April 23, 2024 – North Indy

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Opinions

The views of the columnists in Current in North Indy are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper. About us Founded March 12, 2024, at Indianapolis, IN Vol. I, No. 4

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Home tour benefits Eskenazi Health

By Mary Farucci news@yoaurecurrent.com

Established in 1961, the Decorators’ Show House & Gardens nonprofit is celebrating its 63rd anniversary with its signature fundraising event with a tour of the historic Sylvan House at Northern Estates on the northwest side of Indianapolis.

EVENT

Built in 1927, the Tudor-style home will be open for tours April 27 through May 12

Presented by the nonprofit St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild, a volunteer organization that raises funds and services for Eskenazi Health, the annual Decorators’ Show House & Gardens is the longest-running show house event in the U.S. It is also the organization’s largest fundraiser for the John & Kathy Ackerman Mental health Professional Development Center at Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center.

Mandy Heslin, president of the St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild, said the organization’s fundraising efforts are in the third year of a four-year partnership with Eskenazi Health. The goal is to raise $1 million for the John and Kathy Ackerman Center for Professional Development at the Sandra Eskenazi Health Center.

Homes chosen for the annual tour, such as the Sylvan House, are selected through a process that includes meeting specific criteria.

“A lot of the homes used for the Show House are typically historical,” Heslin said. “They all have some sort of interesting feature.”

All featured homes must have four or more bedrooms. They also must have a front and back staircase for flow and have between 8,000 to 12,000 square feet of space, with 10,000 square feet being the average. For those reasons, many of the homes that are selected are on Meridian Street, Pennsylvania Street or Washington Boulevard because they meet the criteria.

“We are always looking for potential houses, and it’s through word of mouth,” Heslin said. “We drive by a house, we think, ‘OK, that looks beautiful from the outside.’

So, we send a letter to the homeowner asking if they have two staircases and if they would like to be a show house. It’s very grassroots in the way we find homes

because you need a homeowner who is willing to move out and let over 20 people decorate their spaces as they see fit, and then move back in.”

Indianapolis homeowner Lori Bradbury’s home was selected as the Show House n 2022. She was delighted to participate.

“I’ve wanted to be a Show House since we moved in (about eight) years ago,” she said. “Before that, I was always enamored with the homes the Guild has done in the past and the association with charity. It’s a win-win for everyone. Our experience working with the Guild and designers was nothing short of fantastic. So much detail is put into the event, and it’s been done for 60-plus years, so you know they know what they’re doing.”

Besides the home tour, the two-week Decorators’ Show House & Gardens event includes live music, food for purchase and floral arrangement, among other attractions.

For more or to purchase tickets, which start at $35, visit ShowHouseIndy.org.

This years event with tour the historic Sylvan House at Northern Estates. (Photos by Mary Farucci

A bedroom inside the Sylvan House.

Colonial Faire to celebrate America’s history

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jen Tousey figures it’s not early to begin celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

EVENT

Tousey is the committee chair of the inaugural Colonial Faire, set from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 27 at 4635 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis. The Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution is hosting the free event. A donation of $5 per family is suggested.

century, speeches by interpreters playing Colonial figures.

“For example, we have a booth where we make a Little Three Sisters Garden and they learn the legend of the Three Sisters Garden (corn, beets and squash) and why it was important to the time and what was native gardening about it,” Tousey said. “They have the opportunity to bring those little gardens home with them.”

“We thought it was more important to get as many people there to experience it (than) to charge them,” Tousey said. “The proceeds would go to put the event on again. We would like to grow it and put this on through the entirety of American 250.”

The event is in advance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which will be held in 2026.

“When do you gauge the birthday for America?” Tousey said. “Most people are going to say July 4, 1776, but there is a great number of events leading up to that. They didn’t just wake up on July Fourth saying this is what we are going to do. We’ve already celebrated the 250th birthday of the Boston Tea Party and other tea parties that happened up and down the East Coast. It’s about a three- or four-yearlong process. So, let’s get people excited, let’s do some outreach and let’s have some fun while we’re doing some education.”

The community event will feature activities and demonstrations from the 18th

Music will be performed by the Voyageur Ancient Fife and Drum Corps, Fiddlesticks Fiddlers and the Herron High School string quartet.

“All of them will be playing selections from the 18th century with some explanation of what they are playing,” Tousey said. “We also have historical interpreters who also will be taking the stage. We chose to go a different route. Usually, you expect to see Gen. George Washington, perhaps Alexander Hamilton, perhaps Thomas Jefferson. We thought it might be good to highlight some forgotten patriots, so we have Martha Washington, Billy Flora, Phyllis Wheatley and Polly Cooper. They are kind of unsung or forgotten heroes. We have patriots of color, women patriots and youth patriots. The whole thing is to have an ‘aha’ moment of ‘I didn’t know that.’”

The interpreters are all volunteers.

“Some are very seasoned interpreters who have done it for years and years,” Tousey said. “One of the interpreters is an actress and we have several new historical interpreters making their debut.”

For more, facebook.com/events/s/ colonial-faire/410377848094301/.

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Tousey

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ICC concert set

NorthIndy@youarecurrent.com

Indianapolis Children’s Choir singers from across central Indiana will perform in the “Christel DeHaan In Harmony: Rhythm of the Lands” at 7 p.m. April 27 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville.

MUSIC

The show is the culminating concert for the children’s choir division of the ICC’s 2023-24 season. The performance features more than 400 singers in a concert that pays tribute to the music of Africa and the Middle East.

Singers as young as kindergarten age through early high school will sing in a show that features songs like “Sih’r Khalaq” and sounds of Ghana in “Bantama Kra Kro” and Arabic rhythms.

The presentation is one of the final stops on the ICC’s “A World Showcase” concert season, which has celebrated the sounds from regions like Europe, America and Asia. This concert explores rhythms and traditions from yet another area of the world.

“This has been a fantastic season for our singers to explore cultures from

around the world and what each of them have contributed to songs we know and love today,” stated Joshua Pedde, artistic director of the ICC. “What’s even better is that all of this really brings home the idea that music is a universal language that connects us all. It’s such an appropriate theme for this concert in particular that’s named in honor of Christel DeHaan.”

Last fall, the ICC was named a recipient of a Legacy Grant awarded by the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, founded by late businesswoman, community leader and philanthropist Christel DeHaan. The grant helps fund the ICC’s scholarship program and the choir’s operational costs.

“Her legacy in the Indianapolis community, and especially within the arts community, will live on through her grant given to the ICC,” Pedde stated. “We will also honor her with a video presentation prior to this concert that’s been named for her.”

Tickets are $14 and can be purchased online at icchoir.org/tickets. Children 5 and younger are admitted free but still require a ticket. If the concerts do not sell out in advance, additional tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

Embracing Mini with a Meaning

By Mark Ambrogi

mark@youarecurrent.com

Jacob Stelflug can’t physically run on his own, so his father, Brad Stelflug makes certain he has that experience.

500 FESTIVAL

“He gets to experience the cheers and all the support from the crowd, the support from the other runners, the high-fives and the camaraderie,” said Brad, whose family lived in Westfield for 26 years before moving to Noblesville in 2020.

Brad will push Jacob, 27, in a as part of the Ainsley’s Angels Indiana team in the 500 Festival One America Mini-Marathon May 4 in Indianapolis. The Mini with a Meaning connects nonprofits with passionate participants of the Mini-Marathon and Delta 500 Festival Dental 5K to raise awareness and funds.

“The Mini with a Meaning program allows us as a nonprofit to use our team as a platform for the needs we have throughout the years,” said Kristy High, a North Central Indiana ambassador for Ainsley’s Angels and senior ambassador director for Ainsley’s Angels of America. “The funds (help) to purchase and maintain our specialty equipment. Our specialty equipment is the special racing chariots (we) have to maintain. Those can be really pricey. It can be anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000. They are specially designed to be pushed by running.”

Jacob, 27, has FG syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes physical and mental delays. Nathan Stelflug, a 25-year-old former Westfield High School track and cross country runner, pushed his brother Jacob in the Boston Marathon April 15. Brad will push Jacob in the Mini-Marathon.

There are 39 teams slated for the Mini-Marathon and four for the 5K event. There is one rider with one or two pushers.

High said Ainsley’s Angels has been involved with the Mini-Marathon since 2017 and will be involved with Mini with a Meaning program for the third year.

“They are from all over the country, but the majority are coming from our North Central area,” said High, who lives in Russiaville.

High said when Ainsley’s Angels was accepted into Mini with a Meaning program, the national organization made it a destination race.

“We also use the funds to provide dinner with all the participants the night before, which is a chance for them to make new friends, forge new friends or catch up with old friends because they do come from all over,” High said.

Brad said the Mini-Marathon embraces inclusivity and allows many duo teams to compete. The number of duo competitors is limited to 10 at the Boston Marathon.

“We run the Marine Corps Marathon (in Arlington, Va.) every year and they are very inclusive,” Brad said. “We had 40 chairs running in that one last year. Lots of marathons do it right and Boston just does it wrong.”

To donate, visit donate.ainsleysangels. org/campaign/565160/donate.

DISPATCH

Local communities receive state funding for roads — Communities in Hamilton and Marion counties have received millions of dollars for improving roads and bridges through the state’s Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. Through the program, the Indiana Department of Transportation matches up to $1.5 million annually per community when localities invest in road and bridge repairs. A total of 252 communities across the state will receive over $207 million. Through the program, Fishers was awarded $1.5 million, Noblesville will receive about $1.1 million, Hamilton County will receive $1.5 million and Lawrence will receive about $1 million.

Brad Stelflug pushes his son Jacob in the Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon. (Photo courtesy of Brad Stelflug)

99

Princess Program grows leaders

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrrent.com

The 500 Festival Princess Program has continued developing since it started as a pageant in 1959,

500 FESTIVAL

“Throughout its 65-year history, the program has evolved into an ambassador program,” said Laura Bliss, 500 Festival director of operations. “The sashes and tiaras are part of tradition, but today’s program’s focus has shifted to commitment to service, effective communication, strong leadership, academic excellence and professionalism. The 2024 Princesses who represent the 500 Festival in their hometowns and communities around the state are 33 of Indiana’s most impressive college leaders and achievers.”

the state of Indiana serve as 500 Festival Princesses who represent the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500 throughout their communities. Princesses participate in community outreach events around Indiana. They visit elementary school classrooms, nursing homes, community events, and everything in between, to bring the spirit of the 500 Festival and Indy 500 to these audiences. It’s a way to bring the fun and festivities of the month of May and Indy 500 to everyone –whether you’re attending the Indy 500 or not.”

The program is sponsored by The National Bank of Indianapolis.

Bliss, an Indianapolis resident, has worked with the Princess Program since 2016.

“Each year, we receive hundreds of applications for 33 coveted spots,” Bliss said. “College-aged women from around

“Each 500 Festival Princess is paired with a member of the 500 Festival’s Board of Directors, who serves as her mentor throughout her time as a Princess and beyond,” Bliss said. “The Princesses and board directors are paired based on areas of common interest, including their professional and educational backgrounds. For example, a Princess who is majoring in public health may get paired with an executive at a hospital system.”

Central Indiana awarded $45M through state READI program

Hoosiers of today and tomorrow have the opportunity to prosper,” Gov. Eric Holcomb stated. “READI has already resulted in more than $12.6 billion invested in quality of place and quality of life assets. The second iteration of the initiative — READI 2.0 — along with additional committed investments from the Lilly Endowment, will bring billions more to Hoosier neighborhoods, preparing communities, industry and talent for the next generation and beyond.”

poration board of directors during a special session April 11.

According to a news release, READI 2.0 is a continuation of a state-led investment in cultivating vibrant, modern and sustainable communities that attract and retain top talent.

“Indiana is leading the way in future-focused investments in our economy and in our communities, ensuring that all

The 15 regional proposals covered projects to improve quality of life and quality of place, according to the announcement. In central Indiana, the proposals were led by the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority, covering Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties.

House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) stated that the READI program is part of an overall vision for growth in Indiana.

For more about the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority, visit centralindianarda.org.

Bliss

ROCK THE RUINS

Pandemic-inspired concert series grows into summer tradition at Holliday Park

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

What started as an effort to present live music during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a summer tradition that aims to bring the community together at Holliday Park in Indianapolis.

The Rock the Ruins concert series will kick off its fourth season May 24, with 13 shows featuring a variety of sounds and styles scheduled through Sept. 20. The stage and viewing area are nestled between trees and the Ruins, which features a trio of sculptures made of Indiana limestone relocated from a New York City building facing demolition in the 1950s.

The partners at Forty5, which owns and operates several local performance venues, launched Rock the Ruins after COVID-19 restrictions halted most live events just months after they purchased The Vogue Theatre in Broad Ripple. They knew that nearby Holliday Park had hosted outdoor concerts in the past and could provide a unique setting to bring people together while still providing enough space for social distancing. It also allowed staff to keep working through the pandemic.

“That first year had spray-painted boxes, and you didn’t leave your box in the COVID days,” Forty5 CEO Jenny Boyts said. “It’s continued to evolve, and this year is a really full calendar and full lineup. This wasn’t just a flash-in-the-pan idea, but there were people and citywide institutions who believed that parks are an asset.”

Forty5 works with Indy Parks & Recreation and the Holliday Park Foundation to coordinate Rock the Ruins.

Adam Barnes, executive director of the Holliday Park Foundation, said the nonprofit had previously organized a small summer concert series at the park in the past and felt it was ripe for expansion. The partnerships finally allowed that to occur, he said, leading to one of the most “laid back” concert experiences in town.

“It’s just a very relaxed atmosphere. It’s very family friendly,” Barnes said. “There’s some incredible venues around town, but I’ve never seen one that has as many families here. So, it’s friends, families, neighbors just enjoying being outside. Then the

Rock the Ruins returns to Holliday Park in Indianapolis

24. (Photo Doug Fellegy / Rock the Ruins)

music starts and everybody comes together around that, but it really is a unique atmosphere.”

Rock the Ruins aims to present a variety of musical genres throughout the season from artists with diverse voices.

ROCK THE RUINS 2024 LINEUP

“We’re trying to get better across gender lines and across sexuality lines and race and putting those kinds of artists on stage,” Boyts said.

Rock the Ruins has space for up to 2,500 attendees, and guests are invited to bring their own chairs or reserve them onsite. For the first time this year a space called “the pit” will be designated for those who would rather stand or move around during the performance, Boyts said. Food trucks will be available at all shows to provide refreshments.

The limited parking spaces at Holliday Park must be reserved and purchased in advance, but free offsite parking is available at The Orchard School or Congregation B’Nai Torah. Shuttle buses will transport guests from the offsite lots to the park.

Ticket prices vary by concert, and various upgrades are available. Learn more and purchase tickets at RockTheRuins.com.

ON THE COVER: The Rock the Ruins concert series was founded in 2020. (Photo Doug Fellegy / Rock the Ruins)

Actors Theatre of Indiana brings Broadway musical parody

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Billy Kimmel, the best description of “Forbidden Broadway” is, it’s the musical version of “Saturday Night Live.”

Kimmel will act and direct Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Forbidden Broadway,” which runs April 26 to May 12 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The show is a revue with a parody of different Broadway musicals.

Kimmel was on the “Forbidden Broadway” tour for approximately 11 years — through five different versions of it.

Kimmel is joined in the four-person cast by ATI Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald, ATI co-founder Cynthia Collins and Kieran Danaan. Brent Marty will provide the musical accompaniment.

“The show always has four actors, who are singers and dancers,” Kimmel said.

More than 20 shows are represented in 90 minutes.

“So, it’s pretty brisk,” said Kimmel, who is based in New York City.

The biggest challenges are the 10-second costume changes.

“It’s an aerobic workout, too, because it’s like being shot out of a cannon,” Kimmel said.

This is the seventh time Kimmel has directed with ATI, including previous versions of “Forbidden Broadway.”

The last time he directed “Forbidden Broadway” with ATI was in 2019.

“This show has been going on for 40 years off-Broadway and it’s become sort of an institution to the Broadway community and theater lovers,” Kimmel said. “People come to see shows in New York and make room to see if there is an edition playing to see it. Now, it’s a rite of passage for people that become Broadway stars. If you’re lampooned (in the show), then you’ve made it, so to speak.”

Kimmel said every few years, American playwright Gerald Alessandrini would do

an edition and it would run for a year or two. Then Alessandrini took a break to write “Spamilton: An American Parody” in 2014. Kimmel said Alessandrini wrote a new edition in 2019, but it wasn’t out long because of the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down theater shows in March 2020.

“The show is going to make its Broadway debut this summer, which is a huge deal because it’s always been off-Broadway,” Kimmel said. “He’s writing a whole new show for it, and they are going to have past stars in it. They’re going to come in and do cameos.”

Kimmel said there are numbers that are always in the show, such as “The Lion King” and “Les Misérables.”

“We keep them because they are crowd pleasers and they’re sort of the pillars of the show,” Kimmel said. “In between, we’ve changed things out and freshened it up if there is something new on Broadway and it’s more relevant. It’s hard to do Carol Channing anymore because people under 50 don’t really know her anymore.”

One spoof is on “Annie,” which opened on Broadway in 1977.

“The spoof is ‘Annie is now a granny,’”

Kimmel said. “One of the newer ones is ‘Mary Poppins.’ There is a Mary Martin and Ethel Merman bit that we’ve never done.”

Although the show is a parody with some biting jokes, Kimmel said it’s lighthearted fun.

“(Alessandrini) never wanted people to think we hated Broadway. We’re lampooning it because we adore Broadway,” Kimmel said. “He’s a brilliant parody lyricist.” Danaan, a 29-year-old New York City resident, has never performed in “Forbidden Broadway” but he recalled hearing the numbers for the first time when he was around 10 years old. He said the costume changes are difficult, but the hardest part for him is learning all the words.

“It’s costumes on top of costumes,” Danaan said. “It’s all songs we know the Broadway lyrics to, but it’s relearning the songs with the ‘Forbidden Broadway’ lyrics. You only have time to think about what you are doing and then you move on to the next thing. It’s exhausting but it’s so much fun.”

His favorite number is his solo spoofing “Memories” from “Cats.”

For more, visit atistage.org.

‘THE KING AND I’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre production of “The King and I” runs through May 19 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

The Live at the Center series will feature Mike Wells at 7:30 p.m. April 24 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is $10 or a free livestream registration is available at thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Zach Day’s performance is set for April 25, followed by Dueling Pianos, presented by Brittany Brumfield, April 26; and Eric Baker & Friends Presents “Southern California in the 70’s” April 27 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘ANASTASIA’

Civic Theatre’s production of “Anastasia” runs April 26 to May 11 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘FORBIDDEN BROADWAY’

Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Forbidden Broadway” April 26 to May 12 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.

’THE DINNER PARTY’

Carmel Community Players presents “The Dinner Party” April 26 to May 5 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘SPRINGTIME CELEBRATION’

Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Springtime Celebration” concert is set for 6:30 p.m. April 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS

Best-selling

From left, Kieran Danaan, Billy Kimmel, Brent Marty, Judy Fitzgerald and Cynthia Collins rehearse for “Forbidden Broadway.” (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

ATI season features legends, laughter and love

By Mark Ambrogi

mark@youarecurrent.com

Actors Theatre of Indiana will rely on a tried-and-true formula for its 202425 season.

SCHEDULE

“When we were designing the season, it was important to us to do what we do best and what our audiences love most — and that is fun, funny, uplifting musicals,” Associate Artistic Director Darrin Murrell said.

Murrell said. A third is a smaller, newer musical with a mystery.

The last type of show is the large-scale Broadway show that has been scaled down to uniquely fit in the Studio Theater space, Murrell said.

Murrell said the season is dubbed legends, laughter and love.

“We also honed in on four types of shows that ATI has historically done incredibly successfully and has gotten a lot of audience feedback,” Murrell said. “One of those is the jukebox musical, sort of the soundtrack of our lives, so there is one of those in the mix.”

Another type is the Broadway classics reinvented for the Studio Theater stage,

The 2024-25 season begins with “Ring of Fire” from Sept 13-29, featuring the music of the legendary Johnny Cash. That will be followed by “She Loves Me” Nov. 1-17. The 2025 portion includes “Whodunit” Jan. 31 to Feb. 16, 2025, and “9 to 5: The Musical” April 25 to May 11.

“Ring of Fire” will include different actors portraying Cash at different times in his life.

“She Loves Me” started on Broadway in 1963 and was revived in 2016.

“Whodunit” is a murder mystery by longtime Broadway actor and playwright Ed Dixon.

Dolly Parton composed the music for “9 to 5: The Musical,” based on the 1980 movie. For more, visit atistage.org.

Barrier: Stigma

Barriers to health care aren’t always apparent. Depression and other mental illnesses can impact every aspect of an individual’s life and the lives of those around them. Fortunately, this young woman found the courage to challenge the stigma around mental health that many face, and her journey is now inspiring others.

Murrell

IWS to honor founder

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

As Charles Conrad conducts his penultimate concert as the Indiana Wind Symphony music director, it’s fitting that a new piece of music pays homage to his legacy.

CONCERT

“There is a piece in honor of the fact that I founded the Wind Symphony 27 years ago and the composer David Sartor is going to be conducting,” Conrad said. “We’ve played several of his works and we got a chance to premiere a couple of them.”

Purdue University All-American Marching Band. Conrad is retiring after this season and Gephart will inherit Conrad’s role.

Conrad said composer Mark Wolfram will be in the audience for his piece “Vertical Planes,” which will feature solos by Larry Purdue, French horn; Brian Hoover, trumpet; Mike Villano, trombone; and Bill Schmidt, tuba.

The IWS concert opens with Frank Panella’s “The Polar Sun” from 1908. It also plays a German march, “The Sun Eagle.”

The piece called “Vision” by Sartor, from Nashville, Tenn., will premiere in “Springtime Celebration” at 6:30 p.m. April 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“It’s got a mixture of different styles and different textures,” Conrad said of the program.

Conrad is conducting eight pieces while Jay Gephart, who takes over as music director for the 2024-25 season, will conduct three pieces. Gephart is the director of the

Conrad said the pieces were played by IWS April 8 during the City of Carmel Solar Eclipse program.

Two 1924 marches by John Philip Sousa are in the first half of the concert. They are “Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company” and “Marquette University March.”

Other pieces include “Rain Softly on Me” by Julie Giroux and one by French composer Lili Boulanger.

The IWS will close its season May 19 with “Finales and Fanfare.”

For more, visit indianawindsymphony. org.

Adana kebab great for grilling

Commentary by Mark LaFay

April is a bustling month for us at the shop as we finalize preparations for the summer farmers market season. We’re assembling and training our team, gathering and repairing gear, scheduling, planning and building up inventory for the grilling season. I’m a grill enthusiast who doesn’t need anything fancy — a Weber kettle grill with hardwood charcoal suits me perfectly.

FOOD

This week, we’re introducing a Turkish lamb sausage named after Adana, a town in Turkey. Having spent time in Turkey, I can attest to the fantastic nature of Turkish cuisine, with döner sandwiches and Adana kebab ranking high among my favorite dishes.

Adana kebab consists of spicy minced lamb sausage skewered and grilled over charcoal, traditionally seasoned with cumin seeds, Urfa pepper flakes and sumac. Cumin adds an earthy flavor. Urfa pepper contributes a mild spiciness, and sumac provides a slight bitterness, combining to create a memorable taste. For those interested in trying Adana kebab, you can

sample ours or make your own. Here’s a recipe to consider:

• Approximately 1.2 pounds ground lamb

• Kosher salt (approx. 10 grams)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon ground sumac

• 1 tablespoon ground Urfa pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoons ice-cold water

Mix all ingredients by hand for 3-5 minutes, chill overnight, then form around skewers to make them flat and thin. Grill over charcoal for optimal browning and crisping. Serve on grilled pita or a crispy fluffy baguette. Top with thinly sliced red onion, fresh ripe tomato, parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Optionally, add yogurt, fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing twist, or elevate it with some fine hummus.

Here’s to the grilling season!

Blueprint for Improvement: Revamped Carmel kitchen

Commentary by Larry Greene

Constructed in 1992 in Carmel’s Orchard Estates neighborhood, this home featured a well-designed and functional kitchen layout that was ready for a modern-style refresh. The homeowners were looking for a light and contemporary style while also increasing storage.

THE BLUEPRINT

• New maple cabinets extend to the ceiling, increasing storage space and extending the perceived ceiling height.

• A modern green shade on the lower cabinets add a sophisticated color pop that perfectly accents the wood tones throughout the open-concept space.

• The curved lines of the statement range hood provide a striking contrast to the clean lines on the cabinetry and backsplash, while the light wood tone adds a touch of natural warmth and nuance.

• The glossy artisan tile backsplash in tonal neutral adds texture to the overall aesthetic, while the hardware’s rich gold tones add a touch of classic style.

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.