March 7, 2023 — Zionsville

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Epcon plans new home development in Zionsville

By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com

Epcon Communities, which build luxury ranch homes and low-maintenance communities, presented plans to build a 150-home development in Zionsville during the Zionsville Plan Commission’s Feb. 21 meeting.

The plan commission approved the development unanimously.

The Courtyard of Russel Oaks, a 97-acre residential subdivision, would offer 140 single-family homes built by Epcon, and 10 estate homes constructed by Zionsville’s Kendalwood Realty. The estate homes would be lakefront, custom-built and priced above $1 million.

Epcon, an Ohio-based company, has been in business since 1986 and has a targeted demographic of 55-plus communities. The development will be Epcon’s first in Zionsville. It is building communities in Carmel, Westfield and Fishers and has developed more than 420 adult communities nationwide with an anticipated average home price of more than $700,000.

“We dialed into the needs of our customers with our unique brand,” said Dale Pfeifer, who presented the development to the plan commission for Epcon Communities. “With Russel Oaks, we are raising the bar.”

Pfeifer said the homes will have a “courtyard home design” that connects the indoors and outdoors, specifically tailored to baby boomers.

“We build lifestyle communities, not just homes,” Pfeifer said. “We do not sell off the lots to other home builders.”

Russel Oaks would be a deed-restricted community and HOA maintained.

The development plan would have nearly 50 percent of open space with several tree preservation areas. Amenities would in-

clude a clubhouse, pool, a walking trail, community gardens and an upscale community entrance.

The development is projected to take five years to complete and would open in 2028.

ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS HOLDS SPELLING BEE

Union Elementary School students display placement medals and a trophy after the Feb. 17 spelling bee competition at the school. Aarav K., center, holds the first place trophy. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Community Schools)

A map of The Courtyard of Russel Oaks development planned on Oak Street in Zionsville. (Rendering courtesy of Epcon Communities)

By Natalie Gargiulo natalie@youarecurrent.com

Republican incumbent Jason Plunkett is seeking reelection for the District 2 seat on the Zionsville Town Council in the May 2 primary election.

Plunkett serves as council president and is unopposed in the primary. Democrat Jason Ramer, a political newcomer, is also running for the seat.

“Zionsville is an incredible town,” Plunkett said. “If elected again, I would continue the work of this current council by focusing on public safety, school safety, financial transparency and appropriate contiguous development.”

Plunkett said the town’s future should be “left up to the people of Zionsville.”

“It’s our job as elected officials to listen to the people,” he said.

As a member of the Council Safety Board, Plunkett said he supports funding for school safety and school resource officers.

“This council has worked on several important areas for us and our constituents,”

Plunkett seeks reelection Ramer runs for District 2 seat

By Natalie Gargiulo natalie@youarecurrent.com

Jason Ramer, a Democrat, recently announced his candidacy for the District 2 seat on the Zionsville Town Council in the May 2 primary.

The incumbent is Republican Jason Plunkett, who also serves as the town council president.

“I’ve noticed a strong tendency from the current town council to operate much like the proverbial ‘good ‘ol boys’ club,” Ramer said. “I think some diversity of thought will be a welcome change to the Zionsville Town Council.”

Ramer, a political newcomer, said he believes diversity is the key to having an effective town council.

“I don’t believe that either party always has the right answer, but I know that a monolithic echo chamber isn’t good for discourse or public policy decisions, either,” Ramer said. “Zionsville is very much a purple town these days, and a universally Republican town government does not represent those demographics. I believe that adding

he said. “We led the charge to bring (Graham Rahal Performance) into Creekside, and we implemented the ARPA stipend for our valuable public safety personnel, to name a few. This council remains involved with school safety and the SRO program, and I appreciate the work of this council and councilors like Vice President Brad Burk and Councilor Craig Melton, who are a strong voice for their constituents.”

Plunkett, a Zionsville resident since 2013, said some areas of Zionsville need a new vision and direction.

“Developments like Creekside have been left empty due to a lack of vision. We speak of connectivity, yet we lack the basic pathways from the west to allow access to town businesses,” he said.

Plunkett, 44, is a Ball State University graduate with a degree in general studies. He is a financial advisor for Northwestern Mutual in Zionsville. He is the former president of the Zionsville Community Development Corp.

Plunkett and his wife, Brittany, live in District 2 with their children, 5-year-old daughter Lauren and 1-year-old son Cole.

myself and my three fellow Democratic candidates will help balance that to reflect the Zionsville of today, especially with no Democrats running for mayor.”

If elected, Ramer said he will bring professionalism back to the council and its relationship with the mayor’s office.

“I’ve also taken serious issue with the current council’s treatment of the mayor (Democrat Emily Styron) and overall lack of professionalism in public forums,” Ramer said. “I would like to see a return of some decorum and professionalism.”

Ramer, 46, has been a Zionsville resident for five years. After attending Purdue, he served in the U.S. Navy as an intelligence specialist with an F/A-18 Hornet squadron and was deployed three times on aircraft carriers.

Ramer owns Stradia Group LLC, a small residential construction company, and is a member of the Indiana Army National Guard.

Ramer said he spends his free time with his family and enjoys outdoor activities. He is a member of the Zionsville American Legion and is also fulfilling a lifelong dream of pursuing my pilot’s license.

Plunkett

Ramer

Exceptional caregivers. Exceptional careers.

From left, State Sen. J.D. Ford, State Rep. Mark Genda, State Rep. Becky Cash, State Rep. Jeff Thompson, State Sen. Brian Buchanan and Executive Director of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce Allyson Gutwein attend the Feb. 25 breakfast at the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce. (Photo courtesy of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce)

Carmel High School swimmer gets boost from famous alumni

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School swimmer Aaron Shackell has made the most of a special opportunity.

Drew Kibler, a former CHS and University of Texas standout, has been training with the team the past several months.

“It’s been an amazing experience from the training to having Drew Kibler here for training and to learn from,” Shackell said. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Kibler, who became the first Olympian from Carmel in 2021, has been training with the Carmel Swim Club for six months.

“I’ve had a drastic improvement mentally and physically,” Shackell said. “Learning so many things from him has been a blessing.”

Shackell, who will swim for the University of California at Berkeley next season, put that experience to good use in the IHSAA boys swimming and diving state finals Feb. 25 at the IU Natatorium at IUPUI.

MEET ADAM SHACKELL

Favorite athletes: Drew Kibler and Jake Mitchell

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite TV show: “Jack Ryan”

Favorite music: Classic rock

Shackell won the 200-yard freestyle in 1 minute, 33.68 seconds. He had set a national high school record Feb. 24 in 1:32.85 in the prelims. He was victorious in the 500 freethe style in 4:15.35.

In addition, Shackell was on the winning 200 freestyle relay team and the 200 medley relay.

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Shackell won the 100 butterfly at the state finals as a junior but decided to switch to the 500 freestyle this year.

“I had a really good 500 at (Junior Nationals),” Shackell said. “I thought I had a

chance of breaking (former CHS swimmer) Jake Mitchell’s record. It was something fun to go for.”

The Shackell family moved to Carmel from St. Louis when Aaron was a sophomore.  Shackell said this has been a fun time for his swimming family.

His sister, Alex, a sophomore, set state records in winning the 100 butterfly and 50 freestyle Feb. 11 at the IHSAA girls swimming state finals. She also was on the 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay that set national records in winning state titles.

“Seeing my sister dominate (at state was exciting), and my brother has improved so much in the past five months,” Aaron said.

Andrew Shackell, Alex’s twin, joined Aaron on the winning 400 freestyle relay. Andrew finished fourth in the 100 butterfly. His parents, Nick and Ali Shackell, were swimmers at Auburn University. Nick represented Great Britain in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Aaron started swimming at age 5.

“I think what makes me so passionate is the strive to always improve and have fun,” said Aaron, who said his favorite event is the 200-meter butterfly.

Carmel High School senior swimmer Aaron Shackell won the 200-yard freestyle and 500 freestyle state titles. (Photo courtesy of Luke Miller Photography)

Shackell

New playground unveiled at Gateway Park

news@currentzionsville.com

A new playground was unveiled Feb. 23 at Gateway Park, 6150 Gateway E. Dr., directly west of the Neighborhoods at Anson community in Whitestown.

“We are excited to offer a playground where children and families can have fun and learn in a safe, inclusive and accessible environment,” Whitestown Parks Director Dominic Cornett said.

According to GameTime, the makers of the playground equipment, amenities include two large innovative and industry-first elements, a sensory wave climber and a GTWave to aid in learning and sensory development.

The wave climber allows children of all abilities to climb while enhancing sensory development, and the GTWave is a net climber with a transfer platform that is attached to an accessible route leading to a 6-foot zip slide.

The park also has a turf surface, multiple shade structures, a zip line and four types of swings.

The project was funded by a grant in

2022 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which provides matching grants to states and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The Land and Water Conservation Fund grant was for $367,932. The grant was used to fund the playground equipment, solar lighting, disability-accessible sidewalks and new trash cans.

For more, visit Whitestown.in.gov/ gateway-park.

Vote for Jane Burgess, GOP Candidate for Mayor.

•

•

“I am running for Mayor to ensure that what makes Zionsville so unique endures while we work together to plan and build for tomorrow.”

The new playground at Gateway Park in Whitestown opened Feb. 23. (Photos courtesy of the Town of Whitestown)

The wave climber at Gateway Park in Whitestown.

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Stumped about the old days

Commentary by Ward Degler

A friend and I were talking about removing stumps. What got us there I’m not sure, but both of us had on occasion faced the question of what to do about stumps.

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Removing stumps was a big deal back in pioneer days. From Ohio westward to California, the New World was mostly forest. Pioneers were mostly farmers. As a result, farmer pioneers had to cut down a lot of trees and then pull the stumps to create fields to grow crops.

Starting in the 1800s, these hard-muscled Americans used special grubbers designed to pull stumps. Mostly, they were heavy chains wrapped around the stumps, pulled by horses.

I saw this operation once when I was a boy. A team of Percheron draft horses the size of elephants heaved against the stump while the farmer and his son hacked roots with axes. When the stump came out, they filled the hole with soil.

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When I was in high school my, dad and I cut down a couple trees in our backyard and removed the stumps. We didn’t have horses, we just dug around the stump and cut the roots with axes until it was free.

My friend said his family used dynamite to remove stumps. They drilled deep into the stump, dropped in the dynamite, and ka-blooey! Job done.

I knew a kid in my youth who was missing three fingers because he thought it would be fun to hit a dynamite cap with a hammer. Made me leery of blasting my way through anything.

Today, farmers cut trees and leave tall stumps. Then they push them out of the ground with a tractor. Folks in my neck of the woods just use stump grinders, angry machines that chew up a stump in a matter of seconds.

Today, there is also the work done by chainsaw sculptors. There are highly talented woodcarvers out there who can turn the ugliest stump into a magnificent piece of art. One highly appropriate carving was of a horse pulling a stump.

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

We donated 334 pairs of socks, to the families at our partnered shelter; Dayspring Center.

ZCHS boys swimmers place second in the state

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Community High School senior Will Modglin concluded his high school swimming career in memorable fashion.

Modglin repeated as the 200-yard individual medley and 100 backstroke state champion for the third consecutive year Feb. 25 at the IHSAA boys swimming and diving state finals at the IU Natatorium at IUPUI.

Modglin broke his own state record in the 200 IM with a time of 1 minute, 43.74 seconds. He set a national high school record of 45.08 in the 100 backstroke prelims Feb. 24 and then won the state final in 45.69

The Eagles finished second with 257 points. Carmel won the state title for the ninth consecutive year with 363 points.

“I was really happy with the way it ended this year,” said Modglin, who finished his career with seven state titles. “There was a lot of hard work and dedication that went into it. There were lots of times when we didn’t want to do it, but we realize when it comes down to you, you’ve got to do it for the team. I was happy it all came together. We had a lot of guys at the top level, and when it came down to it, they came out here and showed the hard work they put in.”

Modglin also was on the 200 freestyle relay team that set a state record with its winning time of 1:20.53. He was joined by seniors Will Raches and Gabe Berry and junior Walker Mattice.

Modglin, who will compete for the Uni-

versity of Texas next season, was named the Mental Attitude Award winner for boys swimming.

“I don’t think I could have scripted this any better,” Eagles coach Scott Kubly said. “They all swam well. I couldn’t be any more happy for Will getting the Mental Attitude Award. It was well deserved.”

Kubly said all the swimmers performed even better than expected.

“We had a great night (in the prelims) and came back (in the finals) and followed up,” Kubly said. “I can’t complain about any swim anyone had this weekend. We have some swimmers who got points (who are) coming back. We’ll see how things pan out and try again next year.”

The Eagles’ 200 medley relay of Modglin, Berry, sophomore Caleb Kuntz and senior Malcolm Slater placed second.

Raches finished second in the 100 freestyle and Mattice was third.

In the 200 freestyle, Mattice finished second and Raches was third.

The 400 freestyle relay of Mattice, Slater, Raches and sophomore Toby Dollens was second.

Raches, who will swim for Indiana University next season, said it was a nice way to finish his high school career.

“I think our team really stepped up to the occasion,” Raches said. “It’s a great way to go out. I was very pleased with my times. Going into the season, I knew I had something to prove and I think I proved everything I could out there. I got four years now at IU and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

We donated 333 pairs of socks, to the men at Wheeler Mission.

We donated 333 pairs of socks, to the Salvation Army.

And we provided 250 socks to the children of Miracle Place.

The Zionsville Community High School boys swimming team celebrates with its second-place trophy. (Photo courtesy of the IHSAA)

Peterman Brothers to help those in need

By Chris Bavender news@currentnoblesville.com

Peterman Brothers, which provides residential plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical services, has launched a new program geared toward giving back to the community and helping those in need.

GIVING BACK

Each month, the company, which serves much of the central Indiana area, will give away one system, including installation, through its Peterman Cares program.

“We had gotten several ‘sponsorship’ requests for folks who needed assistance with getting HVAC systems, water heaters and repairs due to financial hardship. We determined that such needs were probably more widespread than the requests we’d received, so we decided to take action,” said Erin Anderson, community engagement manager for Peterman Brothers. “We believe that everyone deserves a safe and comfortable home with properly functioning plumbing, electrical, water heater and heating and cooling systems, but we understand that sometimes circumstances prevent that from being a reality.”

Although the program only recently launched, the company has already received more than 100 nominations.

“The reaction has been very positive,” Anderson said. “Nominations started rolling in as soon as word got out that the Peterman Cares program existed.”

Recipients will be selected based on their hardship situation and the work that needs to be completed.

“Our goal is to improve the lives of those in our community by providing essential home services to those who may otherwise be financially unable to acquire them,” Anderson said.

The specific project will be dependent on the severity of the financial hardship and the urgency of the need.

Nominations are accepted on the Peterman Cares page of the Peterman Brother’s website at petermanhvac.com. People can nominate themselves or someone else at any time.

Anderson

CONCEPTUALIZING ART

Zionsville resident explores creativity through unconventional means

By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville artist Jimmy Tran is taking art to another level, creating ‘conceptual art’ through fashion shows by upcycling clothes and inspiring other creatives.

“Art is one of the most subjective things in this world,” Tran said. “What I consider art might not be called art to some, but others would call me a conceptual artist.”

Tran, 27, said conceptual art is expressed in many forms, where the idea or concept presented by the artist is considered more important than its appearance or execution.

A Zionsville Community High School graduate, Tran started exploring conceptual art after visiting Vietnam shortly after high school.

“That trip to Vietnam gave me a chance to experience a whole new world of art and storytelling,” Tran said.

Tran has since been presenting conceptual art events to bring people in the art community together to collaborate artistically.

“My goal is to combine all art forms and make it my own,” he said. “I like to create events where all creatives are welcome to participate.”

Tran’s most recent project was a post-apocalyptic fashion show in 2022 in Fountain Square in Indianapolis. He worked with Indianapolis designers Lotus and S.L.I.M. to bring a new world of fashion and art to life that was open to the public.

The “1221 Universe”-themed fashion show featured a comic book-like design of upcycled clothes, which Tran said were old clothes turned into something new and more valuable than the original. Tran and his production team designed the clothes. The models wore designs following a storyline of superheroes on a mission to become stars.

Jabu Ngoma, a film director, was among the collaborative artists who attended the show.

“Jimmy pushed me creatively to be a better version of myself,” Ngoma said. “He’s helped so many other people push forward

to becoming creative.”

The event drew nearly 200 emerging artists, including aspiring models, designers and photographers, who all volunteered to be part of the artistic event.

“Everyone that played a part in the fashion show was there to do collaborative work,” Tran said. “Building a community of people willing to help each other bring our dreams and visions to reality is my passion and purpose.”

The show inspired a “Please, I’m a star” design that Tran has used on bags, T-shirts and sweatshirts.

“Jimmy has the vision for the future, and everything he does has many layers and messages,” said Themba, a musical artist from LA.

When he’s not hosting fashion shows, Tran helps people in need by donating food and blankets to homeless people in Indianapolis. He and some fellow artists recently

assisted homeless people in the city.

“I just want people to be happy, and by creating art through telling a story that day, we were we able to contribute to the community but also bring happiness to those that needed it,” Tran said.

Tran said conceptual art has allowed him to build a community of people who have learned from each other.

“I’m so big on helping artists and creatives grow because they also help me to grow,” Tran said. “It takes an army of people who support each other and have the same goals to achieve this type of art.”

Tran said he wants to continue inspiring other artists to continue making and creating art by hosting more events.

For more, visit 1221creativestudio.com.

ON

Jimmy Tran, standing, second from right, and his team during a photo session before a recent fashion show. (Photos courtesy of Jimmy Tran)

THE COVER: Jimmy Tran, center, and artists dressed as Batman and the Riddler donate items to homeless people while storytelling.

(Photo courtesy of Jimmy Tran.)

Tran

Artist Jimmy Tran and model Cameron Takeover create conceptual art. Photo courtesy of Jimmy Tran.

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KIDDIE ACADEMY OF HOLIDAY FARMS BREAKS GROUND AT NEW LOCATION

DISPATCHES

Dianna Curtis Salon — Dianna Curtis salon moved locations and celebrated its grand opening Feb. 20 at 9850 N. Michigan Rd., Suite A. The salon was previously at the Salon Lofts in Carmel. For more, visit diannacurtissalon.com,

Zionsville Chamber of Commerce — The Zionsville Chamber will participate in a “First Tuesday’’ networking power hour series March 23. The event will include OneZone Chamber of Commerce, Tipton County

Chamber of Commerce and Northern Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce for a combined networking event. The event will be at Conner Prairie from 8 to 9:30 a.m. To register, visit web.onezonecommerce.com.

Uncle Bill’s Pet Center — Uncle Bill’s has a new Zionsville location and celebrated its grand opening Feb. 18 at 3101 S. U.S. 421 at Appaloosa Crossing. The pet center is a full-size specialty location that offers dog food, cat food and more. For more, visit unclebills.com.

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REAL ESTATE GROUP OPENS DOWNTOWN

Members from Kiddie Academy’s corporate and development team pause before the Feb. 22 groundbreaking at the new Zionsville location. From left, Grant Gary, Brad Henke, Director Erica Carney, Executive Director Michaela Pac, Stephen Coslik and owner Kelley Pritchard. (Photo courtesy of Kiddie Academy)

Members of Edwards Realty Group/Encore Sotheby’s Realty and the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce pause for a photo before cutting the ribbon Feb. 10 for the businesses’ new location at 76 S. Main St. From left are chamber members Erica Carpenter, Dee Lindsay, and Mark Wallis, Edwards Realty Group’s Beth Greeson, Jane Louiso, Robin Edwards,Erin Wilson, Katie Reasoner, Jason Hughes and chamber President Angela Falcone. (Photo courtesy of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce)

Principle belief or stubborn resistance?

Commentary by Terry Anker

As might be impossible for some to imagine, there are still countless Americans who live without the benefit of indoor plumbing.

To be sure, we can measure those among us who are homeless, unhoused or otherwise similarly situated. Efforts are and should be made to prevent the public health problems that originate in densely populated urban areas where the proper disposal of waste is not universal. But some of us sophisticated adults can remember a time when relatives, or perhaps we, still relied upon the services of the humble outhouse to provide comfort. Digging the pit and moving the edifice was a periodic chore, like any other, of life on the farm.

Once facilities were introduced to the house, Granddad continued to make use of the less-modern facility out back. To the kids growing up, it didn’t seem like too big of an issue. It was his preference. So what? But eventually the question came, “Why do you endure the cold of winter rather than walk down the hall like the rest of us?” To

paraphrase the response, any intelligent animal does their business outside of their nest. Even the proverbial bear does it in the woods and not in his cave. He made a good point. Still, hadn’t we progressed to the point that the additional complication to our homes was worth it for our comfort?

While that business has progressed to include two-ply softness and heated seats, there is something to be said for intentional simplicity. Once we’ve eliminated ignorance, bad luck and mental illness, are we prepared to tolerate someone who values minimal impact over luxury and convenience? Was Granddad too old school, or teaching us something about personal choice and conviction? Is reluctance to change indicative of strong and principled belief or stubborn resistance to innovation?

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

Disney is my happy place

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Where do you go in Florida when you have a day to kill between crashing at your snow-birding parents’ condos? Disney World, of course!

HUMOR

That’s right, my husband Doo and I decided to celebrate ourselves recently at the happiest place on Earth, specifically Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Thirty SPF sunscreen, 12 hours, two parks and zero offspring made for a truly magical experience. And thanks to my colleague “Julie McCoy,” who created a highly detailed plan of attack for us, we were able to maximize our time and budget while bearing witness to humanity at its most exacerbated. And sweatiest.

The morning was dedicated to reliving my youth, circa 1977. We rode It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise and Peter Pan’s Flight, but skipped Space Mountain because roller coasters make me pukey now. Delightful. Thrill-seeker Doo thought they were all dumb but understood the nostalgia. On to

Epcot! Soaring and Mission to Mars (Mission to Earth for me because, again, pukey) had him feeling much better, though he was bummed about missing the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride because of our incompetence booking a virtual queue ticket (which, turns out, is totally different than using Genie to Lighting Lane to make a reservation. Idiot). We ended our most glorious of Mondays with a leisurely stroll through the World Showcase, sampling spicy empanadas and margaritas from Mexico, giant pretzels and beer from Germany, and a surprisingly good soft serve swirl from Norway (pineapple and salted caramel? Yes, please!). Anyhoo, Disney did not disappoint and provided a wonderfully fun, parent-free stopgap for our trip to Florida.

Peace out.

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

A couple’s dilemma about attending a college reunion

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Mary Ellen and I had planned to attend her 50th college reunion in Ohio. We had talked about the event, especially since she was one of the organizers. The truth is, we were both hiding how we really felt about the arrangements. I’ve put in parentheses what we were silently thinking when we discussed the trip.

“Mary Ellen, your reunion is getting close. Sounds like fun.” (Sounds like fun for you. But this is about the last thing in the world I want to do.)

“Yes, Dick, I’m looking forward to the evening. I hope you’ll enjoy it.” (I beg you, drop me off at the door and go find something else to do until midnight.)

“It will be great to meet your old classmates, Mary Ellen.” (This will be unbearable, viewing endless photos of the grandchildren of people I don’t know.)

“Dick, I’ll be proud to introduce you as my husband.” (But if I could just tell everyone about you in your absence, I’d make you sound even better.)

“I can’t wait to hear all the stories about your campus activities, Mary Ellen.” (I need to find a bar nearby with a big-screen TV.)

“Yes, and you’ll get a kick out of chatting with other spouses. (Maybe all the spouses can get together and find a bar nearby with a big-screen TV.)

I was sensing that Mary Ellen preferred that I not accompany her. Finally, last week, we started getting honest with each other.

“Dick, if you go with me and simply hang around, no one will know you, you won’t

know where to put yourself, and people will wonder why you look so bored and uncomfortable,” she said.

“In all fairness, Mary Ellen, that’s exactly how I felt at my own 50th reunion. When I attended your last high school reunion, you told me that friends were all asking about me.”

“Yes, they asked me if I knew the guy asleep at the bar.”

Mary Ellen offered a compromise, suggesting I make a brief appearance, then excuse myself and go back to the hotel. I reminded her that once when I did that very thing at another get-together, she was annoyed.

“I was angry because that was no way to behave at our engagement party,” she said. She mentioned that at her 25th college reunion I said things she didn’t find funny. An old boyfriend told me jokingly that when they broke up, he started drinking.  After he downed his third cocktail that evening, I told him it looked like he was still celebrating.

Now, it appears I’ll be staying home for the upcoming event in Ohio. I’ll spend my time alone, drinking beer and falling asleep in a chair.

Exactly what I would have done at Mary Ellen’s reunion.

Answers to HOOSIER

HODGEPODGE:

Signs: ARIES, CANCER, LEO, LIBRA, TAURUS, VIRGO;

Colleges: BUTLER, DEPAUW, GOSHEN, MARIAN, PURDUE; Religions: CHRISTIANITY, HINDUISM, ISLAM, JUDAISM; Workout Spots: LIFE TIME, PEAK FITNESS, YMCA; Games: CALL OF DUTY, FORTNITE; Opera: THE MAGIC FLUTE.

Indianapolis actor takes turn as Agatha

Christie’s legendary detective

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Eric Reiberg is ready for the challenge of taking on Agatha Christie’s legendary Belgian detective Hercule Poirot.

Reiberg said it’s an extremely fun role.

“It’s a guy who is both obsessive and detail-oriented,” Reiberg said. “He wants people to have good things happen to them because he wants them to follow the law and do things right and everything will be all right. Of course, that never happens and dead people end up around him all the time.”

The Indianapolis resident plays Poirot in Civic Theatre’s production of “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express,” set for March 10-25 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“I’ve seen David Sachet’s portrayal several times on the BBC show,” Reiberg said. “It’s the most well-known and certainly the one who sticks in everyone’s mind.”

Reiberg said he didn’t specifically avoid watching other versions of Poirot.

“I’ve spent a little time in France, and knowing fussy Frenchmen is the easiest way to replicate the character,” Reiberg said.

Reiberg, a Broad Ripple High School graduate, spent eight weeks in France during high school and three weeks while in college.

“My mom speaks French, so we get real pretentious with it now and then,” he said. “I couldn’t speak the language, but I could do a good accent, and that got me into a language program that allowed me to learn it.”

Sherra Lasley plays Helen Hubbard, an actor.

“She’s a bigger-than-life character,” Lasley said. “She loves to manipulate, flirt and

have a good time. That’s what has been so fun about playing her.”

Lasley loves whodunits but had never read or seen the show until being cast. Then she watched the 2017 version of the movie.

Lasley is appearing in her first show in Indianapolis.

“I just moved here from Los Angeles a couple of months before the audition,” Lasley said. “My sister lives in Fishers and just had her first child. She was nervous about finding care when she went back to work. I was in Los Angeles as an actor, essentially working from home. With the blessing of my agents, I came out here. Then I’ll decide if I’m going to stay here or go back to LA.”

Lasley said the COVID-19 pandemic changed the acting industry. Now, she can audition virtually.

Lasley spent several years in Chicago doing improv, sketch comedy and standup comedy. She was mostly working in

film, including comedy web shows, commercial voiceovers and some TV spots.

“This is the first play I’ve done in maybe 20 years,” Lasley said. “I’ve been wanting to get back into live theater. It’s completely different from film. It’s been incredible to have a team of people that have been fun to work with and the process of working a well-written play and character. It’s a delight.”

Indianapolis resident John Goodson is directing the show.

“I’ve not read it and I’ve not seen any of the movies,” Goodson said. “What’s compelling is it has such a long history, and people know the story and love the story. Everybody loves a murder mystery. There are really juicy characters and there is really good heart underneath it all, which you don’t always get.”

For more, visit civcitheatre.org.

‘FOOTLOOSE’

“Footloose” runs through March 26 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘MURDER

ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’

Civic Theatre will present “Murder on the Orient Express” from March 10 to 25 at the Studio Theatre at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘BEST OF JOHN WILLIAMS’

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will present performances of “Best of John Williams” to film clips at 7:30 p.m. March 11 and 3 p.m. March 12 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

CRASH TEST DUMMIES

Crash Test Dummies will perform a concert at 8 p.m. March 11 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org

MIXED REP

Central Indiana Dance Ensemble will present its Mixed Rep at 4 p.m. March 12 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

IBC names board president — Carmel-based Indiana Ballet Conservatory recently named Carmel resident Rick Griskie as its new board president. Griskie brings a wealth of experience to IBC, serving as the chief operations officer at Baker Hill in Carmel, as well as having held other high-profile positions, such as president of digital marketplaces at KAR Global, chief information officer at ADESA and partner at Accenture. “Rick’s infectious positivity and innovative ideas have made us excited about his leadership, and we are confident that the future of IBC looks bright,” said Alyona Yakovleva, IBC founder and artistic director. For more on IBC and its programs, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.

MYSTERY

Director John Goodson speaks with the cast of “Murder on the Orient Express.” (Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)

Reiberg

Lasley

Griske

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Zionsville school to perform ‘The Little Mermaid Jr.’

By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com

The Zionsville West Middle School Drama Club is set to perform “The Little Mermaid Jr.” March 10-11 at the school.

The Broadway musical version of the Disney movie follows the storyline of Ariel the mermaid, who wants to leave the ocean to live on land as a human girl. To do so, she has to defy her father, King Triton, and make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to convince Prince Eric that she is the girl whose enchanting voice he has been hearing.

The stage set will resemble a magical underwater kingdom.

“This is my fifth show as the musical director at Zionsville West Middle School,” drama club director Julianne Boyd said. “I am very thankful to be a part of such a generous and talented community. These students have created a magical experience.”

Ariel is played by eighth-grader Ivy Turnquist. The musical is her fourth show at the school. She previously played Annie in the club’s presentation of the musical “Annie Jr.”

“I am so excited to be playing Ariel, and I am excited for everyone to come out and see the show,” Turnquist said.

Ursula is played by seventh-grader Vivian Keiper. In third grade, she played Jetsam the

eel in “The Little Mermaid Jr.” Keiper said her experience has come “full circle” since then.

“Playing the role of Ursula is a dream come true for me,” Keiper said. “I am happy to be a part of this with everyone and to be with all of these other performers.”

Eighth-grader Reagan Poetz, who portrays Ariel’s best friend, Flounder, played the supporting character of Piper in “Annie Jr.” last year at the school.

“Playing Flounder is fun, and being part of this musical has been a great experience,” Poetz said.

Prince Eric is played by eighth-grader Brandon Klykken. It is his first lead role after performing at the school for four years.

“I have worked hard for this over the last four years, and I think it is really cool,” Klykken said.

With 84 students in the cast and crew of the show, Boyd said this has been the school’s biggest company yet.

“I knew with so many students participating we would need all hands-on-deck for this show,” she said.

Performances are at 7 p.m. March 10 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 11. Tickets will be sold at the door one hour before each show. All shows are at West Hall at Zionsville West Middle School, 5565 S. CR 700 E., Whitestown. For more, visit zwm.zcs.k12.in.us.

Seventh-grade student Vivian Keiper on stage at the dress rehearsal playing the part of Ursula with Zionsville West Middle School students. (Photo courtesy of ZCS)

CIDE seniors ready for Mixed Rep

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Central Indiana Dance Ensemble member Ava Juleen’s emotions are mixed as she prepares for her last Mixed Rep show.

DANCE

“It’s truly surreal that this is my last Mixed Rep production with CIDE,” said Juleen, a Westfield High School senior. “I’ve been with the company for nine years and have performed in Mixed Rep eight times now. It’s crazy to think that I’m finally a senior. I get to dance with such an amazing pre-professional company, and not dancing with these people I call family will be really strange. Next year, I’ll be on the opposite side of the stage watching all these amazing girls.

“I’m so sad it’s my last Mixed Rep, but I’m so excited to come back and see what’s in store.”

Mixed Rep is set for 4 p.m. March 12 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“This year’s Mixed Rep performance features a piece of choreography by Ricardo Moyano, former dancer Chicago Ballet and

Hubbard Street Dance Company, called ‘Brandenburg Concerto,’ where the dancers get to wear white wigs and act out of ‘typical’ ballet character,” said Ashley Jacobs, who took over as CIDE co-artistic director in October of 2020 from her mother, founder and Executive Director Suzann DeLay. “It’s a quirky and fun piece that will open the show. Mixed Rep changes every year. We add choreography from a classical ballet. This year is ‘Giselle.’’ Last year was ‘La Bayadere,’ so our dancers are learning the history and choreography from these classics that have been around for over 100 years.”

From left, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble seniors Gabriella Linton, Olivia Doan, Lucy Devenney, Oriana Gonzalez, CIDE founding and Executive Director Suzann DeLay, Ava Juleen, Taylor Ralston and Caroline Smith. (Photo by Paul Retzlaff)

Heartland Film artistic director eager for Oscars

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Heartland Film International Film Festival Artistic Director Greg Sorvig always keeps a close eye on the Academy Awards. This year, he will be watching the March 12 telecast even closer.

AWARDS

Sorvig said 12 films screened and honored by Heartland Film in 2022 earned a combined 39 Oscar nominations, the most ever for Heartland.

Sorvig, a Carmel resident, will be keeping a special watch as he touted Brendan Fraser as Best Actor candidate before “The Whale” was shown on Heartland Film’s closing night. Fraser, who was born in Indianapolis but moved as an infant, visited Heartland Festival in 2019 on the 20th anniversary of “The Mummy.” Fraser played adventurer Rick O’Connell in three “Mummy” films.

“When we first saw Brendan Fraser in ‘The Whale,’ we saw a career-best, Oscar-worthy performance,” Sorvig said. “We were lucky to have the Midwest premiere for the closing night of the Heartland Film Festival and are thrilled that he could (possibly)

take home the Oscar.”

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” has been nominated for 11 Oscars.

“It came out in spring of last year, outside of our festival season, but we hosted a major sneak peek Indiana premiere at Newfields,” Sorvig said.

Sorvig said “The Fabelmans” only played at the Toronto International Film Festival and AFI Fest before being released in theaters and was honored with Heartland Film’s rolling honor, the Truly Moving Picture Award.

Here are Sorvig’s picks for the major categories:

• Best Picture: “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

• Best Actor: Brendan Fraser, “The Whale”

• Best Actress: Michelle Yeoh, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

• Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

• Best Supporting Actress: Kerry Condon, “The Banshees of Inisherin”

Center Stage presents ‘Critic’s Choice’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield resident Lisa Warner loves that “Critic’s Choice” is set in the 1960s and is full of Broadway, film and general references from that era.

“Angela Ballantine is fun to play because she starts out as a stereotypical housewife of the 1960s and goes through tremendous personal growth as the play progresses,” Warner said. “It’s interesting to perform.”

Jamison, a Westfield resident, said she chose and submitted the play to Center Stage to direct.

BEHIND BARS: THE CHAI ME MAYBE

COMEDY

“As a cast, we’ve spent time figuring out the references and understanding why they were included in the show,” Warner said. “Jan Jamison, our director, has made a reference guide of sorts for the audience so that they will understand what we’re referring to in the show.”

“Critic’s Choice” runs March 10 to 26 at Center Stage Community Theatre, 604 Powell St., Lebanon.

Warner portrays Angela Ballantine, the second wife of film critic Parker Ballantine, a New York theater critic. Angela decides to write a play, which creates a dilemma for Parker. Does he go to the opening and write an honest critique of the play, which is awful, jeopardizing his marriage, or not attend the play and jeopardize his job?

“The TV was on in the background on the Game Show Network, an old “Password’ edition, and Alan Ludden said he was starting ‘Critic’s Choice’ in an LA theater,” Jamison said. “I looked it up and liked the play, so I submitted it. There is a movie starring Lucille Ball and Bob Hope, but, frankly, I like the play more than the screenplay. Challenges come in the form of keeping everything — costumes, props, set decorations, behavior patterns etc., in 1960.”

Fishers resident Jill O’Malia plays Ivy London, Parker Ballantine’s first wife.

“She is an actress who is a star in the largest magnitude — at least she thinks she is,” O’Malia said. “Ivy is extremely confident and wants her ex-husband back.”

For more, visit centerstagecommunitytheatre.com.

It’s more than a cocktail. The Chai me Maybe cocktail is made with Uncle Nearest 1884, chai simple, orange, garnished with a cinnamon stick. Huse Culinary is partnering with Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey on their nationwide challenge to raise $1 Million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Now through the end of March, for every “Chai Me Maybe” cocktail we sell, $1 will be donated by Uncle Nearest to HBCUs.

O’Malia

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

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

Blueprint for Improvement: Backyard beauty in Noblesville

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 2014 in Noblesville’s Twin Oaks neighborhood, this home was in need of a backyard upgrade for outdoor entertaining.

THE BLUEPRINT

• The existing deck was replaced with a three-seasons room to increase indoor/ outdoor living and entertaining space.

• Eze-Breeze windows allow the homeowners to effortlessly convert the room from sunroom to screened porch based on the weather.

• The firepit makes for the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors through the fall.

• A stamped concrete patio gives the look of stone with added durability and minimal maintenance.

• Custom lighting allows for outdoor enjoyment after the sun goes down.

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.

LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’S STANDARD CONTRACT RIDER NO. 54 EXCESS DISTRIBUTED GENERATION UPDATE

TO MARGINAL DG PRICE

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around March 15, 2023, Duke Energy Indiana, will file a request to revise its Rider No. 54 Excess Distributed Generation Marginal DG price for calendar year 2023. This update of Standard Contract Rider No. 54 Marginal DG price provides the updated calculation of the rate that will be used to calculate the Excess Distributed Energy credit for Net Metering customers. Standard Contract Rider 54 is available to all Duke Energy Indiana customers with Distributed Generation (DG) Resources within its service territory and subject to Indiana Code 8-1-40. The revised Standard Contract Rider No. 54 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

Women of Vision

Luncheon

with Amy Dee | April 27, 2023

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 Pinegar

LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC ELECTRIC VEHICLE FAST CHARGE (EVFC) RATE

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around March 8, 2023, Duke Energy Indiana, in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10, will submit a request to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (Commission) to update its Electric Vehicle Fast Charge (EVFC) tariff, Rider 28, under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. The tariff revision will be an update to the EVFC rate based on the revised statewide average, as of February 2023, for EVFC charging offered by individual fast charge stations in Indiana that charge a consumption-based fee, are greater than 50KW in charging capacity and are available 24 hours a day. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after 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 Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission - PNC Center

101 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407

Telephone: 317-232-2703

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC

Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor - PNC Center 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204

Telephone: 317-232-2494

By: Stan Pinegar, President

Location: Ritz Charles Carmel

Register online by April 13 at riverview.org/23WomenofVision.

For questions , contact Polly Craig at pcraig@riverview.org or 317.776.7938.

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Words without friends

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Unpaired words are words that, at first glance, seem to have an obvious, related word. You’d think an unpaired word would have an opposite word based on the usual rules of English etymology. Sure, you can be “nonchalant,” but can you be “chalant”? Although you’d think the answer is, “Sure, I guess,” “chalant” is not a word; it’s an example of an unpaired word. Have you ever felt “disheveled”? Welcome to my life. These words don’t play by the rules, and here’s why: if something is “disheveled,” then surely something else can be “sheveled,” right? Nope — “sheveled” is not a word. Not only is “disheveled” an example of an unpaired word, but it is also a special example called an “orphaned negative.” An orphaned negative has a prefix or suffix like “un-” or “-less” that would lead you to believe you could drop the prefix or suffix to get a word that means the opposite.

GRAMMAR GUY

words, the more you’ll find that the answer is, “Yeah, but no one uses the word anymore.” What I mean by this, for example, is that “innocent” does have a base word, “nocent,” which means “harmful” or “guilty.” The same goes for words including overwhelm/whelm, debunk/bunk, unkempt/kempt, unwieldy/wieldy and ruthless/ruthful. These words are akin to the socks you find near the dryer six months after losing them.

Before I leave you today, I have to address Michael Scott’s famous unpaired words from “The Office.” In separate lines, he uses the word “gruntled” to claim his employees aren’t “disgruntled,” and “a little stitious” to contrast himself from someone who is “superstitious.” In the case of “gruntled,” it is a real, although uncommon, word. As for “sticious,” I’m afraid to say, it’s not a word.

Visiting the base of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount

Commentary by Don Knebel

The more you search “is (fill in the blank) a word?” in the context of unpaired

Today, in our continuing tour of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we visit the base of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.

TRAVEL

Beginning in 19 B.C., King Herod built a massive trapezoidal-shaped retaining wall around Mount Moriah, creating the Temple Mount on which he rebuilt the Jewish Second Temple. The 1,000-foot-long western wall extended about 100 feet above the Tyropean Road, ancient Jerusalem’s shop-lined main street. Tunnels within the filled area extended from gates in the southern wall to stairs leading out to a platform accommodating 100,000 people. An arched bridge, then the highest in the world, straddled the Tyropean Road, allowing visitors to enter from the west.

In A.D. 70, troops sent to Jerusalem by Emperor Nero to put down the First Jewish Revolt broke through the city walls and demolished Herod’s Second Temple, throwing its stone blocks onto the Tyropean Road. Rabbis advised Jews to shun the Temple Mount to avoid inadvertently encountering the area of the Temple’s Holy of Holies, so they began praying along the western wall below. Over time, debris collected above the Tyropean Road, eventually reaching near where the arched bridge had connected to the Western Wall. In 1560, Ottoman Emperor Suleiman allowed Jews to pray at a section of the Western Wall near houses in Jerusalem’s Moroccan Quarter.

After Israel gained control of the area around the Temple Mount in the Six-Day War

in 1967, archaeologists began excavating the area, reaching the Tyropean Road in 1987 and uncovering the steps on the Southern Wall that Jesus would have climbed while teaching in the Temple courts. Israel razed the Moroccan Quarter, creating a plaza along a section of the Western Wall, where hundreds of people come to pray each day. A screen now divides the plaza so men and women can pray separately, many by inserting slips of paper between the wall’s massive blocks.

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

Western Wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. (Photo by Don Knebel)

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

Excavated Tyropean Road in Jerusalem.

Southern Wall of the Temple Mount.

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bigger than a hospital.

Healthy people make our community thrive. That’s why— your focus is our focus.