November 22, 2022 — Zionsville

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Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XI, No. 37 Copyright 2021. Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved.

30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

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

Current in Zionsville currentzionsville.com

Stehr campaigns for safety, communication

By Elle Kreamer elle@youarecurrent.com

John Stehr, a Zionsville resident and former broadcast journalist for WTHR-TV Channel 13, recently announced his can didacy for Zionsville mayor. Stehr said he is campaigning on a platform of effective commu nication, promotion of public safety and planning for responsible eco nomic growth within the town. Stehr, who is vying for the Re publican nomination with former Zionsville Community Schools Board member Jane

Burgess, said his career as a broadcast journalist has provided him with a skill for good communication that he said has been lacking in Zionsville in recent years.

POLITICS

“Town governments are effective because of good communication, both with each other and with the people they represent,” Stehr said. “I think I can foster that in a way nobody else can. I feel my background and my experiences have uniquely posi tioned me to take on this role.”

Stehr, who is seeking to unseat incumbent Democrat Emily Styron, said he has been prioritizing meeting with individuals and town leaders to get a com

prehensive grasp on what is important to constituents.

“That’s what municipal government is for, is to do the will of the people of the town,” Stehr said. “For every dollar you pay in taxes, you should get a dollar’s worth of service in return. The only way that can happen is if (the government) is listening to the people that are paying that dollar and responding to what they want.”

Public safety is also important to the campaign, Stehr said, as he wants to main tain Zionsville’s reputation as one of the safest towns in Indiana by keeping up with

Town council approves multiple 2022 appropriations

By Elle Kreamer • elle@youarecurrent.com

The Zionsville Town Council on Nov. 7 voted unanimously to amend the town’s 2022 salary ordinance, as well as to ap prove the appropriation of funds for a redistricting project and for expenses for the fire and police departments.

What happened: The council voted unanimously to ap prove the consideration of an amendment to the 2022 Salary Ordinance, Ordinance 2022-23.

What it means: The amendment changes the language of the ordinance, which would 1) Promote the existing Fire Department Executive Admin Assistant to the position of Administrative Manager; 2) updates the pay grade of Fleet Manager position from 28 to 30 which was previously misstated; 3) removes the inapplicable language regarding the probationary period for police which is not accurate; and 4) updates the annual base salary minimum, midpoint and maximum associated with five pay grades to represent the reporting relationships in tiered positions within the same pay grade in police and fire.

What happened: The council voted unanimously to approve the consideration of the Zionsville Fire Department’s special purchase of medical equipment from the national company Stryker Medical.

What it means: The introduction of the purchase to the coun cil was intended to acknowledge on the public record that this is a sole-source purchase, according to ZFD Chief James VanGorder, meaning Stryker is the only provider of said equip ment. Approval of the purchase would mean an annual pay ment of around $136,000 per year would be made to Stryker Medical over 10 years. By fixing the costs of the equipment over that time frame, the department would see proposed potential cost savings of $378,000 on equipment in need of upgrades, according to VanGorder. The purchase includes eight Lifepak AEDs, 15 cardiac monitors, four electric motor ized cots for ambulances as well as other necessary medical equipment.

What happened: The council voted unanimously to approve the con sideration of a resolution to appropriate funds toward a redistricting project that was not previously accounted for in the 2022 budget.

What it means: The additional appropriation of funds totals $60,000. Of that total, $50,000 will go to the law firm Kroger Gardis & Regas, and $10,000 will go to paying for a mapping consul tant. The project would need to be completed by the end of 2022. According to the council’s attor ney, Heather Harris, the goal of redistricting is to even out populations represented in all of the districts so that each council member is repre senting a proportional number of citizens in their respective district.

What’s next: Once the new maps are drawn, they will be presented to the council and the public will be giv en the opportu nity to comment on the proposed districts.

What happened: The council unanimously approved the appropria tion of additional funds for the fire dept. for multiple purchases to be made in 2022, subsequently de-appropriating funds that were approved for the 2023 budget.

What it means: The additional appropriation of funds includes: $35,000 for additional fuel expenses; $160,000 from the fire department equip ment fund to purchase a fire engine that the department has been leasing, as the vehicle is worth $400,000 now as opposed to the original purchase price of $295,000; a request for the replacement of a new SCBA breathing air compressor budgeted for 2023 to be moved to 2022 to save approximately $8,769; a request for the purchase of new tornado sirens budgeted for 2023 to be moved to 2022 to save approximately $6,433.

What happened: The council voted unanimously to approve the con sideration of a resolution to appropriate funds toward a redistricting project that was not previously accounted for in the 2022 budget.

What it means: Nine items approved for the 2023 budget will now be purchased in 2022 to save money prior to projected cost increases, as well as to ensure equipment will arrive and be available to the five new officers that will be hired next year. The expenses include purchases for the new officers, including vehicles, vehicle equipment, AED defibrillators, new computers, radios, firearms, ammo and tasers.

Stehr

Continued from Page 3

personnel, equipment and training needs to keep up with growth. Stehr said mental health is just as crucial to public safety as anything else.

“I think it goes beyond the police depart ment and the fire department,” he said. “Sometimes we need to do all we can to support mental health for the people here, and I think we also have to train first re sponders on how to deal with people who are in mental health crises in a way that makes it safer for those people, for the first responders and for everybody around them.”

Along with public safety, Stehr said the town’s growth calls for a more intentional and transparent plan that maintains the town’s historical significance while also promoting responsible economic devel opment and raising the bond rating once again.

Stehr also said he feels the town could accomplish more sustainable growth by seeking grants, private donations and partnerships.

“We need to plan for the future and have a vision for what Zionsville is going to be and communicate that through modern marketing techniques like social media to

tell the Zionsville story again and again and create a narrative around the town,” Stehr said.

Stehr noted his time as president of the Zionsville Board of Parks and Recreation also allowed him to see the importance of development in bringing the town together. He said parks department surveys showed a community center is a top priority for constituents and he hopes to put this into action if elected.

Above all, Stehr said building consensus is just as important as communication in maintaining a strong municipal government.

“Bring developers together to meet with conservationists, bring people of different political stripes together and hear what they have to say,” Stehr said. “That’s how you build a consensus going forward. There’s no such thing as too much informa tion or too much data when you’re dealing with big issues.”

Stehr said although he wasn’t born in Zionsville, he has lived in the town for 30 years and hopes to do his part by serving as its mayor.

“I’m not running against anybody, I’m run ning for Zionsville and for my ideas,” Stehr said. “I want the town 30 years from now to be the kind of place people love raising their families in as much as I have.”

Nonprofit opens chapter in Zionsville

news@currentzionsville.com

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT THE BARRINGTON OF CARMEL

If you’re considering a move to the maintenance-free lifestyle you deserve, now’s the time to get settled in ahead of winter!

NONPROFIT

A nationwide mother-daughter service organization known as the National Charity League recently launched a chapter in Zionsville. Ap proximately 100 members of the community have joined in its efforts thus far, according to a release.

“After learning about this organization, I knew it was a great fit for Zionsville and the surrounding communities,” chapter president Melody Peake Berg stated in a press release. “NCL provides multiple ways for young women and their mothers to con nect while forming lifelong friendships with peers and providing much needed support to the community.”

The National Charity League, Inc., was es tablished in Los Angeles in 1925. Its mission is to develop socially responsible commu nity leaders while strengthening the bond between mothers and daughters through leadership development and philanthropy.

The Zionsville chapter of the organization has elected to participate in multiple na tional philanthropic initiatives as well as lo

cal organizations they will support through volunteer service, such as the Boone County Humane Society, Zionsville Parks and Rec reation and Boone County Special Olympics, among others. The chapter expects its list of philanthropy partners will grow as it be comes more established.

Membership is open through Jan. 12, 2023, for Zionsville mothers and their 6th-11thgrade daughters who reside in the area and surrounding area school districts. For more, contact the VP of Membership at Member shipZionsville@nclonline.org.

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For more information, or to schedule a tour, call Steve Clossey at 317-810-1825. THEBARRINGTONOFCARMEL.COM 1335 S. Guilford Road, Carmel, IN 46032 317-810-1800

The full group of the Zionsville chapter of the National Charity League pauses during a kickoff event. (Photo courtesy of the National Charity League)

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A look inside Republic Services’ north Indy recycling facility

Recyclables collected in the Republic Ser vices blue bins in Carmel and surrounding areas end up at the company’s recycling facility south of I-465 and west of Michigan Road in north Indianapolis. The facility, which uses optics, magnets and several other technologies to sort recyclable mate rials, processes up to 25 tons of material an hour. Craig Lutz, Republic Services manager of municipal sales, said contamination lev els have grown since the COVID-19 pandemic began, leading to many items intended to be recycled ending up in a landfill. To pre vent contamination, Lutz advises, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

WHAT CAN BE RECYCLED?

• Paper and cardboard (flattening is recommended)

• Metal cans

• Plastic bottles and jugs (empty, clean and dry)

Never place in Republic recycling bins:

• Plastic bags and wrappers

• Styrofoam

• Food waste

• Batteries and electronics

• Yard waste

• Diapers

• Soiled or wet paper products

• Clothing and shoes

• Tools

• Toys

• Construction waste

• Medical waste

Other tips:

• Don’t bag recycling (everything in a bag will end up in a landfill)

• Connected or mixed materials, such as a paper envelope with plastic bub ble wrap, cannot be recycled

• Keep plastic lids on containers or throw the lids away

• Never allow more than one teaspoon of liquid to remain in a recyclable

Items collected from recycling bins travel up a conveyor belt to begin the sorting process.

Craig Lutz, manager of municipal sales, right, gives a tour of the Republic Services recycling facility.

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DISPATCHES

Rail Trail Closure — A Rail Trail development project will begin early 2023 and will repair and widen the existing Rail Trail from Her itage Trail Park south to Starkey Avenue and create a uniform 12-foot-wide trail with a two-foot soft shoulder on each side for runners. Closures will be completed in two phases to allow use of segments of the trail throughout the project. For Phase I in early 2023, the Rail Trail will be closed from Heritage Trail Park to the Mulberry Street tunnel. As more information becomes avail able, updates will be posted at zionsville-in. gov/666/Big-4-Rail-Trail-Extension. Ques tions can be directed to Superintendent Jarod Logsdon at jlogsdon@zionsville-in.gov.

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. to 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 Homemakers Facebook page.

Christmas with a Cop — The Boone County Indiana Fraternal Order of Police Richard G. Brown Memorial Lodge announced the 25th Annual “Christmas with a Cop” program is under way. This year’s fundraising goal is $55,000, which will provide more than 400 children in need, ages 12 and under, with winter coats, shoes, boots, and clothing. Applications are available for pickup at the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Lebanon Po lice Dept., Whitestown Metropolitan Police Dept., Zionsville Town Hall and the Zionsville Police Dept., and can be dropped off at the same locations Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Completed applications must be re turned no later than 4 p.m. Nov. 23.

2022 leaf collection schedule — This fall, the Zionsville Department of Public Works will provide curbside leaf collection for resi dents in the urban service district. Leaf col lection will take place through Dec. 2, and may be extended to mid-December if neces sary, weather permitting. All leaves collect ed are recycled. For questions, contact DPW at 317-873-4544. For more, visit zionsville-in. gov/153/Leaf-Collection.

POLITICS

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Guerin Catholic receiver has memorable season

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Guerin Catholic High School senior wide receiver Will Fremion has had a mood swing.

“I’ve always been full on baseball and this season changed it all,” Fremion said. “I’m a lot more focused on foot ball now.”

Fremion had 61 catch es for 1,103 yards and 11 touchdowns for Guerin Catholic (7-5), which lost to Bishop Chatard 49-13 Nov. 4 in the Class 3A Sectional 28 final.

“We were pumped for the year, working all offseason with team bonding stuff,” Fremion said. “We knew we had something special.”

The Carmel resident who had 24 catches as a junior, said he had a huge connection with junior quarterback Ryan Zimmerman during the preseason jamboree.

“Zimmerman and I had a great three (regular) games,” he said. “I think going into Week 4, he was leading the state in passing

MEET WILL FREMION

Favorite athlete: Justin Jefferson

Favorite TV show: “The Office”

Favorite subjects: English litera ture or business management

yards and I was leading in receiving yards. I thought it was funny but really cool.”

Zimmerman was injured in the fourth game and missed the rest of the season.

“Seeing him go down against Brebeuf Je suit was the toughest thing that happened all season,” Fremion said. “What he and I did in those first three games was incredible. I’m never going to forget those. Even on my

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highlight film, half the plays are with him, which I think is hilarious because it’s just three games.”

Fremion said he had confidence in soph omore Malcolm Houze, who became the starter. After a tough two games, Houze was able to turn things around in a 31-30 loss to Chatard in the regular season.

“This year was remarkable,” Fremion said. “From the seniors to the young guys, this was by far my favorite season of all time.”

Fremion said he made the most im provement in speed and strength.

“I got a lot bigger in the offseason and definitely faster than I was the year be fore,” he said.

Fremion gave up basketball after his sophomore season.

“I’ve always taken baseball the most seriously because we come from a base ball family,” Fremion said.

Fremion, a center fielder, hit .330 with 19 runs batted in for Guerin last season.

His older brother, Grant, plays baseball for Saint Louis University.

Fremion is considering playing football or baseball in college.

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Guerin Catholic receiver Will Fremion had 61 catches this past season. (Photo courtesy of Will Fremion)

Fremion

Giving lots of thanks

Commentary by Ward Degler

Thanksgiving is two days away, and I have much to be thankful for. Number 1, tomorrow is our wedding anniversary. After 42 years, Jeanne still puts up with me and overlooks my failings.

Last fall, a follow-up PET scan announced I was cancer-free. A biopsy in October con firmed it. Now, I continue the process of building back stamina so I can walk further than the mailbox without getting exhausted.

PLAIN TALK

Number 2 is my health. Two days before Christmas last year, I got a call from my urologist letting me know my latest lab re sults showed possible cancer cells. Explor atory surgery a month later confirmed I had bladder cancer.

On March 10, surgeons removed the tu mor, and the first week in April I started chemo and radiation treatment. My final radiation treatment was June 9. Three days later, I was in the hospital.

At first, they didn’t know why I was so sick. Subsequent tests disclosed 15 differ ent ailments, including pneumonia, three infections and a heart attack. Then they discovered that surgical scar tissue had blocked one of my kidneys. All the medica tions I was taking along with normal bodily toxins had backed up in the kidney and made me ill.

My No. 3 thanksgiving item is learning how devoted my wife of 42 years really is. From the moment of diagnosis, she was at my side. She slept on the floor next to me in the hospital. At home, she followed me from room to room with a walker to keep me from falling. She drove me to at least a thousand medical appointments, made sure I took my medications and generally antici pated my slightest need from a clean shirt to a glass of water.

So, for my returning health and the wom an who helped me get there, I am deeply grateful. Looking back 42 years, I think she could have done better than me. But please don’t tell her.

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.

By Will Riddell news@currentzionsville.com

Every morning before Connie Jones starts cutting hair, she organizes her station. She lays out fresh towels, makes sure her tools are clean and fills her spray bottle with fresh water. It is the way she has started every day at the Boone Village Barber Shop. But on the first Monday of 2023, Jones won’t be doing any clipping, cutting, shav ing or trimming. After 20 years at the Boone Village Barber Shop — and 30 years as a pro fessional barber — Jones is officially hang ing up the clippers for good Dec. 30.

For two decades, Jones has positioned herself behind the middle seat, but she has never gone to “work.” And that’s because she’s so much more than a barber to so many of her clients.

“I love what I do and it’s never a job, it’s just fun,” Jones said. “The people are awe some, and the customers are amazing, little

Barber retires after 20 years at Boone Village Barber Shop

kids, old men, all the way.”

Jones arrived in Zionsville after cutting hair for 10 years at a barbershop in Browns burg. Mike Nell, who purchased the Boone Village Barber Shop in 1989, was looking to add another barber to his staff. Jones said Nell was willing to give her a shot and the rest is history.

“She just communicates well,” Nell said. “Communication skills (are) a big part of the business.”

When it comes to her customers, Jones doesn’t want to simply provide a service; she wants to lift their spirits.

“You just feel so good when somebody comes in, they’re either sad or they’re an gry, they’re having a bad day, and you’re not just giving them a haircut. You’re listening to what’s going on in their world,” Jones said. “And if you can crack a joke (or) just (do) anything to make them smile, then you feel like, ‘OK, I’ve done my job.’”

Tyler McFall and his family have been

coming to Jones for approximately eight years. They drive from Westfield to get haircuts, most recently on a cold and cloudy Friday November afternoon.

For McFall and his four kids, Jones isn’t just a barber, she’s family.

“She’s like a grandma to them,” McFall said. “She gives them money on their birth days and all that crazy stuff. They just have a good time with her.”

And she has a good time with them, as evidenced by the hugs, smiles and group photo they all take before McFall and his family depart.

It’s her role as a grandma that is greatly responsible for her retirement. Jones plans to relocate to Fort Wayne in the spring of next year to be closer to her daughter and four grandchildren.

“I want to finish watching them grow up,” Jones said.

Still, leaving behind the friends and family she has made while “working” as a barber

in Zionsville won’t be easy. Jones believes the ending will be bittersweet.

“After 50 years in the workforce and 30 years on my feet, I’m ready, but I’m going to miss everybody so much, I really am,” Jones said. “Mike and his family have just adopted me, and they’ve been a part of me for 20 years, but I won’t lose touch with them.”

Nell knows it will be strange looking over and not seeing Jones at her station.

“It will be different,” he said.

As for McFall, he has another barber lined up, but he knows it won’t be the same.

“You can’t replace Connie,” McFall said.

Fortunately for the McFall family and many of Jones’ other customers, they still have one more appointment scheduled before Dec. 30. And when they come in for their haircut, Jones won’t be working. She’ll be having fun.

ON THE COVER: Connie Jones sits at her chair inside the Boone Village Barber Shop. (Photo by Will Riddell)

Connie Jones pauses with the McFall family inside the Boone Village Barber Shop. (Photos by WIll Riddell) Connie Jones’ tools laid out neatly at her station.

Connie Jones brushes hair off of customer Jerry Shultz.

ESSAY

Share the road

Commentary by Terry Anker

Scooting along in traffic, we come to know that some people like to use their brakes more than their accelerator. They are a bit more cautious. They planned ahead and take their time. They are not going to risk their lives, or that of any one else, in making up for “lost time” on the way to the grocery. How can these drivers not be loved?

Still, others — who like to use their accelerator more than their brakes — might argue the reverse. “Don’t these slowpokes have anything better to do?” While they may be taking their time, they are also taking ours, so the argument goes. Productive people don’t waste time plodding along. There is nothing wrong with living a full life. There is nothing wrong with moving a little more deliberately through space. These good people are making the best of every moment. How can they not be loved?

The challenge, of course, is that we all share the same streets. Sometimes, we even share an office, home, or bed with one decidedly in the opposite camp from our own. Sure, we can make it all work. Each of us, in certain conditions, use both the gas and the brake pedals. But mostly, we tend to deploy the one most closely aligned with our perspec tive on life. Are we likely to accelerate into traffic or hold back, reticent be cause of the risk? Even as we make our own choices, are we also imposing our views on those who share the road with us? Are we that certain of our justification?

As a society, we’ve set some bound aries around it all through myriad regulations, codes and enforcement mechanisms. But mostly, we just have to figure out how to share. Accelerator or brakes, do we leave room for others?

CURRENTOON

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Unhappy with happy people

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Sometimes, I don’t like happy peo ple. Sometimes, I want to luxuriate in my own bad mood without chronically joyful folks invading my space. Some times, I just want the world and all its inhabitants, and even Mother Nature, to join me in feeling grumpy. The proverbial misery loves company, you know?

Which is why on a recent morning I found my husband, Doo, so annoying. I came downstairs to him watching a “SNL” recap on his phone, oscillating between grade-school giggles and up roarious laughter. This went on for a solid 15 minutes, and my temperament — which had started at “Blessings, it’s cold and gray outside” — nosedived to, “Ugh, you’re ruining everything!” He was too gosh-darned happy for my pre-cof fee, introverted, already-in-a-funk-self to handle, and of course, in my tactless manner, I told him exactly that. Doo, with a big smile, simply responded, “Deal with it.”

My teaching neighbor, who is school-renowned for her high-energy kindness and spontaneous hugs, is at least aware of her occasional toxic posi tivity (her words, not mine) and can rein in the cheerfulness when necessary. A couple of my kids are like that, too. They can read when the room is gloomy and understand that force-feeding joy is not always the right play. And in fairness to Doo, he’s come a long way in accepting the idea that it’s OK to not constantly be OK.

CHARLIE BROWN

POLICIES

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But on this day, he clearly misread the “Your wife is in a snit; tread care fully” signs. Instead of moving to the kitchen and leaving me to wallow, he in advertently exacerbated my blechtness with his obnoxious delight. So, yeah, sometimes I don’t like happy people.

Peace out.

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

Danielle Wilson

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

“What if today, we were just grateful for everything?”

—

Marriage in double ‘Jeopardy!’

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Third night

Mayim: Dick, tell us about the time you had an embarrassing moment on TV with a big Hollywood star.

HUMOR

In last week’s column, I shared personal recollections my wife might discuss during the “chat” portion of the show “Jeopardy!” if she were a contestant. All of Mary Ellen’s responses were true stories. This week is what I would say if I were accepted to be one of the three challengers. Again, all my answers are true.

First night on show

Host Mayim Bialik: So, Dick, I understand you lied to get your first job as a teacher.

Dick: Mayim, it’s true. Arriving for my interview at the high school I had attended four years earlier, I discovered that the En glish position I wanted had been filled. What they needed now was a psychology teacher. The assistant super intendent asked me what I majored in. I said psychology, which wasn’t true. I got the job. Then I taught psychology for 10 years.

Second night

Mayim: Dick, is it true you once made the front page of a tabloid magazine?

Dick: In New York City, I became friendly with exercise guru Richard Simmons. The paparazzi snapped a photo of us jogging together in Central Park. The next week at the supermarket checkout counter, I saw one of those trashy tabloids with a photo of us on the lower left-hand corner of the cover. The headline read: Exercise with your lover. I received calls from friends I hadn’t heard from in years. I thought the whole thing was funny. Richard thought it was hysterical. So did my wife. What about you?

Dick: Mayim, I interviewed Cyd Charisse, the renowned actress and dancer. My pro ducer told me to mention Underalls, a panty hose brand that I assumed was sponsoring her tour. This made sense; the woman had awesome legs. I mentioned Underalls nu merous times until Ms. Charisse corrected me, saying she had nothing to do with Underalls, but she did want to talk about Enderall, her arthritis medicine. This week, 35 years later, I finally got a pair of hearing aids. A little late, to be sure.

Fourth night

– DICK WOLFSIE

Mayim: I’m told you have asked some really dumb questions on your TV shows. What was the dumbest?

Dick: I interviewed a man who had a 6-foot-long alligator pet named Fritz. When I got to his house, his reptilian giant had on a T-shirt that said, “I’m a Dick Wolfsie Fan.” I asked the owner if he had ever gotten in the tank with the gator. “No, Dick, Fritz put that shirt on by himself.”

Fifth night

Who am I kidding? There is no chance I would get to the fifth night. Or the second night, for that matter.

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

ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914

Fri Dec 2 at 8pm

CANADIAN BRASS CHRISTMAS

Sat Dec 3 at 8pm

LUMINARE CHRISTMAS

Thu Dec 8 at 7:30pm

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS TOUR

Fri Dec 9 at 8pm

MARIE OSMOND: A SYMPHONIC CHRISTMAS TOUR

Sat Dec 10 at 8pm

MICHAEL BOLTON: GREATEST HITS & HOLIDAY FAVORITES

Tue Dec 13 at 7:30pm

CELTIC WOMAN: A CHRISTMAS SYMPHONY TOUR

Thu Dec 15 at 7:30pm

JEFF ALLEN

Sat Jan 7 at 7:30pm

THE MAVERICKS

Fri Jan 27 at 8pm

UGLY DUCKLING

Sat Jan 28 at 11am & 1:30pm

DUBLIN IRISH DANCE:WINGS A CELTIC MUSIC CELEBRATION

Fri Feb 10 at 8pm

BONEY JAMES

Sat Feb 18 at 8pm

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: LINDSAY ZANNO: T. REX RISES

Tue Feb 21 at 7:30pm

LVIV NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA OF UKRAINE

Fri Feb 24 at 8pm

SAMMY MILLER AND THE CONGREGATION

Fri Mar 3 at 8pm

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

Fri Mar 17 at 8pm

PEKING ACROBATS

Sat Mar 18 at 8pm

JIM MESSINA

Wed Mar 22 at 7:30pm

Sun Mar 26 at 7pm

KEVIN NEALON

Fri Apr 7 at 8pm

MARC COHN & SHAWN COLVIN TOGETHER ONSTAGE

Thu Apr 13 at 7:30pm

ABILENE

Sat Apr 15 at 8pm

THE FOUR PHANTOMS IN CONCERT

Fri Apr 21 at 8pm

GRAHAM NASH: AN INTIMATE EVENING OF STORIES & SONGS

Sun April 23 at 7pm

ENSTUDDARD&CLAYAIKEN•Thu

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE:

FILIPE DEANDRADE: UNTAMED

Tue Apr 25 at 7:30pm

GET HAPPY: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN CELEBRATES THE JUDY GARLAND CENTENNIAL

Sat Apr 29 at 8pm

GEORGE HINCHLIFFE’S UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN

Sun Apr 30 at 7pm

EVIL WOMANTHE AMERICAN ELO

Fri May 5 at 8pm

RUBEN STUDDARD & CLAY AIKEN: THE REUNITED TOUR

Thu May 11 at 7:30pm

Zionsville celebrates the holidays

By Elle Kreamer elle@youarecurrent.com

Beginning this month, the Town of Zionsiville’s com munity calendar overflows with events for the Winterfest celebrations and the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas in the Village events.

For town officials like Mindy Murdock, director of Rec reation Service at the Zionsville Parks Dept., and Allyson Gutwein, executive director of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce, the collaborative planning of the holiday activi ties often takes an entire year.

“As soon as (last year’s) Winterfest ended, we did a recap and looked at what worked, what didn’t work, what we liked and what we wanted to have back,” Murdock said. “It was probably right at the end of summer that we ramped up our planning, going through and figuring out what exact ly we want to do as far as programming.”

Frozen Fête, a new feature of this year’s Dec. 3 Winter fest, required much more planning than the Winterfest skating event that has become a tradition in Zionsville, according to Murdock. The concept for the event stemmed from an event last year that featured Disney Princesses Anna and Elsa from the movie “Frozen.”

“Anna and Elsa will be there, but in addition to that we’ll have dancing, music, crafts, food, giveaways and prizes,”

Murdock said. “We really want to make it almost like a ball that anybody can come to and enjoy.”

According to Murdock, this year’s centerpiece Winterfest skating event, which runs Dec. 9 through Jan. 2, will feature various themes, including a “Stranger Things” skate night and a Halloween-themed skate night, when skaters can wear Halloween costumes.

“And why not?” Murdock said. “People do Christmas in July, so we can do Halloween in December.”

Similar to Winterfest, Gutwein said the Zionsville Cham ber of Commerce’s Christmas in the Village event takes about a year to plan.

For those wanting to support local Zionsville businesses, some events start Nov. 25 with Small Business Weekend, according to Gutwein. But the centerpiece event that kicks off the celebratory season is the Nov. 26 Christmas in the Village Parade.

“We turned Small Business Saturday into Small Business Weekend because we didn’t feel one day was enough to serve all of our small businesses,” Gutwein said. “That way, (visitors) can go to the parade, get Santa photos, and get all of their Christmas shopping done, and that’s what we want to encourage — for people to think of Zionsville and shop locally first.”

Gutwein said Christmas in the Village is something families have looked forward to for generations, and the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce wants to maintain the cel ebratory spirit.

Parks department officials share the sentiment with re gard to planning.

“It takes a lot of communication and collaboration with myself and my staff to get those kinds of things going,“ Murdock said. “Our goal is to always make it feel — for staff and for the community — a little better every year.”

Holiday Traditions

“When I was a kid, we would go to church on Christmas Eve at 7:30 at night. We’d come home and Santa would have come. We’d get our gifts and stay up until 3 in the morning.”

What is your favorite part of that memory? “Not a specific one. I just miss those times. It’s something in my childhood that I’ve al ways valued a lot because when your family grows, things change.”

“I see family that I don’t get to see throughout the year for Thanksgiving. For our Christmas dinner, we have it at my grandma’s house almost every single year.”

What is your favorite part? “Seeing my nephews and nieces happy on Christmas morning, opening their presents. We got my nephew a PlayStation 4 a few years back. He started crying. That’s something you can’t get out of your mind. It made me so happy.”

“We always have a big Thanksgiving with family. That’s the main event. Home cooking for everybody to come together. We like to do matching pajamas before Christmas. The first gifts are always matching pajamas.”

What do you like the most about your traditions? “I love gift giving and thinking about people.”

USPS Operation Santa

USPS Operation Santa pairs letters from kids and families with generous people who fulfill their holiday wishes. You can be a part of it — the more letters sent to Santa, the more magic we can deliver.

HOW IT WORKS:

• Letters are written to Santa’s special address and USPS receives them.

• They redact personal information and publish those letters online.

• Generous people “adopt” and fulfill them.

• Adopters ship gifts. Holiday wishes are delivered.

WRITE A LETTER TO SANTA What to include within the letter:

• Tell Santa what type of year you’ve had. Be honest. He knows!

• Requests for clothes and shoes should include preferred size, style and color. For toys, games and

books, include names and titles.

• Return address information with a full name, street address, apartment/unit number (if applicable), city, state and ZIP Code.

ADDRESSING A LETTER TO SANTA Letters to USPS Operation Santa must be postmarked no later than December 12.

1. Write your full name and home mailing address, including apartment number if applicable, in the upper left corner of the envelope.

2. Address the envelope to: Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888

3. A First-Class Mail postage stamp is required, placed in the upper right corner of the envelope. For more, visit about.usps.com/ holidaynews/operation-santa.htm

NICOLE MOLINARO

ANDRE LONG

ERIKA NICKENS

“Eating. I love baking Christmas cookies and watching Hallmark Christmas movies.”

Why cookies? “I always love baking cookies but at Christmas there’s fun embellishments you can put on it. I make the same cookies that my mom and my grandma make.”

How do you feel when you’re cooking around the holidays? “Joyful.”

“When I was younger and even now my mom always made what we call reindeer mix. It’s your traditional white-chocolate Chex mix. She still makes it and gives it to my kids.”

Do you ever make it with her? “She won’t teach us, but she’ll teach the granddaughter.”

Why is that your favorite? “It’s every year since I could remem ber and now it’s every year my kids can remember.”

“Decorating the Christmas tree and the exterior of the house. As a child, my birthday is in December, so we would always wait until December 11th to have my birthday and have the celebration done before he put up the Christmas tree. Since we’re raising our family now, we do it Thanksgiving weekend.”

How do you feel when you’re decorating the tree? “We love it. Our children love it.”

“When my daughters were in elementary school. They were super excited about it. We started a tradition where we fed the reindeer. They came in that night to make the food and took some them selves. They were probably in second grade and kindergarten when we started that.”

“Watching my son open presents.”

Tell me more about that. “He’s the only child and it’s just me and him. Seeing a smile on his face and going around to see the Christ mas lights. He loves that.”

Is there a certain gift you remember him opening? “He got a dirt bike last year. He couldn’t be happier. He was ready to go out side in the freezing cold and get on it.”

“Every Christmas it’s about the morning. Getting up early, being excited and waiting as patiently as possible, us kids, for our par ents to get out of bed.”

What is your favorite part of those memories? “The excitement and surprises of what my parents might think I would like and get me. It makes me proud that my parents would care that much to make a moment like that special for me.”

BECKY WOOD

GENE MOSLEY

TRENT PAINO

CHRISSY CAREL

ELLIE PAINO

Best Holiday Movie

RACHEL DONAHUE

“’Elf.’ It’s about a grown man who thinks he’s an elf. He sees the world through innocent eyes. It’s really enjoyable. It’s like seeing things through a child’s eye. It’s just wonder with all of the things. I watch it with my kids every year.”

What makes it the best? “It’s the only movie in our tradition that me and my kids look forward to watching together every year be cause it makes us laugh.”

NANCY STARKE

“While You Were Sleeping.”

What is that about? “It’s about when a woman who has lost her parents is mistakenly identified by another family as the fiancé of a man whose life she saved. His family thinks she’s engaged to him while he’s sleeping. So ‘while you were sleeping’ is the premise of the movie.’”

What made you choose that movie? ”It’s a fun movie. “

JACK DOERGES

“It’s not a holiday movie, but I’ll watch Scary Movie around the holiday times. It’s what me and my friends do. I think ‘Home Alone 2’ is a sleeper. It’s good but because it’s so bad that you laugh at it.”

Why “Home Alone 2”? “I really like the first one. It’s the clas sic good one. 2 takes you through New York and it’s a change of characters.”

BRITTANY SHAVER

“By far, Chevy Chase’s ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.’ It’s about a worker who was hoping to get a bonus at the end. It’s the best scene.”

What makes that your favorite? “It’s good. Everybody has their people. Like their crazy aunt that shows up with a cat wrapped in a box. My favorite scene is when the police come because they kid napped the boss and they’re like ‘freeze!’”

Worst Holiday Movie

“The Jim Carey version of ‘The Grinch.’”

You don’t like The Grinch? “Just the Jim Carey version. It’s prob ably because I love the cartoon so much. It’s awesome. I just don’t like that movie.”

What is the most memorable scene? “The close-ups of him and his face. It’s just creepy. I like Max the dog because I like dogs.”

MADISON LAATZ

“The Santa Clause movies. I don’t like any of them.”

Why not? “I have other movies I prefer. I love Elf and I love Home Alone.”

CHARLES RIDINGS

Best Holiday Song

SAWYER LEHMAN

“Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer.”

What makes it the best for you? “It’s funny and uplifting in my opin ion. It’s not serious. It’s just a fun and goofy holiday song.”

Worst Holiday Song

PAM CHERRY

“‘Silver Bells.’ I like it but I don’t.”

What is it that you don’t like about it? “It’s just not very upbeat. It doesn’t get me in the Christmas spirit.”

What are the most memorable lyrics? “’Silver bells’ over and over.”

KATIE HINTZ

“I could maybe do without the ‘Jingle Bell Rock.’”

Why that song? “I would just push skip when it came on. It doesn’t really speak to me.”

“Have you seen that commercial from Old Navy? There’s a holiday com mercial already out and I don’t know the lady that sings it. It is so bad.”

The commercial being referenced is an Old Navy Commercial featuring Jennifer Coolidge that came out Nov. 2022.

Describe the commercial “She’s at a piano and she’s singing about a sale. She pulls out this asparagus for the deer. It’s so cheesy. It’s so bad.”

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“‘Baby It’s Cold Outside.’ It’s got some negative press and it just doesn’t feel good. I’d rather listen to some Mariah Carey or some Michael Bublé.”

How do you feel when you hear that song? “I feel cold. I seriously feel cold. Icy the Snowman comes on and I think fun let’s go. I hear ‘Baby it’s Cold Outside’ and I think I’m not going anywhere. I’m going back home.”

“‘

Christmas Shoes.’ It’s about this little boy who’s buying shoes to go to his mom’s funeral.” Song by NewSong. Why is that the worst? “They play it all season. It’s so depressing.” Is there a memorable line? “No. I don’t listen to it. When it starts, I switch it and put on Bobby Bublé and dance.”

KEITH SHEPHERD

RYAN GRIFFIN

Virtual Silent Auction, Friday Nov. 18 to Tuesday Nov. 29

2022 HOLIDAY CALENDAR

DROP-IN DISCOVERY: WILD TURKEYS!

Have you ever seen a wild turkey trotting around Zionsville? Drop-in to the Zionsville Nature Center to learn all about wild tur keys just in time for the holidays. There will be family-friendly activities and crafts available.

When: Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-noon

Where: 250 N. 5th St.

Cost: Free

CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM 2022

Trader’s Point is bringing holiday magic for its 14th year. There will be winter hayrides, holiday lights and crafts, visits from Steve Quinn and visits from Santa and its historic 1800s red barn as a backdrop. Stop by the Jingle Bells Café for some hot chocolate, eggnog and cinnamon rolls.

When: Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: $23 per person. Children under 2 are free. Tickets can be bought at bit. ly/3Xe2NHB

WINTERFEST: FROZEN FÊTE

Princes and princesses ages 2 and up and their royal adults are cordially invited to dress in evening attire and step out in style to celebrate all things winter! Zionsville Town Hall will be transformed into a winter wonderland complete with a visit from Anna and Elsa of “Frozen” fame, dancing, snacks, desserts and drinks, crafts, activities, photo stations, luminaries and more!

When: Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St.

Cost: $25 per person

WINTERFEST: SKATE RINK

Get ready to lace up a pair of skates and make your way to our outdoor ice-skating rink. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy at the monthlong event.

When: Dec. 9 through Jan. 2

Where: Mulberry Fields Park, 9645 Whites town Rd.

Cost: 90-minute skate session: $12

Skate rental: $2 (children must be shoe size nine or above to rent skates)

Season passes: $129

Skate aids: $10

WINTERFEST OPEN-AIR MAKERS MARKET

Makers, crafters, small brands and artists will be at the first ever Winterfest Maker’s Market. The goal is to provide a shopping experience to the community while support

ing local businesses. All vendors keep 100% of their sales.

When: Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Mulberry Fields Park, 9645 Whites town Rd.

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE SMALL BUSINESS WEEKEND

Join the community on Main Street for Small Business Weekend! The event is free and open to the public. If you would like to help with passing out bags for this event, visit signupgenius.com/ go/30e0e49a4a62aa1fc1-2022.

When: Nov. 25-27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Main Street in Zionsville Cost: Free

PARADE DAY

The parade begins at 5 p.m. and will feature the Zionsville High School Marching Band, reindeer and Santa. The parade begins at Eagle Elementary and ends at Old National Bank at approximately 6 p.m. Santa will then light the tree for the Christmas season on the corner of Pine and Main Streets in Zionsville! Paid professional Santa photos and selfies will be available that evening. When: Nov. 26, 5-6 p.m. Where: Main Street in Zionsville Cost: There are two registrations, a free version and a donation registration. The free registration allows you to walk in the parade, wear your gear and pass out items to the Zionsville public. The donation reg istration includes everything from the free registration and will also allow your logo to be on the banner that is carried at the front of the parade. For questions, email info@ zionsvillechamber.org.

TOWN CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Join the community for the Zionsville Christ mas Tree Lighting. The Christmas parade will start at 5 p.m. with the Tree Lighting beginning at the end of the parade. Start time is approximate, all depending on the length of the parade.

When: Nov. 26, 6:15-6:45 p.m. Where: Main Street in Zionsville Cost: $20. To reserve your paid time slot, visit business.zionsvillechamber.org/store If you would like to help with this event, visit signupgenius.com/ go/30e0e49a4a62aa1fc1-2022

Holiday at the Table

“My mom’s baked mac-n-cheese. “

How does she make it? “In the oven where it’s crispy on the top but creamy in the center. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s just really good.”

Why mac-n-cheese? “Just because I love my mother so much, and when I eat it, it reminds me of her. It feels like home and love.”

“My mom’s meatloaf. It’s really good. It’s not how you make traditional meatloaf. She uses Balsamic vinegar. It’s really super sweet and there’s no ketchup. It’s my favorite thing. I try to bring my friends leftovers sometimes because they think I’m crazy when I say meatloaf.”

What makes it special to you? We have it every year. It’s the most held tradition in my eyes. It’s not Christmas without it.”

“I’m a dual citizen. I grew up in Iowa but spent half of my life in England. So we have a lot of English traditions. One thing that I love are Christmas crackers. You pull on either end of a little tube and there’s a snap. Inside there’s a little toy, a little crown.”

Do you do that now as a U.S citizen? “Yes, you can find them here. They’re getting more popular now.”

JADE FOUNTAIN

PIPER GENIEC

SUZANNE RIGG

The last photo of the night will be at 8 p.m. For questions call 317-873-3836.

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE SANTA PHOTOS

Visit Santa’s House on Main Street and get photos taken by a professional photogra pher. Photos will be emailed out the follow ing week. Keep an eye out for registration on the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce social media pages.

When: Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Main Street in Zionsville

GIFT WRAP WEEKEND

When you shop local this weekend you can have your gifts wrapped and ready to go under the tree, for free!

When: Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Encore Sotheby’s Intl., 12411 N. Penn sylvania St. suite 300, Carmel For more, contact info@zionsvillechamber. org.

FAMILY DAY

There will be two locations for activities for Family Day this year. In Boone Village there will be Grinchmas sponsored by Hometown

Insurance. There will be Reindeer Games in the parking lot of Boone Village with the Grinch making an appearance for photos. In the Village there will be a Game of Gnomes event, and Cookie Decorating hosted by The Zionsville Underground for families to take part in. To register visit bit.ly/3EiPDQT.

When: Dec. 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Main Street in Zionsville and Zions ville Town Hall, 1100 W Oak St. Cost: Free

CHRISTMAS CRAWL

Take a leisurely stroll through the Village of Zionsville and enjoy samples of seasonal beverages and special small plate offerings from some of the best restaurants and mer chants in the Village.

When: Dec. 15, 5-9 p.m.

Where: Fivethirty Home, 205 S. Main St. Cost: Free and open to the public

PREPPING FOR WINTER

Temperatures are dropping, days are get ting shorter, and local animals are getting ready for winter. Join Zionsville Parks and Recreation for a hike to explore how differ ent plants and animals are preparing for the winter season ahead.

When: Nov. 29, 10-11 a.m. Where: Turkey Foot Park, 4795 Turkeyfoot

Ave.

Cost: Free. Register at bit.ly/3V7bT7s

CANDY CANE CAPER

Magical Park turns a normal park into a digital playground that encourages kids and families to explore a virtual world. Ages 4 and up can visit Mulberry Fields and down load the free Magical Park app. In addition to the digital playground being open during normal park hours, the Parks Department will provide special activities and experienc es during the three-month event to encour age kids and families to get out and play.

When: Nov. 29, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Where: Mulberry Fields, 9645 Whitestown Rd. Cost: Free. Registration is required and can be done at bit.ly/3V2xcqr Seats are limited.

FAIRY MAGIC

When: Nov. 18, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Where: Mulberry Fields Park, 9645 Whites town Rd.

Cost: Free. Register at bit.ly/3V2xcqr Seats are limited.

FROSTY LUMINARY JARS

Ages 8 and up are invited to create fauxsnow-covered jar luminaries for the holiday season. Perfect for decorating the holiday

mantle, dining room table or to give as gifts. Drop in a battery-operated tea light and watch them glow.

When: Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Where: Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. Cost: $5 resident, $7 nonresident. Register at bit.ly/3Gpfqtx

CHRISTMAS TEA

Put on your ugly sweater or Christmas outfit for a fun tea. Bring your family and friends to enjoy tea, treats and a fun day!

When: Dec. 11, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Maplelawn Farmstead, 9575 Whites town Rd.

Cost: For price and reservation information, contact Jan Stacy at 317-873-3792 or stacy labolts@indy.rr.com by Dec. 4.

WINTER LUMINARY WALK

A winter luminary walk for the whole family through the barns. The Farmstead will be glowing from the luminaries so follow the path from Mulberry Fields to Maplelawn Farmstead.

When: Dec. 16, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Where: Maplelawn Farmstead, 9575 Whites town Rd.

Cost: Free

Holiday Porchfest

HOLIDAY EVENTS AT HUSSEY- MAYFIELD MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY

250 N. 5th St., Zionsville

Library hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Mon- Thurs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri-Sat. 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Sun.

Closed: Nov. 24 – 25, Dec. 24 – 26 and Dec. 31 Some events have limited spots available. Register for spots as soon as possible at hmmpl.org/evanced.

GOLDEN GIFTS DONATION DRIVE

Grab a tag from the 1st or 2nd Floor’s Golden Gifts table. Each tag has a senior’s request to purchase. Keeping in mind that multiple items may be on the tag, you do not have to purchase all items. It is recommended that you spend at least $20 per senior. Gifts must be new, and candles are not allowed. The library will distribute gifts to the se niors to allow anonymity for our senior patrons.

When: Nov. 11 through Dec. 11 Cost: Free and open to the public.

TAKE-AND-MAKE CRAFT: ORNAMENT KITS

Stop by the second Floor Reference Desk to request a free take-and-make DIY holiday ornament kit while supplies last. Limit one kit per person. Two ornament styles are currently available to choose from: Gum ball Machine and Grinch ornaments. Each kit includes an ornament, supplies, and instructions.

When: Dec. 1 to 22 from open to close Cost: Free and open to the public

SECRET SNOWFLAKE SHOP

The friends of the library are hosting their 7th Annual Secret Snowflake Shop where children can purchase holiday gifts for the significant people in their lives: parents, grandparents, teachers, daycare providers, siblings of all ages, friends, and pets. For children ages 4 through 13 to shop.

When: Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-11:40 a.m. and noon-4 p.m. Appointments are every 20 minutes. Cost: Gifts are $5 each, including wrapping, and will be ready to give when children leave the library.

Ho, ho, ho! Hop, hop, hop! We’ll have a holly jolly, happenin’ and hoppin’ romp with the Man in Red. Bring your cameras! For ages 5 and under.

There will be social distancing during this event. Subject to last minute cancellation based on weather.

When: Dec. 12, 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m.

Cost: Price information will be available when registration begins at 8 a.m., Nov. 12.

SANTA ROMP AND STOMP AT LINCOLN PARK

HEALTH

DISPATCHES

Healthier bread — Like it or not, bread just isn’t that good for you, especially white bread. Even though whole grain bread is a better option, it is still low in nutri ents. Now, though, there is a healthy bread substitute. Called Barely Bread, it’s a soy-, yeast- and gluten-free, paleo-friendly bread substitute that actually tastes a lot like real bread. The texture isn’t identical to regular bread, but it is close. Available online or at Whole Foods, it’s worth trying.

Source: MSN.com

Reduce arthritis pain naturally — Unlike many medical remedies for arthritis, these are safe and inexpensive. Give them a try to see if they work for you:

1. Tea – contains polyphenols that suppress arthritis inflammation

2. Vitamins C and D

3. Grapes and grape juice — contain resveratrol which suppresses inflammation

4. Taping — therapeutic taping has been proven to reduce symptoms. Have a physical therapist show you how to do it properly.

Source: Bottom Line Personal

Air pollution and dementia — A large new study pro vides evidence that invisible air pollution such as that emitted by cars, trucks and power plants might be re sponsible for more than 1 in 5 cases of dementia. This is

because microscopic particles generated by fossil fuels get into our bodies directly - they go from your nose right into your brain. Cells in the brain treat these particles as invaders and react with inflammatory responses.

Source: BottomLineHealth.com

Better way to take meds — Some medicines are better absorbed by the body if taken sublingually. This means the medicine is placed under your tongue and held there until it is absorbed. It can go directly into the blood stream without being digested first. If you have trouble taking pills, or have digestive difficulties, ask your doctor about sublingual alternatives.

Source: The Alternative Advisor

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Finding at-home jobs — For job seekers wanting to work from home, the internet is full of scams. There are so many spam postings that it’s tiring to sort through them for legitimate opportunities. Two websites do aIndiana is 8th-most federally dependent state – A recent study by WalletHub, a personal finance website, shows that Indi ana is the eighth-most federally dependent state in the U.S. WalletHub compared the 50 states across three key metrics: Return on taxes paid to the federal government; federal funding as a share of state revenue; and share of federal jobs. To see full study results, visit wallethub.com.

Source: WalletHub.com

Stocks benefit from cancer test breakthroughs — Amid the race to develop coronavirus tests, vaccines

and treatments, many investors might overlook another realm of impressive medical breakthroughs. Molecular diagnostic firms are developing innovative blood tests that can detect many forms of cancer, some even at the earliest stages before cancerous cells mass together. In the past five years, genomic blood testing has become a $6 billion-a-year market, mostly driven by tests such as “liquid biopsies” that allow patients with potentially cancerous tumors to avoid expensive and invasive sur gery to remove sample tissue. Over the next decade, the diagnostics market is expected to soar to more than $50 billion annually as companies develop early-detection tests to screen asymptomatic patients for cancers.

Three promising companies are: Exact Sciences (EXAS) had nearly $900 million in total rev

enues last year, mostly from two products -- Cologuard, an alternative to colonoscopies that screens stool sam ples for colon cancer, and Oncotype Dx, a genomic test that can predict which women with early-stage breast cancer will not benefit from chemotherapy.

Guardant Health (GH) makes liquid biopsy kits that test for mutations in the tumors of advanced cancer patients to enable proper therapy selection.

Natera (NTRA) tests monitor for relapses in breast and lung cancer and can identify recurrent tumors months before traditional methods such as CT scans. The compa ny also is expanding its blood-test technology to predict whether organ-transplant recipients are likely to reject a new organ.

Source: BottomLineInc

currentzionsville.com

currentnightandday.com

The Wright Brothers set for ride into sunset

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is set for Nov. 25 through Dec. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beef andboards.com.

CONCERTS

The Wright Brothers were ready for their farewell concert at CarmelFest July 4, 2021. Unfortunately, the sound person got sick and went home and there was no one to run the system.

“The last concert we did at CarmelFest was a disaster and we hated leaving the people with that in their ear,” John Mc Dowell said. “Fifty years is a long time not to have a good finale, if you know what I mean.”

The Wright Brothers will say goodbye with a series of concerts at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The Nov. 25 and 26 shows are sold out at Fein stein’s, which is seating 135 for the show. There are tickets remaining for the Dec. 3 and 9 concerts.

“So, these shows at Feinstein’s will be our apology to the fans that had to endure that outdoor fiasco in 2021,” Carmel resi dent Tim Wright said.

There is a possibility of another show being added in January.

“We’ll keep doing shows until everyone is sick of us,” Tim said jokingly.

The group, which formed in 1971, was originally called Wright Brothers Overland Stage Company with brothers Tom and Tim Wright and Karl Hinkle. McDowell replaced Hinkle a few years later.

“These shows will be like what we performed in showrooms all across the country during the ‘70s and ’80,” Tim said. “There were many hotels, casinos and stand-alone showroom venues where Tom could do stories and do his comedy bits and we could actually put on a show, com pared to outdoor festivals and the private corporate jobs we began playing when we got off the road in 1988. We’ll be playing songs that go back to our very beginnings, some originals and the many covers we redid our way musically.”

The band dressed in Western attire with cowboy hats and had nine singles reach Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.

“We started as folk or country rock,” Tim said. “It was heavy on vocals. We did more

folk music at first. We’ve always done a variety of music.”

The Wright Brothers will perform one of their biggest hits, “Made in the U.S.A.”

“There will be some Beatles songs and Eagles song,” Tim said. “It will be the stuff we enjoyed listening to and playing.”

The Wright Brothers performed “Shot Down in Hot Blood” and a cover of “Jim Dandy” for the soundtrack of the 1987 mov ie “Overboard,” starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.

McDowell was in a band called Shiloh Morning when The Wright Brothers began.

“And I would go see The Wright Brothers and The Wright Brothers would come and see us often when we had a chance,” he said. “We were quite popular here in Carm el, along with The Wright Brothers, I got an offer from Tim and Tom Wright to join the band and I accepted in the late ‘70s.”

McDowell has been in Carmel since 1972 when he moved from Texas, with a short stint in Cicero for 10 years.

“The band has had some incredible

experiences over the years, and it’s been quite a journey,” McDowell said. “We are so looking forward to our shows at Fein stein’s, a much better way to close out the years of music.”

Tim said the band was a full-time pur suit with 17 years on the road. When it got off the road in 1988, the members got jobs but kept playing and doing out-of-town shows.

“For the last 10 years, we’ve just been playing locally,” Tim said. “We played at the Palladium five times with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra.”

Tom and McDowell are both 74. Tim is 70.

Mark Dodd, from Dodd Technologies, will be running the sound, Tim said.

“We will say our farewell with the best sound man in the business,” he said. “We are so looking forward to these shows, we’re even rehearsing. But after 50 years of playing most of these songs, the ‘call back’ is pretty easy.”

For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

’THE NUTCRACKER’

Indiana Ballet Conservatory will present “The Nutcracker” Nov. 26-27 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Car mel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘HOLIDAY & MORE’

Ashley Nicole Soprano’s “Holiday & More” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’

The Belfry Theatre will present “The Sound of Music” from Nov. 25 to Dec. 4 at the Ivy Tech Auditorium, 300 N. 17th St., Noblesville. For more, visit thebelfrytheatre.com.

‘AN INTIMATE CHRISTMAS WITH LORIE LINE’

“An Intimate Christmas with Lorie Line” is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Car mel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Art on Main celebrates anniversary — Art on Main Gallery and Gifts recently celebrat ed five years in the Carmel Arts and Design District. Art includes paintings in oil, acrylic and mixed media; fine art photography, mosaics, pottery, jewelry, glass art, textiles, charcuterie boards, cards, artisan candles and more. Featured artists for November are Sara Bernstein and Tresa Steenberg. December will feature all artists and holiday offerings.

Film premiere set for Kan Kan Cine ma— Indianapolis resident Demetrius Witherspoon, a screenwriter and film di rector, will have the red carpet premiere for “Submerge: Blue Star” Nov. 22 at the Kan Kan Cinema, 1258 Windsor St., India napolis. The movie was filmed at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, downtown Indianapolis and Monrovia. For tickets, visit goelev ent.com/Kan-KanCinemaandBrasserie/e/ SUBMERGEBLUESTARPREMIERE.

From left, John McDowell, Tim Wright and Tom Wright form The Wright Brothers, who are per forming farewell concerts. (Photo courtesy of Tim Wright)

Noblesville actor lands dream gig

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Benjamin Elliott will finally get his wish.

who is portrayed by Logan Moore.

“I have dreamed of being on the Beef & Boards stage since I first saw Kenny Shepard in ‘A Beef & Boards Christmas’ when I was a young child,” said Elliott, a Nobles ville resident. “Beef & Boards was my first experience with profession al theater, and the people onstage were like celebrities to me. It is humbling to think that a child in the audience could now be inspired by a play that I am a part of.”

THEATER

Elliott will play Harry Bailey in the Beef & Boards’ production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23.

“I have always loved the themes and sentiments of the movie, and this adapted script in particular brings the best moments from the movie to life and makes the char acters stand out in a relatable and emotion al way,” Elliott said.

Elliott said he appreciates the love Harry shows for his older brother, George Bailey,

“I am the youngest of three brothers, and I am lucky to have a good relationship with them,” Elliott said. “I feel like Logan and I, on and off the stage, have crafted a brotherly relationship that is truly indicative of the sentiments of familial love, especially around the holiday sea son. Harry is an honorable man, and despite the luck he inherits at George’s detriment, he never for gets his roots in his hometown.”

A 2018 Noblesville High School graduate, Elliott sang the role of Figaro in “The Marriage of Figaro” at Anderson University in the spring of 2019. He is studying musical theater at Anderson University and will graduate in 2023.

“I am passionate about all stage works,” Elliott said. “There is nothing like the immersion and communication that live theater provides, and I see all stage works as works of important and profound art. I would love to direct modern interpretations of classical works.”

For more on “It’s a Wonderful Life, visit beefandboards.com.

Photo by Daniel Grose Photography

Elliot

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Ralphie Parker hated putting on the pink bunny suit.

Jackson Duncan loves it.

The Zionsville Middle School seventh-grader plays Ralphie in Civic Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story, The Musical” Dec. 2-24 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Per forming Arts in Carmel.

“I try not to laugh when I walk down the stairs in that suit,” Duncan said of his favor ite scene. “I really like the scene where Flick gets stuck to the flagpole. I think that is an iconic scene.”

Duncan said he was somewhat familiar with the movie but had never seen the musical.

“Ralphie is a very funny character,” he said. “He also has the side where he can be serious. He is a character who knows what he wants. He doesn’t wait around for it to come to him, he goes to it.”

Duncan, who has performed several times at Christian Youth Theater, is performing in his first Civic Theatre show. He previously participated in Civic Theatre’s intensive summer camp.

“This is the most fun role I’ve had,” Dun can said. “It’s my first super, super lead role. It’s been fun to work with all the amazing cast and crewmates. Everyone has been super helpful. The adults can be helpful if I’m confused on a term I haven’t heard before or if I don’t understand a part of blocking.”

Evan Cohen, a fifth-grader at Carmel’s Clay Center Elementary School, plays Grover Dill.

“It’s fun I get to play a bully when I’m not actually a bully,” he said.

Cohen said the biggest challenge is tap dancing.

Jackson Duncan wears the pink bunny suit as Ralphie in “A Christmas Story, The Musical” at Civic Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)

dance numbers.

“I’m living my dream to be a Rockette,” she said. “I grew up dancing and singing.”

This is her seventh show with Civic.

“I love doing Christmas shows at Civic. This is my third year,” she said.

Gaudreau performed in “Elf” in 2019 and 2021.

“We would stream the movie in our house almost nonstop,” she said. “We had lines and scenes memorized. They just make me laugh when I think about the movie because it’s such an iconic comedy. It’s a heartwarming story. You see the develop ment of the father and son’s relationship. It’s really touching, along with the comedic aspect of it. It’s attractive to a large range of audience.”

Gaudreau was a figure skater but stopped because of injuries. She has been acting since 2016.

Steve Kruze, a Plainfield resident, por trays Jean Shepherd, who narrates the story.

Cohen

“I like doing shows with adults and kids,” he said. “Doing a show with adults and kids makes it a lot more fun. The adults are able to help us with dancing.”

Cohen performed in Junior Civic Theatre’s production of “The Little Mermaid” during the summer.

Carmel resident Leslie Gaudreau performs in the ensemble, playing a couple of small roles as children’s mothers and different

“I have a real sentimental attachment to a group of friends who saw this movie when it came out,” he said. “It hit us at the right age and stuck with us. It’s not typical for me to work on the holiday shows. but I could not pass up the opportunity to see if they could use me for this.”

Carmel resident Emily Rogge Tzucker, who is directing, said she grew up watching the movie that was made in 1983.

“It’s been a big part of my holiday enjoy ment,” Tzucker said. “It’s 100 percent true to the movie. It has every single big fun thing in the movie that people that are serious about it would want.”

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY BENJ PASEK AND JUSTIN PAUL Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark, and upon 12/2-12/24 ACS Ad for The Current.indd 1 11/10/2022 1:33:07 PM

In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd.

Civic Theatre presents iconic Christmas show

Drinking in salami cocktails

Commentary by Mark LaFay

Holiday Steals

Great with olives and sharp cheeses.

CHARCUTERIE

There is something really awesome about a well-crafted cocktail. The flavor possibili ties are endless. From the fruity and sweet to the herbal and bitter, there is an ocean of possibilities because of all the different wonderful ingredients that can be found all around the world. Cocktails are a lot like salami: They both can tell the story about a place and its people. They can give you a taste of what a place is about. Cocktails and salami give the artisan the ability to express themselves in culinary form. But what if you took your favorite cocktails and used them as the inspiration for your own salami? That’s what Scot Bridi at Brooklyn Cured did!

First, let’s take a look at the Brooklyn Cured Pork Salami with Bourbon and Sour Cherries. This is a riff on a classic cocktail, The Manhattan. This salami is made with a touch of bourbon, sour cherries, a touch of black pepper and garlic. This is a great sala mi with subtle oaky flavors and spice with a touch of sour and sweet from the cherries.

Next up is the Brooklyn Cured Pork Salami with Rye Whiskey and Orange Zest. Any guesses? Maybe my favorite cocktail for sitting around a fire, the Old Fashioned. An other delicious salami from Brooklyn Cured. Warm spices pair nicely with the spiciness of rye whiskey. The fresh orange zest brings a vibrant pop of flavor that brings it all together. This pairs nicely with white hard cheeses, mustards, or go sweet with fig jam.

Last but not least is the Brooklyn Cured Pork Salami with Mezcal and Lime. Mezcal is an agave-based spirit that is made by fermenting the sugars in agave piñas that have been cooked in wood fires. The species of agave and the smokiness from cooking in a wood fire give the mezcal a smokey flavor. The salami is further flavored with lime zest, coriander and garlic.

certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.

Mark LaFay is a butcher,

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.

From left, CSO board director Susan Anderson (Carmel) and Mike and Sandra Pirkle (Carmel) at the Carmel Symphony Orchestra Masterworks 2 cconcert with CSO guest artist/violinist Alexi Kenney of Palo Alto, Calif., and CSO Artistic Director Janna Hymes Nov. 12 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Don’t miss CSO’s Holiday Pops featuring guest artists Josh Kaufman and Leah Crane Dec. 4. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

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LIKE TO SEW & CREATE?

Custom drapery and soft furnishings workroom in Carmel is looking for friendly, personable people who like to sew. Sewing experience is necessary and the desire to learn and enjoy and increase your skill is a must. We’ll teach you our methods. Part-time weekday daytime, flexible 20 hour week position in a handy location in Carmel. Ability and willingness to climb a ladder is needed. Good communication skills. Call Mark at Silk Mountain Creations 317 815-1660 to set a time to come by. Please do not drop-in. www.silkmountaincreations.com

MATH TEACHER

A math teacher at Midwest Academy will be responsible for teaching all aspects of mathematics, including fundamental and introductory algebra skills, to middle school students in a progressive environment designed for children with learning differences. .

Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a child-centered mentality are essential to this position..This position is full time and compensation is commensurate with experience.

To apply please send your resume to careers@mymwa.org

LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER

A language arts teacher at Midwest Academy will be responsible for teaching all aspects of language arts, including fundamental reading and writing skills, to middle school students in a progressive environment designed for children with learning differences.

Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a child-centered mentality are essential to this position. This position is full time and compensation is commensurate with experience.

To apply please send your resume to careers@mymwa.org

PRESCHOOL TEACHING ASSISTANT

Seeking a reliable, motivated, positive Christian applicant with good communication and interpersonal skills to assist the Lead Teacher.

Experience with children preferred. Full time - $16/hour + Email ltob.preschool@gmail.com to apply or for more information.

Little Town of Bethlehem is a ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Carmel, IN.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, goodnatured work environment.

The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net.

We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays.

To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net 40 S Rangeline Rd

Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net

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