June 11, 2024 — Westfield

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Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVII, No. 19

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30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032

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Opinions

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

THANKS D D

New chief of police settles into Westfield

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Two months into his new position, the chief of the Westfield Police Department said the city provided him with a warm welcome to central Indiana.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Shawn Keen was appointed to the post in February by Mayor Scott Willis and assumed the role April 8. Keen spent 26 years with the Terre Haute police department, including 10 years as assistant chief of police and six years as chief, where he oversaw 137 sworn officers and 18 civilians.

As assistant chief in Terre Haute, Keen oversaw the criminal investigations division.

“I came from a larger department and the crime rate was considerably higher. It dealt with a lot of more violent crimes,” Keen said. “I probably investigated as a detective and as a supervisor about 100 homicides. (Westfield is) a different pace from where I came from. I had the opportunity to have a lot of experience in more serious crime. I have more experience in supervising a larger department. So, when I compare that to here, the things I see are opportunities. Probably the best resource that the department has is its people.”

Since he arrived, Keen said he has been sitting down with each police department employee 1-on-1, a process he is about halfway through.

“What I’ve learned during that process is that there are a lot of talented people here,” Keen said. “Westfield has done a lot of (lateral) hiring, so we have a lot of officers who have come from all over the

United States. There’s a lot of experience and a lot of talent among those officers. So, the challenge for me is to best utilize that talent. We’ll develop a plan, through training, for where we’re going to provide opportunities to really utilize those talents. The human resources are really unbelievable here (with) the experience these officers bring to the table from all the different places across the United States that they come from. My job is to manage that talent and put it to the best use for the community.”

Keen said he is focused on training, including firearms training, tactical training and emergency vehicle operation, building instructors out of the available staff based on the strengths and expertise of the individual officers.

The WPD is staffed with 75 sworn officers, but Keen said the department will need to grow to more than 100 in the next few years as the city continues to grow. His job is to look at policies and processes to make sure department standards are sufficient to handle that growth.

Keen said in addition to officer training, the department will focus on community engagement, such as participating in family-centered events where residents can interact with police officers and learn more about how the department operates. He hopes to engage in activities similar to those in Terre Haute, including holiday-themed events, a kids police academy and National Night Out. Keen wants to target engagement based on the needs of residents.

“As police officers, we exist to serve the community,” Keen said. “Different members of the community have different needs.

Being very engaged in the community is very important to me.”

Keen said the community has made him feel like Westfield is already a place he can call home.

“I love the community. This community just kind of captured me. It’s very welcoming,” Keen said. “I like the opportunities that are here because it’s growing so quickly that I just see a lot of opportunities here to make an impact. There are plans for a new police (station) here, a joint-training facility between the other departments in the county here is being planned. This is the fastest-growing community in the state, so we need police officers to match that growth.”

In addition to serving as chief and assistant chief in Terre Haute, Keen was also a member of the uniform patrol and served on the Special Response Team for more than 17 years. He also developed a program allowing the department to hire a social worker to address mental health and wellness calls and helping decrease volume of those types of calls to officers.

Keen is a graduate of the 259th Session of the FBI National Academy and the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Leadership Academy and is an active member of the FBI National Academy Associates and both the International and Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police. He has a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in criminal justice.

Keen served four years in the United States Marine Corps before beginning his law enforcement career.

Keen and his wife Shelly have been married for 25 years. They have two adult children, Kelsey and Brendon.

Follow the WPD on social media at facebook.com/WestfieldPD.

West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd

DISPATCH

Keen

DISPATCHES

Bullpen Gives Back – The City of Westfield reminds residents that entry to any outdoor sports activities managed by Bullpen Athletics at Grand Park Sports Campus is free through the Bullpen Gives Back program. To waive gate admission, residents must visit ProX, 651 E. 191st St., to receive a weekend wristband. All parties must be present and proof of residency is required. Residents can visit ProX the week of the tournament they wish to attend 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Questions can be directed to Bullpen Athletics directly at 317-741-4388. In 2024 so far, Bullpen Athletics has provided more than 1,700 passes to Westfield residents through Bullpen Gives Back.

Town Hall meeting – Westfield Mayor Scott Willis will hold a second Town Hall meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 20 at Westfield Washington Public Library, 17400 Westfield Blvd. Residents can submit questions and topics they would like to see discussed at tinyurl.com/mtdsmdpw.

DCS recognized – The Indiana Department of Child Services received national recognition in May for its Indiana Family Preservation Services program, which provides in-home support to strengthen families and improve outcomes while reducing the number of children entering the foster care system. The program, which launched in June 2020, has been designated a promising practice by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare. The program was also highlighted as an example of how new approaches to child welfare practice can enhance child and family well-being in an April report by the Christensen Institute. The program is designed to keep children in their home when it is safe to do so, and provides other support and financial assistance to families. Since its inception, Indiana Family Preservation Services has served more than 27,000 children and 14,000 families.

Creek Stomps – The City of Westfield hosts Creek Stomps for children each Thursday of summer at 10 a.m. Participants will explore the Grassy Branch Creek within Grand Junction Plaza and can splash around and beat the heat while learning about watersheds, invasive species and creek wildlife. Tickets are $5 and must be reserved in advance, with a 20-person max per stomp. Tickets are available at westfieldwelcome. ticketleap.com.

Community Health Network will build a new health care campus in Westfield, marking a significant expansion for the network.

The $335 million, 425,000-square-foot facility near 196th Street and U.S. 31 will feature an ambulatory surgery center, medical office building, emergency department and six-story patient tower. Services will include women’s health, integrative medicine, orthopedics, primary care, behavioral health and specialty services.

“This expansion reflects our responsiveness to Westfield’s growth and needs,” stated Jason Fahrlander, Community’s chief operating officer. “This new stateof-the-art health care campus aligns with our mission to enhance health and well-being in the communities we serve.”

The project includes the renovation of two existing buildings at 19800 and 19900 N. East St. to house medical offices, clinical specialties, an ambulatory surgery center, an emergency department, support services, outpatient imaging and cardiovascular care.

An additional 100-bed inpatient tower will also be constructed.

Renovating the existing buildings is expected to save more than $50 million compared to building new, an effort that Community representatives said aligns with the network’s sustainability goals.

Completion of the medical office building is expected in the first quarter of 2025.

The surgery center, hospital service building and hospital tower are projected

Plans for a new Community Health Network hospital will be presented to the City of Westfield for a public hearing this summer. (Image courtesy of Community Health Network)

for completion in mid-2026.

“Engaging patients, employees and community partners has been instrumental in ensuring that this healthcare campus meets the unique needs of the Westfield community,” stated Derek McMichael, vice president and hospital administrator for Community’s Kokomo and Westfield regions. “Soon, residents of Westfield and beyond will be able to conveniently access a wide range of comprehensive services close to home.”

Once complete, Community is expected to be the only hospital in Westfield to offer labor and delivery services, with neonatal intensive care unit rooms that promote family-centered care.

“I always feel they care for us not as a patient, but as a family,” stated Westfield resident Emily Russell, who gave birth to her three children at Community Hospital North. “Being able to drive down the road and get the care we need (will be) truly amazing.”

Plans for the project are currently under review by the City of Westfield. A public hearing on the construction plans will take place later this summer.

WWPL now open

news@currentinwestfield.com

Westfield Washington Public Library is now open.

GRAND OPENING

The library hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening event June 1 at the new 43,000-square-foot facility at 17400 Westfield Blvd. The new building includes a dedicated teen area, community room and a coffee shop operated by Rivet Coffee Bar and Roastery.

The facility includes several common areas, including a MakerSpace Studio, a 3D printer, sewing machines, a podcast room, a green screen room, multiple meeting rooms and study spaces, an outdoor terrace and a gathering stair, as well as its extensive book collection for children, youth and adults.

About 20 percent of the new space houses the new Westfield Washington Township offices. The township underwent a strategic planning process in 2023 that highlighted the need for more understanding of what the township does and what it can offer residents.

Township officials said moving to the new building, along with the library, will provide the ability to engage with residents and increase community awareness on township offerings, which include financial relief for those in need, community programming and operating MacGregor Park on Ind. 38.

The library and the township also collaborated to rebrand the quarterly “Our Westfield Washington Network” guide, which now features events and updates from both organizations.

For about the new facility and ongoing services at the library, visit wwpl.lib.in.us.

Representatives from Westfield Washington Public Library and the City of Westfield participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 1 at the grand opening of the new library facility. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Washington Public Library)

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2024

Jonathan Akinwande

Tahlia Alkobi

Alexandra Altenburg

Owen Ascioti

Lucille Baker

David Beaty

Leyton Bennett

William Besinger

Jackson Bledsoe

Lindsey Blocksom

Diego Bonilla

Kendall Booth

John Michael Brenner

Keira Bright

Maximilien Brown

James Caldwell

Daniel Cardwell

Alex Ciano

Liam Commons

Emily Comparini

Marie Coutant

Khari Dennis

Nettle Dill

Aiden Dorant

Davi Dutra

Avah Eckels

Addison Emkes

Elijah Facey

Alexandria Feeney

Aaron Fischer

Scarlett Fisher

Sophie Francis

Manasa Gannamaneni

Benjamin Gleason

Bryce Gray

Mark Hamby

Anna Hargrove

Ezra Holladay

Montgomery Holland

Lillian Hovda

Oliver Jackson

Lauren Janeira

Ion Jones

Zane Kampmeier

Regan Kary

Claire Kilgore

Lukas Kraft

Neiman Kumler

Emma Laborsky

Jiyou Lee

Cooper Lushell

Christopher Millen

Lindsey Millen

Elliot Muehlhausen

Maxine Mulligan

Owen Murray

Jasper Owens

Samriddhi Patankar

Sophie Peters

Catherine Pless

Kaitlyn Polston

Rishab Prakash

Joanie Pyatt

Hamza Raddad

Reid Rademacher

Joseph Rozembajgier

Robert Russell

Katherine Sampson

Owen Schellhase

Isabella Searcy

Jayden Seaton

Brian Shaw

Gabriela Sotelo

Isabelle Towns

David Walz

Kara Wang

Riley Waybright

Alonzo Weems

Maxwell Westerkamm

Evan Williams

Dawson Wingren

Steven Zhang

Detour in effect for westbound traffic through Westfield

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

The first road closure related to a major overhaul of Ind. 32 through the heart of Westfield began June 3.

CONSTRUCTION

The project to widen the road from the roundabout at Poplar Street to east of East Street will begin this year with utility relocations. Citizens Energy Group will upsize and relocate a water main along Ind. 32 between Union and Gurley streets, creating the need for westbound traffic to detour to the north. The utility work and detour are expected to last four months.

The posted detour will direct westbound traffic to head north on Grassy Branch Road, then west on 191st Street, merging south onto U.S. 31 to return to Ind. 32.

“We understand that road closures can be inconvenient. We encourage you to plan your routes accordingly and allow extra travel time. Residents with properties directly affected by the closure will still have access to their homes, though minor delays may occur during peak construction activities,” the city stated in a news release.

Eastbound lanes of Ind. 32 through downtown Westfield will remain open during the utility relocation.

Road widening is expected to begin in 2025. The work will include converting the two-lane road to four lanes with a median.

The $22 million project is being paid for via a 50/50 cost share agreement between the city and INDOT.

Residents can access construction updates through each phase of the project at 32connects.com.

A detour for westbound traffic on Ind. 32 through downtown Westfield began June 3.

(Image courtesy of City of Westfield)

WHS girls tennis team has memorable run

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Trudy Coler had been waiting for this opportunity.

SPORTS

Finally, in her 17th year as Westfield High School’s girls tennis head coach, WHS was placed in a sectional without perennial power Carmel.

“We knew this was our opportunity to go deeper in the tournament,” Coler said.

The Shamrocks made the most of it by capturing the first sectional championship in program history and proceeding to win regional and semistate titles. Second-ranked Fishers edged Westfield 3-2 May 31 in the IHSAA state quarterfinals at Center Grove.

“I hope the fact that the whole team has seen this and all came out to experience this, I hope that makes them want it more,” said Coler, whose team finished 16-7. “Then keep working hard and, hopefully, get back here next season.”

Westfield’s two points against Fishers were won by No. 2 singles player Juliette Grilliot, a sophomore who finished with a 21-5 record, and freshman Isla Harvey at No. 3 singles. Harvey replaced junior Addi Kooi in the semistate and quarterfinals. Kooi, a top golfer, was playing in a juniors golf tournament.

The Shamrocks had three senior starters, Isabella Norris at No. 1 singles and the No. 2 doubles team of Brianna Saylor and Carlie

Lukowiak.

“We’ve been on the team for three or four years, so I think it was super special we not only got a sectional title, but we made it this far,” said Saylor, who had a 14-6 record with Lukowiak. “It’s super cool and makes our senior year even more special.”

Lukowiak said the team’s confidence was high after a 3-2 victory at No. 9 Noblesville 3-2 in the sectional semifinals.

“We all felt really good because we knew that was going to be a tough match,” Lukowiak said.

Lukowiak captured a third-set tiebreaker with Saylor to top Noblesville.

Norris said the team developed a strong bond.

“We had a lot of freshmen, too, which is really special,” Norris said. “We were mentoring them and teaching them how to be a good teammate. Our confidence definitely grew after sectionals. We (were) really focused and intentional with everything we did.”

Norris, who will play for Bowling Green University next season, finished with a 13-5 record. Fishers junior Mischa Briggs edged Norris 7-5, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.

“Fishers has a great No. 1 player and I’ve known her forever,” Norris said. “We all played our hearts out.”

Westfield’s No. 1 doubles team of sophomore Jenna Berry and freshman Isabella Rivera won the first set before losing to Fishers seniors Caroline Ober and Cassie Maurer 6-7 (7-4), 6-1, 6-3.

From left, Westfield seniors were Isabella Norris, Brianna Saylor and Carlie Lukowiak. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

DISPATCHES

Showcase & Taste of Westfield – The Westfield Chamber will host the second annual Showcase and Taste of Westfield from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Grand Park’s main fieldhouse. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to put their businesses on display and connect with businesses and potential customers at one of the chamber’s largest networking events of the year. All types of businesses can participate, including restaurants, service and healthcare providers, legal professionals, entertainment venues, food providers and more. Restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries and other food service establishments are invited to provide menu tastings as well. The deadline for exhibitor registration is Sept. 20. For registration information, visit westfieldchamberindy. com under the “events” tab.

Party on the Patio – The 2024 Party on the Patio series in Westfield continues 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 18 at Collective Beauty, 380 E. Main St. in Westfield. Collective Beauty and Women of Westfield will both be celebrated at the event for their fifth anniversaries. Admission to the 21 and over event is $5, and registration is required. Reserve a spot at westfieldchamberindy.com.

Learn about Westfield’s founders – The Westfield Washington Historical Society will host Main Street Productions, Inc., for an entertaining and enlightening evening with the Founders of Westfield: Simon Moon, Asa Bales, and Ambrose Osborne. The event takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. June 18 at the Westfield Washington Historical Society & Museum and is free to attend.

Jams at the Junction, presented by Estridge Homes – Westfield’s summer concert series includes at Grand Junction Plaza includes Groovesmash June 28; Jai Baker July 26; Karma Aug. 9; The Indigos on Aug. 16; and No Fences (a Garth Brooks tribute band) Aug. 23.Concert nights include food trucks and kids activities. Parking is available near the Westfield Washington Public Library and Westfield Intermediate School and free shuttle service is provided.

Kids Summer Series – Westfield Welcome hosts kids activities at Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S. Union St., from 10 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday in June and July. Families can bring their children for music, activities, face painting and kid-friendly fun runs.

WHS senior earns scholarship

news@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School Class of 2024 graduate Keegan Connor was awarded a $1,000 scholarship May 28 during the 31st annual Hamilton County Youth Service Award ceremony, sponsored by the Hamilton County Commissioners and the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs.

CLASS OF 2024

Connor was one of seven seniors in Hamilton County nominated for the honor by their school’s counseling department. She is a member of the Thespian Honor Society, National Honor Society and a dance captain for the WHS show choir.

Connor is also Miss Indiana’s Teen 2023, the official state preliminary title to Miss America’s Teen. Connor has performed in numerous musical theater productions and considers her greatest accomplishment to be the creation of her nonprofit, Keegan Cares: Advocating for Scoliosis Awareness. Connor has partnered with State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) on House Bill 1054, also known as the “Keegan Cares Bill.” It would create guidelines for

WHS senior Keegan Connor was awarded the Hamilton County Youth Service Award and a $1,000 scholarship. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs)

scoliosis screenings for children between 9 and 13 years of age.

“We are proud of each of the applicants that have chosen to lead a drug free lifestyle and contribute their time to help make positive changes in the lives of others,” stated Monica Greer, executive director of Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs.

The Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs is dedicated to preventing and reducing underage drinking and illegal drug use in Hamilton County. Learn more at hamiltoncounty.in.gov under the “government” tab.

or Retail Audiology, but we will spend the necessary and

time with you to help you know your questions are valuable and your patient experience is our top priority.

Building a new home is a new beginning for your family. That’s why our Team is dedicated to navigating the entire home building journey with you. From regular phone calls with your Personal BuilderSM and Sales Consultant to a dedicated Design Consultant, the David Weekley Team is here to help make your first dream home a reality. That’s The Weekley Way!

Flower Market

Westfield City Council approved greenspace fund

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

The Westfield City Council approved an ordinance to create a greenspace fund, an action that city officials said was a “housekeeping measure” to ensure the fund was on the books properly.

CITY NEWS

Fund 205, also known as the greenspace beautification fund, was brought for a vote May 28 by the full city council.

“The ordinance properly establishes revenue that can be put into the fund as well as expenditures that the fund can be used for,” said Christopher McConnell, director of Westfield’s Parks and Recreation.

According to the city, Fund 205 was already in use for greenspace needs, but there was no record of the fund being properly established by ordinance.

WESTFIELD RECOGNIZES

The ordinance allows specific types of revenue to be deposited into the fund, including donations specifically for landscape enhancement, landscaping and tree planting grant funds and tree density credits.

The ordinance also establishes allowable expenditures from the fund, including tree planting and landscaping enhancement within any city right-of-way or on city-owned property.

Per the ordinance, the greenspace beautification fund “shall be perpetual until terminated by a duly passed ordinance of the council, and any and all monies in the greenspace beautification fund at the end of a calendar year shall not revert to another fund but shall remain in the greenspace beautification fund as separate, non-reverting funds.”

The council unanimously approved the creation of the fund.

Council for the proclamation, which was read by Councilmember Jon Dartt. According to the proclamation, “Orange is the color hunters use to protect themselves and others from harm. The color is bright and demands attention. It is the color that a group of people in Chicago chose to honor a friend who was killed by gunfire at the age of 15. They performed a simple act that has become a national movement to honor the victims of gun violence.” The first Friday in June has been recognized as National Gun Violence Awareness Day since 2014. Moms Demand Action representatives said Westfield was the only municipality in Hamilton County to issue a proclamation this year. Present to accept the proclamation from Dartt were, from left, Marsha

NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY

The City of Westfield issued a proclamation May 28 recognizing June 7 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and recognizing June 7 to June 9 as Wear Orange Weekend. Representatives from Hamilton County Moms Demand Action attended the regular meeting of the Westfield City

Melinda, Laura Scheele, Elizabeth Anderson and Mary Coyle. (Photo by Marney Simon)

Understanding Your Indiana Property Tax Bill:

IT’S NOT AS COMPLICATED AS YOU THINK

As a Hoosier homeowner, you might find your property tax bill about as clear as the White River after a rainstorm. You’re not alone! This time every year our phones ring off the hook with questions about tax bills. Great new, it’s not as complicated as it seems.

Your property tax isn’t based on your home’s market value (what it would sell for) but on its assessed value. The county assessor annually estimates this value using a mass appraisal technique that analyzes your property in conjunction with other properties in your area. Assessors consider your home’s age, grade, and condition, then adjust based on the data to determine the value. They will do a physical inspection approximately every four years.

We recommend that homeowners look at their property report card (PRC) and confirm the information about their home is correct. Details like square footage, bedroom count, bath count, lot size, number of fireplaces, etc., are recorded on the PRC. The Hamilton County GIS website (secure2.hamiltoncounty. in.gov/PropertyReports/index.aspx) has this information. If the information is incorrect and you think your assessment is off, you have until June 17 to appeal.

In addition, Indiana offers several deductions that can significantly lower your tax bill. The universal deduction is the Homestead Standard Deduction. You are eligible if you own your home and it is your primary residence. Other deductions exist, such as the Supplemental Homestead Deduction, homeowners over 65, veterans, disabled persons, etc. Check your tax bills to see if there are deductions on file. If not, you have until Dec. 31 to get them filed. You only need to do this once. These can reduce your assessed value by thousands. Don’t leave this money on the table!

In 2010, Indiana fully implemented the Circuit Breaker tax credit, which places a tax cap limit on property tax bills based on the gross assessed value of the property. As a homeowner of a primary residence, you will never pay more than 1% of its assessed value in property taxes. Secondary residences are capped at 2% and commercial properties at 3%. This law

has been a game-changer, protecting Hoosiers from skyrocketing tax bills.

If you are wondering where your tax dollars are going, grab your bill and dive into the breakdown. In most Indiana counties, the largest chunk goes to schools. The rest is split between local government services, libraries, parks and public safety. In addition, each county could have a special assessment levied or a referendum which could create an increase for a specified period of time.

When you get your tax bill in April, don’t panic at the numbers. Remember, you usually pay in two installments: May 10 and Nov. 10. Most homeowners escrow their taxes with their mortgage, meaning they are paid by the lender. Can’t make a payment? Talk to your county treasurer about payment plans. Some counties even offer a “Pay As You Go” option.

If you have questions go to the Department of Local Government Finance website. (in.gov/dlgf/ understanding-your-tax-bill/citizensguide-to-property-tax/).

As a Realtor who has helped countless homeowners buy and sell their home, I’ve seen the confusion property taxes can cause. But knowledge is power. Understanding your tax bill means you can budget better, save money through deductions, and make smarter decisions about your biggest investment.

Have more questions about property taxes or any other real estate matter? We are always here to help. After all, navigating the complexities of homeownership is what we do best. Together, we can help make sure your home remains your happy place, not your financial burden.

Robin Edwards is the founding member of Edwards Realty Group. You can contact her at robbin.edwards@encoresir.com

Allisonville Road reopens in Noblesville

news@currentinwestfield.com

The Hamilton County Highway Department recently announced the reopening of Allisonville Road at the intersection of 146th Street. The road reopened June 9, marking the end of a 90-day closure.

CONSTRUCTION

According to Tammy Sander, Hamilton County communications director, the $44 million project, which began a year ago,

aims to reduce congestion and enhance safety by transforming the intersection into a grade-separated interchange.

The Highway Department stated that the project is on schedule despite minor rain delays and eclipse-related work stoppages mandated by the Indiana Department of Transportation.

“We are excited to reopen Allisonville Road,” stated Matt Lee, the Hamilton County Highway Department bridge program engineer. “There will be no left turns al-

lowed in any direction, but through-traffic and right turns will be permitted in all directions. We also plan to set the bridge beams before Allisonville reopens to avoid overnight closures in the near future.”

Sander stated a temporary signal will be installed to manage traffic until the Allisonville Road roundabout becomes operational.

The worksite speed limit is 35 mph, and delays can be expected during peak hours.

For more, visit streamline146.com.

Health screenings are important for all of us. Taking care of yourself means being proactive about your health. Talk with your doctor or care team about the screenings that are right for you, based on your age and family history. They may help detect complex issues early, when they are most treatable.

If you need more care, including more advanced treatment options, you are connected to compassionate care teams that are right for you.

The Hamilton County Highway Department expects the entire Allisonville Road construction project to be completed by June 2025. (Photo courtesy of Tammy Sander)

COVER STORY

OPENING DOORS

Westfield residents take a chance on business ownership in Indianapolis

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

For Josh and Amy Evans of Westfield, chasing a dream has become a reality.

The couple, who have called Hamilton County home for the past six years, are leaning into their biggest challenge — business ownership — with a message for the community about taking a chance.

“We want to be more involved in our community,” Josh Evans said. “Our kids go to Westfield schools, I coach wrestling, we’re the class parents for our kids throughout the years. We wanted to really be involved in the community that they are in, and our community on a deeper level. So, opening a local business really was the answer for that.”

The couple moved to central Indiana from Pennsylvania in 2018. Josh Evans spent most of his career in the automotive industry, most recently as a director for Carvana in Indianapolis.

But the couple always had a dream to open their own business, one that would complement both of their skill sets. After research and a lot of discussion, they found the opportunity to own a franchise with Closet Factory, a custom-closet company that also designs, manufactures and installs home offices, garage cabinets and other home storage solutions.

“We got to a point in our lives where we have three boys and they’re a little older now. So, we made the decision that it’s now or never,” Josh Evans said. “When we came upon Closet Factory, we realized that it really hit a lot of points that we were looking for. Amy has a background in social media marketing. She attended a fashion design school in Los Angeles, so she has a keen eye for design and an interest in interior design. My background is in sales, leadership and manufacturing management. So, this franchise is unique in that we will actually be manufacturing the products from raw materials ourselves. So, it gives us the unique ability to really design anything the customer needs and build it for them.”

The manufacturing facility is in Indianapolis, and uses locally sourced materials. Although there is a showroom, most

customers will schedule an appointment and a designer will go to them, measure their space and work inside the home to design the project and produce a 3D rendering.

But for the Evans family, the venture is also about their commitment to calling Indiana home.

“We really just fell in love with the area when we moved here and put down roots,” Josh Evans said. “That was a big part of deciding to open the business here. It has the small-town feel and being

able to be a part of a growing community (is rewarding), and Westfield has such an eclectic mix of people. There are so many people who are from other states or other parts of this state and other countries. It’s really just a melting pot for people who are actively creating a community. That’s very unique.”

As far as diving into business ownership, the couple encourages their friends and neighbors to take a risk.

“You can either dedicate your time and your effort for somebody else’s goals, or

you can dedicate your time and effort for your goals,” Josh Evans said. “It is scary to go out on your own because there is no safety net, but at the end of the day there’s no safety net for anybody you work for. As I saw my children growing and I found myself giving them advice on how they should view their future careers, I didn’t want to see them stuck in a position or a job that they are unhappy with, where they feel they’re trapped in because they have to pay the bills. So, I wanted to set an example for them and show them the process that you can really do anything you put your mind to if you put the effort in.”

Not satisfied to simply own a business, Josh and Amy Evans plan to leverage the success of their new company for philanthropic efforts locally.

“We will be partnering with a local charity once we get up and running,” Amy Evans said. “It’s called Closet Factor Cares, and they give backpacks that are also luggage to foster care children. They normally just get a black trash bag, so eventually once we get up and running, we will partner with a local foster care facility and start the Closet

Factory Cares here.”

Amy Evans said the charitable portion of the company should be up and running within six months.

Closet Factory has 61 locations in 31 states, with Josh and Amy Evans’ franchise the first to open in Indiana. The Indianapolis location officially launched May 20.

Learn more about the Evans’ business at closetfactory.com/locations/ indianapolis or on Instagram at closet. factory.indy.

The couple said they hope to build a legacy for their three children, Clark, 14, Henry, 10, and William, 8.

“We want to build something for our family and potentially have something to pass down to our kids one day and show them what you can do if you step away from the perspective that getting a job for somebody else is your only option,” Josh Evans said.

CLOSET FACTORY CARES

ON THE COVER: Amy and Josh Evans of Westfield took a chance on a new venture: owning their own business. (Photo courtesy of Amy Evans)

Josh and Amy Evans launched their Closet Factory franchise in May in Indianapolis, featuring custom closet storage solutions. (Photos courtesy of Amy Evans) Closet Factory provides storage solutions for homes, including garage storage.

Farrell to add Buffett to list of tribute shows

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It all started with Don Farrell paying tribute to the songs of Frank Sinatra in April 2021.

CONCERTS

That success had him follow up with Barry Manilow in 2022 and tributes to Tony Bennett and Neil Diamond in 2023.

Farrell, a co-founder of Actors Theatre of Indiana who left the company in 2023, will celebrate Jimmy Buffett with “Bubbles Up!” performances at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael June 21 and July 18 with Terry Woods, Steve Greenberg and Jim Lamson. A third “Bubbles Up!” is set for Aug. 17 with the lineup not yet set.

“We’re just going to tell the stories and celebrate Jimmy Buffett, who we lost last year,” Farrell said. “I love Jimmy Buffett. As I started delving more into his life, I looked at his journey and what he took to become this kind of a latter-day folk hero. And all the entrepreneurial businesses he started after the big hit, ‘Margaritaville’ and the stories that go behind it. We’re going to try to conjure up that world of sun, saltwater and nonstop parties.”

Farrell, who runs Crossroads Entertainment LLC, said the setlist will include escapist songs, such as “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.”

Farrell said they will share the stories on how Buffett came up with his songs. Farrell describes it as a “docu-cabaret.”

“It’s all the great songs you expect,” he said. “We try to create whatever world and environment in Feinstein’s for the artists we’re celebrating. Sometimes, even aficionados walk away saying, ‘I didn’t know that.’”

The shows are launched at Feinstein’s and then occasionally Farrell and Woods take the show on the road to other sites and Georgia, where Farrell grew up.

On the third Thursday of each month, Feinstein’s has a “Don Farrell Presents” show.

“It can be bands I’m presenting or our new shows,” Farrell said.

It started in April with the music of

“Grease.”

“I had four other performers join me on stage and tell the backstory about the musical ‘Grease,’” Farrell said. “We created an environment where people were showing up in poodle skirts and leather jackets. We had a dance contest. It was a big party.”

In May, Farrell had the area band Ten Branches perform a concert. “A Thank You for the Music, a tribute to ABBA,” is set for June 20. Logan Hill, Maya Mays, Danny Kingston and Antony Winfrey will join Farrell.

Farrell will perform his Neil Diamond show July 20 with “Sweet Caroline: The Life & Music of Neil Diamond.”

Farrell will present “Simply the Best — A Celebration of Tina Turner,” Aug. 22 with Tiffany Gilliam performing Turner’s songs.

“I’m trying to find other artists who deserve a shot at the Feinstein’s stage,” Farrell said.

Farrell also will present Summer Music with Woods Band July 29 at Sugar Creek Winery in Carmel.

For more, visit feinsteinshc.com and crossroads-ent.com/team.html.

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

JAMES TAYLOR

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame singer-songwriter will perform at 8 p.m. June 11 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Noblesville students Eleanor Wilson and Tyler Cowan presents “Your Heart is Home” June 13, and Dueling Pianos presented by Brittany Brumfield June 15 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

DIERKS BENTLEY

Dierks Bentley’s concert is set for 7 p.m. June 14 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.

DISPATCH

Songbook Academy features area participants — From hundreds of applicants nationwide, 40 high school students from 14 states have been selected to participate in this year’s Songbook Academy, a weeklong summer intensive program that immerses young performers in America’s musical heritage and helps them develop as artists under the guidance of Broadway stars and other entertainment professionals and music educators. Among the 11 Indiana finalists are Carmel residents Sadie Cohen, Emmaline Colvin and Isaiah Henderson; Zionsville residents Izzy Casciani and Phoebe Sidebottom; Westfield residents Keegan Connor and Journee Woodley; and Noblesville resident Addie McMillan. Now in its 15th year, the Songbook Academy is the flagship education initiative of the Great American Songbook Foundation and its founder, performer and preservationist Michael Feinstein. Songbook Academy 2024 will take place July 13-20 at the Foundation’s headquarters at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Don Farrell, left, with Terry Woods from “All The Way: A Frank Sinatra Tribute.” (Photo courtesy of Don Farrell)

Red Barn to present premiere

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Luke McLaughlin has known Michael Clossin for a large part of his life.

COMEDY

Clossin said he is “apprehensively eager” to see the premiere.

“Michael and Luke are working with a talented group of young actors, so I’m pretty eager to see it come to life,” Clossin said. “The apprehension comes in from hoping I did my job well enough.”

“In fact, it was his rendition of ‘Leader of the Pack’ at Frankfort High School that made me fall in love with theater as an elementary student,” McLaughlin said. “Michael wears many hats for the Red Barn. He serves on the board of directors and coordinates all the musicians for our ‘Music on the Lawn’ pre-show programming. The Red Barn would not be what it is today without him. He was with the Barn when it first started and continues to play a major role in bringing our seasons to life.”

So, it’s fitting that McLaughlin will direct the world premiere of Clossin’s “Keep the Change” June 12-16 and June 19-23 at Red Barn Summer Theatre. Michael Taylor is the Red Barn’s artistic director and McLaughlin is its associate artistic director.

Clossin said Taylor organized a table read with some Red Barn actors who encouraged him to keep working on it. Clossin said Jennie Otterman directed a staged reading at Basile Westfield Playhouse in October 2023 with actors from the Noblesville area that was very helpful.

“‘Keep the Change’ is my first opportunity to direct a world premiere, and though it is completely different from anything I’ve ever done theatrically, it is exciting to put my stamp on this script and fun collection of characters,” McLaughlin said.

The cast has eight performers, including Westfield resident Lisa Warner Lowe. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

Clossin

McLaughlin

CSO opens summer series

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

BUCKETS N BOARDS SUN, NOV 17 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE STEPCREW FRI, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH LESLIE ODOM JR. FRI, NOV 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

CANADIAN BRASS SAT, NOV 23 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DIONNE WARWICK SUN, NOV 24 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES:

WWII TIKI XMAS CANTEEN THURS, DEC 5 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE FOUR PHANTOMS: HOLIDAY SHOW FRI, DEC 6 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JANE LYNCH’S A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS SAT, DEC 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2024 FRI, DEC 13 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

SEPT 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BEN FOLDS: PAPER AIRPLANE REQUEST TOUR

THURS, OCT 10 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

#IMOMSOHARD: LADIES’ NIGHT!

FRI, OCT 11 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

SAT, OCT 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

SUN, OCT 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD

SAT, OCT 19 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

SPACE ODDITY: THE QUINTESSENTIAL

DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE

SAT, OCT 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DANA & GREG NEWKIRK’S

HAUNTED OBJECTS LIVE

SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

VITAMIN STRING QUARTET: THE MUSIC OF TAYLOR SWIFT, BRIDGERTON AND BEYOND SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

ZAKIR HUSSAIN & RAHUL SHARMA

FRI, NOV 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BONEY JAMES

SAT, NOV 2 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE MAGIC OF MICHAEL GRANDINETTI–EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC

SAT, NOV 2 AT 2PM & 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

GRUPO NICHE

FRI, NOV 8 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE PIANO GUYS

SAT, NOV 9 AT 4PM & 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS SAT, DEC 14 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

MAC MCANALLY

FRI, JAN 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

YESTERDAY AND TODAY: THE INTERACTIVE BEATLES EXPERIENCE

SAT, JAN 18 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE EVOLUTION OF JONI MITCHELL STARRING LAUREN FOX

FRI, JAN 24 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

HEART OF AFGHANISTAN

FEATURING THE FANOOS ENSEMBLE SAT, JAN 25 AT 8PM || THE TARKINGTON

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS SUN, JAN 26 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE KINGS OF QUEEN SAT, FEB 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

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

FOLSOM PRISON EXPERIENCE: LEGENDARY 1968 JOHNNY CASH

CONCERT

SAT, FEB 15 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH STEVE WARINER FRI, FEB 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

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

DON WAS & THE PAN DETROIT

ENSEMBLE FRI, FEB 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BROOKLYN CHARMERS:

A STEELY DAN TRIBUTE FRI, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

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

DUSTBOWL REVIVAL:

A LAUREL CANYON RETROSPECTIVE FRI, MAR 21 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS SUN, MAR 23 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

GRIMMZ FAIRY TALES

SUN, MAR 23 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

LANG LANG FRI, MAR 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE SAT, APR 5 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

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

UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN SAT, APR 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BACHELORS OF BROADWAY: GENTLEMEN OF THE THEATRE SUN, APR 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL THURS, APR 17 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

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

BLACK VIOLIN SAT, APR 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

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

MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES THURS, MAY 1 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

CELEBRATE THE SONGBOOK: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS CHAMBER

ORCHESTRA SAT, MAY 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

iLUMINATE SUN, MAY 11 AT 4PM | THE

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Anne Marie Chastain is getting her wish.

SCHEDULE

“Ever since I’ve been with CSO, I’ve heard people talk about how popular The Beatles concert was at Coxhall Gardens, how much people loved it and how beautiful it was to be in that space and hear the symphony live,” she said. “It’s been a personal goal of mine to have a summer concert series, and to do it at Coxhall Gardens is just tremendous.”

The CSO is partnering with Hamilton County Parks and Recreation to present three concerts at Coxhall Gardens’ Centerpiece Amphitheater in Carmel.

and full of so many creative ideas.”

Soprano Asako Tamura, who is from Japan, has worked with Smirnoff in the past.

“One of the numbers she is performing is Samuel Barber’s ‘Knoxville Summer of 1915,’” Chastain said. “They’ve performed that together in the past.

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will open with its Summer Solstice concert at 8:30 p.m. June 21. Principal Guest Conductor Joel Smirnoff will conduct summer favorites.

“We’ve brought Joel on board as our artistic adviser,” Chastain said. “He’s tremendous

Former CSO concerto competition winner Cooper Olsen, from Bloomington, will perform Antonio Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” The concert will end with special guest Blair Clark performing Stevie Wonder’s “You are the Sunshine of My Life,” arranged by Smirnoff.

The pre-concert starts at 5 p.m. with performances by Central Indiana Academy of Dance, Dhol Indian Drumming, Indiana Ballet Conservatory and Kathak (North Indian Classical) Dance Academy.

The CSO will return to Coxhall Gardens at 8 p.m. July 3 with Serpentine Fire, an Earth Wind & Fire tribute band.

The final CSO concert at Coxhall Gardens will feature Motown and disco music at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 23.

For more, carmelsymphony.org.

RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY NICK CARTER

Chastain

Smirnoff

CCP season features variety

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Community Players will present some familiar plays along with some new titles.

SCHEDULE

“This upcoming season is a mix of classics and newer pieces, an ebb and flow of ‘sit back and relax’ and ‘sit up and listen,’” CCP Artistic Director Hannah Janowicz said.

“We anticipate a lot of laughs and a lot of gasps.”

“Ruthless! The Musical” is a dark comedy about a sociopathic child actor. It runs April 4-13 at The Switch Theatre in Fishers. “This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing,” a modern-day fairytale about triplets, is the season’s Rising Star Production and is set for June 13-22 at The Cat.

Janowicz

“Steel Magnolias,” which opens the season Sept. 27 and runs through Oct. 3 at The Cat in Carmel, was staged by CCP in 1999 and 2013.

“So, I look forward to hearing the story with a new vision and generation of performers,” Janowicz said.

“Clue,” a funny murder-mystery inspired by the board game, is set for Nov. 15-24 at The Cat.

“Pride and Prejudice,” based on the classic Jane Austen novel, opens the 2025 portion of the season Feb. 28 and runs through March 9 at The Cat.

The premise of “American Son,” which centers around a missing Black teenager who might have been picked up by the police in Miami, closes the season Aug. 8-17 at The Switch Theatre. His parents, an estranged interracial couple, anxiously await news.

“I’m especially eager for our season closer, ‘American Son,’” Janowicz said. “It premiered on Broadway less than 10 years ago, has a powerfully relevant script and will definitely be a strong acting challenge for its small cast. It’s always fun to explore different time periods and eras in history, but ‘American Son’ draws us right back to the present day and demonstrates the importance of education through storytelling.”

For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

Narcan box installed at TFC

By Tirzah Rowland tirzah@youarecurrent.com

OVERDOSE

An emergency-use Narcan box was installed outside of Trinity Free Clinic, 1045 W. 146th St., in Carmel, April 18 and is available to the public 24/7 to help those dealing with the effects of a drug overdose.

Provided through a grant from Overdose Lifeline, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with substance abuse disorders, Butler PharmD student Molly Kracht, who works at the clinic, applied for the box.

“Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States and has impacted so many families. This crisis does not discriminate, and I want people to be prepared if they are ever in a situation where they could save someone’s life from an opioid overdose,” Kracht said.

The clinic stocks up to 30 doses of naloxone nasal spray with instruction pamphlets in English and Spanish. One dose can quickly reverse an overdose from oxycodone, hydrocodone, heroin and fentanyl and doesn’t affect people without opioids

in their system.

While Narcan is available at local pharmacies, the TFC team recognizes drug overdose as the No. 1 reason for accidental death in the United States and is passionate about everyone having access to the treatment.

Kracht encourages the public to know the signs of overdose: slowed breathing, choking, unconsciousness, small pinpoint pupils and blue skin.

JUNE 15TH | 12-3 PM

Our model homes are ready for their official debut! Join Beazer Homes for a food truck, music, sweet treats, & giveaways.

Molly Kracht pauses near the emergency-use Narcan box recently installed at Trinity Free Clinic. (Photo courtesy of Trinity Free Clinic)

New Raising Cane’s restaurant now open

news@currentinwestfield.com

Raising Cane’s is now in Westfield.

The popular fast-food chicken restaurant opened May 30 at 14909 Thatcher Lane. The restaurant, on the Westfield and Carmel border at Greyhound Pass, is the third Raising Cane’s in central Indiana and the eighth in the state.

GRAND OPENING

The restaurant features a wraparound outdoor patio, double drive-thru lanes, a dining room and interior decorations that pay homage to the local community.

During a grand-opening celebration May 30, check presentations for $1,000 each were made to the Westfield Education Foundation and Carmel High School Athletic Department.

“We’re excited not only to open this new restaurant in the (Westfield and) Carmel area but to be involved in the community supporting our customers beyond our box combos,” stated restaurant leader Zackery Cusimano, who began his career with Raising Cane’s at the brand’s first restaurant in Baton Rouge, La. “We look forward to serving our ‘ONE LOVE’ to the community.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 30 at Raising Cane’s, 14909 Thatcher Lane. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Chamber of Commerce)

Raising Cane’s operates more than 775 restaurants in 40 states, with plans to open 100 new locations across several new markets in 2024.

The new location operates daily from 10 a.m. to midnight. For more, visit raisingcanes.com.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed proposals for Tomlinson Road Widening will be received by the City of Westfield, Indiana, at the Westfield Public Works Building, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, Indiana, 46074 until 11:00 a.m., local time, on Friday, June 28th, 2024. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bids received later than the above time and date will be returned unopened. No conditional bids will be considered.

Project generally includes roadway widening, roadway milling and resurfacing, grading, installation of ditches and pipes, pavement marking, and signage on Tomlinson Road between 196th St and Chatham Hills Boulevard.

Bids shall be properly and completely executed on the Proposal Form obtainable at the office of the Owner. Each bid shall be accompanied by Form 96 Contractor’s Bid for Public Works, including Non-Collusion Affidavit as prescribed by the State Board of Accounts, completely filled out, signed, and notarized as required by the statutes of the State of Indiana, Section III of Part II of Form 96 titled “Contractor’s Financial Statement,” and acceptable bid security. The bid security shall be a certified check made payable to the Owner or satisfactory bond by an incorporated surety company in good standing and qualified to do business in the State of Indiana in an amount equal to 5% of the bid, said deposit being for the purpose of ensuring the execution of the contract for which bid is made. Any bid not accompanied by the above required items shall be deemed to be a non-responsive bid by the Owner

No consideration for escalation on prices can be considered; therefore, contractors are advised to not include any such escalation clauses in their proposal for this project.

The Contractors to whom work is awarded shall be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, and they shall be acceptable to the City of Westfield, Indiana.

No bidder may withdraw their proposal within a period of 60 days following the date set for receiving bids. The City of Westfield, Indiana reserves the right to retain the three lowest bid proposals for a period of not more than 90 days, and said proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said time. The City of Westfield, Indiana further reserves the right to waive informalities and to award the contract to the lowest and most responsible bidder or bidders, all to the advantage of the City of Westfield, Indiana, or to reject all Proposals.

The Contract Documents and drawings will be available to all interested parties from: Repro Graphix, 437 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or at eplanroom.reprographix.com.

Please direct all questions regarding this project to Joe Rengel, City of Westfield, Department of Public Works, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, IN 46074, (317) 619-8278, jrengel@westfield.in.gov

By: Michael Pearce, City of Westfield

U’ R E I N VITE D !

The Zionsville, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Westfield Lions Clubs are seeking volunteers to assist with Lions 2024 fall student vision screening program. Over 15,000 students in some 70 schools will receive a free eye screening and we need your help!

LEARN MORE: ZIONSVILLELIONS.COM/VISION

TRAINING PROVIDED: ZIONSVILLE LIONS CLUBHOUSE 115 S. ELM ST., ZIONSVILLE, IN. 46077

MONDAY, JULY 15TH, 7:00-8:30 PM

CONTACT: DAN DUMBAULD, ddumbauld@outlook.com

A league of our own

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

A small, framed photo in my office corner is more than 60 years old. It’s a picture of my All-Star Little League team from New Rochelle, N.Y., back in 1959 — all of us posed in our individual team uniforms and bound for the state championships in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. I wrote about this years ago, but doing a replay seems appropriate. Despite my love for baseball, I had not attended a major league game in many years. The other day, with my friend Joe, I went to Cincinnati to see the Reds play the Cardinals at the Great American Ball Park. Sitting there, sipping a beer, smelling the field, hearing the crack of the bat and watching players round the bases brought back memories of 1959. We were a motley crew: Jews, Hispanics, Italians, Blacks and Ryan, our Irish second baseman. Money was tight, so the city couldn’t dress us in spiffy new uniforms for the All-Star games. We couldn’t afford hotels, so the league arranged for us to stay in the homes of local residents. In the first game, I was thrown out at third base. I looked up to question the umpire’s call and

HUMOR

it was the guy whose house I was staying in.

In the first game, the score was tied in the ninth. The coach told us all to bunt, so we laid down the perfect dribbler four times in a row. It worked. We won by one run. The other team called us wimps, but the Daily News called us winners. In the final game, we lost badly. I made an incredible catch in center field, so we only lost by 10 runs.

Look at the picture on my Facebook page. See the faces of 14 boys who never considered race, religion or family heritage as an issue. We were a team. And a good one. As a result of those experiences, my guess is that most of these young men grew up free of prejudice — the kind that may someday destroy our country. That photo makes me feel better about who we can be.

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

Just because they can?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Through a spokesman, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently issued an ominous warning to we U.S. citizens. It seems that the tenacious Ukrainians have made use of some American-made weapons that we shared in humiliating their would-be occupiers and spurring an exasperated Putin to threaten the United States with “fatal consequences” and global conflict for not standing on the sidelines as Russia expands its boundaries as and when it sees fit. Threatening planet-wide thermonuclear war may seem a bit excessive. But who is going to stop him?

ESSAY

Closer to home, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett recently reversed direction on his once-effusive support for the local professional soccer team Indy Eleven to instead pursue a more grandiose script with “undisclosed” partners for a “confidential” plan. The flip-flop is supported by a few, elicits incredulousness from many and confounds almost everyone. The move by the local politician and attorney to become a real estate mogul may seem a bit of an

unexpected left turn. But who is going to stop him?

Others cheat on, or beat on, their spouses, because “what are they going to do about it?” The same is true for taking up multiple parking spaces, dishonesty in a business deal or kicking a dog. Justifications might include that they”deserved” it; the car was new; it is “only” business; or the canine was in our way. They all conceal the ugly truth of our motivation. Most of us act — occasionally, anyway — not from the pious nature of our moral character but from impulse. We bully and threaten just because we can. Do we enjoy the rush we get from the exercise of power, imagined or otherwise, more than we care about the dissolving social and institutional restraints on our desires? If we cannot stop bullying, all of us lose.

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

Blueprint for Improvement: Bold basement in Carmel

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 2016 in the Village of West Clay, this home’s finished basement provided ample space but lacked intention. Our team got to work, transforming the layout to include distinctive spaces and purpose.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Wall-to-wall carpeting was replaced with luxury vinyl plank flooring, providing the look of natural wood with added durability and minimal maintenance.

• Poplar cabinetry stained a deep indigo, paired with glossy porcelain tiles in the same shade, makes a bold and stylish statement.

• With a dishwasher, beverage fridge and microwave, the new wet bar provides everything needed for effortless entertaining.

• Indigo wood paneling not only helps to protect the wall from errant darts, but also makes a style statement that hits the bullseye.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS!

38. State agency in charge of highways, airports and railroads, briefly

39. “___, Brute?”

40. French water

41. Pun reaction, perhaps 42. Wicker material

43. Lose weight

45. Daniels School of Business deg.

46. Mapmaker ___ McNally

47. Maine’s capital

51. Churchill Downs event

54. Corroded

56. “___ the season...”

57. ISO woodwind

58. Ice cream treat at Indy Zoo

60. Tra-___

61. Frequently

62. Apt anagram of “evil”

63. Third largest city in France 64. Unemotional

65. Rapper-turned-actor Down 1. Prepare to “Wander Indiana” 2. Butler frat letter 3. Northside reservoir 4. Indiana tax ID 5. Shallow water hazards

6. Big name in insurance 7. Mirror image?

8. Generational development studied by Darwin 9.

30. Learning method

Guided trip

Honey bunch

Spoken

Hawaiian island

35. Winter road blocker

38. Crooked Stick golf club

39. Jacob’s twin

41. Aussie’s greeting

42. IU Health delivery doc

44. Comic British character who rarely speaks

45. “___ on the Bounty”

47. Colorado ski resort

48. Showing no emotion

49. Owner’s document

50. Thing of value

51. Barbie or Ken

52. Where a signed copy of Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse Five” sold for $240

53. Caramel-filled candy

55. ___ no good

58. Two, in Tijuana

shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com

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