May 9, 2023 — Zionsville

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Stehr wins Republican nomination for Zionsville

By Natalie Gargiulo natalie@youarecurrent.com

John Stehr, a retired TV broadcast journalist and president of the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Board, won the Republican nomination for Zionsville mayor in the May 2 primary election.

ELECTION

With all 42 precincts reporting, Stehr received 3,432 votes, while Burgess tallied 2,781 out of 6,213 votes cast.

“It is gratifying to see how the people of Zionsville have responded to my positive message and vision for our town,” Stehr said after the results were tallied. “I am humbled and excited to get to work for the people who have put their faith in me.”

Burgess, a former Zionsville Community Schools Board member, thanked her supporters.

“While I did not emerge as the victor in the primary mayoral race, I remain filled with a sense of pride and gratitude,” Burgess said. “I thank all of my loyal supporters who believed in me and put their faith in my vision for our community. Your enthusiasm and dedication to this campaign have been truly inspiring, and I am humbled by the trust you placed in me.”

Stehr held his election party at Amore restaurant in Zionsville.

MAYOR OF ZIONSVILLLE (REPUBLICAN)

Jane Burgess — 2,781

John Stehr — 3,432

ZIONSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 (REPUBLICAN)

Bob Harris — 868

ZIONSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 2 (REPUBLICAN)

Jason Plunkett — 930

ZIONSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 3 (REPUBLICAN)

Kyle Campbell — 204

Kendrick Davis — 325

Craig J. Melton — 441

ZIONSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 (REPUBLICAN)

Heather Lusk — 568

Nicholas E. Plopper — 218

Sarah Esterline Sampson — 661

ZIONSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 5 (REPUBLICAN)

Brad Burk — 1108

ZIONSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL AT-LARGE (REPUBLICAN)

Evan M. Norris — 3951

Joseph (Joe) Stein — 4430

Republican mayoral nominee John Stehr celebrates his win May 2 at Amore restaurant in Zionsville. (Photo by Natalie Gargiulo)

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

Council approves $5.5M bond for Carpenter Nature Preserve

By Natalie Gargiulo natalie@youarecurrent.com

The Zionsville Town Council voted 6-1 during its May 1 meeting to approve a bond not to exceed $5.5 million for the Carpenter Nature Preserve.

acquisition of the nature preserve — a presentation to the town council and residents about the park’s cash on hand and whether it could go toward acquiring the preserve was never presented.

TOWN NEWS

The bond will be used for the acquisition and development of the nature preserve, which is expected to open by 2026.

“I appreciate the foresight of the town council to approve the purchase of the Carpenter Nature Preserve,” said John Stehr, president of the Zionsville Board of Parks and Recreation and Republican nominee for mayor. “I think the nature preserve will be an important asset for Zionsville for decades to come.”

Zionsville residents Jim and Nancy Carpenter are selling the land to the town for $4.5 million, a discounted price.

Town Council President Jason Plunkett cast the only opposing vote.

“I appreciate the Carpenter’s generosity. This nature preserve will be amazing,” he said. “As the fiscal body for the town, it’s important to understand how a project like

this should and could be funded. If we have cash on hand, perhaps it makes sense to use that and preserve our bonding capacity for the future of this project and others. That analysis and discussion was not presented to the council. This project has allowed us to shed light on other priorities for folks in District 2, and I look forward to addressing those in the coming months.”

During the meeting, Plunkett inquired why — during the bond process for the

Zionsville Parks and Recreation Supt. Jarod Logsdon addressed the question of using cash on hand for the land acquisition versus using a $5.5 million bond.

“As we were forming the strategy of how we make this happen with what we have, we looked at all of those funds, and some of those do have limitations, like the impact fees, which are some of our largest funds,” Logsdon said. “We looked at the 2022 plan

for impact fees, and we can fund up to 31 acres of acquisition in our parks system, but after that, that’s all the more impact fees that can be utilized.”

Logsdon said the department did explore all of those options and decided that the bond was the best tool for acquisition of the Carpenter Nature Preserve.

“We are beyond excited to begin this new chapter in Zionsville’s legacy as ‘a town within a park’,” Logsdon said. “We want to thank Jim and Nancy Carpenter, Mayor Emily Styron, the Zionsville Park Board, town council, and members of the community who supported this unique opportunity.”

OBITUARY

Thomas Lind Poore, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on April 21, 2023, at the age of 69. Born in Grand Rapids, MI in 1954, to James Herbert Poore and Verle Delores Poore, Tom was a kind and compassionate soul who touched many lives. Tom was married to Linda Poore from 1978 to 1993, and later to Janet Stanley, his partner of

skiing various slopes throughout the Rockies with Janet, his children and stepchildren.

Tom was a skilled carpenter and mechanic who loved taking on big and complex projects. He was always willing to lend a hand to friends and family and was known for his generosity and helpful nature. Tom was fascinated by construction of all kinds and never met a jobsite fence or barrier he couldn’t find a way around. As a strong member of the community, he also invested countless hours in the planning and development of the Zionsville Youth Soccer Association.

Tom had a natural curiosity and was a great listener. He had a genuine interest in people and could strike up a conversation with anyone. While Tom wasn’t outwardly religious, his spirituality guided him to extend grace and compassion to others. Tom was always incredibly generous with his time and energy, and he loved spending time with his family. He could often be found shuttling his kids to the Monon Trail for a bike trip, swimming at the pool, or skiing in Michigan for the weekend.

professional who had a successful career spanning several industries, including construction, sales, and business ownership.

Tom had many hobbies and interests that he enjoyed throughout his life. He was an excellent swimmer and enjoyed competitive swimming in his youth. He loved sports and was an enthusiastic supporter of his children’s athletic interests. Tom also loved the outdoors and regularly explored the local trails, often commuting to work by bicycle for many years. In the winter months, he enjoyed

Though we will miss him dearly, we celebrate Tom’s life and legacy of kindness, hard work, and passion. Those closest to him will always remember him as someone who valued a strong work ethic, adventures, quality time together, and a nice cold beer. A celebration of his life will be held on May 11, where friends and family can honor Tom’s memory together.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to either ZYSA.org or ZParksFoundation.org, causes that were close to him. Tom will always be remembered for his positivity, generosity, and unwavering spirit

life-changing

Getting to know Dana Altemeyer

Dana Altemeyer has been the director of communications in the MSD of Lawrence Township for the past nine years. An Indianapolis native, she attended Butler University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and later her Master of Science in School Counseling. She holds an administrative certification through the University of Indianapolis and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Indiana University Bloomington. She and her husband, Bill Conrad, live in Lawrence Township with their two children, William, 7, and Charlotte, 4.

Q: What is your best habit, and what is your worst?

A: Multitasking.

Q: Do you have a hidden talent?

A: Remembering song lyrics

Q: What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?

A: Spend time outdoors

Q: Is there a book that you recommend to everyone?

A: “The Mitford Series,” by Jan Karon

Q: Is there a businessperson you admire? Why?

A: MSD of Lawrence Township Supt. Dr. Shawn A. Smith. He leads by example and inspires others to rise to meet him. He puts students at the forefront of everything he does, always reminding those around him to do the same. He holds leaders around him to high expectations, supporting them, and fostering their individual strengths.

Q: Do you have a favorite podcast?

A: Not a huge podcast listener, but I enjoyed NPR’s “Schooled” and WFYI’s “Sick.”

Q: What is your biggest indulgence?

A: Cheesecake Factory Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake.

Q: How do you exercise?

A: Peloton

Q: Favorite cereal?

A: Muesli

Q: Do you have a favorite meal in town?

A: Too many to name, but I love the Genova pizza at Bazbeaux

DISPATCHES

zWORKS of Zionsville announces new executive director — The zWORKS Board of Director recently announced Molly Hanlon as its executive director. She began her role April 10. “Molly’s community involvement, communication and marketing skills, and passion for the town of Zionsville make her a perfect fit for this role,” Board President Paul Dreier said. Hanlon is a graduate of Emory University with a background in advertising and media management. She and her family have been Zionsville residents since 2006. “I am thrilled to join this dynamic group of entrepreneurs and leaders who are making Zionsville a hub of innovation and collaboration,” Hanlon said. zWORKS is at 75 E

Pine St. in Zionsville.

Zionsville Parks and Recreation receives award — Zionsville Parks and Recreation received the 2023 Indiana Greenways “Outstanding Local Government’’ Award April 28. This award honors the department’s contributions to improvements on the Big-4 Rail Trail. For more, visit greenwaysfoundation.org

Zionsville residents invited to participate in Z’ Tree of the Year — Zionsville residents are invited to submit their favorite tree in Zionsville for the second annual Z’ Tree of the Year, a contest sponsored by People of Zionsville for the Aesthetics of Zionsville (PZAZ). The Z’ Tree of the Year contest is a celebration of the Town of Zionsville’s

More people trust us with their hearts

Tree City designation. For 22 consecutive years, Zionsville has been named a tree city by the National Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of its ongoing community forestry program. The contest highlights the significance of trees in natural spaces and the ecological and economic benefits to the community that trees provide. Through June 15, residents are invited to submit a photo of their favorite tree. Bonus points will be given if there is a unique story behind the tree. The tree can be on private or public property but must be located within the town limits of Zionsville. The winner will be selected by PZAZ and honored with a plaque and a photo in town hall and an Earth and Turf gift card.

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Hanlon

Girl Scouts build Little Free Library

By Natalie Gargiulo natalie@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Girl Scouts Troop 4029 had a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 28 for its new Little Free Library, which promotes literacy.

“We chose this project because we wanted to promote community literacy,” Girl Scout Vera Calhoon said.

The library is right outside of Boone Meadow Elementary School in Zionsville, the school where each of the Scouts attend.

“It was inspiring to build the little library for a cause I care about,” Scout Norah Crawford said. “Kids should have access to books, but more than 8,800 schools in the country don’t have a school library inside.”

The Little Free Library not only provides access to books for the community, but it also allows the Scouts to develop skills such as teamwork, leadership and project management.

Each Scout spent at least 20 hours designing and building the library to earn a Bronze Award, the highest award for Junior Girl Scouts juniors (fifth-graders).

LITERACY COMPETITION

The Scouts learned how to drive in

screws, measure boards and cut boards and paint while building the library.

“I love that we put our handprints on the library to show that we made it,” Scout Courtney Layman said. “This project was important to me because I like to see little kids learning to read and learning from reading.”

The troop raised money through a bake and craft sale at a Halloween festival in October of 2022 to buy the supplies.

Firefighters take second place

news@currentzionsville.com

Four Zionsville Fire Department firefighters participated in the JEMS Games at the April 25 Fire Department Instructors Conference International in Indianapolis, qualifying for the final competition in which they placed second.

The ZFD joined the other top two teams in the final round of the JEMS Games at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium April 28.

The final round consisted of a 20-minute, high-energy scenario that required managing multiple patients.

The JEMS Games is a challenging and educational clinical competition highlighting cutting-edge simulation technology. The preliminary competition challenges teams to appropriately assess and provide quality, efficient patient care during three realistic, high-pressure scenarios.

“I am very proud of these firefighters/ paramedics,” ZFD Chief James Van Gorder stated. “The JEMS Games allows them to showcase the knowledge, skills and quality of care that they provide every day while on

duty in Zionsville in a fun and challenging competition with their peers from across the country and around the world.”

FIDC International offers thousands of fire and rescue professionals from around the world instruction, workshops, innovative products and services and more.

“I would like to thank my team — Brian Blazak, Jeremy

and Garry Stutzman — for all the hard work they have put towards this competition,” ZFD firefighter Abdullakh “Dully” Abamislimov said. “ They really put it all on the line.”

Anker,

Girl Scout Troop 4029 at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Little Free Library in front of Boone Meadow Elementary School. From left, Courtney Layman, 11, Norah Crawford, 11, Makayla Evans, 10, Ellie Neneely, 10, Lily Hundley, 11, Zoey Hudson , 11, and Vera Calhoon, 11. (Photo courtesy of Adam Seif)

Four Zionsville Fire Department firefighters participated in the JEMS Games April 25. From left, Brian Blazak, Abdullakh “Dully” Abamislimov, Jeremy Anker, and Gary Stutzman. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Zionsville)

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Tom Wood Subaru supports Miracle Place

Parks receives state award

news@currentzionsville.com

bounded by Eagle Creek and the Vonterra development.

Miracle Place is such a blessing to so many, they provide education, meals, love & encouragement to so many children and adults throughout Indianapolis.

Five years ago when Miracle Place was in need, Tom Wood Subaru stepped up and lent a hand. Every year since, Tom Wood Subaru has designated Miracle Place as our home town charity. During our “Share the Love” initiative, our customers can choose from 4 national charities; Meals on Wheels, Make-A-Wish, the National Parks Foundation, the ASPCA or our Hometown Charity; Miracle Place.

So Miracle Place is so grateful to announce, thanks to you & Subaru, Tom Wood Subaru was able to present Miracle Place with a check for $45,000! So in total, Tom Wood has been able to donate over $170,000 to Miracle Place!!! AMAZING!

Through your love & support, Miracle Place has been able to purchase a lot across the street, where they have planted a sustainable garden for those in the neighborhood. They have purchased a playground for the children, tablets

for the kids they help with homework, food for the children who otherwise may not have a meal, they have helped pay utilities for families in need and so much more! Again, we want to say THANK YOU, to you our customers!

Miracle Place is always in need of volunteers. Volunteers help with things such as:

• Yard Work, Trash Removal and Beautification of the Neighborhood

• Tutoring

• Special Outings

• Summer Camps

• Thanksgiving Dinner

• Christmas Fruit Baskets and Gifts

• Easter Lilly for each Neighbor

• Annual Fiesta Friday Dinner and Auction

Be sure to check out Miracle Place and everything they do. They are such a huge blessing to SO many people: www.amiracleplace.org.

SHOP ONLINE AND WE WILL DELIVER IT TO YOU!

Thank you to the sisters for everything you do! We are so blessed to know you and so incredibly blessed to have you in our lives!

Zionsville Parks and Recreation received the American Council of Engineering Companies of Indiana’s engineering State Finalist Award for the Overley-Worman Park pedestrian bridge. The bridge connects pedestrians to and from the Big-4 Rail Trail and provides access to approximately 53 acres

“We are honored to receive the ACEC State Finalist award in excellent engineering for the Overley-Worman Park pedestrian Bridge to add to our park system’s legacy of exceptional design and functionality.” Supt. of Zionsville Parks and Recreation Dept. Jarod Logsdon said.

Sister Barbara McLellan (right) from Miracle Place receives a $45,000 donation from Scott Reckley (left), General Manager of Tom Wood Subaru.

Overly-Worman Park pedestrian bridge in Zionsville. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Zionsville)

Tricks of the (web ad) trade

Commentary by Ward Degler

The headline on my computer grabs me: “Try this simple trick and say goodbye to toenail fungus forever.”

PLAIN TALK

Since I’ve had the occasional bout of TF, I open the post expecting the narrator to show me how to swab my offensive nail with vinegar or peroxide or maybe olive oil. Easy-peasy. Job done.

Instead, he reinforces the headline by reminding me that I have suffered gravely from toenail fungus but assuring me that those days are behind me forever.

Yippee, but how?

“In just a few seconds,” he says, “I will show you the greatest health secret of all time. But first …”

And that’s where it all falls apart. For the next 40 minutes, the man shares his life story, including at least three life-threatening episodes involving the previous five generations of his family tree.

After reassuring me the secret to my good health and happiness is just a couple more seconds away, he drones on with the stories of six or seven other people who, like the narrator, suffered unspeakable health disasters in their lives and were miraculously restored by “this simple trick.”

At this point, the narrator shifts gears and intones the hitherto unknown health virtues of several rare minerals, often used for generations by some obscure native tribe in the Amazon. And he will let it slip that extracting these minerals from the ground is only slightly less expensive than sending a rocket to the moon.

But cost be damned. Because he can’t bear the thought of me having to live one more day with the sting of toenail fungus, he has come up with an affordable formula to combine these exotic minerals into a compound guaranteed to cure my TF forever.

Finally, after 40 minutes, I learned that for the first time in the history of the world, I can buy a bottle of these sacred pills for only $49.

And the simple trick? He never mentions it again.

Ward Degler lives in Zionsville with his wife. He is the author of “The Dark Ages of My Youth ... and Times More Recent.” Contact him at ward.degler@ gmail.com.

September

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CHS senior’s decision to concentrate on lacrosse pays off

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School senior midfielder

Tori Tomalia took the advice of her club lacrosse coach to give up basketball and focus on one sport.

“She said, ‘Tori, if (you) want to play lacrosse at the level you want to play at, you have to stick to one sport,’” she said “Honestly, it was the best decision of my life.”

Tomalia gave up basketball after her sophomore season.

“I realized I did not enjoy going to basketball practice as much as I did lacrosse practice,” she said.

Tomalia also realized how much more she wanted to play lacrosse in college.

“The second I switched over to playing lacrosse only, it opened a whole new world for me, and I just love the sport so much more,” she said.

Tomalia, who has signed to play for the University of Connecticut next season,

MEET TORI TOMALIA

Favorite subject: English

Favorite athlete: Tamika Catchings

Favorite TV show: “Friends”

plays club lacrosse for Major Force Lacrosse, which plays a national schedule.

“UConn has been my No. 1 school for a long time,” she said.

Greyhounds coach Josh Miller said Tomalia’s athleticism keeps improving.

“She’s a heck of an athlete up and down the field,” said Miller, who is in his eighth year with the program and has been head coach for four seasons. “Her work ethic is

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100 percent all the time. She has a positive attitude that wears off on a lot of the other girls. She is the best player I’ve ever had as far as pure talent and athleticism. This is a team loaded with talent, and she’s leading us in every category.”

Tomalia was named the USA Lacrosse Player of the Week earlier this season.

Tomalia said her biggest improvement is her work on the draw, which is a 1-on-1 battle for possession at the start of each half and after goals.

“I’ve been working on doing a lot of different draws in high-pressure situations,” she said. “I think that’s been the most effective for us because we have a lot more possessions against some harder teams where we might have lost the draw last year.”

Tomalia, who has played lacrosse since third grade, said the team is hungry after losing to Guerin Catholic last year in the Indiana High School Lacrosse Association state championship.

“I’d say this is the most hard-working team and our most ambitious to win,” said Tomalia, who was on the Greyhounds’ state championship team in 2021.

Carmel High School senior midfielder Tori Tomalia leads the team with 66 goals and 21 assists.

(Photo courtesy of Josh Miller)

Tomalia

Zionsville artist celebrates 104th birthday

By Jessica Todd news@currentzionsville.com

Zionsville Meadows resident Thelma

Frame, a renowned local artist, celebrated her 104th birthday May 7.

MILESTONE

Born in 1919, Frame spent her early years on a small farm near Hebron. Even as a child, she had a passion for drawing.

“As a little kid, I had a desk where I would draw random things,” Frame said. “I had no idea what I was doing, but I was always interested in art.”

During high school, Frame used her free time to explore various art forms, such as painting and wood carving. After graduating in 1937, Frame attended Indiana University to study elementary education.

“When I finished college, I became an elementary school teacher where I taught fourth through sixth grade,” said Frame, who taught in schools in Columbus, Merrillville and Richmond. “I thoroughly enjoyed teaching, but art was always in the back of my mind.”

Frame started taking art lessons and participating in art shows about a decade before she retired in 1981. Her mediums include painting, pastels, drawing and woodwork. Her artwork has always been inspired by her love for nature and traveling.

“Sometimes, all it takes is looking out the window at a gorgeous blue sky,” Frame said. “I honestly like almost anything about nature except for cold weather.”

Frame finds pleasure in replicating old buildings, houses and barns that she has encountered in her lifetime. Her artwork has brought to life some of the places she has observed.

“The place I remember the most is Barrow, Alaska,” Frame said. “The buildings, climate and surroundings were all different. I like seeing how other people live and do things.”

Frame has been a resident of Zionsville Meadows for 2 1/2 years. She spent most of her life in Columbus before moving to Zionsville to be closer to family. She keeps herself occupied by assisting with crafting and organizing activities for the other residents. She conducts a weekly Bible lesson.

“I like to stay busy mentally and physically,” Frame said. “Researching for Bible study and new activities keep me occupied.”

Activities assistant Pat Brooks appreci-

ates the assistance provided by Frame in developing new crafts for the residents to engage in.

“She has an imagination that will not quit,” Brooks said. “She can pull ideas out of thin air. Her experience as a schoolteacher and her God-given ability help her create new ideas.”

Besides creating artwork, Frame enjoys reading and spending time outside. She values quality time with her loved ones, including two nieces and two great-nephews.

Some of Frame’s artwork can be found at the Richmond Art Museum in Richmond. Her work is also on display at Zionsville Meadows.

Artist Thelma Frame has worked with many mediums, including corn husks and wood. (Photo by Jessica Todd)

Thelma Frame was born in 1919 in Hebron. (Submitted photo)

Signage coming to intersection

By Natalie Gargiulo natalie@youarecurrent.com

A busy intersection in Zionsville is receiving new signage after residents raised concerns about safety after multiple car accidents.

ROADWORK

The intersection is at County Road 875 E. and 400 S.

The Town of Zionsville announced April 26 that the Department of Public Works will work with the Boone County Commissioners to establish an agreement for conducting an updated traffic study following construction of a new roundabout as well as new signage for 400 S.

The new signage will include the following:

The west leg of 400 S. will have a second stop sign that will say “cross traffic does not stop” (as it exists on the east leg) and a “stop ahead” sign that will say “cross traffic does not stop.” The east leg of 400 S. will have a “cross traffic does not stop” added to the existing stop ahead sign.

Despite a traffic study conducted in 2021 by the Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program and the implementation of recommended safety measures of additional

signage and tree trimming, residents are still voicing concerns through a petition on social media and at town council meetings. An updated traffic study would not be viable until after the new roundabout at Oak Street and 800 E. is completed because of the detour, according to the Town of Zionsville.

“The issue that we face with the intersection is representative of many issues in Zionsville and our society as a whole,” Zionsville resident Denise Macler said. “The issues are complex, and causes are multifactorial. We will fail to solve the problem if we identify only a part of the equation.”

Rendering of the intersection at County Road 875 E. and 400 S. (Rendering courtesy of the Town of Zionsville)

A celebration of poetry

Commentary by Donna Monday

Two dozen hardy and poetic souls, along with a poodle named Chloe and a science professor, showed up for the evening Space Walk on Main event in the wind and rain April 30. They were celebrating the end of April as National Poetry Month by reading and discussing the haikus on the banners hung along Zionsville’s Main Street.

AROUND TOWN

Along with the haikus were photos of galaxies of stars pictured on the banners. As the crowd gathered under each lamppost, the poet who wrote the poem on that banner read the poem aloud and discussed how the photo inspired him or her. The photos were taken by the Webb Telescope.

Andrew Gavrin, a professor of physics at IUPUI, led the poetic parade and explained what each NASA photo showed, which galaxies and at what distance. He shared the fact that, “There are thousands of billions of galaxies and thousands of billions of stars in each galaxy.” He then added another fact.

“You will all remember this. There are more atoms in a penny than there are stars.”

This is the first year for the poetry banners, and the poetry was written through a program of Brick Street Poetry, a local nonprofit that promotes reading, writing and publishing poetry.

Donna Monday is a longtime Zionsville resident. She can be reached at dmonday8698@ att.net

Jermaine and Shawnta Barnes with their twin sons James and Jeremiah enjoying refreshments at the SullivanMunce Cultural Center after the space walk on Main. Shawnta was one of the poets whose haiku appeared on a banner. From left, James and Jeremiah Barnes, Shawnta Barnes, and Jermaine Barnes. (Photo courtesy of Donna Monday)

Boys & Girls Club names CEO

By Natalie Gargiulo natalie@youarecurrent.com

The Boys & Girls Club of Boone County recently announced the hiring of Zionsville resident Eric Richards as its new CEO.

HIRING

Richards, who has been involved in coaching, volunteering and activities at the Boys & Girls Club, started his role May 1.

““Eric brings an impressive combination of experience, energy and passion for the community to our organization. We are excited to welcome a nonprofit leader like Eric into the Boys & Girls Club movement as we continue to provide a dynamic and supportive environment to Boone County’s youth — especially those who need us most,” said Adam Krupp, Boys & Girls Club of Boone County board chair. With more than 23 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Richards said he will focus on leading the club into its next chapter of growth.

“I see the rich history that the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County has played in the community, and that’s including the Zions-

ville, Whitestown and Lebanon locations, all very unique, building on the history and the goodwill that the citizens of Boone County have,” Richards said. “(It) will help me look at innovative and new ways to apply my background that will allow us to grow to heights that haven’t been seen.”

As the former president and CEO of the Cancer Support Community Indiana, serving nearly nine years, Richards grew the organization’s annual budget from $500,000 to more than $2.5 million at the end of 2022.

As CEO, Richard’s responsibilities include leading the organization’s strategic direction, overseeing organizational operations, financials, programming, brand reputation, talent recruitment, resource development, and stakeholder relationships. He also serves as the organization’s primary ambassador and lead communicator.

“My oldest son is in the second grade, and we had our first season of basketball at the club. We had a wonderful time and I really got to experience how strong the program is,” he said.

Richards and his family have lived in Zionsville for four years.

Richards

500 Festival Foundation seeks donations from public

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The 500 Festival Foundation is taking its Fueling the Community fundraising campaign to the public.

FUNDRAISING

The campaign, which started in 2021 with an Internal drive, was announced May 3 at the 500 Festival Kickoff to May event, presented by STAR Bank.

“Once we launched our efforts internally, we began our fundraising process by working with those who have been most engaged and invested in the 500 Festival throughout our 65-year history,” 500 Festival Foundation Executive Director Christine Swarm said. “Our Festival community responded with such enthusiasm and generosity, we felt it was time to put out our outreach efforts more broadly. The 500 Festival is driven by our community already, so we’re extremely optimistic about their response of moving us forward.”

The campaign raised $3.4 million from donations from previous supporters. The goal now is to bring that total to $5 million.

Carmel resident Nadine Givens, who has served on the 500 Festival board and 500 Festival Foundation in various capacities since 2004, said for more than 25 years the 500 Festival’s free education, fitness and leadership development programs and initiatives have impacted the lives of 100,000 Indiana youth and families each year.

“In response to the growing community need for these programs, the 500 Festival

is determined to raise the dollars needed to continue the traditions and enhance the programming,” said Givens, a PNC Private Bank senior vice president and Indiana Market Director. “As our vibrant city grows, so do the numbers of children and adults of all ages who want to participate in the events and programs the 500 Festival offers. It is our goal to meet that ever-growing demand. It is important, for we have demonstrated we have an impact towards ensuring Indiana a great place to live and thrive.

Swarm said the fourth-grade program brings history, science, math, language arts and a history of the Indianapolis 500 to classrooms throughout the state. It’s a free curriculum.

Third- and fourth-grade classes from around the state visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for field trips. Swarm said the goal is to reach even more students.

The 500 Festival staff, volunteers, Princesses and paid interns are engaged in visiting the classrooms from March through May.

The 500 Festival KidsFit program is a free school-based curriculum offered to schools.

“It’s encouraging and inspiring physical activity for youth based over several weeks to reach their own equivalent of the Mini-Marathon, which is 13.1 miles,” Swarm said. “It’s really sparking that love for fitness and encouraging healthy, active lifestyles.”

Mark Miles and Cindy Simon Skjodt serve as the honorary campaign co-chairs.

Swarm

Media

HE’S GOT GAME

Esports blaze college path for Zionsville Community High School senior

By Natalie Gargiulo natalie@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Community High School senior Austin Julian recently accepted an esports scholarship to Boise State University in Idaho as a player for its Valorant video game team.

Julian, 18, is a nationally ranked player in Valorant, a first-person shooter game. He has the rank of Immortal 3, the second-highest rank in Valorant.

“Close to the end of my junior year, esports introduced the Esport’s Tower Invitational, which was an in-person tournament event held at the Boise State Esports Arena,” Julian said. “I had to create a video application with all of my clips and make a montage and explain why I should be there to receive an invitation. I got a call from Esports Tower and received an invitation. The entire event was really exciting, and as I stayed on campus, I was able to talk to college recruiters. After that, I started applying to colleges.”

Esports, or competitive video gaming, has rapidly grown in popularity the past few years, with millions of people tuning in to watch tournaments and matches online, according to esports experts.

“As great as Austin is as a player, he’s an even better person and student,” said Chris Haskell, a technology professor at Boise State and head coach of Boise State Esports. “At the end of the day, we recruited him for his ability to win school and life. The game is just a bonus.”

Esports are also becoming a viable college path for elite players like Julian, as colleges and universities across the nation are offering esports scholarships to recruit top players.

“We looked at several colleges, and I applied to eight in total. I did get accepted to all of them, which made the decision significantly harder,” Julian said. “So, I had to decide where my esports skills were going to flourish the most. I received academic scholarships and three esports scholarships.”

Julian and his family want to keep the scholarship amount private, but Julian said the event at Boise State impacted his final

college decision.

For Julian, also known by his gamertag “Prestige,” the scholarship gives him the opportunity to pursue his passion while

earning a college degree.

“I’m going to be focusing on IT management,” Julian said. “This is a way to continue my education while pursuing the pro level of Valorant as a player.”

Since first playing Valorant in 2020 after its release, Julian said he refined his skills as he competed in tournaments.

“What drew me to Valorant was the trailer for it before it came out,” Julian said. “So, I started playing, and as I continued playing, my rank kept going up and up. It got to a certain point where I was decently ranked high in the game, so I continued pursuing it, and that was when I joined Esports Tower and joined teams. The first team I was on, we ended up winning six rumbles (tournaments) in a row, and that was when I got to play in a professional tournament for the first time and it introduced me to what I could be doing if I got up to the pro level.”

Julian began playing brain games at age 5 on his first laptop. He attributes his success as an esports player, and his skill in Valorant, in particular, to participating in marching band at ZCHS.

“The way Valorant is played, you have to be alert all the time,” he said. “That’s a hard skill to learn. Staying attentive, being aware, and being able to make these plays takes a lot of mental effort. I think I learned those skills mostly in my time in the marching band at ZCHS. Every year I participated in band camp, and for two weeks as a band member, I had to learn to stay focused for a long period of time learning how to march, show music, choreography and drills.”

Julian’s parents, Alli and Rod, said their son’s nontraditional route to a college scholarship was “mind-blowing.”

“Not everyone falls into the category of traditional sports, so for Austin to have esports where he can find community and connection and learn how to be a leader, is really exciting for me as a parent,” Alli said. “Getting parents the resources to help their kids do this and to not think gaming is just a hobby is something I think we need to teach others.”

Austin Julian’s gamertag is “Prestige.”

To watch Julian play, visit Twitch: @prestige_val and Twitter: @prestige_42

ON THE COVER: Austin Julian wearing

BOISE STATE ESPORTS

Boise State University’s official varsity esports program began in 2017, participating in competitive video game competition as an officially sanctioned varsity activity for undergraduate and graduate students.

Teams are selected from current students who have part- or full-time status at Boise State University. Varsity esports are not part of the Boise State Athletic Department nor organized or regulated by the NCAA, NAIA or other national governing bodies.

the official Boise State Esports shirt with his gamertag name “Prestige”. (Photo courtesy of Alli Julian)

Austin Julian and his family as he officially signs to play esports at Boise State University. From left, Rod Julian, Tyler Julian, Austin Julian and Alli Julian. Photo courtesy of Alli Julian. (Photo courtesy of Allison Julian)

Austin Julian playing the game Valorant at Boise State Esports Arena. (Photo courtesy of Allison Julian)

Mobile shaved ice shop partners with Zionsville Little League

By Natalie Gargiulo natalie@youarecurrent.com

Hoosier Tropical Sno, a 7-by-10-foot mobile shaved ice shop, made its debut at Zionsville Lions Park, 11053 Sycamore St., May 5.

NOW OPEN

Hoosier Tropical Sno owner Mark Purvis partnered with the Zionsville Little League to donate a portion of each shaved ice concession served to the Little League.

“I approached the Zionsville Little League about partnering with them so that it was mutually beneficial for both parties, and it’s a great way to give back to the community,” Purvis said.

The mobile unit is stationed next to the concession stand at the Lions Park baseball fields.

Operating hours are 11 to 9 p.m., seven days a week during the summer, and 5 to 9 p.m. on weekdays when school is in session.

“We felt like the Lions Park in Zionsville is a great location for many reasons,” Purvis said. “Most of all, the baseball and softball season is very busy there. The park also hosts concerts in the summer, and it’s a popular place for the community.”

Hoosier Tropical Sno serves 13 flavors, including blue raspberry, cotton candy and cherry.

Signature snow cone options, created by Purvis, include the best seller Shark Attack, a cone with a tiger blood color

in the center, blue raspberry around the edges with shark gummies, and Sour Patch Kids.

“Candies can also be added to any snow cone,” Purvis said. “We have baseball gumballs, pop rock candy, and of course, coconut cream, but there are many more listed on our menu.”

The flavor pickle juice is also an option.

“The pickle juice is very popular with baseball and softball players because it is said to prevent or stop cramps once they start,” Purvis said.

The mobile shop will also offer a special shaved ice cup for dogs called a PupCup, which is a bowl of shaved ice topped with chicken gravy and a Milk-Bone.

“There are lots of dogs in the park, and we wanted to offer something for them to cool off with as well,” Purvis said. Purvis said the mobile shack can meet any size demand and is available for events, including birthday parties, school events, athletic competitions or corporate events. For more, visit hoosiertropicalsno.com.

Hoosier Tropical Sno mobile shop stationed next to the concession stand at Zionsville Lions Park. (Photo courtesy by Natalie

Shaved ice made by the Hoosier Tropical Sno. (Photo courtesy of Mark Purvis)

dy Mlady, our 2022 Whiskers d Pet" ckage d

Do the eyes have it?

scowling or simply peeping too long rarely leads to anything other than discomfort on the part of the object of the fixation. So painful is it that siblings often cry out, “Dad, Sis is staring at me — make her stop!” There is great power imbued in our countenance. In rightly decreeing that “eyes are windows to the soul,” the great 16th-century English playwright William Shakespeare paraphrased the biblical verse, “The eye is the lamp of the body.” It’s from Matthew 6:22-24. If bright and clear, the verse continues, then the person we see is likewise true and strong. Video conference has helped with time and distance, but is there a substitute, for those of us without impairment, for visual contact? Whether a vicious stare down or Burt Bacharach’s more delicate “Look of Love,” it appears

Flush with bathroom excitement

, g ack for a night of fun, including:

Wine, beer, bourbon & vodka tastings. A Silent Auction featuring experiences of a lifetime. Adoptable animals just waiting to steal your heart.

Friday, June 16, 2023

6 - 9:00 p.m. Embassy Suites Noblesville Tickets available at dWhiskers.com

HUMOR

my gosh-darn mind. The big-ticket items are done. We have a new tile floor and swanky shiplap on the walls, a toilet that flushes, and one working sink. The plumbing is basically finished, and most of the hardware and lighting are in. But we’re waiting on a shower door as well as a second tub filler. Our first filler was apparently broken, causing only cold water to flow throughout the house, and then after a tweak, switching to scalding hot. Maintaining personal hygiene has been tricky, and at times, quite dangerous!

Additionally, one of our vanity countertops is cracked, and the repair job doesn’t look great. Of course, when I called Lowe’s to see about a replacement, I was told we had passed the 90-day return window. Fortunately, they took pity on me and are go-

ing to give us a new one, anyway (Thanks, Jeremy!) And we can’t paint until all the rest of this is taken care of, which means we can’t hang mirrors. Much like the bathing situation, getting ready in the morning is both a challenge and a hoot! I can blindly apply eye makeup, but I really shouldn’t.

The kicker was when I realized that I’d been providing nightly nudie shows to anyone in the nearby roundabout who happened to glance up at our window. My apologies, dear drivers! Or maybe, you’re welcome? I’d forgotten that the privacy curtain has not been reinstalled.

Anyhoo, I’m longing for the day when we’ll have our bathroom back, gorgeous and fully functioning.

Peace out.

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

Danielle

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

Much like the bathing situation, getting ready in the morning is both a challenge and a hoot!

– DANIELLE WILSON

Benefiting the Humane Society for Hamilton County

Wrong things to do in the shower

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I have an app called Smart News. It’s worth every penny, mainly because it’s free. I am addicted to it because, along with dozens of articles each day that summarize the news, it also includes provocative warnings with attention-grabbing teases. These were just in the past week:

HUMOR

• 6 things you do wrong in the shower.

• 5 kinds of pickles to avoid.

• 4 things your boyfriend should never know.

• 9 most ineffective pick-up lines.

• 7 things you are doing wrong with artichokes.

• 5 mistakes you make when loading the dishwasher.

• 5 names for a man that usually mean he’s a jerk.

• 11 biggest mistakes you make at Costco.

• 6 mistakes you make with your toaster.

• 3 things you do wrong when making your bed.

Reading these blurbs gives me more stuff in my life to obsess about. Let’s look at just a few of these:

Five things you do wrong loading the dishwasher: If you are a man and don’t want to bother reading the list, just load the dishwasher in front of your wife. You will quickly find out there are seven things you are doing wrong.

Six things you do wrong in the shower: One of the things people do wrong is not washing their feet. With my aching back, I can’t reach my feet. That’s why there are seven bars of soap on the shower floor.

Three ways you make your bed incorrectly: I was surprised to find that putting the fitted sheet on top of the flat sheet was not included as a no-no. I did that once when my wife Mary Ellen was on a business trip. In the morning, I was an hour late for work because I couldn’t get out of bed.

Five names of men who are usually jerks: According to an actual survey, women claimed that certain male names often meant the guy was going to be a jerk. One of those names was Frank.

Nine pick up lines you should never use: According to bartenders surveyed, one of the worst is, “Hi gorgeous, my name is Frank.”

OK, let’s get to those asparagus: The first thing they mention is that people forget to peel the spear. Apparently, peeling makes the vegetable more edible. I am no expert, but I believe this is also true of bananas.

Don’t trim off too much: Good advice for people mowing their lawns, barbers cutting hair and doctors doing circumcisions.

Ignoring the great diversity of asparagus: There are, says Smart News, more than 300 varieties, including Jersey Giant, Colossal and Atlas. Sound familiar? Those are also the names of three championship wrestlers.

Don’t cook your asparagus with the rubber band still on the stems: Yes, if your spears are exceptionally chewy one night, I think you have discovered the culprit.

POLICIES

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

WHEN IT’S TIME TO CALL BONE DRY YOU’LL KNOW IT IN YOUR GUT. AND YOUR GUTTERS.

Sometimes you don’t need a new roof. Sometimes it’s what’s at the end of your roof that goes first. Bone Dry has become as well known for gutters and downspouts as we have for roofs. So if you’re staring at a waterfall and you’re not on vacation, it’s time to call Bone Dry. You’ll know it in your gutters.

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

“According to bartenders surveyed, one of the worst is, “Hi gorgeous, my name is Frank.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

‘American Idol’ stars Studdard, Aiken reunite on ’Twenty’ tour

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

To “American Idol” fans, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken were rivals during the second season.

CONCERT

But they became brothers.

Studdard and Aiken will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their “American Idol” showing and their friendship on the “Twenty” tour, which stops May 11 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. with 2003 “American Idol” winner Studdard and runner-up Aiken. The duo will perform songs from that year from the TV show.

“We do stuff we did on the show. Everything during this show we are doing the type of thing that was or could have been performed on ‘Idol’ in 2003. It’s about nostalgia,” Aiken said. “We hope to transport people back to that time.”

Studdard and Aiken toured together on the 10th anniversary of “American Idol.” They then appeared together in a threeweek holiday engagement on Broadway in 2018.

“I stopped touring so we compromised, and I did Broadway where I could sleep in the same bed every night,” Aiken said. “When the 20th anniversary came around, Ruben talked me into getting back on the bus. It’s been worth it so far. We’ve had fun. I’m a little more sore than I would have been 20 years ago, but we’ve had fun with it.”

Aiken said when his son was born 14 years ago, he began to step away from doing anything musically.

“I wanted to spend more time with him and I had some interests I wanted to work on, public service stuff,” Aiken said. “I stopped focusing on music, and Ruben kept on the road.”

Studdard said it wasn’t too hard to convince Aiken.

“I think there is always a burning desire for a performer to perform,” Studdard said.

“I definitely had to have a conversation or two with him, but at the end of the day, everyone wants to get on stage and sing, and I don’t think my brother (Aiken) is any different.”

Aiken said Studdard is being nice.

“He twisted my arm,” Aiken said. “I would not have done it on my own and wouldn’t have done it with anyone else, and that’s the truth. He didn’t have to put me in a headlock or anything. We have fun on stage. We don’t get along all the time because we’re like brothers. When we get on stage, there is a chemistry that I don’t think either of us even realized. We constantly get told this by people we work with or (who) come to the shows. It’s natural and easy to be on stage together.”

Aiken said except for a period between 2004 and 2005, when they might have gone a few months without being in touch, they talk or text at least once a month and usually more often.

“No one else has been through the same thing he and I have when it comes to that experience,” Aiken said. “We bonded from that. We’re very different people. Ruben grew up playing sports a lot. I grew up with people who didn’t have the same

passion for performing as I did. It wasn’t until I met Ruben and others on ‘Idol’ (that I found that) there were people that enjoyed it as much as I did.”

Studdard said they share their experiences with the audience.

“Not many people have had the opportunity to meet the caliber of record producers, writers and singers that we did,” Studdard said. “Just alone talking about our experience with (record producer) Clive Davis is enough to put in a bottle and send to other people in the industry. We had the opportunity to sit in the room with one of the greatest executive producers in the music business ever.”

Aiken said the four months that he and Studdard appeared on “American Idol” created a wealth of stories.

“We packed in enough experiences, memories and moments that could have filled most entertainers’ entire careers,” he said. “He talks about Clive Davis and Lionel Ritchie. We met Neil Sedaka. We worked with Burt Bacharach. We worked with Diane Warren — huge industry giants we got to work with. The stories change every night.”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘AN AMERICAN IN PARIS’

“An American in Paris” runs through May 14 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com. ‘MR. CONFIDENTIAL’

Actors Theatre of Indiana’s world premiere of “Mr. Confidential” runs through May 14 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.

‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’

Civic Theatre’s production of “The Sound of Music” runs through May 13 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Lonnie McFadden will perform at 7:30 p.m. May 12-13 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Jazz Brunch: Mother Day’s Edition with Blair Clark is set for 11 a.m. May 14. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

STUDDARD & AIKEN

Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their “American Idol” appearance at 7:30 p.m. May 11 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.

AN EVENING WITH NATALIE MERCHANT

An Evening with Natalie Merchant: Keep Your Courage Tour” will stop at 7:30 p.m. May 16 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Red Barn Theatre tickets on sale — OnStage Foundation has announced that tickets for the Frankfort’s Red Barn Summer Theatre 2023 season are available by mail and are available for purchase online. Ticket brochures have been mailed, but anyone who did not receive a brochure may visit the Barn’s website at redbarntheatre.net for a digital version or email boxofficeredbarn@ gmail.com to request a mailed copy. Season or individual show tickets can be purchased at redbarntheatre.net. “The Red Barn season runs from June 7 through July 16.

Ruben Studdard, left, and Clay Aiken will perform May 11 at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Amplified Entertainment)

Skillman has been longtime customer of Mecum Auctions

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Automobile dealership owner Ray Skillman is frequently asked which classic car he likes the most.

AUTOMOBILES

“It depends on which day it is,” Skillman said. “I had a guy ask me if the building was burning down which one would I roll out first.” “I said, ‘I’d probably think about it so long, I’d burn up.’”

Skillman holds the No. 9 bid for all Mecum Auctions. Dana Mecum’s 36th Original Spring Classic is set for May 12-20 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

“I’ve been collecting for most of my life,” said Skillman, an 81-year-old Greenwood resident.

Skillman has a classic car collection in Greenwood.

“Even before I had the museum, I had them at home and other people’s garages and some in dealerships,” he said. “Then we built our building in 2006, and it’s about 45,000 square feet, so we have room to store some cars and work on cars.”

The museum is open by appointment at 1280 U.S. Highway 31, Greenwood.

“We don’t have enough people to man the place because they are busy working on cars,” Skillman said. “Some of the stuff is a little fragile.”

Skillman said it houses about 200 automobiles. There are also bicycles, motorcycles and neon signs at the museum.

There are probably 80 Indianapolis 500 cars, sprint cars, midgets, stock cars and dragsters.

“We have Corvettes, Camaros and Chevettes and stuff like that,” Skillman said. “We have a few hotrods and street rods.”

Skillman, who has 18 dealership locations, all in the Indianapolis area, attends some Mecum auctions in other states as well.

At one time, Skillman said he spent almost every day at the Mecum auction in Indianapolis.

“Now, I go on the days where the cars I’m interested in are running,” he said. “I usually go for three days.”

Skillman said the adrenaline rush of bidding is fun.

“There are cars you’ve watched for years, and they’ll show up at a Mecum sale and it’s fun to acquire cars at sales,” he said. “We buy a lot of cars from estates, from people

who have passed away or are getting older and they don’t have a reason to be involved with cars anymore. We’ll buy one car or 50 from a person at one time.”

Skillman said sometimes they sell cars at Mecum but are not planning to sell anything this year.

“There’s never been a year where we haven’t bought something,” Skillman said. “We bought six or seven cars from them last year. One of the cars was the one that Mario Andretti ran at Indy and took his rookie test in it and ran third in it. Then he won a couple championships in that car.”

Skillman said he likes the Indy 500 cars from the 1950s and 1960s the best, the roadsters and Dan Gurney’s Eagles and the Lotuses.

“There were four Turbine cars that ran in 1968 and we have one of them that Graham Hill ran,” he said. “We do have the 1997 winning car that Arie Luyendyk ran.”

Skillman said he has purchased several cars that cost more than $1 million each, including the Andretti car and Turbine.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has three of Skillman’s cars on display.

Skillman grew up in Owensboro, Ky., but his father started bringing him to the race in the 1950s.

Skillman also likes muscle cars from the 1950s and 1960s.

“It’s kind of the cars that you grew up with, and mostly the cars you couldn’t ever own,” he said. “I’m living out my childhood again.

For more, rayskillmanclassiccars.com.

Ray Skillman pauses with his 1965 Brawner Hawk Ford Indy Car at his car museum. Skillman purchased the car at last year’s Mecum’s Spring Classic in Indianapolis. (Photo courtesy of Ray Skillman)

BTCA presents ‘Sleeping Beauty’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

that I have enjoyed, but I think Aurora is easily one of my favorites,” she said.

CHS junior gets dream role

By Jeff Decker editorial@youarecurrent.com

DANCE

For Carmel High School freshman Anya Stephenson, playing the role of Aurora in “The Sleeping Beauty” is special because the character is iconic.

“Getting the chance to perform the role is something I am so grateful for, and I’m excited to continue working on it,” she said.

Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy’s production of “The Sleeping Beauty” is set for May 26-27 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. Miriam Danek, a Cardinal Ritter High School freshman, plays Aurora in the 7:30 p.m. May 26 show, while Stephenson is cast in the 2 p.m. May 27 performance.

“‘Sleeping Beauty’ is one of my favorite ‘great classic’ ballets, and I love watching it being performed almost as much as I love dancing it.”

CHS senior Aiko Ileleji portrays Carabosse, the evil fairy, in the May 26 show. She shares the role with CHS sophmore Ella Williams, who plays the role May 27.

Stephenson

“Carabosse challenges me to embrace acting in a more constructed style,” Ileleji said.

“One of the greatest challenges while performing Aurora is the stamina that you need to sustain throughout all of the acts,” Stephenson said. “Her variations are incredibly demanding, as is the rest of the dancing.”

This is Stephenson’s largest-ever role.

“I have been lucky to dance many roles

“Carabosse is, after all, an established role with a predetermined character, quite unlike minor roles I’ve played where the characters had no established name and personality. I also can’t ignore the fact that I can wear gorgeous costumes and ride a chariot.”

The biggest challenges for Ileleji are the fouettés, a type of turn in classical ballet.

“In my 15 years of dancing, I have never had to balance my dancing with my acting as much as I have to now,” she said.

For more, visit ballettheatreofcarmel. org.

DANCE

While backstage before the Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s first performance of “Alice in Wonderland,” Lily Guntz expects to be excited and nervous.

But the Carmel High School junior knows any jitters will disappear when the lights come up and the music starts.

“It will all fade away,” said Guntz, who will dance as the lead character Alice. “I can do what I love, and that is to dance with all my heart.”

Guntz, 16, is one of about 70 dancers, ages 6 to 18, who will perform in “Alice in Wonderland” at 2 and 7:30 p.m. May 20 and 1 and 4:30 p.m. May 21 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

The Central Indiana Dance Ensemble most recently performed “Alice in Wonderland,” based on the 1865 English novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll, in 2016, according to Ashley Jacobs, co-artistic director for the ensemble.

“‘Alice in Wonderland’ is my favorite

spring ballet that we do,” Jacobs said. “The costumes, lighting, sets and backdrops really draw the audience onto the stage so they can really immerse themselves in the story.”

Guntz, who has been dancing since age 2, looks forward to performing in it.

“Dancing as Alice is a dream come true,” she said. “I never thought that I would be given this opportunity this early in my career and am so immensely grateful.”

For more, visit cidedance.org,

Reagalique offers wine variety

Commentary by Mark LaFay editorial@youarecurrent.com

happens to spread nicely on Bath Squares butter crackers.

DRINK

I was once told that you don’t have to wait until a special occasion to open a bottle of wine. Instead, make the opening of a bottle of wine the special occasion. Wiser words may have been said, but those are fairly wise. Regalique, a wine and gourmet food boutique at 110 West Main St., Suite 120, Carmel, has a great assortment of wines for you to celebrate. It also has a great assortment of gourmet food to pair with your wine. Below are three featured pairings for the month of May:

• The Duval Le Roy family has been making champagne since 1859, and its nonvintage Brut Reserve is a fantastic bottle. Serve chilled in champagne flutes or in white wine glasses. The nose is bright and vibrant with notes of toast, almond and citrus. On the palate, the wine is crisp and dry, with bright acidity — refreshing and memorable. The wine pairs nicely with soft cheeses like Tulip Tree’s Queen Anne’s Lace, which

• Domaine Alain Chavy, Puligny-Montrachet Les Charmes is a chardonnay from the Burgundy region of France (also called white Burgundy). The nose is subtle, notes of tart apples, lemon and minerals. On the palate, the wine is crisp, with prominent acidity. Tight, tart fruit gives way to minerality and subtle oak spice. The wine, as well as many white Burgundies, pair nicely with seafood.

• The 2019 Macauley Napa Cabernet is a quintessential Napa cabernet. The wine is dark, inky and opaque in the glass. The nose is packed full of ripe cherries, ripe raspberries, chocolate and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is round and full-bodied, the tannins aren’t very gripping, and the acidity is moderate, giving it a silky texture. The wine showcases plenty of fruit and spice with somewhat integrated alcohol, giving it a latent heat. The wine pairs nicely with Neuhaus Carre Dark Chocolates!

Carmel High School junior Lily Guntz has the title role in Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s production of “Alice In Wonderland.” (Photo courtesy of CIDE)

Where’s Amy?

Where’s Amy stopped by opening night of Civic Theatre’s “The Sound of Music” April 28 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The sold-out opening weekend musical earned a standing ovation for each performance and is the hottest ticket in town. Don’t miss it. For more info, visit civictheatre.org

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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.

Where’s Amy attends Civic Theatre’s ‘The Sound of Music’

Parrish Williams (New Palestine), left, and Civic Theatre Executive Artistic Director Michael Lasley (Indianapolis). (Photos by Amy Pauszek)

Emily Tzucker (Carmel), left, with director Anne Beck (Fishers) and her daughter Nya Beck (Fishers).

Katie Emrich (Westfield) with daughter Audrey.

Fifty shades of beige

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

plain. As a literary style, we have several notable examples.

I must begin with my main man Ernest Hemingway, the father of anti-fluff writing. Instead of “beige” prose, he’d describe his writing style as “efficient and direct.”

GRAMMAR GUY

Remember the beige craze of the 2000s? If you wanted to sell your house, you’d paint the interior walls of your house “bashful beige,” “autumn wheat,” “tasteful tan,” “totally taupe” or “burnt oatmeal.” Yes, if your house had 50 shades of beige, you’d sell it lickety-split.

Now, light gray is all the rage. No more bland sand! Bring on the “faded fog,” “shy shark” and “silver lining” shades. I don’t know how it happened, but light gray became the neutral go-to of the mid-2010s to the present day.

While neutral colors have pleasant, easy-for-real-estate undertones, they can come across as dull and boring. When it comes to language, there’s a term called “beige prose.” If you recall, I explored “purple prose” in the past. Purple prose is overly flowery language that uses tons of adjectives and words to describe something relatively simple.

Beige prose, on the other hand, is direct and is sometimes accused of being too

In Hemingway’s 1935 Esquire essay entitled “Notes on the Next War,” he writes, “They wrote in the old days that it is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country. But in modern war, there is nothing sweet nor fitting in your dying. You will die like a dog for no good reason.”

You’ll notice Hemingway is comparing the purple prose of the Victorian era with his own emerging style. No fluff here — just get-to-the-point honesty from Ernie. Other notable pro-beige prose authors include Jack London, Cormac McCarthy, Kurt Vonnegut and Charles Bukowski.

Visiting the New York Public Library

Commentary by Don Knebel

This is the first of several visits to often overlooked stops in New York City. Today, we visit the Main Branch of the New York Public Library.

The Main Branch is along Fifth Avenue between 40th and 42nd streets. When it opened in 1911, the BeauxArts building was the largest marble structure in the United States, its 375,000 square feet incorporating shelf space for 3.5 million books. It became famous for marble lions, named “Patience” and “Fortitude,” flanking the entrance, and for its half-acre Main Reading Room. In 2008, the Main Branch was renamed the Stephen Allen Schwarzman Building in honor of a donor who had contributed toward the building’s restoration.

In 2021, the library opened the Polonsky Exhibition on the first floor, named for a

STATE OF INDIANA ) IN THE BOONE COUNTY COURT ) SS:

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donor who had contributed to a permanent display of the museum’s most important historical items. About 250 rare and unique items are on display, organized into nine categories Beginnings, Performance, Explorations, Fortitude, The Written Word, The Visual World, Childhood, Belief, and New York City. Important political documents include a copy of the Declaration of Independence, handwritten by Thomas Jefferson with a section denouncing slavery that was rejected by the Continental Congress; an original copy of the Bill of Rights, with two amendments that were never adopted; and George Washington’s handwritten Farewell Address. Also on display are a score written by Beethoven, along with a lock of his hair, and Charles Dickens’ writing desk and his paper knife, the handle made from the paw of his deceased cat. Religious items include a Gutenberg Bible, printed in 1455, and Buddhist scriptures recorded on palm leaves. Recent items include a poster for a Houdini escape and Jack Kerouac’s proposed cover design for “On the Road.”

The next time you are in New York, don’t miss the free Polonsky Exhibition.

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

Main branch of the New York Public Library.

Across

1. Swiss peaks

5. Old Russian ruler

9. “The King and I” setting

13. iPhone voice

14. Perry County community that shares its name with a European capital

15. Against

16. Shoe part

17. Flying saucers

18. New Big Ten school in ‘24

19. Socrates quote (and the start to a Kurt Vonnegut witticism)

22. Carmel-to-Cincinnati dir.

24. 401(k) kin

25. Hardly macho

28. Sudden fear

30. ___ v. Wade

32. MCL dessert

33. Does the math, perhaps

34. Openly disregard

36. NYC airport

37. Sartre quote (and Part 2 to Vonnegut’s witticism)

40. Box office letters

42. TV awards

43. Gov. Bowen

46. Bar bill

47. Watch chain or pocket

48. The bad guys

49. Wombs

51. Route 53 Finished first in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference

54. Frank Sinatra quote (and the punchline to Vonnegut’s witticism)

58. “___ went thataway!”

60. I-65 rig

61. Craving

64. Apple variety

65. Said “Not guilty” in Hamilton County Court

66. Barely managed

67. Lump

68. US Supreme Court count

69. Indiana tax IDs Down

1. Louisville Slugger wood

2. Tall tale

cal grp.

30. Optimistic

31. Ins and ___

34. “I wanna be there!” acronym

35. Tree branch

38. Shocking ER treatment

39. “___ voyage!”

40. Queue after R

41. Lab rodent

44. Texter’s qualifier

45. Roget wd.

48. Hurricane center

50. Rolls partner

51. Restroom door sign

52. Tolerate

55. Where to watch Pacers highlights, maybe

56. Shapiro’s, e.g.

57. Sagamore Club payments

58. Toy soldier material

59. Med. plan

62. Ind. National Guard rank

3. Play possum

4. Farm tower

5. More faithful

6. European capital

7. Biblical prophet

8. Take a break

9. ___ Arabia

10. Unfinished paintings

11. Falcons on a Colts scoreboard

12. “Mamma ___!”

20. Pen name

21. Be indebted

22. Clean air org.

23. Melancholy

26. Boone County Fair critter

27. Indiana Senate vote

29. Monument Circle musi-

Knots

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