Westfield Parks and Recreation prepares five-year master plan / P15
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breast cancer survivor pens book on health and healing / P3
Westfield PD adds to its ranks / P4
Mayor’s Grand Gala nets $600,000 for Advancing Westfield / P7
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
There’s no convenient time for a health crisis.
But when Teresa Howard of Westfield was diagnosed with breast cancer, the timing could not have been worse.
Howard received the news in May of 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, her mother had recently injured herself and her father was ill. Howard and her sister had moved in with their parents to help take care of them just prior to her diagnosis. Between her diagnosis and surgery, her father died.
In July 2020, her doctors found an undiagnosed lung disease that required three surgeries before she could begin chemotherapy.
When she was finally able to begin chemotherapy, she had an allergic reaction to the first treatment. And throughout all the treatments and medical procedures, she was alone because of restrictions during the pandemic.
Over the course of 10 months, Howard underwent 111 tests, scans, procedures, treatments and surgeries. But despite her ongoing trials, she found a way to stay positive, thanks to her family and her faith.
“When I was initially diagnosed, my family said to start journaling and write everything down. I was going through so many tests and exams and treatments,” Howard said, adding that she was able to stave off the nausea that many chemotherapy patients suffer with. “I really felt God was showing his favor on me. I had a dream after my last chemotherapy treatment that God told me that he wanted me to write my story. He wanted me to call it, ‘The Power of Cancer,’ but he did not want me to focus on the power it had to destroy my body. He wanted me to focus on the power it gave me to witness for him.”
Howard said the process of putting her
book together was not easy. At times, she shelved the project, worried that her story of survival could be too difficult to share with those who had lost loved ones to illness. But, she said, members of her family who had lost loved ones to cancer encouraged her to continue.
She said her husband, Pete Howard, and their children Sarah and Tim and their son- and daughter-in-law Patrick and Mary played a crucial role in getting her through the treatment.
Tim sat with her while they waited for word on the initial diagnosis, playing guitar to keep her company.
“I had to say to him, ‘Son, look at some of your best friends whose moms are breast cancer survivors,’” she said. “This is not a death sentence. No child wants to hear that their mom has breast cancer. But he was absolutely a rock through all of it. He would call ‘dibs’ on taking me to my chemotherapy treatments and on the way home he would stop and get me a
milkshake.”
Howard said the book explains the role of faith, family and community when facing difficult times.
“One of the things I write about is how important it is to have a support system in place in your life before you get what could be a life-threatening diagnosis, and not wait until then to know where your faith and who your faith is in,” Howard said. “My whole story is a journey of hope and faith. I knew there was no way I could do it on my own.”
Howard said the book can provide comfort for people going through difficult times, regardless of faith.
“I know God did not have me write this for me,” she said. “Even though it was very cathartic and very healing for me to write it, I know that he’s going to use it to bless others.”
“The Power of Cancer” is published by Christian Faith Publishing. The book is anticipated for release in November.
Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVII, No. 38 Copyright 2024 Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved. 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444
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Monday, November 11
The Bridgewater Club 3535 E 161st Street
Breakfast | 7:45 - 8:30 A.M.
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By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Officials with the Westfield Police Department said the department will be fully staffed by year’s end.
WPD Assistant Chief Scott Jordan told the Board of Public Works and Safety in September that the department recently finalized the hire of three officers — two lateral hires and one new recruit who will begin the academy in January 2025. A fourth lateral hire is imminent.
“That would make us fully staffed. We’re blessed to say we’re fully staffed,” Jordan said, adding that the department is looking ahead to its next wave of hires.
“For our 2025 hires, we’re going to try to hire them by the end of this year, if possible,” he said. “With the new merit board coming in, that would delay our hiring by up to nine months next year. That’s because it doesn’t take (effect) until April, and we still have to work out legal procedures. Our processes take a while.”
This fall, the department adopted a merit system — a system provided for by state law that holds the department accountable
for keeping standards high in hiring and provides for fair and equitable treatment of officers. The system is effective Jan. 1, 2025. It creates a merit board made up of five commissioners, including two mayoral appointments, two WPD appointments and one city council appointment. The board oversees officer applications, hiring procedures, promotions, disciplinary hearings and terminations.
Jordan also said the department anticipates coming to the board this month with a $2.5 million contract with AXON for approval. AXON is the department’s body camera supplier. The current contract expires this year.
“(The contract) will give all of our officers the newest hardware for their body cams as well as the newest fleet cameras that will also have a Flock Safety plate reader system as well,” Jordan said.
Flock Safety is a license plate-reading platform used by law enforcement nationwide. The cameras can be used to track suspect vehicles or vehicles listed in Amber Alerts or other missing persons searches across jurisdictions.
Follow the WPD’s daily activities at facebook.com/WestfieldPD.
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
National ice cream retailer Graeter’s will build its next restaurant in Westfield. Westfield’s Advisory Plan Commission approved a detailed development plan Oct. 7 for Graeter’s at 303 E. Tournament Trail. The plan includes a 3,275-square-foot restaurant on just over 1 acre in the Dartown Crossing planned unit development district.
Plans include the restaurant, a drive-up window, indoor and outdoor seating, landscaping and parking. A groundbreaking date has not yet been released. Founded in Cincinnati in 1870, Graeter’s has more than 55 retail locations and distributes ice cream products to more than 6,000 stores nationwide. Learn more at graeters.com.
500 Festival Miler Series dates announced — Registration is open for the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, through Feb. 2, 2025. The series, held at Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis, includes three races designed to help participants train for the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The Miler Series kicks off with a 3-Miler Feb. 8, followed by a 6-Miler March 8 and concludes with a 10-Miler April 5. For more, visit IndyMini.com/Challenges.
Roundabout improvements — Drivers on 191st Street can expect some relief at the often-congested roundabout at Tomlinson Road. The City of Westfield announced recently that the roundabout will be updated. The changes will allow multiple lanes to flow through the roundabout from both the eastbound and westbound directions. A dedicated lane for northbound drivers turning right will be striped.
Westfield’s inaugural Mayor’s Grand Gala raised more than $600,000 to benefit the Advancing Westfield Foundation.
The event, a new initiative of Mayor Scott Willis to raise funds for community nonprofits, was Oct. 5 at Grand Park Events Center.
“The inaugural Grand Gala was a resounding success, and I couldn’t be more thrilled,” Willis stated. “It was a night that brought our community together, showcasing our spirit and passion for the nonprofit partners that serve Westfield so well.”
Troy Pepper, P.A. announcer for the Indiana Pacers, emceed the evening. More than 500 people attended the event, which included more than 35 silent and live auction items, including a chance to win a twoyear lease on a 2025 Cadillac CT5 courtesy of Chariot Automotive Group in Kokomo.
“I am thrilled with the success of this
year’s gala,” Advancing Westfield Foundation board president Michelle Leonard McConnell stated. “The generosity displayed by our community will empower local nonprofits to further their missions and make a meaningful impact in our city. We look forward to seeing their programs grow as a direct result of the grants they received.”
The event’s beneficiaries were Heart and Soul Free Clinic; CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions; and the Westfield Youth Assistance Program.
Formed in 2024, the Advancing Westfield Foundation’s mission is to support the efforts of nonprofit partnerships to ensure sustainable support for a wide range of vital services for youth, adults, seniors, veterans and disabled community members in Westfield.
The foundation has applied for nonprofit status
The foundation consists of nine community members with voting privileges and one nonvoting city representative.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville High School junior soccer goalkeeper Alex Eberhart made a quick transition from junior varsity to varsity.
“I think I made the most improvement in my decision making this season, which was something I really had to work at to make big decisions in split-second moments,” Eberhart said.
The Millers, who had won the past three IHSAA Class 3A boys soccer state titles, reached the sectional final Oct. 12 before losing to Carmel 1-0 to finish with an 11-2-6 record.
“Alex is the main reason we were successful this season,” NHS coach Ken Dollaske said. “He has grown so much since last year. Alex was a JV goalkeeper last year and this year he had to fill the shoes of an All-American (Cole Thompson), and he did so admirably.” Thompson, now a freshman goalkeeper
Favorite athlete: Matt Turner, goalkeeper for Crystal Palace
Favorite subject: Spanish
Favorite movie: “Surf’s Up”
Favorite band: Red Hot Chili
Peppers
Favorite vacation spot: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
at Oakland University, was the 2023 Indiana Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year.
Eberhart played in every game this season, allowing only 11 goals in 18 games. The 6-foot-1 goalkeeper had eight shutouts.
“His reaction saves improved so much
Noblesville High School goalkeeper Alex Eberhart recorded eight shutouts this season. (Photo courtesy of Alex Eberhart)
from last year to this year,” Dollaske said.
“His vision and communication from the back have been huge bright spots for us this season. He made saves this year that he would not have made last year. The growth was amazing. Plus, he had never saved a (penalty kick) in his career. This year, he saved two. His senior year will be something special.”
Eberhart said he expects the team will be strong in 2025.
“Given that it was a younger team and many of our guys had never played a varsity minute until this year, I think we absolutely made strides,” he said. “To play the schedule we did and get the results we did was not an easy task at all. We consistently challenged ourselves and made big improvements throughout the year, thanks to our coaching but also the strong, growth-focused mindset of our players.”
Eberhart’s favorite high school memory was watching the Millers defeat Warsaw on penalty kicks last year in the Kokomo Regional semifinals.
“It was great to watch and be able to learn from Cole,” he said.
Eberhart has played for Indy Premier for five years.
“I started playing soccer at 5 years old and started to play goalie around age 10. I played goalie and other positions, too, until I was around 13 and that is when I started playing goalie only,” he said.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com.
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on non-operative management whenever possible. Dr. Swiatek achieved magna cum laude status from Harvard University. He graduated from medical school with honors from the University of Michigan and completed his residency at Northwestern in Chicago, IL. After his residency, Dr. Swiatek completed spine surgery fellowship at the world-renowned Rothman Institute and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.
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The Federal Reser ve recently lowered interest rates by 0.5%, while inflation has eased to 2.4%.
How does this affect the real estate market — especially in Westfield, Indiana?
The Westfield housing market remains robust, with demand continuing to push prices upward The median home price currently hovers around $445,000, reflecting the area’s sustained appeal, particularly to families seeking excellent schools and a thriving community
• • THIS UPWARD TREND IS DRIVEN BY SEVERAL FACTORS:
• Buyers are finding fewer homes on the market creating a competitive atmosphere.
Westfield continues to grow, with new residential developments accommodating a rising population.
The community boasts top-tier schools, ample parks, and recreational facilities like the Grand Park Sports Campus. Additionally, Westfield’s vibrant downtown area, with local restaurants and cultural activities, enhances its appeal
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The City of Westfield made an amendment to its Unified Development Ordinance Oct. 14 that provides the same rules and regulations for seasonal greenhouses that exist for temporary holiday tree stands.
City planner Lauren Gillingham-Teague explained the UDO amendment before the Advisory Plan Commission Oct. 7. A public hearing also was held at that meeting. Prior to the amendment, the UDO limited holiday tree lots and temporary greenhouses to 3,800 square feet. Although a tree lot was able to apply for increased space up to 5,000 square feet, that consideration was not allowed for greenhouses.
“We had a local greenhouse vendor (that) approached us earlier this year about their annual permit for their sales that start in the spring and mentioned they would like to make use of (the larger size),” Gillingham-Teague said. “We did an internal review and couldn’t come up with a good reason why that was omitted.”
Gillingham-Teague said with regard to temporary lots, if users want to utilize a tent, they must apply for a separate permit that requires an inspection from city staff as well as the Westfield Fire Department.
Gillingham-Teague said the issue appeared to be an oversight in the initial ordinance but was not able to be fixed administratively and instead required the public hearing and a vote.
The council approved the amendment 6-1, with Councilor Kurt Wanninger voting no.
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.
more, sooner with competitive pricing while enjoying:
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield City Council approved an ordinance providing for the issuance of $12 million in bonds Oct. 14 to finance improvements along Park Street and for park facilities and amenities at Simon Moon Park.
Of those funds, approximately $5.5 million will be earmarked for Phase 2 improvements at Simon Moon Park, slated to begin in 2025. Those improvements include the addition of boardwalks and infrastructure.
The remaining funds will be used for streetscape updates along Park Street, part of an overall plan for economic development and revitalization in the city’s “quaint core.”
Westfield’s Economic Development Department, Parks Department and Department of Public Works are working collaboratively on the streetscape planning for Park Street, which could include a plaza and improvements to the Midland Trace Trail. However, that planning is still in the concept phase.
“We’re looking at improvements along Park Street that would create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, particularly as those restaurants have patios that are facing the street,” Economic Development Director Jenelle Fairman told the members of the council during the first reading of the ordinance Sept. 23. “We have the (designated outdoor refreshment area)
that has just been created downtown. We really want to create an atmosphere where people can feel like they have more of a community feeling when they’re on Park Street.”
Fairman said the preliminary plans include outdoor games, brick pavers, enhanced lighting and relocation of some utilities to create a welcoming environ-
ment to encourage socialization and enjoyment for pedestrians on Park Street.
“We have a lot of businesses that have invested in restaurants along that location, and really the sidewalks and the road are not friendly and welcoming,” Fairman said. “We’d love to make it a great place for people to enjoy from the time they park until the time they dine.”
Fairman said in addition to design and engineering, the funding would also be used to purchase right-of-ways and/or easements. A timeline for development and a line-by-line budget is not yet available.
The city’s Park & Poplar development is a proposed $164 million mixed-use redevelopment project along the Midland Trace Trail from the connection at Poplar Street/ Westfield Boulevard to Grand Junction Plaza. Planned development along Park Street aims to establish a central business district in Westfield, including parking, housing and commercial development.
Park & Poplar is expected to include a boutique hotel, office space, retail space, luxury multifamily residences and public parking to support local businesses and community events at Grand Junction Plaza.
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The City of Westfield kicked off a master-planning process for the department of parks and recreation this fall.
The master plan will prioritize park projects and the utilization of resources for Westfield. A town hall-style meeting to discuss the master-planning process was held in September at Westfield Washington Public Library, where about 25 residents talked about what they like — and what they don’t like — about Westfield’s park facilities.
“We have had a parks division with the city for a long time,” Westfield Parks & Recreation Director Chris McConnell said. “It has really only existed as a state recognized parks and recreation department with a board since (January), when the city council adopted an ordinance that would establish our parks board and a parks department. Part of that is to establish a master plan.”
Westfield has nine developed parks and four undeveloped parks, totaling 196 acres. The city also is home to five named trails that are under the jurisdiction of the parks department.
McConnell said priorities for the department are to maintain current programming and maintenance; identify partnership and sponsorship opportunities, particularly with other entities that have parks like neighboring municipalities, Hamilton County and Westfield Washington Township; seeking creative and new sources of funding, such as grant opportunities; upgrading parks to add new amenities; and development of park spaces and acquisition of additional property where possible.
City officials said the average national park property-to-resident ratio is 9.9 acres per 1,000 residents. Based on the city’s last census — a number that city officials believe undercounts the current population — total park space is only around 4 acres per 1,000 residents.
“What we’re trying to do is figure out a way to develop parks responsibly for (residents) to have more space for recreation,” McConnel said. “We’re being more responsible in maximizing our assets.”
Simon Moon Park is a property undergoing a major upgrade. The old wastewater retention lagoons, which have been drained and cleaned, are being developed as a 9-acre recreation lake with a bridge and boat launch. The sledding hill at the park has been reengineered for safety. The second phase of the project, slated to begin in 2025, will include playground equipment upgrades, a shelter, an outdoor education pavilion, boardwalks and expanded parking.
Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said the city is thinking forward when it comes to park planning to tie into planning for the city overall.
“As we begin to start the conversations around a comprehensive plan (for the city), parks will play an important
role,” Willis said. “We have to be a bit more aggressive around acquiring land for parks, because as development continues to sprawl, land becomes very expensive and makes it difficult for us to have park options throughout the community. That’s the second piece that we’re thinking about with this master plan is, where do future parks go?”
Willis said residents are not always aware of the parks that are available near the center of town. Although Grand Junction Plaza is a centerpiece of downtown, the park is near additional amenities, including the fitness plaza at Asa Bales Park; open space, gardens and playground equipment at Freedom Trails Park; and the historic Old Friends Cemetery Park.
“I think the city over the years has done a great job of creating green space for our residents,” Willis said. “One complaint I hear is people want each park to have the same options (but) they all have different themes and destinations. We’re not trying to create the same product everywhere we go.”
Residents at the town hall meeting said they wanted more amenities, especially an increase in pickleball courts. Courts are currently available only at Quaker Park for the popular net sport. Residents also said they’d like to see additional splash pads, an agripark and upgraded trail
Westfield’s Department of Parks and Recreation is a relatively new entity.
The department was officially created by approval of the Westfield City Council in January 2024, and the board members were appointed in May. The board is made up of four mayoral appointees and one ex-officio appointee made by the Westfield Washington Schools district. Mayoral appointees are Mike Antrim, Kurtis Baumgartner, Julia Grimmer and LeAnne Zentz. The school board appointee is Mike Hall.
Until this year, the city operated parks as part of the public works department. However, state-awarded funds for parks and recreation — including federal land and conservation grants and funding from the Indiana Next Level Fund for trails and conservation projects — are generally not available to municipalities without a dedicated parks department.
Besides Westfield’s parks, the department oversees the more than 14-miles of city-owned trails, green spaces and approximately 200 acres of road right-of-way as well as maintenance of landscaping and hardscaping inside roundabouts.
The mission of the parks department is “to enhance the quality of life by connecting the residents and visitors of Westfield to each other, the natural environment and unique recreation opportunities.”
Learn more at westfield.in.gov under the depart-
amenities.
Earlier this month, the city collected information via an online survey to help identify priorities for the master plan. The department also collected information at a stakeholder meeting in September from members of the board and representatives from the Westfield City Council.
Once completed and approved by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the master plan would allow the city to apply for and receive additional dollars from the state for future improvements and programming.
McConnell said that while the plan will outline the next five years for the department, the plan itself will set the stage for 15 to 20 years of planning and beyond.
A draft is expected to be ready for review by the parks board in November. A final five-year master plan is due to the Indiana DNR by April 2025.
ON THE COVER: The Westfield Department of Parks & Recreation is creating a five-year master plan for parks. (Photo by Marney Simon)
By Jennifer A. Haire editorial@youarecurrent.com
Nestled in the heart of Carmel on Medical Drive, Artist Development Studio is a new full-service, state-ofthe-art facility to help musical artists achieve their dreams.
A resource for the music and performing arts community, the studio offers private coaching lessons in a variety of musical crafts.
“The idea is to cultivate artists, to get them to be the best that they can be,” said Blair Clark, who has coached young artists for more than 25 years.
Instrumental lessons are offered in bass, drums, keyboard and guitar. Voice lessons in show choir and musical theater, as well as other skills such as audio engineering, looping and DJing, are also offered. Additionally, the studio provides rehearsal and recording space rentals. Clark, 32, of Carmel, is president of Artist Development Co., which operates as a booking agency between artists and community businesses. As an extension of ADC, he created the Artist Development Studio, designed to focus on the artists.
“What I realized is something that’s needed in the community of art is an organization that takes you from the beginning to the end,” Clark said. “Gives you goals, helps you get prepared and then sets you free to go out and get those opportunities in high school, middle school and in the professional marketplace.”
Clark saw the need for a place that appeals to younger artists as well as more advanced performers who want to improve. His solution was a space that could meet the needs of the artists at their skill level and help them grow.
“Blair is a creative force and visionary with an ability to bring together and showcase talents,” said Joseph Filipow, a local musician, DJ and entertainer who has worked with Clark for several years. Coaches work with artists to identify
long- and short-term goals.
“From the beginning to adult, sometimes the career is just, ‘I’m going to high school (and) I want to get the leads in the musicals,’ and we want to help them with those goals, as well as the ones who decide after college or after high school, ‘I want to be a professional artist,’” Clark said.
Additionally, coaches work with individuals who are interested in the nonperformance, business-side of the industry, as well as prepare artists for the professional environment.
“In the music business, you have to know a lot of different things that have nothing to do with the actual music,” Clark said.
The space has state-of-the-art equipment sourced locally through Piano Solu-
tions. It also has rehearsal rooms with 10- to 20-foot-high ceilings, double-glass doors and drapes for privacy. ADS has collaborated with local artists in the community to feature local artworks.
ADS has hired Indianapolis-based company Vertical Studios, a hands-on marketing educational program, to assist in getting the word out about the unique services ADS provides.
Lessons are offered Monday through Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with Friday and Saturday options based on instructor schedules. Rehearsal space rental dates are available online.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Oct. 23, with the grand opening scheduled for Nov. 17 at 1 p.m.
For more, visit artistdevstudio.com.
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” runs through Nov. 24 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com
“Deceptions: An Evening of Magic & Lies” is set for Oct. 24, followed by Dueling Pianos Oct. 25 and “The Ahlwardts Present Human Jukebox” Oct. 26 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three concerts are set for 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s production of “Autumn Nights” is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 25-26 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org
Floyd Nation’s Experience Pink Floyd is set for 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Space Oddity: The Quintessential David Bowie Experience will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Vitamin String Quartet: The Music of Taylor Swift, “Bridgerton” and Beyond is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.
Dana and Greg Newkirk’s Haunted Objects Live is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
By Les Morris editorial@youarecurrent.com
The Indianapolis Children’s Choir is reaching a fundraising crescendo with a rebranded event Nov. 8 at Ritz Charles in Carmel.
Previously called Big Fun Event, the annual fundraiser has been rechristened The Indianapolis Children’s Choir Gala. There will be more singing, more activities and two auctions. There also is an increase in expectations. Last year, $49,000 was raised. The goal this year is $65,000.
including caroling at the cocktail hour and multiple times during dinner. Bids will be taken from an auctioneer to bring the choir back for an encore in a finale called “Call for the Choir.”
Speaking of auctions, there will be a silent and live auction at the gala. The highlight of the live auction is a jersey signed by Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark and a week’s stay at a home on Lake Michigan.
“This is the first time we are officially calling this our ‘gala’ to let our supporters know to expect a very nice evening,” said Joshua Pedde, ICC’s executive artistic director and a Carmel resident. “Plus, the vintage holiday theme this year ties into our concert season as singers prepare to present ‘A Vintage Holiday’ concerts in December.”
Guests will hear choir voices of approximately 100 singers throughout the evening,
The night also will include a holiday photo booth, an audio guest book where attendees can use a rotary phone to leave a message about the ICC, and a signature mocktail, the Holiday Sparkle.
The Indianapolis Children’s Choir Gala is open to the public and will run from 6 to 10 p.m. at Ritz Charles, 12156 N. Meridian St. in Carmel. Individual tickets are $125 and include hors d’oeuvres, dinner, beer and wine and the musical programming. Tables of eight are available for $1,000. The deadline to purchase a ticket or table is Oct. 24. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more, visit iccchoir.org/gala.
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:
Boo Bash 2024 will be presented at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers, 6 Municipal Dr., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26. Activities include stage entertainment by DJ Mr. Kinetik; themed costumes; decorated booths; Halloween merchandise; games; photo opportunities; costume parades; and live entertainment. Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress in costume.
DIWALI CELEBRATION — A Festival of Lights will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at 365 Monon Blvd. in Carmel to celebrate Diwali, one of the most popular festivals in India. The festival will feature traditional Indian desserts, food vendors, dance performances, cold spark fireworks and more.
BEYOND SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
British blues singer-songwriter Joanne Shaw Taylor finds herself in a prolific period.
“Since COVID and not being able to tour as long as we were, it feels good to be creative,” Taylor said. “It’s one of those magical things where you get a load of ideas and you never know how long that is going to last.”
Taylor, who was born and raised in England, lived several years in Detroit before moving to Nashville, Tenn.
Taylor released a single “All The Things I Said” from a yet-to-be-released album earlier this month. She previously released “Black and Gold,” which is the title track of an album due out in 2025. Her 2024 album, “Heavy Soul,” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Blues Album chart.
Taylor will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Taylor, 39, said getting older has likely helped her improve as a songwriter.
“It’s getting more comfortable with yourself,” she said. “I always suffered from anxiety attacks and depression, and I did a lot of work on that and got myself in a lot better frame of mind. Those things combined got me into a good place where I’m thankful for what I do, and I really enjoy myself. It’s a lucky thing to be able to love what you do for a living.”
Taylor was inspired by listening to renowned blues guitarists.
“Growing up, I was obsessed with blues guitar,” said Taylor, who was discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics when she was 16. “I think I would have been a different artist if I had been born a man because of all my idols on guitar. I could try to copy Albert Collins or B.B. King, but when I was teaching myself to sing, I knew I would never be able to sound like them. So, I had to find female voices to imitate and learn from them, and most of them were outside the blues, like Tina Turner and Mavis Staples.”
For more, visit joanneshawtaylor.com.
Editor,
As a lifelong Hoosier, I care deeply about the future of our state. As a Democrat living in what I believed to be a firmly red state, I had started to believe there weren’t enough people here who believed as I do to really make a difference. When a friend told me last spring there were two Democrats on the ballot in Westfield for city council, my curiosity was piqued. When he mentioned that one of them was a woman in my district, I reached out immediately. That was the beginning of a new phase of activism in my life. While canvassing with Alexis Lowry, we came across large blocks of homes (sometimes 10 to 15 in a row) who would fake whisper, “I’m a Democrat, but don’t tell my neighbors.” We need these voters to be empowered to tell their neighbors and friends what they care about and why it matters to them, and we
need them to show up and vote in November. There are more of us than we’ve been led to believe.
Indiana Republicans have held a supermajority in the House since the 2012 election. Because of this, Republicans can strip women of their autonomy, use your tax dollars to pay private school tuition, and make life more difficult for marginalized Hoosiers without even listening to their constituents.
But it doesn’t have to be that way next year. Democrats only need to take four seats to break the supermajority in the House, and each Hoosier Democrat can be a part of making that happen. Donate, volunteer, support the candidates’ social media, and most importantly vote!
Together, we can build a better future for all Hoosiers.
Cary Fuller, chair, Westfield Democrats
Editor,
We need to invest more in public education to lower property taxes.
According to a new report by Indiana’s Legislative Services Agency’s Office of Fiscal Management, the percentage of the state’s budget that public schools receive has decreased over the last decade which forces districts to be reliant on property taxes and referendums to meet the needs of our kids and teachers. Westfield residents have experienced the burden of rising property taxes. But an increase in state funding for public education could lead to taxpayer savings.
1. Reduced Reliance on Local Funding: More robust state investments in education lessen reliance on local property taxes. This would alleviate financial strain on homeowners and provide a more stable funding source for schools.
2. Economic Growth: Investing in education leads to a more skilled workforce, which attracts businesses and stimulates job creation. As our economy grows, the increased revenue can help offset property taxes, benefiting all residents.
A well-funded public education system
A well-funded public education system ensures all children have opportunities for success.
ensures all children have opportunities for success. For our state to properly fund our schools, we must elect legislators who will support funding public education. That is why I urge Westfield residents to vote for either Josh Lowry, State Rep. District 24, or Matt McNally, State Rep. District 39 in the upcoming election.
Increasing state funding for public education is just one way we can give our children the best chance at success while bringing down our growing property tax bills. Let’s prioritize our schools not just for our children’s future, but for the financial well-being of everyone in our community.
Amy Christmas, Westfield
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Sealed proposals for 161st Street and Spring Mill Roundabout and Trail Extension and Pedestrian Bridge over John Edwards Drain will be received by the City of Westfield, Indiana, at the Westfield Public Works Building, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, Indiana, 46074 until 11:00 a.m., local time, on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bids received later than the above time and date will be returned unopened. No conditional bids will be considered.
Project generally includes roadway re-construction with curb and gutter, curbed medians, storm sewers, multi-use path, sidewalk, curb ramps, pavement markings, signing, lighting, and pedestrian bridge construction.
Bids shall be properly and completely executed on the Proposal Form obtainable at the office of the Owner. Each bid shall be accompanied by Form 96 Contractor’s Bid for Public Works, including Non-Collusion Affidavit as prescribed by the State Board of Accounts, completely filled out, signed, and notarized as required by the statutes of the State of Indiana, Section III of Part II of Form 96 titled “Contractor ’s Financial Statement,” and acceptable bid security. The bid security shall be a certified check made payable to the Owner or satisfactory bond by an incorporated surety company in good standing and qualified to do business in the State of Indiana in an amount equal to 5% of the bid, said deposit being for the purpose of ensuring the execution of the contract for which bid is made Any bid not accompanied by the above required items shall be deemed to be a non-responsive bid by the Owner
No consideration for escalation on prices can be considered; therefore, contractors are advised to not include any such escalation clauses in their proposal for this project.
The Contractors to whom work is awarded shall be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, and they shall be acceptable to the City of Westfield, Indiana.
No bidder may withdraw their proposal within a period of 60 days following the date set for receiving bids. The City of Westfield, Indiana reserves the right to retain the three lowest bid proposals for a period of not more than 90 days and said proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said time. The City of Westfield, Indiana further reserves the right to waive informalities and to award the contract to the lowest and most responsible bidder or bidders, all to the advantage of the City of Westfield, Indiana, or to reject all Proposals.
The Contract Documents and drawings will be available to all interested parties from: Repro Graphix, 437 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or at eplanroom.reprographix.com.
Please direct all questions regarding this project to Michael Pearce, City of Westfield, Department of Public Works, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, IN 46074, (317) 473-2917, mpearce@westfield.in.gov
By: Michael Pearce, City of Westfield
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