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The Zionsville Board of Parks and Recreation on Feb. 8 approved a $5.5 million bond to fund acquisition of the Carpenter Nature Preserve, which town officials aim to open by early 2026. The bond will go before the Zionsville Town Council in March for final approval.
The town has been awarded a $3 million grant from the Next Level Conservation Trust that will be used to help repay the bond, but the town must own the property to receive the grant money.
“We are bonding this project in order to have the money up front to purchase the land. After acquisition, that’s when the reimbursements come,” said Jarod Logsdon,
superintendent of the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Dept.
The cost of acquiring the nature preserve was beyond the parks department’s available funding reserves. In January the parks board announced its plan to pursue a bond to buy and develop the Carpenter Nature Preserve. Of the $5.5 million bond, $4.5 million would fund the acquisition, and the remaining funds would be used for Phase 1 of development.
In 2021, the parks department partnered with Jim and Nancy Carpenter, local conservationists and owners of the property, to transform the 215-acre, former Wolf Run Golf Course into Zionsville’s largest nature preserve.
The Carpenters agreed to sell the property to the town for $1.5 million below its appraised value. In 2022, the parks depart-
ment obtained an appraisal listing the property at $6 million.
In addition to the $3 million grant from the Next Level Conservation Trust, the town has received a $500,000 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Both grants stipulate the town own the property and that it be developed into a public space within three years.
“It’s such an opportunity to have these grants awarded,” Logsdon said. “The goal was always to secure the land and identify opportunities for development down the road. Now, with these grant funds we will be able to accomplish our first goal of acquisition and continue work toward creating this public space for the community to enjoy.”
The Zionsville Town Council will vote on the bonds at its March 6 meeting.
By Natalie Gargiulo natalie@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Town Council met Feb. 13 to vote on amendments to the traffic codes regarding Oak Street, Colony Woods and the town’s Golf Cart Ordinance.
What happened: The council voted 7-0 to amend an ordinance to the traffic code at First Street.
What it means: The council amended the ordinance set in place three years ago for the loading zone of restaurants in the area of First Street East from its intersection with Oak Street north to its intersection.
What’s next: The loading zone will no longer be reserved or be limited as a loading zone from 6 to 10 a.m. along Cedar Street Monday through Friday. The remaining provisions for parking, stopping and standing schedules and parking time limits will remain in full force.
What happened: The council voted 7-0 to amend an ordinance to the traffic code at Colony Woods.
What it means: Parents are parking in Colony Woods and dropping their children off to avoid the pickup and drop-off line at Pleasant View Elementary School, which has become a safety issue.
What’s next: Parking is now prohibited between 2 to 5 p.m. on days when school is in session on both sides of Governors Lane and Rockwell Court to the entirety of the street from its intersection with Governors Lane to its dead end.
What happened: The council voted 7-0 to amend the ordinance of the traffic code regarding golf carts to remove certain regulatory restrictions.
What it means: Operators of golf carts within the corporate limits of the town are permitted to operate in approved areas of operation, which include all town streets with the exceptions of Oak Street, Sycamore Street (from First Street to Michigan), 116 Street, 106 Street and 96 Street.
Saturday, March 11, 2023
Golf Club of Indiana - Cardinal Room 6905 S 525 E, Lebanon, Indiana
| Registration, Appetizers, and Drinks 7pm | Dinner, Silent Auction, Bourbon, and Wine Pull
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Questions? Contact Jess Lazarz at jlazarz@boonehabitat.org
because she has been serving the community for several years and wants a new opportunity to serve and lead.
“I believe service is at the heart of every good leader,” she said.
Democratic candidate Monisha Mitchell recently announced she will run for the District 3 seat on the Zionsville Town Council in this year’s municipal election.
Mitchell is the only Democrat running for the seat. The incumbent is Republican Craig Melton, who has occupied the seat 2019.
“Zionsville needs and deserves fresh leadership. There is an opportunity to lead with greater transparency, professionalism and decorum,” Mitchell said. “There is also an opportunity to continue the great strides made in terms of our natural resources and mindful growth in relation to economic development.”
Mitchell said she believes more could be done for District 3 residents.
“There have been opportunities to stand up for District 3, like redistricting, that have been missed,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell, a Zionsville resident for six years, said she is running for town council
Mitchell is a graduate of Indiana University. She has a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and a master’s degree in social work, with a license in clinical social work. She is the founder and president of Monisha Mitchell, LCSW LLC, a behavioral health therapy center specializing in trauma and mood disorders.
She has 18 years of experience as a mental health therapist and has served as a consultant in diversity, equity and inclusion.
Mitchell said her corporate sector experience will help her in office, if elected.
“Having worked for a Fortune 500 company, I served in administrative and executive leadership roles in health care, managing over 100 staff,” she said. “I have worked for several nonprofits, including successful grant writing, and I led and developed innovative initiatives.”
If elected, Mitchell said she would embrace input from residents.
talents to support our town formally.”
Sarah E. Sampson, a stay-at-home mom who has lived in Zionsville for 17 years, announced Feb. 2 that she is running for the District 4 seat on the Zionsville Town Council in this year’s municipal election.
Sampson is vying for the Republican nomination with Heather Lusk and Nicholas Plopper in the May 2 primary. Incumbent Republican Joe Culp is not seeking reelection.
Sampson said she is running because she wants to provide input, oversight and fact-based governance to the town of Zionsville’s affairs and interests.
“I have seen Zionsville change quite a bit, almost tripling the population since we returned to the area,” Sampson said. “I’m passionate about local government and political issues that affect our families and businesses. While I’ve been a committed volunteer in our schools, church and many local civic organizations, my recent candidacy for the school board piqued my interest in using my
As a former auditor and CPA for Deloitte and Arthur Anderson audit and consulting firms, and is a former auditor of the Big-4 Rail Trail, Sampson said she has a unique skill set that blends attention to detail with a perspective of fiscal responsibility and financial management.
“I’ll bring my combined experiences as an auditor, community volunteer and mother to the council to help guide decisions that reflect the opinions of my constituents,” she said. “I will work to maintain Zionsville’s distinct charm and character and help our town grow intelligently to support its economic, commercial and residential foundation.”
Sampson is president of Zionsville Community School’s PTO and has volunteered with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Tri Kappa and Habitat for Humanity. She and her husband, Joe Sampson, have been married for more than 30 years and have 10 children.
“I see no better way to give back to our great community than by serving as a Zionsville Town Council member,” Sampson said.
Learn more at sarahsampson.com.
By Natalie Gargiulo natalie@youarecurrent.com
A new community and retail center in Zionsville began Phase 1 of development Feb. 13.
Pittman Farm, a 48acre development at U.S. 421 and Sycamore Street, will be a mix of retail and an apartment community.
The first phase will include land preparation and infrastructure for the entire development, which includes a three-building, four-story, 400-unit apartment development.
“Our farm has been a meaningful part of the local community for many years, and we are honoring its past in this new development,” said Chad Pittman, manager of Pittman investors.
Pittman Farm is expected to have restaurants, grocery stores, medical offices and other retail.
Architecture and design will have a farmstead style with a contemporary aesthetic, according to Pittman.
With carefully crafted architecture and de-
sign that is authentic to the history and feel of Zionsville, we are building a new district for the community’s future,” Pittman said.
Pittman Investors and Scannell Properties will be working with the Town of Zionsville to plan the site and align it with its longterm vision for the town.
Phase 1 is expected to be open to the public in 2025.
For more, visit Thefarmzionsville.com.
Carmel High School sophomore swimmer Lynsey Bowen showed her determination and resilience this season.
“She had a tough summer (in 2022),” Greyhounds swimming coach Chris Plumb said. “She got sick, but she came back and put in the work. She is just maturing as a person. To see her be here and swim like she did was just awesome.”
Bowen repeated as the 500-yard freestyle champion Feb. 11 in a state record time of 4 minutes, 42.81 seconds at the IHSAA girls swimming and diving finals at the IU Natatorium at IUPUI in Indianapolis. She won the 200 freestyle title in a time of 1:45.49.
“Last year, I tied the record (4:45.15) and this year I broke it, which felt really good to not be sharing the record,” she said of the 500 freestyle race. “I had two of my teammates in the 500 with Lexi (Ward) and
Favorite athlete: Katie Ledecky
Favorite movie: “Elf”
Favorite subject: English Hobbies: Bike riding, baking
Alyssa (Street). I’m just so proud of them, they did so good. I’ve been swimming with Lexi (Ward) for 10 years and I’m just so glad we went 1-2.”
Bowen was fourth in the 200 freestyle in last year’s state meet.
“It felt really good,” she said. “I just tried to sprint as fast as I can and get my hand on the wall, work on my turns and
On the back of her horse is Ginger’s favorite place in the world. When her chronic back pain became so bad that it kept her out of the stables, she realized how limited she’d felt for years. She turned to the expert care at Goodman Campbell to get her back in the saddle.
Learn more about Ginger and her story at GoodmanCampbell.com.
underwaters.”
Bowen helped the Greyhounds capture their 37th consecutive state championship with a record 498 team points.
“I think this team is the best team I’ve ever been a part of,” Bowen said. “Everyone is so encouraging, and the meet was so much fun.”
Bowen said it took time to regain strength after being ill.
“I missed most of July and didn’t really swim anything at Summer Junior Nationals,” Bowen said. “I think I got back to mostly 100 percent at Winter Junior Nationals in December.”
Then she concentrated on improving.
“I worked on my stroke a lot and my turns,” she said. “Lexi and Alex Shackell have helped me so much with my technique and turns. I’m getting better and stronger every day in practice.”
Bowen’s sister, Kendra, is a former CHS swimmer who won the 200 freestyle in the state meet in 2019, her senior year. Kendra is a senior swimmer for Purdue University.
“I just always wanted to be like her, and I look up to her so much,” said Lynsey, whose mother, Renee, swam at Ball State University.
“I can do that” is a phrase I no longer say as much as I once did. Mostly, I said it when confronted with something that needed to be repaired, like home repairs.
Does the house need a new roof? No problem. I recruit as many family and friends’ help as possible, and put on a new roof. Been there, done that more than once.
Need to replace a window or door? Grab the tools and do it. Does the wiring need an update? Easy peasy, job done.
Even when my wife and I decided a few years ago to add several rooms to the house and wisely put a carpenter in charge, I was hammer-in-hand, flailing away with the paid help. And when the carpenter was finished with his part of the project, I got the necessary permits and added wires, lights, switches and electrical outlets; plumbed a shower, tub, three sinks and a laundry room by myself. Barely broke a sweat.
And when the inspectors came to examine my work, they said it was the best job they had ever seen (actually, they just pursed their lips and signed the paperwork. I assumed the rest).
Fast forward to last year. A cancer diagnosis, nearly an entire month in the hospital, weeks of physical therapy, and an agonizingly sluggish recovery left me unable to do almost anything.
As a result, when we discovered that the shower in the new bathroom had been leaking into the subfloor — probably for months — my first instinct was to say, “I can do that.” Replace a couple floor joists, add new subfloor and some tiles, and job done!
That’s when I suddenly came face to face with reality. I’m not 30 anymore, and I am still recovering from what is arguably the harshest illness I’ve ever experienced.
Today, we have a large hole in the bathroom floor where a team of professional restoration carpenters are replacing joists, subfloor and tiles. I eye their progress wistfully, wishing I was the one doing the sawing and hammering.
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Zionsville named “Safest City” in Indiana for 2023 — With no violent crimes committed in the past year and 0.2 nonviolent crimes committed per capita, according to Consumer Affairs, Zionsville is the “Safest City” in Indiana. Data was included from the Census Bureau and 2014 FBI crime statistics.
The Zionsville American Legion is open to the public for lunch -- Weekday lunch is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the American Legion in Zionsville. The daily menu includes breaded tenderloins, hamburgers and breaded chicken tenders, among other items. For more, visit Post79zionsville.com.
Psi Iota Xi to conduct book drive -- The book drive is in partnership with Indy Book Project through March 1. The Indy Book Fair will take gently used books for children of all ages up to 18. Indy Book Project volunteers will sort, box, and get the books into the hands of children. The Zionsville UPS Store at 49 Boone Village is among the dropoff sites. For more, visit Psiiotaxi.org;
Boone County Master Gardener Gardenfest -- The 35th annual Boone County Masters Gardeners, Gardenfest event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 1 at the Boone County 4-H fairgrounds. Guest speakers include Tom Setser, John Chapin and Chuck Dailey. More than 22 garden-related vendors will sell garden art, gifts, flowers, herbs, succulents, native plant seeds and other garden items Gardenfest is sponsored by the Boone County Master Gardeners and is free and open to the public in the Farm Bureau Community Building at the Fairgrounds, 1300 E 100 S, Lebanon. For more, visit mastergardenersboonecounty.org.
Witham Health Services Volunteer Organization Offers Scholarships — The Witham Health Services volunteer organization is providing three $1,000 scholarships to Boone County high school seniors who are pursuing a degree or continuing education in a healthcare field. These scholarships are provided annually by the Witham volunteer organization to support and encourage the students as they enter their secondary education. Scholarship applications and accompanying information are available at each high school guidance counselor’s office. The deadline for application submission is March 3. For more, visit Witham.org.
A local resident is set to publish her debut children’s book, “Creature from the Woods,” in May.
AUTHORMegan Alms, a 2016 Zionsville Community High School graduate, wrote the book about woodland animals with children and their parents in mind.
“I’m only where I am today because of the people who poured into me during childhood,” Alms said. “That’s part of why it’s so important to me to publish a book that children and adults can share.”
“Creature from the Woods” is a picture book introducing readers to North American woodland animals in rhyme. The book includes topics about growing up, curiosity, playfulness, imagination and parental love.
The book concludes with lines of encouragement and love, reminding children that they are treasured, Alms said.
Alms attended Pleasant View Elementary,
where she participated in the continuing Young Author Night in first grade. Alms and her husband, Carson, enjoy scrapbooking and DIY projects in their free time.
“Creatures from the Woods” will be available for purchase beginning May 2 at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, BooksAMillion.com, and Target.com.
Sharon Gleason, a Zionsville resident, is president of Assistance League of Indianapolis, a nonprofit with several community outreach programs in central Indiana.
How did you become connected to the Assistance League?
I was introduced to Assistance League by a friend and neighbor. I attended a couple of fundraising events with her and her husband. I loved the mission of the organization and an ability to give back within my own community.
What do you enjoy most about the Assistance League?
The ability to give back, making a difference for children and adults in my community. I also love the friendships I have made.
What is your best habit?
Being organized. I am a list person!
What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?
I like to read and learn from others what inspires them. This helps me think of my own world in a different way.
Do you have a favorite meal in town?
Muldoon’s Irish Stew. Especially in the winter.
What is your favorite song, and why do you like it?
“Forever Young” by Rod Stewart. It reminds me of all the advice, wishes and dreams I have for my children and grandchildren.
Z’ere Program-Buddy Up Fun Night
-- Best Buddies is gearing up for its annual Buddy Up Fun Night, an event for students in grades K-4 to join activities like bounce houses, basketball, magic show, balloon animals, and pizza. The event is from 4 to 8:15 p.m. March 25 at Zionsville Community High School. For more, visit zhs.zcs.k12.in.us
Senior salute honors Boone County graduates — The Boone County Senior Salute will honor Boone County 2023
high school graduates who have chosen to serve their country at the 3rd Annual Senior Salute at 6 p.m. May 16 at the American Legion Post 79 in Zionsville. Any Boone County high school senior graduating this year and enlisting in the military, joining an ROTC program, or attending a service academy interested in being honored can contact Weinheimer at bcseniorsalute@gmail.com. The event, which includes dinner, is open to the public. American Legion Post 79 is at 9950 E. 600 S., Zionsville.
School Resource Officer Brandon Pounds of the Zionsville Police Dept. is a hero and a friend to students at Trailside Elementary School.
Trailside Elementary fourth-grader Connor Edington said Pounds reminds everyone to “always do good.”
Pounds, an Indianapolis native, is the first SRO for Trailside Elementary, the town’s newest school. It opened in 2022.
“It’s truly an honor to work for the youth community,” Pounds said. “You’re like a superhero to the younger students.”
School resource officers provide safety for students, staff and visitors. However, Pounds said his job is about much more than “catching bad guys”.
“(It’s also) letting the students know that the job of a police officer is to be a branch of protection, trust, but also friendship is an important part of my role as an SRO,” he said. “I want to make sure that the students understand that I’m not only in the line of their safety but that they can rely on me in making decisions and come to me for help.”
Pounds has served as a police officer for nearly six years, with more than two years of service with the ZPD. He also served as a school security officer for eight years at Warren Central High School in Indianapolis.
“Brandon is one of our newest officers, and he came as a lateral police recruit from Warren Township Schools,” ZPD Capt. Drake Sterling said. “ He is certainly someone we are excited to have in our department.”
Pounds said his experience working in security fostered his ability to provide safety by building positive relationships through communication and interaction as well as mastering the skill of deescalating.
“The only thing I had was my voice, personality and presence as security at Warren Central, so I was able to create a skill in communication and use it to deescalate situations with students and parents just by being myself,” Pounds said. “I was able
to create different outlets to give individuals assistance.”
Pounds said his decision to become a police officer came from a desire to help better the community and establish meaningful connections with students to serve as a role model.
“Officer Pounds has quickly become a beloved member of our school community,” said Jennifer Raycroft, principal of Trailside Elementary School.
“He does an amazing job of building relationships with the students and the parents, and he’s incredibly responsive and visible in our school. He’s not one to stay in his office very often. He’s constantly monitoring safety in our building.”
From playing board games in the classroom to eating lunch in the cafeteria with students, Pounds said he wants to provide elementary school students with a positive example of law enforcement.
“He is nice and kind to everyone, and he makes funny faces,” Edington said. “He gives everyone fist-bumps and plays with everybody at recess.”
Pounds, who also is a father, enjoys his job and said he’s grateful for his special role in the Zionsville community.
“He keeps our school safe, and I like
how he draws because he takes his time,” said Julia H., a first-grade student.
Zionsville Police Dept. Officer Brandon Pounds, a student resource officer at Trailside Elementary School, was a college track standout before beginning his law enforcement career.
Pounds attended Indiana State University on a track and field scholarship. His specialty event was the shot put.
police officer.
Pounds
Pounds said his athletic background helped him when he was training to be a
“When I made the decision to go into law enforcement, I was able to use the characteristics and strategies that I developed from competing at a national level,” Pounds said. “My critical thinking, organization and discipline all helped me to become an officer.”
Pounds has a master’s degree in public administration from Indiana State.
Dirty Dough is the latest cookie company to enter the area market.
There are three corporate-owned stores in Fishers, Zionsville and Indianapolis.
Romney Stewart, chief operating officer for the company, said it had been seeking a Carmel location but wasn’t able to work out a lease agreement.
“We continue to look at potential store locations in Carmel and other areas in Greater Indianapolis for other possible store locations in the future,” he said. The lease for the Zionsville location at 6634 Whitestown Pkwy. was just recently signed.
Stewart said the company is already working with the appropriate municipalities and departments for all necessary permits for the new store locations in Fishers, 13180 Market Square Dr., Suite 101 in Indianapolis; and 6159 N. Keystone Ave., Suite 400 in Indianapolis. The locations will be the first Dirty Dough stores in Indiana.
“A local general contractor has been selected to do the construction work at these locations,” he said of the Fishers and Indianapolis stores. “We are targeting
opening dates sometime within the March to May time frame, subject to a number of construction-related variables.”
The company’s procedure is to use a special machine to make its stuffed cookies.
“We use special balling machines in our production facility in Lindon, Utah, that inserts fillings, mix-ins and layers into our cookie dough batches to make them distinctly different from what you find in your local neighborhood cookie, resulting in deliciously gooey, filled, softer and thicker cookies,” Stewart said.
Hiring a tax professional — In most states, including Indiana, tax preparers do not have to meet any licensing standards, so you need to do your homework if you plan to hire a professional to do your taxes. Ask about any professional certifications, such as a CPA or Enrolled Agent. Find out what your recourse against the preparer is if you get audited and penalties are assessed. Finally, ask for references and check them out.
Source: BottomLineInc.
Cryptocurrency risks — Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson wants to remind Hoosiers to be cautious about such investments. Common cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin. Unlike traditional currency, these have no physical form and are not backed by tangible assets. They are not insured or controlled by any central authority and are subject to very little regulation. As a result, the potential for fraud is
high. To learn more, visit IndianaMoneyWise. com.
Discounts that actually cost you money — Retailers have latched onto a way to offer giant percentages off that are mesmerizing to shoppers but are not what they seem. The pitch: You get a gigantic discount, typically up to 70 percent off, but the fine print notes that you get that discount only on a second or third of multiple similar items. Signs in store windows and on store shelves (and online) shout out the percentage and shoppers often don’t do the math to see just how unimpressive these offers typically are. For example, based on an offer of “buy two, get the third 50 percent off,” you take three items to checkout, where you then receive a total discount of 17 percent because you pay full price for the first two items.
Source: BottomLineInc.com
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DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around February 27, 2023, Duke Energy Indiana, in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10, will submit its Standard Contract Rider No. 50, Parallel Operation-For Qualifying Facility (“Standard Contract Rider 50”) to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. This filing of Standard Contract Rider 50 provides the updated calculation of the standard offer rates for the purchase of energy and capacity for 2023. Standard Contract Rider 50 is available to all qualifying Duke Energy Indiana customers and is expected to be approved approximately thirty-days from the date of filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or Randall C. Helmen with the Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:
Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
101 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 317-232-2703
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor PNC Center - 115 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-232-2494
Duke Energy Indiana, LLC
By: Stan PinegarAnswers to HOOSIER
HODGEPODGE: Games: CHECKERS, CHESS, CLUE, MONOPOLY, RISK, SCRABBLE;
Languages: ENGLISH, FRENCH, GERMAN, ITALIAN, SPANISH;
Buttons: ELEVATOR, PANTS, PHONE, SHIRT;
Instruments: CELLO, DRUM, VIOLIN; Flavors: COOKIE DOUGH, SMORES;
Animal: DAIRY COW
“It’s not my job,” sneers the kid behind the counter. Perhaps, we think. But if not them, then who? OK, specialization leads to greater efficiency. Having the latte person make the Americano might slow down the entire production line leading to the kind of biblical chaos that was only known to readers of the Old Testament. Skinny-foam customers would likely get disproportional halves of “caf” to “decaf.” And some highly educated MBA’s vision of the perfect optimization of steps required to dispense coffee would be disrupted. Still, can’t we just get an extra cup?
As labor markets have tightened, the things that used to get done are now not happening. Young workers are scoring some of the lowest labor participation rates ever recorded. Older workers are retiring early as not before measured. And highly productive employees are self-reporting significant reductions in the amount of time they are putting into their jobs. Maybe it is a needed reset of expectations and demands. Maybe
we have all gotten a little lazy. Whatever the genesis or the analysis, we find that we’re being told to do it ourselves with increasing regularity and ferocity.
The promise of technology might help to carry us along. Soon, we hope, some device will lift the shifted burdens. In the meantime, we’re left to manage our own beverages or learn to live without. As we are confronted with a new paradigm of service, can we come to accommodate the changes gracefully while clinging to the fundamental elements of civil interaction? Kind, respectful exchange still carries the day, in most cases. But conflict over increasing gaps in expectation between providers and customers may be a harbinger of a new age in human interaction. We just want an extra cup. Is it really that diffcult? Well, it might be.
editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.
I’ve come to the realization that I may take the adage “out of sight, out of mind” a bit too seriously when it comes to my husband, Doo. Case in point, his recent ski trip.
Basically, since I wasn’t part of this vacation and because I was more excited to have Doo gone, his itinerary literally went straight from my inbox to deleted mail with no acknowledgement on my part.
I knew he would be in Colorado and that he’d be meeting up with our older girlchild who’s at Colorado State University. And of course, I knew the exact day of his departure because I’d been dreaming for months about the five evenings of blissful solitude I’d be enjoying, filled with cozy frozen dinners for one in a perfectly tidy living room. Heaven was nigh!
But that’s about it. So, when our daughter called to ask for the Airbnb code, I could not help. And when my friends at work wondered where they were skiing, I responded, “Breckinridge? Veil? The Rockies?” I didn’t know the airline, if he was renting a car, nor that three of Doo’s buddies were going,
– DANIELLE WILSONtoo. Basically, since I wasn’t part of this vacation and because I was more excited to have Doo gone, his itinerary literally went straight from my inbox to deleted mail with no acknowledgement on my part. He would be dead to me, and I couldn’t wait. But what if something had gone wrong? I would have been worthless to investigators had he suddenly disappeared or had a horrible accident. I’d have probably heard about the killer avalanche on the radio and turned the station. “Ooh, I love this song!”
Regardless, Doo has returned and my brief sojourn as a single lady is over. I still have no idea where he was, though. Out of sight, out of mind. Peace out.
Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.
Mary Ellen and I compete against each other every evening as we watch “Jeopardy!” I usually win because she is also playing sudoku and is only listening to the show. She doesn’t realize the closed-caption answers come up on the screen. When I hear a clue like, “It’s the highest point in South Dakota,” I yell out, “What is Black Elk Peak?” Mary Ellen is impressed and asks, “How did you know that?” Her question would be easier to answer if I were willing to admit to cheating.
at a blistering 3 mph, and I’m expected to make this decision on the run? Well, it’s not really a run, but still, it’s a blistering 3 mph. I know one thing: Whichever option I choose, the phrase, “Can you hear me now?” is bound to be said a dozen times during the call.
The other night I asked Alexa to play John Legend. My Apple Watch chimed in and said, “Sorry, to hear John Legend you must sign up for Apple Music.”
There’s more competition in our household. We have the following electronic devices plugged in: My Amazon Fire, Mary Ellen’s Kindle, my Apple Watch, her Fitbit, three Alexa Echoes and two iPhones. Oh, and a landline phone, which I seldom use. But you’d have to pry it from my cold, dead hands. I’m old school.
I purchased new hearing aids before the holidays. These incredible devices have changed my life, but not always for the better. They’re intended to interface with other electronic devices, which has caused a bidding war for my undivided attention.
When I’m jogging, for example, my cellphone might ring. I hear that ring through my hearing aids. After I dig the phone out of my sweatpants pocket, I select how I want to take the call: over my headset, through my hearing aids, on the speaker or holding the phone to my ear. Here I am, moving
“I’m not talking to you,” I yelled at my wrist. Then I realized I should watch my tone because all the gadgets in my house are monitoring me. They know my most personal secrets. Best not to disrespect them.
Recently, one of my wife’s audio books for her monthly book club started coming though my hearing aids, and I couldn’t turn the sound off. I was doing the dishes, so I just kept listening. Later that week, I was the only person at the ladies’ book club who hated “Bridget Jones’s Diary.”
Yesterday, I asked Alexa what the weather would be like for the next week. She said, “I’m sorry, I can’t answer that question while you are driving.”
“I am not driving,” I hollered. “I am on my treadmill, going at the blistering speed of….”
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There’s more competition in our household. We have the following electronic devices plugged in: My Amazon Fire, Mary Ellen’s Kindle, my Apple Watch, her Fitbit, three Alexa Echoes and two iPhones. Oh, and a landline phone, which I seldom use. But you’d have to pry it from my cold, dead hands. I’m old school.
– DICK WOLFSIE
Tanya Haas doesn’t want attendees to be misled by the title of Carmel Community Players’ upcoming production.
“Even though the title is, ‘The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,’ it is not a musical. There is a little bit of singing as part of the plot, but it’s definitely a straight play,” Haas said.
Carmel Community Players’ production will run Feb. 24 to March 5 at the Ivy Tech Noblesville Auditorium.
The play takes place in an isolated mansion in the middle of a snowstorm. A group of performers and producers are cut off from the outside world with a deranged murderer, called the Stage Door Slasher, on the loose.
Haas, a Carmel resident, plays Helsa,. “She isn’t a major character in terms of stage time, but she is very important to the plot,” Haas said. “She tells everyone a bit about her life in the course of the show but is quite mysterious. One of the things I love about the role is also what is challenging about it, in that it’s a lot of physical comedy, which I love doing but my body doesn’t always love as I get older. I also have a German accent in the show, which I had thankfully been working on since appearing in a production of ‘The 39 Steps’ in 2021.”
Haas said the show is fun for the entire cast because the comedy is deliberately over the top.
“Not one character is meant to be subtle,” she said. “I think audiences will really enjoy it because it’s the type of show that just makes you laugh, and there’s really nothing serious about it all despite being a murder mystery.”
Zionsville resident Elizabeth Ruddell said she chose to direct the play because it is hilarious.
“There are many characters in it, and they are all bigger than life,’ Ruddell said. “I have seen this show many times before.
Each production brings something new to it. That’s why it is a joy to direct. There are challenges for the show, but it is not with the actors, all of whom are very talented and very funny. The challenge is the set, which holds many surprises for the audience. Be prepared to feel suspense and laugh. What a great combination.”
Noblesville resident Robert Fimreite plays Patrick O’Reilly.
Fimreite, 62, acted during his senior year in high school in Whitehall, Wis.
“I had to be talked into doing that, and then I took a 40-year hiatus,” Fimreite said. “I had a bucket list of things I wanted to do, and I wanted to do a show.”
In October 2018, Fimreite returned to
the stage as Lurch in Carmel Apprentice Theatre’s “The Addams Family” at The Cat in Carmel.
“Now, I’m doing three to four shows a year,” Fimreite said. “It’s been fun. It’s a great way to meet people and make new friends.”
Fimreite said he is performing his role with three different accents: Irish, New York City and German.
“That will be a challenge to me,” he said. “It’s been hilarious watching everyone develop their character.”
Fimreite agreed the show will be an audience favorite.
For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
‘FOOTLOOSE’
“Footloose” runs through March 26 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK’
Civic Theatre presents “The Diary of Anne Frank” through Feb. 25 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘NEW WORLD DANCES’
The Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will present “New World Dances” Feb. 25-26 at The Florence at the Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
‘PROOF’
Mud Creek Players’ production of “Proof” runs through Feb. 25 at the Mud Creek Barn Theater in Indianapolis. For more, visit mudcreekplayers.org.
“National Geographic Live: Lindsay Zanno: T. Rex Rises” is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
The Live at the Center series will feature the Katherine Nagy Trio with Tim Wright at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $5 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.
The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts.
Floyd Nation: Experience Pink Floyd, a tribute band, will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts.
Civic Theatre will feature “The Cat in the Hat” Feb. 28 to March 4 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
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But IWS Music Director Charles Conrad needed emergency eye surgery and the concert was postponed about 10 days before it was set. Now Cooper, a 2005 Carmel High School graduate and Franklin Central High School director of bands, will get a second shot as the IWS is set to present the Williams tribute at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
preparation — the focus, hours of practice, time spent on the study of the music. A unique sense of accomplishment and pride can be enjoyed by everyone in the room. Unfortunately, a canceled concert stifles the energy of the preparation. Fortunately, on the 26th, we’ll be able to finally unleash the music and play a great concert for those in attendance.”
Cooper will conduct Harry Potter’s “Symphonic Suite” and “The Raiders March” from “The Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
“I’m thrilled to finally get to conduct these great works by such a great composer,” Cooper said. “Like John Williams’ music, there is building suspense and energy as an ensemble prepares for a concert. The excitement peaks at the performance where the ensemble lets loose all the energy spent in
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine was booked in 2021 to play Feb. 24, 2023, at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
At the time, the Center for the Performing Arts president/chief executive officer Jeffrey McDermott said no one had any idea what that date would signify. Russia invaded Ukraine Feb. 24, 2022, igniting a war between the two nations.
“European orchestras are a staple of our classical programming at the Center, and those performances typically are booked years in advance,” McDermott said. “When we confirmed this show back in 2021, we had no reason to expect anything unusual. The coincidence of the date just seemed to confirm that this performance carried a special significance. We’re pleased that the show gave us an opportunity to partner with the local Ukrainian American community and the consulate in Chicago.”
The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine, led by Theodore Kuchar, will perform at 8 p.m. Kuchar has been the artis-
“I have very fond memories of watching Indiana Jones on his adventures when I was younger,” Cooper said. “My cousin and I would love wearing hats like his and diving around the living room furniture trying to escape the bad guys. It’s special to conduct the John WIlliams melodies, not only from the movies, but the soundtrack to many of my most fond memories.”
Conrad will direct the rest of the concert, which includes music from “Star Wars,” “Jaws,” “Superman” and “Schindler’s List.” For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
Theodore Kuchar conducts The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine. (Photo courtesy of the Center for the Performing Arts)
tic director and principal conductor of the Ukraine orchestra since 1994.
McDermott said when the Center for the Performing Arts announced the 2022-23 season in the spring of 2022, Ukraine was the focus of the world’s attention.
Two nonprofit groups, the Ukrainian Society of Indiana and Indiana Supports Ukraine, will be in the lobby to share information about their efforts to celebrate Ukrainian culture and ship supplies to people living through a winter of war.
The concert will include works by Johannes Brahms, Edvard Grieg and Antonio Dvorák, with piano soloist Oksana Rapita
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Amy Pauszek is a photographer, award winning film producer and scouting and casting associate for Talent Fusion Agency in Indianapolis. She can be reached at Amy@ youarecurrent.com. To see more of her photos, visit currentnightandday.com.
Anne Soards (Zionsville) and daughter Katelyn Soards (Zionsville) attended Civic Theatre’s Feb. 10 opening night of “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Do not miss this incredible production with family and friends. The acting, set design and story are so powerful. The production runs through Feb. 25. For more, visit civictheatre.org or call 317-843-3800. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)
BEHIND BARS: NEW YORKER COCKTAIL
The New Yorker is sophisticated, yet very fun. Created by Vanessa B. from The HC Tavern + Kitchen, the New Yorker is made of Maker’s Mark, spiced simple syrup, lemon, orange and a red wine float, garnished with an orange wheel. To see a video of this drink being mixed, scan this QR code.
Thursday
February 23 4 - 9 p.m.
Friday
February 24
3:30 - 9 p.m.
Saturday
February 25 11:30 a.m. - 9
Sunday
February 26
For a full list of special events, dates, times, rates and availability, please visit TheIceAtCarterGreen.com
The new Ant-Man movie, “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” is the 31st in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the first of Phase Five, tagged the “Secret Wars,” with additional releases scheduled between 2024 and 2025.
The movie kicks off with the return of Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), Hope Van Dyne/Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Cassie (Kathryn Newton), Scott’s now 18-year-old daughter. The group returns to the Quantum Realm, facing down supervillain Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors). Majors’ delivers a Darth Vadar-like, menacing performance of the outer world outlaw who originally made his debut in the comic book “Fantastic Four No. 19” in 1963. The character will have a more prominent role in the MCU’s upcoming projects, “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.”
Janet is the film’s star, leading the costume-clad alliance in their journey through the Quantum Realm, a sub-atomic sphere outside of our space and time, a “Star Wars” vibe visual medley with creative life forms and droids. As they travel among rebels and allies, Janet’s secrets expose a connection that threatens to destroy them all.
Rudd is entertaining in reprising his role of Scott, just your average divorced, nice guy superhero bug dad raising a talented teenage daughter. Cassie comes into her own, learning the ropes of honing the talent and traits inherited from her dad. Sadly, Hope/Wasp is given little influence in the quest; her character is primarily insignificant, reduced to reactionary one-liners of the other players.
Much like Cassie’s meta telescope that transports them into the Realm, “Quantumania” sucks you into the action and delivers a few surprises in a fantasy world of victory and vengeance.
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.
Built in 1980 in Carmel’s Cedar Point neighborhood, this home’s original kitchen was ready for a remodel to improve form, function and flow.
• The existing peninsula was removed to improve flow and infuse the space with light.
• An island was added to increase functionality for the homeowner, an avid baker.
• Caesarstone Misty Carrara countertops were used on the perimeter cabinets, and Bianco Paradiso granite was used to accent the island.
• White upper cabinets combined with a light backsplash resulted in an airy and open feel, while base cabinets in a warmer wood tone help to ground the space.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt
Our family bought a minivan last year. With child No. 3 on the way, we needed more room for car seats and Cheerio dust. While some people hesitate to get on board with the idea of buying a minivan, I was all about it.
My wife and I looked into hybrid minivans to save money on gasoline. Unfortunately, the hybrid van life was too rich for our blood, so we opted for a traditional gas-guzzler. Our kids named the newto-us gray minivan “Delfín,” Spanish for “dolphin.”
Hybrid electric vehicles operate through the combination of an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors, utilizing energy stored in batteries. Hybrid words (also called hybridisms) combine prefixes and suffixes from multiple languages to create new words.
The most common type of English hybrid words combines Latin and Greek prefixes and suffixes. Since we’ve been talking about vehicles, we’ll start with the
word “petroleum,” which combines the Greek word “petra” (rock) with the Latin word “oleum” (oil). In the same way, the word automobile fuses the Greek “auto” (self-) with the Latin “mobilis” (movable). Here are a few of my favorite Greek and Latin hybrid words. The word liposuction fuses the Greek “lipos” (fat) with the Latin “suctio” (sucking). Dysfunction combines the Greek “dys-” (bad) with the Latin “funtio” (performance). Of course, this invention came much later than the Greek and Latin languages, but the word television marries the Greek “tele-” (far off) and the Latin “visio/visere” (to see). Note we have a company that makes TVs called Visio.
Nearly every example of English hybrid words combines Greek and Latin, and — interestingly — the Greek prefix or word usually comes first.
In our continuing tour of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we come to Jerusalem, an ancient city important to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Today we will visit a site that some archaeologists believe goes back to the time of biblical King David.
According to the Bible, David captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites in the 10th century B.C., and made it the capital of a kingdom uniting the 12 Tribes of Israel. People today probably imagine Jerusalem at the time as a great city, reflecting their view of David’s United Monarchy. However, most scholars believe that David’s Jerusalem occupied a narrow hilltop strip comprising no more than 10 acres, with a population of perhaps 2,000. This area, now called the City of David, was southeast of Mount Moriah, where King Solomon later built the first Jewish Temple across the Kidron Valley from the Mount of Olives.
Excavations in the City of David area began in the 19th century. In the 1920s, archaeologists discovered a 60-foot-high terraced structure made of stone along the eastern side of the hill, overlooking the Kidron Valley. The purpose of this structure, labeled the Stepped Stone Structure, has long been a mystery. In 2005, Dr. Eliat Mazar, an Israeli archaeologist, reported that she had found another stone structure, just as unimaginatively called the Large Stone Structure, supported by the Stepped Stone Structure. With great fanfare, she said she had found King David’s palace. Other archaeologists quickly disagreed, saying that
there would not be a palace in such a small “hill-country village” at the time of David.
The site of Dr. Mazar’s excavations has become a popular tourist destination in Jerusalem. Guides point out that whatever the purpose of the Stepped Stone Structure, the square stone found at its lower righthand corner, with a hole in the center, is undoubtedly a latrine.
Across
1. Expenditures
6. Org. with more members from Africa than the Mideast
10. In the Red?
14. Dickens’ Heep
15. Indiana Tech president Einolf
16. Hr. divisions
17. Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore
19. Spa treatment, for short
20. Seazcond oldest town in Indiana (in Perry County)
21. Like a spot in “Macbeth”
23. High card
26. Crushes and musses
29. Scot’s denial
30. Opposite of front
32. “Star Wars” princess
33. Old Russian rulers
35. Leave high and dry
37. TNT part
39. Indiana Senate President
(and Lieutenant Governor)
43. Agree to join
44. Snoozing
46. Nose around
49. Change direction
51. Balkan native
52. Surveillance device, briefly
53. Part of an Indiana driver’s license exam, usually
56. RN’s forte
57. Work too hard
59. Puts on WFYI
61. Latvia’s capital
62. Indiana Senate Minority Leader
68. Tidy
69. Butler frat letter
70. Poker declaration
71. Leaky radiator sound
72. Former Colts first round
pick Dawkins
73. Aggressive personality
Down
1. Mangy mutt
2. Spanish gold
27. Pesto ingredient
28. Non-clergy
31. Musical instrument of a sort
34. Spiritual essences
36. Dozed for a bit
38. Word with mass or rapid
40. “Nick at ___”
41. Ancient Brit
42. Recuperate
45. Plastic pipe, initially
46. Shows disdain
47. Maritime forces
48. Some Swiss watches
50. 40th US president
54. Meditation teachers
55. Distinguishing feature
58. “Peanuts” expletive
60. “Stargate Atlantis” network
63. ___ v. Wade
64. IND schedule abbr.
65. Cut off
66. Bullring cheer
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actively seeking applications for two full-time teaching faculty positions in the areas of web & software development and networking & security systems. The positions require teaching undergraduate courses and participating in curriculum development; they do not have a research expectation. Applicants must have a master’s degree, and individuals with industry experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Prior teaching experience is helpful but not necessary. Our courses are grounded in fundamental IT concepts but are taught via hands-on applications with connections to the industries in central Indiana.
More information can be found at https://go.iu.edu/4Mbx
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
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