December 20, 2022 — Zionsville

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Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XI, No. 41 Copyright 2021. Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved. 30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

Coaches honored for work in youth sports

By Elle Kreamer elle@youarecurrent.com

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

AWARD

Since 2013, Marty and Vicki Wilkey have coached the boys and girls cross country teams at Zionsville Middle School. This year, the couple was selected by the Community Foundation of Boone County’s grants committee to receive the Lionel Dubay Youth Sports Award.

According to the CFBC, nominees for the award are selected for their impact on youth sports in the Zionsville community. The recipient pays it forward by selecting a Zionsville youth sports organization that will receive the $500 donation.

The Wilkeys were selected to receive the award because of their dedication to creating a team culture marked by community, friendship, determination and trust. They donated the money to the Zionsville Middle School cross country teams.

“We feel like we’ve been blessed by running our entire lives,” Marty said. “It’s part of us, and it gives us joy. We do our best to share that same experience with the kids.”

Marty said when they first started at ZMS, there were only 12 boys and girls on the cross country teams. With support from the school, he said they’ve been able to build the program up to around 100 total boys and girls.

The couple has spent the last few years reinforcing a collaborative environment for the children by taking on a unified approach to coaching, Marty said.

Marty said he and Vicki plan to use the money from the grant to host an event at ZMS in 2023 that will bring Boone County cross country teams together from both public and private schools.

“The focus will be on just getting out there and actually enjoying the sport and being together,” Marty said.

Vicki reiterated that a goal of their coaching is to extend beyond the competition of the sport to instill a feeling of confidence.

“When I was growing up, having people outside of my home that believed in me was

so important,” Vicki said. “You never know how that might help someone. You plant that seed and it can grow. When they get older, (those children) might just plant it for someone else.”

Marty said they often talk to the kids about the importance of persevering through difficult times and hardships that might come their way, whether they’re running a race or navigating difficult moments in their lives.

“We try to give the kids experiences where they can learn that success and that confidence as they go on,” Marty said. “They can start appreciating those hard things and feeling proud of themselves when they do well. We don’t worry about the wins, that just kind of happens as a byproduct.”

Above all, Marty and Vicki noted the significant impact running can have on the lives of the kids they coach. The Wilkeys said they hope the confidence and perseverance they try to instill in ZMS runners provides them with skills they can carry beyond their middle school years.

“Our life has been shaped by running and competing, even now, as well as all the people that have come into our lives,” Marty said. “We tell the kids that in this journey, you can have plateaus, you can have phases where you may not run for a period of time and you might come back to it, but running is always there to offer some value.”

Jodi Gietl, left, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Boone County, looks on as Vicki and Marty Wilkey unveil a plaque in Town Hall with the names of all recipients of the Lionel Dubay Youth Sports Award. (Photo courtesy of CFBC)

Vicki, middle left, and Marty, middle right, stand with members of the Dubay family and employees of Zionsville Middle School and the Community Foundation of Boone County after receiving the award. (Photo by Elle Kreamer)

RIBBON CUTTING KICKS OFF WINTERFEST CELEBRATIONS

This year’s Winterfest celebrations began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 9 at Mulberry Fields Park. Town officials and Zionsville residents attended the event. Immediately following the ribbon cutting, workers at the ice rink began preparing for guests’ arrival. Before long, members of the community began trickling in to enjoy the opening day of the ice rink. This year’s rink is even larger than last year’s, according to Parks Dept. Director of Recreation Services Mindy Murdock.

Town receives INDOT grant

news@currentzionsville.com

to Boone County Road 900 West near Granville Wells Elementary School.

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

At the Barrington of Carmel, choose from one of our many spacious floorplans, each complete with features specifically designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. In addition, enjoy the safety and hospitality our community provides, as well as our unrivaled upscale amenities. Full-service dining, convenient underground parking, full concierge and maintenance services, and countless community social events are just some of the luxuries that await in your new home-sweet-home.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The Town of Zionsville recently received a Community Crossings Matching Grant from the Indiana Dept. of Transportation totaling $893,412.75. The grant will be used to fund the roundabout at Oak Street and Boone County Road 800 East.

Boone County received an award of $679,810, which will go toward the replacement of the 92-year-old bridge on Boone County Road 600 West and resurfacing of Boone County Road 500 South from Ind. 75

The project is funded by Indiana’s Community Crossing Matching Grant Program, so the county and the Town of Zionsville must match the grant funding with local funds. The award is based on detailed estimates provided by the Zionsville Dept. of Public Works in a grant application.

In the first round of Community Crossings Grants earlier this year, Zionsville was awarded $120,950.50 for road rehabilitation and paving projects.

For more about INDOT and the Community Crossings Matching Grant, visit in.gov/indot.

For more information, or to schedule a tour, call Steve Clossey at 317-810-1825.

A worker skates on the ice rink after the ribbon cutting prior to skaters’ arrival. (Photo by Elle Kreamer)

Nick Olds of Zionsville skates with his son, Camden, 3, soon after the Winterfest ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Photo by Elle Kreamer)

Town officials and other Zionsville residents gather as Mayor Emily Styron cuts the ribbon Dec. 9, officially marking the start of Winterfest. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Zionsville)

On Dec. 12, residents of Willow Glen, Brookhaven, Fieldstone and the Willows heard the sound of sirens and holiday music heralding Santa’s approach. Children, adults and dogs alike greeted Santa as he passed, some running to keep pace with the firetruck as it made its rounds.

Santa began this year’s area familiarization through area neighborhoods with the Zionsville Fire Dept. on Dec. 11, and will continue every night through Dec. 24, making his final stop at Winterfest in Mulberry Fields Park.

The Area Familiarization with Santa began 10 years ago, according to members of Zionsville Fire Dept. Station 92. Surrounding communities like Carmel and Whitestown soon caught on, they said, creating an annual tradition that has brought joy to residents of all ages for years.

he passes.

Firefighters wave to Zionsville residents as they drive through a neighborhood.

Children wave to Santa as the firetruck passes.

Children run alongside the firetruck to keep pace with Santa as

Santa waves from atop the firetruck as he passes through a neighborhood.

Santa pauses with children next to a welcoming display.

INDOT provides updates on interchange projects

news@currentzionsville.com

COUNCIL VOTES ON NEW DISTRICTS

INFRASTRUCTURE

The interchange at Ind. 267 and Interstate 65 near Whitestown is set to open to traffic on or after Dec. 18, weather permitting. Workers will shift the interchange to its winter configuration. Because of supply chain issues, temporary lighting is set up at the interchange.

Additional work to install permanent lighting in the area will occur in early February and will require temporary nightly ramp closures. Surface work will also occur in late spring 2023.

Work is expected to continue through the winter months, weather permitting. The interchange will remain open to traffic, but will require some restrictions, including alternating lane closures and flagging operations.

The interchange at Boone County

Road 550 South and I-65 near Zionsville is expected to be completed after May of 2023 because of supply chain shortages. Crews are working to complete the asphalt base and intermediate layers and are constructing concrete aprons and curbs and installing traffic signals and permanent lighting. The Indiana Dept. of Transportation will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony when construction on the interchange is completed.

Both interchanges, which were awarded to E&B Paving, Inc. for $62.9 million, will be diverging diamond interchanges. DDIs are interchanges where two directions of traffic on a nonhighway road cross to the opposite side on both sides of a bridge. The interchanges are designed to be safer, more efficient and more cost effective when compared to traditional diamond interchanges.

INDOT reminds drivers to use caution and consider worker safety when driving through a construction zone.

The Zionsville Town Council unanimously approved a redistricting map of the five town council districts during a special meeting Dec. 7. The town council is required to go through the redistricting process every 10 years following the decennial U.S. Census. The new districts are contiguous and have a population deviation of less than 3 percent.

At the suggestion of Mayor Emily Styron, the council worked with Brian Bosma from the Indianapolis law firm Kroger Gardis & Regas to create the new districts. Styron was to sign or veto the ordinance approving the maps by Dec. 17. (Map courtesy of Jason Plunkett)

Memories of Mom

Commentary by Ward Degler

I’ve been thinking about my mother recently. She died more than a decade ago after losing a battle with cancer. After all these years, I suddenly realized what a remarkable woman she was.

PLAIN TALK

She was a member of a musical family, trained as a concert pianist. When she married my dad, a forester assigned to the inhospitable environs of the Northwoods of Wisconsin, she gave up the trappings of cultured society to live in places with no electricity or plumbing, and certainly no piano.

Mom was raised a Quaker, so there was a docile side to her life. On the rare occasions she did get angry, however, she dealt with it by walking through the house and slamming every door and cabinet door once.

I had a younger brother who suffered brain damage at birth and who pretty much remained a child as he grew up. Sometimes, he would wander down the street to play with younger children in their sandbox. Inevitably, he would take their toys, and Mom would be subjected to angry phone calls.

After one particularly harsh encounter, Mom sat red-faced in the kitchen for a long while. Finally, she said, “My father raised me as a Quaker and taught me that if I couldn’t say something good about someone, I should say nothing.”

After a long pause, she added, “and I am really keeping quiet about this woman!”

After Dad retired, Mom and Dad moved to Arizona, and Mom got a new piano. Although she hadn’t played in years, she sat down and flawlessly played Brahms, Bach and Beethoven pieces from memory. Dad was speechless and said later he had never experienced such a strong lump in his throat.

Mom was 86 when cancer struck. She survived the surgery but succumbed to pneumonia soon after. I was able to be at her side before she died.

Because she was a quiet person, it was easy to forget her. But every once in a while, her silent ways and her soft music come back to me.

And then I miss her terribly.

ward.degler@ gmail.com.

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

Community Health Network reinstates mask policy

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Community Health Network has reinstated its mask policy for caregivers, patients and visitors because of a steep rise in COVID-19, flu and RSV patients at its hospitals.

PUBLIC SAFETY

The mask requirement, which took effect Dec. 12, is being implemented at all sites of care throughout central Indiana, according to the hospital system.

“We are seeing more COVID, flu and RSV patients in our hospitals. They are filling up with respiratory patients,” said Dr. Robin Ledyard, chief medical officer for Community Health Network. “Because of that, we are reinstating a mask requirement within our hospitals. So, if you do come to visit, you will be asked to wear a mask again in both the hospitals and in the office-based setting.”

The mask mandate comes a week after Community Health Network said that temporary visitor restrictions would take effect at all its hospitals because of an increase in flu cases across Indiana.

The temporary visitor restrictions at all its hospitals include:

• No visitors with flu-like illness, fever or cough.

• No visitors under age 18.

• Only an immediate family or partner will be allowed to see patients.

• No more than two visitors at a time per patient.

• Visitors must wear a mask in a patient’s room when requested.

• Those with influenza/respiratory symptoms may not visit.

Ledyard encouraged people who are sick to contact their primary care provider for guidance on the best place to seek care.

“Our emergency departments are very, very busy with sick people and we value your time. So, we really think it’s best if you can call first, get some guidance on where to go,” Ledyard said.

Community Health Network offers several care options outside of the emergency department including urgent care at our MedChecks, Community Clinics at Walgreens, primary care providers and virtual care.

For more, visit ecommunity.com/ visitor-guidelines-covid-19-flu.

FREE BONUS ROOM — UP TO $34,000 IN SAVINGS!*

The Central Collection has room to spare! It’s time for the greatest gift you could ever give yourself: a new home in a community that’s packed with things to do! This featured Shafer home has an upstairs bonus room with bedroom and full bath, plus a rear covered patio! Offer available on select to-be-built Central Collection homes (Brookville, Monroe and Shafer floorplans) and select Central Collection inventory homes when you sign a purchase agreement now through 12/31/22 and close.

This special offer makes the Osborne Trails lifestyle even more desirable.

Located at 193rd and Springmill

180 acres with proposed 3 miles of walking/biking trails

An abundance of outdoor living with front and rear covered porches available Stunning clubhouse with soaring 2-story fireplace, lounge area, fitness area, pool and multiple gathering spaces

Full schedule of fun-filled events and activities

Quartz

Homesite

Great Room w/gas fireplace Spacious owner’s suite with spa-inspired bath and large walk-in closet Extra storage nook in garage

*Offer available on select Central Collection floorplans (Brookville, Monroe, Shafer floorplans only) in the Osborne Trails community if buyer signs and delivers a purchase agreement between 12/05/22 and 12/31/22 and closes and fully funds on or before the date specified in the purchase agreement. Offer limited to the standard Bonus Room option and upgrade package offered in the specific community in which the home is located (“Standard Bonus Room”), as selected by the purchaser at the time the purchase agreement is fully executed (ARV not to exceed $34,000). Lennar offers other lower level options and upgrades not included in the Standard Bonus Room Package, and purchaser will be obligated to pay for such additional options and upgrades if selected by purchaser. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions and restrictions. Certain incentives could affect the loan amount. Lennar reserves the right to change or withdraw any offer at any time. Age restrictions apply to the occupants/owners in this community as permitted under the Fair Housing Act. This means for some communities that a designated percentage of the homes in the community must be occupied by at least one person 55 years or older (80% or 100%, depending on the community). There may also be minimum age requirements for other residents in the home, and/or a certain number of younger residents permitted in the community. These communities publish and adhere to policies and procedures that demonstrate the intent to operate as age 55 or older housing, and comply with HUD’s rules for age verification of residents. In other communities, all residents must be age 62 years or older (with limited exceptions). You are encouraged to review community documents and disclosures for applicable restrictions before purchasing. Please consult with a Lennar New Home Consultant regarding any questions regarding this community’s age policies. Features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, and designs vary and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Items shown are artist’s renderings and may contain options that are not standard on all models or not included in the purchase price. Availability may vary. Plans to build out this neighborhood as proposed are subject to change without notice. Please see your New Home Consultant and/or home purchase agreement for actual features designated as an Everything’s Included feature. Sq. ft. and acreage are estimated; actual sq. ft. and acreage will differ. Garage/bay sizes may vary from home to home and may not accommodate or be accessible to all vehicles. Models/lifestyle photos do not reflect racial or ethnic preference. Scenes may be of locations or activities not on a Lennar property. All product and/or company names are trademarks TM or registered trademarks ® of their respective owners, and use of these marks does not imply any sponsorship, endorsement, support, or affiliation between the trademark owners and Lennar. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2022 Lennar Corporation. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Everything’s Included and the Everything’s Included logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. Date 12/22 LNIND1197

Mt. Vernon senior tight end earns state position award

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Being named the top tight end in Indiana high school football wasn’t on Mt. Vernon senior George Burhenn’s radar before the season.

“I forgot there was even an award at the beginning of the season, but then I saw that this would be pretty cool to win if I perform how I should,” Burhenn said.

Burhenn recently was named the Indiana Football Coaches Association Mr. Football Position Award winner for tight end.

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Burhenn caught 38 passes for 784 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 16 carries for 127 yards and one touchdown for Mt. Vernon (6-4).

“He had a huge year for us with the production on the offensive side of the ball and special teams,” Marauders coach Vince Lidy said.

As a junior, Burhenn had 28 receptions for 443 yards for the Marauders (14-1), who

MEET GEORGE BURHENN

Favorite athlete: Taysom Hill

Favorite subject: Science

Favorite movie: “The Wolf of Wolf Street”

Ideal vacation spot: Aruba

won the Class 4A state title in 2021.

Lidy said Burhenn was a difference-maker as a junior, but the team had more offensive weapons. This past season, Lidy said teams prepared to stop Burhenn. In practice, Lidy said they prepared for Burhenn to be double-teamed.

“He was super coachable as we put him

Mt. Vernon tight end George Burhenn, 81, was named the Indiana Football Coaches Association Mr. Football Position Award. (Photo courtesy of Stacy Muffler)

anywhere from a running back, to a slot back, to tight end to wideout,” Lidy said. “ Burhenn said he has made the most im-

provement with his versatility.

“I improved on all my weaknesses, like blocking and running after the catch,” he said.

Burhenn also played safety, sharing the position with another player.

“Once we started playing the better teams, I was basically playing the whole game,” he said.

Burhenn, a hurdler on the track and field team, averaged 18.9 yards on kickoff returns and 19.5 yards on punt returns last season.

“Returning kicks is always a dream to do, and you don’t see many big guys like me doing it, so it was pretty fun,” he said.

Burhenn said has committed to play football for Purdue University, but with the recent coaching change, he is keeping his options open. Coach Jeff Brohm left Purdue to take the University of Louisville coaching job, and several staff members have left with him. Former University of Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters was named Purdue’s coach Dec. 13.”

“I’ll probably check out Louisville a little bit because the coaches I know are there, but I’ll talk with my family and see what is best for me,” Burhenn said.

I’M BACK TO LIVING A NORMAL LIFE.

For Jay, the thing that pained him most wasn’t his back, it was living within the limits his back pain set for him. Skipping workouts. Contorting to pick up a shoe. Avoiding playing with Agnes. Now that Goodman Campbell physicians treated not only his pain, but the underlying spine issues that caused it, Jay is back to living the life he loves.

Learn more about Jay and his story at GoodmanCampbell.com.

”

Jay R., Goodman Campbell Patient

Burhenn

DISPATCHES

Boone REMC sponsors youth programs — Applications are being accepted for several youth programs sponsored by Boone REMC and other electric cooperatives throughout Indiana. According to Mandy Saucerman, Communications Director for Boone REMC, the electric cooperative supports local students through a variety of programs, including a summer camp, trip to the nation’s capital, Page Day at the Statehouse and an art contest. For more, visit bremc.com.

St. Alphonsus Liguori annual rummage sale — The annual rummage sale at St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church is set to take place Jan. 27 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Jan. 28 from 8 a.m. to noon. Proceeds from the annual sale will benefit the community of St. Anthony of Padua in Croix Fer, Haiti. Anyone who would like to donate items prior to the event can drop them off at St. Alphonsus Parish Hall, located at 1870 W Oak St., on Jan. 25 from 2 to 8 p.m. or Jan. 26 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more, visit zionsvillecatholic.com.

Rail Trail Closure — A Rail Trail development project will begin early 2023 and will repair and widen the existing Rail Trail from Heritage Trail Park south to Starkey Avenue and create a uniform 12-foot-wide trail with a 2-foot soft shoulder on each side for runners. For Phase I in early 2023, the Rail Trail will be closed from Heritage Trail Park to the Mulberry Street tunnel. Updates will be posted at zionsville-in.gov/666/Big-4-RailTrail-Extension. For questions email Supt. Jarod Logsdon at jlogsdon@zionsville-in.gov.

Winter Events in Zionsville — The Zionsville Parks Dept. has released additional information regarding this winter’s event calendar. To see the full event calendar or to register for events, visit zionsvillein.myrec.com/info/ activities.

• Halloween on Ice - Dec. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Mulberry Fields Park, for all ages

• Campfire & S’mores - 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 23-24 and Dec. 30-31 in Mulberry Fields Park, for all ages, $5 entry fee for residents and nonresidents

• Drop-in Discovery: Winter Wonders - Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Zionsville Nature Center, for all ages, no registration required

• Indy Fuel Day - Dec. 22 from noon- 2 p.m. in Mulberry Fields Park, for all ages, $3 for residents and $4 for nonresidents

• Noon Year’s Eve - Dec. 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Mulberry Fields Park, ages 3 and up, free to all

Cyclist pedals awareness for diabetes

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For cyclist David Gabrick, joining Team Skyline was a no-brainer.

ing seminars, and organizing awareness rides.

PROFILE

“Professional cycling in the United States is almost nonexistent today,” the 2021 Carmel High School graduate said. “There are only about four professional American teams left, with two of them being World Tour teams consisting mostly of Europeans. The development foundation for young American cyclists to progress to these world tour teams has collapsed in recent years. Team Skyline is one of the last remaining U.S professional teams that provide an environment to aid in growth. It has always been a dream of mine to race professionally, and the team offered me an opportunity to fulfill that dream.”

Gabrick said although Team Skyline has a strong focus on racing, its mission is to support a nonprofit called Winning the Race with Diabetes. Gabrick will host an awareness ride Dec. 28 for the nonprofit. The 40mile race through Zionsville will start at 11 a.m. at Gray Goat Bicycle Co. North, 4335 W. 106th St., Carmel. A casual reception will be held at 6 p.m. at Wolfie’s in Carmel.

Team Skyline founder Ryan DeWald, an elite cyclist with Type 1 diabetes, will be at the event.

“The primary mission is to inspire, teach and demonstrate how to manage Type 1 diabetes, thereby reducing its long-term health risks through an active lifestyle,” said Gabrick, a sophomore at Furman University in Greenville, S.C.

Gabrick said Team Skyline races to bring awareness to overcoming Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by conducting school visits, host-

Gabrick, who said he will be able to do his classwork in accounting and German studies online during the racing season, said the races are primarily in Europe. The season begins in March 2023, with a monthlong race block in Greece. In the summer, the team will be based out of Riccione, Italy, and travel throughout Europe to race. The team will return to the U.S. to compete in the U.S. Pro National Championship in Knoxville, Tenn., from June 22-25. The team will finish the summer racing in Europe and then conclude in September with the Maryland Cycling Classic.

Gabrick began swimming at age 7 with the Carmel Swim Club. He swam for CHS before falling in love with cycling. He decided to participate in the Carmel Swim Club-hosted sprint triathlon in April of his sophomore year.

“I did it on an old rusty steel bike that I found in my garage,” he said. “I instantly fell in love with the aspect of riding a road bike and began racing shortly after.”

Gabrick said at the time of the sprint triathlon his love for swimming was fading a bit.

“That same summer I watched the Tour de France and caught the bug,” he said. “I went all in.”

So he gave up swimming before his junior year to concentrate on cycling.

“Carmel swimming is a successful environment, and I was going into a sport I knew little about,” Gabrick said. “I’m super grateful for my time with Carmel swimming. Just being in that environment helped me grow.”

For more, visit winningtheracewithdiabetes.org and teamskyline.co.

David Gabrick competes at the 2021 Athens (Ga.) Orthopedic Twilight criterium. (Photo courtesy of Ron Short)

By Elle Kreamer elle@youarecurrent.com

Since opening her clothing store in the Village of Zionsville in 2009, Lesley Jane Hunt has been heavily involved in the local business community, particularly her efforts 10 years ago helping solidify Christmas in the Village as a monthlong annual tradition.

With her impending retirement at year’s end, Hunt said she knows she will miss her time along the bricks of Main Street.

“I went into it not thinking that I was ever going to make a million dollars out of this. I just wanted to make a comfortable living, that’s it,” Hunt said. “I also just love the interaction with people. I thrive on that because it’s been a part of my career forever.”

In 2002, Hunt purchased Captain Logan, a home goods and antiques shop that used to occupy the storefront. She ran the business until 2009, when she incorporated Lesley Jane. After a long career in marketing and advertising, Hunt said she decided it was time to get back into the fashion industry.

Erica Carpenter, owner of Fivethirty Home and president of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce, said Hunt has been a mentor and an inspiration to her since her business opened in Zionsville in 2012. However, Carpenter said the impact Hunt has had in the community has gone far beyond her mentorship.

“When I was in (Lesley’s) store the other day, a woman came in and thanked Lesley for all the joy that she had brought for all these years,” Carpenter said. “I really think that’s true. I think that Lesley has done so much, not just for our merchants, but for the entire Zionsville community.”

Through her contributions to the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce and Zionsville Education Foundation Board, employing young people in the community and providing guidance to other business owners, Carpenter said Hunt has touched many lives.

Hunt joined the chamber in 2009, and in 2013 served as chair of the Christmas in the Village Committee within the chamber. During that time, Hunt played a significant role in helping lay the foundation to make Christmas in the Village a monthlong event instead of a weekend festival as it had previously been.

mas in the Village.

“I realize people are going to shop for the holidays, anyway, but it is so wonderful that we’ve created a fun experience all the way through the month and attracted people from other communities,” Hunt said. Above all, Hunt said she is grateful to have had the opportunity to be welcomed into the community and to have built a strong camaraderie with fellow business owners and area residents. The hardest part about retiring, Hunt said, will be missing out on interactions with the Zionsville community.

“I really think the key to Zionsville’s success is its residents. If there was ever any doubt that residents would support the businesses here, COVID proved how supportive they could be,” Hunt said. “These people have given as much, if not more, to me than they say I’ve given to them.”

Lesley Jane Hunt pauses with high school students Clare Leonard Clark, left, and a friend after they purchased their prom dresses from her shop. (Photo courtesy of Lesley Jane Hunt)

“It was a no-brainer for me to join the chamber,” Hunt said. “It takes a village and merchants to really bring about change, and we need to support each other, so that’s why I got involved.”

Hunt said at first, there weren’t enough financial resources to make Christmas in the Village a monthlong event. The Town of Zionsville and the Boone County Visitors Bureau provided the chamber funding to promote it, she said, and eventually Zionsville merchants provided the funding necessary to make all the events possible, including the parade, trolley rides, horse and carriage rides, carolers and other features.

Carpenter said the efforts the community made to turn Christmas in the Village into a monthlong celebration sowed the seeds for traditions that Zionsville enjoys to this day.

“This reimagination of Christmas in the Village 10 years ago helped to set it up as a way to honor the old traditions while also helping create the new traditions,” Carpenter said. “Here we are, 10 years in almost, and the same people are participating in it. It’s exactly what we envisioned at that time come to life, so it’s really fun to watch.”

Hunt said it has been exciting to see how supportive residents have been of area businesses and seeing the new faces that have come to Zionsville because of Christ-

REMEMBERING TRADITION

Lesley Jane Hunt recalled ways that the Town of Zionsville came together to help revamp Christmas in the Village during its transition to a monthlong event during her time on the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce, while also recalling past Christmas in the Village events.

FUN FACTS:

• Prior to 2013, Hunt said Christmas in the Village only lasted a weekend, with a tree lighting on Friday and a parade with Santa on Saturday morning.

• Hunt said in 2013, Victor Gosnell of Confectioneiress and Mike Snider of The Snider Group helped refurbish the Santa House that was in storage for years.

• The tree was formerly sat in the middle of the street, and every year it would get knocked over. Hunt said one time, during a bad snowstorm, it was pushed into a snow pile by a snow plow.

Local business owner reflects on her time on Main Street

ON THE COVER: Lesley Jane Hunt in her store on Main Street. (Photo by Elle Kreamer)

Lesley Jane’s storefront sits along the bricks of Main Street. (Photo by Elle Kreamer)

Leah Walker, left, and Meryl Madrick model clothing in the Lesley Jane storefront window. (Photo courtesy of Lesley Jane Hunt)

ESSAY

Crime and punishment?

Commentary by Terry Anker

While most of us are preparing for “peace on Earth” and “goodwill toward men,” there are others who remain vigilant of the vagrancies of the darker side of our humanity. The Islamic Republic of Iran recently vented its retribution by sentencing 400 of its errant citizens to hard time in prison for their roles in civil disobedience. Better, one can assume, than the fate of Mohsen Shekari, who was put to death this month for impeding traffic while holding a knife. While details from the trial, if there was one, are not clear, he was accused of injuring an Iranian paramilitary officer, but the execution was the result of Shekari’s “waging war against God.”

Shekari and the thousands of others like him protested the regime. They protested living conditions for women and minorities in their nation. And they protested for a voice in their own governance. It is unclear what evidence was used to show his defiance of the ruling class. As far as Western journalists have been able to uncover, even if offended, God has remained largely quiet on the claims.

Some honorable readers will take the side of the caliphate, suggesting that good order leads to a just society. Others will decidedly be aligned with the protesters, fighting to remind us that no one person has a lock on the word or intention of the divine. The equilibrium between freedom and responsibility is perennially swaying. A bit closer to home, the question of riot or police state might be anchored to a different mooring, but the claims of righteousness must likewise be limited. Regardless of one’s personal theories of relativity, can we find balance when the punishments are so great, or the restraint is too little?

CURRENTOON

QUOTE OF THE WEEK POLICIES

CHARLES DICKENS

There will be blood

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

When it comes to blood draws, I am a wimp. A baby. A big fat scaredy cat. For someone who’s birthed four children, undergone extensive hernia repair surgery, and more recently, had cortisone aggressively jabbed into her shoulder socket, you’d think I’d be able to handle a tiny needle prick. But no. If I could, I’d run for the hills every single time, like the chicken I am.

Unfortunately, my one and only primary care physician of 20-plus years retired (Oh. Dr. M, why have you forsaken me?), forcing me to find a replacement. And my new person insisted on a full lab panel since my last workup was literally ancient history: “We can do them right here. You can come in the morning. Remember to fast!”

Ugh. Fine. I returned the next day, overdramatically weak from hunger and nauseous from anxiety, hoping for a stay of execution. Not to be fooled or deterred, the nurse whisked me into a private room where I could lie down and keep an ice pack under my neck. Clearly, there’d be no fainting (or avoiding the scheduled and consensual medical stabbing) on her watch. Curse you, wise woman!

To her credit, it was over quickly, though she missed on her first try and then proceeded to inform me that my veins “really roll.” (Cue gag). And later, the crook of my arm looked like a disturbed copperhead, or “Twilight’s” Edward Cullen had landed a bite. Nonetheless, I survived, without barfing or visibly crying, so I guess that’s a win.

Hi. My name is Danielle. And I’m a coward when it comes to blood draws. Bawk, bawk.

Peace out.

You may email him at terry@ youarecurrent.com.

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

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

Danielle

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC.

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”

–

I’ll never guess what I got you for Christmas

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

what it is. I’m the one who doesn’t have a clue.”

“It doesn’t seem right to tell you. That’s not in keeping with the spirit of giving, Dick.”

HUMOR

Over the past 20 years, I have written more than a few humor columns about the holiday season. Below is my favorite one and is pretty much exactly what happened. In December of 2016, a UPS truck pulled up to our curb and we were eager to see what was in store for us. Actually, nothing was in a store. We bought everything online that year.

The driver struggled with a carton the size of a big-screen TV. He maneuvered it to the front porch, and I went outside to look at it.

“Who’s it for?” my wife, Mary Ellen, asked.

It was addressed to me, but that could have been misleading. When a delivery is made, we are not sure who ordered it and who the gift is for. If the wrong person opens it, well, there goes the surprise on Christmas morning.

“It’s addressed to me,” I told her. “But I have no recollection of ordering anything so big. Maybe you ordered it?”

My wife thought for a moment, and so began the weirdest conversation in our 34year marriage.

“Dick, I know what it is. It’s that special item I mentioned months ago that I wanted for Christmas. You said you found it in a catalog. Don’t you remember? I’m so excited! Thank you.”

“I have absolutely no idea what it is. Can you give me a hint?”

“No, I can’t. That would ruin the surprise.” “Ruin my surprise? It’s supposed to be your surprise. But you already know

“OK, how about you whisper softly in my ear, and I promise I won’t tell you what you said.”

It scared me a little that for a brief moment this actually made sense to me. It was driving me crazy that I had no memory of what I bought her.

“Is it a high-tech item?” I asked.

“Not really,” Mary Ellen said.

“Do you plug it in?”

“No.”

“Is it artwork?”

“No, and I don’t want to play anymore. If you guess it, I’ll have nothing to look forward to on Christmas morning. I want to see the expression on your face when I open it.”

When Mary Ellen went out grocery shopping, I opened the box. It was a really neat present. I don’t think I have ever been happier with something I bought my wife. Before Mary Ellen got home, I resealed it, gift-wrapped it and placed it under the tree.  Of course, now we both knew what was in the package. It will still be a surprise on Christmas morning, so long as we can both keep a secret.

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

I don’t think I have ever been happier with something I bought my wife.

– DICK WOLFSIE

Bringing back family medicine

By Elle Kreamer elle@youarecurrent.com

FreedomDoc, a direct primary care clinic in Zionsville, has announced its grand opening will be Jan. 2, 2023. According to the clinic’s physician, Dr. Anastasia Bower, members of FreedomDoc pay a monthly fee to have unlimited visits as well as direct contact with their doctor at any time.

CLINIC

Bower said the goal is to provide patients with another option besides an emergency room visit when they are in need of medical attention, so she does her best to manage her patients’ care as efficiently as possible.

“It feels more like I’m like the hub,” Bower said. “We try to limit how many specialists you have to see and hopefully keep you out of the hospital by practicing preventative medicine. That way, you aren’t getting sick as often, or if you do, we treat it early.”

Bower is qualified to treat any condition that a family doctor is trained to treat, from conducting regular checkups to treating illnesses, performing mole biopsies, administering X-rays and more for patients of all ages. Bower is also trained in osteopathic medicine, which she said can provide options to utilize musculoskeletal techniques as an adjunct to traditional medicine and

chronic care management.

“I know that the $99 seems very steep per month, but if you think about even avoiding one ER visit or one urgent care visit, that would pay for several months of membership,” Bower said.

Bower said although she is the only doctor at the Zionsville location, limiting the total number of patients to 500 allows her to ensure familiarity while still providing affordable care to as many individuals as possible.

“If you have a sick kid in the middle of the night, you have questions or something happens on a weekend or a holiday, that’s what we’re here for,” Bower said. “We want to make sure that all your care is in one place, and it feels like home to you.”

For more, visit freedomdoc.care.

Merry flexible spending season

Commentary by Dr. Jeremy Ciano

It’s that time of year again! When the dust settles on all the toy wrappings, tree needles falling and broken slot cars, we find ourselves on Dec. 26 starting to look at our unused health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts. That’s when the panic sets in, because “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” What to do? And the mad end-ofyear rush starts.

VISION

Most folks aren’t aware of the “gift of sight” they are missing out on. It’s the perfect gift for your returning college kid, that husband who hasn’t had his eyes checked in “forever” or that 5-year-old who has never had a full “real” exam before. It’s also an opportunity to give to others who don’t have as much under the tree this year.

Fashion frames, sunglasses and contact

lenses are eligible with most HSA/flex spend programs. Have you been eyeing that second pair of frames? How about computer lenses? Night driving lenses? Sport contacts for the pickleball players and golfers out there? There are myriad options available for you to help better your hobby, sport, fashion or functionality with new glasses.

So, this holiday season, when you are struggling to find that perfect gift for a loved one who already has everything, find a local optometrist and use your flexible spending/HSA before it runs out. The “gift of sight” is powerful and lasts a lifetime.

Dr. Jeremy A. Ciano, an international lecturer and published author, is a Current Publishing columnist. For more information or to ask a question, he may be emailed at DrCiano@ Revolution-EYES.com.

Bower

The FreedomDoc clinic is located at 114 N.Main St. in Zionsville. (Photos courtesy of Freedom Healthworks)

Bakery offers gluten-free goods

By Elle Kreamer elle@youarecurrent.com

Since opening at 3091 U.S. 421 North in October, Aspasia Bake Shop has received positive feedback from the community for its many gluten-free offerings, according to owner Eva Tomlinson.

NO ONE HAS MORE CREDIBLE REVIEWS THAN US.

BAKERY

“I think the community response has been phenomenal,” Tomlinson said. “Everyone has been very generous, very supportive and very kind, so I have really enjoyed our time here.”

Tomlinson said the idea for the business came about because of her desire to find baked goods that accommodated her gluten intolerance.

“I had to figure out how I could bake things I could eat but I didn’t find anything out there from a flour perspective that really suited my taste, so I ended up developing my own flour and baking with that,” Tomlinson said.

Tomlinson noted that while family members enjoyed her baking prior to Aspasia’s opening, she realized the demand for a variety of gluten-free offerings was not being fulfilled in other local bake shops.

“I will confess, I didn’t realize the level of need within this immediate community and the extended community for a dedicated

gluten-free facility like a bake shop,” Tomlinson said. “I’m learning more and more every day. At least 10 times a day people will come in and express their appreciation for what we provide.”

The bake shop sells more than sweets, Tomlinson said. It also has lunch and dinner options, including salads, flatbreads and hummus as well as charcuterie boards, beer, wine and more.

Aspasia is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, but Tomlinson said she eventually wants to extend closing time to 8 p.m. For more, visit aspasiabakeshop.com.

DISPATCHES

Stocks that benefit from rising inflation

— Rising costs can eat into profits for some companies, and that can push up interest rates, which hurts bond prices and tends to pull investors away from stocks, depressing those prices. Cushion the effects of swelling inflation by investing in companies that benefit from global economic expansion and rising prices. Good candidates can be found in the materials and industrial sectors, such as:

• Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), the world’s largest copper miner, will see stronger profits due to a 60% jump since last spring in the price of copper. Recent share price: $24.63.

• Caterpillar (CAT) is a global leader in producing heavy machinery. Rising commodity prices will lead Caterpillar’s customers, ranging from industrial metal-mining firms to agricultural companies, to buy more from Caterpillar. Recent share price: $180.96.

• Cummins (CMI), this century-old company will see demand rise for diesel engines that power big-rig trucks and

trains used to haul commodities and other goods. Also, investors are underestimating the profit potential of Cummins’s new “clean–energy” engines that use fuel cells and hydrogen technology. Recent share price: $224.31.

Source: BottomLineInc.

Beware the free tablet — If you switch cellphone carriers, you might be told that you qualify for a free tablet, but you might not be told that it will have its own service plan. That plan could add an extra $10 to $20, or more, per month, to your bill.

Source: BottomlineInc.

Cryptocurrency risks — With cryptocurrencies continuing to attract headlines, Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson wants to remind Hoosiers to be cautious about such investments. They are not insured or controlled by any central authority and are subject to very little regulation. As a result, the potential for fraud is high. To learn more, visit IndianaMoneyWise.com.

A batch of strawberry cupcakes from Aspasia. (Photo courtesy of Aspasia)

currentnightandday.com

Westfield youth is served in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

How much fun is Fender Brokamp having while performing in “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre?

“If you can describe touching a rainbow, that’s how much fun,” he said. “It’s really a great experience.”

Brokamp, 11, is one of three Westfield youngsters in the Beef & Boards’ show, which began Nov. 25 and ends Dec. 23. The others are Allie Stacy, 7, and Greta Shambarger, 10.

This is a new experience for Brokamp, who plays Young Harry and Tommy.

“I’ve never done a nonmusical before,” said Brokamp, a Westfield Intermediate School fifth-grader. “Even if you do get to do the same role twice, a new director would do it differently, and that makes theater really cool. Even if the director does do it the same, you get to perfect it even more than you did last time, and that makes it really cool.”

Prior to getting the part, Brokamp had only seen bits and pieces of the 1946 movie, which the play is based on. When rehearsals started, Brokamp saw the movie.

Brokamp said balancing school with rehearsal can be tough, but it’s worth it.

“The rehearsals are a little longer, so those got a little hairy, but now that we’re in the full swing of shows, it’s smoother,” he said.

Brokamp said he has enjoyed acting with the adults and other younger performers.

“You can learn from anyone,” he said. “Everyone teaches, no matter how small or tall.”

Brokamp has been in two national commercials and several plays for Christian Youth Theater, Civic Theatre and Tipton Community Theatre.

Stacy, a St. Maria Goretti School second-grader, plays Zuzu.

“I like that I have a famous line, ‘Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings,’” she said.

Stacy said the experience has been “really fun because I have made so many

friends and I love being on stage.”

Stacy performed in the Broadway national tour of “Waitress.”

“I take voice lessons and have been in shows at Youth Inspirations Theatre. I take acting classes at Civic (Theatre) and dance classes at Dance Innovations,” Stacy said. “Last summer, I was accepted into the Broadway Artists Alliance in New York City and went there for a summer intensive program. I’ve also been in a short film and two commercials, thanks to Talent Fusion.”

Shambarger, a Shamrock Spring Elementary School fourth-grader, plays Young Violet.

“I like that I get to wear a wig in one scene,” Shambarger said. “I like that I’m in the ensemble also, so I get to wear a lot of costumes. Also, Young Violet is the perfect character for me to play because

I played Veruca (in ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’), Miss Andrew (in ‘Mary Poppins’) and Miss Han-

nigan (in ‘Annie KIDS’), and Violet is kind of similar to those parts.”

Shambarger was only familiar with the movie version.

“But now that I know of it, it’s probably my favorite play,” she said. “I love having friends in the cast to hang with backstage between scenes. Also, I like that I’m on stage more than I originally thought I would be.”

Shambarger has previously acted with several theater groups, including Christian Youth Theater. She has taken classes at Jr. Civic Theatre, and this is her first time with Beef & Boards.

“I’ve only been in one other show with adults, which was ‘Matilda the Musical’ at Tipton Community Theatre, where I played Lavender, Matilda’s best friend,” Shambarger said. “It’s fun to be in a show with adults because it makes me feel more professional.”

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

“It’s a Wonderful Life” runs through Dec. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL’

Civic Theatre presents “A Christmas Story, The Musical” through Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘HANDEL’S MESSIAH’

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will perform “Handel’s Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCHES

ATI’s ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ to return — Actors Theatre of Indiana has announced the return of “Million Dollar Quartet” June 16-17, 2023 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets went on sale Dec. 19. “Million Dollar Quartet” is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the true story of the famed recording session when Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley for one unforgettable night. Because of this special event, Actors Theatre of Indiana will postpone its production of “The Mountaintop,” which was scheduled for February 2023. Season subscribers and single-ticket holders who have already purchased their tickets will have the opportunity to exchange them for “Million Dollar Quartet.” For more, visit atistage.org.

Heartland Film adds board members — Heartland Film, a nonprofit arts organization, has added six board members. They are Gabe Connell, founder of HotBox Pizza LLC; Fred Lockett, DJ Lockstar; Kristi Lee, news director & co-host of “The Bob and Tom Show”; Karen Mangia, vice president of customer and market insights, salesforce; Amy Pauszek, producer, publicist, photographer; and Susie Townsend, chief destination experience officer, Visit Indy.

PLAY

From left, Fender Brokamp, Greta Shambarger and Allie Stacy perform in “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)

Where’s Amy?

Where’s Amy attends CSO’s ‘Holiday Pops!’ concert

Where’s Amy attends Marie Osmond concert

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, Expressenz Dance Center dancers Emerson Plank (Zionsville), Katie Huneycutt (Carmel), Audrey States (Carmel) and Arianna Kroon (Zionsville) with CSO Artistic Director Janna Hymes (Carmel) pause at the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Dec. 4 “Holiday Pops! 2022” concert with special guests Josh Kaufman and Leah Crane at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The CSO was joined by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir and Expressenz Dance Center. Carmel City Council member Jeff Worrell was the emcee. The concert included holiday favorites, dancing and a surprise visit by Santa. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

Ben Watson (Zionsville), center, with son, Max, and daughter, Ruby attend the Dec. 10 “Marie Osmond: A Symphonic Christmas Tour” at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The gold- and platinum-selling recording artist and TV personality won the audience over with her beautiful, powerful voice, flashy diamond-studded wardrobe, and festive Christmas favorites, along with a little bit of country and rock ‘n’ roll hits. For more about upcoming events, visit thecenterpresents.org. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

A savory fish story

three delicious options:

It’s the holidays, which means that we are in peak gnoshing season. In our family, we bust out all sorts of fun foods around Christmas and New Year’s. Sometimes on New Year’s we will get extra fancy with a bit of caviar to go with the sparkling wine. So, what is caviar, you ask? Well, true caviar only comes from sturgeon. The purists would say that it only comes from wild sturgeons, but let’s be honest, that isn’t sustainable. Today, only a small percentage of caviar is harvested from the wild. The majority is farmed around the world, with 70 percent coming from China. Recently, I tasted through three different caviars from Astrea. Astrea Caviar happens to be produced in the Yunan Province of China. Sturgeon from there are raised in a spring-fed lake and live for 10 to 25 years. No chemicals or antibiotics are used, and their processes and techniques for producing high-quality caviar is very cool! When the eggs are extracted, they are washed, salted and aged for 1 to 4 months, which gives them additional complexity. If you’ve never had caviar, now is the time! Here are

Russian Oscietra Hybrid — Acipenser gueldenstaedtii and baerii sturgeon are crossed to make this hybrid sturgeon. The resulting caviar is rich and nutty, with a touch of sea brine. The texture is creamy as well.

Kalluga Hybrid — These sturgeon are a cross between Huso Dauricus and Acipenser Schrenckii sturgeon. The eggs are large, and it has a righteous buttery texture and flavor.

Grand Schrenckii — Also known as Amur Sturgeon, this is a tremendous caviar with great depth and complexity. The eggs are like the kalluga, if not a touch smaller. This caviar has an incredibly rich, nutty, and buttery flavor. Having tasted all three sideby-side, this caviar is mind-blowing.

The folks at Astrea were super cool and gave us a discount code to share. Order directly from them with the code CURRENT and save 15 percent off your order.

Current Publishing is seeking a Zionsville/Special Projects Managing Editor. The person we hire will become immersed in the community, will have flawless execution of grammar, spelling, style and punctuation and will be collaborative with the newsroom director and the art director. Salary is based on experience. Benefits available. Send us a cover letter, resume and your three best clips showing news reporting and feature writing. This position could be full-time or part-time depending on your pace and ability. Please do not apply unless you have two years of newswriting experience.

Email package to: steve@youarecurrent.com APPLY TODAY

No phone calls. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Managing Editor

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

Commentary by Mark LaFay

Goblin up self-indulgence

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Now, the Oxford English Dictionary is at it. In my previous column, I reported that “gaslighting” has been named the Word of the Year 2022 by the dictionary aficionados at Merriam-Webster. Each year, the Merriam-Webster dictionary chooses a word it believes captures a prevailing sentiment of the cultural zeitgeist. Not wanting to miss out on the lexical lingo retrospective, the OED is chiming in with its vote: “goblin mode.”

GRAMMAR GUY

goblin mode stormed the Twitter scene in February 2022 as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted across the U.S. and most of the world. As people emerged from their hidey-holes of prolonged social isolation, they decided to engage in oddly self-indulgent behaviors.

The OED defines goblin mode as “a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations.”

The OED brought three words to an online vote: goblin mode, metaverse and the hashtag IStandWith. Goblin mode won, garnering 93 percent of the 340,000 votes.

On its face, the term sounds like something stolen from Dungeons and Dragons or World of Warcraft. There’s an ancient YouTube video where a user calling himself Leeroy Jenkins runs into an impossible battle against a dragon, armed with the confidence of 1,000 soldiers. To me, that would be “goblin mode.”

As it turns out, I’m wrong. In fact,

Goblin mode looks like eating the entire carton of Ben & Jerry’s while watching an entire season of “The Great British Baking Show.” It is playing video games until 3 a.m. on a Sunday night, fully aware that you have a budget review meeting at 9 in the morning. Goblin mode embraces our lazy and selfish impulses that don’t take tomorrow into account.

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

Visiting Israel and the Palestinian Territories

Commentary by Don Knebel

With the worst of Indiana winter approaching, today we begin a road trip through Israel and the Palestinian Territories, making a short visit to western Jordan. We will be on this trip for the next few months. Before starting, it is important to understand something about the geography of the land we will be visiting.

TRAVEL

The land occupied by Israel and the Palestinian Territories (Israel/Palestine), lying along the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, is surprisingly small in light of its enormous significance to hundreds of millions of Jews, Christians and Muslims around the world. The entire area is about one-fourth the size of Indiana, with the distance from north to south about 290 miles, and from east to west about 85 miles at the widest spot. The geography and climate are very diverse, ranging from verdant forests in the north to hostile deserts in the south, with the fertile hill country in between.

The shore of the Dead Sea, at almost 1,500 feet below sea level, is the lowest land elevation on earth. Because Indiana and Israel/Palestine are about the same distance from north to south, you can think of Israel/Palestine locations in terms of the eastern quarter of Indiana. The Sea of Galilee would be near Ft. Wayne, Jerusalem would be near New Castle, the Dead Sea would be near Richmond and everything south of Shelbyville would be largely uninhabitable desert. The Palestinian Territories, in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, occupy about the same area as Delaware, Henry, Jay, Randolph and Wayne counties. The total

population of Israel/Palestine is about 14.8 million, about twice that of Indiana.

As we travel, we will go from north to south, stopping along the way at important locations. For each place we visit, we will explore both its history and its religious and spiritual significance.

Don Knebel is a local resident.

The Negev desert in southern Israel. (Photo by Don Knebel)

For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

The Sea of Galilee in Israel.

Dan Spring in Israel.

The Judaean Hills in Israel.

NOW HIRING:

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

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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.

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