Tuesday, January 28, 2025
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Westfield Winter Market returns for 2025 season / P14
Mayor outlines downtown plans for Westfield / P3
Westfield influencer collaborates with Current / P5
Public works plans for ice and snow / P7 INSERT
JANUARY & FEBRUARY DINE IN DEALS!
Mayor outlines downtown plans for Westfield
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Changes in downtown Westfield are imminent with Union Square under construction and the Park & Poplar PUD before the Westfield Advisory Plan Commission.
REVITALIZATION
Mayor Scott Willis said residents can expect plans for more development to be revealed soon.
Willis held a town hall meeting for about 100 residents Jan. 15 at Westfield High School.
“When I moved to Westfield 21 years ago, I never thought I’d see a crane in the air and a building on blocks,” Willis said. “That’s where we’re at.”
Willis said he’s been focused on downtown revitalization — particularly the southwest corner of Union Street and Ind. 32 around Grand Junction Plaza — since before he took office in January 2024. But, he said, parking remains a problem.
Willis said although Union Square includes underground parking, the bulk of that parking will be dedicated for use by building tenants, which will likely only open up a small amount of parking for visitors to Grand Junction Plaza and local businesses.
“The city’s already invested in some really neat pieces there (but) we’ve got real problems that we’ve got to fix soon,” he said. “We’re all in now on a vision that’s going to create a better strategy for parking down the road. My vision is to preserve the Park Street corridor area. So, when you think of that block — from Park to Mill to Jersey to Westfield Boulevard — we have all those little shops and bakeries and restaurants. We’re not going to do any mass development there. We’re
with the mayor
not tearing buildings down and building six-story buildings. I think it’s something unique that no other city has. My vision for Westfield is to be uniquely Westfield. What we do fits us as a community, who we are as residents.”
Willis said Park Street’s restaurant row grew organically based on community need, with Park & Poplar designed to complement existing restaurants and businesses. Now, he’s looking at similar development one block north.
“We have another project coming (on) Jersey Street,” he said. “That’s coming to council in February. It’s the whole Jersey Street corridor. We’ve pretty much locked up every piece of land in that corridor and it’s going to have a similar concept with restaurants and other types of amenities, office space, apartments.”
DISPATCH
invites the public to participate in Mornings with the Mayor on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 a.m. indoors at Grand Park
Center. This event is a walk/run opportunity for anyone who would like
Willis also said the city is looking for a way to honor Westfield’s history as a part of the Underground Railroad.
On that corner by the roundabout where (Riverview Health Westfield Hospital) is at, we’re looking at a park that’s going to honor the Underground Railroad,” he said. “I’m super excited about it. We’re working with a group (to) make sure we honor that significant piece of our history correctly. They are helping us design a thoughtful park.”
Downtown revitalization is part of Willis’ four-pillar plan to guide growth in Westfield. Those pillars — public safety excellence; transparency and accountability; quality growth and livability; and empowerment and improvement — are a roadmap for his administration, and each includes a long list of objectives and goals.
to join to get some exercise while catching up on local news and events in Westfield. The events continue through the end of March.
Westfield Mayor Scott Willis discussed downtown revitalization during a town hall meeting Jan. 15 at Westfield High School. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Mornings
— Westfield Mayor Scott Willis
Events
Social media influencer collaborates with Current
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Michelle Baxter likes to wander.
A native of the southeast side of Indianapolis, Baxter met her husband Ben at Ball State University, where she graduated in 2009. The couple and their two children, Braden, 16, and Kendall, 12, have lived in Westfield for 10 years.
COLLABORATION
Baxter was a few months into a new job as a court videographer in 2020 when COVID-19 closures pushed her to seek out a new endeavor — helping friends and neighbors find things to do locally.
What followed was the creation of her social media pages — “Wandering Westfield” — on Instagram and Facebook. In the past five years, Baxter — who now collaborates with Current — has amassed more than 48,000 combined followers on those platforms.
“Everybody was looking for something to do. I just thought about this concept because I was new in Hamilton County once (and) without knowing people or knowing what’s going on, you really have to kind of search for it,” she said. “So, I thought, what if I made a page that kind of encompassed all of the things?”
At the beginning, with COVID-19 restrictions still in place, Baxter began by sharing what the community could still enjoy that wasn’t closed, like hiking at Cool Creek Park.
“I just thought it’d be an informative page,” she said. “I initially was going to do it anonymously because I was embarrassed by the whole thing, but it took me about one week and then I showed my face and my personality because I just couldn’t help it. And it became a source and, honestly, a way to help small businesses at the time, to let people know what’s going on.”
Her brand has since expanded to include Hamilton County and beyond. Unlike international influencers, Baxter focuses on what’s available in everyone’s backyard, from date-night inspiration and local pumpkin patches to partnerships with cafés, restaurants and even the Indianapolis 500.
Baxter’s latest collaboration is with Current. She will serve as a social media
Michelle Baxter’s “Wandering Westfield” social media accounts have more than 48,000 followers. (Photo courtesy of Wandering Westfield)
partner, adding her special brand of social media connections to stories and events in Hamilton, Boone and Marion counties.
“Partnering with someone who’s local, who has the audience, just kind of marries the two together,” she said. “I just add to the social media, my flair, my videos, the way I edit. (Current) is obviously a very known publication and it’s local, and that’s what I want to do. I definitely get reached out to by national brands too, but I also want to keep sharing about what my audience wants to see, which is local content.”
The first collaboration will highlight Dink House pickleball facility in Carmel.
Baxter said although she is an influencer, she’s also authentic — showing her daily life and having a little fun. She said her ultimate goal is to promote what’s accessible locally.
“Indianapolis is still not a huge city,” she said. “If you live in Westfield, you’re still going to travel downtown. You still want to go to the Indy 500. We’re in proximity to so many awesome things that you still want to know about.”
Initially, Baxter wasn’t comfortable being called “an influencer.” But now, she embraces the distinction.
“I resisted the term influencer for the longest time because it had such a negative connotation,” she said. “But then I decided I’m influencing for good. It’s not always a bad word. So, once I started to embrace that more and realize I’m providing a service, that’s when I took it more seriously on the small business side. But it always remains that I want to help people.”
Follow Baxter on Facebook and Instagram at @WanderingWestfield.
Westfield Public Works’ plans for snow and ice
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Westfield’s Department of Public Works has a plan for winter weather events. And if something gets lost in the shuffle, residents have the means to report it at their fingertips.
CITY NEWS
The City of Westfield’s newly designed website — westfieldin.gov — includes a “report it” link on its main page. Westfield DPW Community, Fleet and Safety Officer Travis Stetnish said reports on snow-related issues come straight to him.
“(Residents) can submit the issue (and) I personally call them back and figure out what their issue was so we can have it resolved,” he said. “There’s usually quite a few of them, especially on that first event. It gives residents an avenue to be heard and seen by a person, not some computer. It’s something that you’ll get a very timely response to because it gets sent to me directly.”
Westfield gets its road salt through a co-op of Hamilton County communities that purchase salt from Cargill. The city ordered 3,500 tons for this season. The actual amount of salt the city uses in any given season varies, because the effectiveness of salt depends on the temperature.
During a winter weather event, crews first plow main roads then secondary roads, while subdivisions are plowed by private companies contracted with the city.
“We can’t get into subdivisions as soon as it’s done snowing,” Stetnish said. “That way it maximizes our timeliness to get into subdivisions and we can still do it with fewer people.”
The city also uses brine to pretreat roads
before a snow or ice event.
“That way we use less salt, but it’s the same effectiveness of pre-salting,” he said.
Private road owners, such as HOAs in gated communities, are responsible for their own salting and snow removal.
Westfield’s public works fleet includes six dump trucks, four mini-dump trucks and 11 pickup trucks equipped with plows. The city also has three UTVs that can clear trails and sidewalks.
Stetnish said the planning process for winter weather begins well in advance of when the first snowflakes fall.
“The misunderstanding for most people is they think as soon as it starts snowing and it starts getting on the roads, that’s when the activity starts,” he said. “But it actually starts two, three, four days in advance, as soon as we find out about the snow, that’s when we start determining the plan. If it starts snowing midday, the crew comes in six or seven hours before that to start treating intersections, hills and roundabouts. Most people don’t see that. It’s key to stress that as soon as the snow stops, that’s when we start doing the full push.”
Stetnish said plow drivers perform a thankless yet vital task for the city.
“I would tip my hat to any one of the crew members driving a plow truck because they do work tireless hours,” he said. “They are unsung heroes because they’re bouncing around on a plow truck.”
Stetnish said although public works understands that snow-packed roads are frustrating, he urges motorists to trust the process.
“Rest assured that we are working on it. We are aware of storms and snowfall well in advance,” he said.
DISPATCHES
Scholarship opportunity — The Old Town Design Group, LLC of Carmel has established the Orchard Project Scholarship to provide tuition assistance to students preparing for a career in the construction industry. The Orchard Project will be awarding four $2,500 scholarships to Hamilton, Boone and Tippecanoe County high school seniors or undergraduate students enrolled in a construction related program at an accredited college, university or technical school. For more, contact Casey Shi-
naver at casey@oldtowncompanies.com.
Golf cart listening tour — An event for Westfield residents to express their thoughts to city leaders on expanding the city’s golf cart ordinance to include named and perimeter trails takes place at 7 p.m. Feb. 6 at The Club at Chatham Hills, 1100 Chatham Hills Blvd. The event will be hosted by Councilor Joe Duepner and is open to all city residents regardless of district.
Willis plans fundraising efforts in Westfield
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said he’s ready to take the city’s philanthropic endeavors to the next level.
PHILANTHROPY
Willis discussed plans to continue the Mayor’s Grand Gala in 2025 during a town hall meeting Jan. 15 at Westfield High School. He said the inspiration for the event was former Mayor Andy Cook’s Yellow Tie Ball, which raised funds for Westfield Youth Assistance Program. Willis said the gala expands on that.
slice of money for what is needed,” Willis said. “It was frustrating to watch, and it was frustrating as a business owner or a politician to have 15 or 20 nonprofits coming at you trying to get some money. It didn’t seem to be working. So, I wanted to do something bigger and better for our nonprofits.”
At its inaugural event in October 2024, the Mayor’s Grand Gala had more than 500 attendees, and raised $609,000, with roughly $450,000 earmarked for local nonprofits. Those funds are managed by Advancing Westfield Foundation, a foundation established in 2024 to serve as a conduit for the mayor’s initiatives.
“We’re going to use this foundation to make huge impacts in our community through the nonprofits,” he said.
Willis said serving on various boards and committees has given him insight into how difficult it is for nonprofits to raise much-needed funds.
“I saw how these wonderful nonprofits climbed all over each other to get a little
Willis said the foundation will use funds from the gala and other fundraising initiatives to provide grants to local nonprofits.
“We’re working to make sure that we’re impacting the right things in our community,” he said.
Information on the 2025 Mayor’s Grand Gala will be posted at westfieldgala.com.
Westfield Fire Department battles house fire
PUBLIC SAFETY news@youarecurrent.com
A home that caught fire in the 500 block on Ind. 32 Jan. 20 has been deemed a total loss.
The Westfield Fire Department responded to the fire at 7:43 p.m., arriving to heavy fire and thick smoke coming from the residence and extending into a second structure. Cold temperatures hampered the response, causing slick and hazardous conditions and exposure risks for responders.
Approximately 45 firefighters battled fires in the two structures, with units returning to service at midnight.
No injuries were reported. The fire caused the closure of Ind. 32 for several hours, reopening by midnight Jan. 21.
WFD reported the second residence also has significant to near-total loss.
The cause is undetermined and the investigation is ongoing.
Westfield crews were assisted by fire departments from Carmel, Noblesville and Zionsville; the Westfield Police Department; Westfield Public Works; INDOT; the Red Cross; Citizens Energy; Duke Energy; Centerpoint; Hamilton County Communications; and the Westfield Emergency Response Social Worker.
Willis
Westfield Fire Department personnel extinguish a fire in the 500 block of Ind. 32 Jan. 20. (Photo courtesy of WFD)
Zionsville senior guard fulfilling hoop dreams
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Community High School senior guard Maguire Mitchell knows what drives his passion for basketball.
“I would say it’s looking back at my younger self in my driveway, watching college basketball and dreaming to be on TV one day,” Mitchell said. “I can’t let that little kid down.”
Mitchell, who was averaging 20.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game prior to Jan. 24, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball for Indiana University Indianapolis next season. The 6-foot-6 Mitchell averaged 20.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game as a junior. Eagles coach J.R. Howell said Mitchell has always been an accurate shooter and dynamic scorer.
“He has the ability to change a game by his natural ability to score,” Howell said. “Also, his defensive ability and understanding of the game make him a nice two-way player. This year, Maguire has taken a big step forward in trusting his teammates. As a natural scorer, his mindset is to be
MAGUIRE MITCHELL
Favorite athlete: Kevin Durant
Favorite TV show: “Attack on Titan”
Favorite sports team: Indiana Pacers
Favorite vacation spot: Naples, Fla.
a scorer. However, over the last couple of years, he has been open and willing to understand what is given and not force the issue.”
Mitchell said he has a lot of trust in his teammates.
“I’ve seen the work they all have put in during the offseason and would be dumb
to not,” he said.
Zionsville senior guard Maguire Mitchell is the team’s top scorer and rebounder. (Photo courtesy of Maguire Mitchell)
NCAA Division I offer.
“I was thinking about waiting until November to see what other offers I would get to commit, but (IU Indianapolis) coach (Paul) Corsaro and (assistant) coach (Mike) Burris showed how much they wanted me and the commitment they had toward me, so I made the decision to commit early,”
Mitchell said.
Corsaro said Mitchell is a versatile player.
“He can score it, defend, shoot it well and passes the ball well,” Corsaro stated. “He plays with some toughness that’s going to fit in well with our returning guys.”.
Mitchell played with his twin brother, Maddox, until high school.
Mitchell was shooting 49 percent overall from the field, and 41 percent from 3-point range, as of Jan. 24.
“My shot has developed the most in the offseason,” he said. “I think it is the best it’s ever looked and (I) look to keep improving it.”
Mitchell said IU Indianapolis was his first
“He quit and is now a manager for us,” said Mitchell, who was a wide receiver on the Eagles’ football team until his sophomore year.
Mitchell played AAU with Indiana Elite, helping the team to an Adidas 3Stripes Select Basketball national runner-up finish in the summer of 2024.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
Peter Swiatek, MD is a fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon who specializes in the comprehensive care of spine surgery. Dr. Swiatek tailors his treatment plans to the needs of each of his patients, with a focus 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.
• Treatment of back and neck pain, sciatica, spinal stenosis, herniated discs and work-related injuries
• Management of simple and complex spine problems, including revision surgery
• Cutting edge, minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery and less post-operative pain
• Experienced, Compassionate, Fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon
Miller named Make-A-Wish OKI CEO — Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana recently announced Juli Miller as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Miller most recently served as Chief Mission Delivery Officer since 2021, where she was instrumental in driving transformational change and helping the chapter grant a record-breaking 1,205 wishes in fiscal year 2023. Miller lives in central Indiana with her husband, Dan and their four children. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services with a Minor in Management from Purdue University. The mission of Make-A-Wish is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.Learn more at wish.org/oki.
Melt the Trail registration open — Registration is available for the 10th annual Melt the Trail 5k run/walk race at 10:30 a.m. March 1 at Grand Junction Brewing Co. in Westfield. The race makes its way through Westfield on the Monon Trail and over the bridge at Ind. 32. Registration includes a
long sleeve race shirt, finisher’s medal, post-race snacks and drinks, one free drink ticket for participants 21 and older, a timed route and a chance to win an award. After the race, there will be food available for purchase from Grand Junction Brewing Co. Guaranteed shirt deadline is Feb. 11. Register at westfieldwelcome.com/melt-the-trail.
Lilly Endowment awards Ivy Tech Foundation $21.9M — Lilly Endowment Inc. recently awarded Ivy Tech Foundation a $21.9 million, three-year grant to support the efforts of Ivy Tech Community College to strengthen Indiana’s early childhood education workforce. The funding will support programs and partnerships that will expand options for and improve access to high-quality postsecondary education and training for current and future early childhood education professionals. Ivy Tech will utilize the grant funds to increase enrollment in its early childhood education programs by more than 100 percent by 2027, ultimately graduating 1,950 individuals annually with industry-recognized credentials and degrees. Learn more about Ivy Tech Foundation at giving.ivytech.edu.
Miller
AND BETTER
FIGHTING PARKINSON’S
Stratford program designed to slow progression of disease for residents
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Proper footwear important in snow and ice
Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf
As winter descends, the enchanting beauty of snowflakes and ice can quickly turn treacherous. While many embrace the season’s charm, the hidden dangers of slippery surfaces pose a significant risk to our feet and overall stability. Proper footwear is essential for navigating these conditions safely, and seeking guidance from a podiatrist can help you make informed choices.
The right shoes can make all the difference when it comes to winter safety. Look for footwear designed with features specifically tailored for snow and ice. Key attributes include slip-resistant soles, waterproof materials and adequate insulation. Shoes with deep treads provide better traction, reducing the likelihood of slips and falls. Additionally, a snug fit allows for warmth without compromising movement and helping to prevent frostbite.
Ignoring the need for appropriate footwear can lead to serious consequences. Slip-and-fall accidents can result in sprains, fractures or even chronic pain, leading to long-term mobility issues. Furthermore, inadequate support can exacerbate existing foot conditions, contributing to discomfort and pain. This is where a podiatrist can provide invaluable assistance.
Podiatrists specialize in foot health and can recommend the best types of footwear for your specific needs and activities. They can also assess your foot structure and biomechanics, ensuring you choose shoes that provide optimal support and stability. If you experience pain or discomfort while walking in winter conditions, it’s crucial to consult a podiatrist. They can diagnose underlying issues and suggest tailored solutions, such as orthotics or specialized footwear.
Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf are both board-certified foot surgeons at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact them at appt@westfieldfoot.com or 317-896-6655.
Why don’t we keep our New Year’s resolutions?
Commentary by Valerie J. Weesner.
The New Year begins, and the gyms are filled with people who will be there maybe once, twice or possibly even for a month or two, despite signing on for a year’s membership. Why do we make New Year’s resolutions and why don’t we follow through?
My thought is that we make our resolutions based on the idea that we want to start fresh. We have high hopes of being healthy, being fit, possibly getting stronger, steadier on our feet, or maybe we have an event to go to and we want to look and feel better in our clothes.
All worthwhile goals. So, why don’t we follow up on our resolutions? This question seems to have a lot of answers — likely having to do not with the goals, but how we choose to execute them. We set a goal to exercise and get healthier. We walk into a gym, which seems OK, or someone told us good things about it, and we sign up. And then we go to work out. Here is what often happens: We don’t know what to do, we don’t feel comfortable, we’re embarrassed, we don’t know anyone, and we end up wandering around, leaving without wanting to return. Or we get a workout in, feel somewhat OK about it, and plan to go back. Possibly, we get injured or at least very sore, because we didn’t know how to manage our time and our work-
outs for the best outcome.
The next time we plan to go, we end up having a harder time convincing ourselves to go, maybe we understand why, and maybe we don’t quite know what the barrier is, but we still don’t return, or we go less frequently. And being there less frequently means we
never really get more comfortable with being there. OK, so let’s back up. We have great goals, but we need to think hard about how we want to execute them. We want to go to a gym, get exercise, feel more fit, maybe lose some weight. How do we do that so that the process we choose is sustainable? How do we set ourselves up for success?
Here are some thoughts:
• Find a gym that is inviting, where you feel safe and comfortable walking in.
• Find a gym that gives you the opportunity to work out safely, with guidance to get the right kind of workout for where you are physically, as well as mentally and emotionally.
• Find a clean, comfortable environment that is inviting to you – with people who greet you, know you and reach out when you are missing.
When we find the right fit and the right way to go about putting our goals into action, we are much more likely to follow through and feel great about having made those resolutions.
Motion 4 Life Fitness member Joe Miller works out. (Photo courtesy of Motion 4 Life)
Valerie J. Weesner is a Ph.D., HSPP and is a staff consultant for Motion 4 Life Fitness.
Retired couple finds home
By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com
It took a few years and a few moves, but Jim Saucunas and his wife Betty finally found the place where they wanted to live in Indianapolis in May 2024.
Jim and Betty are residents of the Sycamore Reserve Senior Living in Indianapolis. Jim said they are delighted with their new home.
“We moved to Indianapolis 15 years ago,” Jim said. “We had a few places, including a duplex on Ditch Road, but when we heard about Sycamore, it sounded interesting, so we went to visit.”
Jim has not regretted it.
“Since we’ve moved here, we’re very happy,” Jim said. “It’s a beautiful place and the management is friendly and helpful, and they offer so many activities. We want this to be our final move.”
The couple is from Chicago and have been married for 33 years. Betty is a retired nurse, and Jim was a printer for more than 30 years before retiring.
Jim Saucu nas and his wife Betty moved to Sycamore Reserve in May 2024. (Photo courtesy of Sycamore Reserve)
Jim, 77, didn’t think about settling in Indianapolis until his daughter Pamela moved to Indianapolis 20 years ago.
“When Pamela moved here, we used to come down and visit her a couple of times a year,” Saucunas said. “As the years went on, we didn’t have any relatives left there and also started knowing less and less people in Chicago, and things were getting expensive.”
That’s when they decided to move. Saucunas used to dabble in photography but spends most of his time simply enjoying retirement.
For more, visit sycamorereserve.com.
Don’t let winter stop you from thinking about warmer weather. If you are experiencing symptoms of varicose veins and want healthier legs this summer, call our office today to schedule your initial consultation.
WHEN TO SEE A CARDIOLOGIST
TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR HEART HEALTH
By Dr. Nathan Lambert, medical director of Cardiology at IU Health North and Saxony hospitals
Aquestion I am commonly asked by patients, friends and family is,
“When is it appropriate to see a cardiologist?” What I hear is people don’t want to “bother” the cardiologist if their symptoms aren’t actually heart related. I also hear that they don’t want to spend time in an emergency room for a “false alarm.” These can be fatal mistakes. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and in Indiana. Proactively addressing your heart health can help prevent serious cardiovascular issues.
HEART DISEASE RISK
We want to think of ourselves as healthy, and we should. However, at the same time, we cannot be in denial about our own underlying cardiovascular risk. Much of our risk is modifiable, such as smoking status, blood pressure, weight and diabetes control. But important components are not. We can’t control our age, and we can’t control our genetics. As we get older, our risk increases, even if we have a very healthy lifestyle. Likewise, if heart disease runs strongly in either side of the family, our risk is elevated.
ASYMPTOMATIC
PATIENTS
Let’s start with asymptomatic patients. These are patients experiencing no discomfort in the chest, no difficulty breathing and no abnormal heartbeats. These patients should see a cardiologist if their cardiac risk is determined to be elevated, even in the absence of symptoms. Probably the two simplest but most powerful screening tests to establish baseline risk are the LDL cholesterol (fasting blood draw) and the calcium score as determined by a heart scan (low dose CT scan). Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a type of cholesterol that’s often called “bad” cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. Some folks with a relatively high LDL cholesterol will have an excellent heart scan result and may not need medication. On
the other hand, some folks with what appears to be a reasonably good LDL cholesterol will have an abnormal heart scan and may need medication.
LOWERING “BAD” CHOLESTEROL
There is a lot on the Internet about cholesterol. Simply put, for someone with any degree of elevated cardiac risk, LDL cholesterol is bad. Do not be misled or persuaded otherwise; that can be a serious mistake. The next question is how to lower the LDL cholesterol. After diet and exercise, statins, a specific group of medications, are the mainstay. And again, there’s a lot of misleading information out there. Statins reduce inflammation inside our coronary arteries, which is a powerful way to stabilize plaque and prevent heart attacks. However, we now have several non-statin alternatives. Which medication to use for lowering LDL cholesterol (when medication is needed) is certainly something to discuss with a cardiologist.
SYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS
Next, let’s consider patients with symptoms. Symptoms can be very noticeable, such as heavy pressure in the chest, which may (or may not) radiate down either arm, to the jaw or to the back. Symptoms can also be more subtle, including a shortness of breath or fatigue with activities that used to be easy to perform. Again, none of us want to think we may have a heart problem, but if your chest discomfort only occurs when you walk briskly or otherwise exert yourself, you should not just presume this is acid reflux or sore muscles. Any exertional symptoms that are new or different, and that include any sort of discomfort or tension in the chest, feeling of labored breathing or excessive fatigue, are very appropriate reasons to see a cardiologist. Two old adages apply here: “it’s better to be safe than sorry” and “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If there is any question of heart risk or heart symptoms, come see the cardiologist – you’re not bothering us! To learn more about heart health, visit iuhealth.org/heart.
Nathan Lambert
Kasie Keyes, wellness associate at The Stratford, works with Jeff Klindera in an emPowerD class. (Photo courtesy of The Stratford)
disease,” he said.
Klindera, who moved to Carmel from Rockford, Ill., had surgery in 2010, when doctors put electrodes in his brain to treat neurological conditions. He worked in computer software but had to retire at age 59 because of the disease.
“When you utilize the research and all the sources that are out there, you can live a very high-quality life for a long time,” The Stratford lifestyle advisor Neal Miller said. “It’s more about being the person in charge rather than allowing the disease to be in charge.”
Miller said exercise, socialization and support groups help people with Parkinson’s live at a very high level for as long as possible and slows the progression of the disease.
The one-hour emPowerD exercise program is conducted twice a week. Klindera works on the boxing bag, along with other strengthening and balancing exercises.
“Walking backwards is my kryptonite. I tend to fall if I walk backwards,” he said, referring to the fictional material that slows Superman. “I haven’t fallen in a year-and-a-half. I get the most out of the balancing (exercises).”
The exercises have given Klindera more confidence.
“I know the disease is getting worse because I can’t talk as well as I used to,” said Klindera, who works on communicating exercises.
Klindera said he also receives help from a chair yoga class and a strength and balancing class.
ATHLETIC MINDSET
The Stratford Wellness Director Heather Mairn said Klindera benefits from the fact he was an athlete when he was younger. He was a gymnast at Rock Valley College, a community college in Illinois.
“The strength he had prior helps him today and we build upon that,” Mairn said. “He’s still doing strict pull-ups and he’s doing pushups. It’s hard because it’s an illness that is never going to go away. What we are trying to do is just fight these symptoms with everything we have and every ability we have, so they can live longer and without the symptoms. I’ve seen him progress but really stay healthy.”
Klindera takes frequent walks and keeps moving.
Stratford program designed to slow progression of disease for residents
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Jeff Klindera has been able to slow the progression of his Parkinson’s disease as a resident of The Stratford in Carmel.
The senior living center started a program called emPowerD to work with residents with Parkinson’s, which is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system. Symptoms often start slowly, with hand tremors being one of the first signs.
Klindera, 62, has lived at the senior living center for 2 1/2 years. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 39.
“I was living by myself, and I was stumbling and falling down a bit,” he said. “My daughter said to ‘come live near me’ (in Carmel). Part of the reason I came here was because they were starting this program. It’s been helpful to me to get to a community where people knew what I was going through.”
Klindera can compare notes with other residents with Parkinson’s.
“We can talk about advancements in treating the
“Maintenance is successful for just the normal aging person,” Mairn said. “Maintenance for somebody living with Parkinson’s disease is an incredible achievement as they age.”
Mairn said she was instructed to train Parkinson’s patients like athletes.
“For our residents, their game is independence,” Mairn said. “Their game is being able to live life to the fullest. Now, somebody with Parkinson’s diagnosis, you have to train like an athlete. You have to up their program. They have to have the mentality of an athlete because their game is life and keeping those symptoms away.”
ON THE COVER: Jeff Klindera works out on a boxing bag during the emPowerD class for residents with Parkinson’s disease. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi).
How to choose an executor of estate
Commentary by Brad Owen
You want to make sure your children get their inheritance without delays or family conflict. But who will handle the paperwork, manage debts and distribute your assets the way you intended? Choosing the right executor is a decision that could directly impact your family’s financial well-being. It’s more than just naming someone in your will — it’s selecting someone who will honor your legacy responsibly. Let’s look at some of the basics and what you should consider when choosing an executor.
What does an executor do?
An executor is the person responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will after you pass away. Their key duties include:
• Managing and valuing your assets.
• Paying off any outstanding debts and taxes.
• Distributing assets to your beneficiaries as specified in your will.
• Handling probate court proceedings and legal filings.
• Resolving disputes among beneficiaries or creditors, if necessary. What to look for in an executor When considering who to name as your executor, prioritize these qualities:
• Trustworthiness: Your executor should be someone you can rely on to follow your wishes honestly.
• Financial competence: Handling taxes, debts, and asset management requires a solid understanding of finances.
• Organizational skills: An executor must manage deadlines, paperwork, and communication effectively.
• Availability: Ensure the person has the time and capacity to take on the responsibilities involved.
• Conflict resolution ability: In case of disagreements, the executor should remain calm and impartial.
Other Considerations
When Choosing an Executor
You may want to also think about:
• Family dynamics: Will your choice minimize or contribute to conflict among heirs?
• Location: Choosing someone who resides nearby can simplify
Choosing the right executor and creating a well-rounded estate plan can provide lasting peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Don’t leave important decisions to chance.
— Brad Owen
logistics.
• Age and health: An ideal executor should be healthy and likely to outlive you.
You can also consider professional executors like estate planning attorneys or trust companies for impartial management of your estate. How our firm can help
Selecting an executor is only one part of a holistic estate plan. At Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law, we guide families through the entire process to make sure each decision fits your unique needs. Our comprehensive services include:
• Drafting clear, legally sound wills and trusts.
• Providing guidance on choosing an executor and other key life-planning roles.
• Offering resources for professional executor services, if needed.
Choosing the right executor and creating a well-rounded estate plan can provide lasting peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Don’t leave important decisions to chance. Take control of your future and ensure your wishes are honored by working with experienced professionals who can help you navigate every step of the process.
At Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law, we are committed to helping you build a legacy that reflects your values and safeguards your family’s future. Contact us to schedule a consultation and start planning for a secure tomorrow.
Let Meridian Audiology Speak at Your Next Club Meeting!
Meridian Audiology LLC, a private Audiology practice, was founded by Dr. Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira VonBlon, M.S. after working together in an ENT setting for more than 12 years. The seasoned Audiologists strive to consistently provide premier care to patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders as well as those who want to protect their hearing from damage.
In stark contrast to the medical audiology world where patients are in and out in quick succession, private practice allows Ali and Kira to spend whatever time their patients need from them for their individual hearing healthcare situation.
“We want our patients to know that we are here for them, and we will not rush them out the door so we can get on to the next patient. We love to get to know our patients, and we feel we treat them like we would treat our own family,” VonBlon said. “We’ve had many patients find and follow us to Meridian Audiology and that is a testament to our relationships with them.”
The Meridian Audiology Audiologists pride themselves on keeping up with, and
offering the top-of-the-line newest technology in hearing aids, tinnitus and auditory processing disorder. Beyond comprehensive hearing evaluations and hearing aid sales, service and maintenance, Meridian Audiology also offers the LACE AI (Listening for Communication Enhancement) program which improves comprehension of speech, tinnitus management consultations, hearing protection options and auditory processing disorder evaluation and management. We are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing and hearing loss.
Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email, or online and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are 9am4pm Monday-Friday by appointment only.
VonBlon
Wyss
Brad Owen is an attorney with Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law.
IVascular practice rebrands, opens new office
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
ndiana Vein Specialists has a new name and new location.
The practice has rebranded to Indiana Vein & Lymphatic. The final day for the west Carmel and Fishers locations will be Feb. 13. They are merging into a larger Carmel location at 11590 N. Meridian St., Suite 270, which will open Feb. 19.
The new name reflects expanded service lines for lymphatic disorders, according to the practice’s owner, Dr. Jeffery Schoonover.
fied lymphatic therapists.
The providers are Schoonover and two nurse practitioners.
The new office is approximately 7,000 square feet.
“We are combining the staff and have the providers in one unified location,” Schoonover said.
Schoonover said there are more than 20 employees with three providers; four ultrasound technologists; and two certi-
CARMEL (317) 660-5132
FORTVILLE (317) 572-7088
PLAINFIELD (317) 660-5122
“The lymphatic therapy component is one of the reasons why we are choosing to move to this facility because it’s such a needed service for people that are dealing with lower limb swelling and skin issues related to it,” Schoonover said. “There is a definite ergonomic benefit from patient flow (in the new office). It does mean we have some room for updated different aspects of the technology. We feel it’s even better for patient parking and access.”
Schoonover said he likes that the new office is across the street from IU Health North.
“We usually work with interventional radiologists that are also relatively close by to the new office,” Schoonover said. Schoonover said finding a new loca-
Continued on Page 11
Schoonover
Continued from Page 10
tion had been on the radar for about six months.
Although Schoonover said the practice has patients in their 30s and 40s, there also are patients dealing with chronic swelling in the 55-and-over age group.
“Some of the challenges we’ve seen
in the post-COVID environment, whether it’s people working at home more or people not moving as much, that’s also been a part of this as well,” he said. “Venous and lymphatic insufficiency are chronic conditions, and the best way to take care of folks is with a continuity-based model.”
For more, call 1-317-348-3020 or 1-888-534-8346.
Volunteers essential for Westfield events
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The City of Westfield has a huge need for volunteers, especially since the Indianapolis Colts training camp moved to Grand Park in 2018.
Other events requiring volunteers include Westfield Rocks the 4th, the Westfield Farmers Market, Touch-a-Truck and Shamrock Drop, among others.
“Volunteers are vital to the success of all the city’s events,” said Logan Charlesworth, communications specialist for the city. “We would not be able to host community events of the scale and caliber our residents have grown
accustomed to enjoying without added support from our incredible volunteer base.”
During weekend day events, Charlesworth said part-time and retired volunteers are essential to successful events because of their flexible schedules.
“It’s difficult to put an exact number on how many 55-and-older volunteers we had on any given date, but I would estimate at least 60 percent of our Colts Training Camp volunteers are 55 or older,” Charlesworth said. “This number jumps during weekday practices.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can visit westfield.in/volunteer.
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SHOP LOCAL
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Local wares are back on the market in Westfield.
The Westfield Winter Market, presented by Duke Energy, returned Jan. 18. This season’s market takes place Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon at West Fork Whiskey Co., showcasing more than 50 vendors.
On its first weekend, the market drew more than 800 attendees.
The 2025 season is under new management. The market is organized by Westfield Welcome, the city’s hospitality arm.
“This is the first year that the city and Westfield Welcome have taken it over from the Downtown Westfield Association,” market manager Molly O’Connor said. “They did a really great job of taking the market from where it started and growing it to a point that it just made more sense. We have a bigger events team and more resources to put toward the market since it’s so popular with the community. So, we were very happy to be handed the reins.”
O’Connor said high attendance at the weekly market, especially in cold weather, highlights the importance that the public puts on buying local.
“It’s nice that people are so interested in supporting small businesses and shopping local,” she said. “Winter markets are a really great way to provide that.”
O’Connor said one unique aspect of the market is that it begins after the holidays — a time that is traditionally difficult for small and local businesses. The market can help boost those business owners during a winter slump.
Vendors at the market agree and said the event is a great way to reach local consumers in the north Indianapolis area.
Bob Stone operates H&S Knife Sharpening in Whitestown. Stone’s business specializes in sharpening kitchen knives, garden tools and pocketknives. He also sells handmade kitchen items like wooden cutting boards and bowls.
“We had been exhibiting at the Whitestown summer market, and one of the vendors there told us that Westfield had a great winter market,” he said. “It was a
Westfield Winter Market returns for 2025 season
referral from another vendor that we had met, and this is our third year.”
Stone said the market’s reputation makes it attractive to vendors.
“It’s just a huge draw and so very well attended. People come here to spend some money,” he said. “It’s just the numbers. When this thing gets going, you can barely move in here.”
Rare Brew, an artesian coffee producer based in Indianapolis, is new to the market. Rare Brew representative Evan Shanks said the coffee maker was attracted to Westfield’s market for its popularity among locals.
“This was a fantastic opportunity for us,” Shanks said. “It’s very popular, it was an extremely successful day one it looks like for everybody. We had people lined up out there waiting on the nine o’clock bell. People are waiting on parking spots because it’s so crowded, that is a very good problem.”
Shanks said the market’s indoor venue makes it an attractive weekend outing.
“It’s indoors, so you don’t have to worry about the cold first and foremost,” he said. “But it’s a really fun opportunity to see a lot of your local friends, families, neighbors, just a lot of local businesses, and come and support them. It’s a good way to
try new things.”
Eagle Creek Apiary of Sheridan has participated in Westfield’s summer and winter markets since their inception, selling local raw honey. Proprietor Kelly Cripe said the winter market has taken off in 2025.
“I believe this is No. 1. There’s nothing better than being part of a community,” Cripe said. “If you’re here you’re getting infused with the community, whether you like it or not, because there’s a lot of folks from this community right here. You just learn about your local farmers and what they’re doing and how things are being produced, how they’re being cared for.”
Cripe said events like the winter market allow people to raise the curtain on how their products are made.
“It’s important to have the farmer behind the table and be able to explain that,” she said. “I would say that’s primarily my incentive for bringing people in.”
Michaela and Andrew Bougerie of Noblesville own Bouge Cookie Co., specializing in decorated sugar cookies, drop cookies, cinnamon rolls, pies and muffins. This is their first year as a vendor at Westfield Winter Market. The couple said the market is truly a community offering.
“I think it’s about just coming out and supporting local as well as supporting
small businesses,” Andrew Bougerie said. “A lot of this stuff, sure, you can pick it up at the supermarket, but here you get that 1-on-1 with everybody and get to know who they are and what they want to do and what their goals are for their company.”
The couple also said the market has something for everyone.
“There’s a wide variety of stuff here,” Michaela Bougerie said. “You’ve got baked goods, you’ve got crochet, woodworking, some boutiques. I think it’s just a good variety, a mixture of things to come shop for that maybe you didn’t even know you needed.”
Market organizers echoed that sentiment.
“There’s something for everybody here, and all of them are Indiana-based businesses,” O’Connor said. “Watching them interact with the community every week is really special. You can get things that you wouldn’t get anywhere else. It’s a unique shopping experience and you can switch things up and it’s a great chance to find things that you otherwise maybe wouldn’t try.”
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Westfield Winter Market
WHERE: West Fork Whiskey Co., 10 E. 191st St. across from Grand Park. WHEN: 9 a.m. until noon every Saturday through March 29, excluding March 1.
WHAT’S FOR SALE: More than 50 vendors offer a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, coffee and breakfast foods; locally sourced meat products; clothing; honey; baked goods; handcrafted artisanal goods; and other items. Learn more: Weekly vendor lineups are available at westfieldwelcome.com.
ON THE COVER: Westfield Winter Market returned this month to West Fork Whiskey Co. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Mini pancakes from mobile vendor Luxe Delicacies are made-to-order at the winter market. (Photo by Marney Simon)
CHS graduate gets dream role in ‘Pride and Prejudice’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Carly Kirby, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Kirby plays Lizzy Bennet in Civic Theatre’s Feb. 7-22 production of “Pride and Prejudice” at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“It’s one of my dream roles that I’ve (always) wanted to play just because she’s iconic and it’s one of my favorite movies,” said Kirby, a Westfield resident and 2015 Carmel High School graduate. “So, being able to live that out onstage is really nice and awesome.”
Kirby said her biggest challenge is mastering comedic timing.
“It has to be fast and has to be quick,” Kirby said. “There’s a lot of words and you have to say them fast and quick, but also with meaning.”
In 2021, she wore a mask on stage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It did help me hide my smile when I was laughing on stage because of how funny it was, so I’ll have to try not to smile,” she said.
This was Kirby’s third appearance in “Pride and Prejudice.” She played Jane in Civic Theatre’s 2021 production of “Pride & Prejudice,” livestreamed because of social distancing during the pandemic. She played Miss Bingley in Ball State University’s production in 2017.
“I worked my way up,” she said. “I was the villain, then the nice sister and now the leading lady,” Kirby said.
Emily Tzucker is directing “Pride & Prejudice” again after directing the Civic livestream. A former Ball State faculty member, Tzucker, a Carmel resident, was the acting coach for the 2017 production.
Tzucker said all the actors deliver lines in British accents.
“It’s faithful to the time period and the place,” she said. “The costumes will be beautiful. It’s a really fun, fast romantic date night or girls night out.”
Carmel resident Tanner Brunson plays Mr. Darcy.
“I actually didn’t see anything related to ‘Pride and Prejudice’ until I got cast and then I watched the 2005 movie,” said Brunson, a Carmel resident.
Brunson originally intended to audition for Mr. Collins.
“Then when I learned the direction of Mr. Collins was less villainous and more silly,” he said. “I kind of switched my thought process to thinking I’d be happier to be Mr. Darcy than Mr. Collins.”
Brunson said there are two main challenges.
“There are the expectations, but not emulating, but aspiring to the Colin Firth version (in the 1995 British mini series) or the Matthew Macfayden one (in the 2005 movie),” Brunson said. “Then there is being unapologetically correct without being snarky.”
Brunson has acted at Civic for 10 years, with Mr. Darcy being one of his larger roles.
Carmel resident Susan Smith plays Lady Catherine, Mr. Darcy’s aunt.
“She is the resident villain in the show,” Smith said. “She is an aristocrat. She wants
him to marry her daughter and keep the money in the family. She is anti-Miss Lizzy, and she is there for comedic effect.”
Smith enjoys playing a villain.
“You get to say things you don’t get to say in polite society,” she said. “It’s just pure fun.”
Smith said “Pride and Prejudice” is the ultimate rom-com.
“I love Jane Austen, and this particular script is very farcical and very tongue-incheek,” she said.
Smith said the script doesn’t take the storyline as seriously as the book or movie versions.
Smith previously played Mrs. Bennett in an independent production in the Storefront Theatre of Indianapolis. The last time she performed at Civic Theatre, she also played a villain — Miss Andrew in “Mary Poppins.”
There are 13 performers with only one minor character, where the actor plays two roles.
“When we did it during the pandemic, we double-cast a lot of roles,” Tzucker said of the 2021 cast of eight.
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘MURDER
ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’
“Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” runs through Feb. 9 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘THE
KINGS OF QUEEN’
“The Kings of Queen: Tribute to Queen” is set for 8 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘WHODUNIT’
The Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Whodunit … The Musical” Jan. 31 through Feb. 16 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
The Bronte Fall and Friends concert is set for Jan. 30, followed by “Murder Mystery Night: Death of a Gangster” Feb. 1 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, feinsteinshc.com.
DISPATCHES
DeVoe to perform at Palladium — Jennie DeVoe will appear in the Live at the Center series at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Palladium in the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. DeVoe is a soul-blues-Americana singer-songwriter and a longtime regular of Indiana’s original music scene. She has released several studio and live albums on her own Rubin the Cat Records label, including three produced by John Parrish.
Frampton concert set for Palladium — Grammy-winning guitarist and singer-songwriter Peter Frampton will perform at 8 p.m. April 11 at the Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are on sale at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 1-317-843-3800, or in person at the Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office. Frampton, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
Tanner Brunson and Carly Kirby perform in Civic Theatre’s presentation of “Pride & Prejudice.” (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty Photography)
Vocal coach shares expertise
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Deke Sharon is recognized as a pioneer of contemporary a cappella music.
Sharon has served as music director, arranger and coach of America’s first a cappella reality show, “The Sing Off.” He was the music director and arranger and sang in the film “Pitch Perfect.” He also was involved in the movie’s two sequels.
barbershop and doo-wop, a cappella has always been there, and it’s best without microphones. It’s best when you’re in the room with people. There’s that sense of connection that you get. So, for instance, when the holidays roll around, everybody wants vocal harmony because nothing makes you feel more connected to those warm fuzzies.”
Music Director Molly Huffman said One Voice Indy was honored to have Sharon visit.
Sharon
“I love making movies,” said Sharon, who is based in San Francisco. “I love making television shows. But honestly, for me, the true joy is to get in a room with people and create harmony.”
Sharon visited Carmel Jan. 16 to share his expertise with One Voice Indy, a Sweet Adelines choir from central Indiana.
“If you look throughout human history, the roots of so many musical traditions are a cappella,” Sharon said. “(When) you go back to work songs and field hollers, madrigals and sea shanties and
“His passion for a cappella music and for the authentic emotional impact that our music can have on the world was right in line with the vision of our ensemble,” Huffman said. “We are forever changed by Deke’s talent and wisdom as we continue to share our mission of sharing music through learning, laughter and love.”
Noblesville member Sue Pelley said One Voice Indy has members from across central Indiana, although most are from Carmel, Noblesville and Fishers. For more, visit onevoiceindy.org.
ATI presents ‘Whodunit’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Julie Lyn Barber enjoyed her “Whodunit” experience so much she is directing the show again.
MUSICAL
Barber, who directed the musical a few summers ago at a summer stock theater in Hagerstown, is directing Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Whodunit … The Musical” Jan. 31 to Feb. 15 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
well-known because that way audiences can really enjoy the mystery part of the musical murder mystery without spoilers,” Barber said.
Barber
“I thought it was great when I read it, but it was even funnier and more fun to work on once we got into the rehearsal room and started getting it on its feet,” Barber said. “There were many moments where we were crying from laughing just putting it together and audiences loved it and were doing the same.”
Barber had never seen the musical before she directed it.
“I think it’s a rare advantage to be able to produce a musical that doesn’t have a readily available cast recording and isn’t
Barber said the show contains many elements of farce with a feminine twist.
The story takes place in a possibly haunted mansion in 1931, so there are moments where it recalls Agatha Christie novels, classic movie musicals and mystery dramas. But the central characters are a wealthy socialite and her maid.
ATI co-founder and Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald plays Carrie Innes, a wealthy socialite who, while trying to enjoy a relaxing time in a spacious summer rental in Connecticut, ends up surrounded by dead bodies and a mystery.
Cynthia Collins, also an ATI co-founder, plays Liddy Allen.
“(She’s) a no-nonsense lady’s maid, always armed with a telescope and a mature beverage,” Collins said.
The other four performers are Eric Olson, John Vessels, Jacob Butler and Logan Hill. For more, visit atistage.org.
Doesn’t anyone want change?
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
As a kid, I saved my small allowance in a jar. The thrill of this incremental approach never wore off for me. Well, not until recently. That container in my office has held the nest egg of the past 18 months, about $200, I estimated, which translated into a nice infusion of cash for the vacation my wife and I are planning for our upcoming trip to Iceland.
HUMOR
I took the sealed jar into my bank, hugging it tightly. I assumed the friendly teller would toss my hard-earned change into a high-tech coin counter and then sweeten my bank account with this windfall. Instead, I got the bad news: “Sorry, Dick, we no longer count change that way.”
“Whatya mean you don’t count change that way?” I said. “You’re a bank. How could you not count my money?”
Then I started waving my arms in the air like Jerry Seinfeld when he was informed that the rental company did not have a car for him even though he had a reservation.
I went to another bank.
“Mr. Wolfsie, we can count this for you, but we’ll have to subtract 3 percent from your deposit for administrative costs.,” the teller said. “You know, wear and tear on our counting machine.”
“Wait a second. You’re going to charge customers to count their own money that they will put in your bank. Are your customers that dumb?”
“Apparently. That’s why it’s called chump change.”
I told my wife Mary Ellen about the problem, and she suggested that we have the young man across the street count it, put it in rolls and we’d give him 2 percent of the total, a savings of several dollars over the bank’s fee. OK, a couple of dollars.
“They’re not going to take the word of just some kid in our neighborhood,” Mary
“I started waving my arms in the air like Jerry Seinfeld when he was informed that the rental company did not have a car for him even though he had a reservation.”
– DICK WOLFSIE
Ellen said.
“Well, they don’t know what an honest young man he is. His mom said he got an A in math and citizenship.”
At this point, I just dumped the money on the carpet and started adding it all up. An hour later, I’d calculated a total of $232.50. Still, nobody wanted my change. Of course, Kroger would take it, but its machine has a 7 percent charge. And it’s right next to the lottery ticket machine. Need I say more?
Then, I wondered if I could sell the money on Craigslist or eBay. But how would I word the ad?
FOR SALE: ABOUT 200 DOLLARS IN CHANGE $178.00 or Best Offer.
Some scratches, but worth every penny. Hand counted.
(CASH ONLY PLEASE, NO COINS)
I spent the better part of one afternoon investigating several other bank branches. It was a lost cause, and I was tired of toting around a 20-pound jar of coins.
And to make matters worse, I got a parking ticket. The meter had expired.
Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (the “Authority”) will hold a public hearing at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on February 11, 2025, with respect to the proposed issuance by the Authority of its Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds, Series 2025 (Vita of Westfield Project) (the “Bonds”), in one or more series, with the maximum of Bonds which are federally tax-exempt not to exceed $27,200,000, the proceeds of the sale thereof to be loaned to Vita of Westfield, LLC (the “Borrower”) for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, installing, improving and equipping of a approximately 168-unit assisted living and memory care facility and certain functionally-related improvements located at 17748 Spring Mill Road, in the City of Westfield, Indiana, Hamilton County (the “Project”) and to the extent permitted, paying certain costs of issuance, paying a portion of the interest accruing on the Bonds and funding a debt service reserve fund, if necessary. The Borrower will be the principal user (within the meaning of Section 144(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) of Project.
The Bonds will be issued pursuant to the provisions of IC 5-20-1 (the “Act”), and pursuant to the Act will not constitute a debt, liability or obligation of the State of Indiana or a pledge of the faith and credit of the State of Indiana but shall be payable solely from the funds pledged to the payment thereof. A substantial portion of the Bonds are expected to be issued as “exempt facility bonds” pursuant to Section 142(a)(7) of the Code.
The public hearing is being held pursuant to Section 147(f) of the Code. Pursuant to Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 2022-20 (“Rev. Proc. 22-20”), the public hearing will be held via toll free conference call by the Authority using the following toll-free number: (833) 266-5144 and participant code 908549498#. The public is invited to submit written comments to the Executive Director of the Authority at 30 S. Meridian Street, Suite 900, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 on or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, February 10, 2025. For additional information regarding participation in the hearing or for emailing comments please contact Mr. Alan Rakowski at 317-233-1220 or arakowski@ihcda.in.gov
Dated: January 28, 2025.
INDIANA HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
/S/ J. Jacob Sipe
Executive Director 0143270.0790410 4895-8486-1935v5
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed proposals for 2025 Pavement Striping Project will be received by the City of Westfield, Indiana, at the Westfield Public Works Building, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, Indiana, 46074 until 11:00 a.m., local time, on Friday, February 7th, 2025. 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 consists of long line painting, painting hand work, and thermoplastic hand work on various thoroughfares throughout the City of Westfield.
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 Chad Mills, City of Westfield, Department of Public Works, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, IN 46074, (317) 439-6602, cdmills@westfield.in.gov
By: Chad Mills, City of Westfield
State of generational conflicts
ESSAY Commentary by Terry Anker
Our vices are OK, but others’ vices are really annoying. On this same week 117 years ago, New York City enacted an ordinance making it illegal for women to smoke tobacco in public. Alderman Timothy “Little Tim” Sullivan found the sight to be so offensive that he felt moved to institute the restriction on the previously held freedom. While there is little evidence to show that others shared his view, there must have been some, at least enough to vote along with him. Understandably, there was considerable resistance mounted by those who preferred to light up in the company of other Gothamites.
The unfair nature of gender application is clear. Still, there was dispute about how the disparity should be rectified. Some argued that all should be prohibited from exercising their right. Others felt that women should be allowed to make their own decisions about smoking as they had before. Prohibition or not, the majority understood that we should all benefit, or suffer, together.
A century later, lawmakers continue to wrangle with the most effective ways to implement their points of view. A trend in tobacco regulation is to take the rights of any human born from 2004 forward, while allowing the older folks to keep their free-
doms. If some of us have a choice, should we all, or none? Can the boomers require Gen X to spend more time visiting them? Can Gen X rule that the millennials provide unlimited and free tech support? And the millennials would love to pass a law requiring the younger Gen Z to stop referring to the over 30 crowd as “old.” Will we one day come to imagine that all matters of social policy could be implemented solely based upon one’s years on the planet? Fair or not, free tech support would be terrific!
ADVERTISEMENT FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Proposals for the performance of the City of Westfield’s Round A Bouts Within The City of Westfield will be received by the City of Westfield, Indiana, at the Westfield Public Works Building, 2728 E. 171st Street, Westfield, Indiana, 46074 until 12:00 p.m., local time, on Tuesday, February 21st, 2025. Written confirmation of intent to bid is due on Thursday January 30th, 2025. A copy of the full Request for Proposals documents can be found on the City of Westfield website at http:// www.westfieldin.gov/439/Request-for-Proposals Please direct all questions regarding this Request for Proposals to Ben Meier, Parks and Recreation Landscape Manager, City of Westfield, 2706 E 171st Street, Westfield, IN 46074, (317) 619-5813, bmeier@westfield.in.gov
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed proposals for 2025 Resurfacing Project 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, February 19th, 2025. 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 road milling, resurfacing, subgrade treatment, full depth patching, maintenance of traffic, and striping various thoroughfares and residential streets throughout the City of Westfield.
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
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
LIFESTYLE
Across
1. Ignore the limit on I-69
6. St. Vincent Hospital patient’s record
11. Letters on a Cardinals cap
14. Indy Fuel goalies’ gear
15. Measuring stick
16. “The Raven” writer
17. Central Canal attraction
20. Condition treated with Ritalin, briefly
21. Numerical prefix
22. Computer shortcut
23. Regret
24. Floral necklaces
25. Put on weight
26. Fashion Mall shopping binge
28. O’er there 29. They have Xings 30. Debacles
34. IndyGo vehicle
35. Central Canal attraction
37. “Mayday!”
38. Go bumper to bumper with?
39. Fleetwood ___
40. Vigor’s partner
41. Wicker material
45. Roma’s nazione
47. Eye part
50. Chairman of China
51. Storage towers
52. Biblical prophet
53. No ___ Traffic
54. Central Canal attraction
57. Had a taco at Sangrita Grill
58. Snitch
59. Like some expectations
60. Walker, for short
61. Tantrums
62. Hamilton County Court
jury makeup Down
1. Fingerpaints
2. Settled a debt
3. Swimmer turned actress Williams
4. ___ out a living
5. ISP option
6. Spring flowers 7. Causes pain 8. Pond growth 9. Sleep acronym
33rd US President
Full range, as of colors
Band members, often
Defective cars
18. Mayor Hogsett
19. Posed
24. “Star Wars” princess 25. “All That Jazz” director
27. Young newts
28. Part of BYOB
31. Courtyards
32. “I ___ to recall...”
33. Nashville awards org.
34. Chums
35. Supposed
36. Son of Seth
37. Satisfy fully
39. Blunder
40. River Glen golfers’ headgear
42. Words after “Hi, honey!”
43. Breadwinner
44. Awakens
46. Cyber chuckle
47. “Can we turn on the A/C?”
48. Speckled horses
49. Believer’s suffix
52. Start of a Mud Creek Players play
53. Fork prong
55. Colts supporter
WE DO CONTACTLESS EXTERIOR ESTIMATES
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
PUZZLE ANSWERS
LOVE DOGS?
HUNT CLUB BOARDING KENNEL 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.
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Upscale hotel and spa for dogs in Carmel seeks additional
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Elementary Night: Monday, March 3, 2025
Secondary Night: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Time: 5:00-7:00pm
A deep dive into the season’s artistic offerings
Current Publishing’s audience is known for its affinity for all things entertainment. The average distance one will drive for experiential opportunities is 42.5 miles, according to independent research. Current’s special section, APPLAUSE, will reach 131,191 households in the communities we serve by U.S. Mail. This section provides you with the opportunity to connect with even more arts enthusiasts than you might otherwise be reaching. Take your marketing messaging to center stage with the offerings below, and then take a bow.
Issue date: Feb. 11, 2025 May 27, 2025 Sept. 30, 2025
Ad deadline: Jan. 31, 2025 May 16, 2025 Sept. 19, 2025
For advertising opportunities email ads@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444
An informative resource for parents and caregivers, this comprehensive guide will be published on Feb. 25. It offers valuable insights, camp options, summer programs and engaging activities in and around Hamilton County. Delivered to 131,191 households in Carmel, Fishers, Geist, Noblesville, North Indy, Westfield, Zionsville and North Indy via U.S. Mail, you may seize this opportunity to reach a wide audience at an affordable price and explore the best tips and listings to make the most of your family’s summer experiences.
Space reservations due: Ad content due: Advertorial content due: Feb. 14, 2025 Feb. 17, 2025 Feb. 17, 2025
For advertisings opportunities by email ads@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444
CARMEL | FISHERS & GEIST | NOBLESVILLE NORTH INDY | WESTFIELD | ZIONSVILLE