Plan Commission approves Crew Carwash plan
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.comShare your thoughts
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DEVELOPMENT
The Zionsville Plan Commission unanimously approved a petition for a Crew Carwash development at 6419 E. Whitestown Pkwy., during its July 17 meeting at Town Hall.
The current zoning is Rural General Business District within the Interstate-65 Overlay. The land is undeveloped. The subject site is 2.5-plus acres in the northern portion of an 8.10-plus-acre parcel of land.
According to the planned unit development staff notes, the property owner of the leasehold parcel, C & V Farm, LLC, has agreed to a long-term lease for the proposed development.
The new facility will consist of a car wash building and an interior car wash building. The development will include vacuum bays, stacking lanes for car wash building access and an employee parking area.
Planning staff notes on the project state that an Improvement Location Permit will be required from the town before sitework or construction can begin.
Senior Planner Roger Kilmer said that the planning staff was favorable to conditional
approval of the development plan, not including signage.
Plan Commission member Larry Jones questioned the road designs of the project on the north end around the interior car wash.
Mike Timko with Kimley-Horn Civil Engineering said that the developer received a request from the fire department to have a looped drive to have easier access in case of a fire.
Travis Smith, director of real estate at
Crew Carwash, explained to the commission how the car wash would operate.
“There is a conveyor belt that moves along slowly while you get out of the car, drink coffee, walk along the side, while (employees) clean the interior of your car,” Smith said. “When I tell people what I do for a living, the No. 1 complaint I get is that there aren’t enough of these.”
Timko said that a traffic study was conducted, and Boone County drainage approval was received for the project.
Redevelopment Commission reviews proposals
By Kiersten Riedford kiersten@youarecurrent.comThe Zionsville Redevelopment Commission Meeting met July 24 to discuss land development proposals for two separate lots, including a 1.29-acre strip of vacant land on Oak Street in front of Zionsville Town Hall and a 0.69-acre PNC parking lot on 106th Street.
for the land, including Lot 2. It proposes two office buildings, connected parking lots, residential areas and an amphitheater. The office buildings would be three stories with a connector between the two structures.
TOWN NEWS
The redevelopment plan is in the response-sharing phase of the request for information process. This month, comission members will begin to collaborate with the designers who submitted proposals. Then, in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year — Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 — the members will share the final plan.
The proposal for Lot 2, according to ZRDC Director Corrie Sharp, is a building that is to be at least two stories and architecturally compatible with Town Hall. Five formal responses were submitted to the ZRDC for consideration for the Lot 2 parcel.
Seake LLC proposed a campus master plan
Onyx+East proposed a residential building for the space. The firm said the space should be used to build townhomes on either side of the lot with a central drive. There would be 23 units in four separate buildings. Each unit would be a three-story residency with three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a rooftop. The units would retail for approximately $500,000.
“For us to consider some type of residential (building) will require some type of zoning amendment,” Sharp said.
David Rausch Studio proposed to use the space to create both a five-story commercial mixed-use building and a two-story residential facility along the trail that can support multiple families.
More proposals can be found on the Zionsville Town Hall website. Parking was a major consideration in each proposal.
“Even in Town Hall today, people are com-
peting for spaces,” Sharp said.
The former PNC Bank parking lot was left behind after the July 28, 2020, demolition of the bank building. The demolition marked the first stage of planning for what is to become the Zionsville Gateway Area.
The parking lot is within the Gateway and Zionsville Business District. There have been three formal responses for what should be done to the lot space. Sharp said every proposal must consider parking because of the high demand for parking in the area.
The Lauth Group proposed a mixed-use building with underground parking, a highend restaurant as first floor retail, Class A space, luxury condos, a rooftop garden and amenities such as a workout facility. The firm’s architecture design plan calls for a historic form built with modern materials.
To send the ZRDC comments and questions, Sharp said residents can email her at csharp@zionsville-in.gov.
“Keep the ideas rolling,” Sharp said. “We are just starting this conversation.”
The next ZRDC meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 28.
DISPATCHES
Heavy Trash Collection — The Department of Public Works and Priority Waste will provide the annual Heavy Trash Collection in August for residents in the urban service district. Starting the week of Monday, August 7 and continuing through the week of Monday, August 28, residents may place up to three heavy trash items curbside on each of their two nonrecycle weeks in this month. Items must be placed curbside by 7 a.m. on your nonrecycle week to guarantee collection. For more, visit zionsville-in. gov/152/Heavy-Trash-Collection.
Citizen’s Fire Academy — The Zionsville Fire Department will host a free Citizen’s Fire Academy on Tuesday nights from Aug. 22 through Oct. 10 from 6:30—9 p.m. Citizen’s Fire Academy is a free public education program designed to increase the participant’s fire and safety awareness. Participants must be 18 years or older and reside or work within the boundaries of the Zionsville Fire Department service area. Participation is limited to 20 people. Visit zionsville-in.gov/636/ Citizens-Fire-Academy for more.
Junior Indiana Master Naturalist — Junior Indiana Master Naturalist is a program to connect kids ages 9 to 12 to Indiana natural resources through hands-on learning, field experiences and volunteer work. The weeklong program will cover many topics, like local plants, animals and ecosystems. Participants will also give back to the natural world through service projects throughout the week. The program takes place July 31Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Zionsville Nature Center. To register, visit zionsvillein. myrec.com/info/activities/program_details. aspx?ProgramID=29941.
Food Drive — St. Alphonsus Liguori’s Outreach Ministry is sponsoring a food drive for The Caring Center Saturday, Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 20 from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations of non-perishable food can be dropped off at a truck that will be in the St. Alphonsus Liguori’s parking lot at 1870 W. Oak St.
Creek Week — Zionsville’s yearly celebration of Eagle Creek through recreation, stewardship and education will take place from Aug. 7 through Aug. 12. Creek Week features activities for all ages including stream cleanups, fishing, a creekstop, educational programs and more. To register for the Creek Week events and programs, visit zionsvillein.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29943.
DISPATCHES
Girl Scouts plan recruitment events at Dairy Queens — Girl Scouts of Central Indiana will be setting up camp from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 12 at various Dairy Queen locations to recruit new members. According to organizer Whitney Parker, some of the confirmed locations in Hamilton and Boone counties are:
• Zionsville – 340 S. 1st Street
• Carmel – 951 N. Range Line Rd.
• Fishers – 11976 N. Allisonville Rd.,13092 Publishers Pl. and 13647 Olivia Way
• Noblesville – 5625 Pebble Village Ln.
• Westfield – 940 Tournament Trail
Centier Bank — Centier Bank has welcomed Christie King as Branch Manager of the bank’s Zionsville branch at 50 N. Ford Rd. King joins Centier Bank after working as a Universal Banker and Branch Manager at a national financial institution. Prior to that, she was an elementary and middle school teacher for 15 years. King is delighted to utilize her background in banking and education to help serve as a financial guide to Zionsville clients.
Bingo — The Knights of Columbus will hold a family bingo night to benefit the U.S. Armed Forces Veterans and Active Service Personnel on Aug. 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 1870 W. Oak St., Zionsville. Food will be served at 6:30 and bingo will begin at 7 p.m.
Prevent catalytic converter theft — Jiffy Lube of Indiana and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Dept. have partnered to launch the Catalytic Converter Identification Initiative to combat catalytic converter thefts. Through this initiative, Hoosiers that visit a Jiffy Lube store in central Indiana can opt to have their technician engrave the last 8 digits of the vehicle’s VIN on the catalytic converter and add a stripe of high-temp paint, which adds an extra layer of protection to any vehicle at no additional cost.
Forté debuts new technology — Dr. Stephen Ritter of Carmel-based Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is the first surgeon in the state to use Stryker’s Q Guidance System with Spine Guidance Software for navigation and guidance in surgery. The system’s state-of-the-art camera and enhanced software can produce real-time, 3D models of a patient’s spine, enabling surgeons such as Ritter to guide their tools and perform critical tasks more precisely and efficiently than ever before. Learn more at ForteOrtho.com.
Trip to northern Michigan
Commentary by Ward DeglerWe spent the weekend up north. As in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at the northern edge of Lake Superior. My wife’s grandson, whom we watched grow from infancy to adulthood, married a beautiful young woman born and raised in the area.
Big mistake. Fortunately, someone on shore saw what happened and pulled me to safety. In case you didn’t know, the summertime temperature of Lake Superior is only slightly above freezing.
PLAIN TALK
It took 10 hours of driving to get there, but the family was waiting when we arrived. There was no time to be tired.
In between villages in the UP are the last vestiges of wilderness. You can smell the history. Pioneers with axes and shovels.
The wedding was held in a small church in one of those spaces. An open area outside the forest. The air was crisp, the sky was blue. The church ladies served a meal for the reception that will not soon be forgotten. Later, we gathered as family to reminisce, knowing the bride and groom were poised for their honeymoon and their life together.
A couple of the younger and more fearless members of the tribe decided to jump into the lake. I did that once years ago while hunting agates along the shore. I saw one I wanted in deep water and dove for it.
Several out-of-commission ore docks remain at the lake’s edge — giant structures where trains loaded with iron ore once dumped their loads into ships. Of course, no one can scan the awesome stretch of that lake without remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald, the ship that took its crew and cargo to the bottom one stormy winter night.
I didn’t walk the shore this trip. The agates are there, and one day maybe I’ll return to find them. But this trip was all about celebrating the marriage of our grandson and his bride.
The return trip took another 10 hours. We allowed ourselves to be tired when we got home.
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.
PHYSICIAN’S OFFICE CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING
WE BELIEVE YOUR ROOF SHOULD LAST AT LEAST AS LONG AS THE COMPANY THAT INSTALLS IT.
WE BELIEVE YOUR ROOF SHOULD LAST AT LEAST AS LONG AS THE COMPANY THAT INSTALLS IT.
We like to think shingles started getting installed the right way back in 1989. That’s when Bone Dry hung out its own shingle. The very reason the company has endured over 30 years of rain, wind and hail . . . is because our roofs have. Other roofers come and go like a flash of lightning. For a roof that’s going to be around a long, long time, call Bone Dry. We’ll not only answer our phones tomorrow, we’ll answer them the year after tomorrow.
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Hey there, folks! Take a good look at this zoomed-in image we’ve snagged from a spot in Zionsville. We want you to channel your inner Sherlock and head over to youarecurrent.com/mysterysnapshot to submit your best guess about where this photo was taken. Ready for the challenge? Check back next week for the answer.
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QUALITY CLEANING FOR LESS EVERYDAY SPECIALS
CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
ZIONSVILLE
Project: INDOT’s 421 Forward
Location: The proposed project will begin approximately 2.91 miles north of I-465 (just north of Greenfield/Templin Road) and extend north for approximately 2.9 miles along U.S. 421 to a point approximately 2.86 miles south of Ind. 32. The proposed project is anticipated to consist of various roadway improvements including pavement rehabilitation, addition of auxiliary lanes, intersection improvements, pedestrian facilities and storm drainage enhancements.
Expected Completion: Nov. 6.
Project: CR 800 E. and Oak St.
Roundabout
WE HONOR COMPETITORS’ COUPONS
DF-2000 Fluid has gained widespread acceptance and today is used in thousands of drycleaning plants in the United States alone.
Location: A full closure of Oak Street is scheduled from June 5 to Sept. 1. After the road reopens, work will continue through the fall. The roundabout will replace the existing traffic signal located at this intersection. Over the last several months, utilities within the area have been relocating their facilities in preparation for the road construction work.
The growth of DF-2000 Fluid has outpaced all of the alternative technologies offered for drycleaning. This is a result of many factors including health, safety and environmental benefits, excellent cleaning performance, proven equipment technology, commercial practicality, and a reduced regulatory burden.
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DF-2000 Fluid provides you with the peace of mind that comes from a well-developed, broadly supported technology with a track record of proven performance.
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DF-2000 Fluid is manufactured and packaged to high standards of consistency and purity to deliver the same high-quality performance time after time. DF-2000 Fluid remains stable through multiple distillation and reclamation cycles.
• Virtually Odorless
Solvents with a higher level of aromatics contain more solvent odor. DF-2000 Fluid has the lowest aromatic content of any HFHC drycleaning solvent.
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The gentle cleaning action of DF-2000 Fluid is safer for most dyes and trims, so you can rely on it to safely clean a wider range of fancy and fragile articles with less risk of dye bleeding.
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No feather or extra heavy comforter. Not valid with any other offer. Some restrictions apply. Expires 9/30/23
Expected Completion: Nov. 29.
Project: INDOT’s 52@65
Location: This project is designed to improve the level of service of the I-65 interchange at U.S. 52 near Lebanon. The project will provide improved mobility and direct access to the areas east and west of I-65, north of Lebanon. The project is in the design phase, which is expected to be completed by fall 2024. The next step will be to accept bids from construction contractors and vendors, which is scheduled for late 2024, with construction beginning in spring 2025.
Expected Completion: Fall 2026
WESTFIELD
Project: Library/township office construction
Location: Corner of Park and Poplar streets
Not
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Expected completion: Work is expected to continue through the end of the year with the library expected to open in early 2024.
Project: Academy Sports & Outdoors
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Location: Drive in front of the building will close for renovations, while the left turn lane from eastbound Greyhound Pass will be closed to avoid traffic turning into the worksite.
valid with any other offer. Some restrictions apply. Expires 9/30/23Business is still open through construction.
PARTY TIME
Zionsville gears up for annual Street Dance
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.comThe Town of Zionsville is gearing up for its biggest block party of the year. The annual Street Dance returns Aug. 5, from 6 to 10 p.m., at 10 N. Main St.
The event includes local food vendors, wineries, breweries, live music and an interactive kids area.
The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce has organized the Street Dance since the mid1970s. According to Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mike Hanlon, the event is special to Zionsville because it brings the community together.
“The event is a celebration of all community members, young and old,” Hanlon said. “Everyone comes together for one night where businesses can participate, and people can experience some of the best that Zionsville has to offer.”
Hanlon said guests can expect many local food and adult beverage vendors this year. Outside food and drinks are strongly discouraged to help support the local businesses participating in the event.
“The Street Dance provides an opportunity for the entire community to come together, celebrate and enjoy a fun-filled evening on Main Street in Zionsville,” Hanlon said. “The family-friendly event also supports local businesses by drawing an immense crowd from surrounding areas while fostering a sense of camaraderie among residents.”
Vendors include Greek’s Pizzeria, My Sugar Pie, The Scoop, BEST Burgers and Fries, El Toro Bravo, 1947 Eatery & Lounge, Zionsville Bake Shop, North High Brewing and The Salty Cowboy, among others.
Rachel Vining, owner of Zionsville Bake Shop at 7262 W. Stonegate Dr., looks forward to showcasing her business at the Street Dance for the first time.
“As a business that does not have a location along Zionsville’s historic Main Street, Street Dance allows us to have a physical presence in downtown Zionsville for the night,” Vining said. “We chose to be a vendor at Street Dance for the opportunity that it affords to be present in the community, as well as the chance to support the efforts of
the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce.”
Himan Garg, president of the authentic Indian restaurant 1947 Eatery & Lounge, said the event is a great way to connect with community members, meet new people and showcase the restaurant to new customers.
“We live in a very diverse community now, and having ethnic food at events is important to showcase our community’s diversity and also give those who haven’t tried ethnic cuisines the opportunity to do so,” Garg said.
Hanlon said the event is the main annual fundraiser for the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce, which relies on the support of sponsorships from local businesses and organizations, such as K1ds Count Therapy, Boone County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and many other participating chamber
members to produce an event for the entire community.
K1ds Count Therapy founder and co-CEO Frank Knez said the Zionsville community has welcomed the nonprofit for three years.
“We sponsor (the) Street Dance to shine a light on Building Essential Skills Together, our nonprofit that supports meaningful employment opportunities for adults of all abilities (and) spend quality time with our KCT team and build deeper relationships within our Zionsville community,” Knez said.
With an adult ticket purchase, a wristband will be provided for attendees 21 and older. Tickets and IDs will be checked at the entrance gate. A wristband is required to purchase from alcoholic beverages from any vendor.
Tickets are $20 each for people 11 and
older and $5 for children 10 and under. Pets are discouraged because of the anticipated large crowd.
“The event will feature a kids area that will have a local business, Bach to Rock and the Zionsville Fire Department,” Hanlon said. “There will be instrument demos and interaction with local businesses.”
Bach to Rock co-director Madison Moore said she and her colleagues are excited to meet the Zionsville community through the Zionsville Street Dance event.
“At the event, children will have the opportunity to try out a wide variety of instruments at our instrument petting zoo, including piano, guitar, drums and ukulele,” Moore said.
Hanlon said besides helping offset event-related production costs, the entrance fee provides the Chamber with adequate resources to provide outstanding member service to the business community and other community events throughout the year at no charge to Zionsville residents.
This year’s performers include The Janeaways, who will kick things off from 6:307:30 p.m. Headliner Mike and Joe will take the stage from 8 to 10 p.m.
The Janeaways said they are thrilled and honored to be playing at this year’s Street Dance.
“The community has been so supportive as we’ve played at private events, nonprofit fundraisers and local bars and restaurants. Playing on Main Street is our Super Bowl,” the band said in a statement.
Anyone interested in volunteering or purchasing tickets for the Street Dance can visit zionsvillechamber.org.
IF YOU GO
PRESENTED BY: Zionsville Chamber of Commerce
WHAT: The Zionsville Street Dance resembles a block party with local food and adult beverage vendors, an area for kids and live music.
WHEN: Aug. 5 from 6 to 10 p.m.
WHERE: 10 N. Main St.
Saturday, August 12, 2023 | Four Day Ray, Fishers Register at WoofstockRocks.com or scan below!
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HEALTH
How to get a summer pedicure
Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan
and sanitizing. Even better? Bring your own nail polish, too.
SKIP THE FOOT SHAVE
PODIATRY
Summer is the time for sandals and opentoed shoes, and who doesn’t love a little foot pampering? While pedicures are great, they can increase your risk for foot infections if you don’t take precautions.
Always ensure the salon and technicians are licensed and follow my six tips for getting a safer summer pedicure.
DON’T SHAVE BEFORE YOU GO
Shaving opens your pores, allowing stray germs to enter your bloodstream. And, even in the cleanest of salons, that can pave the way for infection.
LINE UP!
Before soaking your feet, the salon should always line the foot bath with fresh plastic to decrease your risk of encountering germs from the previous customer.
COME PREPARED
To eliminate exposure to infectious germs or foot fungi, bring your own pedicure tools or check to ensure the salon uses disposable tools or an autoclave for disinfecting
Indiana state law prohibits salons from using razors on the feet to remove calluses or corns. Using razors can lead to an infection, especially if too much healthy skin is removed, and can cause permanent damage.
ASK FOR SQUARE TIPS
Square tips make it less likely that the edges of your nail will turn inward, leaving you with an ingrown toenail.
STEER CLEAR OF SALONS IF YOU HAVE DIABETES
Diabetes can reduce sensation in your feet. If a pedicurist gets too rough or accidentally cuts your foot, you may not notice until an ulcer develops.
A board-certified foot surgeon and wound specialist, Dr. David Sullivan is the owner of Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact him at drs@ westfieldfoot.com.
Invitations to thievery
Commentary by Terry Anker
There’s an app for that?
Commentary by Dick Wolfsiewhile I make a U-turn.
ESSAY
Each day, it seems our technologies deluge us with an array of would-be crooks, ready to steal our hard-earned cash or even our very identities. Through subterfuge and guile, they get us to give that which they could not get, at least not without our agreement: personal information. This kind of crime, as could be supposed, is the same as many others in that the criminal employs deceit and manipulation rather than pistol and dagger. Theft by prevarication may do no less harm to the victim than one at knife point. Sure, most of us would rather suffer the humiliation of an empty bank account than suffer a stab wound, but the emotional damage caused should not be underestimated.
Almost all the Hallmark Channel movies remind us of the danger of a “stolen” heart. Some handsome Lothario or lovely Maleficent wiles their way into the good graces of the naïve, unassuming hayseed. Ultimately, the ruse is exposed and hard lessons
learned. The cardiac muscle is not actually taken but the trusting nature of the mark is forever changed, hardened. We wrongly give away our hearts. They are not robbed. It is said that once educated, no one can take the knowledge from us. But does the nature of what it means to hold knowledge shift as time passes? Can we go from being a computer expert and a decade later become obsolete? Can Father Time steal our skills just as easily as our youth? Or do we have the opportunity to replace our waning talents by updating or new learning? Is vigilance always required? Clicking on a link in a random email, falling in love too hard or too quickly, and believing that we have completed our education once the degree is in-hand — each opens us welcomingly to invited thievery.
Warming up to icy travel plan
Commentary by Danielle WilsonAvid readers may recall my family’s December 2022 vacation competition, when we each pitched a potential destination (within a given budget and time frame, of course) and then voted on our favorite. Our younger son won with his beautiful PowerPoint presentation of Iceland and a promise of Northern Lights and breathtaking landscape (in case you’re wondering, I finished dead last with my Costa Rica all-inclusive. Whatever. My kids are idiots).
HUMOR
So, we purchased airline tickets out of Chicago, booked an Airbnb and wasted many a weekend searching for affordable snowmobiling and volcano tours (of which there are none). But in May, I learned I’d be attending a teaching conference in Seattle that ended less than 25 hours before our pseudo-Arctic adventure began. It seemed silly for me to fly home when I could just reschedule my flight to meet everyone in Reykjavik. So, that’s what I did. Obviously. This meant that for the first time in nearly 25 years, I prepared for a big trip with only me in mind. I know! No pre-buying plane snacks for picky eaters, no making sure everyone has clean clothes and appropriate
footwear and no triaging electronics chargers and sunscreen on the kitchen table. Tough stuff, offspring! You’re on your own! And that made a huge difference in my stress level. Managing one person, it turns out, is way simpler than wrangling four young adults (and on occasion, a man-child husband) as they prep for international travel. Packing, passports, protein bars –not my problem.
I still wish our destination was a tropical paradise with unlimited Rum Runners, but fjords and glaciers are cool, too. Iceland, here I come. Alone. Peace out.
HUMOR
I subscribe to several health publications, and most of them offer some advice on avoiding medical scams. A few years ago, a dermatologist in Southern California avoided jail time by the skin of his teeth. He had been marketing an app for smartphones that emitted a bluish light, which he claimed would cure acne. Dr. Smith sold about 20,000 of these. Now, ironically, he has a blotch on his once-unblemished medical record.
Most of the experts agreed that these lights can’t hurt you, but if a kid is holding his Android or iPhone against his pimply nose while driving, he’s likely to back the Volvo into a mailbox. No instructions were provided with the app, so one of the difficulties was knowing exactly how far from the problem area to hold the device. Some of Dr. Smith’s accomplices — I mean, associates — are now thinking of adding a GPS, a global pimple searcher, that will automatically zero in on any facial imperfections.
Nine out of 10 teenagers with zits will believe anything you tell them if they think it will clear up their faces. That is why I spent most of the ninth grade with lemon wedges and a heating pad on my forehead at night. Another researcher was equally concerned, noting, “I am worried about this because bacteria on the phone could lead to other skin infections.” Wait! There are germs on cellphones? That’s the last time I’ll hold my iPhone between my teeth
The app emitted 660 nanometers of light, which anyone with a post-doctoral degree in laser technology knows can’t hold a candle to a good glob of Clearasil. If you are one of those people who paid five bucks for this cyber rip-off, it still might not be a bad idea to rub the smartphone across your forehead. Maybe the smart part will rub off on you.
Even the people at Apple were concerned about the legitimacy of this application, warning customers that it’s “for entertainment purposes only.” Yes, this warning comes from the same people who now offer an app to notify you if you’re going to have a bad hair day, or one that tells you the best time to hit the john during a movie so you don’t miss any plot development, which I have used with great success.
Dr. Smith claimed if he had gone to jail, he would have taken the punishment like a man. He’s been directed by his PR people to say, “Breaking out is not an option.”
His wife was worried that even a short prison sentence would jeopardize their marriage. Dr. Smith confirmed their love. “She’s my main squeeze,” the dermatologist told everyone. Which is not something his PR agency wanted him to say.
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“Managing one person, it turns out, is way simpler than wrangling four young adults (and on occasion, a man-child husband) as they prep for international travel.”
– DANIELLE WILSON
“Wait! There are germs on cellphones? That’s the last time I’ll hold my iPhone between my teeth while I make a U-turn.”
– DICK WOLFSIE
Versatile duo set for Carmel Jazz Fest performance
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.comBethany Robinson is confident the inaugural Carmel Jazz Fest will spark more interest in jazz year-round.
‘SOPHISTICATED LADIES’
“Sophisticated Ladies” runs through Aug. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
CONCERT
“This will provide different options to hear live jazz,” she said. “Hopefully, it will spark interest in people coming to The Jazz Kitchen.”
The Noblesville High School music teacher said it will benefit her students to have opportunities to see several different jazz bands perform during the festival because so much jazz is played in 21-and-older bars or clubs.
“I’m really excited to get my students to as many events as possible,” she said.
Robinson and Sarah Scharbrough will perform from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 11 in the Carmel Jazz Fest at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts. The twoday festival, held at indoor and outdoor venues, ends Aug. 12.
“It will be my first time playing The Tarkington and I’m most excited to be playing among Indiana jazz legends,” said Scharbrough, who lives in Noblesville. “Bethany and I pull from our backgrounds incorporating jazz standards, pop classics with twists and I write lots of original tunes for our performances.”
Scharbrough said the two started performing together in 2009 and have played hundreds of times together.
“I think a fun thing that happens when we’re together is that we both bring our training — reading, lessons, disciplined musical study and then allow our ears and intuition to bend that construct,” Scharbrough said. “It’s a fun mashup of planned and off the cuff. We enjoy playing all kinds of events and styles. This coming event will have more of a jazz vibe but, per normal, with our own take on it. It’s going to be fun.”
Robinson said they will play some of Scharbrough’s original songs and some of their favorite jazz standards.
Robinson, who plays upright and electric bass, said keyboardist Scharbrough performs lead vocals. Robinson provides backup vocals.
Scharbrough’s husband, Jeff McLaughlin, a Westfield High School music teacher, will play drums for the group during the festival. Scharbrough’s brother, Stephen, plays guitar.
Robinson plays with different groups and artists around the Indianapolis area, including Katherine Nagy, who performs folk, Americana music and Irish music.
“Bass is so versatile that the thing that I love about it is I can play every genre any night of the week,” Robinson said. “It’s really fun to play so many different types of music.”
Robinson, a Fishers resident, is the Noblesville High School jazz band program director and assistant band director. She has been with the school district for 18 years.
Scharbrough’s daughter was a freshman in Robinson’s jazz band this past school year.
As a Yamaha Performing Artist, Yamaha
sponsors Robinson when she speaks at music conferences or as a guest artist at schools.
“I spend a lot of evenings and weekends not being bored,” she said. “Most of the time I’m able to do it around my school schedule and don’t have to take time off.”
Robinson was the 2022 Grammy Music Educator Award finalist. She was the 2015 Noblesville Schools Teacher of the Year and 2014 Indiana Jazz Educator of the Year.
Jazz groups from the University of Indianapolis, Butler University, Ball State University and Indiana University will perform Aug. 12 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts.
A small group of Robinson’s jazz students from Noblesville will open as a combo for Spyro Gyra, which is the Carmel Jazz Fest headliner at 8 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. Spyro Gyra is a separate ticket event through thecenterpresents.org.
For a schedule and tickets, visit carmeljazzfest.org.
Brittany Brumfield presents Baby Grand Dueling Pianos at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE SOMEWHAT TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD’
Main Street Productions presents the youth production of “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” through Aug. 6 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
‘LA CASA AZUL’
Gregory Hancock’s production of a concert of “La Casa Azul” will feature the Carmel Symphony Orchestra and Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre at 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
‘MURDER
ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’
The Carmel Community Players’ production of Ken Ludwig’s “Murder on the Orient Express’’ is set from Aug. 6 to 13 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
DAVE DUGAN
Carmel comedian Dave Dugan will perform at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Echo Room, 124 S. Lebanon St., Lebanon. For more, visit madhattershows.com.
DISPATCH
Indy Shorts issues awards — The 2023 Indy Shorts International Film Festival, presented by Heartland Film, concluded July 23 with a record number of film submissions (more than 3,900). The festival’s three grand prize-winning films, “We Were Meant To” (Tari Wariebi, United States), “Oasis” (Justine Martin, France) and “Rosemary A.D. (After Dad)” (Ethan Barrett, United States), will receive Academy Award qualification in their respective categories and $5,000 in cash prizes.
Wine Tasting • Designer Shopping
Delectable Bites • Incredible Auction Items
FRI DAY, AUGUST 2 5 11AM - 3PM at Lucas Estate, Carmel IN
POLO at SUNSET
ZZ Top keeps rocking on
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.comZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons has a unique perspective on transitioning from a solo tour in Europe right into a huge multi-city tour.
CONCERT
“When (giving) the topic of good times due consideration, the main catalyst is definitely live, loud music,” said the 73-year-old Gibbons, the band’s guitarist and primary vocalist. “ZZ maintains the position to generate that exact kind of good time for audiences across the board. The offshoot of the ZZ outfit does best by staying out there keeping it turned way up. Rock ’n’ roll stays hard on its own as a special reward worthy of multiple gold stars.”
The blues rock band joins Lynyrd Skynyrd on “The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour,” which includes an Aug. 20 appearance at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. Uncle Kracker opens the concert at 6:30 p.m.
ZZ Top has a long history with Lynyrd Skynyrd, so it’s fitting the groups are again touring together.
“We’ve known ‘The Skyn’ since forever and it’s great always reconnecting any place, any time,” Gibbons said. “Working with the Skynyrd outfit maintains a strident reward, renewing again and again.”
ZZ Top took a three-year break from touring in the late 1970s as drummer Frank Beard dealt with a substance abuse issue. All three band members were also exhausted from the grind of touring.
“Each of us knew that peculiar break was necessarily temporary,” Gibbons said. “We came back realizing the same wavelength resonated with a crazy fashion of chin whiskers and valuable views of a common world. The mission, which we chose to accept, was and is to get out and make big noise. It’s a time-tested formula for fine
Friday, August 11, 2023 6 p.m. at Hickory Hall Polo Club
Join us for a night of polo to support the Riverview Health Foundation. Sponsorship levels include a variety of different options. New this year is a VIP hospitality suite. Scan the QR code to learn more.
times on deck.”
Gibbons and late-bassist Dusty Hill came back from the hiatus with their famous beards, and their status grew even larger with MTV videos.
“Quite unexpectedly, millions felt in touch with the ongoing offerings of ZZ Top videos,” Gibbons said. “Quite a league of followers liked what we were doing. It expanded the band’s horizons with a searing, serious reach. That, and the real Texas get-down approach became obvious — truly, a cross-cultural, cross-generational big bang.”
Hill died in 2021 and was replaced by Elwood Francis, who Hill had recommended as his successor. Francis had previously been the band’s guitar technician.
“La Grange” is always a special moment in the concert, Gibbons said.
“The two numbers delivering an unexpected personal charge is actually a collision of ‘Waitin’ For The Bus’ and ‘Jesus Just Left Chicago,’” Gibbons said. “That pairing wasn’t written as a combo. Tracks 1 and 2 on ‘Tres Hombres’ wound up without separation, which unexpectedly melded as a seamless single to the luck of the mastering slip of the blade. We took that coupling forward making certain they co-join with each performance.”
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Fair’s backyard BBQ contest returns
Commentary by Mark LaFayThe Indiana State Fair is coming back around. I love our annual celebration of Hoosier agriculture. The animals, the competition, the fried food, it is all great! This year is going to be extra special because it will be the first post-pandemic year for the backyard barbecue competition. Team Old Major took home the grand champion prize in 2015 and 2017. We are champing at the bit for a rematch and have been putting in the work to prep for this year’s competition!
Here are three ideas to get the juices flowing as you are dreaming up what to get on the grill this weekend!
SAUSAGES
I often get asked my preferred method of cooking a sausage. It isn’t an easy answer. It depends on what sausage I’m cooking. I love smoking Old Major Jalapeño Cheddar Brats. In 2015, we won the loin category by making a fresh jalapeño cheddar brat with pork loin. I also love grilling brats, Argen tine chorizo and boerewors over hardwood charcoal!
BURGERS
Our default burger is a blend of Hoosier beef and Old Major Bacon. But there is more to burgers than beef! Shoup’s makes a pork burger that is as easy as it gets. Joe’s Butcher Shop in Carmel also has ground pork and beef. Bulk sausage is great for making patties and grilling on charcoal. Breakfast burgers with runny egg? Yes, please.
BRISKET
Entire books have been written about this, so I’ll be brief. Find a nice brisket, don’t over-trim it. Season it based on the weight of the brisket: 1.5 percent salt, 0.75 percent brown sugar and 0.25 percent ground black pepper. Rub it down. Wrap it in plastic. Rest it for 24 hours. Smoke it at 215 degrees with hickory or pecan wood until the tempera ture of the point is 195 degrees. Don’t wrap it at all while cooking.
Where’s Amy?
Where’s Amy attends Heartland’s Indy Shorts
Where’s Amy attended the Heartland Film’s Indy Shorts International Film Festival kickoff party July 20 at High Alpha in Indianapolis and attended the awards ceremony July 22 at Tinker House Events in Indianapolis. The festival included short films and filmmakers from around the world. Next up is the Heartland International Film Festival, set for Oct. 5-15. For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.
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Not my cup of tea
Commentary by Curtis HoneycuttBlame it all on my British roots, but I’ve never preferred coffee. I like hanging out in coffee shops. I don’t mind smelling like I’ve hung out in a coffee shop all day. But, for me, I like tea. Every morning, I need my Barry’s Irish Breakfast Tea with a dash of milk and sugar. Without this, I will be a Grumpy Gus. Don’t give me Lipton or Twining’s — these are not the same.
for “incomplete sentences.” A complete sentence includes a verb, makes sense on its own, and communicates a complete idea. After all, writing is all about communication.
GRAMMAR GUY
In case you were wondering, yes, I do bring my preferred tea with me when I go out of town. And, while I like a good morning cuppa, I’ve never understood kombucha tea.
What is kombucha, anyway? I know you were already thinking about it. Kombucha sounds like either someone sneezing or the thing someone says after someone sneezes. Kombucha is like the kale of liquids. Does anyone really enjoy it?
The grammar gods strongly advise against writing sentences in fragments. “Sentence fragments” is industry-speak
Here’s an example of a sentence fragment: Because he lives near the ocean.
If the sentence read, “He lives near the ocean,” we’d be in good shape. However, adding “Because” to the beginning makes this fragment a dependent clause. We need the “why” to follow the “because.”
Let’s finish that sentence:
Because he lives near the ocean, he collects shells that look like Cher.
That’s completely strange; it’s also a complete sentence.
We speak in fragments. Constantly. We use them either to express a casual style, to create rhythm in our writing or to emphasize a point.
Visiting Icy Strait Point
Commentary by Don KnebelIn our continuing tour of Alaska, we stop at Icy Strait Point, about 30 miles west of Juneau, which provides a great experience and is a wonderful economic and cultural success story.
at Icy Strait Point each summer, providing an enormous economic boost to nearby Noonah, a town of about 900, most of them indigenous Tlingit people.
TRAVEL
Icy Strait Point is a privately owned tourist destination on Chichagof Island, the fifth-largest island in the United States, which reportedly contains more bears per square mile that any other place in the world. In 1996, the Huna Totem Corp., owned by 1,300 indigenous Alaskans, purchased the 23,000-acre site using proceeds received under the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. They named the area, which includes a beach front and a temperate rain forest, after Icy Strait, which separates Chichagof Island from the Alaskan mainland, and began trying to convince cruise lines going to Juneau to stop there. In 2004, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship did stop, opening the way for other lines to make Icy Strait Point a regular destination on their Alaska cruises.
Today, more than 100 cruise ships dock
Visitors to Icy Strait Point have a variety of things to do. A building on the site that once housed the Hoonah Canning Co., now includes a museum, a restaurant, shops and some original fish-canning equipment. Whale watching trips leaving from Icy Strait Point guarantee that passengers will see whales. A $30 million gondola transporter, completed in 2022, takes visitors to the top of Hoonah Mountain, where they can explore the rain forest or ride a mile-long zip line dropping more than 1,300 feet, considered one of the longest and highest in the world. Visitors can also take a 30-minute walk to Hoonah, where they can see authentic totem poles and experience the Tlingit culture.
1. Pitch a tent at McCormick’s Creek State Park
5. “___, Brute!”
9. Big Hoffa’s BBQ rib order
13. Sheltered, at Geist
14. Mattress size
15. Scarlett of Tara
16. Start of an apt description of the Indiana State Fair 18. Bonkers
19. “In the ___ of the Night”
20. Worked hard or fast 22. IND posting 23. Vienna’s land 26. Yank’s rival 28. PC key 29. Butler frat letter 30. Botch it
31. Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival mo.
32. Abound 34. Stately tree
36. Words of understanding
38. State Fair description, continued
42. Waterpark feature
45. Fishers Farmers Market veggie
46. Emailed a dupe to
50. Colt foe
51. Photo ___ (media events)
54. Crater’s edge
56. Yes vote
57. Unrefined metal
58. Slangy refusal
60. DVR button
61. Made-to-order item?
63. Collectible print, briefly
65. Moral principle
66. End of State Fair description
69. Chilling
70. Repel (off)
71. Shoe part
72. Folk story
73. Carmel Racquet Club match units
74. Small bills Down
1. Traveling tot’s spot
2. Some
3.
35. Broom closet item
37. Col. Sanders’ chain
39. Newborn
40. Shore bird
41. “Who ___ that?!”
42. Sellout inits.
43. Petty or grand crime
44. “For real!”
47. Tim Campbell drawing
48. Mask feature
49. Solves a cryptogram
52. Indiana Statehouse figure, briefly
53. Shows derision
55. Jell-O shaper
59. Concur
62. Ivy ___ Community College
64. In that case
65. Car czar Wood
67. Colts QB mistake
68. Some Current staffers, for short
Answers on Page 18
Guitar Lessons
ARMESON LECTRIC LLC
Owner/Master
Stewart's Tree Service
Boarding/Daycare for Small & Medium Dogs at My Home in Carmel! Susan 317-432-1627 pawptrl@aol.com
Fenced Yard
24 Years
Experience
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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, good-natured 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
PRESCHOOL TEACHING ASSISTANT
Seeking a reliable motivated, Positive, Christian applicant with Good communication and Interpersonal skills to assist the Lead Teacher.
Experienced 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.
responsible for corresponding with clients through emails ,phone, and in- person as well as various computer tasks. Hours are 8:30 to 11:30 AM or 4:30 to 7:30 PM and as needed. Applicants should have availability on weekdays as well as occasional weekends and holidays. Interested? Have questions
Email:huntclubkennal@gmail.com