January 24, 2023 — Zionsville

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Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XI, No. 44

Copyright 2021. Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved.

30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

Council receives updates on parks department master plan

By Natalie Gargiulo • natalie@youarecurrent.com

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

What happened: Jared Logan, superintendent of the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Dept., addressed the council with findings and recommendations for its five-year master plan. His presentation outlined a four-phase process including analysis visioning, framework, renderings and an action plan.

What it means: The findings included public input for more trail connections to the Big-4 Rail Trail, more trail connections to parks, demand for a community center with an indoor aquatic center, a nature sanctuary, splash pad and a canoe launch.

What’s next: More information will be provided by the parks department during meetings in March.

What happened: Councilors received an update on the consideration of appointments to various boards, commissions and committees.

What it means: The appointments list contained the names of people who requested to serve on boards and commissions who were appointed by the town council. All were approved, except for Pathway Committee appointments.

What’s next: Pathway Committee appointments are awaiting a two-week continuance for full vetting prior to approval.

Zionsville Candidate filings for primary election

Compiiled Nataie Gargiulo

Natalie@youarecurrent.com

Candidates are continuing to file for the May 2 primary election. The deadline to file is Feb. 3. The list below reflects all candidates who have filed as of Jan. 17:

Zionsville Mayor

• John Stehr- R

• Jane Burgess-R

Zionsville Town Council District 1

• Bob Harris-R

Zionsville Town Council District 2

• Jason Plunkett-R

Zionsville Town Council District 3

• Craig Melton-R

• Kyle Campbell-R

• Kendrick Davis-R

Zionsville Town Council District 4

• Heather Lusk-R

• Nicholas Plopper-R

Ziosnville Town Council District 5

• Bret Henton-R

Zionsville Council At-Large

• Brad Burk-R

• Alex Choi-R

• Amanda Rubeck-D

DISPATCH

ILADD Information Seminar — ILADD will have a guest speaker, Megan Stevenson, executive director of Erskine Green Training Institute, Feb. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 East Oak St., Ascension Community Room. Stevenson will share information about how to prepare for greater independence in activities of daily living, medications, health needs, money management and behaviors. The event is sponsored by the Zionsville Optimist Club. For more, visit program.manager@iladdinc.org.

Current in Zionsville currentzionsville.com

3 January 24, 2023

Campbell to challenge for council seat

By Natalie Gargiulo natalie@youarecurrent.com

Kyle Campbell, a longtime Zionsville resident, recently announced his candidacy for the District 3 seat on the Zionsville Town Council.

ELECTIONS

Campbell is challenging incumbent Craig Melton for the Republican nomination in the May primary election. Melton, who was first elected in 2019, is seeking reelection.

“I’ve heard opinions on what works for Zionsville, what doesn’t work, what needs to change, and what in a million years should never change about this beautiful city.” Campbell said. “Listening to so many different viewpoints opened my eyes to what issues the Town of Zionsville is facing, and this has led me to where I am at right now.

“Simply put, I want to do my part as a registered Republican and citizen of Zionsville.”

Campbell, 49, has lived in Zionsville for 11 years. His grandparents, Harold and Jackie Dillon, have resided in Zionsville for 50 years. Campbell said he decided to make Zionsville his home after frequently visiting the town and seeing its growth.

“Everywhere you turn you are met with wonderful, hard-working people, businesses large and small, beautifully maintained parks and outdoor areas, and an absolutely charming and historic downtown,” Campbell said. “Working with the public has always been a pleasure for me, so naturally, my career path led me to the retail and hospitality industry.”

Campbell is the general manager of Whitestown Marathon and U-Haul and is an active member of the Lions club of Zionsville. He said his top priorities are public safety, economic development and fiscal responsibility.

“I firmly believe that we not only need to maintain our quality of life but (must) continually strive to improve it.” he said.

“To that end, we need to pivot in a direction that actually works and not fall back on the residential taxpayers of this community.”

The Zionsville Town Council held its second meeting of the year Jan. 17 at Zionsville Town Hall. Topics included discussion of the Zionsville Parks & Recreation Dept.’s fiveyear master plan. The next town council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 6.

Campbell

Pursuit ends in arrest of wanted suspect

news@currentzionsville.com

This spacious, stylish Great Room is the natural focal point of the fun at the RETREAT. Any day of the year, friends can gather to enjoy games like cards, bunco, mahjong or chess. There’s even a pool table! For special events like football watch parties, cooking classes, food tastings or performances, the Great Room is a casual and comfortable space that can’t be beat.

The RETREAT adds socialization and style to your Osborne Trails life.

CRIME

On Jan. 16, at approximately 3:16 am, a Whitestown Metropolitan Police Dept. officer initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 65 southbound. A high-risk stop was conducted on the vehicle, and the driver, later identified as Marcus Curtis, 26, from Ohio, was taken into custody without incident.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Curtis was wanted on a warrant in Ohio for a parole violation for homicide, as well as a warrant out of Georgia for terrorist threats.

Curtis was booked into the Boone County Jail pending a recommended felony charge of resisting law enforcement.

Curtis’ vehicle was swerving between lanes and the officer suspected possible operating while intoxicated or impaired.

When the driver didn’t stop, a vehicle pursuit was initiated by WMPD officers southbound on I-65. Indiana State Police joined the pursuit and set up tire deflation devices near the 113-mile marker, but the effort was unsuccessful. The pursuit then continued eastbound on I-70.

A Greenfield Police Dept. officer set up tire deflation devices near the 103 mile-marker of I-70, which successfully deflated the vehicle’s tires and forced it to stop.

“This pursuit and apprehension are an amazing display of teamwork between law enforcement agencies throughout multiple counties to successfully apprehend a dangerous fugitive in service and protection of the public,” said Capt. John Jurkash said of the WMPD.

DISPATCH

Send us your stories and photos — Have a story suggestion? Want an event covered? Know of a new business or have photos for submission? Please email Current in Zionsville’s Managing Editor Natalie Gargiulo at natalie@youarecurrent.com or call 317-4894444. Remember our deadline is about eight days prior to publication.

Curtis

Former Colts player, wife open Pilates studio in Zionsville

By Natalie Gargiulo natalie@youarecurrent.com

Former Indianapolis Colts player Jamie Petrowski and his wife, Shelly Petrowski, opened a new Pilates, yoga, and weight training studio, Green Apple Core Fitness, at 116 N. Main St., in downtown Zionsville at the end of 2022.

NEW BIZ

The studio focuses on full-body workouts using machines that are a little bigger than the average machine with heavier resistance. It offers small-class settings of six so that each client will be challenged.

Shelly and Jamie met when they were students at Indiana State University, where Jamie played football. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tennessee Titans in 2006, Jamie — a tight end — joined the Colts for two seasons, beginning in 2008, before retiring from professional football after the 2012 season.

A Terre Haute native, Jamie and Shelly made Indiana their home and opened Green Apple Boutique — which sells “athleisure-wear for the on-the-go woman” in Carmel in 2012. The couple moved the store to Zionsville in 2018.

For Jamie and Shelly, living a healthy lifestyle has always been important.

“Jamie and I have enjoyed working out together, and he is a massive motivator,” Shelly said. “He’s naturally competitive, and having been at the highest level as an athlete, he’s taught me to push myself, to know my goals, and then to make them happen. We teach our two daughters, Gracelyn and Lyla, the importance of this by keeping your heart and body healthy in addition to making good food choices to fuel your body.”

Shelly began teaching Pilates after becoming certified and teaching for two years

at a studio in the Village of WestClay. There, she met instructors and clients and learned more about Pilates.

“I’ve tried so many different workouts, and I loved it all, but as I have gotten older, and both Jamie and I have had some injuries, we have both learned to listen to our bodies,” Shelly said. “When I found Pilates, I was instantly in love. I just couldn’t believe after a few weeks how much better I felt. My form, joints, muscles, posture, flexibility and strength are all aligned.”

Shelly said Pilates is a style of workout people of any age can benefit from because it promotes mobility and strengthens all muscle groups. It helps with balance and elongation and can improve posture and body awareness, according to fitness experts.

Green Apple Boutique was created when Green Apple Core Fitness had its official launch at the end of 2022. The studio had a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 11.

Green Apple Core Fitness has already added additional machines and expanded its class schedule, according to Shelly.

For more, visit greenapplecorefitness.com.

Inside Apple Core Fitness Pilates studio. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Petrowski)

Green Apple Core Fitness owners Jamie and Shelly Petrowski, back, center, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new Pilates studio. (Photo courtesy of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce)

We need to get back to work

Commentary by Ward Degler

I guess America really needs to get back to work. Everywhere I go, I see signs saying, “We Are Hiring.” By contrast, it was not long ago unemployed folks were frustrated by being told, “Sorry, we have no openings at this time.”

PLAIN TALK

What happened? Well, a pandemic shut down much of the country for a long time. Workers were furloughed and given government benefits. I’m told that in some cases those benefits paid better than the jobs they had lost. And they continued for too long.

That’s just one reason. I’m sure there are others. Fear of catching the virus, for example. It was, by any measure, unpredictable and nasty.

True or not, it’s apparent that a lot of folks have not gone back to work. And those who are at work are often being overworked.

Case in point, grocery stores. I was shopping the other day and noticed carts of boxes in several aisles — canned goods waiting to be put on shelves. It brought back memories of my senior year in high school when I worked at a grocery store.

I stocked shelves, of course, as did every other employee. I also candled eggs the store bought from local farmers, filled quart jugs with vinegar from large wooden kegs, cut up chickens and waited on customers in the meat department and carried sacks of groceries to customer’s cars.

Back to my shopping trip. I filled my cart with this, that and the other, relying on visual inspiration as I surfed the aisles because although I had written a grocery list, it was safe at home on the kitchen counter. After making sure I had gotten the most important items, like pastries and ice cream, I headed for the checkout lane.

There was no one there. Then a clerk rushed up from where she had been stocking shelves.

“Sorry,” she said, out of breath. “We don’t have enough people to stock shelves, so the cashiers have to do it.”

A sensory-friendly event for families, especially designed for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder or any type of special need.

Free admission and skate rental for the entire family.

Wheelchairs are welcome on the ice and ice walker supports are available to share. Rink will be closed to the general public.

Guardians must accompany on ice.

Exciting winter fun awaits!

Tuesday, January 24 & Sunday, February 26

February 10 – 11, 2023

This event builds real team spirit through on-ice, non-skating competitive games like:

Cheer on our hometown heroes at 6 p.m., February 10.

Human Hungry Hippo Human Curling Ice Trike Relays

Daily skating every Thursday-thru-Sunday until February 26 • Special event days!

TheIceAtCarterGreen.com for up-to-date information on all Ice at Carter Green events.

A special thanks to Allied Solutions for participation and sponsorship of many of our holiday events.

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.

Hamilton Southeastern senior point guard guides team to success

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern senior Olivia Brown is the consummate point guard.

“She has a knack of knowing where to be and reading the other team’s offense to get her hands on a lot of passes,” Royals girls basketball coach Brian Satterfield said. “Olivia has also been great at creating opportunities for her teammates and herself at times. She sees the floor so well and looks to find her teammates whenever they are open. Her biggest improvement from last year is taking care of the basketball. Her decision-making and places she gets to on the floor have allowed her to lower her turnover average from a year ago. She is our best defender and doesn’t always score a lot of points, but she has a hand in most of the points we score.

“She leads us in assists, steals, deflections and tied for the lead in blocks while second in rebounding.”

MEET OLIVIA BROWN

Favorite subject: Health sciences

Favorite TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy”

Favorite movie: “The Princess and the Frog”

Prior to Jan. 17, the 5-foot-7 Brown was averaging 6.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 3.8 steals per game for the Royals (17-2). She commits only 2.7 turnovers per game.

“One of my big goals is to keep turnovers down and assists up,” she said. “I try to keep a 3-to-1 assists-to-turnovers ratio.”

Brown said she has improved on being a leader.

“One of the things (Satterfield) challenged me is to open my mouth even more than I have before and really get across to my teammates what we need to get done,” she said.

Brown, who has played varsity all four

years, is a three-year starter.

Satterfield said Brown is a fierce competitor.

“She is one of our hardest workers every day,” he said. “The staff wishes she would be more vocal on the court at times, but she, along with our other seniors, are always reaching out and talking to players to make sure everything is good.”

Brown said the team has many scoring options. Riley Makalusky was leading the team with a 18.8 points per game scoring average, followed by her sister, Maya Makalusky, at 15.3 ppg.

“As the point guard, I see all the things that are happening on the court,” Brown said. “I think we have such a wide skill set and everyone knows how to play their roles really well. I love the team chemistry we have going.”

Brown competed on the Royals’ track and field team as a middle-distance runner. Although she said track kept her in shape for basketball, she gave it up after her sophomore season to concentrate on basketball for recruiting purposes. Brown has signed with the University of Akron of the Mid-American Conference.

BRAIN AND SPINE CARE FOR WHAT MAKES YOU, YOU.

Athlete and professional. Student and parent. Caretaker and loved one. We provide exceptional brain and spine care so you can get back to being everything that makes you, you.

Learn more at GoodmanCampbell.com

Hamilton Southeastern senior point guard Olivia Brown averages 7.4 assists per game. (Photo courtesy of Olivia Brown)

Brown

By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com

A Zionsville resident who has a heart for youth and a history of promoting higher education is not only a longtime supporter of Foster Success in Indiana, but she is also one of the Indianapolis-based nonprofit’s most generous donors.

Vanessa Keadle, 37, who lives in Zionsville with her husband and daughter, is a monthly donor to Foster Success, which provides support and resources for teens and young adults transitioning out of the foster care system, for more than three years.

Keadle has participated in several of the organization’s fundraisers, including its Friendsgiving event at the end of 2022. Friendsgiving was the most successful fundraising event of the year for Foster Success. It raised more than $60,000.

Keadle’s interest in the Foster Success program started when her best friend, Monika Mala, was applying for the organization’s chief operating officer position three years ago. Keadle quickly embraced the nonprofit’s mission and became a donor.

“What I loved about Foster Success is that they have a very targeted educational angle to their work,” Keadle said. “The program aligned with my daily work and my own personal values, and I thought, ‘What an amazing opportunity to become a monthly donor.’”

Keadle is the chief strategy officer for Student-Ready Strategies, an organization that partners, plans and problem-solves with colleges and universities to help students succeed and evolve. Much like Student-Readiness, Keadle’s initial interest in Foster Success was grounded in its focus on higher education.

Keadle said her desire to help youth came about when she was a college student and had little knowledge of higher education.

“As a first-generation college student, I wanted to get a degree in higher education leadership and help other students,” she said. “That’s why I admire Foster Success’ work, as they’re trying to change the system.”

Foster Success is the only Indiana nonprofit that supports young adults transitioning out of the state’s foster care system. The program empowers each young person to create their own journey to self-sufficiency and stability by providing support and resources for education, housing, employment and connected support.

As a result of the inclusive work of Foster Success, young adults have the opportunity to thrive and be active participants within their community, according to the organization. For example, Macy Wyant, 23, of Lebanon, has been a part of Foster Success for five years and attributes the organization’s support for her success after transitioning out of the foster care system at age 18.

“I have had nothing but consistent, reliable support since being in Foster Success,” Wyant said. “They helped me transition out of the system into doing regular adult things that I wouldn’t have known how to do prior, like transportation, employment and education. My life coach, Daniel, whom I am so grateful for, helped me in many ways.”

Macy’s life coach, Daniel Hurst, the pro-

a simple investment of time and belief in a young person’s ability go a long way in helping former foster care kids succeed.

“Working with Macy has been a true joy,” Hurst said. “She is a motivated, positive and determined young woman who has worked hard to both seize on the opportunities that are available to her and build pathways to success on her own terms.”

Wyant, like many other foster youths, is utilizing the federally funded and administered Education and Training Voucher program to take classes at Ivy Tech.

“I truly believe higher education is a great equalizer and the way out of some situations that people may be experiencing,” Keadle said. “And the fact that Macy will be attending Ivy Tech makes me so happy to know that she was supported in a way that she now feels confident enough to go to college.”

Keadle said she will continue contributing to Foster Success and supporting youth.

COVER: From left, Zionsville

Keadle,

MACY’S FOSTER CARE STORY

Macy Wyant, a Lebanon resident and former foster youth, first entered the foster care system at age 17, a few years after her father died. Wyant’s mother had a history of addiction and couldn’t care for her, ultimately leaving her in the hands of the state of Indiana.

Although fearful in the beginning of entering the foster care system, Wyant credits it for her success as a young adult.

“I’ve had nothing but a positive experience being a foster youth, which was not what I was expecting from the time I went into the system.” Wyant said. “I was 19 and living in a hotel for a month, and I reached out to Foster Success in a time of need, and they helped me. They have always gone above and beyond to

ensure we are taken care of.”

Wyant said Foster Success provided the support she needed through people and programs, and she wants to someday provide similar support for other foster youth. Last year, she participated in a few Indiana Youth Advisory Board meetings as a youth board member.

“Being able to go to the meetings, use my voice, and be heard means so much to me,” she said. “I want to advocate for the foster youth.”

Wyant is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She wants to become an addiction counselor and fulfill her dream of becoming a foster parent.

“In the future, no matter what route I take, I want to help those in need all the time,” she said.

Zionsville resident among youth program’s most generous donors

Daniel Hurst, program coordinator for Foster Success’ Workforce Readiness program, teaches a class. (Photo courtesy of Foster Success)

gram coordinator for the Workforce Readiness program of Foster Success, said that

ON THE

residents Emily Nelson, Vanessa

Tom Manaship and Aarti Chawla attend Foster Success’ Breaking Down Barriers with Opportunity Passport event. (Photo courtesy of Foster Success)

Wyant

Keadle

Common-model luxury

Commentary by Terry Anker

Moving along our nation’s highways, we encounter all manner and sort of peculiarity. The world’s largest ball of twine is just ahead. Or, at Exit 328 B, we can enjoy the “world’s best” cup of coffee in air-conditioned comfort 24 hours a day. Wow! Still, most of what we meet is more mundane. It is the commonplace.

As such, both windscreen and rearview are filled with base-model modes of transportation piloted by base-model humans. There is nothing wrong with driving the most common car on Earth. In fact, that vehicle, the Corolla, has been well-tested and can be commonly repaired. Some would argue that owning it is a genius move. Can we take the same position in being a very common commoner?

In most options, we are not granted much choice. Our color, age, trim package and nameplate are determined before delivery to the lot. We are left to take what we get. The luxury edition went to the last person, and we are stuck with something with crank windows from 2004.

Monster truck or Italian sports car, we decide on maintenance. We decide which after-market accessories to install. We decide how and where we drive it. Sure, some got the hybrid with abundant “free” fuel. Others found themselves with a family truckster with 19 cup holders. Yet once delivered, we determine if we stay at base model or work to move up a bit. Education, exercise and relationship maintenance all add to our standard stock. We may not have been born rich, brilliant or beautiful, but we can clean update, and improve the model we are dealt.

The way we care for this one might give us a head start when St. Peter stands to negotiate our trade-in. But for most today, a top-performing Kia is likely better than a stalled Lamborghini.

Life is a (crazy) dream

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

wind and the dead-people visits distracted me from closing up shop, so to speak.

HUMOR

I don’t know what is going on inside my head lately. I had a dream last night that went from my grappling with a personal case of head lice while babysitting a couple of preteen strangers to me at an Easter parade where deceased friends kept stopping to say hello. I didn’t awake until the zombie horde forced a semi off a bridge next to where I was drinking coffee. I asked my husband, Doo, what he thought these visions meant, and he responded with a short monologue ala Sigmund Freud, emphatically telling him to, “Get out. Now!” Hilarious.

Doo also reminded me that I had left a bathroom drawer open, wide enough so that when he stumbled in this morning, he clocked his left thigh so hard he now has a noticeable bruise. I vaguely recall rummaging for Advil around 4 a.m. while peering through a window to determine if a tornado was approaching. I guess the screaming

All this is to say that, clearly, I have too much on my plate, at least subconsciously. As I type, I am mentally listing today’s “chores,” along with work and family “stuff” that needs to be addressed in the near future. But what’s a girl to do? Ignore parenting, wife-ing, teaching, cleaning, managing, shopping, sudoku-ing, exercising, planning, living altogether?

– DANIELLE WILSON

I’m certain my latest intake of Thai food and psychological thrillers aren’t helping, but in my defense, have you watched “The Menu” yet? Wonderfully disturbing. So, I’ll just have to deal with the crazy dreams and hope life settles soon.

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.

I didn’t awake until the zombie horde forced a semi off a bridge next to where I was drinking coffee.

Getting testy over dark chocolate

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

recycle bin. Here’s the feature article’s headline:

Healthcare Innovations

Personalized Healthcare for All The Future of Healthcare looks a

lot like Netflix

HUMOR

My wife read some troubling information in one of her monthly magazines. You might think the source of this bad news was Prevention, where every page is full of things you should not be full of, like red meat, trans fats, cakes and pies. Next thing you know they’ll be telling us to lay off cheese. Or did I miss that issue?

No, this time the messenger was Consumer Reports. As a result of our subscription, over the years we learned we purchased a lemon of a car, an energy inefficient freezer, unsafe snow tires and a dangerous snowblower.

At the back of the magazine, they list what items they are presently testing in their labs. So, there’s a good chance we also bought the wrong toaster, mattress and insect repellants. Last month, they were rating blood pressure monitors, which I really need when reading one of their reports. We’ve learned that we wasted lots of money buying useless vitamins and organic food options. I have trouble sleeping at night because CR rated my pillow choice very low — lower even than MyPillow. I bought a MyPillow years ago, but I returned it. I emailed the owner and told him that sleeping with my head on his product made me lean to the left.

So, what did CR report on that upset my wife? Mary Ellen is a chocolate lover, and the darker, the better. Well, things could not have gotten any darker than last week when the new CR landed in our mailbox, just minutes before she tossed it in our

Some Trader Joe’s dark chocolate has dangerous levels of lead and cadmium.

Say it ain’t so, Joe! That’s where Mary Ellen gets most of her chocolate. She will also occasionally pick up nonessentials like eggs, milk, bread, fresh fruits and vegetables.

For years, my wife’s consumption of chocolate was encouraged by reports that chocolate was good for us — especially the dark variety, which is full of antioxidants. True, it contains some caffeine, but if you can’t sleep, what better way to stay awake than scarfing down a candy bar?

CR tested dark chocolate bars at Trader Joe’s. For some bars, eating just an ounce a day puts someone over a level that CR’s experts say may be harmful. Well, there goes Halloween. Scary, huh?

Mary Ellen wanted to know whether the CR folks had to taste the candy, and if so, were there any openings available for those jobs?

My wife is health conscious and will cut down on her chocolate consumption. She asked if I’d be willing to make some similar sacrifices, based on past CR reports. I’m proud to announce that the vitamin pill I took last Tuesday was the last I will ever take.

By Christopher Habig

With the world’s best doctors and medical innovations – I often wonder why healthcare in this country is so expensive, confusing, and inconvenient.

Medical care can be as easy as streaming a movie or your favorite television series, available on-demand, for a price that makes sense.

Here’s a secret - it is already happening.

Individuals and businesses are getting access to medical care for less money and less headaches.

Most people expect to have a bad experience when they need medical care. Doctors

are too rushed to explain everything, hospitals send out surprise bills that don’t make sense, and insurance companies end up sticking you with higher than expected costs. I have experienced this first hand, and I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to be this way.

WNetflix and other streaming services changed television. My old basic cable packages charged my family hundreds of dollars for a lot of channels we didn’t want. If we wanted to watch something, we had to adjust our schedule to fit. That wasn’t economical or convenient.

Cutting the cord allowed us to access entertainment options we wanted, within our budget without wasting time.

The future of healthcare looks a lot like this. Medical services available on-demand with posted prices for everything. My favorite part is that everyone can access it. Medical care shouldn’t discriminate based on the card in your

wallet or the policy.

The new FreedomDocSM primary care office provides on-demand, “streaming” primary care from your own doctor plus discounts on much more (labs, referrals, and medications).

This new model is available locally for everyone, even businesses. Entertainment and healthcare might seem vastly different, but the principles of convenience, simplicity, affordability, and personalized options are the keys to fixing healthcare in this country.

Visit www.freedomdoc. care/zionsville or call/text (317) 936-3970 today. 114 N Main St,. Zionsville, IN 46077.

Scan here for next steps

POLICIES

Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to info@youarecurrent.com. Writers must include a hometown and a daytime phone number for verification. Guest columns: The policy for guest columns is the same as the aforementioned, but the allowable length is 240 words. Guest columns should address the whole of Current’s readership, not simply special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

We’ve learned that we wasted lots of money buying useless vitamins and organic food options. I have trouble sleeping at night because CR rated my pillow choice very low – DICK WOLFSIE

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker.

Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

The views expressed in this column are that of Christopher Habig and FreedomDoc.

currentnightandday.com

Actress Huffman gets challenged in ‘Bright Half Life’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It’s only fitting that Kate Huffman helped bring the play “Bright Half Life” to Indianapolis with her deep ties to the Indianapolis area.

Huffman, a 2001 Cathedral High School graduate from Indianapolis, has ties to Hamilton County as well.

Her sister, Molly, recently moved back to Indianapolis from Carmel. Huffman has two cousins living in Carmel and one in Noblesville.

The two-person play, written by Tanya Barfield and directed by Amy Harmon, was staged in Los Angeles with Huffman in 2022. Huffman and South Asian actress Krishna Smitha will return in their roles in the play, which will be presented Feb. 1619 at The District Theatre, 627 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis.

The play is a love story about interracial gay marriage.

“It’s a simple story that spans decades, and you Rubik’s Cube it up and we’re in our 30s for a page and half, and then 20s for a full scene,” Huffman said. “It’s brilliantly crafted. It lets you feel like you are getting the story of this relationship somewhat in order, even though it’s all over the place.”

Huffman said the play is an incredible challenge for an actress.

“The ability to authentically go back and forth between all those different stages of where you are in your life and relationship (is challenging),” Huffman said. “The first time I read it, (I thought), ‘This is beautiful,’ and ‘Oh, my gosh, this is so challenging to take on.’ I was lucky enough to get casted.”

Huffman said audiences have responded well to the performances.

“It’s been a beautiful journey,” Huffman said. “It’s fun. It’s funny and it’s relatable. It’s devastating. It’s like a dream-like ex-

perience to go through the play the way it’s told. It was written for any woman of color to play Erica’s love interest. The initial script had it for an African American. In the back there are scenes that are written for (a) Latina actress or East Asian actress and a couple others. There wasn’t anything for a South Asian actress, so we got to go back and forth with the playwright a little bit.”

Huffman said The District Theatre General Manager Pauline Moffat reached out to her about bringing the play to Indianapolis.

Huffman had brought her solo show, “I’m Too Fat for This Show,” a comedic look at her eating disorder, to Indy Fringe and The District Theatre previously. She toured with the solo show for several years.

“I told Pauline, ‘I didn’t write this play and don’t own it. If you want to us to come out, we have to work together to get the rights,” she said. “I’m thrilled it’s really happening because I think it’s a cool story for Indianapolis to get to see.”

Huffman said the play is one of the most special productions she has been involved with.

“I’ve had a lot of cool experiences, and at the end of all of them, I’d say that’s my favorite,” she said.

Huffman has a recurring role in the Apple Plus TV show, “Physical,” which stars Rose Byrne. She has been in a variety of TV shows, including “Fresh Off the Boat,” “On the Spectrum,” “Castle” and “$#*! My Dad Says.”

Huffman also is a body positivity coach and speaker in Los Angeles. Sometimes she includes screenings of her show, “I’m Too Fat for This Show.”

“I would do my show again if someone paid me so very much money. It’s a pretty exhausting show,” she said. “I’m grateful I have a recording of it.”

“Bright Half Life” has performances at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16-18 and 4 p.m. Feb. 19. For tickets, visit indydistricttheatre.org. For more, visit katehuffman.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 at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $5 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

‘GHOST LIGHT CABARET’

Civic Theatre will present ‘Ghost Light Cabaret,” a fundraiser, in performances at 6 and 8:30 p.m. at Feinstein’s Cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

THE MAVERICKS

The Mavericks will perform a concert at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $5 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

SERPENTINE FIRE

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will join with Serpentine Fire, an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band, for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

“FAMILY FUN!’

Camel Symphony Orchestra will present “Family Fun!”, an interactive show where children can join the musicians on stage, at 3 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

Handler, The Wallflowers to perform at Palladium — Comedian and talk host Chelsea Handler and The Wallflowers are the latest additions to the schedule at the Center for the Performing Arts. Each is appearing for the first time at the Palladium. Handler performs at 8 p.m. April 14. The Wallflowers, led by singer-songwriter Jakob Dylan, the son of Bob Dylan, perform at 7:30 p.m. April 26. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.

PLAY

Krishna Smitha, left, and Kate Huffman star in “Bright Half Life.” (Photo courtesy of Kate Huffman)

Huffman

ATI feature greatest hits in show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Actors Theatre of Indiana will draw on its past for its first fundraiser of the year.

FUNDRAISER

“ATI Greatest Hits, Vol. 1” is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the 200seat Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The show will feature ATI co-founders Cynthia Collins, Don Farrell and Judy Fitzgerald, along with other area performers.

“We will have our own solos from past productions, such as ‘Cabaret,’ ‘La Cage aux Folles,’ ‘Gypsy,’ and as co-founders, we will open the show together with a number,” Collins said.

Collins said she looks forward to performing “Nowadays” from “Chicago” with Holly Stults.

Farrell said he is eager to revisit some of his favorite shows in ATI’s history.

“For me, personally, it will be nice to reprise some songs from ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘La Cage aux Folles,’” Farrell said. “(It will be nice) seeing some other of my favorite actors reprise roles in shows such as ‘A Year With

Frog and Toad’ (and) ‘25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.’ Just so many great hits will be brought back that evening.”

Magician Jon Mobley will perform his “Sleight of Mind” show at 2 p.m. Feb.11 at the Studio Theater for another fundraiser.

“I personally saw Jon at another event and was frankly spellbound by him,” Farrell said.

In the final February fundraiser, Farrell will perform songs from Barry Manilow’s show, “One Voice: The Music of Manilow” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Studio Theater.

For tickets, visit atistage.org.

Nunziata, Wray to share stage

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

director Michael Orland works with Wray. Nunziata and Wray have talked over the phone but have not yet met in person.

“This is such a huge opportunity for me, and I am genuinely so excited,” Wray said.

MUSIC

Singer/Songwriter Anthony Nunziata has become a regular visitor to Carmel. Nunziata will make his fourth engagement in 16 months at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael.

“The community of Carmel has embraced me and my music with such open arms and hearts,” said Nunziata, who is based in Nashville, Tenn. “It has quickly become one of my favorite cities to play in and I look forward to coming back frequently.”

Nunziata will be joined by special guest Amelia Wray, a 17-year-old singer and actress.

“Amelia is a huge talent and I’m excited for her to share her talents with her hometown audiences of Carmel,” Nunziata said. “(We’ll perform) a classic song, an original and a surprise duet we will be debuting just for the Carmel audience.”

Nunziata’s friend and sometimes musical

“Performing is my favorite thing in the world, and I cannot wait to do it with Anthony. It’s not only going to be an amazing experience for all, but it’s going to be full of music and good food.”

Wray will play her new single, “Disappear,” a classic song by Elton John, and a duet with Nunziata. Wray, who played a recurring character on Disney Channel’s “Sydney to the Max,” released “Disappear” on streaming platforms in November 2022. She wrote the song with Orland and Bill Grainer.

“It’s an empowering song I wrote from a personal experience of mine that discusses heartbreak and healing from it,” Wray said. “It’s such a special song and I hope everyone who hears it loves it.”

For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

A PLAY BY Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett

BASED UPON “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl”

NEWLY ADAPTED BY Wendy Kesselman

Nunziata Wray

From left, Judy Fitzgerald, Don Farrell and Cynthia Collins are Actors Theatre of Indiana co-founders. (Photo courtesy of ATI)

‘The Son’ is powerful filmmaking

by Julieanna Childs

“The Son” is a heart-wrenching dive into mental health and the struggles of parenting.

Writer-director Florian Zeller (“The Father”) takes a powerful look into mental health, divorce and parenting through a teen’s struggle with depression and the parents who are helpless to rescue him.

One day, Peter (Hugh Jackman) is interrupted when his ex-wife, Kate (Laura Dern), shows up with news that their teenage son is deeply troubled. Nicholas (Zen McGrath) is despondent, withdrawn from life, skipping school and lying to his parents. He’s frustrated and can’t escape the pain he bears every day. Hoping to change his mental state, he moves in with his father.

The story centers on Peter as he struggles to manage his dream job, his new wife, Beth (Vanessa Kirby), and their baby while adjusting to more time with Nicholas. The film explores the guilt and shame Peter carries amid not knowing how to save his

drowning child, his burden of fault and his desperation to protect his son -- all the things the parenting books don’t teach us.

In one of the film’s more revealing scenes, Peter visits his father (Anthony Hopkins) to check on his health. The two are estranged. His father is callous in their exchange and unapologetic for prioritizing work above his family.

Jackman gives one of his best on-screen performances as a father fighting to save his son. Dern is equally emotional as she teeters between reminiscing over happier times and the difficult decision to protect their son.

A happy tale of rainbows and butterflies, it is not. Instead, “The Son” confronts the sins of a father’s past and grants the audience a few sunbeams between the moments of distress.

During the past 14 years, Julieanna Childs has worked as a film studio representative, contracting for all the major Hollywood studios. Her film reviews can be found at TheJujuReview.com. She is a Hamilton County resident.

BEHIND BARS: SIGNATURE MARGARITA

The Signature Margarita mixed by St. Elmo bartender, Kiya. This drink features Hiatus blanco, Grand Marnier, and lime, served over crushed ice.

To see a video of this drink being mixed, scan this QR code.

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

Commentary

‘THE SON’

Blueprint for Improvement: Warm and welcoming Carmel kitchen

After

Built in Carmel’s

1980, the

THE BLUEPRINT

• The fridge and double ovens once dominated the space, interrupting the room’s flow. Relocating the appliances increased the amount of counterspace, improving the kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic.

• Glass, stone and ceramic mosaic tile behind the range creates a beautiful focal point that unifies the room’s color palette.

• Removing the soffits provided ample room for taller cabinets, creating the illusion of a higher ceiling while increasing the kitchen’s storage space.

• Organizational additions — including a pull-out spice rack, cantilevered drawer organizers and a knife block drawer — ensure everything has its place.

Larry

Before

Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

Commentary by Larry Greene

Eden Estates neighborhood in

home’s owners were looking to improve the kitchen’s functionality and update the room’s style — without losing the room’s warm and inviting character.

Modifiers are misplaced words

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

I didn’t wear glasses until I was 19. As an up-and-coming visionary word nerd, I had never thought I needed corrective lenses. Of course, I always fancied monocles, although I didn’t know how to keep one in place.

sentence in one of two ways. We don’t know if “often” modifies “karate-chopping” or “causes injury.” To correct this, we need to move “often” so it is clear which phrase it is affecting.

GRAMMAR GUY

As it turned out, I was near-sighted. I learned this by attending a large lecture hall-format class in college. I found myself squinting to see the professor’s handwritten notes scrawled on the chalkboard.

I began to get headaches from the eyestrain. Soon enough, I went to an optometrist and got my first prescription glasses. Now, I look 17 percent smarter!

You knew a grammar tie-in was coming, and here it is: The headache caused by a squinting modifier. Yes, squinting (or ambiguous, as they’re sometimes called) modifiers are misplaced words or phrases that are placed in a sentence so that they could refer to one or two parts of a sentence.

Here’s an example: Karate-chopping often causes injury. Due to the placement of the modifier “often,” we can interpret this

Byron told a stranger at the bus stop eventually the moon would shrink to the size of a walnut. In this example, does “eventually” modify “told” or “would shrink”? Did Byron wait until the stranger at the bus stop was walking onto the bus? Either way, I’d be suspicious.

Gluten-free creperies are open on Leap Day only in the village of Coubisou. Now, for those of you who don’t know French towns, Regardless, the placement of “only” in the above sentence makes you wonder: Are the specialty creperies only open on Leap Day, or are they only open in Coubisou?

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

A brief tour of Nazareth

Commentary by Don Knebel

As we continue our tour through Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we come to Nazareth, where Jesus lived before he established his ministry around Capernaum.

TRAVEL

Nazareth is about 25 miles southwest of Capernaum. At the time of Jesus, it was so small that it did appear on any maps. The road from Nazareth to Capernaum wound through the Arbel Pass and ended at the village of Magdala, home of Mary Magdalene, an early follower of Jesus. The caves above the Arbel Pass, where people had lived for thousands of years, were the site of a failed Jewish revolt against Roman rule in 40 B.C.

Today, Nazareth is the largest city in northern Israel, with a population of more than 75,000. Each year on March 25, nine months before Christmas, thousands of pilgrims come to Nazareth to remember the Annunciation, the time most Christians believe the angel Gabriel revealed to Mary she would conceive the Son of God.

Roman Catholics head for the Franciscan Basilica of the Annunciation, the largest church in the Middle East, built over a cave claimed to have been Mary’s home, with stairs leading to a room claimed to be Mary’s kitchen. A column is said to mark the spot where the archangel Gabriel stood while making his announcement. Greek Orthodox visitors go instead to the smaller Church of St. Gabriel, which lies over an ancient spring, also claimed to be where Gabriel appeared to Mary.

Travelers to Nazareth can stop at the Arbel Pass and see the caves where Jewish

rebels held out before being thrown to their deaths by Roman soldiers. An ancient well still stands beside the road that Jesus probably took to Capernaum when residents of his hometown rejected him. Many sites in Israel claim to allow people to “walk in the footsteps of Jesus.” The Arbel Pass really does.

Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. (Photos by Don Knebel)

Don Knebel is a local resident. For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

A cave under the Church of the Annunciation.

Arbel Pass near Nazareth.

Speech Pathology Services is looking to hire a part-time business manager for a small pediatric private practice located in Carmel. If interested, please contact: info@spscarmel.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