January 17, 2023 — Zionsville

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Candidates react to mayor’s decision

not to seek a second term

news@currentzionsville.com

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

In the wake of Zionsville Mayor Emily Styron’s recent announcement that she will not seek a second term, two mayoral candidates who are vying for the Republican nomination in the May 2 primary election have released statements on Styron’s decision.

Town Council for the past three years. Her brief tenure as Mayor has been filled with controversy, poor communication, and mismanagement.”

ELECTION

John Stehr, a retired broadcast journalist who is vying for the nomination with Jane Burgess, a former Zionsville Community Schools Board of Trustees member, released the following statement:

“Mayor Styron’s announcement comes as no surprise to anyone who has watched her contentious relationship with the

Stehr said he wants to “restore faith in town government,” beginning with Zionsville’s finances.

“My campaign has focused on casting a vision for the future of Zionsville, making sure that public safety stays ahead of the rapid growth, and competing for more of central Indiana’s economic pie while preserving the small-town charm and character that is uniquely Zionsville,” Stehr stated.

Burgess released the following statement shortly after Styron, a Democrat who was elected in 2019, announced her decision not to seek reelection:

Burk launches campaign for reelection

By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Town Council at-large incumbent Brad Burk recently announced his bid for reelection to one of the council’s two at-large seats in the May 2 primary election.

TOWN COUNCIL

Burk, a Republican, was first elected in 2019.

“It’s an honor to have served on this Council and I have diligently worked to represent all, making the very best decisions for our community,” Burk stated. “I am extremely proud of what this team has accomplished and would very much appreciate the opportunity to continue giving back.”

Burk has lived in Zionsville for 20 years with his wife and four children. He was one of the leaders launching Relay for Life in 1988 and is the executive director of the American Cancer Society for Indiana.

Burk holds two degrees from Ball State University and a degree from Notre Dame in business.

Burk will once again run with incumbent council member Alex Choi in a joint campaign similar to their campaign in 2019.

“Alex and I share the same principles and beliefs about local government,” Burk stated. “We work extremely well together, often sharing critical thoughts and feedback from constituents. I have the utmost respect for Alex, and I trust we both bring value to any conversation or decision.”

“Mayor Styron’s announcement that she is not seeking another term provides the citizens of Zionsville with an opportunity for a fresh start. I’ve said throughout this campaign that I will work tirelessly to restore accountability, transparency and respect to the Mayor’s Office, while meeting challenges successfully in the best interest of Zionsville.”

Burgess served 12 years on the school board. In an interview with Current in November, she said the following about her campaign:

“As Zionsville continues to grow, we also look at our infrastructure and make sure that our roads, parking and sewers are able to accommodate that growth. Preserving our Main Street is extremely important. It’s what makes Zionsville unique and special, but it’s also important that we recognize our progress and have a vision for our town.”

Choi announces bid for reelection

By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com

Republican incumbent Dr. Alex Choi recently announced plans to seek reelection to the Zionsville Town Council. Choi holds one of two at-large seats on the seven-seat council.

CANDIDATE

Choi was first elected in 2019 in a joint campaign with Zionsville Town Council Vice President Brad Burk. They plan to launch another joint campaign in the primary election in May.

“Brad and I work extremely well together, and that stems from how we approach balancing support of the aspects of Zionsville that make it a great community to live and work,” Choi said. “We both prioritize fiscal responsibility and thoughtful economic development. We also share professional experiences that bring organizational leadership skills to this role.”

Choi, a Zionsville resident and first-generation American who was born to South Korean immigrants, has an undergraduate degree from Harvard University and earned multiple degrees in science and medicine from Indiana University.

Choi is an anesthesiologist and past president and managing partner of Anesthesia Consultants of Indianapolis.

Choi is married to Dr, Jennifer N. Choi. They have two children, Sadie, 13, and Spencer, 11.

“Being able to represent the residents of this great community has been an incredible privilege. I was humbled to have been elected three years ago and look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve.” Choi said.

Stehr Burgess

Burk

Choi

Rubeck launches bid for town council seat

news@currentzionsville.com

Amanda Rubeck recently announced her candidacy for one of the two at-large seats on the seven-seat Zionsville Town Council.

ELECTION

“We are at a pivotal time where we must reimagine workforce development because graduates aren’t looking for a company first, they are looking for a place to live and then looking for work. We must think of the future while preserving what is special about Zionsville,” Rubeck stated.

Well-entrenched in the Zionsville community, Rubeck serves on the Zionsville Finance Committee, the Zionsville Community Development Corp., the zWORKS Board of Directors and will be appointed to the Zionsville Redevelopment Commission sometime this year.

“After attending every Town Council meeting either in-person or virtually for the past three years, I know we need a professional voice in the constant discourse,” Rubeck stated. “We must begin to work and act cohesively with a one-team mentality to put Zionsville at the heart of our decision-making.”

Rubeck and her husband have two daughters who attend Zionsville Community Schools. For more about her campaign, visit amandarubeckforzionsville.com.

DISPATCHES

update — Crews recently began preliminary work on the Big4 Rail Trail widening and improvement project. As a reminder, closures on the Rail Trail will be done in phases to allow the use of segments of the trail throughout the project. Rail Trail users can expect to see the Phase I closure this month. This will widen the Rail Trail from 10 feet to 12 feet.

Big-4

• Phase I — CR 875 E to Mulberry Street

• Phase II — Mulberry Street to Starkey Avenue

Any trees that are removed will be replaced with new ones. For updates, visit zionsville-in.gov/666/Big-4-Rail-Trail-Extension.

Rail Trail closure

Rubeck

Senior provides strong leadership to ZCHS girls basketball team

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The only number Zionsville Community High School girls basketball player Mallory Heerdt is concerned about is the victory total.

“Mallory does not worry about her stat line. She does all the little things that have made us successful this season,” Eagles coach Andy Maguire said of the senior forward. “She is the heart and soul of our team on the floor and in the locker room. We had a leadership academy this fall, and it was unanimous that Mallory was the leader of the team. Mallory is our most vocal leader, and she always leads by example.

“She knows everyone’s responsibilities on every play, and she does a great job of coaching her teammates up during the game. Mallory also is very helpful at practice with our JV and freshman kids when we are doing skill work, especially post work.”

As of Jan. 11, the 6-foot Heerdt, a three-

MEET MALLORY HEERDT

Favorite subject: Calculus

Favorite movies: All Marvel movies

Favorite musician: Zach Bryan

year starter, was averaging 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds for the Class 4A No. 2 Eagles (18-0).

“The success that we’ve had so far is the result of all the hard work that my team has put in behind the scenes, and so it is really special and means a lot to us to see it pay off,” Heerdt said.

Heerdt said she has improved the most in her leadership ability.

“My job is to make sure the team is running seamlessly on the court, whether that be on defense or offense, and this season I have taken that role very seriously,” Heerdt said. “My role has never been to get the most stats or score the most but to be the

voice for my teammates

“I am also very blessed that my teammates have so much talent that it allows me to fill this role.”

Senior Laila Hull, who will play for the University of North Carolina next season, averages team-highs of 22.2 points and 8.6 rebounds.

“Laila is my best friend, on the court and off,” Heerdt said. “When she moved here in sixth grade, we have been inseparable playing basketball with each other every single year since. I’ve seen her journey and her growth, and I am so, so proud of everything she has accomplished, and it makes me very happy to see her reach all her goals and dreams.”

Heerdt’s father, Brian Heerdt, is the ZCHS junior varsity boys basketball coach, so she has been around the game her entire life.

Although Maguire said Heerdt could play college basketball at the NCAA Division III or NAIA level, she doesn’t plan to pursue playing opportunities.

“Although I have a great passion and love for the sport, I know it is time to move on and start a new chapter of my life,” Heerdt said.

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Zionsville Community High School forward Mallory Heerdt is the Eagles’ senior captain. (Photo courtesy of ZCHS athletics)

Heerdt

Library receives $2K grant

By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com

Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library’s MakerStudio was recently awarded a Purdue IN-MaC Micro-Grant in the amount of $2,000. The Grant was used for a new 3D Printing and Design Club set to launch Jan. 17 at 250 N. 5th St. in Zionsville. The club will meet on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. The club will be available to ages middle school through adults. Participants will gain 3D printing experience and learn how 3D-printed objects can help solve problems. The club also will offer a design focus, encouraging creativity and practical applications of 3D, according to HMMPL MakerStudio Specialist Laura Gangstad.

GRANT

Gangstad said the club’s objective is to teach people how to use a 3D printer and develop skills to design products that can help them in their careers and homes.

“We are in a new era,” Gangstad said. “Many people may be surprised by what can be created using a 3D printer, in addition to teaching members how to use 3D printers.”

The grant will facilitate the purchase of two new 3D printers and carts and bring in guest speakers during club meetings. The library is set to use additional funding to purchase filament and other supplies.

The Purdue IN-MaC Micro-Grant Program has provided more than $250,000 in innovation funding to education in Indiana from 2021-22 for industry and community-based organizations.

For more, contact Gangstad at MakerStudio@HMMPL.org.

Tony Siciliano teaches 3D classes. (Photo courtesy of Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library)

DISPATCHES

New Boone County sheriff names command staff — Boone County Sheriff Anthony Harris. recently appointed his command staff as listed below. They are Chief Deputy Major Mike Beard; Major Brian Stevenson; Investigations Capt. Jason Reynolds; Enforcement Capt. Jeremy McClaine; Enforcement Lt. Craig Fouts; Enforcement Sgt. Ryan Musgrave; Enforcement Sgt. Jonathan Barnes; Enforcement Sgt. Eric Geyer; Communications Director Sam Sorter; CSI Sgt. Leon Golladay; Investigation Sgt. Brad Dunn; Jail Commander Tim Turner; and Matron Brittany Hicks

Zionsville Lions Club Dish and Donation Dinner — Last month, the Lions Club of Zionsville had a Dish and Donation Dinner and chose the Zionsville food pantry to receive the donations from the club members. Zionsville Lions Club President Dennis Tackett presented a check to the Zionsville Food Pantry for $3,500. For more or to donate, contact foodpantry@zpc.org.

Zionsville Fire Dept. hiring – The Town of Zionsville is accepting applications for positions in the following departments: Fire, Community & Economic Development, Parks & Recreation, IT and Dept. of Public Works. For more, visit zionsville-in.gov/Jobs.aspx

Community composting in Zionsville - The Town of Zionsville has partnered with Earth Mama Compost to recycle household food scraps and other items rather than wasting them in a landfill. Diverting waste through composting is cheap, easy, and impactful. In, in the spring, you can take home a bucket of the organic soil that you helped create. For more, visit EarthMamaCompost.com.

Zionsville Parks Foundation raises &20,000 — The Zionsville Parks Foundation met the challenge of raising $20,000 so that amount could be matched dollar for dollar by a generous donor.

Bingo Night to Benefit Zionsville Swim Club — The Zionsville Swim Club will host its 5th annual Bingo Night Jan. 28 at The Cardinal Room at the Golf Club of Indiana. The event will feature 20 bingo games awarding themed bags and baskets with prizes worth thousands of dollars. In addition, the event will feature raffle prizes, a door prize, appetizers and sweets. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with the first Bingo game beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Home delivery motors back

Commentary by Ward Degler

We’ve come full circle in the grocery department. I’m talking about home delivery.

Bananas and other fruits were hard to come by during the war years. So were pork chops, come to think of it.

PLAIN TALK

The other day, I spotted a truck at an intersection with the name of the grocery chain on the door. Underneath, it said, “Home Delivery.”

Let’s rewind to the Dark Ages of my youth, back when my grandkids believed the last dinosaurs roamed the woods, and the latest ice age was receding. I’m talking about the 1940s.

Mom always spent a chunk of Sunday afternoon at the kitchen table writing a grocery list. She would get on the phone and call the grocery store on Monday morning after the crumbs of breakfast had been swept away.

She would slowly read the list while the grocery clerk wrote everything down at the other end. Inevitably, the clerk would make a sales pitch after she had gone through the list.

“Mrs. Degler, we have some really nice pork chops today. And we just got in a shipment of bananas.”

After some gentle negotiating, Mom agreed to the order and hung up. Later in the day, the grocer’s pickup would ease into the driveway, the clerk would get out, retrieve a cardboard box from the back and walk up to our back door.

“Grocery delivery,” he would call, and walk in. He would meet Mom in the kitchen, set down the box, and go over the order one item at a time. Then he would put everything away in the pantry and the fridge. Then with a tip of the hat, he would get into his pickup and drive away.

At the end of the month, when Dad got paid, he would stop in the store, review the month’s charges, and pay the bill.

Anyway, home delivery is back. I wonder if they come in and put things away.

Ward Degler lives in Zionsville with his wife. He is the author of “The Dark Ages of My Youth ... and Times More Recent.”

Contact him at ward.degler@ gmail.com.

Zionsville receives $1.9M grant

news@currentzionsville.com

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has awarded $1.9 million to the Town of Zionsville to be used for the Zionsville Gateway Area project, a plan several years in the making that seeks to optimize land usage in the Zionsville area.

The grant is part of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Indiana Regional Economic Accelerations and Development Initiative. The $1.9 million comes from a total $20 million in READI

grant dollars to the White River Regional Opportunity Initiative partnership, which consists of representatives from three counties and eight communities, including Zionsville

The grant funding will be used for design work within the ZGA. Beginning this year, Zionsville Dept. of Public Works will engage engineers and landscape architects to design the realignment of 1st Street south of Sycamore Street, including considerations for a future public plaza.

Meals on Wheels has been guided by a single goal – to support our area senior neighbors to extend their independence and health as they age. What started as a compassionate idea has grown into one of the largest and most effective social movements in America, currently helping nearly 2.4 million seniors annually!

MEALS ON WHEELS IS ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN TWO AREAS, VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS

VOLUNTEERS

Meals on Wheels could not serve our clients on 36 routes all over greater Indianapolis without our dedicated volunteers! Whether they deliver meals once or several times a month, the need to serve our senior, disabled and chronically ill clients is more important than ever. Volunteering is a win-win: a win for the clients and a win for the volunteer(s) to serve a basic need in the community.

• There are nine meal pick up sites: 7 hospitals and 2 healthcare facilities.

• Meals are delivered at lunchtime on weekdays (minimum once a month).

• Training is provided.

• 1 hour orientation + an experienced volunteer accompanies new volunteers on their first delivery day.

DONATIONS

Every dollar donated goes directly to purchase meals for our low-income clients who struggle. For example, a $100 donation will provide 25 meals! The impact is tremendous. Supporting this mission to innovate, collaborate and advocate to end hunger and malnutrition is vital to our success. Every dollar donated goes directly to purchase meals for our low-income clients who struggle.

Here is how to donate:

• Online donations can be made at: www. mealsonwheelsindy.org/donate

• Or mail checks to: Meals on Wheels: 708 E. Michigan St. , Indianapolis, IN 46202

During the month of December , thru Jan 3rd, 2023, Tom Wood Subaru donated $250 for every vehicle you leased or purchased.

The donations went to your chosen charity; Meals on Wheels, or one of the other “Share the Love” charities. (the ASPCA, National Parks Foundation or Make-A-Wish or Miracle Place)

To find out more about Meals on Wheels and how you can help, be sure to visit their website at: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/

CURRENT Q&A

Getting to know Ann Manship

Ann Manship has played violin with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra since its founding in 1975. She lives in the Geist area and works as a pharmacist.

What is your favorite piece of music to perform? To hear?

Beethoven’s “9th Symphony” literally gives me chills when performing this piece or hearing it.

What is the most memorable thing that’s happened when you’ve been on stage with an orchestra?

During one of our educational concerts when older folks were invited on stage and a woman. possibly 80-plus years old, came up and enjoyed the experience of sitting within the orchestra.

What is your best habit?

The art of conversation. I literally “interview” new people I meet and can get them comfortable talking. I have always said I could go to a stranger’s wedding reception and have a perfectly good time talking to the folks I meet.

What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?

I turn my concentration to an entirely different subject and explore it in my mind.

Is there a book that you recommend to everyone?

I have two books that surface to the top: No. 1, “Guns, Germs and Steel” by Jared Diamond. It is a “whirlwind tour of 13,000 years of world history.” It gives insight to the fates of human societies. No. 2, “Napoleon” by Andrew Roberts. I really do love history.

Left to right: Patrick Sebanc (Communications Coordinator of Meals on Wheels), Hope Steel (Volunteer Coordinator of Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana). Marisol Davalos Esqueda (Outreach Coordinator), Barb Renshaw (Director of Outreach for Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana), and Scott Reckley (Tom Wood Subaru GM).

Zach Wilska (Sales & Leasing Consultant ) and Scott Reckley. (Tom Wood Subaru GM) deliver a Meals On Wheels.

By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com

From starting off in college as a George Mason student to becoming the first person with an intellectual disability to earn a spot on an NCAA Division I college cheer team, one Zionsville resident made it all the way to Capitol Hill despite the challenges.

A.C. Heigl, 24, who has Down syndrome, was given the opportunity of a lifetime when she became an intern on Capitol Hill in 2019. She had the privilege to assist with a variety of administrative tasks for members of Congress from Georgia, South Carolina, Arizona and Pennsylvania. She then took an internship with the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce in 2020.

Heigl interned at the ZCC for nearly two years before setting her sights back on the nation’s capital, where she now resides independently.

At age 16, Heigl knew she wanted to have the same opportunities as her three other siblings when she watched them looking at colleges and planning their futures. That was when she first asked the question, “What are my options?” to her parents, Laura and John Heigl. Laura and John knew at that moment, A.C. would achieve far beyond even their expectations. That was when they began reaching out to programs to help her fulfill her dreams.

“As young parents, we didn’t have as many resources back then as we do today,” Laura said. “When we were raising A.C., we didn’t get to see other kiddos with intellectual disabilities going to birthday parties or going to school and football games, all of those experiences someone should have. Having these programs changed everything for us and AC.”

Options started opening for A.C. when Laura contacted the Best Buddies program in Washington, D.C. Best Buddies, cousin to Special Olympics, is a program that helps create friendships and peers for persons with and without intellectual disabilities. The resource set the stage for A.C.s dreams to come to fruition as it allowed her to attend college and gain independence. The program was one of the first in the country to offer inclusive living and integrated employment.

“It’s incredibly difficult to get into these

programs and a lot is expected. They have hundreds of applications a year and you go through a rigorous process and AC excelled at it. Graduating was a huge accomplishment for her.” Laura said.

Through Best Buddies, A.C. attended a college program in 2019 at George Mason University, where she completed a four-year certificate program geared toward learning and obtaining certain skills through interning on Capitol Hill and various other activities. Her self-confidence grew and she tried out for the George Mason cheerleading team, becoming a cheerleader and flier.

“A.C. now sees her life with the same opportunities and options as everyone else, and she told my husband and I that she didn’t want to live her life living at home,” Laura said. “She knows she needs some support, but she was determined to stay in Washington after graduating and create her life there.”

A.C. was recognized for her accomplishments as a Capitol Hill intern and has since graduated. She now lives in Georgetown independently and is seeking a career in either child care or office personnel.

“I want to be independent and have a life

like other people,” A.C. said. “I want to live in an apartment and have a job.”

Laura hopes her daughter’s accomplishments inspire people with similar intellectual disabilities to boldly pursue their dreams.

“We feel a tremendous responsibility to be encouraging to other people,” Laura said. “We want other people to know that there are options.”

MAKING THE MOST OF AN OPPORTUNITY

As part of its effort to increase diversity in its workforce, the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce hired A.C. — who has Down syndrome — as an intern in 2020. She interned in office personnel with the chamber until 2022.

Heigl had many tasks, from folding paper mailings to labeling envelopes alongside Allyson Gutwein, the chamber’s executive director. Heigl also participated in several chamber events, including the 2022 National Chamber of the Year event.

During her internship, Heigl inspired change when it came to inclusivity and inclusive employment in the chamber.

“A.C. became our ‘why’ when we considered how we better addressed inclu-

A.C. Heigl

sive workforce development.” Gutwein said. “We know that many individuals with disabilities in our community are unemployed or underemployed, and as we work to address our workforce challenges, we, as an organization, have been challenged by A.C. to create a better future for workforce involvement and activation for the community as a whole.”

Heigl was nominated for an IMPACT Award in the category of Intern of the Year for her contribution to the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 4. IMPACT Awards are statewide honors that shine light on the importance of internships and applauds individuals who make the experiences meaningful and successful.

Zionsville resident with intellectual disability fulfills dream of independent living

pauses at the Zionsville Chamber while working as an intern in the office. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Chamber of Commerce)

A.C Heigl, left, pauses with U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman or South Carolina.

A.C. Heigl, third from left, pauses with Zionsville Chamber of Commerce staff during a recent event. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Chamber of Commerce)

ON THE COVER: AC Heigl wearing her cap and gown at graduation from George Mason University. (Photo courtesy of Laura Heigl)

Adding insult to injury?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Famed fashion icon Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, Coco to most of us, is reputed to have said, “I’m so sick of immaturity, of name-calling, of labels, of gossip, of high school. It doesn’t make sense anymore, and I find myself being nice to people that I want to strangle.” Chanel long attributed her rise from extraordinarily humble beginnings to become a symbol of wealth, access and good taste as the result of her immunity to the critiques of others. She is believed to have said that it was her very differences from the rest, at the time, that granted her advantage. Attributed with changing the perception of sun tans from being the bastion of the working-class laborer to representing the idle leisure of permanent vacation, Chanel soaked-up criticism as she did the sun. Coco owned her cuckoo.

While name-calling appears to be something hardwired in nearly every human, it has a remarkable impact on most of us. Even the youngest child intuitively attacks her perceived transgressors with a pointed verbal assault. She demands, “Give me

back my toy, you monkey head!” And the so-called “monkey-headed” nursery mate retorts, “No chance, stinky face.” Now the fight is on! Words, then shoving, then tears — all from a denunciation that makes no sense.

Adults are little better. We wither as the insults are hurled at us. We resent those who’ve sent them. We plot our vengeance because of the offence. Mostly, the abuses are inconsequential. Often, we could care less about the person labeling us. Yet, why does it get under our skin? Why do we care so much about something so insignificant asserted by someone so inconsequential? Likewise, how often are we responsible for wrongly castigating others? Would we care less about the invectives launched at us if we weren’t so keen to shoot them at others?

Wasn’t the best idea

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

This year for my birthday, I decided to nix the annual family Escape Room experience and throw myself a good old-fashioned murder mystery dinner soiree. I may have chosen poorly. It started out OK. Sure, I was exhausted from taking down the last of the holiday decorations (you’re welcome, neighbors!), vacuuming virtually enough dog hair to make another, hiding nine potential murder weapons in creative yet not-impossible-to-find locations, going to the grocery, setting the table for 10 (even though it only comfortably seats eight), artistically arranging a body, and then, of course, transforming myself into Alex Cited, an overly dramatic 1920s theater owner with a penchant for spontaneous duets.

HUMOR

My guests arrived around 4 p.m. (it’s my party and I’ll start obscenely early if I want to!), looking fabulous as either flappers or Peaky Blinders. But I’d forgotten to preheat the oven, so already the schedule was delayed 20 minutes. And as the hostess, not only was I responsible for feeding everyone, but also facilitating the game. One minute I’m tossing the salad, and the next

I’m screaming hysterically about finding a dead guy in the basement. Then I’m back to checking the Stouffer’s. And on it went for three hours, through multiple meal courses and preposterous clue rounds.

Don’t get me wrong, I did have moments of fun. My redheaded daughter played her role with such a thick French accent and a professed disdain for gingers that I laughed every time she spoke. But I think it was simply too much work for me to enjoy.

I’m glad I tried something new, but lesson learned. Next year, I’m booking an Escape Room.

Peace out.

Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.

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

Already broke these resolutions

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

HUMOR

For the year 2023, I made 12 New Year’s resolutions. I’ve already broken every single one. Here is the dirty dozen:

1. In a restaurant, when the waitress sees my totally cleaned plate and asks how I enjoyed my meal, I will not say, “I didn’t like it one bit.”  According to a survey I read, they hear this all the time and they do not think it is funny.

2. When people ask, “How’s Barney?” (my famous dog who passed 20 years ago), I will stop saying, “Still dead.” No one finds this amusing, and they think I am an insensitive jerk.

3. I will stop salting what Mary Ellen makes for dinner before I even taste it. In future years, I will tackle my addiction to pepper, Heinz 57 and teriyaki sauce.

4. I will put a cover on food when I heat it in the microwave, so the meal doesn’t end up as splatter all over the inside (amendment to resolution: I’ll try to remember not to use aluminum foil).

5. For stocking stuffers next Christmas, I will not buy kitchen gadgets for my wife that she will never use. We have 11 devices engineered to open jar lids. None of them work.

6. When Mary Ellen asks me what I want for dinner, I will not say, “I don’t care.” I still won’t care, but I will stop saying it.

7. When someone says, “You remind me of Dick Wolfsie,” I will not jokingly reply, “I’m sorry to hear that. I found him very annoying on TV.” I will stop this because when I have said it, many people have agreed with me.

8. I will not cut the crust off a sandwich, realize I’m still hungry, and then eat the crust.

9. I will not cheat when I play Words with Friends. Last year, with the help of a word-finder website, I

placed “oxazepam” (a drug) on just the right squares for a whopping 192 points. Now, no one will play with me, so I call the game, ‘Words All By Myself.’

10. I will not open the fridge looking for a snack and stare for two minutes hoping that some miracle will appear, like a corned beef sandwich on rye.

11. I will not whistle in my downstairs office while writing my column. My wife says that if I whistle while I work, I sound like one of the Seven Dwarfs. Which dwarf am I? See the next resolution.

12. When I watch a movie with Mary Ellen, I will not nod off, because when I wake up, I make her tell me what I missed.

“Mary Ellen, why are those people jumping off the ship?”

“It’s the Titanic, Sleepy. I hope you had a good nap.”

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

POLICIES

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WATER FOLLOWS THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE. MAYBE YOU SHOULD FOLLOW THE PATH OF LEAST COMPLAINTS.

When you have as many years repairing leaks and installing new roofs as we do at Bone Dry, it translates into having the fewest complaints. What we’ve learned in three decades can teach you a lot about who to call whenever your roof turns into some kind of medieval water torture.

Dick

For stocking stuffers next Christmas, I will not buy kitchen gadgets for my wife that she will never use.

We have 11 devices engineered to open jar lids. None of them work. When Mary Ellen asks me what I want for dinner, I will not say, “I don’t care.” I still won’t care, but I will stop saying it.

– DICK WOLFSIE

A celebration of pie

By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com

Not suprisingly, My Sugar Pie in Zionsville embraces the celebration of National Pie Day.

purchase of every whole pie; three slices for $15; and 15 percent off retail items, in addition to free pie giveaways.

PIE DAY

My Sugar Pie is one of the many area dessert places in Zionsville that will be celebrating Nation Pie Day Jan. 23, the one day dedicated to eating as much pie as the heart desires.

National Pie Day is an annual celebration of pies in the United States. It was started in the 1970s when Charlie Papazian , a teacher and lover of pie, created National Pie Day.

My Sugar Pie, at 40 East Pine St. in downtown Zionsville, will celebrate its 15th anniversary in conjunction with National Pie Day from 10 am to 4 p.m.

To satisfy the sweet tooth, patrons can choose between various pies and flavors, from cream pies to fruit pies and the classic Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie.

Owner Kelly Maucere said My Sugar Pie will offer special discounts on National Pie Day, such as a free slice of pie with the

Maucere, a former teacher, is a pastry chef who learned the craft of pie baking from her mom, Marge McLain. Baking pies was a big part of Maucere’s childhood.

“My mom is an amazing cook and baker,” Maucere said. “She was a stay-at-home mom until I was in fourth grade. She made everything from scratch. I liked being in the kitchen with her, helping her. My dad had a sweet tooth and we always had dessert. Mom made lots of pies, Dutch apple, cream pies and fruit pies.

“She had me help make the crust and stir the fillings. It was fun, and she is and was a good teacher.”

Maucere started her pie business at the Zionsville Farmers Market, which quickly led her to a store of her own in 2008. She said one of her top sellers is “Mon’s Original Dutch Apple,” made from her mom’s original recipe.

For more, visit mysugarpie.com.

Maucere

Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band to perform with Carmel Symphony Orchestra

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Janna Hymes has always been a big fan of Earth, Wind & Fire.

The music of Earth, Wind & Fire fits perfectly with an orchestra.

currentnightandday.com

‘CLUE’

“Clue” performances run through Feb. 5 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

TAY BRONSON & THE TACKLE BOX

The Live at the Center series features Tay Bronson & the Tackle Box at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at The Tarkington. Tickets are $5 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

‘DRINKS WITH DEE DEE SORVINO’

“Drinks with Dee Dee Sorvino: A night of comedy, cocktails and chords” is set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20-21 at Feinstein’s Cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

editorial@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Community Players has named Hannah Janowicz its artistic director.

The Noblesville resident has been involved in performance art from a young age, performing in more than 20 productions and providing costuming, makeup, prop making and assistant direction.

MUSIC

“I have been listening to this music since I was in high school,” Hymes said. “This genre of music is appealing to so many as it covers different styles — funk, R&B, jazz, soul and more. The music is timeless, and people familiar with this music as well as people new to the group will enjoy it.”

Serpentine Fire, a tribute act for Earth, Wind & Fire, will join Carmel Symphony Orchestra for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Serpentine Fire performs the music of East, Wind & Fire. The show is billed as “a fast-paced journey through those ‘70s and ‘80s EW&F hits that everyone knows.” The band’s name is derived from one of those hits.

Hymes has not seen Serpentine Fire perform in person.

“I have heard they are fantastic musicians and wonderful entertainers,” Hymes said. “All of my favorites will be played at the concert, and there are many.”

“The orchestral arrangements are excellent and fit perfectly into the style of Earth, Wind and Fire,” Hymes said. “The brass parts are especially suited to their style, and I think the audience will truly enjoy this special concert. Sometimes pops concerts fall short because the arrangements don’t feature the orchestra and the orchestra is just filler. I look for programs that highlight the orchestra and make it more interesting to perform.”

Tyriq Johnson formed Serpentine Fire and is the lead vocalist.

FAMILY FUN CONCERT SET

CSO’s Family Fun concert is set for 3 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Palladium. Children will have an opportunity to sit on the stage with the CSO musicians during the interactive concert.

“Every time we perform this concert, we feel it is a success because the audience gets so excited coming on stage, being close to the musicians and present ‘in’ the sound,” Hymes said. “We plan this program to suit all ages and it never disappoints.”

Tom Chen, Carmel High School director of orchestras, will be conducting the program.

For tickets for either show, visit thecenterpresents.org. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

Janowicz graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in public communication and theatre studies, with an emphasis in arts administration and advocacy. Since then, she has worked in marketing, ticket sales and community outreach for various theater companies, including Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre and Muncie Civic Theatre. She recently returned to the stage and was featured in CCP’s 2022 productions of “The Fantasticks” and “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment.”

Janowicz is replacing Lori Raffel, who she met while working on CCP’s production of “Shipwrecked!”

Raffel, who has served on CCP’s Board of Directors since 1999, stepped down as artistic director in November 2022.

Serpentine Fire to perform in concert with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. (Photo courtesy of Carmel Symphony Orchestra)

CCP names artistic director

Janowicz

The Mavericks set for Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For The Mavericks’ guitarist Eddie Perez, there is no shortage of concert material.

Perez said there is a lot of music over the band’s 30-plus years to cover in a two-hour concert.

“So, we try to hit the mark on just about all of it, from the country music stuff we first got our start with until present day with the Spanish record and everything in between,” Perez said. “It can be challenging to cover all the music and make sure you hit everything everyone wants to hear.”

The Mavericks will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Perez said some of the band’s concert staples include hits such as “Back in Your Arms Again,” Dance the Night Away” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.”

The Mavericks’ latest album, which is all-Spanish, was released at the height of the pandemic in August 2020. The band has covered a variety of genres through the years, crossing through musical boundaries.

“The roots were based in honky-tonk, country and ‘50s and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll,” Perez said. “When we started picking up instruments, that’s what we looked at. All of our music encapsulates all of the music over the years.”

Perez, a Mexican American guitarist from Los Angeles, joined the band in 2003.

Not long after Perez joined the band, the group took a break.

“It turned into an eight-year hiatus,” he said. “But in the incarnation that we are in now we’ve had seven or eight records in the last 11 years. We’ve toured extensively.”

During The Mavericks’ hiatus, Perez, who is based in Nashville, Tenn., was touring and making albums with Dwight Yoakam.

Raul Malo, the lead singer and songwriter, did some solo albums and toured during that time.

“A couple of us kept going (in the music world) and a couple tried other things,”

Perez said. “But we decided to see if there was any music left in The Mavericks, and we’ll probably know quickly. Here we are 11 years later, and I think it’s been the most advanced and prolific time.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Classical concert pianist helps create multimedia performance

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Clare Longendyke’s grief during the COVID-19 pandemic provided inspiration for her project.

PROJECT

The Fishers classical concert pianist was awarded a 2022 Faith, Justice, and the Arts grant through St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Indy to create a new work of multimedia performance art called “Requiem for the Adrift and Shattered.”

“(The project) combines the live performance of four new solo piano works by composers with the presentation of a new film presented in three short chapters and the reading of poems by contemporary poets to create an hour-long performance.”

Longendyke said. “The inspiration behind the project was to create a multi-movement artistic work that includes multiple artistic forms and perspectives that address issues of social justice/injustice, all within the structure of a classical requiem, which is historically a piece of music that accompanies a funeral mass and offers repose to the soul of the deceased person.

“In the performances of ‘Requiem for the Adrift and Shattered,’ the music, film segments and poems will alternate, making the performance truly multimodal.”

The film was created by Deonna Weatherly, an Indianapolis-based videographer and film director. The premiere will be at 4 p.m. Jan. 29 at St. Paul Episcopal Church Indy, 6050 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis.

Admission is free. There will be a second performance at 4 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Admission is free, although a donation to the IHC is suggested.

Longendyke said she felt grief when deep in thought, practicing or speaking with her husband, colleagues and collaborators during the pandemic.

“The feeling of uselessness that overwhelmed me when I would open my New York Times app every morning, and then question how my life as a concert pianist was making any difference in a world filled with hatred, unkindness, violence and destruction,” she said. “We all saw it

happening around us during the pandemic, the rotating media cycles that sparked fear, the growing distance between humans, the crumbling of our planet with no clear direction for how to stop or slow it down. I needed a way out, a spark of inspiration, during that time, and it came in the form of creating new work.”

Longendyke said the piano pieces she commissioned were by four composers from a variety of cultural backgrounds. They are Rex Isenberg, an American composer from Philadelphia now living in Los Angeles; Emily Koh, a Singaporean composer on faculty at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia; Reinaldo Moya, a Venezuelan composer who is residing in Minnesota; and Nkeiru Okoye, an American-born composer of African American and Nigerian ancestry.

“Each composer was prompted to compose a piece from a deeply personal place that aligns with their social justice advocacy, and the result was four divinely individual works of art,” Longendyke said. “Each of the four piano pieces responds to an issue or an emotion that the composer felt was vital to put into the world after the global upheaval of the last three years. Rex’s piece explores the search for solace in a troubled world. Emily’s piece is a response to the silencing of Asian immigrants and Asian Americans in the United States. Reinaldo’s work is a response to the grief of losing a family member, and Nkeiru’s piece is about hope, giving listeners something to root for. Deonna’s film is about the search for self.”

For more, visit clarelongendyke.com.

CABARET

CIVIC THEATRE

Clare Longendyke will play the piano pieces for “Requiem for the Adrift and Shattered.” (Photo courtesy of Clare Longendyke)

Weatherly

area. In addition, the project involves the installation of approximately 174 LF of new 18” gravity sewer line installed by directional drill, approximately 340 LF of new 15” gravity sewer line installed by open cut excavation along with all manhole structures; and approximately 320 LF of new 8” forcemain line installed by open cut excavation with all sewage air/vacuum release valves; connection to existing 8” forcemain; together with all related site, electrical, instrumentation and control work and appurtenances as specified and shown on the Drawings will be received by the TriCo Regional Sewer Utility, Zionsville, Indiana at their office located at 7236 Mayflower Park Drive, Zionsville, IN 46077 until 2:00 p.m. (local time) on January 31, 2023, and then at said office opened and publicly read aloud. Bids received after such hour will be returned unopened.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 2:00 p.m. (local time) on January 24, 2023, at the TriCo Regional Sewer Utility, 7236 Mayflower Park Drive, Zionsville, IN 46077. Attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference is encouraged for all prospective bidders, but not mandatory to submit a Bid. Each bidder is responsible for inspecting the project site(s) and for reading and being thoroughly familiar with Bidding Documents. The failure or omission of any Bidder to do any of the forgoing shall in no way relieve any bidder from any obligation with respect to its bid.

The Bidding Documents may be examined at the following locations:

TriCo Regional Sewer Utility GRW Engineers, Inc 7236 Mayflower Park Drive 9001 N. Wesleyan Road, Suite 200 Zionsville, IN 46077 Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 317-873-0564 Phone: 317-347-3650 (by appointment only, no walk-ins) (by appointment only, no walk-ins)

Dodge Data & Analytic (online plan room) Construction Market Data (online plan room) 2860 s. State Hwy 161, Suite 160, #501 30 Technology Parkway South Grand Prairie, TX 76052 Norcross, GA 30092 Attn: dodge.docs@construction.com

Copies of the BIDDING DOCUMENTS must be obtained at the office of GRW Engineers Inc. (the “Issuing Office”), through their Digital Plan Room at https://www.grwplanroom.com upon payment of $100.00 per set. Said cost includes one (1) full-size paper copy set and one (1) digital (.pdf) copy set. Payment is not refundable. Bidding Documents shall be shipped via UPS Ground service (digital files will be shipped with paper copy). Overnight delivery via UPS or FedEx of the Bidding Documents shall only be made using recipient’s billing account number. Bids from anyone not on the Issuing Office’s Plan Holders List will be returned unopened.

Bids shall be accompanied by a bid bond in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the Bid to insure the execution of the contract for which the bid is made. In case the Bid is not accepted, the bid bond will be returned to the Bidder, but if the Bid is accepted and the Bidder shall refuse or neglect to enter into a contract with the Owner within ten (10) days after the time Bidder has been notified of the acceptance of its Bid, the said bid bond shall be forfeited to the Owner as liquidated damages for the failure to do so.

Approved performance and payment bonds guaranteeing faithful and proper performance on the work and materials, to be executed by an acceptable surety company, will be required of the Successful Bidder at the time Bidder executes the contract. The bonds will be in the amount of 100% of the Contract Price and must be in full force and effect throughout the term of the Construction Contract plus a period of twelve (12) months from the respective date of substantial completion. Also, upon Final Acceptance, a three (3) year 10% Maintenance Bond of the overall contract price shall be provided.

A conditional or qualified Bid will not be accepted. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible Bidder as determined in the sole discretion of the Owner

Bids shall be properly and completely executed on forms included in the Specifications. Bids shall include all information requested by Indiana Form 96 (latest revision) included with the Specifications. Under Section III of Form 96, the Bidder shall submit a financial statement. The Owner may make such investigations as deemed necessary to determine the ability of the Bidder to perform the work and the Bidder shall furnish to the Owner all such information and data for this purpose as the Owner may request. The Owner reserves the right to reject any bid if the evidence submitted by, or investigation of, such Bidder, fails to satisfy the Owner that such Bidder is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Agreement and to complete the work contemplated therein.

No Bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty (60) days after the time scheduled for the receipt of bids.

The Bidding Documents do provide for a liquidated damages clause to insure timely completion of the Project.

The Owner reserves the right to accept any Bid, to reject any or all bids, to reject bids that do not meet the qualifications outlined in the Bidding Documents and/or to waive any formalities or irregularities in the bidding process or bids received where such acceptance, rejection or waiver is considered to be in the best interest of the Owner as determined by it in its sole discretion. The Owner further reserves the right to reject any Bid where evidence or information submitted by the Bidder does not satisfy the Owner that the Bidder is qualified to carry out the details of the Bidding Documents. The Owner further reserves the right to reject all bids should the Owner determine in its opinion, based on bids received, that the contemplated construction costs is not economically feasible.

All requirements as indicated in the Bidding Documents shall be met by successful bidders.

GRW Engineers, Inc. Project Administrator, Vee Carter, can be contacted at (317) 347-3650 or vcarter@ grwinc.com for questions about ordering Bidding Documents. GRW Engineers, Inc. Project Manager, Joseph P. Tierney, P.E., can be contacted at (317) 347-3650 or jtierney@grwinc.com for technical questions about this Project.

By: TriCo Regional Sewer Utility Wesley J. Merkle, P.E., Engineering Manager

Will AI replace human writers?

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

writing is lousy?

GRAMMAR GUY

Welcome to the year of AI content creation. From writing to artwork created by artificial intelligence software, the internet is embracing this “make-the-computer-do-it for-me” approach.

Soon after OpenAI launched ChatGPT at the end of November 2022, the company was valued at a cool $29 billion. But my question is: Will AI chatbots replace human writers? Not anytime soon.

As a content manager for a robotics startup, my day job involves writing relevant and interesting articles, case studies and thought leadership on my industry. It takes time to do this well, but quantity of content is simultaneously as important as the quality of the work.

For website articles, SEO, or search engine optimization, is king. In theory, you could crank out a ChatGPT essay once per day and load it up with all the keywords you want your potential customers to find in a Google search. This would direct customers to your website, where they might purchase your product or service. But what if the

After weeks of experimenting with ChatGPT, I’ve found that the service creates vague and repetitive articles. If you type in a prompt such as, “Write a blog article discussing the limitations of AI-written website articles,” you’ll get a result that is a solid “C”-grade essay. If that is your standard of quality, then feel free to publish it on your website.

During winter break, Princeton computer science major Edward Tian built software that can sniff out a ChatGPT plagiarism checker called GPTZero. Essentially, GPTZero can determine whether a human or a bot wrote an article.

I’m sure we’ll be able to harness AI technology to create interesting and useful content, but it’s not going to replace this columnist anytime soon.

Curtis Honeycutt is a national award-winning, syndicated humor writer. Connect with him on Twitter (@curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, goodnatured work environment.

The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net.

We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays.

To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net 40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032

www.IntegrityAutomotive.net