November 1, 2022 — Zionsville

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

ZCS school board candidate takes heat for “All Nazis weren’t ‘bad’” comments

By Elle Kreamer elle@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Community Schools Board of Trustees candidate Dr. Matt Keefer has re ceived

TOWN NEWS

back lash

after making comments on his personal Facebook page last month that stat ed, “All Nazis weren’t ‘bad.’” The since-deleted comment was in response to a ques tion about defining indoctrination.

Keefer also stated on Facebook, “Who is to say if we were both there (in Nazi Germa ny) in the same place and same time, that we wouldn’t have done the same thing … In 10 years, we may look at covid the same way. The people that hated the unvaxxed and hoped they died, the people that lost their jobs because they wouldn’t get vac cinated, the people who thought everyone should stay 6 feet apart, wear masks, and save some unknown 95 year old from dying by staying locked in their home.”

Hilary Heffernan, a parent of students who attend ZCS, said she is disappointed Keefer is running to be a leader in the Zi onsville community, and “can’t believe this is happening in 2022.”

“I see a lot of divisiveness and fear-based bullying going on,” Heffernan said. “That’s not the way to get things done. It’s con nectedness, communication, being an adult and having an emotional IQ.”

Keefer posted to Facebook Oct. 21 in re sponse to media coverage of his comments.

“A few days ago I made the comment ‘not all Nazis were bad’ in response to a ques tion posed to me on Facebook. I am correct,” Keefer stated in the post, citing sources he said supported his point.

“To be clear, I never was, am not now, and never will be a Nazi sympathizer,” Keef er’s post read.

Keefer then stated that those who did

not agree with his statement that “All Na zis weren’t ‘bad’” should research Oskar Schindler, Karl Plagge, George Kalman, or a 1992 study titled “Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland.”

“These four sources do a much better job of artic ulating, some might say proving, my point,” Keefer wrote.

According to Günther Jikeli, a professor of Jewish and Germanic studies at Indiana University and associate director of the Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism, there were many reasons people joined the Nazi Party, whether they believed in the ideology, wanted to advance their careers, or otherwise. However, there was no obligation at any time in Germany to join the Nazi Party, and many did not.

and used his position to save Jews.”

Jikeli said industrialist Oskar Schindler was a rare exception of someone who used his Nazi Party membership to save Jews.

“The study ‘Ordinary Men: Reserve Po lice Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland’ by Christopher Browning does not prove Mr. Keefer’s point,” Jikeli stated.

“A closer look at the documents from the battalion shows that many people, in this case, policemen who were tasked to round up working Jewish men and shoot all other Jews in the town of Józefów, did so volun tarily. The commander, Major Trapp, offered his men that they would be excused if they did not feel up for the task.”

Rabbi Benjamin Sendrow of Congregation Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel said individuals like Schindler were rare exceptions, and he believed once Schindler made the decision to help Jews, he was no longer a Nazi.

“I have serious doubts about the think ing of a person who chooses to make the argument that there were decent Nazis,” Sendrow said. “It’s like saying, ‘Well, some slave holders treated their slaves well.’ So what? Why would I make a statement like that, when slavery is the worst moral stain on American history? Why would I want to do anything to lessen the severity and hor ror of slavery?”

“Joining the Nazi Party was an active act in support of the Nazi Party, and therefore its members bear some responsibility for the crimes in the name of that ideology, even if they were not involved in any other activities of the party,” Jikeli stated in an email. “This doesn’t mean that there weren’t a few exceptions who even used the cover of being members of the Nazi Party to do good things. But these were rare individual exceptions.”

With regard to the sources Keefer cited, Jikeli stated, “Karl Plagge opposed the Nazi policy against the Jews and left the Nazi party when the war began. He nevertheless became a staff officer in the German Army

Keefer stated in an email to Current fol lowing his comments on Facebook that the school board recently sent a message home with students that condemned him without naming him.

“This seems like it is improper (or illegal) for the school board to weigh in officially on what was innuendo and hearsay,” Keefer stated. “My words were twisted and not in context. For them to suggest and condemn words I never said seems to be influencing an official election.”

Debbie Ungar, president of the ZCS school board, stated in an email, “The assertion that there was any districtwide communi cation ‘that all of the kids brought home to their parents’ is a complete fabrication.”

Keefer Ungar

“To be clear, I never was, am not now, and never will be a Nazi sympathizer.”

MATT KEEFER’S OCT. 21 FACEBOOK POST

Anonymous campaign mailings potentially unlawful

news@currentzionsville.com

The

The

were reported to

were typed

accusations regarding Zionsville school board candidate Tim Hardt.

Neither letter identified the sender,

The

in both instances.

“Any

According to Indiana Code 3-14-1-3, “an individual, an organization, or a committee that circulates or publishes material in an election

the statement required under IC 3-9-3-2.5 commits a Class A misdemeanor.”

Indiana Code 3-9-3-2.5 requires that a person or entity authorizing or paying for communication must be identified.

are an attempt to defame him following the disproved claims in the first letter.

Hardt and his opponent, Michael Berg, are the only two candidates for the Eagle Town ship seat on the ZCS school board. “I call on Michael Berg to denounce illegal campaign activity as a sitting school board member,” Hardt said.

residents in the last

Boone

weeks,

the release.

letter accuses Hardt of “more than one mortgage foreclosure,” garnished wages due to unpaid child support, operating a vehi cle while intoxicated and public intoxication, among other unsubstantiated accusations.

Court records on public.courts.in.gov reflect that ZCS school board candidate Tim othy Addison Hardt was not involved in any of these incidents. A Timothy S. Hardt was charged with an OWI and public intoxica tion, and court cases regarding a mortgage foreclosure and unpaid child support involve a different individual with the name Timothy Allen Hardt.

Another letter accuses Hardt of inappro priate conduct against women during his time as a volleyball coach. The claims are unsubstantiated by any court documents. Hardt said the accusations are false and

In an email to Current and on his face book page, Berg denied any involvement in the mailings and stated he wants the race to focus on the issues.

“When I was made aware of the letters circulating (in) Zionsville regarding my opponent, I told Mr. Hardt I did not intend to comment to avoid drawing additional attention to them,” Berg wrote on Facebook. “Regrettably, Mr. Hardt’s recent statement implied that I may have had something to do with the anonymous distribution of the letters. I did not directly or indirectly have any responsibility for those letters, and I fully comply with my campaign finance obligations.”

The release from the prosecutor’s office urged residents to report any information regarding anonymous political mailings to local law enforcement.

World War II vet to be inducted into state military hall of fame

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carver McGriff is a humble man.

So, McGriff said he was surprised by being named to the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.

MILITARY

“It came as a very underserved honor,” said McGriff, who will be inducted Nov. 4 in Indianapolis. “I have no idea what I did to deserve it, not very much.”

The 98-year-old Zionsville resident served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the 90th Infantry Division, which in vaded Normandy, France, in 1944. McGriff, then a 19-year-old private, landed in Nor mandy June 9, 1944, three days after the D-Day landings. He received the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for acts of heroism. After being wounded, he was captured by the Germans in July 7, 1944. McGriff was res cued almost a month later by U.S. troops. Following surgery in England, McGriff remained in the Army in England and then in France in an administrative role until the conclusion of the war.

McGriff has made frequent trips back to Normandy. He also received the Legion of Merit award from the French

tours of the Normandy beaches where Allied troops landed and liberated France. McGriff has been a speaker at D-Day events.

“When we go to Omaha Beach, where 9,000 people were buried, and I’ll tell them go and select a cross and you’ll see the name of the boy that lies there and say a prayer for him,” McGriff said. “Then we get in our bus and go over

to the German cemetery, and we do the same thing. We walk among the graves of German soldiers, and we say a prayer for him. We remind them God wants us to be friends. It’s a step in the direction of forgiveness and love.”

McGriff spent 26 years as senior pastor at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, building the con gregation from 900 members to more than 4,000 when he retired in 1993.

“With the understanding, none are going to be made into movies, I’ve written 10 books,” he said.

McGriff wrote “Making Sense of Normandy: A Young Man’s Journey of Faith and War” in 2007.

“It was trying to make sense of what happened and my part in it and some of my friends who didn’t return,” he said. “With a little more maturity than I had back then, I was able to go back and think through it.”

One of McGriff’s three daughters, Sarah, went to Berlin to start a church.

“She remained in Germany and met a wonderful young man and married him,” he said. “So, here I have three Ger man grandchildren.”

McGriff, who graduated Shortridge High School in India napolis, earned his bachelor’s degree at Butler University, his seminary degree from Garrett Theological Seminary in Chicago and his doctorate of ministry from the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. He has been given the outstanding alumni award from all three of those institutions.

McGriff

Marianne McGriff and her husband, Carver McGriff, at the Utah Beach Museum in France. (Photo courtesy of Carver McGriff)

DISPATCHES

Film premiere coming to Zionsville — Lit tleStar ABA Therapy is hosting the Indiana premiere of “In A Different Key,” a film by Caren Zucker and John Donvan, Nov. 4 at Zionsville United Methodist Church, 9644 Whitestown Rd., in Zionsville. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. and the film will begin at 7 p.m. The event is free, but guests must register to attend. To register or learn more, visit littlestaraba.org/about-us/events/.

Veterans Day Celebration — Join the Zions ville American Legion at Post 79, 9950 E. 600 S., in honoring United States Veterans Nov. 5. The program will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will feature a speech by a local U.S. Veter an, flag presentation by the Zionsville Fire Dept., a gun salute by the Zionsville Police Dept. and taps. A ham and bean luncheon will be held after the program. To find out more about the Zionsville American Legion and how to get involved in supporting vet erans, visit post79zionsville.com, or email ampost79@gmail.com.

Boone County 4-H Project Fair — The Boone County 4-H Project Fair will take place Nov. 6 at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Lebanon 2-4 p.m. Boone County families are encouraged to attend to learn about the 2023 4-H program, 4-H projects for youth and area 4-H clubs. Enrollment in Indiana 4-H is open Oct. 1 through Jan. 15 to youth grades 3-12. The program fee is $35 for the year, but for fam ilies with more than three youth enrolled the maximum fee is $105. Mini 4-H is free for youth grades K-2. For more, contact the Boone County Purdue Extension Office, or visit bit.ly/3U22cqg

2022 leaf collection schedule — This fall, the Zionsville Department of Public Works will provide curbside leaf collection for residents in the urban service district. DPW asks residents to rake leaves into long narrow piles along the curb no more than a few feet away, and to not place non-leaf objects in the piles to prevent damage to leaf vacuums. Residents should park cars off the street if possible. Leaf collection will take place through Dec. 2, and may be extended to mid-December, if necessary, weather permitting. Every attempt is made to make a complete round through every neighborhood each week, but service may extend to bi-weekly. All leaves collected are recycled. For questions, contact DPW at 317-873-4544. For more, visit zionsville-in. gov/153/Leaf-Collection.

New vision for Half Marathon, 5K

By Elle Kreamer elle@youarecurrent.com

This year’s Zionsville Half Marathon and 5K, scheduled for Nov. 19, will be under new management. Don Carr, co-owner of the Zionsville-based event com pany Tuxedo Brothers, is taking over for Marty Day, who began organizing the race five years ago.

RACE

“The Tuxedo Brothers are already involved in a lot of the major running events in In diana,” Carr said. “This half-marathon is in my hometown, so that was a little bit of the attraction of taking over.”

Carr said he wants to schedule the race around the third week of November each year, allowing runners plenty of time to train without getting too far into the colder part of the season.

The half-marathon will start and end in Lions Park, traversing through downtown Zionsville, neighborhoods and county roads along the way. At the end of the race, Carr said everyone who finishes the half-mara thon or 5K races will receive a finisher med al and long-sleeved T-shirt.

Proceeds from the race will continue to

support the boys and girls cross country teams at Zionsville Community High School, as it has in years past.

“It’s nice because the runners in this race can contribute back to runners that are coming up in the high school programs, and they’ll hopefully come back to run in road races with us later,” Carr said.

For more or to register, visit https://bit. ly/3THP2ir

TARTAN TIDINGS

Runners race through the streets of Zionsville in a previous half-marathon and 5K. (Photo cour tesy of Tuxedo Brothers)

HSE wide receiver produces big plays for top-ranked team

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern High School ju nior wide receiver Donovan Hamilton’s speed and improved mental game has made the difference for him this season.

“(Hamilton) creates significant big-play potential for our team,” Royals coach Michael Kelly said. “Most teams struggle defending him 1-on-1.”

The 6-foot-4 Hamilton had 41 catches for 680 yards and eight touchdowns for the Class 6A No. 1 Royals, who were unbeaten heading into the Oct. 28 sectional game against Homestead.

“I think I’ve made the most improvement this season in the weight room and in the mental part of the game,” he said. “Coach Kelly and (strength and conditioning coach Stephen Krzyminski) are always pushing me to go hard in the weight room. Also, back to last season, coach (David) Weitz, our offen sive coordinator, was always on me about

MEET DONOVAN HAMILTON

Favorite athlete: Calvin Johnson

Favorite subject: Spanish

Favorite movie: “Toy Story 2”

Ideal vacation spot: Anywhere with a beach

my mental state during the game. He told me during the offseason he wanted to see me improve that more than anything else, so that’s what I did.

“My coaches in both football and basket ball told me I need to keep my head up after bad plays and just keep working. It has helped a huge amount in my game.”

BRAIN

Kelly agreed.

“The biggest growth this year has been

his ability to play the next play,” Kelly said. “He has matured significantly as a player.”

It also helped that Hamilton has been healthy

“I broke my thumb (last year) and missed over half the season,” said Hamilton, who had five catches in 2021. “I didn’t get a lot of playing time when I came back.”

Hamilton said a big key to the team’s suc cess is its work ethic.

Hamilton recently received his first col lege football offer from Ball State University.

“I have definitely had more coaches reach out to me after our team’s success this season,” he said. “I hadn’t had any prior to the season due to my injury holding me back from playing last year. So, it’s great to finally get some exposure and show what I can do.”

Hamilton averaged 7.7 points per game for HSE’s boys basketball team last season.

Hamilton’s older sister, Amaya, was a 2019 Indiana Girls All-Star, playing on the Royals’ state championship team. She is a junior guard/forward at Duquesne Uni versity. Their father, Brian Hamilton, was a defensive tackle for Notre Dame.

Donovan Hamilton recently received a college football offer from Ball State University. (Photo courtesy of Olivia White)

Hamilton

PUMPKINS

Thousands of children, friends and families attended Pump kins & Hayrides at Lions Park Oct. 23. The free event, which featured hayrides, pumpkin painting, bounce houses, games, food and more, is pre sented by the Zionsville Lions Club each year on the fourth Sunday of October to thank the community for its support throughout the year.

From left, Miss Cardinal Ginger Slisher, Miss South Bend Outstanding Teen Keegan Connor and Miss South Bend Maci Tetric pause in their costumes during Pumpkins & Hayrides at Lions Park.

Kids and their families go for a hayride during Pumpkins & Hayrides at Lions Park Oct. 23. (Photos courtesy of Roger Manning)

DISPATCHES

Boone County Extension Homemakers Holiday Bazaar — The Annual Holiday Bazaar sponsored by the Boone County Extension Homemakers will be held Nov. 19 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Lebanon at the 4-H Fairgrounds in the Witham Pavilion and the Centennial Hall buildings. There will be over 100 exhibitors from central Indiana offering handcrafted and unique gift items. For more information about reserving a vendor booth space please contact the Purdue Extension Office at 765-482-0750 or visit the Boone County Extension Home makers Facebook page.

Small Business Weekend — The commu nity is invited to attend Small Business Weekend on Main Street in Zionsville Nov. 25-27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce has extended the timeline for the event to span the entire weekend. Shoppers will receive coupons and a free tote containing complimentary items. For more on chamber events, visit business.zionsvillechamber.org/calendar.

Town reminds residents to keep elec tion signs out of right-of-way — As the Nov. 8 general election nears, the Town of Zionsville reminds residents to keep election signs out of the public right-ofway to ensure public safety in accordance with the requirements of the State of Indiana and the Town’s Zoning Ordinance. Typically, the public right-of-way ends, and private property begins, behind overhead electrical poles, sidewalks, pathways, fire hydrants and similar infrastructure. Vision clearance areas should be clear so there is no interference with driver vision. Election signs placed in the public right-of-way will be removed. For more on election sign requirements, visit zions ville-in.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2608/ Candidate-Election-Signs.

Parade Day — Streets close at 4 p.m. Nov. 26 for the annual Christmas in the Village parade. The parade will feature the Zions ville High School Marching Band, reindeer and Santa. The parade begins at Eagle Elementary and ends at Old National Bank at approximately 6 p.m. A tree lighting and photos with Santa will take place following the parade. Businesses interested in being in the parade should register at business. zionsvillechamber.org/calendar/.

Low river level lament

Commentary by Ward Degler

The Mississippi River is at its lowest level in decades. As a result, hundreds of barges are stuck and going no where. Two thousand are at a standstill in shallow water south of Memphis.

few were successful, mostly because the divers couldn’t see, and the cars almost immediately buried themselves in the sandy riverbed.

PLAIN TALK

A typical river barge loaded with corn or soybeans needs 9 feet of water to move. In some places, the Mississippi’s depth is less than 5 feet. Even tugboats working to free grounded barges are getting stuck.

I also remember the river level dropping several years ago. Old paddle wheel boats that had sunk years earlier were exposed to daylight. The remains of centuries-old settlements surfaced in the dropping water level.

The same thing happened some years ear lier when they literally drained Lake Erie to clean up pollution. Dozens of boats and even a small steamship saw the light of day.

When I was in high school — maybe 1949 — a barge loaded with new Ford cars sank on its way from Detroit to St. Louis. Hundreds of optimistic divers plunged into the murky waters to rescue cars. Very

The Mississippi level has been dropping slowly for months. Barge owners had re duced loads by nearly half to compensate for the lower water levels. In normal years, barges deliver up to 700 million tons of grain to processors along the river. Fore casters say food shortages and higher pric es may be on the way.

The river continues to drop, and the wa ter level where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico is so low that the ocean is flooding into the river, threatening water supplies for riverside communities.

The solution is rain and lots of it. Sadly, none is in the forecast. I’m also keeping an ear tuned to any news of 1949 Fords surfac ing near St. Louis.

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.

TOM WOOD SUBARU

FOR

ALL MAKE

Guide dog organization in need of puppy raisers

By Elle Kreamer elle@youarecurrent.com

Each year, Leader Dogs for the Blind, a nonprofit based in Rochester Hills, Mich., matches about 200 blind or visually impaired individuals with a guide dog free of charge, ac cording to Rachelle Kniffen, director of communications and marketing at Leader Dogs.

Leader Dogs was established in 1939 by members of Lions Club International, a global humanitarian organization with a significant chapter in Zionsville. According to the Leader Dog website, the Lions Club continues to provide significant support to the mission through financial support and volun teer work.

Zionsville resident Jennie Means decided in 2021 she wanted to get involved in the effort and took in a puppy she and her family named Ellie, a golden retriever and yel low lab mix with a big personality.

“It was in the middle of the pandemic, and I was just kind of done with people, so I thought this would be a good thing for me to do,” Means said. “My kids were out of the house, and our dog Charlie had passed away that summer. I thought, ‘OK, this is my way to do something for someone,’ and I immediately filled out an application.”

Means said they picked up Ellie in August 2021, and a year later, took her back to Leader Dog’s headquarters in Michigan for an evaluation to determine if she would move on with the more intensive training program.

“People would always ask me, ‘How are you going to be able to give her up?’ I knew it was going to be hard, but I also knew her job wasn’t to be my pet,” Means said. “It was hard dropping her off in Michigan. It was almost like sending your kid to college, because you’ve raised them, but in your heart, you want them to do well. You want them to be a guide dog.”

During the medical evalua tion at Leader Dog, however, it was discovered that Ellie had hip dysplasia. Ellie was “career-changed,” meaning she could no longer con tinue with the program to become a Leader Dog, and she soon returned to live with Means and her family.

Kniffen said about half of the puppies that go to raisers end up career-changed for physical or behav ioral issues, so it is even more crucial to have plenty of people willing to raise the puppies for the first 12 to 15 months of their lives.

“On a monthly basis, we need dogs that are fully trained to match with people who are blind or visually impaired,” Kniffen said. “If we’re going to train 200 dogs every year to become leader dogs, we need about 400 puppy raisers.”

Kniffen said Leader Dogs only has about 200 puppy rais ers at this time.

It is even more difficult to find puppy raisers in the win ter months, Kniffen said, because many people don’t think of it as an ideal time for training. However, she said winter is a great time to house-train a puppy, because the colder weather motivates the puppy to go to the bathroom quickly and get back inside, which avoids many of the distractions they might face in the spring and summer months.

Kniffen said Leader Dogs provides puppy raisers with as much information as possible so that they know how to care for the puppy, and what progress the puppy should be making at certain stages of life. A puppy counselor is assigned to puppy raisers, which Kniffen said allows raisers to check in and ask questions. Dedicated Facebook groups are also available for raisers to connect with one another and share their experiences.

Additionally, if a puppy is assigned to a client, Kniffen said the client can choose to stay in contact with the raiser through Zoom or in-person meetings. So far, she said she hasn’t heard of any clients unwilling to do so.

During the year she raised Ellie to be a Leader Dog, Means said she learned a lot about the importance of puppy rais ers. If someone is considering becoming a puppy raiser for Leader Dogs, she said they should understand the responsi bility that comes with the role.

There is a time commitment that must be considered, Means said. Although she doesn’t have a full-time job and had time to train Ellie at home, she said she knew of people from the puppy raiser Facebook group who would bring their puppies to work, which helped them acclimate to be ing in a public space.

“Know that this is for a bigger purpose,” Means said. “I hate to say it’s a selfless act, but it kind of is. You’re really invested, not just monetarily, but in your heart as well. You want them to do well. There’s pride in that.”

ON THE COVER: Ellie lays in the backyard of Jennie Means’ home in Zionsville prior to her career change. (Photo courtesy of Ian Means)

INVOLVED

• Volunteer to become a puppy raiser

• Volunteer to house a Leader Dog mom or dad

• Donate to Leader Dogs for the Blind

more, visit leaderdog.org

Three-month-old Ellie pauses by pumpkins at Anderson Orchard in Mooresville. (Photo courtesy of Jeannie Means)

Zionsville Lions Club member Gail Robbins said the or ganization needs more puppy raisers to provide care and basic obedience training to prepare the puppies for guide dog training.

ZCS SCHOOL BOARD AT-LARGE

» MATTHEW A. KEEFER

Education: B.A. biology and chemistry I.U.; M.D., I.U. School of Medicine

Occupation: Board-certified physician – anesthesiology

Residence: Zionsville Age: 65

Lived in district: 29 years

Immediate family: Wife, Wynne; four chil dren– Chad, Brice, Jordan, Haley, that are ZCHS grads

Previous political experience: None What are your top three campaign issues?

Focus teachers on education, not indoctrination

Provide governance from the school board over the superintendent and ad ministrators that reflects majority com munity values

Eliminate critical race theory and associ ated curricula from ZCS Website: mattkeeferforschoolboard.com

» SARAH ESTERLINE SAMPSON

Education: University of Notre Dame – Bachelor of Business Administration, accountancy

Occupation: Former Big 4 Auditor/CPA; mother of 10 children and community volunteer Residence: Zionsville Age: 52

Lived in district: since 2005

Immediate family: Jon Sampson, hus band; six daughters, four sons (four chil dren currently attending ZCS)

Previous political experience: None What are your top three campaign issues?

Promoting the addition of electives such as industrial arts and consumer science with financial literacy

Transparency Fiscal responsibility Website: SarahESampson.com

» CHRISTY WESSEL POWELL

Education: BA in inter national studies and humanities from St Mary-ofthe-Woods College; MAT in elementary education from Dominican University; PhD in literacy, culture and language educa tion from IU-Bloomington

Occupation: Assistant professor of liter acy and language education at Purdue’s College of Education

Residence: Zionsville

Age: 42

Lived in district: since 2017

Immediate family: Husband Scott, chil dren ages 11 (at ZWest) and 9 (at Stone gate then Trailside)

Previous political experience: None What are your top three campaign issues?

Teacher support– teacher pay, autonomy, respect, and trust are some of the tangi ble ways this community can advocate for supporting teachers.

Safety, especially physical and perimeter safety around the schools

Maintaining Zionsville’s welcoming and close-knit community as the community grows and schools expand Website: christywesselpowel.wixsite. com/christy4schoolboard

ZCS SCHOOL BOARD EAGLE TOWNSHIP

» MICHAEL BERG (INCUMBENT)

Age: 43

Education: Illinois State University 2004 M.S. Clini cal-Counseling Psychology; Knox College 2002 B.A. Psy chology/Integrated Interna tional Studies

Occupation: Ryan White Program Man ager for a large health network/licensed therapist

Residence: Zionsville

Lived in district: Nine years

Immediate family: I have two daughters who attend ZMS and a son who attends ZCHS.

Previous political experience: I am cur rently completing my first term on the ZCS Board of Trustees, I have not sought or held other political office. What are your top three campaign issues?

Ensuring that teachers and adminis trators retain the autonomy to do their work.

Ensuring that ZCS continues to offer a supportive, high-quality public education experience for all students.

Ensuring that Zionsville Community Schools continue to be a responsible steward of tax dollars, a driver of prop erty values, and stanchion of economic stability for the community.

Best way for voters to learn more about you: @Berg4Board on Facebook

» TIM HARDT

Age: 54

Education: BA in Secondary Education and Spanish Occupation: Sales Training Manager at ANGI Residence: Zionsville

Lived in district: Eight years Immediate family: Wife, Danette; 2 sons, Shaun and Chris

Previous political experience: None What are your top three campaign issues?

Parental rights School board transparency School board accountability Website: hardt4zcs.com Facebook: Facebook.com/Hardt4zcs

ZCS SCHOOL BOARD UNION TOWNSHIP

» MICHAEL COUSSENS (INCUMBENT)

Age: 50

Education: B.S Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineer ing from Purdue University Occupation: Chief engineer for manufacturer of fire protection and municipal pumps

Residence: Zionsville

Lived in district: Over 20 years Immediate family: Wife, Tracy; four chil dren: two oldest children are Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) graduates, and two younger daughters currently attending ZCHS

Previous political experience: Have served on ZCS School Board for four years What are your top three campaign issues?

Academics, safety and financial responsibility Website: coussensforzcs.com

» MARCUS SUCH

Age: 35

Education: Graduate of Car mel High School, bachelor’s in actuarial science and in mathematics, master’s in business administration, Fellowship with the Society of Actuaries Occupation: Vice president and senior actuary

Residence: Zionsville

Lived in district: Three years

Immediate family: Wife, Dawn; son, An drew, 6, and daughter, Amelia, 3 Previous political experience: None What are your top three campaign issues?

Academics, accountability and transparency Website: Suchforschoolboard.com

» JENNIFER VALENTINE

Age: 50

Education: B.S. Human Resource Man agement – Training and Development, Oakland University 1994 Occupation: Stay-at-home mom of four,

Current in Zionsville currentzionsville.com

weekly volunteer at HVAF (Helping Veterans And Fam ilies – homeless shelter in Indianapolis) and Christa more House Guild (house in Haughville in Indianapolis) that supports a preschool, after school care and scholarships to graduates.

Residence: Zionsville

Lived in district: Nine years

Immediate family: Husband, Kevin; chil dren: Lily, 20; Noah, 18; Marcus, 14; Chris, 13

Previous political experience: None What are your top three campaign issues?

Championing our teachers as highly-qual ified educators

Prioritizing Mental Health efforts to make sure that students know it’s ok to not be ok

Advocating that Everyone Belongs Here Website: valentine4zcs.com

U.S. HOUSE INDIANA DISTRICT 4

Candidates Jim Baird, an incumbent Republican, could not be reached, and Roger Day, a Democrat, did not return the questionnaire.

» ALEX CHOI Party: Republican Education: Lawrence North High School; B.A. in history – Harvard University; M.S. in biology – IUPUI; M.S. in phys iology – IU School of Med icine; M.D. – IU School of Medicine; MPH – IU Fairbanks School of Public Health Occupation: Practicing anesthesiologist and Physician Leader of Community Med icine Anesthesia at Indiana University Health Physicians Age: 52

Residence: Zionsville

Lived in district: Pike Township for nine years, Zionsville for 17 years

Immediate family: Jennifer Choi, M.D. (wife); Sadie Choi (daughter, age 14); Spen cer Choi (son, age 13)

Previous political experience: Zionsville Town Council, at-large member What are your top three campaign issues?

Health care, education and economic development Website: VoteAlexChoi.com

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 29

» J.D. FORD (INCUMBENT)

Party: Democrat Education: B.A. University of Akron, M.A. Purdue Uni versity Northwest (Calumet)

Occupation: Indiana State Senator District 29 Age: 39

City: Indianapolis

Lived in district: 11 years

Previous political experience: Ran for State Senate, 2014; elected to State Sen ate, 2018

What are your top three campaign issues?

Education, gun reform and healthcare Website: senatorjdford.com

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 24

» DONNA SCHAIBLEY (INCUMBENT)

Education: Purdue Univer sity, BA in education and political science

Occupation: State repre sentative for District 24 in the Indiana General Assembly Residence: Carmel

Lived in district: 30 years Age: 68

Immediate family: Husband, John Schaib ley; two children, three grandchildren

Previous political experience: I have served as State Representative for Dis trict 24 in the Indiana General Assembly since 2015. I am vice chairman of the Courts and Criminal Code Committee, also serving on the Financial Institutions & In surance Committee and the Public Health Committee. I am also a member of the Recycling Marketing Development Board and the All Payer Claims Database Board. What are your top three campaign issues?

Increase healthcare price transparency

Increase school transparency and encour age academic excellence

Protect the most vulnerable children in our foster care system Website: schaibleyforindiana.com

» JOELLYN (JOEY) MAYER

Party: Democrat Education: BGS from Indi ana University

Occupation: Small business owner/IT consultant/IT broker

Residence: Westfield

Lived in district: 21 years Age: 53

Immediate family: My husband, Matt,

and I live in Westfield with our daughter and rescue pit bulls

Previous political experience: None What are your top three campaign issues?

Promoting quality public education, re storing reproductive healthcare freedom and focusing on fiscal responsibility Website: votejoey.net

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 25

» BECKY CASH Party: Republican Age: 47

Education: Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from Bowling Green State University with a Minor in Sociology and Po litical Science, Certification in Catechesis and Youth Ministry from Steubenville Uni versity, Naturopathic Degree from Trinity Occupation: Alternative Health Care Prac titioner, Business Owner Residence: Zionsville

Lived in district: Over 16 years

Immediate family: Husband, Chris; 5 daughters, 1 son

Previous political experience: None What are your top three campaign issues?

Parental Rights in All Decisions Protecting our communities (including law enforcement, those with special needs and our elderly)

Fiscal Responsibility Website: beckycashforindiana.com E-mail: info@beckycashforindiana.com

» JEN BASS-PATINO Party: Democrat Age: 50

Education: B.A. Biolo gy – University of Illinois, Springfield Occupation: Manager, Qual ity Assurance

Residence: Zionsville

Lived in district: Since August 2014

Immediate family: 2 daughters, 17 and 13

Previous political experience: None What are your top three campaign issues?

Healthcare: Including mental health and women’s reproductive rights Education: Ensuring support for our pub lic education system

Employment: Helping to remove barriers to growth for small businesses Website: VoteJenBP.com

BOONE COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1

» TIMOTHY A. BEYER Party: Republican Age: 50 Education: Purdue Univer sity, Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineer ing and Land Surveying Engineering

Occupation: Professional Engineer and Professional Surveyor Residence: Zionsville

Lived in district: 24 years

Immediate family: Wife, Jennifer, Married 25 Years; Three children, Daniel, Erin, Kevin,

Previous political experience: None What are your top three campaign issues?

Protection of people’s individual rights to live their lives

Efficient and proper use of public funds for roads and other infrastructure Useful and beneficial information from County offices for people to utilize Best way for voters to reach you: Tim Beyer for Boone County Commissioner on Facebook E-mail: tim4commish@protonmail.com

» ERIN M. BREWSTER Party: Democrat Age: 40 Education: Bachelor of Arts in History & Political Science, Lehigh University 2004 Juris Doctor, New En gland School of Law, 2007 Master of Laws (LLM) in taxation, Villanova University School of Law, 2008 Occupation: Tax Attorney Residence: Zionsville

Lived in district: Eight years

Immediate family: Husband, Dr. Benjamin Brewster; 2 rescue dogs – Punky & Daisy Previous political experience: Previously ran for Boone County Council, District 4 in 2018

What are your top three campaign issues?

Accountability and transparency

Thoughtful growth and planning Improved working relationships among county government Website: votebrewster.com

BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1

» JENNIFER HOSTETTER (INCUMBENT) Party: Republican Age: 35

Education: Adrian College, Bachelor of Business Administration; Indiana Univer sity Maurer School of Law, Juris Doctor

ELECTION

Occupation: Attorney Residence: Zionsville

Lived in district: Seven years

Previous political experience: Boone County Council, District 1

What are your top three campaign issues?

Working cooperatively with other elected officials and department heads in Boone County towards effective and efficient local government operations

Serving as a vocal liaison for the resi dents in District 1

Advocating for transparency and account ability for local government actions and decisions

Best way for voters to reach you: jhostetter@co.boone.in.us

» MATTHEW FARMER

Party: Democrat Age: 36

Education: Bachelor of Sci ence in Biology, IUPUI, 2008

Occupation: Intraoperative neuromonitoring technolo gist at IU Health Methodist Hospital Residence: Zionsville

Lived in district: Since 2019

Immediate family: Wife, Jessica; Son, Daniel

Previous political experience: None What are your top three campaign issues?

Thoughtful growth

Increase transparency and accountability at the county council

Greater civility, ethics, and empathy among our elected officials Website: mattfarmer4office.com

BOONE COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4

» AARON WILLIAMS (INCUMBENT)

Party: Republican Age: 36

Education: IU Kelley School of Business, The University Of Phoenix, MBA

Occupation: Client Execu tive, Google; Owner, Nest Event Center; Owner, The Haughville Shared Kitchen Residence: Zionsville

Lived in district: Six years

Immediate family: Allison, Wife; Aylin, Daughter; Aaron Jr., Son

Previous political experience: Vice-Pre cinct Committeeman (Current); Ward Chairman and Precinct Committeeman (former); Campaign volunteer for multiple state and local campaigns; Ran for Indi

ESSAY

Word play

Commentary by Terry Anker

For many, the English language is fundamentally difficult to learn. There are countless words that mean different things but are spelled the same. Many others are spelled differently and have different meanings but are pronounced identically, and still more are spelled the same but have different meanings and pronunciations. Here, it would seem, context is everything, and most discern from the various possible intentions by the other words that come before and after the one in question. Word games, even among those of us who might call the English language our native tongue, can become impossibly complex, absent sufficient framework to help one dis cern the meaning.

Still, for those of us who enjoy the mental exercise of language, homonyms, homophones and homographs make rich fodder for double entendre and farce-like confusion. Games like Wordle, Scrabble, Wordscapes, crosswords, or clever vanity license plates challenge us to open our perspective and sharpen our wit.

An electric car owner might express their freedom from the pump with the plate BYBY GAS. In saying bye, bye to traditional fossil fuel, they are no longer required to “buy buy” at the filling sta tion.  OK, it all makes good sense and is terrific word play. But a significant percentage of our government road pro grams are paid for via fuel taxes. Good again. User taxes often make sense and are the fairest. But if we all “buy buy” electric vehicles, who is now supporting the infrastructure fees? Should electric utilities collect a percentage of their bills as a “plug-in” apportionment? Or are the folks left with traditional inter nal combustion engines footing more of the cost, and are those of us who are e-capable escaping the taxman? Maybe they should. Is it only in the context of our intended policy that we can decide?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

POLICIES

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HUMOR

Playing the quiet game

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

It’s been a while since I’ve had to utilize the Quiet Game, a tried-and-true parental ploy for getting children to be silent for a few godforsaken minutes. Even when our four kids were still living at home, they were mostly barricaded in their rooms or off with friends. Si lence basically became the norm. But recently, I had to unearth a version of the QG from my bag of retired mom tricks simply to make it home from West Lafayette.

My husband, Doo, and I, along with our oldest son, had spent the afternoon at Purdue University visiting our young est for Parents Weekend. We’d started at a seedy campus bar and ended at a parking lot tailgate party. Needless to say, the cheap beer and deceptively potent shots had flowed freely. Not for me, of course; real Coke and strong cof fee are my preferred means of partying these days. At any rate, by the time we were ready to head back, Doo and our firstborn were on a roll. An obnoxiously loud and decidedly fervent roll.

Somehow, I had to find a way to sur vive an hour-plus car ride in a Honda Accord with these two, who even when sober are famously known as high-deci bel talkers. As I began muttering the serenity prayer, I suddenly remembered the QG. “Let’s see who can be quiet for five minutes!” I announced with enthusi asm. “OK!” they replied.

Not surprisingly, neither made it. The grown men in my life just couldn’t keep their gosh-darn, drunken mouths shut. But they did at least try, and I was able to gain a couple precious moments of relative calm. Thanks, QG!

Peace out.

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

Terry Anker

“Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that ‘my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.’”

VIEWS

Dying to win an argument

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

A woman who keeps quiet during an argument with her husband is four times more likely to die from heart disease, according to an article in the journal of Psychoso matic Medicine, something I don’t generally read, but my doctor’s office lobby had a choice of that or a 1993 Reader’s Digest. So, if I argue with my wife, I’m a boorish brute. But if she argues with me, she’ll live longer? More and more women will be gin taking issue with their husbands’ point of view in the hopes of staying healthy. This puts men in a tough spot. My favor ite phrase to Mary Ellen, “Would it kill you to agree with me for a change?” has a new meaning.

HUMOR

We have debated just about everything in our 42 years of marriage: How to eat pop corn; when to nap; how to load a dishwash er; how to cook a scrambled egg. We once debated whether my mother knew how to raise children. I thought my mom had done a pretty good job, but I must admit, Mary Ellen provided some strong proof to the contrary. Me!

I must not be a good debater, because I lose exchanges even if I present facts. For example, I was sure this past July was my wife’s 71st birthday, but she claimed she was only 67. I knew she was just kidding, but I liked the challenge and the chance to win an argument. I asked to see her passport and her driver’s license to bolster my position.

For a long time, they also said it was tea that is good for you, so now I’m drinking both tea and coffee four times a day, just to be sure. I might not live longer, but since I can never fall asleep, it will certainly feel longer.

This journal also claimed that drinking several cups of coffee a day is good for you, only months after the same publication said coffee causes heart disease. For a long time, they also said it was tea that is good for you, so now I’m drinking both tea and coffee four times a day, just to be sure. I might not live longer, but since I can never fall asleep, it will certainly feel longer.

My wife and I have argued about some odd stuff through the years (argue is the wrong word. Mary Ellen doesn’t want read ers to think we don’t get along). We talked about this the other day as our voices got louder and we shook our fingers at each other. In the end, I would have said I lost the argument, but now I know I simply got annihilated in a friendly discussion.

“Not only that, Mary Ellen, but I’m 75 and when we got married, I was four years older than you,” I said. “That hasn’t changed.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

“Oh, Dick, you’re living in the past. That was 42 years ago.”

She keeps reminding me that if she digs in and holds her ground in a disagreement, she will live to a ripe old age.

“Dick, don’t you always want me to be around to take care of you?”

No argument there.

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

TriCo Regional Sewer Utili ty, at 7236 Mayflower Park Dr. in Zionsville, recently completed an expansion of its offices and waste water capacity that began in 2020. Building contrac tors, TriCo employees and members of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce celebrated the improvements with a ribbon cutting Sept. 30. (Photo courtesy of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce)

Kung Fu Tea celebrated its opening at 10895 N. Michigan Rd. in Zionsville with a ribbon cutting Sept. 30. The beverage franchise offers multiple options for tea-lovers, including bub ble teas. (Photo courtesy of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce)

Annual race raises funds for AEDs

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Bolt for the Heart’s goal is to save as many lives as possible by placing automatic external de fibrillators in law enforcement members’ patrol cars.

Pierre Twer, president of Bolt for the Heart, said funds raised from the annual Thanksgiving Day run has helped complete the goal of equip ping all Indiana State Police and Hamilton County law enforcement departments with AEDs. The focus now is on placing AEDs, used to restart a person’s heart in case of sudden cardiac arrest, in all India napolis Metropolitan Police Dept. vehicles.

The 11th annual Bolt for the Heart 5K Run/ Walk is set for 9 a.m. Nov. 24, starting at Carter Green in front of the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“Last year, we gave 100 AEDs to IMPD, and this year we would like to at least donate 100 this year,” said Twer, who serves as president of Bolt for the Heart.

The 2020 event was a virtual run amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We had a couple thousand runners reg ister last year,” Twer said. “Before the race, it started raining, so we had about 800 no-shows. Then right at 9 o’clock it stopped raining and didn’t start raining again until 10 o’clock, so those that were there had a great time.”

Twer, a Westfield resident who works with open-heart patients for Abbott Laboratories, said the approximately 800 T-shirts that weren’t picked up were given to Carmel Fire Dept. and Carmel Police Dept. members.

Race packet pickup is noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Twer encourages people to pick up packets Nov. 23, but there is pickup from 7:30 to 8:20 a.m. on race day

The most AEDs donated by Bolt for the Heart was 134 in 2019. The cost of each AED is approximately $1,700.

Two major sponsors are IU Health and Performance Services.

For more, visit boltfortheheart.com.

Twer

Soprano to play ‘Tosca’ in Indy Opera production

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It seems fitting that Angela Brown is finally getting to play one of her favor ite roles in her hometown.

PERFORMANCES

“Honestly, I don’t know exactly how many times be cause I have sung full productions and concert versions of ‘Tosca’ in several plac es in the United States and Europe, but never in Indiana,” Brown said at “Tosca” performances. “That I get to sing my favor ite opera and title role for my hometown audience, fans, family and friends is excit ing, to say the least. After (the) COVID (pan demic) and lockdown, it is nice to finally get back to some kind of normalcy.”

Brown, an Indianapolis resident, will perform in the title role of “Tosca” Nov. 11-13 in the Indianapolis Opera’s production at The Tarkington at the Center of the Performing Arts in Carmel. The opera is set during the French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1802).

“‘Tosca’ is one of my favorite operas because she is a complex woman,” Brown said. “She is jealous, hopeful, in love, vin dictive, courageous, brave and impulsive. It’s wonderful to be able to peel the onion of her madness all evening, not to mention the gorgeous music of (Giacomo) Puccini that I get to sing.”

Brown said it’s one of the more chal lenging operas for sopranos.

“The soprano uses the full range of her voice as well as the range of her emo tions,” Brown said. “You have to be smart to sing ‘Tosca.’ You could ‘blow your wad’ in the second act if you are not careful. At that point in the opera, Tosca has been beaten down to the point that she is pray ing and begging God. To be able to rally yourself after all the emotional turmoil she is expressing right before the signature aria, ‘Vissi d’arte,’ takes a smart singer. And I hope I fill the bill.”

Brown will work for the first time with Metropolitan Opera tenor Gregory Turay and director James Marvel. Turay plays rebellious painter Cavaradossi.

“This is exciting for me because Gregory

and I competed in the Metropolitan Opera competition together and we have known each other for many years,” Brown said. “I look forward to being his Tosca and to working with James Marvel for the first time, too.”

This is Marvel’s first time directing at Indianapolis Opera. He has directed many times at Indiana University.

However, Marvel, who is the director of the opera program at the University of Tennessee, said when Indianapolis Opera General Director David Starkey was at Asheville (N.C.) Lyric Opera, he did three or four shows.

“We’ve known each other for a couple of decades now,” said Marvel, who also runs an agency for other directors, conductors and designers.

Marvel has directed “Tosca” at least five times.

“It’s one of my very favorites,” said Marvel, who directed “Tosca” for Opera Carolina Oct. 13-16 in Charlotte, N.C. “I think it’s the most perfectly constructed opera both dramatically and musically that has ever been written. If you were to say to me, you can only direct one act of any

opera for the rest of your life, it would be Act 2 of ‘Tosca.’ If you were to say you can only direct two acts, it would be Acts 1 and 2 of ‘Tosca.’ I literally think it’s genius, it’s brilliant.”

Marvel said he has been aware of Brown’s work for several years.

“It’s been a dream of mine to work with her for a good while,” Marvel said.

Marvel said the key to directing “Tosca” is being flexible and to work with the peo ple in the room.

“If someone has a different interpreta tion of the character than you have, you can have conversations about it,” Marvel said. “Ultimately, your dedication has to be having the best show possible, not to having my show. It’s the performers’ ‘Tosca.’ The most challenging thing is the timing about what you do with the sol diers at the top of Act 3. Finding the right choreography with the soldiers and the changing of the guard and training them to walk as soldiers takes time. Every set is different.”

The performances are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11-12 and 3 p.m. Nov. 13.

For more, visit indyopera.org.

‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’

“The Addams Family” runs through Nov. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianap olis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

CARMEL APPRENTICE THEATRE

Carmel Apprentice Theatre will present “The Addams Family,” a musical, through Nov. 13 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

‘VIOLET’

Actors Theatre of Indiana will present “Vio let” through Nov. 13 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carm el. For more, visit atistage.org.

JON MCLAUGHLIN

Jon McLaughlin: Indiana 15th Anniversary Tour will stop at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1-2 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenter presents.org.

CHRIS BOTTI

Chris Botti will perform a concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION”

The Indiana Wind Symphony will perform “Pictures at an Exhibition” with soprano soloist Jessamyn Anderson at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit Indianawindsymphony.org.

DISPATCH

ICC to host Sing-A-Thon — The Indianapolis Children’s Choir will host its annual Sing-AThon fundraising event from noon to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5. Singers from first grade through high school and beyond will perform a free concert at Shelton Auditorium on the Butler University campus as the ICC raises funds toward its $40,000 goal. The fundraising event helps support ICC programming, scholarships and outreach efforts through out the year. For more visit, icchoir.org/ Sing-A-Thon to donate and see the full schedule of Sing-A-Thon performances.

Indianapolis resident Angela Brown, who will perform in the title role in Indianapolis Opera’s production of “Tosca,” pauses outside of the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Paulina Osherov)

Violinist will appear as CSO soloist

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Janna Hymes was immediately impressed when she saw violinist Alexis Kenney per form for the first time a few years ago.

“The minute I heard him play, he was on my list to work with as a guest art ist,” Hymes said. “At the CSO, we were able to contract him soon after.”

Kenney will perform as a guest soloist in the CSO’s Masterworks 2 concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Palladium at the Center for Performing Arts in Carmel.

“Alexi is a fantastic musician and that is always the main criteria I consider when choosing guest artists,” Hymes said. “I was impressed by his playing as well as his energy.”

Kenney will perform as the soloist on “Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1.”

Kenney solos with major orchestras across the U.S. and abroad and plays recit als at places like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Cen ter and London’s Wigmore Hall. Last year, he

released his first recording, “Paul Wiancko: X Suite for Solo Violin,” a piece he commis sioned and premiered in 2019.

The concert opens with “Overture from Colas Breugnon,” which Hymes describes as a fast and exciting piece by the spirited Russian composer Dmitry Kabalevsky. That is followed by “Bruch Violin Concerto.”

The concert ends with a piece by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

IWS to feature guest conductors

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

School graduate, will be the guest soloist.

MUSIC

Indiana Wind Symphony music director and founder Charles Conrad is using the rest of the 2022-23 season and the follow ing season to find his replacement.

Conrad, 68, said he is retiring at the end of the 2023-24 season, his 25th with IWS. He will turn 70 short ly before that season ends.

“We are in conductor search at this point,” Conrad said. “I’m going to have a guest conductor do at least a couple of numbers as kind of an audition at each show.”

The IWS will perform a concert featuring “Pictures at an Exhibition” at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Palladium at the Center for the Per forming Arts in Carmel.

Conrad will conduct the opening piece and then introduce guest conductor Trae Blanco, who is the director of bands at But ler University. Blanco will conduct the rest of the concert.

Jessamyn Anderson, a 2011 Carmel High

“Pictures at an Exhibition” is the arrange ment that was done for the Marine Band, which is most of the second half of the concert, Conrad said. Anderson will perform “Songs from a Silent Land” by com poser Michael Daugherty, a compo sition professor at the University of Michigan. The piece was inspired by poems of Emily Dickinson and Chris tina Rossetti.

“It’s a new piece that premiered in 2018,” Conrad said. “We were supposed to do it in 2020 but it got canceled because of COVID.”

Anderson will sing “The Girl in 14G” to demonstrate her Broadway skills. The song is about a girl who moves to New York and has a jazz singer below her and opera sing er above her.

Conrad is recovering well after having surgery to repair a detached retina in his right eye. The IWS had to cancel its Sept. 25 concert featuring the music of John Wil liams. It has been rescheduled for Feb. 26, 2023.

For more, visit Indianawindsymphony.org.

the

Violinist Alexi Kenney will perform during the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks 2 concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy Carmel Symphony Orchestra)

Blanco

Getting ready for the holidays

We are getting close to the holiday sea son and with the holidays, and you know what that means: Party time!

CHARCUTERIE

Our family loves to have friends and family over for food. There is something special about having loved ones in the home. The warm feeling is magnified during the holidays when we become more introspective, thoughtful of the past year and hopeful of the year to come. If you like to entertain in your home, or maybe hosting events for work, you can’t always cook a big awesome meal. Sometimes making hot and cold appetizers can become a drag. You can probably guess what I’m getting ready to say. Entertain with charcuterie!

Charcuterie can be as expensive as a nice dinner, depending on the items and quantities you purchase. You don’t need to go overboard with meat and cheese, which also happen to be the most expensive in gredients. A healthy mix of toast, crackers, savory and sweet spreads, fresh and dried

fruit, mixed nuts and preserved, pickled or fermented veggies can definitely help you have a lovely spread on a smaller budget.

When picking out items for your char cuterie board, find combinations you know to be good. High fat generally goes well with high acid. Salty can pair nicely with sweet as well. Soft gets a little more di mension when paired with crunchy. Guide the eater by grouping your inspired combi nations close together. This will make the munching more intuitive.

Finally, consider your portion sizes. I always suggest portioning your meat and cheese first. The reason for this is that meat and cheese almost always are the focal point of the board. When you are out of either of them, the grazing will start to dissipate.

Happy entertaining!

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.

Commentary by Mark LaFay

Blueprint for Improvement: Authentic Indianapolis addition

After

Built in 1926, the owners of this home in the But ler-Tarkington neighborhood wanted to expand their indoor space and upgrade their outdoor experience while maintaining their home’s architectural integrity.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Custom trim, moldings and authentic period finishes help ensure the additions blend seamlessly with the home’s original architecture, inside and out.

• An additional bedroom was constructed on the home’s second story, which was reconfigured to create space for a master closet and laundry room.

• A covered patio helps incorporate the secondfloor addition into the home’s exterior, while an integrated heater allows for outdoor enjoyment across seasons.

• Composite decking, custom aluminum railings and a concrete patio come together to create a perfect gathering spot that blends seamlessly with the home’s historic appeal.

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.

Become a volunteer today

Riverview Health is looking for volunteers to join its great team. Some of the many volunteer service areas include patient transport, guest services and the gift shop. Shifts are available in the morning or afternoon, at least one day per week, Monday-Friday. If you’re interested in volunteering at Riverview Health in Noblesville or Westfield, please contact the manager of Volunteer Services, Melinda Nash, at 317.776.7236 or mnash@riverview.org. You can also scan the QR code to download an application.

RIGHT

Before

Commentary by Larry Greene

Having your fill of words

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

We all have that friend — the oversharer, the nonstop talker, the chatterbox. Sure, we’re stuck with them; as adults, it’s hard to get rid of a friend. We want to keep our friends at a safe distance and our enemies online. Howev er, did you know there are several words that describe various types of garrulous, long-winded folks? Let’s investigate. If you want to describe someone as a Chatty Cathy but don’t want them to feel bad about it, call them “multiloquent.” It has

a nice ring to it. The word is derived from the Latin prefix “multi-” (much) and “loqui” (to speak). Sure, Jeff is multiloquent, but occasionally he tells a good joke.

GRAMMAR GUY

Let’s suppose you don’t want to sound kind when referring to a verbose acquain tance. Consider describing him as a “blatte roon.” Seventeenth-century author Thomas Blount who wrote “Glossographia or a Dic tionary of Hard Words” defined a blatteroon as a “babbler,” or an “idle-headed fellow.”

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

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received:

By: Zionsville Community Schools

900 Mulberry St. Zionsville, IN 46077

For: Zionsville Community Schools District Wide Roofing Repairs, ZMS Flooring Renovations & ZCHS Whiteboard Repairs

900 Mulberry St. Zionsville, IN 46077

At: Zionsville Community Schools 900 Mulberry St. Zionsville, IN 46077

Until: 2:00 PM (local time), December 1, 2022

Bid Opening: Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 2:00 PM (local time), Zionsville Community Schools, 900 Mulberry Street, Zionsville, IN 46077.

All work for the complete construction of the Project will be under one or more prime contracts with the Owner based on bids received and on combinations awarded. The Construction Manager will manage the construction of the Project.

The Skillman Plan Room

www.skillmanplanroom.com

Construction shall be in full accordance with the Bidding Documents which are on file with the Owner and may be examined by prospective bidders at the following locations: Office of the Construction Manager The Skillman Corporation 3834 S. Emerson Avenue, Building A Indianapolis, IN 46203

Prime and Non-Prime Contract Bidders must place an order on www.skillmanplanroom.com to be able to download documents electronically or request printed documents. There is no cost for downloading the bidding documents. Bidders desiring printed documents shall pay for the cost of printing, shipping and handling. Reprographic Services are provided by:

Eastern Engineering 9901 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038, Phone 317-598-0661.

WAGE SCALE: Wage Scale does not apply to this project.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on November 10, 2022 at 2:00 PM, local time, via Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 237 992 519 905 Passcode: La8nrH

Download Teams | Join on the web Or call in (audio only)

317-762-3960,,875804829# United States, Indianapolis

Phone Conference ID: 875 804 829#

Attendance by bidders is optional, but recommended, in order to clarify or answer questions concerning the Drawings and Project Manual for the Project.

Bid security in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the Bid must accompany each Bid in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.

The successful Bidders will be required to furnish Performance and Payment Bonds for one hundred percent (100%) of their Contract amount prior to execution of Contracts.

Contractors submitting bids for the performance of any Work as specified in this building Project should make such Bids to Zionsville Community Schools (a public building corporation). Contractors are advised that the Contract as finally entered into with any successful Bidder may be entered into with either the School Corporation or the Building Corporation or certain portions of the Contract may be entered into by both the School Corporation and the Building Corporation.

The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any Bid (or combination of Bids) and to waive any irregularities in bidding. All Bids may be held for a period not to exceed 60 days before awarding contracts.

Zionsville Community Schools

By: Rebecca Coffman

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