July 23, 2024 — Westfield by Current Publishing

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Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVII, No. 25

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West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd

Dive into Delicious

Westfield brainstorms economic development for Grand Park

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

In 2007, Westfield envisioned the creation of an exceptional sports complex. Partnering with Hamilton County Tourism, Westfield studied the concept of a 400-acre multisport campus, and in 2010 the plan was put in writing. On June 21, 2014, Grand Park Sports Campus officially opened.

PROGRESS

But since then, there has been little planning for further economic development at Grand Park, including dining, entertainment, hotels and tourism opportunities. In 2023, Hamilton County Tourism initiated a study with Hunden Partners of Chicago, a real estate development advisory practice specializing in master feasibility studies for destination assets.

That study was completed in early 2024. Westfield’s Director of Economic Development Jenell Fairman presented the findings of that study to the Westfield City Council July 8. Fairman said in 2023, Grand Park recorded 1.3 million unique visitors, totaling 5.5 million visits to its 31 sports fields, 26 diamonds, and three indoor facilities. Development would focus on creating more opportunities for those visitors, including eatertainment — venues that include dining and entertainment — as well as retail, agritourism, family entertainment, hotels and sports technology centered office space.

“We’re looking for creating vibrant, mixed-use districts that support hospitality and community engagement,” Fairman said. “If anyone attended the (U.S. Olympic) Swim Trials (in Indianapolis) over the last month and had the opportunity to be on Georgia Street and see what was happening surrounding Lucas Oil Stadium and the convention center, that vibrant street environment where you can have a celebration and people can gather and they can celebrate this really amazing event that is happening in their community, we can have

that also in Grand Park.”

The study showed Grand Park is Indiana’s biggest tourism asset. Among all arenas, convention centers and sports complexes in the United States, Grand Park ranked as the 16th-most visited venue in 2023, just behind the United Center in Chicago and ahead of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, which had 4.9 million visits in 2023.

The study included market research to identify priority sites for entertainment, recreation, commercial development and residential development within Grand Park.

The result is a “what could be” development concept, created by Hunden Partners with assistance from MKSK Planning of Indianapolis.

The concept focuses on public space surrounding two existing stormwater ponds connected with a canal and boardwalk system.

“The idea with this would be to create a very impactful waterfront property where people can use paddle boards, kayaks,” Fairman said. “They would be able to rent them on one side and they could paddle through that canal over to the other side and have this opportunity for recreation on the lake. This is something that we really are lacking in Hamilton County, especially

for those of us who are further away from White River where we don’t really have the opportunity to get into the water and experience it as a nature feature. So, this would be a really great attraction for the area that would really center our mixeduse development.”

Fairman said the plans would include parking garages in addition to residential, hotel, retail, restaurants and entertainment. A winter park concept to potentially include an indoor ski slope is also included on the list of potential developments.

Fairman said the city has already begun the process of creating a detailed master plan of the area. Development of the area would likely come in three phases over a 10-year time span. Workshops for the master plan will continue through the fall. Fairman said a draft master plan should be ready for review by November, with completion and adoption of that plan by early 2025.

Mayor Scott Willis said the planning is long overdue.

“We have got to do a better job about what we’re creating around this park,” Willis said. “I think this is what we’ve been talking about in Westfield for a decade, and finally we have a vision for it. We’re going to be very aggressive moving forward.”

Grand Park had 5.5 million visits in 2023.

(Photo by Marney Simon)

Intersection study launched

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

The City of Westfield will conduct a study of Spring Mill Road to see if intersection improvements are required along the corridor between 146th to 193rd streets. Director of Public Works Jonathon Nail told the Board of Public Works and Safety in June the study is part of the city’s capital improvement plan.

INFRASTRUCTURE

A corridor study will be conducted by A&F Engineering of Indianapolis for $97,970, and will investigate intersections that have not been previously flagged for roundabout or signal installation.

Intersections include Greyhound Pass, Liberty Boulevard/Fieldgrass Run, Beechnut Drive, Countryside Boulevard, Wendover Avenue/Tricia Lane, Rambo Drive and Ogala Drive. However, the study does not mean that major changes are imminent.

“The traffic on Spring Mill isn’t quite high enough, and we don’t expect it to get high enough in the future to require a full four-lane boulevard section,” Nail said. “We

want to be very smart about how we build out our roadway system. The last thing we want to do is overbuild something that isn’t necessary. We don’t want to spend extra taxpayer dollars on a four-lane section if it’s never truly required. So instead, what we’re trying to focus on with this study is, where do we get the most bang for our buck with investments in intersections to improve safety and traffic flow on Spring Mill Road.”

Upon completion of the study, A&F Engineering will meet with public works officials to discuss analysis and make recommendations.

A study of Spring Mill Road will determine if intersection improvements are required between 146th and 193rd streets. (Photo by Marney Simon)

Westfield veteran calls for change to property tax law

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

A Westfield veteran has started a grassroots campaign to lobby elected leaders at the state level to increase the property tax deduction for veterans in Indiana.

SERVICE

Mike Madigan served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam. An Illinois native who lived in Wisconsin before moving to Indiana in 2020, Madigan said when he moved to Westfield, he was surprised to find the property tax exemption in the Hoosier State is far different from what was available in Wisconsin.

“I was 100 percent disability, and at 100 percent disability in Wisconsin, you don’t have to pay any property taxes,” Madigan said. “So, when we moved here, we were told there was a disability benefit. And then I got it, we built a home here. The first year was negligible because we were new. But the next year I got (my property tax bill) and I said, ‘Wait a minute, where is

this discount?’ So I researched it. They instituted it back in 1975 when a house was worth $39,6000. And they haven’t really touched it since.”

According to the Indiana statute on taxation, veterans with a disability of at least 10 percent that is service-related and who served during World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf Wars may receive a property tax deduction of up $24,960 from the assessed value of taxable, tangible property.

Veterans with total disability or who are 62 or older with a partial disability who served at least 90 days are eligible for a deduction of up to $14,000.

Although the value limit of assessed property was increased from $200,000 to $240,000 in 2024, Madigan said that does not represent true home values, especially in areas north of Indianapolis.

According to a Department of Veterans Affairs state-by-state analysis compiled in 2021, 7 percent of Hoosiers are veterans, totaling 396,542 residents — ranking Indiana No. 16 in the nation for veteran

population. Madigan said those veterans contribute to local and state economies. He said changing the property tax credit will entice more veterans to purchase homes in Indiana.

“We have a lot working for us, but we have to be able to attract these people,” he said. “We’re not doing very well on veterans’ benefits. The VA hospital is great down here, I have no qualms with that. But veterans can fall into these cracks and it’s very cumbersome to try and figure out. I’m challenging myself and everybody else (to support this).”

Madigan is in the process of presenting his petition for support to local veterans groups and municipalities, with the intention to bring it to lawmakers in 2025. The petition calls for increasing property tax abatement to 100 percent for disabled veterans and 25 percent for all veterans, and to raise the assessed value cap.

Those 18 and older interested in signing the petition can contact Madigan at santa. mike.52@hotmail.com.

For Jephrey, a backache could have ended in heartache.

Rebuttal testimony expected in Duke Energy rate case

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Westfield Mayor Scott Willis updated the Westfield City Council July 8 after announcing his plans to seek permission to participate in the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission rate case regarding Duke Energy’s proposed rate increase.

UTILITIES

quest to Indiana utility regulators, seeking an overall 16 percent tiered increase. The case was filed April 4 with the IURC and reflects an overall average bill increase of approximately 12 percent in 2025 and an additional 4 percent in 2026.

Westfield is one of a dozen groups and the only municipality seeking to intervene in the case. Willis’ administration has engaged with the law firm of Bose, McKinney, and Evans, LLC to represent the city, a firm he referred to as “a bulldog” with a history of “regularly winning these types of engagements.”

“I do recognize that we are growing very rapidly and that requires investments in infrastructure (but) that doesn’t hold water, in my eyes, for the increase that they are asking for,” Willis said.

Duke Energy has submitted a rate re-

The Indiana-based Citizens Action Coalition estimates users would see an average increase of $42 a month.

“Duke Energy’s proposal includes costs that should quite frankly be covered by their shareholders, not the ratepayers,” Willis said, adding that the proposal includes costs for cleaning up coal ash, costs for lobbying, costs of litigation costs for private aircraft.

“Folding these types of expenses into a rate that the taxpayers have to cover is just not a fair thing to ask,” Willis said.

Rebuttal testimony in the case is expected Aug. 8, and an evidentiary hearing is scheduled to begin Aug. 29. An order is expected in early 2025.

Willis

Funds for Westfield sidewalk project increased

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners approved an amended funding agreement for sidewalk installation in Westfield during their July 8 meeting.

CITY NEWS

The funds are part of the city’s 2022 project year Community Development Block Grant disbursement from the Noblesville Housing Authority, which administers and provides housing and community development services for all of Hamilton County.

“Westfield is our only municipality that has an active infrastructure going on, installing about 1,400 linear feet of sidewalk along Blackburn Road, just north of the North Glen Village mobile home neighborhood,” said Michelle Westermeier, Community Development Program manager. “They are about halfway through that project.”

The original fund request was $172,000. But with added costs, the completed project total is expected to reach $228,637. Commissioners approved an amendment to the funding agreement to add $56,637.

While the initial funds came from the 2022 budget, the amended funds will come from the city’s program year 2023 distribution.

Block grant funds are distributed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funds distributed to municipalities are generally earmarked for public infrastructure, housing, administrative services, public services and economic development that support local needs.

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners increased Westfield’s block grant distribution for a sidewalk project under construction on Blackburn Road.

(Photo by Marney Simon)

Trail connection coming to 161st Street

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

The City of Westfield has eyed another location for a trail connection.

RECREATION

In June, the Board of Public Works and Safety approved a contract with Etica Group architect and engineering firm of Indianapolis for $89,850 for a future trail along 161st Street from Oak Road to Carey Road.

Director of Public Works Johnathon Nail said Etica Group will conduct the work, including survey, design and drainage rightof-way for an approximate half-mile trail between Oak and Carey roads. He said the new trail will connect existing pedestrian pathways built as part of the 161st and Oak Street roundabout, tying into the existing trail to the east.

“This is a trail connection that has been missing for a while in our trail network,” Nail said. “It’s something that the residents of Oak Park (subdivision) really want to see

The trail will be 8 feet wide, which Nail said is consistent with the city’s other perimeter trials. The city’s larger named trails are 12 feet wide.

Once bid, project completion is expected by March 2025.

Learn about Westfield’s trial network at westfield.in.gov under the departments/ parks and recreation tab.

ESKENAZI

HEALTH FOUNDATION IS GRATEFUL TO

Honorable Bart Peterson and Amy Minick Peterson FOR THEIR LEAD GIFT

Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center, Indiana’s first community mental health center, provides comprehensive care for all types of emotional and behavioral problems. Patients of all ages are welcomed, from children to seniors, with a philosophy of care that stresses strength-based and family- and community-centered treatment utilizing the Recovery Model of treatment.

EskenaziHealthFoundation.org

A new trial will complete the connection from Oak Street to Carey Road along 161st Street. (Photo by Marney Simon)

Westfield increases road impact fees for developers

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

The City of Westfield has adopted a public works policy change to address the effect of the city’s rapid development on local roads.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Johnathon Nail, director of public works for Westfield, said the zone improvement plan is an amendment to the city’s comprehensive plan specifically related to road impact fees.

10-year time frame, which is the basis for the calculation of road impact fees,” Nail said. “The point is to fairly charge developers the impacts that they are causing in our roadway network so we can budget correctly and correct those intersections and segments in advance before it becomes a major issue for our residents.”

The document determined an updated road impact fee of $362.44 per trip, an increase of approximately $25 per trip over the current rate. The one-time fee is paid when developers are approved for permitting.

“We collect road impact fees from developers who are developing primarily vacant land. Those developments generate additional traffic, or trip generation, for those developments,” Nail said in a presentation to the Advisory Plan Commission July 1. “The fund allows us to improve roadways to handle future growth, and every five years we do a study to update that road impact fee.”

The 2,000-page study took existing data for traffic volumes and applied future weekday trip generation to those volumes to create a traffic analysis. “Trips” are a calculation of each time a vehicle utilizes the road in a 24-hour period. For example, driving children to school would require four “trips” — to and from school at the start of the day and the end of the day.

“This study requires a tremendous amount of data collection of existing traffic volumes within the study area, which is Westfield Washington Township,” Nail said. “We identify every intersection and every roadway segment as well as vacant land in the township that we expect to develop in the next 10 years.”

The survey identifies what traffic engineers deem acceptable and unacceptable traffic volumes based on 24-hour trip generation.

“That helps us determine which intersections need to be improved in that next

Road impact fees are determined by multiplying that per-trip fee by the estimated trip volume over a 24-hour period within various types of developments. Single-family developments are estimated at a lower trip count than multifamily or general retail developments.

“There is an increase there to keep us caught up with future development,” Nail said. “It is really important to understand that road impact fees are one of many costs for developers. We want to make sure we’re being competitive. We don’t want a draconian rate in place because it does stifle development in some cases.”

Nail told the Westfield City Council that many of the intersections in the survey that would move from acceptable to unacceptable traffic volumes with future growth are already included in the city’s long-term capital improvement plan.

A public hearing was held before the APC prior to the commission certifying the amendment. There were no comments at that hearing. The city council approved a resolution adopting the change July 8.

Estimated construction costs to determine road impact fees are based on 2024 construction costs.

The text of the plan is available at westfield.in.gov/egov/documents/1719408300_49498.pdf.

DISPATCH

Free shred days – Community First Bank of Indiana will host two free community shred days in Hamilton County. In Westfield, the shred event is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 25 at the CFB branch at 707 E. Ind 32. Donations can be made at the event to support Student Impact of Westfield. The Noblesville event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept 24 at the CFB branch at 17661 Village Center Dr. Donations will be welcome to support Family Promise of Hamilton County. Both events are drive through with a limit of five boxes per vehicle. All documents will be shredded on-site by PROSHRED Security and 100 percent of the paper is recycled. Learn more at CFBindiana.com/shred.

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

School assistance for children of veterans – Operation Back to School — also known as the Military Family Relief Fund Back to School Program — provides financial assistance to Hoosier veteran families experiencing financial difficulties. Offered by the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, the program provides $500 of assistance per qualified dependent for backto-school supplies and other school-related expenses. Applications are accepted through Aug. 30. Learn more at in.gov/dva.

Community connect – Community Connect is a free, secure and easy-to-use platform provided by the Westfield Fire Department that allows residents to share critical information to aid first responders and emergency response personnel when responding to a call for help. Residents can create an account, then add important household information including type of residence, whether there is a fire suppression system, if residents of the home have mobility or medical issues, if there are pets in the home and emergency contact information. The service is available to residents and businesses. Register for the free service at communityconnect.io/info/ in-westfield.

Mcguire

New real estate firm – Weichert, Realtors - EPG, a new real estate brokerage in Westfield, has joined the Weichert Real Estate Affiliates national franchise system. Weichert, Realtors - EPG is owned and operated by Jessica McGuire, a real estate broker with more than 24 years of experience. Weichert, Realtors - EPG, 144 W. Main St. in Westfield, serves Hamilton County and surrounding counties in central Indiana. The company is the 15th Weichert franchised office in the state of Indiana. Learn more at weichertepg.com.

Jams at the Junction, presented by Estridge Homes – Westfield’s summer concert series at Grand Junction Plaza includes 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.

Woofstock 5K supports shelter animals’ medical care

FUNDRAISER

The Humane Society for Hamilton County’s annual Woofstock 5K walk and run is set for Aug. 10 at Four Day Ray Brewing, 11671 Lantern Rd., Fishers, with the pet-friendly race starting at 8 a.m., rain or shine.

The fundraising event supports the shelter’s Survivor Program, according to the HSHC website.

“Animal welfare is difficult and heart-wrenching. Every day we see some of the worst medical cases in Hamilton County and the state,” stated Lily Darling, HSHC community engagement manager.

“As an open-admission, truly no-kill shelter, our Survivor Program and the support of our community allows us to provide second chances to animals who otherwise wouldn’t have them.”

The race is a timed course that participants can run, jog or walk with the entire family, including leashed and/or in-stroller dogs. Top youth, individual, corporate and team fundraisers will be awarded different prizes as well as overall 5K winners and age-group winners.

The first 1,000 participants who register before the race will receive finisher medals, shirts and swag bags. A virtual race option also is available. Any participant who registers to fundraise for the HSHC will have race fees waived if they raise at least $55.

Race participants also receive a free drink ticket to redeem at Four Day Ray on the day of the event.

For more and to register, visit runsignup. com/Race/IN/Fishers/woofstock.

Humane Society for Hamilton County’s annual Woofstock 5K is planned for Aug. 10 at Four Day Ray Brewing in Fishers. (Photo courtesy of the Humane Society for Hamilton County)

Cricket coming to Grand Park

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Kriya Shakti Foundation’s mission is to promote social wellness through arts and sports.

SPORTS

“We know arts and sports bring people together,” said Mangala Devauth, who founded the Carmel-based nonprofit with her husband, Badri Devauth.

So, it’s fitting that many of the foundation’s volunteers are part of a badminton club.

“The core support comes from the people who play badminton three days a week at The Jungle in Westfield,” Badri said.

Badri is the foundation’s president, while Mangala, who teaches classical Indian dance, is its artistic director.

The Carmel couple figure a cricket tournament would be a great way to bring exposure to the nonprofit. The KSF Cricket tournament is set for Aug. 10 at Grand Park in Westfield. The tournament starts at 8 a.m. and is planned to conclude with an awards ceremony at approximately 8 p.m.

Badri said the tournament will feature 20 teams, including some from Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville and Westfield, among other cities.

“We also have teams from different states,” he said. “We have four groups each with five teams. Each group plays at least four minimum games.”

The top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, semifinals and final.

“I’ll be giving customized T-shirts for each player, so we can identify which team they are on,” Badri said.

For each of the 55 games, $3 for each boundary (worth four runs) and $5 for every sixer (six runs) will be donated by Badri

and Rama Bodugu. The donations will go toward school supplies and backpacks.

“If the amount is big, we’ll divide between school supplies and a food drive,” Badri said.

Besides Badri and Bodugu, other main sponsors include Ravi Sajja and Chetan Moore.

The ceremony will honor the man of the match for each game. For the series, a best bowler, best batsman and a most valuable player will be awarded. The winning team earns $1,000 in gift cards and medals, and the runner-up team earns $500 and medals, with additional gift cards awarded to individual match winners. The grand prize is the Kriya Shakti Cricket League rolling championship cup.

Admission to the tournament is free. It will feature various entertainment activities, including live music, a bounce house for children and a range of food options available for purchase. There will be a free raffle every hour from 4 to 9 p.m. to win prizes. Seating is limited and spectators can bring their own lawn chairs. For more, visit Kriya Shakti Foundation on Facebook.

Badri Devauth and his wife, Mangala Devauth, are founders of the Kriya Shakti Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Mangala Devauth)

Saturday, August 10, 2024 | Four Day Ray, Fishers Register at WoofstockRocks.com or scan below!

Race in-person or virtually

Fundraise for PAWsome prizes

Leashed & in-stroller dogs welcome

Shirt, medal and swag for all participants

Proceeds benefit HSHC's Survivor Program and hundreds of animals in need

Police chief addresses organization at WPD

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Westfield Police Chief Shawn Keen was one of the featured speakers at last month’s Westfield Chamber of Commerce luncheon at The Club at Chatham Hills.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Keen, who was appointed chief in March and took over the post April 8, gave an update following his first two-and-a-half months on the job.

can be addressed by simple process changes, which are ongoing for the department.

“Overall, we’re saving a ton of money as we grow bigger and bigger. We don’t have to add an employee to do a job that we can eliminate entirely by changing the process,” he said.

Keen said while he spends a fair amount of time looking at department policies and procedures, his priority is people.

“As a police chief, the most important thing that you do is develop your officers, identify skills and their talents, and use those talents in the best service for the community that you serve,” Keen said.

Keen is in the process of building a new organizational chart for the department, looking to eliminate redundancies while planning for future growth. For example, Keen said requests from officers for items such as new shirts or pants end up going through a multilevel process before approval, which can take weeks to complete.

“I look at those steps and I think, ‘Why are we doing that? Why do each of these people have to take time out of their duties and their responsibilities to the taxpayers to approve a form just for (this one thing)?’ It doesn’t seem like a very good process,” Keen said, adding that all the extra red tape could affect other department operations.

Keen said those types of minor issues

“The first and most important thing that anybody can do is listen,” Keen said. “My first commitment when I got here was to listen to each and every employee.”

To accomplish that, Keen sat down with the department’s 78 officers and staff, with 1-on-1 meetings lasting anywhere from 90 minutes to five hours.

“It’s all been very valuable,” Keen said. “It’s not just about the people, the employees that we have and their skill sets; I also learn about the processes of this police department. And through that I’ve learned what’s been working and what’s not been working. I get a better grasp about what’s going on. In any organization, the most important resources you have are human resources.”

Keen said he is working closely with Mayor Scott Willis on appointments to leadership positions for the department to be more efficient and effective as it grows. Follow updates from the Westfield Police Department at facebook.com/ WestfieldPD.

Keen

The Westfield Public Safety building on Ind. 32 houses the WPD. (Photo by Marney Simon)

•

• Upgraded audio and video throughout

• Amenities such as basketball, pickleball, tennis, multiple pools, a gym, walking trails and more!

• Location, location, location! Just minutes from unique shopping, dining, and entertainment options!

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

School immunizations – All immunization records or exemptions for students in Westfield Washington schools must be received by the nurse at your child’s school by Aug. 8, as required by Indiana law. New students or those returning to school who received a message about missing information must provide proof of immunizations. Religious or medical exemptions approved for the 2023-24 school year expired on the last day of school, May 30, and must be renewed in order to be considered up-to-date. Immunizations are provided by your child’s healthcare provider, the Hamilton County Health Department, Trinity Free Clinic, Heart and Soul Clinic and clinics at local pharmacies. A list of required immunizations and forms for religious or medical exemptions can be found at wws.k12.in.us under the parents/health services tab.

Mill Street Closure – A one-block portion of Mill Street between Ind. 32 and Jersey Street is closed through Aug. 30. The closure is related to construction in the Union Square development and will not impact east/west travel on Jersey Street.

Information at your fingertips – Did you know you can view various project proposals currently undergoing required approval processes in Westfield? The city’s official website provides residents with a quick glance into proposed projects that are slated to come before the city for various stages of planning through the Community Development tab. To view items, log on to www.westfield.in.gov and click on Government.

Coffee Connections – The Westfield Chamber of Commerce will host Community Health Network executive leaders as they discuss plans for a new health care campus to serve the rapidly growing Westfield community at 8 a.m. July 25 at The Club at Chatham Hills. CEO Jason Fahrlander and Vice President/Hospital Administrator Derek McMichael will discuss plans for the new health care facility being constructed at 196th Street and U.S. 31, which will feature an ambulatory surgery center, medical office building, emergency department and six-story patient tower. The facility will offer a range of services focusing on women’s health, integrative medicine, orthopedics, primary care, behavioral health and specialty services. Register for Coffee Connections at westfieldchamberindy.com under the events tab.

COVER STORY

SHARING HER CRAFT

Westfield artist featured at Harrison Center

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

A Westfield-based painter is one of more than three dozen artists featured this summer at the Harrison Center in Indianapolis.

Kristin Whitney began painting in watercolors as a young girl. As a college student, she studied fine arts and graphic design, but painting was always her first love. In 2007, she became a missionary and graphic designer with Cru, an international nondenominational nonprofit organization. Although Whitney was able to combine her spirituality with her love of art, in 2012 she left missionary work to pursue art full time.

This summer, Whitney was selected as one of the Harrison Center’s featured artists.

“Every first Friday of the month, Indianapolis hosts a First Friday, where galleries downtown are open. It’s kind of like a gallery walk where you can go in and view all this art,” Whitney said. “The Harrison Center is really unique because it’s kind of like an artists’ hub.”

Whitney was invited to display her work in July and August. Her paintings are featured in the Underground Gallery, which takes up the entire basement of the space. Her collection, ‘Holy Spirit Flow,’ uses acrylics to convey how Whitney views the harmony of the Holy Spirit with human creativity.

The display has 21 pieces.

“All of my artwork is intuitive art, but the titles are based around Scripture or worship songs or what I’m feeling led to call it or to do,” Whitney said. “Nine of the pieces are about the fruits of the spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.”

Whitney said she worked hard to earn the recognition.

“I’ve been doing art since 2013. I have three little kids, so it’s busy all the time, so it’s just been a slow climb,” she said. “I’ve been slowly growing in the art scene here. I’ve been in the CCA Gallery on Main Street in Carmel. I’ve been there for about five years. I had to take some brief stints away when I had my children. I have a gallery space there. I have some artwork at High Frequency Arts in the Hub & Spoke Design

Center in Fishers. I teach a class online. I have some pieces in some medical offices. But really, the Harrison Center is an awesome thing.”

Whitney also participates in the Penrod Arts Fair in Indianapolis each year. Besides her gallery work, her artwork was also selected as featured wallpaper on the proposed Tempo by Hilton hotel in Clay Terrace.

Whitney said being an artist means not being afraid of being vulnerable.

“It’s always a little scary, but I think the reward is not when somebody buys your art. The reward is whether I like what I am

putting out and I know it’s good,” she said. “I know it could bless somebody else. So, my artwork, I’ve been able to have amazing conversations. I’ve cried with people and we’ve prayed together from them seeing something that moves them. That’s really what abstract art is all about; when you see the composition and the colors. It moves you on a spiritual level. It speaks to your soul.”

Whitney said that although her artwork is influenced by Scripture, one doesn’t have to be religious to appreciate it.

“To me it’s spiritual, but I think it can mean so many different things to every-

ABOUT THE HARRISON CENTER

The Harrison Center is a 65,000-square-foot historic building at 16th and Delaware streets that provides cultural experiences, including art, music, education and grassroots activism. The center focuses on accessible gallery experiences that can be enjoyed

by everyone.

The mission of The Harrison Center is “to be a catalyst for renewal in the City of Indianapolis by fostering awareness, appreciation and community for arts and culture.”

Learn more at harrisoncenter.org.

body else,” she said. She also has advice for others thinking about pursuing their artistic dreams.

“I think success is like a stairway. Sometimes you go up a few steps, and sometimes you go down a few steps,” Whitney said. “But I don’t feel there’s an upstairs to get to on that stairway. It’s just a slow climb. It’s a journey. What I would say is, just don’t ever give up. If you feel led to do this and it’s part of who you are in the core of your soul, don’t ever give up. Just continue to push forward and push into what you love.”

Whitney’s paintings will be on display at The Harrison Center through Aug. 30, and works are available for purchase.

‘Holy Spirit Flow’ can be viewed during gallery hours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St. in Indianapolis.

Learn more at kristinwhitney.com

ON THE COVER: Westfield artist Kristin Whitney is one of the featured artists at the Harrison Center in Indianapolis in July and August. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Whitney)

Kristin Whitney said her paintings are intuitive art inspired by Scripture. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Whitney)

Artist Kristin Whitney paints in her studio.

Average White Band’s farewell tour lands during Carmel Jazz Fest

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Average White Band co-founder Alan Gorrie said it is time to get off the road. The band launched a final tour this spring but will continue to make music.

“It’s the touring that is the hard part,” Gorrie said. “Being on stage is wonderful and still exciting. Since COVID, touring has become really difficult. It’s extremely expensive and hard to manage. We all felt it was time to give it our best show. I use an analogy of a boxer — you don’t want to go out when you are on the slippery slope down. You want to hang up your gloves when you are still at the top of your game. You don’t wait until you get knocked down on the canvas. With our age and experience, you know that’s what coming if you don’t call it quits.”

The Scottish funk and rhythm-andblues band will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Average White Band is the Aug. 10 headliner in the Aug. 9-10 Carmel Jazz Festival.

“It’s wise to let people see you one more time at the top of your game,” the 78-year-old Gorrie said. “Expectations are high for this band. We’ve been hugely respected by musicians, the musical community and audiences alike over the years, so you don’t want to diminish that respect by dwindling out.”

Average White Band was founded in 1972. Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre are the original members still performing. Gorrie shares lead vocals with Brent Carter. Gorrie also plays guitar and bass. McIntyre plays guitar along with vocals.

“Onnie and I have been on the road for more than 58 years,” Gorrie said. “We were in a couple bands before the Average White Band. We’ve been constant travelers since the mid-60s. We’ve put in our time.”

Average White Band has had to replace members through the years but remained intact. The group disbanded in 1983 and restarted in 1989 with Gorrie and McIntyre.

“Another analogy is that a great sports team can only stay great by bringing in new blood,” Gorrie said. “As people retire, or in our case a couple of people have passed away, you have to keep regenerating and rejuvenating. We’re very fortunate because of the respect (we have) in the musical industry. It’s never been hard for us to get the best talent who are a little younger than Onnie and I but have grown up playing AWB music and have fitted right in there as if they’ve been there all the time. In fact, one of our horn players has been with us for 28 years.”

Gorrie said there are six to 10 staples the band always plays, such as “Cut the Cake” and “Pick Up the Pieces.”

“We vary the rest depending on where we are playing,” Gorrie said. “We’re not pure jazz, but we’re on the jazzy tip of rhythm and blues. We do play a lot of jazz festivals.”

Average White Band had its farewell

tour of the United Kingdom in April and May, then began playing in the U.S. this summer. Gorrie said playing in the U.K. for the last time on tour was emotional.

“There were a lot of tears in the audience the very last night just outside of Manchester, England,” Gorrie said. “It was an emotional time for us and them. After 52 years of AWB, people have come to expect we might just go on forever. When people are all in the same venue and they realize this is the last time we’ll be playing in the United Kingdom, it’s a pretty heavy burden. We got through it with aplomb. It’s bittersweet when you know it’s the final run.”

Average White Band performed in May 2023 at the Madame Walker Theatre in Indianapolis.

“We haven’t played Indianapolis enough over the years,” Gorrie said. “We used to do a festival at the Indiana Convention Center in the 1990s and early 2000s. This is our first time outside (of Marion County).”

For tickets, visit thecenterpresents. org. For more information, visit carmeljazzfest.org.

‘LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” runs through Aug. 25 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE’

Main Street Productions presents “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” through July 28 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

‘CATS’

Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program’s production of “Cats” is set for July 25-28 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Deception: An Evening of Magic & Lies” is set for July 25; Ryan and Lauren Ahlwardt’s Human Jukebox is July 26; and Eric Baker & Friends presents Southern Calfornia in the ‘70s is July 27 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE

She’s Got Soul with Capathia Jenkins will perform July 26 and singer-songwriter Cody Fry is set for July 27 at Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Both performances start at 8 p.m. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

RENEGADES AND JUKE BOX HEROES

Styx and Foreigner, along with opening act John Waite, will perform at 6:45 p.m. July 26 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.

DISPATCH

Bandleader Meeks set for Live at the Center show — Bassist and bandleader Brandon Meeks will kick off the 2024-25 Live at the Center series at 7:30 p.m. July 30 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

From left, Average White Band Cliff Lyons, Rob Aries, Onnie McIntyre, Brent Carter, Alan Gorrie, Rocky Bryant and Fred “Freddy V” Vigdor. (Photo courtesy of AWB)

Film recounts boxer’s story

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Sugar Ray Seales was the toast of the U.S. boxing world after winning the Olympic gold medal in the light-welterweight division in the 1972 Summer Games.

DOCUMENTARY

Seales was seriously injured when he got a thumb to his eye during a 1980 fight with Jamie Thomas and suffered a detached retina. He eventually had to retire because of his loss of vision.

Zionsville resident Michael Husain directs “The Sugarman,” a 14-minute black-andwhite film about Seales regaining his eyesight, thanks to Dr. John Abrams, a Westfield resident whose main Abrams EyeCare Center is in Carmel.

The film will be featured in the Indiana Spotlight 2 at 7 p.m. July 23 at Theatre 3 at Living Room Theatres in Indianapolis.

An ophthalmologist, Abrams performed the surgery on Seals.

“The greatest save I’ve ever had on a surgery is Sugar Ray Seals, hands down,” Abrams said in the film. “It was a very com-

Sugar Ray Seales with his gold medal in “The Sugarman.” (Photo courtesy of Michael Husain)

plex surgery. He was basically legally blind.”

Husain said Seals coached Golden Gloves teams in Indianapolis for several years.

“He was a pretty respected coach, but he was losing the ability to do that as well,” Husain said. “He had eight failed surgeries to get the eyesight back.”

Husain said Seales had developed a massive cataract.

“Abrams said a normal cataract surgery is seven to eight minutes and Sugar Ray, to get his cataract off, took 3 1/2 hours,” Husain said.

Husain learned about it when talking with Abrams.

For more, visit indyshorts.org.

CIDE celebrates 25th season

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Central Indiana Dance Ensemble co-Artistic Director Ashley Jacobs has had a close-up view of the program’s growth.

DANCE

After all, her mother Suzann DeLay founded the organization, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

“It has been at the top of my priority list to continue my mom’s legacy,” said Jacobs, who was 12 when her mother started CIDE. “She built this company from eight company dancers, 30 in ‘The Nutcracker’ in 1999, to a company of 70-plus and over 120 in ‘The Nutcracker’ in 2023,” Jacobs said. “The company has become a pillar in the community and is known in the central Indiana area as having the best training in the state, so carrying on what she has started is of the utmost importance for me, the artistic staff and board of directors.

“On staff we have three alumni who have been trained by her, which is really exciting moving into the next 25 years with their past experience with CIDE.”

A gala celebrating the anniversary is set

for Jan. 25, 2025.

From left, Michael Casey Clark, Sue Finkam, Suzann DeLay and Ashley Jacobs. (Photo courtesy of CIDE)

“As we go into the next 25 years, I am extremely proud (of) and excited (for the) artistic staff and the continuance of my work.” said DeLay, who serves as executive director.

Delay was recently awarded the Outstanding Citizen Award from Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam and the Distinguished Hoosier from Gov. Eric Holcomb.

Jacobs serves as co-artistic director with Michael Casey Clark.

The season opens with “The Nutcracker” Dec. 13-15 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville.

For more, visit cidedaance.org.

CURRENT CRAVINGS SAVOR

Savor, 211 W. Main St. in Carmel, features Mediterranean- and Italian-inspired fare prepared over a wood fire in an open kitchen. Menu items range from handmade pasta, fresh seafood and luscious desserts (Savor owner and chef Henri Najem tried nearly 50 different combinations of ingredients to perfect the Gooey Butter Cake). Hours are 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Learn more and make a reservation at SavorCarmel.com.

MOST PHOTOGRAPHED:

courtesy of Henri Najem)

BEST WAY TO END THE MEAL: Gooey Butter Cake MOST UNIQUE MENU ITEM:

FREE EVENT CONCERTS AT THE CARMEL GAZEBO

Feeling strapped for cash but still want to have some fun? Each week, Current helps you find things to do without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s on tap this week:

Concerts at the Carmel Gazebo at 1 Civic Square is a series to provide a venue for families to enjoy arts and culture in the community. Concerts are free and accessible to everyone. Stella Luna & the Satellites will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. July 24.

OTHER FREE AREA EVENTS

SUMMER CELEBRATION — Options Westfield will host its fourth annual Summer Celebration 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 25 at 17721 Gunther Blvd. The Summer Celebration is open to the public and free of charge and will include a mechanical bull, inflatables, a video game trailer, corn hole and more.

Cioppino. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Film focuses on endometriosis

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hannah Lindgren is convinced it’s important to share her medical story.

DOCUMENTARY

Lindgren, 33, was diagnosed with endometriosis — a disease that can cause extreme pain in the pelvis — in 2017. She suffered several years before her diagnosis.

“Once I got diagnosed, I had a big learning curve on understanding how to deal with the disease. There is not a ton of research,” Lindgren said. “There are not a lot of specialists. There are people that claim to understand but don’t. It’s really taken those seven years since then to learn about the disease and find the right care. It’s always been important for me to be open about my journey and connect with other people about the disease.”

“The Invisible Crown” is a 20-minute documentary that focuses on Lindgren’s journey. It premieres at 12:30 p.m. July 28 at Newfields in Indianapolis as part of the Indy Shorts International Film Festival.

“We do hear from my mom (Brenda Myers) because she has been a huge support system to me,” said Lindgren, a Lawrence North High School graduate.

enced in my life (is rewarding).”

During the surgery, she got a second diagnosis of adenomyosis, a condition that causes endometrial tissue in the lining of the uterus to grow into the muscular wall of the uterus. The only treatment is a full hysterectomy.

For more, visit tickets.indyshorts.org.

’THE ICE CREAM MAN’

Following the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands during World War II, popular Jewish ice cream parlor owner Ernst Cahn was targeted by Klaus Barbie, the infamous “Butcher of Lyon.” The story is based on Cahn’s choice between resistance and death.

Myers is a Fishers resident. Lindgren lives in Indianapolis. Amelia Kramer, a Westfield High School graduate who lives in Indianapolis, is the director and editor. They are co-workers at Chop Shop Post, a post-production house in Indianapolis.

“I was honored she trusted me to tell her story,” Kramer said. “From there, we worked together with our team and created our story.”

This is Kramer’s first time directing a documentary.

“I’ve edited a lot of them and I’ve been working in the film industry for six years,” she said. “This film is about empowering yourself and giving validation to your feelings.”

Lindgren said although she has been open about her condition, it was a different feeling to have co-workers attend her major surgery in August 2023.

“It was therapeutic in the way Amelia approached it,” Lindgren said. “The film is about mental health, too. To be able to share that aspect of it as well and the work I’ve been able to do to overcome some of the medical trauma I’ve experi-

“The Ice Cream Man,” a 35-minute film, will debut July 25 at Indy Shorts. The historical story was filmed in Columbus, Michigan City and Amsterdam.

“(The film’s goal is) to highlight the incredibly outsized effect that one person can have on their community if they are brave enough to stand up and do the right thing,” said Geist-area resident Amy Pauszek, who serves as co-producer.

“Ernst Cahn’s actions ultimately led to over 300,000 Dutch citizens going on strike and shutting down Amsterdam, and the German war machine, for three days. It was the single-largest anti-Nazi protest in history, all because of one man.”

The cast includes actresses Jill Burnett, Patricia Kuhn and Mary Kate Temple from Carmel. Jennifer Haire, Carmel, is the line producer. Westfield residents Arlene and Tom Grande are the executive producers.

A July 25 screening in the 530-seat Tobias Theater at Newfields sold out. An encore screening set for July 27 sold out in one day.

“As a producer, I was determined to sell out every show and we probably could sell out more,” Pauszek said. “This is a powerful and important film.

For more, visit theicecreamman.movie.

Brenda Myers comforts her daughter, Hannah Lindgren, before her August 2023 surgery. (Photo courtesy of Hannah Lindgren)

Lindgren

Time ripe for summer salads

Commentary by Mark LaFay

Summer in central Indiana is the perfect time to enjoy fresh local produce, and there’s no better way to do that than by whipping up some delicious summer salads.

FOOD

With July here, the farmers markets are bursting with seasonal produce waiting to land on your plate. Also here is the summer heat and humidity and if you don’t like sweating when you eat, lighter options should be on the menu.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 AT 5PM THE

First Merchants Bank Red Carpet Arrival and Cocktail Reception Elegant dinner in partnership with Aaron Wealth Advisors Show-stopping dessert sponsored by Payne & Mencias Group Live auction supporting arts programming for the community Celebrate, dance and revel at the Gala After-Parties

HEADLINE PERFORMANCE BY Grammy-winning master trumpeter and composer

Now, I will say, I’m usually not one to default to salad for dinner, but the time of year makes a compelling argument. Let’s get building!

Start with a base of crisp greens from the local farmers market. Look for tender lettuce, peppery arugula or a mix of hearty kale and spinach. These greens provide the perfect foundation for layering flavors and textures.

Nothing says Indiana summer like sweet corn, and My Dad’s Sweet Corn is as good as it gets. Grill it until slightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob to add a burst of sweetness and crunch to your salad.

CHRIS BOTTI

Tomatoes are at their peak right now and you’ll find a rainbow of heirloom varieties at the market. Slice them thick and juicy. They have a rich, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh greens. Add some crisp cucumbers for a refreshing bite.

For a touch of creaminess, crumble in feta cheese from Sirocco Ridge Creamery. Its feta is tangy and rich, adding a delightful contrast to the sweet and savory elements of your salad.

Find more information and our table reservation guide at

No salad is complete without a bit of protein and bacon from Old Major is a game-changer. Cook it until crispy, then crumble it over your salad for a smoky, savory kick that ties everything together. For the dressing, keep it simple. Consider using some local ingredients like Artisano’s Oils and Spices for balsamic and olive oil, and Eagle Creek Apiary for honey.

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old

Martial arts school relocating

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Master Yoo Tae Kwon Do, a martial arts school with locations in Carmel, Fishers and Noblesville, will relocate to a new Noblesville location later this year.

MOVING

Jujin Yoo, a taekwondo director at Master Yoo, said the purpose of relocating is to move into a newer facility. The Noblesville location at 14765 Hazel Dell Crossing has been open since 2007.

The new, bigger location at 6199 Promenade Shop Blvd., is a brand-new building that is expected to open by September.

“We’ve been at the Noblesville location for 17 years now, and the building is getting old,” Yoo said. “We just want to provide a better facility in a newer, bigger space for our students. We have a lot of kids coming from the northside, so the new location will be good for our current and future students.”

Yoo said the business teaches martial arts and life skills to children and adults.

She said the same programs will be taught at the new location.

“We teach the Olympic sport of taekwondo, but we also teach life skills such as focus, respect and confidence,” Yoo said. “Our mission, which will continue at the new location we’re building, will be to teach people, especially kids, taekwondo in a happy and healthy environment and encrypt those life skills to apply them daily.”

Master Yoo’s Noblesville location partners with local schools, which Yoo said she wants to continue as the business moves into its new space.

“Hopefully, we maintain a good relationship with the local schools and find a way to support them. We do a lot of fundraising events,” Yoo said. “So, if local charities or schools need our help with fundraising, we want to be part of that and maintain good partnerships with the schools and community.”

A grand opening and ribbon-cutting date will be announced in the next few months. For more, visit masteryootkd.com.

Thinking of selling your home? DO THESE THINGS.

When selling your home, the first and most important thing you can do is hire an experienced professional with a proven track record. Why? Your home is your single most significant investment. Having an agent who can navigate the nuanced challenges of selling a home, resulting in a successful closing, is critical.

Next, prepare your house for the market.

Our number one recommendation is to have a pre-listing home inspection. Why? This allows you to eliminate surprises, control the narrative, and make negotiations more manageable. Regardless of the age, condition, or how well you have maintained your house, the inspector will still identify various items that need attention. It’s helpful to know about these before listing your home!

This may be overwhelming, but the expertise of your real estate agent will help you prioritize the order of importance for suggested repairs within the report. If working with ERG Homes, we have excellent relationships with contractors who can quickly knock out the repair list! We will connect you and coordinate the appropriate contractors to make repairs. We will even serve as project managers for your repairs! Our goal is to create a stress-free experience for you!

An inspection is a primary component of every real estate transaction. Whether you decide to have one done before listing or the Buyer has one completed during the purchase process, why not get ahead and control that process?

At a minimum, when you are thinking about selling your home, we recommend that you do the following things:

 Have your HVAC cleaned and serviced by a professional. Along with your paid receipt, request a report that provides a written assessment of the systems.

 If you have water stains on the ceiling, have them professionally painted AFTER confirming there are no active leaks. If you have actual leaks, fix them!

 Check your attic - it is not uncommon for there to be evidence of an active or

past critter, a disconnected bathroom vent, mold, and sometimes a bat or bats.

 Check your crawl space - more often than not, there is evidence of a critter, water seepage or standing water, mold, debris, etc.

 Inspect your gutters and downspouts. Make sure your gutters have been cleaned and the downspouts are carrying water away from the house.

 Consider having your windows professionally cleaned - dirty ones are often identified as having failed thermal seals.

 Repair any rotted wood on the exterior of your home.

 Run through your plumbing. If you have a leaking faucet, loose toilet, faulty shower diverter, etc have these repaired.

 Electrical issues should be addressed. If you have a faulty outlet, a GFCI that won’t trip, an interior or exterior light that doesn’t work, etc have these repaired.

After completing these items, we encourage you to declutter, organize closets, enhance your curb appeal, consider painting, and professionally deep clean your home. You have one opportunity to make your best first impression; the prep work is worth it. Anything less will leave money on the table in the form of price reductions, inspection concessions, and days on the market. Being proactive allows you to understand the condition of your home, make necessary repairs, and avoid stressful negotiations.

Let us help you secure the biggest return on your home in the fewest days possible.

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

July 23, 2024

Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com

Survivor’s guide to staying alive

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Survival magazines are periodicals intended for people who are dedicated to stayin’ alive, not the 1977 Bee Gees hit, but those committed to surviving an inevitable catastrophic event. What will it be? An earthquake? A volcano? A tsunami? The next election?

HUMOR

These people are sure that in the near future, they are going to have to hunker down with their immediate family, probably underground. So, for somewhere between five days and 25 years, they hope to avoid just about everything that can happen in a Tom Cruise movie.

The magazines are full of cheery articles, as evidenced by cover headlines like Surviving the World’s Worst Typhoon; How to Choose a Survival Firearm; Arrange Backup Ammunition; Post-Disaster Tools; and my favorite, The Day the Cell Phones Died, which for me was yesterday.

My favorite feature is titled: Don’t buy survival food … until you read this. Nuts. I had already done my apocalypse shopping and now I was stuck with 147 fruit cakes.

One writer advocates a brand of survival food going so far as to say that it is “better than any survival food I’ve eaten.” This is the kind of testimony that is hard to discount, not unlike the words of Charles Manson, who once observed that San Quentin had the best Salisbury steak of any prison he’d ever been to. You can’t buy PR like that. “The product literally flies off the shelves,” the unidentified author writes. You can expect that line to show up on a lot of English teachers’ lesson plans on exactly how not to use the word “literally.”

In one paragraph, the author notes that “many people with good intentions are

“If you order a survival kit, which includes these meals, you get 5,550 heirloom survival seeds. Who counted these out? Whoever it was is not going to have any problem occupying himself underground for two decades.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

making critical food mistakes when stockpiling food.” I see this a lot when I am at Golden Corral for dinner. Do people ever learn?

The writer’s biggest concern appears to be that some of the MREs (Meals Readyto-Eat) available in stores may only have a shelf life of five years, which is less than the lifespan of a jar of honey, but about four years, 11 months, three weeks, six days and 22 hours longer than a tub of potato salad at a picnic.

If you order a survival kit, which includes these meals, you get 5,550 heirloom survival seeds. Who counted these out? Whoever it was is not going to have any problem occupying himself underground for two decades. Also thrown in with the deal are four hardcover books. They don’t tell you what the books are about, but with so much time to kill, I’m not sure anyone will care — as long as they are not library books. Oh, by the way, you also get a really cool 11-in-1 survival knife. After all, when you are about to go underground for the rest of your life, you deserve a lovely parting gift.

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

INVITATION TO BID for the Project:

WESTFIELD-WASHINGTON SCHOOLS

MIDLAND TRACE ELEMENTARY

16900 Towne Road

Westfield, IN 46074

Pre-Bid Conference: This meeting will be conducted virtually.

July 19th, 2024; 9:00 am (EST)

https://tinyurl.com/Midland-Trace-Prebid-Meeting Bid due date:

August 7, 2024; 2:00 pm (EST)

Notice is hereby given that Garmong Construction Services (“CMc”), is requesting bids from qualified contractors to provide work and services related to the public work projects located at Westfield-Washington Schools for Midland Trace Elementary, in Westfield, IN.

Bids must be submitted electronically using Building Connected.

The sealed bids for this project at Westfield-Washington Schools for Midland Trace Elementary will be received electronically until August 7, 2024, at 2:00 PM (EST).

All bids received at such place, date, and time will be opened and read aloud publicly at the location listed above immediately after the posted time. All bids received after such time or incomplete bids will not be considered.

All work for the complete construction of and services for this project shall be performed under contracts with the CMc. The form of the contract is set forth in the bidding documents. Bidders must submit a completed SBOA Form 96 financial statement, statement of experience, proposed plan or plans for performing the work, and the resources, labor, technology, materials, supplies, and equipment bidder has available for the performance of the work. Bidders must include a satisfactory bid bond or certified check pursuant to Ind. Code § 36-1-12-4.5, payable to the CMc. Bid security shall be in the amount of 5% of the bidder’s total contract price and shall be payable to the CMc. Should a successful bidder within ten (10) days after written notice of acceptance of bid withdraw its bid, fail to provide the required payment and performance bonds, or execute a satisfactory contract, the CMc may then declare that bid security forfeited as liquidated damages, not as a penalty.

Bidding documents for each project, including plans and specification are on file with the CMc and examined at https://tinyurl.com/Midland-Trace-Elementary (“Bidding Site”) Bidders must establish an account on the Bidding Site in order to be added to a distribution list to allow the bidder to receive communications, notices, and addendums related to the bidding documents.

Prior to approval and execution of the CMc’s contracts, each contractor who is the successful bidder for a project shall furnish an approved performance and labor and materials payment bond in the amount of 100% of the contract amount, which shall cover the faithful performance of the contract and the payment of all obligations arising thereunder. Performance and payment bonds shall remain in full force and effect for a period of one year after the CMc’s acceptance of the work and CMc’s final settlement with the successful bidder.

CMc reserves the right to hold bids, including any alternates, for up to sixty (60) days from the date of the bid opening. CMc reserves in its sole discretion the right to cancel the solicitation, reject any or all bids, is not obligated to accept the lowest or any other bid, and may waive any irregularities, discrepancies, omissions, variances or informalities in the bidding procedure.

A meeting for discussion of this project, reviewing the scope of work, project specifications and drawings, contract documents, qualifying requirements, and other important matters will be on July 19, 2024, at 9:00 am EDST. All prospective offerors are encouraged to attend this important meeting. Offerors will be responsible for complying with items discussed at the meeting.

Questions regarding this project, or requests for fair and equal treatment, can be directed in writing to the CMc via Bidding Site or at bochsenhaut@garmong.net

SCAN HERE

TO HAVE CURRENT DELIVERED TO YOUR PHONE

Blueprint for Improvement: Sleek and stylish Indianapolis kitchen

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 1977, this Mystic Bay condo was prime for a modern upgrade, starting with the kitchen. Our team transformed the space into a sleek, contemporary haven that radiates a fresh vibe and perfectly reflects the homeowner’s style.

THE BLUEPRINT

• New flat-panel cabinets, gleaming chrome hardware and a tonal palette establish a modern and sophisticated aesthetic.

• Removing the bulkhead allowed us to extend the cabinetry to the ceiling, creating a bold, streamlined look with enhanced functionality and storage.

• Reworking the layout enhanced the flow between the kitchen and dining room, allowing for the addition of a larger island and wine fridge.

• Double doors leading to the new deck flood the space with natural light and showcase stunning lake views.

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.

Meridian Audiology LLC is a small private Audiology Practice owned and operated by Dr. Alison Wyss and Kira VonBlon, M.S. We have 40 years of Audiology expertise between us and pride ourselves on being able to give as much of our time to our patients as they need. We won’t rush you through the process like those in ENT or Retail Audiology, but we will spend the necessary and wanted time with you to help you know your questions are valuable and your patient experience is our top priority.