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Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVII, No. 35
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New stamp to feature Newfields painting
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A painting that spent much of the past 40 years in storage at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields in Indianapolis will make its way around the world this holiday season.
UNVEILING
The Madonna and Child from the workshop of Italian Baroque painter Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato (1609-1685) and included in the collection at Newfields is the featured artwork on the 2024 United States Postal Service Christmas stamp, a First-Class Forever stamp.
The stamp was unveiled during a special ceremony Sept. 17 at Newfields.
Belinda Tate, who serves as the Melvin & Bren Simon Director of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, said the artwork has not been displayed at the museum since the 1980s. The piece underwent conservation treatment in 2024.
“We recognize the importance of the United States Postal Service and the integral role in shepherding visual and written communication on which we depend every day. This is especially true in the fall and winter season when millions of greetings of love and comfort travel across the United States and the world,” Tate said. “It is an honor for the IMA’s Madonna and Child to be included among the artworks that will accompany these messages in the form of a postage stamp.”
Clowes Conservator of Paintings Roxy Sperber said the painting had not undergone conservation treatment for more than 80 years. Scientific techniques that were not available when the painting was last featured at IMA showed the canvas had previously been torn and restored, leaving markings on the painting that have now been corrected.
“As I began conservation treatment, the quality of the painting really became apparent,” Sperber said. “You can see these beautiful red and blue pigments that started to emerge. The lovely handling of the flesh in the Christ child and the Madonna’s faces really struck me.”
Sperber said analysis of the materials shows the paint was sourced from Afghanistan and imported to Europe, making that paint more valuable than gold at the time.
“This is an indication that the painting is actually very valuable, important work,” Sperber said.
Curatorial assistant Sadie Arft said that while the painting has not been displayed in 40 years, it was at one time a popular piece at IMA. Arft said the painting is more subtle and subdued than some of the artist’s other works, which makes the selection as this year’s stamp unique.
“She is only one of a couple of Madonna’s from (Sassoferrato’s workshop) that are looking out and looking at us, as though she is inviting us into the painting,” Arft said.
Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb, who assisted with the unveiling of the stamp, said Newfields is one of the most important cultural institutions in the state.
“I love sending and receiving hand-written notes,” Holcomb said. “A stamp can
provide a small expression in the same way art can articulate a story and emotion or a shared history.”
Representatives from Newfields said the U.S. Postal Service keeps the process for how stamp artworks are chosen a secret, but said they were informed earlier this year that the Sassoferrato painting was one of 35 finalists out of 30,000 potential selections.
This is the second Sassoferrato painting to be used as a stamp. A similar painting was the official Christmas stamp in 2009. Two-hundred million stamps were commissioned, enough to last through 2024 and 2025.
The artwork will be on display at Newfields throughout the holiday season.
Unveiling the 2024 Christmas stamp at Newfields, from left, Jay Bigalke of Linn’s Stamp News, Indianapolis Postmaster Keith Blane, USPS Indiana District Manager Christi Johnson-Kennedy, Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb, IMA director Belinda Tate, conservator Roxy Sperber and curatorial assistant Sadie Arft. (Photos by Marney Simon)
The 2024 Christmas stamp and original painting are on display at IMA at Newfields.
Master planning underway for Grand Park area
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Negotiations continue between the City of Westfield and Grand Park Sports & Entertainment for management of Grand Park’s sports complex.
DEVELOPMENT
A resolution was introduced to the Westfield City Council in August to outline the terms of a public-private partnership with GPSE; however, that resolution has not yet been approved.
GPSE is a joint venture between Bullpen Tournaments and Indy Sports & Entertainment, the operator of Indy Eleven. Bullpen Tournaments operates baseball tournaments at Grand Park, while Indy Eleven is headquartered at Grand Park’s multiuse athletic fields.
Mayor Scott Willis told residents at a town hall meeting last month that negotiations slowed down after Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced plans to pursue an MLS expansion team, despite plans by Indy Eleven to develop a stadium in downtown Indianapolis.
“Myself and the council tapped the
brakes when the whole Indy Eleven thing started to explode,” Willis said. “We thought it was in our best interest as a city to understand how that would play out before we moved forward. We’re now moving forward. I thought we’d have this done by now, but it’s complicated.”
Willis said attorneys for Westfield and GPSE are negotiating language in the agreement, but he sees potential for the deal to be complete and GPSE to take over park management in early 2025.
Regardless of management decisions at the sports complex, Willis said the city is
A master plan is being developed for the Grand Park area.
(Image courtesy of City of Westfield)
Willis said Kokomo has nearly 20 times more restaurants than Westfield, proof that the city isn’t leveraging its sports complex to the best of its ability.
“Grand Park has not met, in my opinion, the objective of being that economic engine,” he said. “So, we are trying to find ways to capture more of the revenue from tourists who are coming into our city. Last year, we had 5.5 million unique visits at Grand Park. But when you look at where dollars are being spent, we rank third or fourth in the county in tourism dollars. We have to do a better job.”
focused on creating a vision for the future for the rest of Grand Park.
“What a visionary idea for (former) Mayor Andy Cook to come up with Grand Park,” Willis said at the town hall meeting Sept. 12 at Westfield Washington Library. “But Grand Park was always supposed to be an economic engine, a driver for our city. To date, it really hasn’t been. You see a lot of restaurants coming to Ind. 32, but I would argue that with our city’s population, those were coming regardless. But the location is certainly driven by the convenience to Grand Park.”
The city has developed a concept plan for the Grand Park area between Ind. 32 and 191st Street, and U.S. 31 to Spring Mill Road. The plan includes commercial development, mixed-use buildings, retail, residential and recreation opportunities.
“This is something we’re going to be spending a lot of time on over the next six months, carrying out this vision,” Willis said.
A master plan for the area is being developed and would likely include three phases over 10 years. A draft plan is expected to be presented to the city council this fall.
Budget slated for vote this month
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said he expects some minor tweaks from the city council before the 2025 budget is approved this month. But he said the budget is solid.
CITY NEWS
The budget was introduced in August, with adoption consideration expected by the end of October. The civil city budget totals $124 million, with an operational budget of $78 million, excluding bond payments.
Willis gave an update on the budget process during a town hall meeting Sept. 12 at Westfield Washington Library.
“If staff couldn’t justify how it supported (the four pillars), it went out of the budget,” he said. “We’re going to be more fiscally responsible with your tax dollars.”
Willis said the city will spend more money in 2025 on infrastructure than the previous three years combined, allocating $42.5 million for roads, roundabouts and trails. He expects that trend to continue into 2026
The zero-based budget allocates spending for all cash, which will reduce the amount the city has in reserves.
DISPATCHES
Voter webinar — The Hamilton County Clerk’s Office will host a webinar at 6 p.m. Oct. 2 for new and first-time voters. Hamilton County Election Administrator Beth Sheller will offer expert advice on how to register to vote, the process for requesting an absentee ballot and details on early voting opportunities. Registration is required. Sign up at tinyurl.com/first-time-voters.
“We have to justify every dollar that we’re spending,” Willis said. “I met with every director — and so did my chief of staff — and every dollar they have, (we asked) how they came up with that number. If a budget called for training, tell me where you’re going for training. Are you leaving the area? Are you staying at a hotel? Are you flying? We went to a granular level of detail. I can tell you with confidence every dollar that we’re going to spend next year in our budget.”
Willis said the budget reflects his vision of four pillars of success for Westfield: public safety excellence; transparency and accountability; quality growth and livability; and empowerment and improvement.
“We’ve been sitting on your money for far too long,” he said. “Right now, we have 150 percent of our operating budget sitting in cash. I am not a savings account and that is not fair to you all. You give up this hard-earned money and you expect it to be reinvested in your community, as it should, but we’re sitting on it. We’re going to spend down these cash reserves.”
Willis said the new budgeting model means the city will have 56 percent of its operating budget in cash reserves at the end of 2025.
The tax rate will remain flat at .7175.
The budget is anticipated to go before the city council for a vote Oct. 28. By state law, the budget must be adopted by Nov. 1.
See the full budget document at tinyurl. com/2twt6dmp.
Breakfast for veterans — Hamilton County Veterans Corp will host a free breakfast at 9 a.m. Oct. 9 at the Barrington of Carmel, 1335 S. Guilford Rd in Carmel, for American Legion and VFW post commanders and their Post Adjutant or other officers or members who want to help military veterans in Hamilton County. Breakfast is courtesy of Hamilton County Veterans Corp and Stronger Veterans Stronger Communities Coalition. Attendees will learn about the Governor’s Challenge on veteran suicide prevention and how veteran organizations play a role in assisting veterans in crisis. Learn more at hamiltoncountyveterans.com.
Applications for ISP — The Indiana State Police is accepting applications for the 87th Recruit Academy for traditional and lateral applicants. Applicants must be a United States citizen; between the ages of 21 and 40 as of July 17, 2025; meet minimum vision standards; and must have a high school diploma or GED. Interested individuals must apply online at IndianaTrooper.com. by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 13.
Willis
Allied Solutions secures naming rights to Center
SPONSORSHIP news@youarecurrent.con
The Center for the Performing Arts and financial services provider Allied Solutions have entered a seven-year sponsorship agreement that will rename the nonprofit arts organization and the three-venue campus it operates at Carmel City Center.
For the newly dubbed Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, the partnership reinforces financial stability and provides a greater pool of resources to sustain and expand programming, Center President/CEO Jeffrey C. McDermott said. Opened in 2011, Allied Solutions Center is best known for the annual Center Presents concert season, which features national and international artists in a range of genres, as well as a broad menu of educational and experiential opportunities for people of all ages.
“Allied Solutions has supported the Center from the very beginning and that relationship has provided great value on all sides,” McDermott stated. “We couldn’t be
more pleased that such a highly respected national company, headquartered right here in our community, sees the value of taking our partnership to a new level that will prove transformative for the center in the years to come.”
The agreement was announced Sept. 25 during an event at the Palladium. Financial details were not disclosed.
Carmel-based Allied Solutions has sponsored the Center Presents season since 2015.
“We’re invested in creating vibrant communities for our employees, residents and visitors,” Allied Solutions CEO Pete Hilger stated. “Through this partnership, we are supporting some of the most dynamic arts and performance venues in the region and a campus which also serves
as a community hub, hosting award-winning cultural events, including Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt.”
McDermott said support from Allied Solutions will provide more flexibility in booking artists for the Center Presents season and enable the continued expansion of educational programs while making them more affordable and accessible to underserved groups.
With the 1,500-seat Palladium concert hall and the neighboring James Building, which houses The Tarkington and the Studio Theater, the center’s 6.5-acre campus on City Center Drive provides a rent-free home for six resident arts companies: Actors Theatre of Indiana, Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, Civic Theatre, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and Indiana Wind Symphony.
“We couldn’t be more pleased that such a highly respected national company, headquartered right here in our community, sees the value of taking our partnership to a new level that will prove transformative for the center in the years to come.”
– CENTER PRESIDENT/CEO JEFFREY C. MCDERMOTT
McDermott
Westfield artist’s Puzzle Pieces show coming to Carmel
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Emilea Lindgren has always had a passion for art, but taking a break during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 provided a boost she needed.
PAINTINGS
“I have a background in makeup artistry and photography, which all help me to capture better portraits,” Lindgren said. “I didn’t go to art school. I did go to cosmetology school as well as getting my business degree as an adult. But my love of art has always been there and I started really taking it seriously when COVID hit. Sitting at home all day, I finally decided to become a better artist and I spent eight-plus hours most days practicing. That practice is what made it possible for me to become a professional artist in a shorter period of time. I love trying new concepts to take my portraits.”
The Westfield resident’s “Puzzle Pieces Art Show” is set for 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 5 at Studio E Carmel, 1030 S. Range Line Rd., Suite 230. Admission is free.
“This specific show revolves around a concept that I came up with about two years ago,” said Lindgren, who grew up in Zionsville. “I do a paint pour and then use puzzle pieces to paint portions of a face, and it makes your brain fill in the blanks. I have made 30-plus pieces from small to large with a wide variety of price points since I’ve found prints don’t translate well with this style.”
There will be an opportunity to enter
a drawing for a special painting for $5 a ticket.
“My birthday is in October, so while I usually do a few a year, this show is always the biggest,” said Lindgren, who turns 31 Oct. 17. “I love challenging myself with a new goal for a new year of my life.”
Ten percent of the proceeds will go to the Organization for Autism Research.
“I have been trying to do more good with my art and this charity is near and dear to my heart since my sister has autism,” Lindgren said. “Puzzle pieces are recognized as one of the main symbols for autism awareness and acceptance. This symbol is meant to represent the complexity and diversity of the autism spectrum — the unique pieces that make up each individual with their own strengths and challenges and symbolize the importance of bringing together different perspectives and the effort to create a more inclusive society.”
Lindren said she has learned a lot through her sister.
“I have seen the challenges of living with autism, the amazing possibilities, as well as the way society sometimes treats those with special needs,” she said. “Rather than trying to find a cure or make individuals fit a mold society has deemed normal, I think it is important to try to understand individuals with autism, as well as provide them and their families with the necessary resources and information for best quality of life and autonomy no matter where they land on the spectrum.”
For more, visit Studioecarmel.eventbrite. com and researchautism.org.
Emilea Lindgren’s Puzzle Pieces Art Show is set for Oct. 5 in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Emilea Lindgren)
Halloween is for the dogs
news@youarecurrent.com
Westfield will welcome man’s best friend for a special event at Asa Bales Park this month.
PET EVENT
Barktoberfest, presented by Community First Bank and Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming, returns to Asa Bales Park, 205 W. Hoover St., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 5.
The Halloween-themed afternoon includes a canine agility course and pet-related vendors at the Mutt Mart. Professional pet portraits and caricatures will be available.
The Humane Society for Hamilton County will be on hand with dogs that are available for adoption. The Humane Society will collect items frequently needed in the shelter, such as Easy Cheese, canned dog and cat food, 55-gallon trash bags and plush toys. Donations help reduce costs in the shelter’s operating budget. Attendees who donate items will be entered into a raffle for one of three gift baskets worth more than $100 each. Additional raffle tickets from the Humane Society will also be available for $5 per
ticket.
Tickets to enter Barktoberfest are $10 per person. Children 10 and under are free. Tickets are not required for dogs.
Barktoberfest is sponsored by Westfield Welcome. Learn more at westfieldwelcome.com/barktoberfest.
Barktoberfest returns to Westfield Oct. 5. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Welcome)
County commissioners consider Baker’s Corner development Man charged in senior scams
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A crossroads of Hamilton County north of Westfield and east of Sheridan has been eyed by Hamilton County Commissioners for a housing development opportunity.
COUNTY NEWS
County Commissioners Mark Heirbrandt, Christine Altman and Steve Dillinger discussed the potential development during a town hall meeting Sept. 19 at Sheridan High School.
Heirbrandt said the housing development is part of the county’s comprehensive plan, specifically development of the U.S. 31 corridor.
Planning for a housing development at Baker’s Corner — a small residential area at 236th Street and Dunbar Road — began when the county allocated $65 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to extend water and sewer to the area. Commissioners said the groundwater was
contaminated and several septic systems in the area had failed, which prompted the infrastructure project. An additional $30 million provided by the State of Indiana was used to extend those improvements further to the Indiana National Guard Armory in Kokomo.
Commissioners said the housing proposal on 67 acres of county-owned property is in response to growth.
“We are trying to solve the issue of painful housing in this county,” Altman said. “The land costs have escalated, they continue to escalate and we’re at a point where your kids, my kids, when they leave and come back because they want good school systems, cannot afford housing.”
Altman said the new housing would target residents such as teachers, health care workers and law enforcement. Commissioners said it would not be government subsidized, but would be affordable.
County Commissioners said they would vote against the housing project if the majority of Sheridan residents opposed it.
CRIME
news@youarecurrent.com
An Illinois man accused of allegedly scheming to steal from the savings and retirement accounts of elderly victims has been charged in federal court with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud.
Abdul Mohammed, 31, of Des Plaines, Illinois, allegedly participated in a scheme in which conspirators contacted elderly victims and posed as government agents.
The alleged scam involved tricking the seniors into believing their accounts had been compromised and asking them to convert their savings and retirement accounts to cash or gold bars and give them to law enforcement for protection.
Victims were contacted by someone identifying himself as “Agent Roy” and were instructed to withdraw funds — in one case $80,000 — from retirement accounts and exchange it for gold bars or the account would be frozen by the IRS.
A member of the conspiracy, acting as “Agent Roy,” met a victim in a Meijer parking lot in Westfield to collect the gold
bars. Even after delivering the gold, the victim was led to believe their money was not safe and they needed to give the fake agents more money.
According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Indiana, on Dec. 9, 2023, an unknown conspirator emailed an elderly victim a document with a purported FBI seal instructing them to withdraw funds. The release states that Mohammed later met the victim in the Westfield parking lot in an attempt to collect an additional $45,000 in cash.
“There is an outstanding warrant for the arrest of Abdul Mohammed… following a federal indictment alleging his involvement in a scheme to defraud elderly victims through false claims that federal law enforcement agencies were seeking to keep their money safe,” stated Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
If convicted, Mohammed faces 60 years in federal prison.
Anyone with information on Mohammed’s whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 317-595-4000 or FBI.gov/tips.
WESTFIELD OCTOBER CALENDAR
SHOWCASE & TASTE OF WESTFIELD
The Westfield Chamber will host the second Showcase and Taste of Westfield from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Grand Park’s main fieldhouse. The networking event features restaurants, service and health care providers, legal professionals, entertainment venues, food providers and more. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Purchase advance tickets at westfieldchamberindy.com under the “events” tab.
WHS ALUMNI NIGHT
Shamrock alumni are invited to RSVP for Alumni Night in the End Zone during the WHS homecoming football game Oct. 4 versus Avon. The first 250 former Rocks to sign up will enjoy a meal, snacks, water and treats before watching the game from the end zone. Gates open at 6 p.m., with food served until 7:15 p.m. Reserve passes at tinyurl.com/ywe4zc27.
MAYOR’S GRAND GALA
The City of Westfield will host the Mayor’s Grand Gala, presented by Card and Associates, Keystone Group and Indy Eleven, from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 5 at Grand Park Sports Campus. Tickets start at $200. Proceeds will benefit the Advancing Westfield Foundation. For tickets and sponsorship information visit westfieldgrandgala.com.
PARTY ON THE PATIO
Celebrate women-owned businesses in Westfield at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Collective Beauty on Main Street. The Party on the Patio event is hosted by the Downtown Westfield Association and will support Women in Westfield, an organization that empowers women to become an engaged community partner for themselves and the greater good. Collective Beauty and Women of Westfield are both celebrating five years in business in Westfield. Registration is $5 and limited to those 21 and older. Register at westfieldchamberindy. com under the events tab.
TRICK OR TREATING EVENT
Westfield Welcome hosts trick-or-treating at Grand Junction Plaza from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25. The community-wide event will feature booths from local businesses and organizations handing out goodies to local youth. The event is free to attend. Learn more about Westfield Welcome events at westfieldwelcome.com.
Eagles running back’s rushing totals soar higher
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Community High School football coach Scott Turnquist is impressed with the strides junior running back Sam Manna has made this season.
“Sam has done a great job developing his vision and understanding of the run game and how it fits together,”
Turnquist said. “It shows growth when you are able to take the things you’ve seen in the past and implement it into your performance. He worked hard in the offseason to develop in every way.”
Turnquist said the experience and repetition has helped his progression, too.
“He has an understanding of how things fit together if they are done right and done well,” Turnquist said. “If you make your offensive line right, it goes a long way to making them feel great, too.”
In the first five games, the 5-foot-8, 188-pound Manna has rushed for 570 yards
MEET SAM MANNA
Favorite athlete: Nick Chubb
Favorite movie: “Remember the Titans”
Favorite vacation spot: Florida.
Favorite musician: Drake
on 122 carries and six touchdowns.
The Eagles won three of their first five games, matching last season’s win total of 3-7.
“He’s been a huge contributor so far and we have guys around him that have done the same,” Turnquist said. “He’s certainly stepped up in a lot of big situations.”
As a sophomore, Manna gained a teamhigh 392 yards on 112 carries with one touchdown.
“This year I’ve made the most improvement with my vision and hitting the gaps hard once I see them without second guessing and getting positive yards after
contact,” Manna said. “I feel like my vision is just carrying me to the right gap every time and I’ve learned to really trust that I’m seeing the right thing and that the gaps are going to be there. That trust that the gaps will be there all starts upfront. Those guys have been working hard all year and I’m grateful for what they’ve been providing me with this season.”
Manna has always been a running back.
“Since the first day on earth I can remember football has always been a big thing for me in life and I’ve always been naturally gifted to play running back,” he said. “I would describe my running style as an elusive back who can make people miss in open space with speed. I also am able to get downhill and get tough yards when needed.”
While growing up. Manna played several other sports, including basketball, wrestling, swimming, soccer, lacrosse and track. Manna, whose goal is to play college football, is still competing as a sprinter in track and field for the Eagles.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week contact mark@youarecurrent.com.
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herniated discs and work-related injuries
• Management of simple and complex spine problems, including revision surgery
Zionsville Community High School junior running back Sam Manna averaged more than 110 yards per game in the first five games. (Photo courtesy of Nolan Adams)
Manna
DISPATCHES
Internship program – Applications are now available to intern with Indiana House Republicans for the 2025 legislative session, which begins in January and concludes in April. House interns earn $900 biweekly and work full time, Monday through Friday. Internships are open to college students and recent graduates of all majors. Interns are also eligible to apply for a competitive $3,000 scholarship to use toward undergraduate and graduate expenses. Apply at indianahouserepublicans.com/internship by Oct. 31.
Work-based learning initiative – Invest Hamilton County recently launched a new initiative, InvestEd, focused on workbased learning experiences for K-12 students in Hamilton County. The initiative will focus on connections to facilitate the more than 1,000 high school work-based learning experiences projected for this fall between six local school districts. OneZone, the City of Westfield and the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce are also partnering in the effort. Invest Hamilton County received support for the initiative from an Intermediary Capacity Expansion Grant from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education; the Central Indiana Education Services Center’s Career Coaching Grant; and the Duke Energy Foundation. For more, visit investhamiltoncounty.com/ initiatives/invested.
WWS parent app available — Westfield Washington Schools is now using the TalkingPoints platform to communicate with families. TalkingPoints allows for seamless multilingual two-way communication between teachers and families via text or through the free Families/ TalkingPoints app. To ensure proper communication, parents should make sure contact information fields in PowerSchool are correct. Download the app at the App Store or on Google Play. Learn more at talkingpts.org/families.
Jane Austen book event – Brad Legge, a collector of rare books by classic author Jane Austen, will speak about his collection at 3 p.m. Oct. 13 at Black Dog Books, 115 S. Main St. in Zionsville. Legge has collected Jane Austen’s works for 25 years and his collection includes English, French and American first editions as well as several pictorial Victorian editions. The event is free to attend. Learn more at blackdogbooksin.com.
Lions raise scholarship funds
news@youarecurrent.com
Following a one-year hiatus, Westfield Lions Club held their annual fish fry event Sept. 6-7 at Christ United Methodist Church, benefiting the club’s scholarship fund.
FUNDRAISER
The event raised approximately $3,000. Annual scholarship awards are announced each spring. The Lions awarded more than $16,000 in scholarship awards in 2022 and in 2023.
Lions members said the fish fry has become a community gathering in addition to a fundraiser, with patrons enjoying a fish dinner while socializing with friends and neighbors from the Westfield community.
The event was sponsored by BMO Bank and Sunbelt Rentals.
Lions Club members also recognized Christ United Methodist Church as a community partner. The club has held meetings and special events at the church while the Lions’ old clubhouse was unavailable because of downtown redevelopment.
The Lions anticipate hosting the 2025 fish fry at their new clubhouse, 1101 E. 169th
St. The facility is expected to be complete over the next few months and will feature an expanded meeting room, conference room, ADA-accessible restrooms and a full kitchen. An open house will be announced once the project is complete.
The fish fry was the Westfield Lions Club’s 92nd since the club was founded in 1930, missing only two years — 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and 2023 because of clubhouse renovations.
Learn more about the Lions at westfieldlions.org.
DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’S LEGAL NOTICE OF STANDARD CONTRACT RIDER NO 67 CREDITS ADJUSTMENT DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or about October 24, 2024, Duke Energy Indiana will submit an update to its Standard Contract Rider No. 67, Credits Adjustment (“Standard Contract Rider 67”) to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. Standard Contract Rider 67 provides the rate adjustment to credit the annual amortization of the Investment Tax Credit for the Edwardsport Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Plant. Standard Contract Rider 67 is applicable to all Duke Energy Indiana retail electric customers. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, Dana Kosco or Lorraine Hitz of the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:
Duke Energy Indiana, LLC By: Stan Pinegar, President
Kitchen Staff Carrie Larrison, Kara Benson and Rodney Benson prepare food at the fish fry. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Lions Club)
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DISPATCHES
Winter market applications now open
– Westfield Welcome is accepting vendor applications for Westfield Winter Market, presented by Duke Energy. The market is 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays from Jan. 18 through March 29, excluding March 1. The market takes place this year at West Fork Whiskey, 10 E. 191st St. The Westfield Winter Market features honey, bread, pastries, handcrafted items, flowers, plants, cheese, meats, produce, pet food, specialty beverages and more. Apply to be a vendor or volunteer at westfieldwelcome.com/ westfield-winter-market.
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.
Veterans Day poster and essay contest – The City of Westfield is accepting submissions through Oct. 25 for a Veterans Day Ceremony poster and essay contest. The contest is open to all students in Westfield Washington Township and will honor the service and sacrifice of veterans. The poster contest is open to students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Posters must be 11-inches-by-17-inches. The essay contest is open to students in grades seven through 12. Poster submissions and essays can be dropped off at Westfield City Services, 2728 E. 171st St. and should include the student’s name, age and grade, as well as the parent/guardian’s name and contact information. Essays may also be submitted to communications@westfield.in.gov. One winner from each grade will receive a monetary prize. Posters will be displayed and presented during the Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11. Winners of the essay contest will read their work during the event.
Best Hoosier state parks – Indiana is home to three of the Top 50 state parks in the U.S., according to travel and vacation website hometogo.com. Indiana Dunes State Park, Turkey Run State Park and Potato Creek State Park were recently listed by the website as No. 6, No. 18 and No. 34 state parks in the nation, respectively. Learn more at in.gov/dnr/state-parks/ parks-lakes.
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
LIFE READY
Westfield High School Class of 2025 learns real-world skills
Students in Westfield Washington Schools are looking beyond the classroom for critical educational experiences.
WWS Superintendent Paul Kaiser presented a state of the school district address during the Westfield Chamber of Commerce luncheon Sept. 19 at the Bridgewater Club. While Kaiser said the district is growing, it hasn’t lost sight of its focus — the students.
“The most important things are the kids and what they do,” Kaiser said. “They’re our future. I love talking to parents and hearing what kids are doing (after) graduation. It starts in the home, but we try to make them great and do wonderful things.”
During the event, four WHS seniors shared their experiences on how classwork and internships are helping them prepare for the future.
Avery Huggins is participating in the turf science pathway at WHS and is a member of Westfield High School FFA.
“You may ask what a city kid like me is doing with farm animals, and I’m here to tell you, absolutely nothing,” he said. “Studying turf science means you can start a landscaping business. You can maintain sports fields, or you can even be the leading expert in all things turf/grass and be asked to testify in a courtroom for a pro athlete who got hurt on the turf. Yes, that has happened.”
The program exposes students to — and prepares them for — careers in life science and biotechnology.
Formerly known as Future Farmers of America, the FFA has grown into the National FFA Organization. Huggins said the change reflects growing diversity and new opportunities in the industry of agriculture. The Westfield chapter sponsor is Chris Kaufman.
Through FFA, Huggins has made connections to ag industry professionals. Huggins will attend Cornell University next year to major in agricultural science and play football.
“While my path to the Ivy Leagues may have started with football, Westfield’s ag program has helped prepare me confident-
ly for the number one turf science/ag program in the country,” he said.
Claire Comer is interning with Westfield Washington Schools’ mass media program under multimedia producers Shawn Davis and Bailey Ruble. Comer also works with WWS in-house media production team, Rocks Media House.
The internship has allowed Comer to gain social media experience by brainstorming ideas for promotions and social media posts; writing social media captions; writing scripts for promotional videos; designing graphics; and directing productions for Rocks Media House videos. The work has helped her learn about the importance of branding, social media impressions, organization and communication.
“The skills that I’ve acquired during my internship are ones that I plan to take with me past high school,” she said. “In college, I plan to study communications and marketing and I’m so thankful that I have real
life experience in this field.”
Bryanna Rohn is doing an internship this year with Indiana K-9 Search and Recovery.
“It’s a volunteer group where a whole bunch of people who are passionate about helping families with loved ones who (are missing), we go out and look for them using dogs that we train for scent searches,” Rohn said. “This internship has really helped me with what I want to do in the future, which is to go into law enforcement. There are many different people who I can talk to and see basically what it’s about.”
Rohn has spent time during her internship learning how dogs are trained in tracking scents and the behaviors dogs exhibit when they hit on a scent. She will also participate in ride alongs with law enforcement.
“I get to see it from the very start, when they train a dog that has never done anything to certifying them,” she said. “It’s a
REAL-WORLD EDUCATION
Student experiences shared at the chamber of commerce luncheon are part of Westfield Washington Schools threepronged — or shamrock-shaped — approach to life readiness, by focusing on academics, careers and wellness.
Students learn career skills to lay the foundation for a successful future. While career readiness is incorporated into the curriculum, the career exploration internship course allows students to work in a public or private sector workplace side-byside with professionals while learning about the activities and
really neat process. This internship is really along the line of what I want to do.”
Kylie Amos interns with Bondry Consulting, a municipal advising firm.
“Next year, I plan to study finance in college, so this internship has been perfect for me,” Amos said. “I started a little over a month ago and I’ve already learned important things about how to manage my time efficiently, professionalism in the workplace and how to communicate effectively.”
Through her internship, Amos is involved in a hands-on project on financial audits and budgets, skills she said are giving her a head start on what to expect in college.
Kaiser said the students are only a few examples of how Westfield Washington Schools is preparing kids for the future.
“I tell people that I’ve done this for 40 years and I’m still going to school,” he said. “I learn every day and I learn from great kids like this. The reason we do what we do is because of them. The best day for me is graduation. I don’t know all the kids — it’s almost impossible with that many kids — but having them walk across the stage on that last day, it’s so important. It’s that piece of paper, it’s that next thing we’re trying to prepare them for. These kids are prepared not only for the next day after high school but beyond. It takes an entire team and an entire community to do that.”
ON
skill sets that are necessary for a specific career and getting hands-on training in those skills.
Business educator Michelle Goudy is the internship coordinator for WWS.
“I have the world’s best job ever,” she said. “I get to work 1-on-1 with seniors to hear about what they want to do, what’s their passion and then I get to connect them to real world experiences.”
Learn more at wws.k12.in.us/academics/life-ready.
THE COVER: Presenting at the September Chamber of Commerce luncheon, from left, WWS Superintendent Paul Kaiser, chamber president Courtney Albright and WHS seniors Bryanna Rohn, Kylie Amos, Claire Comer and Avery Huggins. (Photo courtesy of Rocks Media House)
WHS senior Avery Huggins will study turf science at Cornell. (Photos courtesy of Rocks Media House) WHS senior Kylie Amos is learning about finance in her internship.
CCP production presents ‘Steel Magnolias’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Elizabeth Ruddell has a past connection to the play “Steel Magnolias.”
The Zionsville resident once played the role of Truvy in a production.
“Now, I finally get to direct this funny and moving show,” Ruddell said. “This play does speak to me because of the strong female characters. On the surface, this show appears to be a comedy, but when you start to look at the backgrounds of the characters, you see why the play is called ‘Steel Magnolias.’”
Carmel Community Players will present “Steel Magnolias” Oct. 4-13 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. Following the death of his sister from diabetes, Robert Harling wrote a short story and then adapted it into play in 1987. It was made into a 1989 movie focusing on the bond between six women in Louisiana.
The story takes place in Truvy’s beauty salon.
“The cast is made up of six women,” Ruddell said. “There are two young, two middle-aged and two that are older. It has been up to us to find common ground and each actress brings something different to the show, not only her character.”
Noblesville resident Emily Haus, making her CCP debut, plays Shelby, who has Type 1 diabetes and needs a kidney transplant.
“I specifically wanted to play Shelby because I can imagine my daughter growing up to be similar to her,” Haus said. “My daughter is medically fragile and has epilepsy, so this role gave me the chance to relate to and represent that part of her life.”
Haus said a challenge was portraying Shelby’s diva wedding.
“Personally, I’m pretty low-maintenance, not fashionable and very easy to please,” Haus said. “But I understood that for Shelby, this wedding was more than just a wedding — it was a dream of normalcy, a fulfillment of happiness and a huge milestone. She knew what she wanted. I approached it from that per-
spective — she wanted it to be perfect, and why not? Don’t we all?”
Tanya Haas plays M’Lynn, Shelby’s mother.
“I relate to M’Lynn as a mother who loves her children and just wants what is best for them and is frustrated when they don’t always listen to her advice,” Haas said. “She knows in her heart that since they are adults, they have to make those decisions for themselves, good or bad, but it’s still difficult to step back and watch that happen. My own six children are all adults now and I experience this in my own life quite often.”
The opening scene takes place on the morning of Shelby’s wedding. Haas’ own daughter got married last month, so she said she knows that feeling.
“M’Lynn is a challenging role to play because she has to face the greatest of joys and the depths of despair all in one show,” Haas said.
Haas said she loves performing in an all-female production.
“I think we have been able to share a lot of our personal stories, especially about being wives and mothers, that men just wouldn’t relate to, or we wouldn’t be comfortable sharing,” Haas said. “All of us have had our joys and struggles and we’ve learned from one another and sup-
ported each other on this very emotional journey of a show.”
Susan Smith, who plays Clairee, has seen “Steel Magnolias” several times on stage and recently rewatched the movie. She enjoys the play more than the movie.
“The play is very well-written and focuses purely on the relationships between the women in the salon,” Smith said. “It never leaves the salon and so the other characters in their lives are described through their stories. In the film, they simply show the stories as various scenes in their homes and ultimately at Shelby’s funeral. It’s entertaining, but I prefer listening to their tales and seeing the reactions of the main characters.”
Smith said Clairee has a lot of depth.
“Her husband of nearly 50 years has died recently and she is struggling to navigate life as a widow,” Smith said. “She uses humor as her way to survive and thus she has some of the best lines in the show. I can relate to Clairee. Like her, I’ve been married for a long time (43 years). I love football. I have a wicked sense of humor and like to laugh, and I have a wonderful group of women friends who gather frequently and support each other. They’ll all be coming to see the show to cheer me on.”
For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
‘MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet” runs through Oct. 6 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Freeform Concert Series presents the Jeremiah Cosner Band with Ben Gage and Melanie Pierce at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2, and Eric Baker & Friends presents “The Piano Man: A Billy Joel Tribute” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘RIPCORD’
Main Street Productions presents “Ripcord” Oct. 3-13 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
‘KINKY
BOOTS’
Civic Theatre’s production of “Kinky Boots” is set for Oct. 4-19 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre. org.
‘FANFARE
FOR A NEW ERA’
Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Fanfare for a New Era” season-opening concert is set for 4 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
‘CELEBRATION: BEETHOVEN & LISZT’ Carmel Symphony Orchestra presents “Celebration: Beethoven & Liszt” with Indy Opera at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Palladium Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
DISPATCH
Center Celebration raises funds — The annual Center Celebration 2024 presented by Ice Miller, which featured a performance by trumpeter Chris Botti, raised more than $588,000 to support the mission of the Center for the Performing Arts. Proceeds from the event will support the Center’s arts and educational programming.
From left, “Steel Magnolias” cast includes, from left, Gabrielle Patterson, Susan Smith,Tanya Haas, Emily Haus, Phoebe Aldridge and Casey Clouser. (Photo courtesy of Samantha Kelly)
Indy Opera joins in CSO concert
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carmel Symphony Orchestra Executive
Director Anne Marie Chastain has made it a priority to collaborate with a variety of arts organizations.
That was music to the ears of Indianapolis Opera General Director David Starkey, who has wanted to partner with CSO for several years.
Soloists Jake Surzyn, Will Upham, Rachel Purvis and Lyndsay Moy will represent Indianapolis Opera in Carmel Symphony’s “Beethoven Symphony No. 9” concert, set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. The soloists will perform “Ode to Joy.”
Damien Geter is the guest conductor. Starkey said Indianapolis Opera has wanted to collaborate with Carmel Symphony for several years.
“Damien is a very substantial bass baritone,” Starkey said. “But he’s also developed three operas that have been premiered. His latest one, ‘Apollo,’ just premiered at Des Moines Opera this past summer and he’s doing conducting.”
Starkey said Geter sang with Indianapolis Opera when he taught at University High School in Carmel.
“It’s great we are able to do a collaborative project with Damien, make our debut with Carmel Symphony with our four soloists, but we are taking it a step further with providing our Opera chorus of 25 professional singers,” Starkey said.
There also will be 25 singers from Ball State University under the direction of Cara Chowning, Indianapolis Opera’s choral director.
Starkey and Geter will take part in a pre-concert talk from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m.
The Opera Cabaret at Union 50 in indianapolis is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 9. The fundraiser features Latin jazz duo Pavel & Direct Contact with Leah Crane and Pavel Polanco-Safadit.
For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.and indyopera.org.
Adam Arceneaux, Caroline & Michael Garvey
Chris Botti & band
Photos by Bill Crawford and Sara Crawford
Geter
IWS celebrates ‘New Era’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Indiana Wind Symphony’s 2024-25 season-opening concert is aptly named “Fanfare for a New Era.”
CONCERT
The concert will begin a new era as Jay S. Gephart takes over as music director from founder Charlies Conrad, who retired after last season.
gramming. I wouldn’t say it’s something for everybody, but based on the way the musicians have responded, I think everyone is going to like this program.”
Gephart said some of the numbers are among his favorite pieces.
“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to conduct this great ensemble,” Gephart said. “I stood in front of the Indiana Wind Symphony a few times as a guest conductor, but to be able to program my own repertoire and conduct a full program has been for quite a while a dream come true for me.”
The concert, set for 4 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, will open with Jack Stamp’s “Fanfare for a New Era.”
“I think this program reflects who I am as a conductor and as a wind symphony conductor,’ Gephart said. “I just like to have a wide range of variety in my pro-
Gephart is retiring as director of Purdue University’s All-American Marching Band at the end of the football season. Prior to joining Purdue in 1995, Gephart, 63, was the director of bands at North Central High School. He will remain the Purdue Wind Ensemble director and the Purdue department head for band and orchestra.
One of his favorites is a new piece called “Bamboo Shoots and City Streets” by Benjamin Barker, an American composer who lives in Tokyo.
Guest tubist Patrick Sheridan will perform on Martin Ellerby’s “Tuba Concerto,” “Imagine Rainbows” and “Flight of the Bumblebees.”
“He’s one of the greatest virtuoso tuba players in the world,” Gephart said.
For more, visit indianawindsymphony. org,
CURRENT CRAVINGS AROMA EXPERIENCE
Aroma Experience, 885 Monon Green Blvd., Suite 108, in Carmel City Center features food inspired primarily by the traditional flavors of north India. The white leather dining room seats up to 110 people, offering an atmosphere fitting for business gatherings to a romantic night out. In addition to a classic menu, it offers “experience” options available at certain times. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Learn more at aromaindy.com/ carmel-carmel-city-center.
BEST WAY TO END A MEAL:
curried salmon. (Photos by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
UNIQUE MENU ITEM: COCONUT CURRIED
MOST POPULAR MENU ITEM: Delhi classic butter chicken CHEF’S FAVORITE DISH: Lemon cream chicken
MOST PHOTOGRAPHED MENU ITEM: Aroma special lamb shank RECOMMENDED DRINK: Mango lassi and reserve category wines
Email
Gephart
Coconut
Baileys kulfi.
BAILEYS KULFI
| THE PALLADIUM
Artistic director lauds Heartland’s mix
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Heartland International Film Festival
Artistic Director Greg Sorvig expects filmgoers will be pleased with the mix of more than 110 feature films at the 11-day festival.
FILM
The Oct. 10-20 festival includes 28 world/North American/U.S. premieres, 73 regional premieres, 20 special presentations and 10 Indiana Spotlight films.
University fan. Eisenberg’s wife, Anna Strout, grew up in Bloomington.
Sorvig said the film is a heavy favorite to be nominated for Academy Awards for best original screenplay and best supporting actor for Kieran Culkin.
‘’Coming off a couple of years with strikes and other things, the caliber of films is back at a high level, and we have some of the best films of the year,” said Sorvig, a Carmel resident. “I’m thrilled to have this lineup. It’s a great mix.”
Sorvig said Heartland sets the tone with the three Spotlight showings: “A Real Pain” for Opening Night (Oct. 10); “Small Things Like These” (Oct, 16) for Centerpiece Showing; and “Emilia Pérez” for Closing Night (Oct. 20).
Sorvig saw “A Real Pain” at Sundance in January. Jesse Eisenberg plays the lead role and wrote and produced the film.
Sorvig said he connected with Eisenberg at Sundance. Both are 40 years old.
“It was my first and only ask for Opening Night, which usually doesn’t happen,” Sorvig said. “I was absolutely thrilled to get this film that I really connected with in a deep way and someone who has an Indiana connection in a deep way. The funny thing is, Jesse Eisenberg wears an IU hat two/thirds of the way.”
Sorvig said Eisenberg is an avid Indiana
The Centerpiece Screening features Cillian Murphy in “Small Things Like These.” Murphy earned the Oscar for Best Actor for “Oppenheimer” earlier this year.
“It’s based on a true story of a father who fights against abuse in an Irish Catholic convent,” Sorvig said.
The film’s director, Tim Mielants, directed Murphy in several episodes of “Peaky Blinders.”
Closing Night features “Emilia Pérez” from Netflix, starring Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz.
The actresses shared Best Actress awards as an ensemble at the Cannes Film Festival. Sorvig said the film has been shown at several major festivals.
“The main character, the real-life actress (Karla Sofía Gascón), is a trans woman, and she plays a cartel leader,” Sorvig said. “She has a sex change and becomes a woman in the film. It’s also a musical and a comedy. There’s a bunch of crossgenre elements. It’s an amazing, audacious film. It’s currently the film predicted to have the most nominations for any film for the Oscars. For Closing Night, we look for an exclamation point, something that will be talked about for months and months leading up to the Oscars.”
For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.
FREE EVENT POTTER’S BRIDGE FALL FESTIVAL
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:
Potter’s Bridge Park at 19401 N. Allisonville Rd. will host the 25th Annual Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 5. Listen to live music, visit more than 100 arts, crafts and food booths and see Noblesville’s most scenic park on the White River Greenway Trail.
ALSO CHECK OUT
MUSIC FESTIVAL — The Hand in Hand Music Foundation will host Global Music, United World Festival in Midtown Carmel at 365 Monon Blvd. from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 5. The event will feature local music and art with global influences. Vendor booths will line the plaza with a mainstage near Sun King where local musicians will play.
Sorvig
From left, former BrightStar Care owners Jon Olson and Jill Gilmer with their daughter Olivia, BrightStar branch manager Iona WIlliams and new owners Jeanne and David Stordy. (Photo by Zach Ross)
Patient-focused Brightstar Care continues growth
By Tirzah Rowland tirzah@youarecurent.com
BrightStar Care in Indianapolis goes beyond home health care and medical staffing to provide compassionate patient-centered services to central Indiana, according to its staff.
HEALTH CARE
“We view this as a vocation, and it’s a mission to serve others, and that’s been the driving force behind continuing the traditions of excellence that have been in place with this agency,” said David Stordy, a Westfield resident who co-owns the franchise with his wife, Jeanne. “We feel honored and very fortunate to be able to be a part of people’s life journey and providing these care services.”
The team of 115 staff and caregivers provides nursing care to pediatric patients up to seniors. Offering in-home infusions, therapeutic procedures and injections, as well as wound care and medication management, BrightStar nurses treat patients of all ages.
Patients are assigned a registered nurse with at least two years of experience to develop patient care plans and provide care.
“We do everything in home care, with the exception of where we are not Medicare Part A-certified,” Stordy said. “So, when someone comes directly out of the hospital, they’re most likely going to go with the Medicare Part A health agency anywhere from a few days to a month or so, and then then we normally will step in if the person has a need for longer-stay home care services.”
One of the first BrightStar Care franchises in the nation, which was opened in 2007 by Carmel resident Jon Olson, the business grew to become one of the top-performing locations. When Olson and his wife Jill Gilmer decided to step away from the company
to focus on their growing family, they knew the franchise was in good hands when the Stordys took ownership in early 2023.
“They are wonderful people, and we thought their background and their morals and everything about them would be a good fit for BrightStar and keep the legacy,” Olson said.
For the Stordys, four of their five children are grown and their youngest is a senior in high school and they were looking for a new direction. Jeanne Stordy brought her background as a physical therapist into the company while David Stordy has 30 years in the health care industry working with assisted living, memory care and home health agencies.
The Stordys have seen continued growth through referrals and have added nurse case managers and scheduling personnel.
“We’ll continue that intensive focus on person-to-person relationships with our caregivers, directly with our clients, with their adult children and their responsible parties who help manage their care,” David Stordy said.
While BrightStar has Medicaid licenses and is contracted with Anthem, United and Humana to care for patients through the Indiana Pathways for Aging program, they also accept some insurance plans.
“We’re one of 35 agencies in the state of Indiana that is contracted with the Veterans Administration, so we have a number of veterans that we’re honored to serve who served our country,” Stordy said.
BrightStar Indianapolis has a 24/7 call line staffed by members of its local team.
“If anything happens anytime, day or night, you’re going to get someone who’s familiar with your mom or dad or your child’s case and can step in and help immediately,” David Stordy said.
To contact BrightStar Indianapolis, call 317-706-0799 or visit brightstarcare.com.
It’s the most pumpkiny time
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
“It’s time again to celebrate that most beloved and versatile fall fruit –the pumpkin.” That’s a sign posted at the Dunkin’ shop near me. There are similar signs at Trader Joe’s and Starbucks. Every aisle has something Halloweeny or pumpkiny, which are not words, except in September and October. Christmassy pops up in November and December. Thankgivingly never made it.
HUMOR
Now, I’m not a big pumpkin fan. I don’t even like small pumpkins. But here are just a few of the current seasonal options I now see at the stores noted above.
Pumpkin pie mix; pumpkin-flavored cinnamon bagels; pumpkin greek nonfat yogurt; pumpkin cream cheese spread; organic pumpkin cream cold brew; pumpkin spice latte; pumpkin cream cheese muffin; pumpkin scones; and pumpkin loaf, to name a few.
Now, let’s wander over to Trader Joe’s.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: “This Latte elevates PSL to another level.” I recently got some blood tests back from the lab. I thought they said my PSL was already too high.
• Pumpkin Butter: “It does not actually contain butter,” the Flyer reveals, “but its great flavor is credited to its fruit-to-sugar ratio.” Compared to real butter, whose great taste is primarily credited to cows. Maybe they should
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Docket No. PZ-2024-00152V;-00154V;-00174V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 28th day of October, 2024 at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:
Requesting approval for pool equipment to be 8 feet from side lot line (setback is 10ft)
Requesting approval for rear setback to be 11ft for pool patio (setback is 18ft)
Previously approved for 45% lot coverage and requesting an increase of 55% lot coverage.
With the property being known as (insert address): 3721 Aldrew Pl Carmel, IN 46074
The application is identified as Docket No. Docket No. PZ-2024-00152V;-00154V;-00174V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows:
Grannon Grove Subdivision Lot 12
parcel # 17-09-19-00-11-012.000
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche.
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Jule Jarrett
PETITIONERS
place a note on the few perfectly symmetrical organic pumpkins they sell, “I can’t believe it’s not plastic.”
• Pumpkin Bread: “Baking at home can produce a superior product,” the Flyer says, “but time does not always allow for such domestic pleasantries.” I asked my wife Mary Ellen if she could think of any domestic pleasantries. I had never seen her stuck for an answer.
• Joe’s Sandwich Pumpkin Cookies are “twistable, crunchable, crumbleable.” I’m guessing that they are also inedible, but remember, I’m not a pumpkin partaker.
If you are a pumpkin fan, please don’t be offended. I wanted to make you smile when you read my column.
And orange you glad you did?
NOTICE OF PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
Westwood Property Investments, LLC (2316 S US 421, Zionsville, IN 46077) is submitting a NOI letter to notify the IDEM of the intent to comply with the requirements under the Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP), formerly 327 IAC 15-5 (Rule 5), to discharge stormwater from construction activities for the following project: Westwood Wedding Venue in Washington Twp, Hamilton County, Indiana, more specifically, part of the NE 1/4 of Sec34-T19N-R3E; located at 18342 Spring Mill Rd, Westfield, IN scheduled to commence on October 10, 2024 and be completed on or before May, 2026. Stormwater Run-off from the project site will discharge to Little Eagle Creek. Questions can be directed to Chris Henry at Westwood Property Investments, LLC; 2316 S US 421, Zionsville, IN 46077
IDEM Public Notice
Westfield Washington Schools, 19500 Tomlinson Road, Suite B, Westfield, IN 46074 is submitting a Notice of Intent to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to comply with the requirements Section 3.7(A)(3) of the Construction Stormwater General Permit to discharge stormwater from construction activities associated with the Midland Crossing Elementary School project, located at 16900 Towne Road, Westfield, IN 46074. The project site is located on the west side of Towne Road, approximately 1/4 mile north of the intersection of Towne Road and West 166th Street in the City of Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana. Runoff from the project site will discharge to Little Eagle Creek. Questions or comments regarding this project should be directed to Allen Jacobsen, PE, (317) 263-6226, ajacobsen@schmidt-arch.com, Schmidt Associates, 415 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
Blueprint for Improvement: Warm and inviting sunroom retreat
Commentary by Larry Greene
When our Jackson’s Grant clients envisioned maximizing their living space, they came to us with the idea of transforming their screened-in porch into a bright, inviting sunroom. Our team embraced the opportunity, designing a seamless extension that not only enhances the home’s natural flow but also creates the perfect space for year-round gatherings.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Continuing the hardwood flooring into the sunroom creates a seamless transition between the kitchen and the newly expanded space, further enhancing the home’s cohesive flow.
• Custom built-ins and floating shelves frame the freshly painted fireplace, creating the perfect space to showcase family photos, cherished keepsakes and décor.
• The addition features windows designed to match the existing structure, flooding the room with natural light and ensuring seamless integration.
• A wood-planked ceiling adds warmth and a touch of organic appeal.
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.
After
Before
38. Pacers’ extra periods, briefly
39. National Historical Landmark at Madison
42. Baby’s dinner wear
43. Westfield HS English assignment, maybe
44. Jane Austin novel
45. Tic-tac-toe win
46. ‘Vette roof option, once
47. New Deal inits.
48. Director Preminger
50. Follow
52. “Goodness!”
56. Church area
58. Word with suit or time
60. National Historical Landmark at Evansville
64. WTTV network
65. Big name in tractors
66. Biblical hymn
67. Bengals, on a Colts scoreboard 68. “What a shame!”
Rids of rind
In the past
Entanglement
A Kardashian
“Golly!”
Summit
Bird sounds
Oklahoma city 7. Magic, on a Pacers scoreboard 8. Bloomington-to-Fishers dir. 9. Sore 10. They may hit the ground running
Indianapolis City-County Building trial spot 12. IU Health surgery sites 13. Pebble Brook ball prop
“Monty Python’s Life of ___”
Digital image formats
Wander
Insurance giant
NFL six-pointers
“Hush!” 33. Beam of light 35. “Silas Marner” author
36. Deliberately impairs 37. Flaming felony
Respect
Mosque leaders
Halloween shout
Sewing need
Musical drama
___ nerve
Desert plant
Head honcho 55. Kind of question
Winter coaster
59. Schools of thought
60. Current revenue source
61. “The Matrix” hero
62. Neg., to pos.
63. “Born in the ___” Answers on Page 27
FINE BATHROOMS
Complete
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Anderson Construction Services
Learn more at:
www.iwantanewbathroom.com
WILL DO FALL CLEAN-OUTS WILL DO BOBCAT WORK
Trim/Remove trees & shrubs Building Demolitions Clean Gutters Trash Removal & Odd Jobs
Painting inside or Outdoors Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com
HUNT
SEEKS Part-Time Kennel Assistant responsible for the daily care of dogs, kennel maintenance, and other duties, as assigned. Starting $15/hr.
Exceptional customer service and good communication skills via in-person interaction. Team Member availability includes weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Interested candidates submit resume to: huntclubkennel@gmail.com.
Ushering in a new era.
For more than a decade, the Center has been a cornerstone for creativity in our community. Welcome to the center for art and culture in Central Indiana. Welcome to the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.
