grip) to four-seam and developed a better changeup.”

Wells became a pitcher his freshman year and stuck with it for high school and his travel baseball team, the Indiana Mustangs. He will play for the PRP Mambas this summer.

“He was a very good pitcher last year,” Moore said. “But being able to get command of his changeup this year and throwing it any count has definitely helped him this year.”

Wells learned from former ZCHS pitchers

Drew Dickson and Nate Dohm. Dickson now plays for Northwestern University, and Dohm is at Mississippi State University.

“I watched how they tried to be perfect in everything they do and everything they do has a specific reason,” Wells said.

Moore said being around other high-caliber pitchers and seeing how they trained was a positive for Wells.

“Now, Mateo is helping our young guys,” Moore said.

Wells will pitch for High Point (N.C.) University, an NCAA Division I program, next season.

“I wanted to be in a place with good weather, so that obviously was a plus,” said Wells, who plans to major in sports management. “The academics are really good. The overall feel of the campus is more my type. It’s a little bit smaller, so I can get to know my teachers more.”

Wells’ parents are from Colombia, and he still has relatives there.

“My great-grandfather played baseball and helped baseball grow in Colombia,” said Wells, who organized a baseball equipment donation drive to send equipment to Colombia in the past.

Wells

HEAD OF THE CLASS

Westfield Youth Assistance Program students honored for their work

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Seventeen outstanding Westfield Washington Schools students who have overcome adversity were recognized for their efforts May 1 during the annual Westfield Youth Assistance Program Youth Recognition Breakfast.

The students earned the honor for demonstrating profound, powerful positive changes in their attitudes and behaviors at school or for making extraordinary academic strides at WWS.

Since 2009, WYAP has provided services for WWS students ages 3 to 17, as well as family education programs, to facilitate family growth and development such as workshops, guest speakers and parenting classes. The program assists students who are facing challenging life circumstances by offering programming and mentoring. Students and their families are often referred to the program by the schools, police, court officials or other agencies.

The Westfield program was modeled after the youth assistance program in Oakland County, Mich.

“It takes a very special community to make this happen,” said former Westfield Mayor Andy Cook, who played an instrumental role in starting the program, which is Indiana’s first-ever youth assistance program. “You have to find a working relationship between the community, the police, the schools, the courts and the prosecutor’s office. In most cities that have approached me and said they’d like to do this, they’re never quite able to bridge the gap of putting five bureaucratic government agencies working together, even in the best interest of their children. So, congratulations to the City of Westfield. I’m so proud of what’s going on.”

WYAP mentors are volunteers who are selected specifically to complement the needs of students enrolled in the program.

“I think the most valuable thing we can do as adults is reach out and mentor people. Whether it’s adults or whether it’s kids, it’s why we’re here, it’s why we’re educators,” WWS Superintendent Paul Kaiser said. “I just want to thank all of those here who are mentoring, even our students who are

mentoring other students. We’re going to make a difference for generations.”

Brandt Grabowski, a senior at WHS and previous honoree of the program, was honored at the breakfast for demonstrating great perseverance and unmatched work ethic.

“Westfield Youth Assistance holds a special place in my heart,” Grabowski said. “With an early diagnosis of dyslexia, ADHD and stuttering, school learning has always been very difficult. Winning this award in fourth grade was not a recognition of my efforts, but validation of the support, encouragement and guidance I received from

so many incredible people along the way. To my teachers who believed in me and my family that cheered me on and my friends who motivated me, I owe you all a debt of gratitude. Your belief in my abilities inspired me to work harder and believe in myself.”

Grabowski said his time in WYAP taught him the importance of perseverance and resilience. He plans to attend Taylor University in the fall and said it was the support and encouragement from WYAP that helped him succeed at WWS and beyond.

Additional WYAP services include food, clothing and financial assistance through coordination with the Westfield Wash-

ington Township office; general counseling and other mental health resources; camps and recreational opportunities; and tutoring.

WYAP services are voluntary, confidential and are provided at no cost to the family. Learn more at youthassistance.org/ westfield.

ON THE COVER: From left, WYAP president Tammy Havard, scholarship recipient Reis Middleton and WYAP Vice President Brittany Winebar with a ceremonial check recognizing Middleton’s scholarship award. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Youth Assistance Program)

WESTFIELD YOUTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM HONOREES

Students representing all schools within the Westfield Washington School district were chosen by counselors, teachers, principals and other school staff for recognition during the Westfield Youth Assistance Program Youth Recognition Breakfast. The 2024 Honorees are:

• Abby K., Westfield Middle School

• Advaith N., Washington Woods Elementary School

• Alba A., Shamrock Springs Elementary School

• Bagner C., Westfield Middle School

• Beckett G., Maple Glen Elementary School

• Cailee B., Westfield Middle School

• Clara B., Monon Trails Elementary School

• Cletus T., Westfield Middle School

• Jarell E., Washington Woods Elementary School

• Josue L., Westfield Intermediate School

• Kenna G., Carey Ridge Elementary School

• Marc S., Westfield Intermediate School

• Norah B., Westfield Intermediate School

• Reagan L., Carey Ridge Elementary School

• Rosalinda B., Westfield Middle School

• Xander H., Westfield Intermediate School

The 2024 Christine D. Brown Memorial Scholarship winner was Reis Middleton of Westfield High School. Middleton is the recipient of a $5,002 scholarship, provided by donors including the Brown family in honor of Christine Brown and the 502 children who she advocated for during her tenure as an Early Intervention Advocate for WYAP.

Westfield High School senior Brandt Grabowski, who was honored by the WYAP when he was in fourth grade, speaks to the 2024 honorees. (Photo by Marney Simon)

Seventeen outstanding Westfield Washington Schools students who have overcome adversity were recognized for their efforts during the WYAP recognition breakfast. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Youth Assistance Program)

Signs and symptoms of strokes

Commentary by Susanne Crotty

A stroke occurs when a blood clot or a ruptured blood vessel disrupts blood flow to the brain, leading to the deprivation of oxygen and nutrients. Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of adult long-term disability. Prompt recognition of the signs and symptoms is crucial. Timely intervention can minimize damage and improve outcomes.

PREVENTION

KNOW THE SIGNS

When it comes to identifying the signs and symptoms of a stroke, remember to B.E.F.A.S.T.:

• Balance: This includes dizziness or sudden loss of balance.

• Eyes: Look out for double vision or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.

• Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

• Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• Speech difficulty: Is their speech slurred? Are they unable to speak or are they hard to understand?

• Time to call 911: If the person shows any of these symptoms. Other symptoms may accompany a stroke, such as sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body; confusion or trouble understanding; and a sudden, severe headache with unknown cause, especially when accompanied by other symptoms.

IMMEDIATE ACTION SAVES LIVES

IU Health North Hospital has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check Mark for Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification.

If you suspect someone is experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately.

Susanne Crotty, RN, is the stroke and quality coordinator at IU Health North

Barkefellers opens in Westfield

GRAND OPENING news@youarecurrent.com

Barkefellers, a family-owned and operated pet hotel providing “lavish” overnight stays, attentive day care play, stylish salon spa treatments and 1-on-1 instructional training services for dogs and cats celebrated the grand opening of its Westfield location May 7.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the new business at 170 E. Tournament Trail in Westfield. Attendees were given a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities, followed by an opportunity to speak with the Barkefellers team.

“We are excited to be in the Westfield community,” owner Jordan Coffey stated. “We warmly invite anyone curious about our facility to drop by for a tour and explore our brand-new space firsthand. Our team is passionate about providing exceptional care.”

Barkefellers was founded by Rick and Christi Coffey and has five locations in the Indianapolis area, including the new Westfield site. The family launched the business

in 2008, which is operated by the Coffey’s children Jordan Coffey and Krista Coffey.

Barkefellers has earned several designations, including Best Boarding, Best Groomers and Best Doggy Day Care awards from The Indy A-List, and the Super Service Award by Angie’s List.

Services offered at Barkefellers include lodging for both canines and felines, day care, grooming and training. For more, visit barkefellers.com.

Celebrating the grand opening of Barkefellers in Westfield May 7 are, from left, Westfield Councilor Victor McCarthy, Westfield Chamber of Commerce President Courtney Albright, Westfield Mayor Scott Willis, Barkefillers’ owners Jordan Coffey, Christi Coffey, Rick Coffey, Krista Coffey and Westfield Chamber board member Brandon Baltz. (Photo courtesy of Barkefellers)

Editor,

READERS’ VIEWS

A thank you to Westfield

We are so grateful to the many friends, neighbors and community members who have shared their love and support since we unexpectedly lost our 9-yearold daughter Annie to an asymptomatic lung infection Feb. 1. In a world that often spotlights the failures of our communities, we feel compelled to highlight the opposite and thank those who have helped us through this heartbreak:

• Thank you to the incredibly kind and professional 911 dispatcher, emergency response team and doctors and nurses who did everything they could to keep our sweet girl with us.

• To the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office, Flanner & Buchanan Hamilton Memorial Park and St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church for taking care of our angel and helping us lay Annie to rest.

• To the nearly 100 families who nourished us through the meal train.

• To the neighbors and community members who changed the exterior

Greg, Lindsay and Samantha Gotwald,

Illusions of agreement

Commentary by Terry Anker

ESSAY

Placate. Mollify. Appease. Pacify. Quell. Assuage. Moderate. Allay. There are those who default to interpersonal tactics designed to prevent confrontation. It is not that we inherently have low confidence in our position. We believe that our point of view is superior and are possessed with every intention of getting our way. Still, experience has taught that an imagined cooperative approach then followed by a more assertive one to be the most effective in accomplishing the objectives. The target of the deception is lured into the trap with claims of agreement and consensus. “No, you’re right,” falsely proclaims the serpent. Once hypnotized with a false sense of sympatico, the victim is constricted by the warm embrace of a pretend compliment. “You are so much smarter than me,” it continues with each compression. Now, the object is fully ensnared, unable to budge from the tightening hold. The mood shifts from passive to aggressive, invariably. Tone changes to disagreement. There was no accord. The

claims of shared perspective were entirely fabricated. There is no mutual ground. In fact, the time of delay was used to bolster the argument and position. Whether a discussion about where to go to dinner, how much to donate to charity, or if to ceasefire in a protracted war, we find ourselves manipulated by the stall. Should we simply fight every battle without any social nicety to keep us from each other’s throats? Are we necessarily dishonest if we hold back a bit on our emotion? Is restraint a weakness?

But what if we never resolve anything? If conflict is not healthy, is avoidance any better? So, how do we disagree with respect and understanding? Long-term caring, loving relationships can help. If better connected, we withstand the strain of bitter disagreement. Can we value trust and respect more than victory?

is

Terry Anker

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

Facing a banking crisis

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I’m a little compulsive about credit cards, so I go to the appropriate website every morning to see what we owe and then check our bank balance. It’s a quick routine, made even easier by the facial recognition programs that eliminate the need for passwords.

HUMOR

But this morning, they didn’t know me. Face not recognized. Try again

Try what again? All I did was look at my smartphone. It’s not like entering your password incorrectly. I couldn’t have entered the wrong face. OK, one more time.

Face still not recognized. Try again

Worried, I raced into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. My hair was askew; I needed a shave, and I had huge bags under my eyes. Who is that, I wondered? I didn’t even recognize myself. I combed my hair, shaved and applied a little of my wife’s foundation. This had to work. But no …

Your face it not recognized. Please use password

My wife Mary Ellen was in the kitchen having coffee. I walked over to the table.

“Who are you?” she asked. “You never look this good in the morning. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

As you may recall, my wife is very security minded. She told me that using facial recognition on my smartphone is not safe. I wondered why.

“Because, Dick, if you are robbed, the thief may just ask you to look into the phone and then he can check the balance in our bank account and what we owe on our credit cards.”

“Mary Ellen, he is going to rob me even if we only have two hundred bucks in checking.”

“It wouldn’t work for me, anyway. I’d have to wait until I had makeup on.”

I wasn’t getting anywhere with Mary

“‘Who are you?’ she asked. ‘You never look this good in the morning. I almost didn’t recognize you.’”

Ellen, so I called my friend, Bob.

“Bob, It’s Dick. I have a problem. I’m not being recognized.”

“Of course, you haven’t been on TV in four years, and you don’t have a famous dog anymore.”

“I don’t mean recognized on the street. I mean recognized by the bank. Do they recognize you at the bank?”

“Of course, they recognize me. I’m 6-foot-4 and completely bald.”

“Look, when I wake up in the morning, I always check my balance …”

“At your age, good idea. Get out of bed slowly.”

That day, I had an appointment with my barber. I brought an old photo of myself before all this trouble started. I showed it to Buddy and told him I wanted to look just like I do in this selfie.

“Dick, I can’t do that. First of all, your hair is all gray now and you have less of it, and I can’t give you sideburns.”

The next morning, I tried again, but still no luck. I tried again and again. There was only one solution.

I had to reset my face.

Contact

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Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker.

him at wolfsie@aol.com.

Center schedule includes familiar names, different genres

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Center for the Performing Arts’ 2024-25 schedule includes a mix of familiar names of classical, pops, rock, jazz and country performers.

“It’s the most artists we’ve announced at this point of the season, I believe, with right around 60 performances,” Center for the Performing Arts President/CEO Jeffrey McDermott said. “We’ve left space for eight to 10 more to be added through the season as other artists go out on tour and we have the opportunity to get them booked. We’re really excited that it’s a diverse lineup of genres and artists. There is clearly going to be something for everyone. I think we have some great headliners in each genre. There are some artists that are household names, some artists who are up and coming. There are great recognizable names in every single category.”

McDermott said he has artists and genres he likes more than others.

“I go back to my ’60s and ‘70s roots and I was a big fan of The Monkees,” McDermott said. “We’re excited about getting Micky Dolenz, the last living Monkee.”

Dolenz will perform April 25, 2025, with songs and stories from his days with The Monkees.

Most of the performances are set for the Palladium, with a few at The Tarkington.

McDermott said Grand Funk Railroad (Oct. 19), Welcome Back: The Return of Emerson, Lake & Palmer (March 21, 2025) and Pure Prairie League (April 5, 2025) are cool additions.

“Leslie Odom Jr. has been on our list for a long time, and we are really excited to bring him in (Nov. 22),” McDermott said. “We have some people coming in for a second and third time. We have people like Dave Koz, who are just traditions for us. It wouldn’t be the holidays without Dave Koz and Friends.”

Dave Koz’s “Christmas Tour” is set for Dec. 13. Holiday concerts also include The Four Phantoms: “Holiday Show” (Dec. 6); Jane Lynch’s “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” (Dec. 7) and Jon McLaughlin & Friends: “Home for the Holidays” (Dec. 14)

“Jon McLaughlin is an Indiana favorite with his roots here,” McDermott said. “We’ve had him a couple times and had him in the Palladium last year and sold it out quickly. He may be the next tradition brewing because people just love him. He brings great artistry and friends, but he’s just a great show person. He relates and connects with the audience.”

Great American Songbook Foundation Hall of Famer Dionne Warwick will perform Nov. 24 in her first full concert at the Palladium.

“Dionne has been here for two (‘Center Presents’) galas and people loved her,” McDermott said. “She’s a legend. She puts on a great show and has so many hits of her own.”

McDermott said it’s great to have two classical legends in the 2025 portion of the schedule with Chinese pianist Lang Lang (March 18) and Itzhak Perlman (April 17).

“We always feel fortunate to have one artist of their caliber in a season, but to have both of them in the same season is a real coup for us,” McDermott said.

McDermott said the Center is trying to add some comedy shows.

“I think you can count on shows we add will have some comedy,” McDermott

said. “I’m personally a big fan of comedy. I love bringing comedy here. It sells really well.”

There will be several tribute shows with Leonid & Friends: The Music of Chicago (Sept. 27), and Space Oddity: The Quintessential David Bowie Tribute Experience (Oct. 26). In 2025, tribute acts include Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience (Jan. 18); The Evolution of Joni Mitchell starring Lauren Fox (Jan. 24); Folsom Prison Experience: Legendary 1968 Johnny Cash Concert (Feb. 15); The Kings of Queen (Feb. 1); and Brooklyn Charmers: A Steely Dan Tribute (March 7).

“We don’t do too many tribute shows, but when we try to bring in the top tribute bands around, typically (they’re featuring) artists who are not performing or not with us anymore,” he said.

Ben Folds will bring his “Paper Airplane Request Tour” to the Palladium Oct. 10. Other 2025 performers include Mac McAnally (Jan. 10) and Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives (May 1).

The Center Celebration featuring trumpeter and composer Chris Botti is set for Sept. 21.

“I always tell people programming a season is part art, part science and part luck,” McDermott said. “You have to find the right artist touring at the right time with a date you have available and at a price that works. When all those stars align, we get them.”

For a full list of the schedule, visit youarecurrent.com.

‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” runs May 23 to July 7 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

The Freeform Concert Series features Katie Peterson with Anana Kaye and Omega Defern May 22; “Deceptions: An Evening of Magic and Friends” is set for May 23; and Josh Merrit May 24 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’ Indiana Ballet Conservatory presents “The Phantom of the Opera” at 4 and 7 p.m. May 25 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.

LUMINARIES: ‘VISUAL ARTS AND OPERA’

The Luminaries series features Lyndsay Moy discussing “Visual Arts and Opera” at 2 p.m. May 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $10. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

ROCK THE RUINS

The Decemberists will perform at 7 p.m. May 23 as part of the Rock the Ruins concert series at Holliday Park in Indianapolis. For more, visit rocktheruins.com.

DISPATCH

Dennen’s concert set at NDP Amphitheater — The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater and MOKB Presents announced that singer-songwriter Brett Dennen will perform an Aug. 24 concert at the Fishers venue. Tickets for the show were scheduled to go on sale May 17. Dennen’s show is part of the venue’s annual summer concert series that also includes an Aug. 23 performance by Niko Moon. Dennen’s next release, “See The World,” is due out July 23 on Mick Music. For ticketed shows, the venue is an all-ages facility and children 2 and under are admitted free. Guests can bring their own lawn chair and blankets. For more, visit npdamp.com.

Dionne Warwick will perform Nov. 24 at the Palladium.

(Photos courtesy of the Center for the Performing Arts)

Violinist Itzhak Perlman’s concert is set for April 17, 2025.

Micky Dolenz, the last living member of The Monkees, will perform April 25, 2025, with songs and stories from his days with the band.

SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT

SATURDAY, JULY 20 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

AVERAGE WHITE BAND: A FUNK FINALE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JEROME COLLINS: REWIND–

A JOURNEY TO MOTOWN & BEYOND FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

VERONICA SWIFT

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

CENTER CELEBRATION 2024

FEATURING CHRIS BOTTI

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

NICK CARTER: WHO I AM TOUR

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

LEONID & FRIENDS: THE MUSIC OF CHICAGO AND MORE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DAMIEN ESCOBAR: VICTORY LAP TOUR

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BEN FOLDS: PAPER AIRPLANE REQUEST TOUR

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

#IMOMSOHARD: LADIES’ NIGHT!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

SPACE ODDITY: THE QUINTESSENTIAL

DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DANA & GREG NEWKIRK’S HAUNTED OBJECTS LIVE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

VITAMIN STRING QUARTET: THE MUSIC OF TAYLOR SWIFT, BRIDGERTON AND BEYOND

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

ZAKIR HUSSAIN & RAHUL SHARMA

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BONEY JAMES

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE MAGIC OF MICHAEL GRANDINETTI EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 AT 2PM & 8PM THE TARKINGTON

GRUPO NICHE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE PIANO GUYS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 AT 4PM & 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BUCKETS N BOARDS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH LESLIE ODOM JR. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

CANADIAN BRASS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DIONNE WARWICK SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES: WWII TIKI XMAS CANTEEN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE FOUR PHANTOMS: HOLIDAY SHOW FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JANE LYNCH’S A SWINGIN’

LITTLE CHRISTMAS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2024 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

MAC MCANALLY

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

YESTERDAY AND TODAY:

THE INTERACTIVE BEATLES EXPERIENCE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE EVOLUTION OF JONI MITCHELL

STARRING LAUREN FOX FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

HEART OF AFGHANISTAN

FEATURING THE FANOOS ENSEMBLE SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE KINGS OF QUEEN SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

PETER SAGAL: HOST OF NPR’S WAIT WAIT...DON’T TELL ME! FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

FOLSOM PRISON EXPERIENCE: LEGENDARY 1968 JOHNNY CASH CONCERT SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH STEVE WARINER FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

KALANI PE’A: GRAMMY-WINNING SINGER, SONGWRITER SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DON WAS & THE PAN DETROIT ENSEMBLE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE STEPCREW FRIDAY, MARCH 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BROOKLYN CHARMERS: A STEELY DAN TRIBUTE FRIDAY, MARCH 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

WELCOME BACK: THE RETURN OF EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER FRIDAY, MARCH 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DUSTBOWL REVIVAL: A LAUREL CANYON RETROSPECTIVE FRIDAY, MARCH 21 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS SUNDAY, MARCH 23 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

GRIMMZ FAIRY TALES SUNDAY, MARCH 23 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

LANG LANG FRIDAY, MARCH 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE

SATURDAY, APRIL 5 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

UNITED STATES ARMY FIELD BAND & SOLDIERS’ CHORUS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN SATURDAY, APRIL 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BACHELORS OF BROADWAY: GENTLEMEN OF THE THEATRE

SUNDAY, APRIL 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL THURSDAY, APRIL 17 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

MICKY DOLENZ OF THE MONKEES: AN EVENING OF SONGS & STORIES FRIDAY, APRIL 25 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BLACK VIOLIN

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

OUR PLANET LIVE: A NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY SERIES WITH DAN TAPSTER TUESDAY, APRIL 29 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES

THURSDAY, MAY 1 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

CELEBRATE THE SONGBOOK: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SATURDAY, MAY 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

iLUMINATE SUNDAY, MAY 11 AT 4PM | THE PALLADIUM

RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

NICK CARTER

GRUPO NICHE LESLIE ODOM JR.

PETER SAGAL LANG LANG

BLACK VIOLIN MARTY STUART

Indy Opera to celebrate legacy

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The main theme of Indianapolis Opera’s 50th season is celebrating legacy and alumni.

MUSIC

“The legacy are the families that from the beginning started the company and those who have come along through three or four generations of supporters,” said David Starkey, who has been the Indianapolis Opera general director since 2016. “They are very key civic leaders and families, and the desire to have a world-class city is the desire to have a world-class opera and symphony and all those kinds of institutions. Then you come along with the alumni. You have two iconic leaders, Bob Driver in the ‘80s who went on to take Opera Philadelphia and was a legend in the opera world, followed by the era of (artistic director) Jim Caraher. There are singers who got their start here or really developed their career in Indianapolis. That’s one of the biggest emphasis of our event.”

Indy Opera will reunite with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for the 50th Anniversary Legacy Gala Concert at 7:30 p.m. March 22, 2025, at the Hilbert Circle Theater in Indianapolis.

“We will have all those legends coming back, not only the artistic leaders but the famous and world-renowned singers who have been on our stage,” Starkey said.

Starkey

The 2024-25 season will open with Opera in the Park at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7, a free event at MacAllister Amphitheater at Garfield Park in Indianapolis.

“The Barber of Seville” is set for Nov. 15-17 at The Tarkington in Carmel. Starkey said “The Barber of Seville” was the first Indianapolis Opera show at The Tarkington in 2016. Starkey was the production director for that presentation before taking the general director post later that year.

Following the concert, there will be a debut production of “West Side Story” May 9-11, 2025, at the Bicentennial Pavilion at the Indianapolis Zoo.

For more, visit indyopera.org.

Beef & Boards cast off to Oz

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Elizabeth Stark Payne went through a phase of repeatedly watching “The Wizard of Oz” as a youngster.

“This was the only VHS (recording) that my grandparents had at their home when we went for holidays, and while the adults were all in the kitchen, laughing and playing cards or talking, us kids would watch it on repeat back in the middle bedroom,” Payne said. “I never got bored of this movie. I love that my kids are starting to go through the same phase now, although it has to contend with TikTok now.”

to stray too far from those images in people’s minds but would still like to bring it along with us into new, fun visions. I also want to keep it fresh for the kids and adults alike. Our family-friendly shows have something for everyone.”

MUSICAL Payne

Payne said the show has a nice mix of cast members who have performed at Beef & Boards and some who are newcomers.

Payne will direct Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz,” which runs May 23 to July 7 at the Indianapolis venue.

“My biggest challenge with a show like this is keeping it fresh,” Payne said. “People come expecting the same nostalgia and feelings they got when they first watched the movie. We don’t want

“I have several cast members that I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot over these last several years, (and) some, like Ty (Stover), who I’ve known since I was a child, and others that I will be meeting for the first time in person on our first rehearsal day,” Payne said. “It’s always nice to welcome new people into the Beef & Boards family.”

Payne said the adult cast is normal size.

“But once you add in all those cute Munchkins, it is a pretty large cast for us,” Payne said. “We are utilizing several Munchkins in shorter contracts.”

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

Idea for graduation party

Commentary by Mark LaFay

It is high school graduation season. If you have a student graduating, congratulations! I was never one for pomp and circumstance, so I opted to get my diploma by mail and skip my high school and university graduation ceremonies.

If you are one for celebrating the major milestones, then you may be having an open house or similar graduation celebration in your home. Here is a food idea that requires little attention and will keep well for the duration of your special celebrations.

MEATBALLS IN SAUCE

Meatballs:

• 2 pounds ground pork

• 16 grams sea salt

• 6 grams toasted fennel

• 3 grams red pepper flakes

• 3 grams garlic powder

• 2 grams onion powder

• 36 grams ice water

• 2 eggs

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese

Sauce:

• 2 28-oz. cans of whole tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)

• 1/2 cup red wine

• Salt to taste Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Mix all ingredients by hand.

3. Use an ice cream disher to portion the meat mixture. Hand roll and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake for 18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

5. Mix sauce ingredients together, warm on the stovetop.

6. Place sauce in a crockpot or chafing dish, add meatballs, and serve.

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4201 Millersville Rd., Suite 119, Indianapolis

Visiting the Valley of the Kings

Commentary by Don Knebel

In our continuing tour of Egypt, we visit the Valley of the Kings, containing at least 65 royal tombs, including that of Tutankhamen.

TRAVEL

By about 1500 B.C., Egyptians had either forgotten how to build pyramids or had concluded that they were too easy to rob. So, they began burying the pharaohs and their families, along with other important Egyptians, in a valley on the west bank of the Nile River near the modern city of Luxor, called Thebes by ancient Egyptians. The site was apparently selected because of the large pyramid-shaped rock overlooking the valley. The area’s soft limestone allowed workers to dig sloping shafts extending hundreds of feet to underground burial chambers enclosing a giant stone sarcophagus. Along all the walls and ceilings, artisans painted scenes of the pharaoh’s life and life with the gods, some intended to give the pharaoh help with questions asked at the final judgment. The pharaoh’s earthly possessions were buried with him (or her) for later use if, as

expected, he survived that judgment.

To prevent looting, the entrances to the tombs were scattered and concealed behind tons of limestone. But the camouflage did not work, and the tombs were systematically raided. Raiders eventually found and looted all but the tomb of Tutankhamen, who had died at age 19 after a very short reign. Tutankhamen’s small tomb, discovered in 1922, included both the king’s mummy and about 3,500 items of gold and other rich materials.

Only about 20 of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings held mummies of pharaohs. Today, about 18 tombs are open to the public on a rotating basis. The finest is the elaborately decorated tomb of Pharaoh Seti I. The most popular tomb is that of King Tut, which, unlike all the others, includes his mummy.

Valley of the Kings near Luxor, Egypt. (Photos by Don Knebel)

Tomb of Pharaoh Seti I.

Knebel

LIFESTYLE

Impersonate

Non-Rx

Nile snake 17. Drinking fountain, to a Hoosier? 18. Classic shoe style

Hoosier National Forest tree

Direct to a specialist

Colts second-stringers 25. Raggedy Ann, e.g.

Comfort 30. Captain Nemo’s vessel

Pops out, as a DVD

“___ the ramparts...”

Ahead by a point

Heavy rainstorm, to a Hoosier? 42. Hard guy to find in kids’ books

Hammerin’ Hank

IndyGo vehicle

48. Eye makeup

50. Metal craftsman

52. Electrician’s supply

53. Very long time

55. Frozen treat

56. Wanderer

58. LPs’ successors

60. Flying Wham-O toy

63. “Did you eat, yet?” to a Hoosier?

67. Secluded spot

68. Annoy

69. Taking a sabbatical

70. Fine, to NASA

71. Radiator sound

72. Everlasting Down

1. City Barbeque bit

2. Ostrich kin

3. Ad-___ (improvise)

4. If all goes well

5. Gloomy atmosphere

6. Flower part

7. Always, poetically

9. Suppress

10. Skin woe

11. Have a tenderloin at Mash House

12. CBS forensic franchise

13. Pos., to neg.

19. Bloomfield’s county

21. Scented splash

22. ___-cone

23. OPEC member

24. Cause for alarm?

25. 43rd prez, informally

27. Bitterly harsh

28. Alphabet run

29. Mentalist’s claim

31. Arctic house

8. Waterpark accessory

32. Diminutive, in rap names

34. Papa ___ Pizza

37. Hindu garments

40. Fair Oaks Farms milk

dispensers

41. Mama’s boy

42. U-turn from ENE

43. Tuna type

46. Eiteljorg Museum tribe

47. Seashell seller

49. Is undecided

51. Man’s title

54. Tech whizzes

57. Kimono sashes

58. Lincoln’s coin

59. Proofreader’s notation

60. Lilly watchdog org.

61. ___ Speedwagon

62. Current printer’s need

63. Mayor Hogsett

WE DO CONTACTLESS EXTERIOR ESTIMATES

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

Tourism with a GREATER PURPOSE.

CARMEL FISHERS NOBLESVILLE WESTFIELD NORTHERN TOWNS

This year, during National Travel & Tourism Week, May 19-25, Hamilton County Tourism celebrates industry and community partners doing amazing work in sustainability and stewardship programs throughout the destination.

Scan the QR Code to learn more about Hamilton County Tourism’s Inspire initiative.