September 19, 2023 — Zionsville

Share

Letters have a maximum word count of 300 words. Please include your city of residence and a contact phone number for verification. Current Publishing may refuse letters.

Advertise your business

Celebrate fall with a Campfire!

Town Council reviews proposed 2024 budget

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Zionsville Town Council met Sept. 5 at Town Hall to introduce the proposed 2024 budget.

Newly appointed Deputy Mayor Andy Pickell presented the budget to the council. According to the presentation, the unappropriated balance as of Aug. 31 is $68,642,859.28.

“The budget leverages the town’s strong fund balances to support several key initiatives,” Pickell said.

According to the proposal, 53 percent of the budget is dedicated to public safety, including 35.5 percent to the fire department and 17.3 percent to the police department, and 47.2 percent to other department operations.

“We are making a key investment in public safety,” Pickell said. “We are trying to hire four police officers, six firefighters and EMTs, three administration staff for (the Zionsville Fire Department) and several departments need additional staff.”

The appropriation shares by department are:

• 35.5 percent: Fire

• 19.7 percent: Public Works

• 17.3 percent: Police

• 9.1 percent: Parks

Delivery

• 6.1 percent: Planning

• 3.5 percent: IT

• 8.7 percent: Other (non-departmental, finance, administration, human resources, town council, communications, Mayor, direct assistance, courts)

“We aim to continue to invest in our employees by continuing the longevity pay plan,” Pickell said. “(This) is important and is an item that almost every one of our neighboring communities have at varying levels.”

The presentation also highlighted the town’s proposed 2024 major capital projects:

• Update transportation/thoroughfare plan

• Co-fund with INDOT a pedestrian facility on the bridge they intend to replace on Ford Road over I-865

• Construction of the initial phase of the Oak Street pathway corridor

• Acquire land for pathways on the north side of Whitestown Road and the east side of CR 875 E

• Purchase balance of wayfinding signage within rights of way

• Complete town-wide comprehensive plan

• Design and construct Carpenter Nature Preserve Phase 1

• All Elm Street Green/ Lions Park connector

• Rehabilitate Turkeyfoot bridge

• All Mulberry Fields Park concession stand and indoor practice field

• Upgrade and replace equipment

Councilmember Josh Garrett said a common theme among councilmembers is sustainability and getting a better understanding of fund balances.

“What (struck) me as concerning from a sustainability standpoint is public safety deficits that seem to be in this budget,” Garrett said.

The town’s financial advisor, Tim Berry, said he does not believe the 2024 budget is sustainable in its current form.

“Last year, I did believe what you passed was a sustainable budget even though it was a deficit budget,” Berry said. “I believe if you were to get into (the same range as last year) again, assuring that you had one-time expenditures making up part of that deficit, you would be in (a) comfortable situation.”

The proposed budget adoption is scheduled for the Oct. 2 town council meeting.

A public hearing for the budget plan will be at 7 a.m. Sept. 18 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. Department heads will also attend.

Correction — The name of an organization that will be present at the Music2Heal event was incorrect in the Sept. 12 cover story. The correct name of the organization is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Current regrets the error.

Fall banquets — The Zionsville Fall Great Banquets will be held at Zionsville Presbyterian Church. The women’s banquet is Sept. 21 - 24, and the men’s banquet is Sept. 28 - Oct. 1. Both the men’s and women’s banquet are for those 18 and older. There will be food and fellowship. Registration is required and is $20 per person. To register, visit zionsvillegb.org.

ZLC Strides — The Zionsville Lions Club will hold a 5K Walk/Run, 10K Run and new 3K Family Fun Walk at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 23. This event is to bring awareness to diabetes. Packet pickup and onsite registration will be held at the Zionsville Lions Clubhouse at 115 S Elm St. on Sept. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sept. 23 from 7 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. To register early, visit getmeregistered.com.

David Weekley Homes announces new division president – David Weekley Homes has appointed Jess McKinney as its division president for the company’s Indianapolis operations. McKinney, who joined the company in 2011, most recently served as division president in Nashville, Tenn. He previously held roles as a sales manager and project manager in Indianapolis. For more about David Weekley Homes in Indianapolis, call 317-644-0909.

Rally and Silent Walk — A rally and silent walk to advocate for and remember those impacted by domestic violence and human trafficking will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Sept. 23. The walk begins at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St., and ends at Lincoln Park, 41 S. 2nd St. Speakers from YWCA Greater Lafayette. Indiana Coalition Against DV, Home Center Indy and Reclaim 13 will be in attendance.

McKinney

I won’t buy a new car

Commentary by Ward Degler

There are a couple of reasons why I will not buy a new car. The price is one. The other is AI.

PLAIN TALK

In 1968, I bought a house in Minneapolis for $15,000. Also, in 1968, I bought a new car, a ‘67 Pontiac LeMans, for $2,900.

I understand that prices for everything have increased since 1968. A dozen eggs back then cost 49 cents. Today, a dozen costs $2.49.

Still, I shudder at the knowledge that my $15,000 house today would have a price tag of $200,000 or more. And a $2,900 car now costs about 30 grand.

Then there’s AI. According to reliable news sources, newer cars — I don’t know when it started — have microphones and sensors that record every word you utter.

AI would be especially problematic for me. I talk to myself, a trait I inherited from my mother, who endlessly talked her way through the day with utterances such as, “OK, it’s time to fold the laundry. I think I’ll do the shirts first.”

My chatter is much the same: “All right, let’s see if I can back out of the driveway without causing a five-car wreck in front of my house.”

As I drive, I comment on the view: “When will they finish that blasted roundabout?”

“What are they doing with our tax money? They sure aren’t fixing the potholes.”

Naturally, I also blather about going to the post office, the store and various medical appointments. I cross my fingers with the latter.

What would anyone do with such utterances if they were recorded?

“Hmm, this is his third trip to the grocery store this week. And every time, he forgets to get the cottage cheese.”

Maybe the Dairy Council would be advised of my forgetfulness, and someone would be waiting for me the next time I went to the store.

“Cottage cheese,” they would whisper hoarsely in my ear. “You will remember the cottage cheese.”

2024 SUBARU OUTBACK $319 PER MONTH

COMMUNITY

Meet the District 3 candidates

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

oration. All parties need to take responsibility for this. The town, including financially and town employees, has suffered as a result.

What should be the city’s role in supporting its senior citizen residents and their needs?

ELECTION

Two candidates are running for the District 3 seat on the Zionsville Town Council in the Nov. 7 municipal election.

Incumbent Republican Craig Melton has been a Zionsville resident for 17 years. He is a building remodeler and Boone County Solid Waste District president.

Democrat Monisha Mitchell has been a Zionsville resident for eight years. She is a therapist and small business owner.

The candidates answered the following questions from Current:

What are your top three campaign issues?

Craig Melton: My top three priorities are public safety, government accountability and sustainable development.

Monisha Mitchell: My top three priorities are fresh leadership, mindful development and support for community amenities/public safety.

What are Zionsville’s greatest strengths? Where do you see areas of improvement?

Melton: Zionsville’s strengths are absolutely the people and our families. Protecting them with our great public safety should remain the priority. We must hold those accountable and demand transparency of those spending our tax dollars.

Mitchell: Our greatest strengths are our people and our land. The greatest area for improvement is that our people and land are changing rapidly. There has been a lot of development consuming the land, resulting in new people. This has been taxing our town and our infrastructure.

How would you describe Zionsville’s financial health? Why would you describe it that way?

Melton: Zionsville’s financial health is good, but improvement is needed with the financial internal controls. Improving the town’s credit will save Zionsville millions of dollars over the next four years.

Mitchell: The reorganization of our town was structured in such a way as to require collaboration between the town council and the mayor. Clearly, there has been no collab-

Melton: Zionsville’s highest number of emergency calls are for EMS. Having fully staffed fire trucks and ambulances is my number one priority in serving our aging population. We have room for improvement here, and we can budget for this.

Mitchell: The town’s role should be to partner with seniors so they can enjoy all our community has to offer. To know how to best meet their needs, we need to ask them. How do you determine if a proposed development or redevelopment project in Zionsville is something you would support?

Melton: Approving projects that serve all Zionsville residents seems like an easy decision, but we must also look at the project’s sustainability and its impact on our legacies. Does it protect our drinking water? How does it impact our schools? Does the economic impact of a project align with the future services required by the project?

Mitchell: First, we have to assess if we currently have the infrastructure to support the development. Second, does the development align with the vision we have for our town? Third, we need to consider the desires of the majority of current residents. Finally, we need to be good stewards of our natural resources.

What do you most want voters to know about you?

Melton: I will continue to improve and support connecting residents to all of the town and services. From pathway connectivity around town, to access to mental health services and better emergency medical services, I understand it is in part my responsibility to continue to make Zionsville a desirable place to eat, work and live well.

Mitchell: I do not just live in Zionsville. I also worship, work, play and serve in Zionsville. I believe we have more in common than what divides us. Our elected representatives are here to listen and ensure our voice is heard. I am listening.

How can voters learn more about you?

Melton: Cmelton@zionsville-in.gov, Craigmeltonforcouncil.com

Mitchell: votemmitchell@gmail.com, mitchellforzionsville.com.

For full responses, visit youarecurrent.com

Melton

Mitchel

Gala to support ICPYAS

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

and youth suicide through educational programs.

FUNDRAISER

With September being Suicide Prevention Month, Melissa Peregrin, executive director of the Indiana Center for the Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide, views the topic as the natural focus of the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser.

“I’ll talk about everything we do because it’s all inter-related,” Peregrin said. “Prevention is our focus, and education is our weapon against child sexual abuse and youth suicide. The Treasure Our Children Gala serves as a powerful platform to bring our community together to support this vital cause.”

The Carmel-based organization, originally known as Chaucie’s Place, will hold its 21st annual Treasure Our Children Gala at 6 p.m. Sept. 23 at the 501 East Event Centre in Carmel.

Peregrin said she will speak briefly about the mission of raising awareness and funds for the prevention of child sexual abuse

“It’s mostly a celebration of our organization, and it’s a fun evening for people to come out and support us,” said Peregrin, who is in her seventh year as executive director. “Our goal is to raise $80,000 to support our programs in 10 central Indiana counties. That is similar to what we raised last year.”

The fundraiser will include a wine and spirits pull and silent and live auctions. Peregrin said auction items include an exclusive behindthe-scenes look at the Indiana Pacers and an experience with the Carmel Police Department. The program emcee is Pacers television play-by-play announcer Chris Denari.

Following a cocktail hour, dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. The event, which includes a DJ from Pro-Sound Entertainment, dancing and a photo booth, ends at 11 p.m. Beer and wine will be provided with the ticket price, and there is a cash bar.

For ticket information, visit indianaprevention.org/events.

Peregrin

Nonprofit receives grant

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

5K Walk/Run 10K Run

September is National Service Dog Month, and the Zionsville nonprofit Indiana Canine Assistant Network is helping raise awareness about the importance of service dogs.

SERVICE DOGS

ICAN was founded in 2002. It trains and places assistance dogs with community members living with disabilities.

The nonprofit has a dual mission of supporting those in the community with disabilities and offering a pathway of rehabilitation for individuals who want to better themselves.

“ICAN works with the Indiana Women’s Prison, Pendleton Correctional Facility and the Correctional Industrial Facility,” ICAN communications manager Samantha Thompson said. “The incarcerated individuals serve as trainers and handlers for our service dogs.”

ICAN was recently awarded a $5,000 rolling grant from the Community Foundation of Boone County to support a facility service dog’s placement in a Boone County elementary school.

NEW 3K Family Fun Walk for Diabetes Awareness

“ICAN relies on community grants and individual support to place as many dogs as possible,” Thompson said. “We would not be able to do what we do without community support.”

The next fundraiser for ICAN is Wine and Wags Oct. 19 at the Biltwell Event Center in Indianapolis.

For more, visit icandog.org.

Sat., September 23

8:30 AM

Starts at Zionsville Lions Park Visit getmeregistered.com or scan QR code Register early to guarantee event tee shirt.

ICAN was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Boone County to support a facility service dog being placed in a Boone County elementary school. (Photo courtesy of Community Foundation of Boone County)

Sponsored by Zionsville Lions Club, Inc.

Senior tennis player seeks to help Carmel add to trophy case

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Senior Braedon McIntyre is eager to help the top-ranked Carmel High School boys tennis team bring home another trophy.

After winning its record sixth consecutive IHSAA state title, Carmel lost to Lafayette Harrison 3-2 in last year’s regional championship.

“I think we’ve had a stronger attitude this season,” McIntyre said. “We’ve had more desire in all our matches, more hunger. I think that’s what’s going to win a state championship.”

McIntyre said losing in the regional was a wake-up call.

McIntyre and junior Rocky Li are the only players who saw action in the 2021 state finals. McIntyre played No. 2 doubles on the 2021 state championship team. He played as a freshman but was an alternate in the postseason.

“I think on the court I’ve made improvements in staying focused and being ready

MEET BRAEDON MCINTYRE

Favorite athlete: Novak Djokovic

Favorite TV show: “Breaking Bad”

Favorite movie: “The Avengers”

Favorite band: Aerosmith

and then vigilant at the net,” McIntyre said. “I’m definitely playing stronger and a lot harder, so I think that’s been a good thing and worked well out on the court.”

McIntyre has returned to playing No. 1 doubles with junior Michael Bao, his partner from last season. Earlier in the season, McIntyre played No. 1 singles for the Greyhounds.

Greyhounds coach Dan Brunette said McIntyre’s maturity has increased.

“He’s learned how to understand his

Braedon McIntyre is a senior leader for the topranked Carmel High School boys tennis team. (Photo

emotions and learning how to deal with pressure adversity,” Brunette said. “He’s stepped up and done a great job leading the team when it comes to things off the court and on the court, so he’s kind of the quintessential senior that you need out there.

He’s been very reliable in that regard.”

Brunette said he has taken on a lot of the responsibilities off the court.

“He’s doing a good job of being a good role model for the younger kids as opposed to just being a guy on the team,” Brunette said.

On the court, Brunette said he is steadier than he has been in the past.

“I think he understands his game better,” Brunette said.

Brunette said McIntyre has improved his decision making as well.

“If you get caught up thinking too much about what happened in the past, you’re not ready for what’s going to happen next,” Brunette said.

Brunette said McIntyre is handling mistakes better mentally.

“He’s coming back stronger and not dwelling on things that can cause multiple game slides,” he said. “He’s played a lot of hard matches because he played No. 1 singles at the beginning of the season.”

McIntyre began playing tennis at age 10.

“As soon as I started playing tennis, I just kind of fell in love with it and just kept going,” McIntyre said.

courtesy of Luke Miller Photography)

McIntyre

The Zionsville Optimist Club gathers for a ribbon cutting celebrating a water fountain, bicycle repair stand and bike racks installed at Overley-Worman Park, which were funded by the 2021 HIT-THE-BRICKS 5K/3K. (Photo courtesy of the Zionsville Optimist Club)

Community set to ‘hit the bricks’

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Zionsville Optimist Club will conduct its 41st annual HIT-THE-BRICKS 5K Run/Walk and 3K Run and Fun Walk at 8 a.m. Sept. 30 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St.

The ZOC was established in 1981. It is a local chapter of the Optimist International organization founded in Indianapolis in 1919. According to the club, the ZOC has provided more than $370,000 to Zionsville and Boone County youth in the past 42 years.

FUNDRAISER

ZOC President Cara Fausset said HIT-THEBRICKS is a tradition in Zionsville and the club’s only fundraiser of the year.

“Being a 100 percent volunteer organization, virtually every dollar raised goes toward helping youth in the community,” Fausset said.

According to the ZOC, the HIT-THE-BRICKS name is derived from the portion of brick on Zionsville’s historic Main Street.

According to Ian Stewart and Allison Wolf, co-chairs of this year’s event, a spotlight beneficiary began in 2021 with the Zionsville Parks & Recreation Department. This year’s beneficiary will be the Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home in Lebanon.

ZOC will have a raffle and various sponsor booths from local organizations will be onsite during the event.

To register for the race, visit tuxbro.com. Registration is also available starting at 7 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 30.

ZCHS graduates bound for Spain

Commentary by Donna Monday

Three 2019 Zionsville Community High School graduates are embarking on a learning and working adventure in Spain later this month.

AROUND TOWN

Ryann Bowers, Joey Kurek and Mary Griffin will participate in the North American Language and Cultural Assistance Program. The program’s purpose is to advance English language learning and mutual understanding through cultural exchange. The three will serve as language assistants under the supervision and guidance of teachers in Spain.

“My role is to be a native speaker,” Bowers said. “I’m assisting an English teacher and sharing my culture from the U.S. and the native pronunciation of words.”

Bowers will teach in an elementary school in Tuéjar, while Kurek will teach in La Pobla de Vallbona. Griffin will be in a different part of the country in Galicia Muros.

The three are fluent in several languages. Kurek had a headstart in Spanish, as his mother is from Ecuador, and as a child, he spent summers there with his grandmother.

Bowers has applied to a number of medical schools and plans to attend one in the fall of 2024.

Kurek plans to obtain a master’s degree in either machine translation or natural language processing. Griffin plans to get a master’s degree in translation.

Kurek and Bowers are scheduled to depart Sept. 21. Griffin leaves Sept. 25. The program runs from Oct. 1 to May 1.

Zionsville alumni Ryann Bowers, Joey Kurek and Mary Griffin will travel to Spain at the end of the month. (Photo by Donna Monday)

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

Town leaders receive BSU awards

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

also inspired me to serve the greater good.”

Burk was elected to the Zionsville Town Council in 2019 as an at-large representative.

RECOGNITION

Zionsville Town Council Vice President Brad Burk and former Zionsville Mayor Jeff Papa are among 16 Ball State University alumni who were recently recognized by BSU for their service and achievements.

Papa was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award and Burk received the Alumni Award of Achievement.

Burk earned his bachelor’s degree from BSU in 1991 and received his master’s in 1992. According to BSU, he has been successful in leveraging the complete BSU experience to live out his purpose: Doing good and sparking positive change each and every day.

Papa graduated from BSU in 1999 with a degree in applied business economics from the Miller College of Business. He was the Zionsville Town Council president in 2013 and 2014 and became the town’s first mayor in 2015.

Burk Papa

According to BSU, Papa has been faithful in serving BSU in many ways since he graduated and is committed to recruiting and hiring a number BSU students and alumni as either interns or employees through his involvement in many different organizations.

“My master’s degree at Ball State has been extremely helpful in considering governmental budgets and commercial negotiations,” Papa said.

“My time at BSU was incredibly impactful to my professional career and to my service on the town council,” Burk said. “In both instances, my college experience provided invaluable early leadership experiences that

Papa serves on the Zionsville Community Schools board.

An alumni awards ceremony will take place in October during homecoming week at BSU.

college planning made simple

Holli Ford Vice President, Private Banking

Give your student an edge on the competition. Schedule your free consultation today! Lilly Scholarship SemiFinalists: National Merit SemiFinalists: Class of 2023 Total Merit Scholarships: $39M 21 17 317 975 1012 class101 com/carmelin Build a standout resume Craft winning essays Personalized college planning Earn top scholarships

A NEW VISION

Stehr refines plans to become Zionsville’s next mayor

By Kiersten Riedford news@currentzionsville.com

Republican John Stehr is unopposed in the Nov. 7 general election and is set to become the Town of Zionsville’s next mayor in January, succeeding Democrat incumbent Emily Styron, who is not seeking reelection.

Stehr has been preparing to take office since winning the May 2 Republican primary.

A retired television broadcast journalist, Stehr said his top three initiatives are:

• Lowering the political temperature in Zionsville.

• Rebuilding the southern entrance of the town.

• Building a community recreation center for people of all ages.

The initiatives, Stehr said, will help improve the quality of life in Zionsville and the relationship between residents and city officials.

Stehr said political tensions in Zionsville have created the most problems, resulting in low morale among town staff.

“I plan to, and I vow to, meet with every town employee in the first month that I am in office, just to make sure that we are on the same page, we are all working together and they understand how important they are to the functioning of the town,” Stehr said.

Stehr said lowering the political temperature and building a sense of community in Zionsville are priorities.

Stehr also said rebuilding the city’s southern entrance to enhance the Village Business District is a priority.

“The town’s southern entrance is the heart and soul of Zionsville,” Stehr said. “We need to ensure that we are protecting and promoting that as best we can.”

Another way Stehr, who is president of the Zionsville Board of Parks and Recreation, wants to improve the town is by building a community recreation center.

“(The recreation center) is going to bring together all of our generations, from the babies to senior citizens and everybody in between,” Stehr said. “It is important to maintain the community feeling that ev-

erybody who lives here loves and values so much.”

Stehr said his main goal is to make Zionsville better than it already is. He plans to accomplish the objective by establishing better communication with the public and with town officials.

“Communication has really broken down in Zionsville the last few years. I do not

know that anybody would argue with that,” Stehr said. “In journalism, we always had the maxim that you tell people what you are going to tell them, and then you tell them again. I think that level of communication has been missing, so that will be a big push of mine — to be open, transparent and really be communicative about the things that I would like to accomplish.”

Stehr said the hardest part about the planning process for taking office has been realizing, “I don’t know what I don’t know.” But he said he is prepared for all challenges.

“I do know this. In any local government, our No. 1 responsibility is public safety,” Stehr said. “We need to make sure we take care of our police department and our fire department.”

Stehr also wants to ensure the protection of residents’ finances and make sure daily operations and public services, like trash collection and keeping streets plowed, run smoothly and uninterrupted.

“With every decision we make, we have to be thinking down the road of how it is going to affect the next generation that is going to call Zionsville home,” Stehr said. “I have been here for almost 30 years now. All of my five children were raised here. I do think this is the best town in Indiana. I think it is one of the best towns in the country, so that is a pretty good starting point for me. If we can make the town better, make people feel more comfortable and make our government more productive — boy, what a blessing that would be for everybody.”

For more about Stehr and his campaign, visit youarecurrent.com and search ‘Stehr.’

ON THE COVER: John Stehr, unopposed in the mayoral race, will take office in January 2024. (Photo courtesy of John Stehr and Megan Umlaf)

–

“It is important to maintain the community feeling that everybody who lives here loves and values so much.”

JOHN STEHR

John Stehr, who is set to become Zionsville’s next mayor, with his dog, Johnny Cash. (File photo)

READERS’ VIEWS

Town needs affordable housing options

Editor,

I am responding to the letter from Mimi Burch in the Sept. 5 issue of Current in Zionsville.

I am a longtime advocate for more affordable housing in Zionsville. As a local Realtor and homeowner here, I see firsthand the inability of people to buy or rent in Zionsville, so high are the prices of homes and apartments here. I would totally love to see more multi-family homes, including duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes.

In the U.S. right now — because of the unaffordability of housing — more multi-generations are living together. Let’s give them

places to do so right here in Zionsville. I believe the main reason individuals object is an unjustified fear of a negative impact on their own property values. However, studies reveal having multi-family homes in a town does not reduce the value of single-family homes in the same town. The things that reduce home values are pretty much what they’ve always been — crime, age and condition of home and location.

The “other” that some people fear moving to Zionsville are all our brothers and sisters sharing this same fragile planet. I hope we can let more of them share it in Zionsville.

Cynthia J. Starks, Zionsville

In the U.S. right now — because of the unaffordability of housing — more multi-generations are living together.

– CYNTHIA STARKS

Logging frequent prayer miles

Commentary by Terry Anker

good or very bad place.

Taking a bite out of dinner plans

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

ESSAY

We humans long have endeavored to paint a picture of what an afterlife might entail. In crossing the river Styx or descending into Dante’s layer cake, the unknown has left us open to tremendous creativity. Presently, the majority tradition in the West is based on a single framing wherein folks have a largely binary choice between heaven and hell. How we follow the path to one or the other is not entirely the same among all sects but does acknowledge mostly a similar geography.

So interesting and compelling is it to imagine what becomes of us once we’ve shed our mortal coil that artists, writers, singers and stage dressers, for centuries, have made good use of the mystery. Today, Hollywood’s entertainment complex routinely retreats to the question of the afterlife as a sure-fire method to gain market. At present, there are scores of films, episodic series, and even situation comedies dedicated to the premise that we all end up in some version of a very

One such program examines a group of four human souls perhaps wrongly damned to hell and the sympathetic demon dedicated to proving that they should have all gone the other direction. Each must earn enough good “points” to tip the scale upward. Pet a dog, get a point. Kick a dog, lose a few. It is silly to imagine a spawn of Satan changing stripes, but the more ludicrous supposition might be that admission to heaven is earned like a free sandwich at Subway. Is being a vegan worth more points than coaching a youth softball team? Is a generous gift of money earned from a millionaire better than no gift from someone without means? If we can gain afterlife-access status, do we have enough frequent prayer miles to board early?

Haunted by ‘what ifs?’

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

My daughter survived an earthquake. In Africa. And she’s fine, but I am still shaking. Here’s the tea.

HUMOR

Our 19-year-old is on a gap year, backpacking across Europe and working in hostels to stretch her Java House earnings as far as she can. She’s been all over, from Albania to Portugal, and recently committed to a monthlong position in a beachside Moroccan guest house because it’s cheap and she gets free surfing lessons.

Allow me to pause the story to say that my husband and I, though mildly concerned at the beginning of this adventure, usually don’t give her much thought. Yes, we’ve seen “Taken” and she is a young female traveling solo, but she’s smart, does her research and has grown tremendously since she left in April. We trust her to make good decisions. Plus, out of sight, out of mind. I got my own stuff!

But the other night, our budding Rick Steves called to recount a harrowing tale of her dramatic brush with death. “Mom, the building started shaking and we ran down the stairs, but the lights went out

and I fell, and then we had to get up a hill because, like, tsunamis, and oh my god, I was so scared…” I played it cool thinking she was exaggerating, but then it hit the news: “Biggest quake in centuries, thousands dead, Marrakesh devastated.” Cue maternal panic attack.

She’s OK and was never in any real danger, but the “what ifs?” continue to shake me. I’ve been abruptly reminded that I’ll always be a parent, even when my adult children are living their best lives an ocean away.

Peace out.

HUMOR

We have a cat. Her name is Angel, and most of the time she is just that. Except when she is a devil. Last week, when my wife Mary Ellen reached for a tissue while watching TV, Angel, who had nestled next to her for the evening, bit her. The cut wasn’t very deep, so Mary Ellen applied an antibiotic and off to sleep we went.

We both had pretty much forgotten about the feline attack, but the next night on the way to dinner with friends, Mary Ellen casually mentioned the redness on her hand to Bob and Cathy. Both armed with their iPhones, they were in the back seat Googling away, entering phrases like: fatal cat bites; deadly feline teeth; and lethal kitten puncture wounds. Hey, what’s more fun than surfing the net?

Eventually, Bob and Cathy convinced my wife that the swelling was either Pasteurella multocida or staphylococcus aureus. That sounded pretty serious, so we decided to make it a fun evening by socializing in the medical clinic waiting room while my wife was being examined. I know that’s a really dumb way to spend a Saturday night, but with my wife’s excellent health insurance, it was cheaper than going to the movies and dinner.

There was a long line to see the doctor, so Mary Ellen put herself on the waiting list to come back in an hour or so. I told the nurse that the next time my wife needed medical attention like this, we’d try to call

about 45 minutes before she planned to torment the cat. Mary Ellen did not think that was funny.

Cats and dogs aren’t the only attacking culprits. One part of the medical form provided a list of species that could potentially bite a human. Mary Ellen was asked to check the appropriate box. They were in alphabetical order, so the first one on the list was bats and No. 2 was cattle, which I think would be embarrassing to admit. OK, maybe a mad cow, but how do you let an entire herd bite you? Squirrels are the very last one listed. No wolves? And there is no mention of pigs, more proof of just how powerful the bacon lobby is. The doctor confirmed the potential severity of a cat wound and suggested that an X-ray be taken to be sure bone had not been penetrated. Cathy, who was by now the leading cat bite expert in central Indiana, wanted to know why that procedure was necessary. “Because the cat is now missing two front teeth,” I told her.

Many years ago, Mary Ellen was at this very clinic after she tried to take a chicken bone away from our beagle, Barney. The gash from Barney’s bite required three stitches in her hand. My wife has now been bitten twice by our pets. Which is why we are not getting a cow.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

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

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

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

“She’s OK and was never in any real danger, but the “what ifs?” continue to shake me.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

“My wife has now been bitten twice by our pets. Which is why we are not getting a cow.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Main Street Productions takes its swipe at ’Sweeney Todd’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

‘GRUMPY OLD MEN’

“Grumpy Old Men” runs through Oct. 1 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

MUSICAL

Playing a murderous barber isn’t the biggest challenge for Mike Lipphardt. For Lipphardt, the hardest part will be handling the lyrics and lines of Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”

“Sondheim is always really tricky,” the Noblesville resident said. “There’s just so many lines and so many things moving really fast. Sondheim is a master of music, but the lyricism in the show is just so tricky and easy to get mixed up. So that’s probably been the hardest part for me is the memorization of making sure all the words are in all the right places, so that it sounds good with the music and is the way Sondheim intended.”

Main Street Productions will present “Sweeney Todd” Sept. 21 through Oct. 1 at Basile Westfield Playhouse.

“I grew up on the Johnny Depp movie version but have been in theater most of my life and actually saw a production of ‘Sweeney Todd’ when I was in high school,” said Lipphardt, who grew up outside of Detroit. “I’ve always wanted to play the character, so I’m just really glad that it was able to work out here.”

Lipphardt said the stage version is much more nuanced than the movie version.

“I just feel like the stage version, in particular, nothing can beat the idea of like a two-story set where folks are sliding down into the pie shop or the nuance of the love and the quest for revenge that Sweeney is pursuing throughout the show,” Lipphardt said.

Lipphardt, 34, said he is not getting caught up in other portrayals of the character.

“It’s really hard when you are playing a really iconic character in a show where people have ideas how that character should look and act and how they should sing all the songs,” he said. “So, it’s mak-

ing sure you are faithful to the source material, faithful in the characters the audience come in mind with, but also wanting to make it your own and leaving your stamp on it in a way.”

Noblesville resident Andrea Odle is directing at Basile Westfield Playhouse for the second time. She directed “White Christmas” in 2021.

“I definitely wanted to bring ‘Sweeney Todd’ somewhere, and since ‘White Christmas’ went so well, I figured why not do another musical here?” she said. “It’s the complete antithesis of ‘White Christmas,’ which is all pretty and pure. Then we have ’Sweeney Todd’ and carnivorous pies.”

Odle said this is one of her favorite Sondheim musicals.

“This one is so different from every other Sondheim musical. That’s kind of why I’m drawn to it,” Odle said.

There are 23 cast members, including 10

principal ones and 13 ensemble members. Normally, there is a six-week rehearsal schedule, but Odle added two weeks for vocal rehearsal because of the challenging music.

Odle said the set is intricate with two stories and seven staircases.

“So, that always poses a challenge for actors to block as well as safety (issues),” she said.

Odle saw the musical was performed on stage for the first time last year at Footlite Musicals in Indianapolis.

“I already was planning to do it, so it was kind of neat to see the difference between my vision and their vision,” Odle said. “They did a fantastic production, so we have a lot to live up to.”

Indianapolis resident Claire Slaven plays Mrs. Lovett, owner of a failing pie shop. She performed in the ensemble in the Footlite Musicals production.

“I became close to the woman who played Mrs. Lovett and got to watch her doing it,” Slaven said. “I knew that was something that I really wanted to do. It’s a dream role for me.”

Slaven said many people think Mrs. Lovett is just the comedic relief in the show.

“I really wanted to play this role because I think she’s very challenging because not only is she the comedic relief, but there’s a lot of really deep layers to her,” Slaven said. “She’s been really hurt and really wounded and she’s just lonely and wants to be loved. There’s just a lot of depth to her that I think sometimes goes unnoticed because she’s funny, so people just assume she’s just funny. That seemed like a challenge to me, and I wanted to take that challenge on. It’s very wordy. Sondheim is a mastermind. It’s just really brilliant stuff.”

The song “The Worst Pies in London” pushes Slaven to the top of her range.

“I’m more of a lower singer, so that’s been a challenge, but I’ve really enjoyed being stretched,” she said.

For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

The Freeform Concert Series will feature the Stampede String Band with Electric Blue Yonder at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20. The show is free but there is a $25 food/beverage minimum. Michael Feinstein will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24-25 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

THE CENTER CELEBRATION

The Center for the Performing Arts’ annual fundraising gala is set for 5 p.m. Sept 23 at the Palladium at the Center in Carmel. Amy Grant is headlining performer. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

’SWEENEY TODD’

Main Street Productions will present “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” Sept. 21 to Oct. 1 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

‘HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES’

The Belfry Theatre will present “How the Other Half Loves” Sept 22 through Oct. 1 at Arts for Lawrence.

DISPATCHES

Girl Named Tom to make Palladium debut — Known for soaring harmonies and classic cover tunes, rising star vocal group Girl Named Tom will make its debut appearance Dec. 2 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Hailing from Pettisville, Ohio, siblings Bekah, Joshua and Caleb Liechty made history in 2021 as the first trio ever to win NBC’s “The Voice.” The group has generated more than 25 million streams with its renditions of rock and singer-songwriter gems like Joni Mitchell’s “River,” Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” and Kansas’ “Dust in the Wind.” The group’s recordings have included the independent EP “Another World” and a Republic Records holiday EP, “One More Christmas,” which reached No. 1 on the iTunes album chart. Tickets went on sale Sept. 15. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Mike Lipphardt and Claire Slaven perform in “Sweeney Todd” at Basile Westfield Playhouse. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Odle)

GREAT CLASSICS & EXCITING NEW SOUNDS

Wheldon documentary to open Heartland Film Festival

Academy Award nominee Paul Giamatti.

The Heartland International Film Festival will feature more than 120 feature films during the Oct. 5-15 festival in Indianapolis.

SCREENINGS

The lineup includes 19 world/U.S. premieres, 44 regional premieres, 20 special presentations from major distributors and seven Indiana Spotlight films.

The opening night film will be “The Lionheart” at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at Newfields in Indianapolis. The HBO and TIME Studio film is a documentary about two-time Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon, who died in a 2011 crash during a Las Vegas race.

The centerpiece featured film is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 11 is “Rustin” from Netflix at Newfields. The film stars Heartland Film honoree Colman Domingo as civil rights leader Bayard Rustin.

The closing night film, “The Holdovers” from Focus Features, is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 15 at Newfields. The film is directed by Academy Award winner Alexander Payne and stars

“Named one of the ‘Coolest Film Festivals in the World’ earlier this year, the Heartland International Film Festival is proud to celebrate impactful storytelling and connect creatives with our dedicated audiences in Indianapolis,” stated Heartland Film Festival Artistic Director Greg Sorvig, a Carmel resident. “Highlighted by our trio of major event titles, HIFF’s reputation continues to grow as a regional destination on the awards season circuit while also highlighting true indies, including dozens of titles making their world, U.S. and regional premieres here in the heartland.”

This year’s theme is “YOU CAN’T LOOK AWAY,” and there will be screenings at Newfields, Living Room Theaters, The Kan-Kan Cinema & Restaurant, Landmark Glendale 12, and Emagine Noblesville. All film selections will have in-person screenings. Many of the films will also be available to view virtually (U.S. restricted). Individual tickets and fest passes are available at HeartlandFilmFestival.org.

IWS show to feature piano soloist

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Indiana Wind Symphony will feature a mix of old and new numbers in its 2023-24 season opener.

“Great Classics and Exciting New Sounds” is set for 6:30 p.m. Oct.1 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Sarah Loisch is the featured guest as piano soloist.

“Sarah is a wonderful concert pianist from Chicago,” IWS Music Director Charles Conrad said.

Loisch will play Camille Saint-Saëns “Piano Concerto No. 2 in G-Major, Op. 22” in the final performance of the first half of the show.

“This will be the first time to our knowledge that it’s ever been performed by a concert band with a piano soloist for this piece,” Conrad said. “It’s normally done with a symphony orchestra. The arrangement for a concert band was done by one of our members, Larry Purdue, our principal horn.”

The IWS will perform “Flying Jewels” by composer James David for the first time as the concert’s finale.

“It’s just a magnificent, exhilarating

work,” Conrad said.

“Flying Jewels” was the 2022 Reveille Award winner as the outstanding new concert band composition of the year. Revelli awards are given by the National Band Association.

“There are no hummingbirds in Europe and the Europeans were just amazed by seeing these tiny birds, which flew around so fast because no one had ever seen them before,” Conrad said. “So, the term flying jewel was their term for the hummingbirds.”

The concert will open with a 2023 piece with “Fanfare for Earthrealm,” inspired by the video game series “Mortal Kombat.”

That is followed by John Philip Sousa’s march from 1923.

For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

Sarah Loisch will be the guest piano soloist in the Indiana Wind Symphony concert. (Photo courtesy of IWS)

(Above) Car enthusiasts filled the streets Sept.9

Carmel Arts & Design District Sept. 9 for the 16th annual Artomobilia. (Right)

A 1970 Lotus Super 7 series

4. (Photos by Edward Redd)

Westfield resident Anthony Montgomery stands by his 2010 Lotus Evora and Carmel resident Andrew Paquette.

Vehicles from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum made cameos at Artomobil

Blueprint for Improvement: Glowing Indy kitchen transformation

Commentary by Larry Greene

This Woodmont condo featured a dark and dated kitchen that was raising its hand for a glow-up. With a mix of bright and modern materials, a redesigned layout and storage optimizations, we were able to breathe new life into the heart of this home.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Cherry-toned cabinets and few windows made this kitchen feel dark and cramped. Crisp cream cabinets and a white quartz backsplash and counters brighten the space, providing the perfect contrast to the existing wood floors.

• Reworking the island from diagonal to rectangle was a game-changer — improving flow, increasing storage and adding plenty of space for seating and meal prep.

• Rearranging the appliance layout provided increased functionality, putting everything close at hand, making cooking, baking and entertaining a breeze.

• Elegant brass hardware, crown molding and glass pendants were added, giving the room a sleek, elevated look, completing the design.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

Feast of Tabernacles Celebration

Sunday, October 1 • 1PM to 5PM At Broad Ripple Park

1426 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220 For more information:

The Feast of Tabernacles is a festival meaningful to both Jewish and Christian heritage. This holiday paints a picture of the spiritual wholeness that every heart longs for. Come experience the joy, beauty, and color of this celebration OCT 1st 1 to 5 PM Enjoy live music, singing, dancing and children’s activities. The festival is an opportunity for families to share an afternoon of fun, learning, and shalom!

Across

1. Table salt additive

7. Keep confined

13. Required

14. “The Silence of the Lambs” star

15. Lowered your head to avoid contact

16. Old Greek gymnasium

17. Eden evictee

18. Slanted type

20. ___ Aviv, Israel

21. Netflix title Lord 24. Sir counterpart 25. Aquarium fish 26. Sounds of hesitation

32. Political house cleaning

33. Pied ___

34. Totaled, as a tab

35. Peeled with a small knife

36. Talk smack, slangily

37. Upper crust

41. Like fine wine

42. Colts’ rookie QB

44. Chest muscle, briefly

45. Needle partner

46. PC key

47. Random criticisms

49. Diamond-shaped pattern

52.

53. Not so nice

54. Extreme

55. Deep sleeps Down

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

14.

16.

19.

30. Like black-tie affairs 31. Barely passing grade

1. Owing money

agreement?

29. “Days of ___ Lives”

30. Merriment

31. Possible name for a new GPS service that you watch on your home boob tube?

32. Turkish bigwig

33. Book’s beginning

34. Uncle Ben’s products

35. Dads (Var.)

36. Filthy

38. “Ain’t happening”

39. Bell ringer

40. Goes inside

42. European river

43. Second US president

45. Thunder god

48. That girl

50. ___ Speedwagon

51. Chasm

Answers on Page 23

Name shared by 14-, 21and 42-Across

2. Artist’s collective works

3. Deception

4. Texter’s “Beats me”

5. Butler alumna bio word

6. ___ Merlot’s (local restaurant)

7. Powell who was a general and the secretary of state

Oil cartel letters

Gives approval

Meager amount

Ill-prepared

Biblical songs

Saintly head lights

Trails

Hoosier National Forest units

22. Plummeted

23. Like the house in a Hawthorne classic

24. Beet type

27. Come to a trade

Deli Soups

WE DO CONTACTLESS EXTERIOR ESTIMATES

ARMESON LECTRIC LLC

Brian Harmeson

(317)414-9146

Owner/Master Electrician bharmeson@harmesonelectric.com

Locally owned and operated in Hamilton County

Stewart's Tree Service

Indiana’s Largest Stamp Show! (50th year)

The Indiana Stamp Club will host the INDYPEX 2023 Stamp Show Oct. 6-8, 2023 at the Hamilton Co. 4-H Fairgrounds and Exhibition Center, 2003 Pleasant Street, Noblesville IN 46060.

Hours will be 10-5 on Fri., 10-5 on Sat., 10-3 on Sunday. Exhibits and 35 dealers as well as beginner/youth tables, a U.S. postal station, information tables for the Indiana Stamp Club and the Indiana Postal History Society. Website: www.indianastampclub.org

TIRED OF CLEANING YOUR GUTTERS? CALL JIM WEGHORST AT 317-450-1333 FOR A FREE ESTIMATE ON THE #1 RATED GUTTER PROTECTION SYSTEM

CALL TODAY 317-450-1333

WILL MOW LAWNS WILL DO BOBCAT WORK

Trim/Remove trees & shrubs Building Demolitions

Build Decks

Painting inside or Outdoors Clean Gutters Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED

Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, goodnatured work environment. The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net. We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays. To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net 40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net

CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR

Fishers area church seeks an experienced person who has servant/leadership qualities, proven organizational skills, and the ability to be open and flexible. This role is a great fit for a flexible, organizational thinker who is self-motivated and can function in a team setting that requires trust, oversight and motivational skills.

Oversight of these

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with demonstrated high performance. 3-5 years with supervisory experience Interested persons email resume to mainoffice@christthesavior.org. Job summary, job description and application available at christthesavior.org

Boarding/Daycare

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Furniture: BED, BOOKCASE, CHAIR, DESK, SOFA, TABLE; Animals: COW, GOAT, HORSE, PIG, SHEEP; Soups: BEAN, LENTIL, MATZO BALL, SPLIT PEA; Governors: DANIELS, HOLCOMB, PENCE; Phones: APPLE, MOTOROLA; Seat: MARION