June 4, 2024 – Zionsville

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Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIII, No. 10

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

New management at ‘Zionsville National’ promotes town ‘jewel’

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Under new management, the Zionsville Golf Course is already seeing a turnaround when it comes to season passes and attracting golfers of all ages and abilities.

GOLF

In April, the Town of Zionsville turned over management of the 9-hole municipal golf course at 10799 E. 550 S. to Zionsville National, a private organization. The course was previously under the management of the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Zionsville resident Pete Prust with Zionsvillle National is helping to oversee maintenance and operations at the course. Prust said for several years, the golf course wasn’t given enough attention, especially during the pandemic when tee times were canceled and maintenance was halted. During that time, Prust and his son Charlie took care of the grounds.

“The town is really focused on their parks, but we’re kind of an outlier,” Prust said. “We think this is such a jewel for the town, this is a golf course right in the middle of town that caters to the kids and everyone.”

Prust said with the new management, the plan is to work on upgrades including updating the club house and replacing an older storage structure on site with a concession stand pavilion and bathrooms. Although he said he doesn’t expect to see a big profit, money raised will go back into the course.

“We see an opportunity to make those things better, and (Mayor John Stehr) has been on board with us,” Prust said. “It’s a

jewel. We really appreciate the asset that we have here. We just want to continue to involve the town and make it a centerpiece for the town, instead of an outlier.”

Prust said the name of the LLC is derived from the colloquial name for the course, often referred to as “the national” despite it being a small, municipal course.

The management agreement with Zionsville National is for five years, but Prust said terms can be revisited before that time. He said the course sees up to 30,000 visitors each year.

Prust said the process to move the course to private management started when Stehr was president of the Parks and Recreation Board. He said Stehr saw potential in the course, especially if it could be managed more effectively.

“We just really want to thank (Stehr),” Prust said. “He didn’t have to do this, and

DISPATCHES

Gardens of Zionsville tour – Zionsville Cultural District hosts a kickoff to the Gardens of Zionsville Tour from 6 to 8 p.m. June 21 at SullivanMunce Cultural Center, 225 W Hawthorne St, in Zionsville. The event includes live music, appetizers, wine, art make and takes and one admission to Gardens of Zionsville Tour. Tickets are $50 for combination party/tour entrance; $40 for party tickets only; and $250 for two admissions plus recognition at the event. A silent auction will also be held, and the art exhibit “Flora & Fauna” will be featured at

the SullivanMunce Cultural Center. The garden tour takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 22. Advance tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children 11 to 17 and $5 for children 10 and under. Day of event tickets are $25. Proceeds benefit SullivanMunce Cultural Center. Purchase tickets at 317-873-4900, in person at SullivanMunce Cultural Center, or at sullivanmunce.org/garden-tour.html.

John Lennon exhibit – CV Art & Frame in Zionsville will host a special exhibition of the art of the late legendary Beatles

he made an effort to make it as easy as possible. He understood that the focus of the parks department is not the golf course and won’t be, but he also sees the opportunity that we have with the right people.”

Prust said this year, the course has issued 120 student passes and has created leagues for seniors.

“We’re really growing the game with the kids. We work with the middle schools, boys in the spring and girls in the fall, so it’s something that we are able to give back,” Purst said. “It’s who we cater to, it’s who we are and we’re not going to change.”

The course was built in 1961 and operated privately until the town purchased it in 2007.

Learn more about the golf course at zionsville-in.gov/298/Zionsville-Golf-Course.

singer-songwriter-guitarist John Lennon June 7 through July 6 at its gallery on Zionville’s historic brick Main Street. The newly curated exhibition “Give Peace a Chance: The Art of John Lennon” will be presented at the gallery at 110 S. Main St. with a special opening reception 4 to 8 p.m. June 7. RSVPs are requested at 317-873-2976 or gallery@cvartandframe.com. Admission is complimentary and open to the public. For more, visit cvartandframe.com/event/ give-peace-a-chance-the-art-of-john-lennon.

The Zionsville Golf Course has 9 holes, and is visited by up to 30,000 people annually. (Photo courtesy of Charlie Prust)

Maguire, Haan to share All-Star experience

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Emma Haan figures it’s only fitting she closes her prep basketball career with her Zionsville Community High School coach.

BASKETBALL

Andy Maguire, who announced his coaching retirement following the season, is serving as head coach of the Indiana Girls All-Stars, which includes Haan.

The 5-foot-7 Haan will play for Indiana Girls All-Stars against the Kentucky All-Stars June 7 at Lexington (Ky.) Catholic High School and June 8 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis in the annual girls-boys doubleheader. The senior All-Stars will play the Indiana Junior All-Stars June 5 at Kokomo High School.

Haan averaged 15.6 points per game as a senior. She shot 43 percent from 3-point range this past season.

“This is such an exciting opportunity for me to get to play for coach Maguire one more time,” Haan said. “He has put so much into our program at Zionsville, and it has been an honor to play for him the last four years. I am happy that he is going into retirement with such an amazing accomplishment and opportunity and even more excited that I get to play those last games with him as my coach.”

The feeling is mutual. Maguire said it’s special to coach Haan in his final games of his coaching career.

“Emma has worked hard to improve her overall game and her dedication, work ethic and mental toughness have allowed her to improve greatly over her career,” Haan said. “Emma is an exceptional young lady. She is an outstanding student and has been a great role model for our youth basketball program. I am excited to watch her continued growth and development as she continues her basketball playing career at the University of Vermont.”

“Being an Indiana All-Star has always been a goal of mine throughout my high school career,” she said, “I was working towards it all season and playing my heart out to hopefully pursue that dream. I was super excited and honored to be selected alongside other very talented girls. Many of us play against each other all throughout high school, so getting to come together and play on the same team will be a fun, unique experience. Indiana high school basketball is so special, and nothing shows that more than All-Star week. I am thankful and excited to be a part of it this year.”

Maguire said it’s an honor to close out his coaching career as the All-Stars coach.

“Growing up in Indiana, being a part of the All-Star team and representing our state has always been something I have dreamt of doing,” Maguire said. “I am very excited to coach this team and the 13 girls who will represent Indiana. They are a very talented group, but more importantly, they are outstanding role models for our youth and the growth of girls basketball in Indiana.”

Maguire, who had two stints as the Eagles girls coach, has lived in Zionsville for 29 years. His three daughters, Megan, Grace, and Emily, all graduated from ZCHS and Purdue University. Maguire has a 330240 record in 26 seasons as a girls coach, including 256-209 in 21 seasons at ZCHS.

The Eagles had a Class 4A state runner-up finish in 2018. He coached the Eagles from 1999-2005 and returned as coach in 2010.

Maguire, who has been a teacher for 35 years, plans to continue teaching for the next three years at ZCHS.

Flower Market

Sailing camp – Registration is open for Eagle Creek Sailing Club of Indianapolis 2024 summer youth sailing camps, with openings for the following sessions: June 10-14 for ages 8-12; June 17-21 for ages 11-17; and June 24-28 for ages 8-12. Camps meet rain or shine. Camp is inclusive and provides an environment where all kids can experience sailing at their skill level. Eagle Creek Sailing Club is located at 8901 W. 46th St. in Indianapolis, on the western shore of Eagle Creek Reservoir. Learn more about camp and find registration links at ecsail.org/juniors/lessons.

Maguire

Haan

‘Stories in the Park’ returns to Zionsville

news@youarecurrent.com

“Stories in the Park” returns to Lions Park in Zionsville this summer.

ACTIVITIES

The Zionsville Lions Club presents the special series for children from 10 a.m. until noon June 7. This is the third year for the event.

“Last year, about 300 children attended, and the feedback was fantastic,” stated Ruth Kelly, chair of the Zionsville Lions Club’s Reading Action Committee. “We hope to have a great turnout again this year as there will be something to delight every child. Our goal is to foster a lifelong love of reading.”

Activities include a puppet show; a visit from Clover, the dog that digs books; storytelling; several crafts; Zionsville Parks Department exhibit; Brick Street Poetry activity; an introduction to Braille; performing short plays; and books read aloud.

Each participant can select a free book

from the Indy Book Project, and the Hussey-Mayfield Public Library District bookmobile will be on-site.

For more, visit zionsvillelions.com/ stories-in-the-park.

Stories in the Park returns to Zionsville’s Lions Park June 7. (File photo)

summer summer concerts concerts

at Lions park at Lions park

Wednesdays in June

6:30 pm - Mr. Daniel 7 pm - LIVE MUSIC

June 5

June 12

June 19

June 26

FULL SERVICE CLEANERS

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Boone REMC to celebrate Operation Round Up

news@youarecurrent.com

GRANTS

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Boone REMC will celebrate nearly $1 million in community grants awarded by the electric utility cooperative with a special event June 18. Operation Round Up, also known as the Boone REMC Community Fund, Inc., is a trust established in April 2006. Funds come from REMC members who allow their electric bills to be rounded to the next highest dollar each month. Those extra funds — totaling a maximum of $11.88 per member annually — are deposited into the fund for distribution through a grant program. Each quarter, an independent board of trustees reviews grant requests for projects that support economic development, youth, the environment, disaster relief and community service. Nonprofit groups and organizations that serve communities within the Boone REMC service area are eligible to apply for grants.

A celebration of nearing the $1 million mark in grant funding will be held at 6 p.m. June 18 at the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library Whitestown branch, 6310 Albert S. White Dr. in Whitestown.

The event will include dinner, a presentation on the Operation Round Up program and a panel discussion. Tours of the new library, which was a recent recipient of grant funds, will also be held. Members of Boone REMC are invited to attend.

Boone REMC is an electric utility cooperative serving more than 18,000 meters in Boone, Clinton, Hamilton, Hendricks and Montgomery counties. For more, visit bremc.com.

Boone REMC has awarded nearly $1 million in community grants since 2006. (Photo courtesy of Boone REMC)

ZCHS AP LITERATURE STUDENTS SHOWCASE CLASS PROJECTS

Students in Zionsville Community High School’s AP Literature and Composition classes were asked to make a “creative interpretation project” that engaged with the content learned throughout the school year. Students participated in a gallery walk May 20, when they were able to display their own projects and see other students’ final projects from all of the classes. Students Hannah Kitts, left, and Dani James with their projects. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Community Schools)

CONGRATULATIONS

TO THE CATHEDRAL CLASS OF 2024

Photographic Indy 500 memory

Commentary by Ward Degler

I’ve never been a big sports fan, and that includes the Indy 500. But I did photograph the race one year for UPI.

PLAIN TALK

I spent the entire month of May at the track, standing in the short chute between the third and fourth turns, watching cars zoom by through my camera lens. Occasionally, I would snap a pic. Nothing the UPI wanted.

Then, one day close to race day, I was focusing on cars zooming by when I saw something extraordinary. A car skidded out of control, hit the wall and lost a wheel. I remember standing transfixed as the wheel took a giant leap -- and headed right for me.

Alabama A&M University

Arizona State University

Army National Guard

Ball State University

Barry University

Bellarmine University

Bowling Green State University

Bucknell University

Butler University

College of DuPage

DePauw University

Drake University

Eckerd College

Eture FC (Spain)

Florida A&M University

Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida State University

Furman University

Grand Canyon University

Hanover College

Holy Cross College

Howard University

Indiana Law Enforcement and Fire Dept. Academy

Indiana State University

Indiana Tech

Indiana University – Bloomington

Indiana University – Indianapolis

Indiana University – South Bend

Ivy Tech Community College

Lehigh University

Louisiana State University and A&M College

Loyola University – Chicago

Marian University

Marshall University

Miami University – Oxford

Morehead State University

Morehouse College

New Jersey Institute of Technology

North Carolina Central University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Ohio Northern University

Purdue University – West Lafayette

Quinnipiac University

Saint Edward’s University

Saint Louis University

Saint Mary’s College

San Diego State University

Smith College

Spelman College

The University of Alabama

The University of Tennessee

Transylvania University

Trine University

United States Marine Corps

United States Military Academy

United States Military Academy Prep School

United States Naval Academy

University of Arizona

University of Cincinnati

University of Dayton

University of Florida

University of Indianapolis

University of Kentucky

University of Michigan

University of Mississippi

University of North Carolina – Wilmington

University of Notre Dame

University of Toledo

University of Wisconsin

Valparaiso University

Vanderbilt University

Villanova University

Wabash College

Washington University in St. Louis

Western Kentucky University

Western Michigan University

Wheaton College

Xavier University

Youngstown State University

What happened next occurred in microseconds. I snapped the shutter on my camera and literally dove to the side to avoid being hit. I remember getting grass stains on my shirt, mud in my mouth, and just missed being struck by a flying racecar wheel. I’m not sure what those wheels weigh, but I’m pretty sure I would have felt it if it had hit me.

I had no idea if I had gotten a picture of the renegade wheel, but I sent my film to the UPI stand for its review. Then I packed up and headed home to recoup. The next day I was back in the short chute watching cars zoom by.

Nothing else happened on race day. I don’t even remember who won the race. I think it might have been Rick Mears. A friend, Jim Schweiker, had introduced me to him the day before. I just remember getting a check for $30 from UPI.

I never saw my picture published. I just know I earned a whopping thirty bucks for the entire month of May.

It could have been worse. I could have been hit by the wheel. Then I would have made the news myself.

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.

DRIVEN TO HELP OTHERS

Zionsville teenager raises thousands of dollars for Arthritis Foundation

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

A Zionsville teenager is making a difference for kids diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.

Cameron Miller, a 16-year-old Zionsville Community High School rising sophomore, has raised more than $15,000 this year to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. He was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at age 6, affecting his jaw, knees and ankles.

Cameron participated in his eighth Walk to Cure Arthritis event in Indianapolis April 26. But this year, he raised even more funds by presenting a car show in Westfield’s Motor District April 13.

“We’ve been talking about it for a few years, and we just got around to it this year because I love cars,” Cameron said. “We hosted it at the Motor District in Westfield. For the car show, we had stuff set up inside the garage and then we had all the cars set up outside. At the end, I had to go around and pick my top three cars.”

Cameron’s father Lonnie Miller said the car show helped raise $4,000 to add to Cameron’s donations for 2024. In addition to the car show funds, Cameron raised $11,318 for this year’s walk, surpassing his goal of $10,000. Since he began fundraising in elementary school, Cameron has raised more than $38,000 for the Arthritis Foundation.

Lonnie Miller said Cameron’s diagnosis was difficult for the family. He said the Arthritis Foundation has been a tremendous help when it comes to understanding Cameron’s disease and finding resources for his needs.

The family said it took several doctors to figure out what was ailing Cameron 10 years ago, but once they had a diagnosis, he was put on Humira — an injectable biologic immunosuppressive drug.

“When he was first diagnosed, we thought, ‘Oh, I guess he’ll take some aspirin,’” Miller said. “That’s not how it works. I didn’t realize the severity of it. There are different levels to it. We went to a function in Indianapolis, a conference, and all these people came in from the foundation. They do things like this — they bring in people who might not be able to afford to come to the conference otherwise to learn from doctors and go to seminars. We were shocked at how many kids are in wheelchairs and on crutches.”

Miller said he and his wife, Cloe Miller, made connections with Riley Hospital for Children and the Arthritis Foundation. The money that Cameron raises goes not just to research, but to helping others make those kinds of connections as well.

“You find out later after attending all these events, the last 15 years have been a breakthrough,” Miller said. “Fortunately, these (medications) can really help kids and adults. It’s really helped him. His jaw has been good. The damage is done, the doctors told us, but he doesn’t have

any pain and it’s stopped it in its tracks. His doctors are really pleased.”

Miller also said although the disease meant that Cameron would have some limitations, he hasn’t let it slow him down.

“He had his fair share of difficulties, but we were always able to keep him active, he played basketball and things like that,” Miller said. “Sometimes, he had swelling that would make it difficult but he was able to manage it pretty well.”

Cameron progressed so well with treatment that he is no longer on prescription medication.

“I’ve been in remission for over a year,” he said.

Cameron also said he enjoys having a voice when it

comes to spreading the word about juvenile arthritis and raising money for research and, hopefully, a cure.

“It’s really cool to be able to represent the Arthritis Foundation. I thought (the car show) was going to be a lot more work than it was, but (the Motor District) made it really easy,” Cameron said. “I’m not big on public speaking but I do have to (sometimes) and I’m OK with that. I try to give people hope, especially the younger kids who have been recently diagnosed and they’re scared. I know what it’s like to go into the hospital for the first time. I just want to give them hope.”

ON THE COVER: Zionsville teen Cameron Miller with his parents, Lonnie and Cloe.

UNDERSTANDING JUVENILE ARTHRITIS

Juvenile arthritis refers to rheumatic diseases in children aged 16 and younger, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Rheumatic diseases are not the same in children as they are in adults — these diseases have many distinctions and are treated differently.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, previously known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is the most common form of rheumatic disease in children. Additional forms of rheumatic disease include juvenile myositis, juvenile lupus, juvenile scleroderma, vasculitis and

fibromyalgia

While the exact causes of juvenile arthritis are unknown, researchers believe that certain genes may cause juvenile arthritis when activated by a virus, bacteria or other external factors. There is no evidence that foods, toxins, allergies or lack of vitamins cause the disease.

Although there is no cure, remission can be achieved with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment.

For more, visit arthritis.org.

(Photo courtesy of Lonnie Miller)

(Above) Cameron Miller said he wanted to organize a car show as a fundraiser because he enjoys classic cars. (Photo courtesy of Lonnie Miller)

(Below) Cameron Miller picked the top three winners at the car show in April. (Photo courtesy of Lonnie Miller)

Rejuvenated Bentley to play new songs, familiar hits

By Alan Sculley editorial@youarecurrent.com

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, Dierks Bentley packed up his things and moved his wife and kids from Nashville to Colorado, where he spent much of the year unplugged from music and savoring life in the mountains.

“I was out in Colorado and I was living the life I’d been dreaming about for many years,” Bentley said in a phone interview. “I was back in the mountains biking, skiing, hiking, fishing and camping. I wasn’t interested in music at all.”

That all changed later in 2020 when Thomas Rhett and his family came to town to meet with the Bentleys for a hike and a visit.

“He’d been working on music a lot and he start ed playing me his record,” said Bentley, who will perform at 7 p.m. June 14 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. “I was like, this guy’s been busy.’ I ha ven’t been doing anything and he’s been out there writing songs. Maybe I should start thinking about getting something out there.”

But if there were any concerns that the several months in Colorado enjoying family time and his love of the outdoors had dulled Bentley’s passion for music or his willingness to put in the work it takes to maintain the high stan dard he’s set with his craft — those went out the window once Bentley picked up his guitar and started forming his next musical statement.

By late 2020, the wheels were in motion for a project that would turn into quite the odyssey on its way to becoming “Gravel and Gold,” the album Bentley released in February 2023.

“At the end of ’20, I picked the guitar back up and started doing some writing retreats and having people come out to Colorado (for songwriting),” Bentley said. “Anyway, long story short, I was collecting songs and felt pretty good about it, and I came back to Nashville and went into the studio, and back here it was still masks on and COVID testing in the studio. And trying to make a record wearing masks, it’s not really an en joyable experience. I was waiting for that little last bit that makes albums magic. It’s kind of an intangible thing that you can’t put your finger on. I

just felt like the record was just missing a little magic.”

So, Bentley scrapped the session, wrote more songs and returned to the studio awhile later, after COVID-19 protocols had been eased.

“So, I went back in and cut six songs. That was really fun,” he said. “But I felt like that session, it was really good at capturing a certain sound, but I wasn’t able to capture the whole sound I was thinking of.”

As that realization took hold, Bentley figured out what the album was trying to become and he set about taking a third run at making the album.

“I was like, ‘OK, I’m making my 10th album. What this album needs to be is a collection of my greatest sounds, not greatest hits,’” Bentley said. “I want to write all new songs but make sure I capture all of the different sounds I’ve been associated with,” he said. “I’m really happy with the way it turned

In the end, “Gravel and Gold” indeed fulfills the goal of showcasing the multiple styles of music — including contemporary country, traditional country and bluegrass — Bentley has woven into his music in a recording career that began 20 years ago with the release of his self-titled debut album.

That 2003 album put Bentley on the map with his first No. 1 country single, “What Was I Thinkin’” — and the hits have kept coming ever since.

Eighteen of his songs have topped either Billboard magazine’s Hot Country or Country Airplay singles chart (with four of those singles going No. 1 on both of those charts), while seven of Bentley’s 10 albums have topped Billboard’s country album chart.

Bentley is finding room to play several songs from the new album in his shows this summer alongside plenty of his hits. It’s also a big show visually, with a stage design that includes a video wall with footage that Bentley said has “unbelievable” depth and detail.

“It looks like a physical backdrop,” he said. “It looks like steel, or it looks like a wooden barn or it looks like Colorado in the middle of the mountains. It’s mind boggling, the technology.”

‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” runs through July 7 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

The Freeform Concert Series presents Josh Joplin with Jamie Drake June 5; Norman Lasiter’s Gray Pride June 6-7; and Andie Case June 8 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU’

Main Street Productions presents “You Can’t Take It With You” through June 9 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

’SAGAS

AND SUPERSTITIONS’

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents “Sagas and Superstitions” at 7 p.m. June 7-8 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

DISPATCH

ICC accounces season theme — The Indianapolis Children’s Choir has announced its 2024-25 concert season titled “Sounds of Progress” as the organization celebrates its 39th season. The voices of singers from more than 25 different ICC choirs will be featured in this eight-concert series. Singers will range in age from kindergarten to high school, in addition to ICC alumni singers going as far back as the 1986 founding year. The concerts are “Lights. Camera Song” at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville; “A Vintage Holiday” with various concert times from Dec. 13-15 at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis; “Now is the Time” at 4 p.m. March 9, 2025, at Hilbert Circle Theatre in Indianapolis; “Christel DeHaan In Harmony: A Beautiful Tomorrow” at 3 p.m. May 3, 2025 at Pike Performing Arts Center in Indianapolis; and “Dawning” at 4 p.m. May 18, 2025 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. For tickets, visit icchoir.org/tickets.

Dierks Bentley will perform June 14 at Ruoff Music Center (Photo courtesy of Jim Wright)

In a pickle about vegetables

Commentary by Mark LaFay

Pickling involves immersing vegetables in a vinegar-based brine, which not only preserves them but also imparts a delightful tangy flavor. The key to successful pickling is ensuring that the vegetables are fresh, clean and properly prepared.

FOOD

Here’s a recipe to get you started on pickling your favorite spring vegetables:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of spring vegetables (such as sliced radishes, asparagus tips, carrot sticks or green beans)

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 1 cup water

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

• 1 teaspoon dill seeds or a few fresh dill sprigs

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and trim the vegetables, cutting them into uniform sizes to ensure even pickling.

2. Make the brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Remove from heat.

3. Pack the jars: Place the garlic, peppercorns, mustard seeds and dill into a clean, sterilized jar. Pack the vegetables tightly into the jar, leaving a little space at the top.

4. Add the brine: Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged. Tap the jar gently to remove any air bubbles and add more brine if needed.

5. Seal and store: Seal the jar with a lid and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pickles. They will be ready to enjoy in about 24 hours but will develop more flavor if left to pickle for a few days.

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4201 Millersville Rd., Suite 119, Indianapolis

Artists team up for show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Tresa Steenberg is convinced this will be a special collaboration.

DISPLAY

Steenberg, a Noblesville resident, and Diane Staver of Kokomo, will display their artwork at Art on Main, 111 W. Main St., Suite 140, in Carmel throughout June. The opening reception is set for 5 to 8 p.m. June 8 as part of Meet Me on Main.

“I am also looking forward to this show as I love Diane’s work and am enjoying working on this show together,” said Steenberg, whose work also is on display at High Frequency Arts in Fishers.

Steenberg has displayed her art at Art on Main since June 2022.

“I usually show four to six pieces per month,” Steenberg said. “For this show, I will have 15 to 20 pieces on display of mixed media and collage work.”

Steenberg specializes in abstract art by using mixed media. She uses traditional mediums such as acrylics, pens, pencils and unexpected materials like book pages, kids’ homework and found paper.

Staver is a retired college professor who taught at the Art Institute of Indianapolis for more than 12 years and now paints full time.

“I enjoy her work and feel our artistic styles complement one another,” Staver said. “I am also pleased to show a larger body of my work in Carmel, which will be a first for me.”

Staver does everything digitally for her art.

“I use Photoshop and original digital photos to create my concept art,” she said. “I combine photos, then manipulate, merge, add to and eliminate areas and filter until the final image emerges.”

Noblesville artist Tresa Steenberg’s abstract painting called “Daydream.” (Photo courtesy of Tresa Steenberg)

CHS grad in Broadway show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Actress Monica Tulia Ramirez took a leap of faith when she moved to New York City.

THEATER

“I moved to New York in 2016, and you never know how it’s going to turn out. This career is extremely competitive,” the 2012 Carmel High School graduate said. “You think every final Broadway callback could be it.”

Awards, including Best Musical.

“I love it so much,” Ramirez said. “Each ensemble track has a couple of featured roles throughout the musical. It’s a mixed track because I pivot between characters throughout the show and get to be different women/men. I am also an on-stage swing (understudy) for two principal roles, Inez Milholland and Ruza Wenclawska.”

Ramirez is appearing in the ensemble of “Suffs The Musical,” which opened in April on Broadway.

“This whole debut journey started when we did the production/workshop at the Public Theater in 2021 and 2022 (in New York),” she said. “You always think a transfer to Broadway is possible, but it’s never a guarantee. Almost three years later, here we are and it feels so worth the wait. It feels like all the work that started way back in 2016 and even before has paid off. Dreams come true if you continue to work hard, be kind and push your limits.”

“Suffs” has been nominated for six Tony

Ramirez has appeared in TV shows such as “Elementary,” “Evil,” “Uncoupled” and “Madam Secretary.”

Ramirez was a part of the Ambassadors, CHS’ mixed show choir, and president of the school’s drama club.

“Carmel High School’s performing arts department gave me so many skills while prepping for college auditions,” Ramirez said. “Carmel is extremely competitive and pushes their students to be the best young artists they can be. My senior year at Carmel I played Éponine in ‘Les Misérables’ and the head of the department of theater and dance at Ball State University, Bill Jenkins, came to see the show, loved the performance as well as my college audition and asked me to come to BSU.”

Ramirez

Blueprint for Improvement: A stylish and spacious culinary haven

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 1978 in the Raintree Place neighborhood of Zionsville, this home’s original kitchen was past its prime. We reworked the room’s footprint to let in more light, maximize space and improve functionality and style.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Combining the kitchen and dining room increased the room’s footprint, helping open the space, improve flow and let in more natural light.

• Ceiling-height perimeter cabinets provide ample storage and accentuate the ceiling height, and an oversized island means more room for cooking, dining and gathering.

• Functional optimizations include double ovens, a coffee niche, spice drawer and pull-out trash bins.

• The pearlescent finish on the backsplash and rich brass tones on the hardware add an elevated feel with a touch of artisan charm.

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.

Key to getting started

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

My Elantra does not require a key. Instead, it has a fob and a push button on the dash. Once, I accidentally left the little doohickey on the kitchen counter, but when I got in the car and pushed the ignition button, the car roared into action.

HUMOR

As my auto technician later explained, my extra fob had to be somewhere in the car. And sure enough, I did find the little rascal hiding in the corner of the seat, lodged in a nest of cookie crumbs, pretzel pieces and pen caps.

Last month, a new issue arose. I was late for an appointment, but my car was in the shop, so I had to borrow my wife Mary Ellen’s Prius. She came home late, so I waited for her in the driveway. We quickly switched places when she arrived while the car was still idling. And off I went. On the way to my destination, the dashboard flashed a little advisory note: There is no key fob in the vehicle.

Apparently, Mary Ellen still had the key fob in her purse. That meant when I turned off the car, I wouldn’t be able to start it again. Of course, I could call Mary Ellen to come get me, but remember, she didn’t have a car. I had it. OK, I could leave the car running while I went to my appointment, but we’d probably be short another car when it was stolen. I turned around and drove back home. I then unfairly blamed Mary Ellen for this predicament, but she had a good explanation: Oops!

There were more key issues. Last week, I lost my duplicate fob again. I looked everywhere. This time, I knew it wasn’t in the car because the Hyundai would not start. But how can you lose a car key? If I had left the key fob somewhere,

“Apparently, Mary Ellen still had the key fob in her purse. That meant when I turned off the car, I wouldn’t be able to start it again.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

I wouldn’t have been able to drive home, but here I was. So, that meant it had to be in the house. Are you following?

My artificial intelligence app suggested that I look in my drawers. I wasn’t sure what that meant. Did it mean my pants or next to my underwear?

I called my friend who helped me last time I had car issues …

“Hi, Bob.”

“Hey, Dick, what’s the prob?”

“I need help with a fob.

“I’ll take the job.”

He was busy, so I called him back again later that day. He had all afternoon to think of a funny opening line…

“Fobs are for us.”

“Ha, Ha. Any suggestions?”

“Yes, return to the dealership and buy a new fob, but don’t get robbed.”

“That will cost me a lot of money, Bob.”

“Better call Schwab.”

Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker.

Across 1. Make over 5. Beginning of a conclusion 9. Sail supports 14. Tied

15. “Indy Now” co-host Ahlwardt

16. Tusk material

17. Submitted a Current reporter’s story?

19. Font flourish

20. Covers with goo, like in “Ghostbusters”

21. Children

23. Plaything

24. ___-lock brakes

26. Praise

28. Went on a buying spree

31. Ran away from hogs?

36. Word of assent

37. Words of assent in Acapulco

39. Type of dive

NOTICE OF

40. Crash-probing agcy.

42. Aristocratic

44. Sports org. with headquarters on the Canal Walk

45. Salsa brand

47. “Jane ___”

49. FedEx alternative

50. Talk smack about Santa’s just hired helper?

52. Swear

54. Balkan native

55. ‘Vette option

57. Sleep stage letters

60. Some Indiana Senate votes

62. Notwithstanding 66. Inactive

68. Indy’s place for nature and the arts...and an anagram of 17-, 31- and 50-Across

70. “The Teflon Don”

71. End-of-week cry

– GREEN SOURCE ADVANTAGE

72. On the briny

73. Pale

74. PlayStation maker

75. Race around I-465 Down

1. Hinkle Fieldhouse whistle blowers

2. Wicked

3. Shapiro’s, e.g.

4. Kind of band or show

5. Young’s accounting partner

6. Leviathan Bakehouse bread choice

7. Get an eyeful

8. At the scene

9. Annual pageant winner

10. Keystone or College, briefly

11. Categorize

12. Jazz Kitchen group, maybe

13. “Resident Alien” airer

18. Cars’ scars

22. Los Angeles baseball player

25. In that case

27. Mattress size

28. Church council

29. Lab dish

30. Indianapolis Bridge Club positions

32. Defame in print

33. Bring about

34. Certain tides

35. Clean the slate

38. Somewhat

41. Stein and Stiller

43. Uber rival

46. Wiggly dessert

48. Dangerous bacteria

51. Current ___

53. Optimistic

56. Indiana State Fair chewy treat

57. Latvia’s capital

Indiana “Foreign”

58. Son of Seth

59. “Breaking Bad” drug

61. Utah’s state flower

63. Otherwise

64. Piece of mind?

65. Russian despot 67. GPS suggestion

Finish first in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference Answers on Page 19

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

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Directions: CHOP, CUBE, DICE, MINCE, MIX, STIR; Cities: ALEXANDRIA, DELPHI, EDINBURGH, WARSAW, WATERLOO; Marys: BLOODY, HAIL, PROUD, VIRGIN; Words: BUREAU, MOTOR, VEHICLES; Streets: MARKET, MERIDIAN; Speaker: TODD HUSTON

• Fabulous, modern layout with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms AND a fully finished basement!

• Patio area is perfect for entertaining-equipped with fireplace, Phantom Screen, and TV!

• Upgraded audio and video throughout the home!

• Corner lot with a 3-car garage fitted with premium cabinets and storage.

• Amenities such as basketball, pickleball, tennis, multiple pools, a gym, walking trails and more!

• Location, location, location! Just minutes from unique shopping, dining, and entertainment options! Call, text or email for more information about this beautiful property!

5 Piece Set: sofa, 2 lounge chairs, coffee table, nesting side table

3 Piece Set: sofa, 2 swivel gliders $4,317 THE HIXON $3,455

Book a complimentary in-showroom meeting with our design team.

BAINBRIDGE

THE DEL MAR

5 Piece Set: 3 armless sofas, 2 storage arm rests, ottoman

$5,578

Give your final approval and our team will schedule your install day! CONFIRM DESIGN & INSTALL 1 2 3

Meet your designer and review the outdoor space, budget, and style vision. DISCUSS YOUR DESIGN