December 9, 2008 by Current Publishing

TUESDAY December 9, 2008 FREE

CAN’T STAND THE TREE STAND / p5

Progress

with a

purpose

The fight is on to protect carmel’s historical properties / P2 Photo by Stephanie Curtis Carlson

THIRD-GRADERS GRIN AND BEAR IT / p6

BRANCHING OUT WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE / p27

Be prepared.

If you’re over 40, an EKG can be more important than a flu shot. Learn more on back page.

Progress with a purpose By Stephanie Carlson Curtis Current in Carmel

www.currentincarmel.com

Pictured, clockwise from top right, are, an endangered historical home in Carmel, two historical homes dressed up for the holidays, the Peeler home on Main Street, the 1872 home converted to Simply Sweet Shoppe and Second Story Playhouse, a Bed and Breakfast in the historic district, the first homestead in Carmel and one of the city’s historic homes undergoing renovation.

Out with the old and in with the new. This seems to be the theme developing in Carmel’s Historic Old Town. As turn-of-the-century homes and vacant structures are demolished to make way for new construction, preservationists are building a movement to advocate protection of historic properties. “With all the new development projects that have been proposed that might threaten the integrity of residential old town, preservation is obviously needed,” said Tom Rumer, historian with the Carmel Clay Historical Society. According to Rumer, recent unlawful demolitions and homes in danger of being destroyed prompted the concept of creating a preservation commission. The historical society hired Ball State’s Center for Historic Preservation to update a decade old survey. The new study designates more than 200 structures as contributing to the character of Old Town. The neighborhoods encompass an area bordered by 136th Street to the north, 4th Street to the south and spans for several blocks to the east and west of Rangeline Road. According to Carol Schleif, a member of the historical society, 86 percent of residential Old Town is eligible to be on the map of character contributing landmarks. Contributing landmarks must be a minimum of 50-years old. “We are looking at the possibility of creating a local historic district,” said Schleif, who holds a masters degree in architecture with an emphasis on historic preservation. “There has been frustration in the community with new things that don’t fit into the area and are non-contributing in nature.” The process of designating Old Town as a historic district is on track, and Rumer hopes parcel owners will support a preservation commission to protect homes built in the late-1800s and early-1900s. Rumer referred to the Peeler house, a historic cottage surrounded by construction, as an important link to our city’s past. The Quaker homeowner, Elizabeth Peeler, was instrumental in naming Carmel. “This is a grassroots kind of thing. It has to grow up out of Old Town with our guidance as a tool that owners can use to safeguard their properties,” said Rumer. “Neighbors can create their own guidelines and standards as a group. They can decide how far they want to go and what they want to regulate.” Steve Schutz, President of Builders Inc., who has been involved in Old Town developments and has restored two homes along Rangeline Road, agrees with a commission that preserves homes that are worth saving. “If a property owner has no financial ability to repair a house and it becomes dilapidated or has asbestos issues, there are health and safety concerns,” he said. Restoring old homes can present challenges as the three owners of Simply Sweet Shoppe and Second Story Playhouse found when they converted a home built in1872 to a candy store. “The wiring was so old there were burns on the inside of the walls. It would have eventually caught fire,” said Jill Zaniker. “We were excited to do our part to preserve the historical aspects of the Carmel Arts and Design District.” Zaniker welcomes the formation of a preservation alliance if it will benefit area residents and businesses. Planners envision that the commission would be comprised of professionals experienced in historic preservation, would host workshops to educate parcel owners and provide guidance for adding on or modify structures. The commission would create a petition with the input of area residents and file for an ordinance that would allow the alliance to operate in a professional manner. “We find that designated historic districts increase property values, increase occupancy rates, enhance the character of area and promote tourism,” said Schleif. “Protecting the architectural heritage gives residents a chance to recreate a lifestyle like people had 100 years ago where families lived in quaint villages and could walk everywhere. Carmel’s Old Town is a view to the past.” Stephanie Curtis is a freelance writer and photographer. If you have a story idea, please contact her at stephanie@currentincarmel.com.

Carmel Preservation Alliance Public Meeting 7-9 p.m. Dec. 10 Carmel Christian Church (Across from Carmel High School on E. Main) Carmel and Old Town residents are invited to learn more and offer input.

Photos by Stephanie Curtis Carlson

The fight is on to protect carmel’s historical properties

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

COVER STORY

OUR TAKES It is our position that American citizens should read and understand the constitutions of the United States and Indiana. We all can use a refresher course on what the founding fathers intended for the generations that followed the launch of this nation. Continuing this week, we are running an excerpt from an article of the U.S. Constitution. Today, we offer Article II, Section 1: “The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a

This Year’s Killer Gift

Compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.” To view the U.S. Constitution and the Indiana Constitution in their entirety, go to www.usconstitution.net and www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/const/, respectively.

It is our position that our culture needs a refresher course on the reason for the season. As most of us know, the holidays should be a season of caring for others. That most simple fact was forgotten over Thanksgiving weekend in New York, as the world watched when a WalMart worker was trampled to his death by eager shoppers trying to be among the first early-birds to enter the store. What was their desired pursuit? While the demeanor of the crowd resembled the bread lines in the Russian Revolution of the Bolsheviks, the members of this Wal-Mart mob forgot that they were not standing in line to avoid

winter starvation. Their objective was the opportunity to potentially find a great deal on a flat screen TV, or perhaps a Wii electronic game system, or even Tonka Truck set. How can death be the result? Perhaps a revised definition of holiday giving could be considered. In these difficult economic times, the gift list might include helping an elderly neighbor to decorate for Christmas or to shovel snow. Couldn’t it be a gift to allow a fellow shopper the opportunity to take the last must-have toy on the shelf to make their child’s Christmas? Now that’s a gift worth giving.

VIEWS

our constitutions matter

CURRENTOON by Tim Campbell

317.489.4444

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 www.currentincarmel.com

Publisher – Brian Kelly brian@currentincarmel.com / 414.7879 Executive Editor – Steve Greenberg steve@currentincarmel.com / 847.5022 Associate Editor – Terry Anker terry@currentincarmel.com Managing Editor – Mike Beas mike@currentincarmel.com / 730.4833 Art Director – Zachary Ross zross@ss-times.com / 787-3291 Associate Artist – Stefanie Lorenz stefanie@currentincarmel.com / 340.1836 Reporter – Brandon Bowman brandon@currentincarmel.com / 489.4444 Reporter – Bryan Unruh bryan@currentincarmel.com / 489.4444 Cartoonist – Tim Campbell tim@currentincarmel.com

Advertising Carmel Sales Executive – Dennis O’Malia dennis@currentincarmel.com / 370.0749 Carmel Sales Executive – Lara Acton lara@currentincarmel.com / 409.1418 Indianapolis Sales Consultant – Kevin Messmer kevin@currentincarmel.com / 513.4359

Business Office Bookkeeper - Deb Vlasich deb@currentincarmel.com / 489.4444 The views of the columnists in Current In Carmel are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper. To comment on Tim’s currentoons, contact him at: tim@currentincarmel.com.

ANOTHER TAKE

VIEWS

FROM THE BACKSHOP

Bovine Conversation

NO SWEET TUNES FOR DETROIT NOW

eople regularly defend bad The system is unfair, they rail. I grew up behavior – on all fronts. They shoulder-to-shoulder with my own poor defend dads (and moms) who white trash cousins. They sold dope and abandon their children. They subsequently have been in and out of defend those who jail. With my parents behind are dishonest and disloyal in me, I worked hard, found a every imaginable way. Maybe way, went to school and got we don’t know the circumthe heck away from those stances. Maybe there was more folks. Some of them respect to the story. Sure, and maybe me for it. Others hate me for cows talk about us behind our the same. At the end of the backs. It reminds me of the day, I don’t feel any obligayoung naturist killed a few tion or ownership whatsoever years ago by grizzly bears. He for their bad actions. Does refused to believe the warnings that make me unsympathetic, of those more experienced in pathetic or both? Do we feel the wild than he. Until he saw blessed to have the life that we the “bad” action himself, he do or guilty because of it? For Terry believed it untrue. The death me, I cling to my family and and consumption of both he my God. Shouldn’t we spend Anker and his girlfriend will hopeour energy defending those fully prove to be cautionary to others. As who are trying to do right rather than a rule of thumb, if one cannot be trusted excusing those who have most certainly by those to whom they have pledged loy- done wrong? alty, does it make sense to think that they Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current could be trusted by anyone else? in Carmel. You may e-mail him at terry@curToday, we regularly support thieves rentincarmel.com. and drug users. Because of this or that they should not be held accountable.

Back in the day, it almost was romantic for musicians to record songs about their automotive favorites. Chief among those efforts were gems such as “Little Deuce Coupe” and “409.” The Beach Boys handled those with a driving sort of cool that transcended concert venues, leading streams of buyers into car dealerships. Can you imagine - we can’t; we tried, but we can’t - any musical act these days throwing its total weight behind any domestic auto? Really. John Mellencamp came up with a commercial (literally) success with “Our Country,” a nice melody and decent lyrics, but it was tied to General Motors (motion-sickness bag, please). • • • As for GM’s grand plan, we’re convinced that in the end the dinosaur of the industry will be unable to compete in the marketplace. Period. Its management, board of directors and union do not care about the customer, and that was the culture 30 years ago, the antecedent to its doom. The right thing to do is to let the company go belly-up, file for bankruptcy protection and have it restyle itself as a customercentric, high-quality, union-less titan of

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 www.currentincarmel.com

I agree with Jodi Kuchar I very much agree with the comments made by Jody Kuchar in the Dec. 2 issue of Current in Carmel. I find your sarcasm annoying, negative and not very productive. I keep reading you paper thanks to great contributors that you have, like Danielle Wilson. Why don’t you two learn from her?

Her writing is hilarious and funny. Irreverent, yes, but always pleasant. She is able to get to her point with humor in a gracious way. You often seem too bitter! As President elect Barack Obama would say: “You can disagree without being disagreeable”!

Miria Allman Carmel 46033

WRITERS’ RULES Wanna write us a letter? You can do it a couple ways. The easiest is to e-mail it to info@ currentincarmel.com. The old-fashioned way is to snail mail it to Current in Carmel, 1 South Range

domestic automotive change. As we suggested last month, the foreign automakers’ hold on quality in the marketplace is now all but a stranglehold. America deserves better. • • • Here’s a “didja”: Did you know a Christmas tree cost less last year than the same style and size of tree in 1980? Stunning, but true. Seems the tree farmers up yonder had to compete with the fakefir industry. So that sticky, needle-dropping pine you bought in 1980 for $25 went last year for $22. • • • Is it just us, or do you find that you, too, are treated like an “intruder” when you go into a big-box store looking for pre-purchase answers? Service with a smile? Yeah, right.

Opaque Transparency

READERS’ VIEWS Editor:

Brian Kelly & Steve Greenberg

Line Road, Carmel, IN 46032. Keep letters to 200 words max (we may make exceptions), and be sure to include your home zip code and a daytime number for verification.

he most overused and underemand meet the needs of citizens. ployed word of 2008 has to be Attempts by business, government and “transparency.” individuals to enact transparency are often The use of the word has been laughable. It seems sometimes that as long picking up steam over the past as the word “transparency” appears in some few years and likely increased company’s annual report or in a rapidly as a result of the politician’s speech that a higher accounting scandals and level of accountability to stakesubsequent passage of the holders has been achieved. In Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. some cases, efforts as transparency With corporate malfeasance, often are actually covert. Financial economic challenges and the statements so long and filled with presidential election filling the jargon that no consumer could evening news this year, use of ever use them to determine a this word has taken on a new company’s financial status is often level. But the use of the word exactly what the authors intended. is so highly overused, people The intent of all of these uses of are tuning it out. transparency is noble and necesCompanies are trying to sary. And there is nothing wrong Sue be more transparent so that with providing more information, Finkam potential investors better unallowing consumers to make a derstand financial statements more-informed choice. Being and want to invest. Healthcare is trying to more transparent in action provides a founbe more transparent so patients can comdation for trust, which is the basis for every pare price and quality of service to make successful relationship, business or personal. an informed choice as to where they seek What do you think? Can we still aspire care. Higher education is working to be to transparency, or is it just rhetoric? more transparent and accountable so parSue Finkam is interested in making a difference ents have reliable information from which in the community through healthy conversathey can compare institutions. Taxpayers tion. You can participate in the conversation want transparency from government so as by posting a comment on her blog at www. to ensure they understand how tax dollars youarecurrent.com. are used to fund projects, provide services

DISPATCHES Monon Center Customer Appreciation Week - The Monon Center at Carmel’s Central Park (111th and Range Line Rd.) is hosting a week full of fun activities all this week (Dec. 8-13) during normal business hours 5 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday - Friday, and 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday. There will be tables throughout the Center with goodies spotlighting all the facilities activities. The fitness table will feature “Ask a Trainer” daily 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 5:307:30 p.m., and Saturday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Visitors may ask anything fitness related. For further information on any of the Center’s activities, call 317-848-7275.

House Decorating Contest - To enter the Carmel Parks Department’s holiday house decorating contest, complete the contest form at www.carmelclayparks.com. The home must be located within Clay Township of Hamilton County. The awards will be announced Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 www.currentincarmel.com

am the daughter of a life-long gun is next, followed by muzzle loader. Democrat who started out with the If there are any deer left in January after Peace Corps and went on to become a second archery season, they get to live a public defender. I married the son so they can have babies and produce next of a staunch Republican who joined fall’s crop of targets. Added onto the days the Marines before going into actually hunting, you need at banking law. Needless to say, least two to three to set up tree we grew up in somewhat difstands at strategic locations ferent political environments. and another couple to fire your Another key difference between rifles and perfect your aim. Let’s our fathers is the desire to hunt. not forget a morning at Gander My dad gags when he has to Mountain to buy a new comchange a dirty diaper and gets pass or those insulated boots queasy over a paper cut, while you’ve had your eyes on. my father-in-law positively glows Alright, I’ll admit, I’m a little when he’s slicing open Bambie’s bitter. I’ve even thought about mom and watching her guts spill joining my husband’s posse to out over the ground. see what all the fuss is about. My husband isn’t quite as But I’ve got too much of my Danielle conservative as his father, (with dad in me to want to kill anyWilson his vote for Barack Obama, thing, I loathe the cold, and I my liberal indoctrination is don’t relish the thought of swillalmost complete), but, unfortunately, he ing whiskey in a cabin over beer nuts and did inherit his love of hunting. So every fart jokes. November with the opening of deer So what’s a poor defenseless wife to do? season, I’m stuck at home with four kids I can’t say no. He loves hunting too much while he’s off trying to procure meat for for me to take it away. And I suppose he the coming winter. What-ever. He just is helping to manage the deer population wants to have an excuse to drink beer with in Indiana, which in turn keeps predators his brothers/friends/dad and play with at bay and car accidents down. I just pray shot guns and Bowie knives. each year that he’ll meet his quota quickly And that’s fine. I get it. Though I can’t - kill a buck on his first morning out, folpossibly fathom how sitting in a tree stand lowed by a doe that evening - and not for five hours in the sleet and rain is enjoy- shoot himself or a friend anywhere vital. able, I understand the need to get away I’m also secretly glad that with age, the from the parent action and reconnect with early mornings in freezing temperatures the home team. I myself would prefer are becoming less and less appealing to a lovely spa in Tempe, but to each his him. own. And if it were just one or even two If all else fails, I can hope that our weekends a year, I’d be thrilled to wash his children, the girls included, will inherit camouflage thermal underwear and safety- the hunting bug, just as my husband did. orange knit cap. Hell, I’d even buy the Then Daddy can spend quality time with beef jerky and case of Bud Light. But that’s his little shooters every November while the problem with hunting. It’s never just a I’m off getting that desert facial. Peace out. couple of Saturdays. Danielle Wilson is a Carmel resident and conOctober is bow season, which means tributing columnist. You may e-mail her at you can relive your childhood fantasy and danielle@currentincarmel.com. hunt deer with a bow and arrows. Shot-

COMMUNITY

Nothing appealing about hunting

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES St.Vincent Opens New Immediate Care Center - On Dec. 6, St.Vincent Physician Network opened its Immediate Care Center at 10801 N. Michigan Road in Zionsville. The new Immediate Care Center will be staffed by board-certified family medicine physicians who care for both adult and pediatric patients. The primary care office is conveniently located for patients from Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks and northwest Marion counties. Walk-in appointments are accepted, and the office will have extended hours Monday-Friday from 5-9 p.m.; weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on every holiday except Christmas.

By K.O. Jackson Current in Carmel

of alleged child abuse or neglect. Located in an old-fashioned, Carmel Maple Glen Elementary School teacher farmhouse - decorated inside with chilAngela Alexander has taught third-grade dren’s colorful handprints on the wall and for three years. a bookshelf of clothed Build A Bears - the She understands not all teaching and center aims to reduce the trauma to chillearning is done in the Westfield classdren who visit. room. As a result, she recently took 83 Chaucie’s Place’s mission is to improve Maple Glen third-graders to the “Build A the quality of evidence gathered to quickly Bear” store at the Castleton Mall. and efficiently resolve cases through the The field trip was use of a multifor each student disciplinary team to build a bear and certified and donate it to forensic interviewthe Carmel-based ers. Thousands Chaucie’s Place. of forensic inter“They each had views have been $20 to build a bear, McKenna Janes, Megan Wampler, Hannah conducted at so that was a math/ Rasnake, Annalise Snyder Chaucie’s Place. economic lesson. Including the They donated the bears, so they learned Indiana Department of Child Services, public service and how important it is to Chaucie’s Place multi-disciplinary team benefit other children” says Alexander, includes 10 Hamilton County law-enforceadding her students have also completed ment agencies, as well as the Hamilton community service work with Open County Prosecutor’s Office. Doors. “The place is beautiful,” says Alexander. Chaucie’s Place, named after a Hamilton “When children of suspected abuse go County child who committed suicide after there, one person takes their statement child abuse, started in 2001. It provides instead of them giving it in court. They are a neutral, child-friendly, home-like envigiven a bear. You want to make that phase ronment where a single, comprehensive for them as gentle as possible. They have investigative interview takes place in cases been hurt and it has to be scary for them.”

www.currentincarmel.com

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Re/Max Legends Group Assists Toy Drive - For the past eight years, WRTV-6 has been collecting toys for Hoosier children during the holiday season and Re/Max Legends Group has joined the effort by acting as a drop-off site for toy donations. New, unwrapped toys for boys and girls in any age group will be collected at the Re/Max Legends Group office through Dec. 18 and delivered to the station. Anyone wishing to donate toys may drop them off during business hours at the Re/Max Legends Group office, 5645 Castle Creek Parkway, Indianapolis. Anyone with questions, can call 317-849-7653.

DISPATCHES

Students grin and ‘Bear’ it for Chaucie’s Place

7240 HAMIltoN CR $1,375,000

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Submitted photo

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Hileman joins Carmel Family Care - H. James Hileman, MD, MS, joins Carmel Family Care and Methodist Medical Group (MMG), a Clarian Health Partner. Dr. Hileman is a board certified internal medicine physician specializing in arthritis, cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure and sports injuries. “We’re pleased to have Dr. Hileman on board with us. He’ll make a great addition to the practice, and we’re looking forward to enhancing the health of our community together,” said Dr. Laura Johnson, who joined MMG in September. Crafted bowl to go to winner of Carmel Green Award - When Citizens for Greenspace, a 20year Carmel citizen’s organization, receives the inaugural Carmel Green Award on Dec. 10, they will also receive an extraordinary piece of art – a wooden bowl and pedestal crafted by local artist Jennifer Shirley. Ms. Shirley, from Indianapolis, has been turning wood since 1999. She uses mostly indigenous Indiana hardwood for her pieces. The wood for this unique award was recycled from a Carmel cherry tree.

7226 E 550 S $1,200,000

Elegant dream home on 10 beautiful private acres. Lg kitchen w/keeping room. Master bedroom w/sitting room. 6 bedrooms, LL walkout, pool, pond. DAWN KENDRICK, 329-8535, 846-7751

5531 N DElAWARE St $424,900

Heart of Meridian Kessler. 4 bedrooms, 5 baths. Gorgeous kitchen & baths, formal dining room & living room. Large family room, one bedroom on main. DAWN KENDRICK, 329-8535, 846-7751

From left, David Dye, Teresa Lewis and Tara Rubush.

carmel utilities wins award The City of Carmel Utilities received a Laboratory Excellence Award at the 72nd Annual Conference of the Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA) held Nov. 18-20, in Indianapolis. The Laboratory Excellence Award is awarded for outstanding achievement in the implementation of laboratory technique and administration. The awards may be given to municipal facilities for each classification. Candidates for the award are determined by the Laboratory Committee and are based upon a graded evaluation of each laboratory that requests a site evaluation.

13179 ABBotS pl $232,900

Create a lovely haven in this fenced 4BR/2+BA Colonial. Gas fireplace. Walk-in closets, Dual Vanities, breakfast nook. Pantry, formal dining room. Patio. HEIDI BoYD, 517-6290, 846-7751

501 WAlBRIDgE St $169,900

Home in on this attractive 4BR/2+BA Traditional-style. Gas fireplace. Two-story foyer, high ceilings, hardwood flooring. Walk-in closets. Fenced. KENt KERNS, 915-9334, 846-7751

4877 MoRgANS CREEK $799,900

4BR/3.5BA new construction. Hdwd flrs, grmt kit w/ granite cntrs. Main flr mstr, huge LL w/wetbar & media rm. Wooded cul-de-sac lot. Incrdbl att to detail! SpENCER KlINE, 216-5631, 846-7751

5561 DovER CIR $389,900

Fabulous 2-story in soughtafter Carmel location! Feat: fantastic .63 ac lot w/mature trees, 9’ ceilings, 3-car gar, finished bsmt & 4BRs plus den! BRADlEY DoNAlDSoN, 432-1775, 846-7751

Brainard forced to give in on Keystone Mayor Jim Brainard has agreed to an amended proposal for Keystone Avenue funding that would delay construction on at least one intersection. Two City Council committees are set to review BRAINARD the $28.5 million request, which is down from $52 million in November. The new amount, added to the $90 million granted to Carmel by the state, would pay for construction on five intersections. Officials said they hoped to complete the 106th Street and 126th Street intersections and begin construction at 136th Street and 131st Street. That would delay the projects at Carmel Drive and 116th Street, which will require simultaneous construction because of their proximity to one another. Brainard said he would revisit those projects in a year. Criticism of Brainard continued at the Dec. 1 council meeting with speakers calling the Keystone project a “laughingstock.” Brainard promised last spring the project would not exceed $90 million. He also underestimated the cost of the Regional Performing Arts Center by about

$45 million. “I think you should be embarrassed,” said Carmel resident Pat Lease. “You’ve let this problem fester and get way out of hand.” City Council wasn’t free from blame, either. Recent reports said it knew for months Keystone would exceed its budget and failed to inform the public. But council members said they never intervened because, until recently, the project didn’t involve city money. “We’re not blind,” Councilman Eric Seidensticker said. “We can see the costs and expenses. But knowledge of something does not mean you go out and wave a red flag.” The council Finance, SEIDENSTICKER Administration and Rules Committee and Utilities, Transportation and Public Safety Committee will discuss the issue at their upcoming meetings on Dec. 18 and Jan. 12, respectively. Council President Rick Sharp said residents should not expect a quick resolution. “Hasty action led us to this problem,” he said. “I don’t want to make the same mistake. There is a lot we need to understand before we can make a decision.”

Don’t lose your money at the end of the year! Call Busby Eye Care to schedule an eye examination. Kathleen I. Busby, O.D. Tammy Wittmann, O.D.

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008 www.currentincarmel.com

COMMUNITY

Some TLC from the CFD

our Carmel firefighters have Christmas Assistance Program for CFD. been busy this holiday season The program actually consists of three doing more than just fighting parts all coordinated and managed by Fire fires. With your help, 260 needy Department personnel. As mentioned, families in our area will receive food and gifts are collected and distributed generous donations of food and on Dec. 13. A lot of volunteers gifts, and will go to bed knowget involved, including the ing they live in a community Boy Scouts and employees of that cares. The annual Carmel Carmel Financial. Fire Department Christmas The third phase of the Assistance Program is well unChristmas Assistance Program derway with delivery scheduled is a fun-filled day for a busload for Dec. 13. of kids starting at the Carmel The annual event matches Meijer Store. Volunteers accomsponsors with families or indipany some 50 kids around the vidual children that are regisstore looking for just the right tered with the Good Samaritan coat, boots, mittens or hats. Organization of Hamilton Keith told me about the need County. Many of the children in our community and how Jeff already have a list ready to go it is sometimes overwhelmfor Santa or Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helper. ing. But there are families like Worrell Some lists are lengthy, but one the one with an adult special little 8-year-old boy this year skipped the needs daughter. Their wish list was void list, choosing instead to make a simple of brand-name gadgets or the latest fads. request. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All I want for Christmas this year They simply and humbly asked for any is a Christmas tree,â&#x20AC;? he wrote. Rest assure, help possible with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;God Bless Youâ&#x20AC;? for the Carmel Fire Department will make all that CFD does. I will second that. sure that appeal becomes a reality, as well Jeff Worrell is a local business owner. He as a cherished memory long into the little recognizes volunteers on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Connecting with boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adult life. That is what motivates Public Education Carmelâ&#x20AC;? on cable channel 16. Contact him at jworrell@advantagemedical.com Officer Keith Freer to head up the

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008

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DISPATCHES

READ THE FINE PRINT – Did you know that after 12 months of holding that gift card you received, $2 to $3 is deducted by the issuer ... each month? Dormancy fees for the cards issued by major retailers are rare, but credit-card companies penalize recipients who wait too long to use them. Advice: When you get one, spend it all ASAP, or risk losing money.

Retooling a 401(k) in 2009 - If, like so many of us, you’re retooling your 401(k) after this very rough year, this is a good place to start looking. • Vanguard Primecap (VPMCX) • Fidelity Blue Chip Growth (FBGRX) • American Funds American Mutual A (AMRMX) • Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index (VISGX) • Oakmark International I (OAKIX) Each has lost tons of money this year, but they’ve lost less than most of their rivals. They or funds like them can form the foundation of a dream retirement account. - msn.com/money

NEW STRIP ON CARMEL DR. Construction crews work diligently on a new strip in front of the Meijer at 1424 W. Carmel Dr. The building will house a Mail Boxes, Etc. Several slots remain vacant.

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008 www.currentincarmel.com

Retiring Reading - Getting close to retirement? Getting close to thinking about retirement? Here are five books on considering golden year finances: • “The Little Book That Saves Your Assets,” by David M. Darst ($19.95), can be distilled into one word: diversify. • “The Truth About Buying Annuities” by Steve Weisman ($18.99), good for some but, says the author, “dead wrong for many people.” • “The Smartest 401(k) Book You’ll Ever Read,” by Daniel R. Solin (Perigree, $19.95), is a polemic against what the author contends is a “seriously broken retirement system.” • “Working Longer: The Solution to the Retirement Income Challenge,” by Alicia H. Munnell and Steven A. Sass ($29.95), can be distilled into two words: “Keep working.” • “Retire – And Start Your Own Business,” by Dennis and Martha Sargent ($24.99), for those who want to continue working, but for themselves. - wsj.com

’m a fan of Costco. I’m frequently sage that sent me back in the store to grab asked if I own stock. I don’t. I don’t yet one more thing. Nothing changed. even know if they are a public comAfter three consecutive transactions the pany. I do know that I like their pric- cashier still wanted to know if I had magiing, service, layout and the unpredict- cally created a savings card in the last 10 able inventory. I visit them every minutes and I still offered week as routinely as the sun rises. nonsense comments about the I’ve even gone out of my way to weather. How confusing. shop at out-of-town stores to see Costco is a super-huge store, what they carry, but it is never full of people, yet each week the same as my store. My store I’m greeted by the associate in brings with it a sense of being the wine department with some known and it originates with the relevant remark about previous employees. purchases. He even remembers Here are two contrasting to ask about my daughter if stories to make the point. I buy she’s not with me, “Where’s everything I can from Costco, your helper?” I trust all his but it can’t fill the small-purchase recommendations and, while needs which take me to another we aren’t friends, I feel known. David Cain local store, much smaller in size. On a similar note, my local Marketing Two weeks ago I went to this Starbucks knows what I drink smaller store to pick up a couple – I don’t even have to ask. For of items. I secured my purchases, went that matter, “my” drink is a recommendato the quickie checkout line, greeted the tion of the barista from months previous. cashier with an offhand comment about Doesn’t it seem funny that these gigantic the weather, answered “yes” to finding evcompanies understand how to make a erything I needed and “no” to the question customer feel “known” – like they belong? about having a savings card, consummated Well, maybe not. Maybe that’s how they the transaction and was out the door. I got got so big. to the car and realized I had forgotten one David Cain works at MediaSauce, a digital item. I ran back in and went through the media and online marketing company in same process, same line, and, surprisingly, the same questions and exchange. I depart- Carmel. David welcomes your questions or comments at David.Cain@MediaSauce.com. ed a bit confused and noticed a text mes-

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Type: Ranch Age: Built in 1976 Location: Lebanon, IN Neighborhood: None Square footage: 3,048 with an additional 966 square feet in the unfinished upstairs loft. Rooms: This four-bedroom home offers three-and-a-half baths, kitchen with breakfast room, office, sizable laundry room, family room, and formal dining and living rooms. Strengths: This home sits on a two-acre wooded lot and has a three-car garage. It is a great value for the square footage. The

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Owners: Kelli Gregor and Debbie Krieg Phone: 317-847-5567 E-mail: sosinfo@sbcglobal.net “Clear the clutter, clear your mind” – that’s the motto of Carmel’s Simply Organized Solutions, a fledgling business that helps customers organize and eliminate clutter. Founded in late 2006, the company focuses on local families and small businesses. Owners Kelli Gregor, a former industrial engineer, and Debbie Krieg,

upstairs loft can be finished and used as a fifth bedroom or studio. It is a 30 minute drive to Lafayette and a 30 minute drive to downtown Indianapolis. Challenges: Built in 1976, cosmetic updates would help to better position this home on the market. John Pacilio and his team specialize in Carmel real estate with RE/MAX Ability Plus. Contact him at 216.8500 or John@ JohnPacilio.com.

who has worked in retail management, said the company combines perfectly their lifestyles, interests and education. “On a day when I don’t have anything to do, I go organize my closet,” Gregor said. Gregor and Krieg each have two children, and they understand the chaotic clutter that can accompany family life. Their primary goal, they said, is to work with customers to find the best solution for their personal needs. “Nothing we do is rocket science,” Gregor said. “Sometimes you just need someone to coach you through it. We provide information, hands-on help and, if you want, maintenance.” They also help with filing, packing and unpacking.

MONEY MATTERS What is the most money you’ve ever spent on a Christmas present?

“$500 on a guitar and amp for my son.” Sheree Powell Carmel

“About $200 on a portable DVD player for my husband in Iraq.” Kristin Sacksteder Carmel

“$300 just this year on an Xbox 360.” Lillian Tickle Carmel

The Power of the Lowe’s Guy

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DOUGH

recently went to Lowe’s to pick up a of the Lowe’s guy. As I continued to shop, few things. Nothing major - dimmer I observed a few more of these creatures switches, light bulbs, a couple of can in action. They roam the store, fielding all lights. Though I am not a Mr. Fix types of random questions, smart ones and It kind of guy (I am a pick-up-thenot-so-smart ones, seemingly always with phone-and-call-somebody kind the right answer ready. They of guy), on this day I was motiknow what aisle, what shelf, vated and ready to take on a few what tool, what widget. As they projects. I hopped in my truck glide up and down the aisles, and headed to 146th Street, I wonder if they are secretly feeling very masculine as I went. daring some customer to pose a Though I am not intimate question they can’t answer. with the layout and merchanI left the store, dimmer dise at Lowe’s, I fear not. They switches, light bulbs and can have these guys in red vests lights in hand - my shoprunning around to help people ping experience enhanced and like me. As I walked around, I electrified by the power of the spotted several of them helpLowe’s guy. My fix it job? Not ing other customers. I saw one so good. Now my dining room Kent Burns up ahead, quickened my steps light doesn’t work anymore, On Success to catch up, and while doing and I have the only pantry in so, watched him answer passCarmel controlled by a random ing questions from a few customers. He dimmer switch. Time to call somebody. was courteous and efficient. In position to Kent Burns is a Carmel resident, investor and coask my question, I asked, “Where are the founder of CrossConfirm. He is also a professional dimmer switches?” speaker and author of What’s Your Why? He can “Aisle 15, at the far end, on the left.” Off I went, and, sure enough, there they be reached at kent@currentincarmel.com. were. Ah, the awesome power and grace

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ANTI-AGING

DISPATCHES Starting the Day - Natural medicine guru Dr. David Williams recommends the following five steps to start your day on the right foot: • Get up a half-hour early. • Take a good probiotic. • Limber up with a fullbody stretch. • Eat a hearty breakfast. • Devote five minutes to morning dental care. - drdavidwilliams.com Boost Your Brainpower - “If you want a sharper mind, actively start caring for your brain and acting for its betterment, says Daniel Amen, MD, author of Magnificent Mind at Any Age. Here are 10 steps and 10 suggestions. • Break your routine (brush your teeth with the other hand). • Hydrate your mind (more water, less alcohol and caffeine). • Clock seven hours of shut-eye (lack of sleep inhibits learning, concentration and memory, sleep seven hours for higher brain function). • Make your brain purr (deep, very slow breathing for 10 minutes; say a relaxing word while exhaling). • Dance, dance, dance (stimulates a variety of brain systems). • Limit TV time (more than two hours per day increases risk of Alzheimers). • Join a reading group (social thinking and sharing bolsters cognitive functions). • Fight pain the smart way (ibuprofen lessens Alzheimers risk; acetaminophen, however, inhibits liver production of important antioxidents). • Kill the ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts inflame anxiety and stress hormones kill brain cells. Write them down, devise plan to eliminate them). - BestLifeOnline.com Pressure Socks - Swollen feet, achy legs, chickenfoot veins? Varicose veins? Poor blood flow in our feet, especially as we age, is the common culprit of these symptoms. Natural healing expert Dr. David Williams recommends Jobst Compression socks for all-day support and long-term blood flow improvement. “I love to uncover simple, low-cost solutions for common problems,” says Dr. Williams. “And this is a good one.” Jobst “SensiFoot” ($20) and “Medical Leg Wear” ($35) socks provide exacting, stimulating pressure and relieve these common blood flow problems. - drdavidwilliams.com

Staying Fit Over the Holidays

he holidays can be a busy time with many extra social events and activities that put extra demand on our daily routine. With so much going on, it may seem difficult to stick to your normal workout routine, but it is still possible to fit in fitness and stay active even with a hectic holiday schedule. Here are some ways:

favorite holiday TV shows. • Shovel snow yourself instead of hiring someone to do it for you. • The holidays are a time to spend with family and friends, so why not have them join you on a walk or go caroling throughout the neighborhood. You can also get everyone involved in a game of tag, building a snowman or a snowball fight.

• Try to keep your exercise routine going as much as • Use your shopping trips as possible. If you are running a mode of physical activity. It short on time, you can try a is hard to find a good parking condensed version of your spot during the holiday frenzy, usual workout. If you do not so park towards the back of the have time for 30 minutes of parking lot and walk briskly continuous exercise you can to the store entrance. Take the Dr. Eve Olson Wellness do 10-minute spurts of cardio stairs instead of the elevator or several times throughout the escalator or walk up the escaladay. You can also try a cardio tor if it is not crowded. and strength circuit. It combines short By keeping fitness a priority and workbouts of higher-intensity cardiovascular ing it into your day wherever possible, you exercise in between strength training can stay fit and prevent holiday weight exercises with minimal rest periods. gain. This way you can get a full workout in a shorter amount of time. • Do jumping jacks, jog or march in place, or walk up and down stairs during the commercial breaks of your

Eve Olson, M.D., is the owner and founder of the Olson Center for Wellness. For more information, please e-mail askdrolson@currentincarmel.com, or call 705.1400.

Brain Food You hear about it, but have you seen a “what and why” list lately? Protein is the main source of fuel for you brain, and your brain also needs foods rich in crucial vitamins and minerals. Dr. Joe Mercola advises these nutrients for these reasons: • Vitamin A is needed to protect brain cell membranes. • B Vitamins are essential for neuronal growth and vitality. • Vitamin C is so vital for brain function that its levels in your brain are 15 times higher than anywhere outside your brain. • Vitamin E prevents and actually reverses brain deterioration. • Magnesium maintains the metabolic viability of neurons. • Zinc rids your brain of impurities. • Amino Acids are necessary to the growth and health of neurotransmitters. - mercola.com

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November 26 12:00:43 a.m., investigation, 12545 Meeting House Road 12:37:49 a.m., suspicious activity, Old Meridian Street / West Carmel Drive 2:18:14 a.m., investigation, East 131st St / Gray Road 4:35:55 a.m., suspicious activity 14200 River Road 7:26:05 a.m., alarm burglar, 109 Maplecrest Drive 7:42:01 a.m., accident property damage, 5150 E 126th St 7:41:45 a.m., animal complaint, 5188 Oldfield

Court 7:57:06 a.m., investigation, 10404 Orchard Park Drive S 8:27:02 a.m., driving complaint, South Rangeline Road / East Carmel Drive 8:54:15 a.m., accident property damage, Ash Drive / Belden Drive 9:05:08 a.m., alarm burglar, 14511 Clay Terrace Blvd 9:10:34 a.m., accident property damage, 10101 N Meridian St 9:16:54 a.m., investigation, 12415 Shelborne Road 9:19:36 a.m., criminal mischief, 14596 Oak Ridge Road 9:48:25 a.m., accident property damage, I 465 E / North Meridian Street 10:05:17 a.m., suspicious activity, 1898 Trowbridge High St 10:06:22 a.m., accident property damage, Keystone Avenue North / East Carmel Drive 10:21:36 a.m., suspicious activity, 13135 Sherbern Drive W 10:32:43 a.m., criminal mischief, 2450 E 136th St 10:36:05 a.m., theft, 13686 N Meridian St 10:43:50 a.m., alarm burglar, 14381 Whisper Wind Drive 10:53:03 a.m., alarm burglar, 12571 Robinbrook Drive 11:22:30 a.m., investigation, 9755 Randall Drive 12:15:24 p.m., burglary, 1460 E 111th St 12:23:28 p.m., missing person, 1412 S Rangeline Road 1:24:23 p.m., theft, 520 E Main St 1:52:09 p.m., alarm burglar, 12347 Amethyst Circle 2:01:25 p.m., investigation, 3010 Whispering Trail 3:04:17 p.m., accident property damage, Keystone Avenue North / East 98th St 3:26:53 p.m., accident property damage, East Main St / Keystone Avenue South 3:27:44 p.m., accident property damage, 2450 E 136th St 3:41:30 p.m., accident property damage, East 126th St / South Rangeline Road 4:30:45 p.m., alarm burglar, 14516 Cherry Ridge Road 4:38:40 p.m., investigation, 13228 Briarwood Trace 4:59:22 p.m., f als serious, 930 Nevelle Lane 6:26:17 p.m., driving complaint, West 116th St / Towne Road 6:40:49 p.m., investigation, 1059 Timber Creek Drive 7:32:21 p.m., alarm burglar, 11555 N Meridian St 7:48:47 p.m., security check, 715 W Carmel Drive 8:21:21 p.m., theft, 1424 W Carmel Drive 9:24:28 p.m., alarm burglar, 2910 E 96th St 9:59:47 p.m., f fire residence, 987 Queensborough Court 10:14:45 p.m., criminal mischief, 627 Ash Drive 10:39:16 p.m., alarm burglar, 1752 E 116th St 10:53:02 p.m., driving complaint, 14550 Gray Road

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Marie Lucy Klein Kuszewski, 71, of Carmel, passed away Nov. 29. She was a graduate of Marquette University. Marie worked as a chemical abstractor for DuPont and as a technical writer for Princeton Gamma-Tech before retiring in 2001. She is survived by her husband, James Kuszewski of Carmel; children, John (Diane) Kuszewski of Damascus, MD, Judy (Ian) Welsh of Buckinghamshire, England and Bob (Laurel) Kuszewski of Winchester, MA; six grandchildren and a brother, Carl Klein of Wilmington, DE. Family and friends gathered on Dec. 4 in Leppert Mortuary, Smith Carmel Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Dec. 5 in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 1045 W 146th Street, Carmel, of which Marie was a parishioner and was involved in various ministries within the parish. Please visit www. leppertmortuary.com where you may share a memory, sign the guest book or make a memorial contribution to Birthright of Cicero, 50 South Peru Street, Cicero, IN 46034. Marie Grace Mitchell, 86, of Carmel, passed away Dec. 4, 2008 in St. Vincent Hospice after a courageous struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. She was born on Nov. 24, 1922 in Kane, PA, to the late David and Dorothy Smith. In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Charles F. Mitchell, Sr.; son, Charles F. Mitchell Jr. and brother David Smith Jr. Survivors include her daughter, Charlene (Brooks) Heaton of Louisiana; daughter-in-law, Mary Scamardo Mitchell of Carmel; two grandsons, Joshua (Nicole) Williams of Taylors, South Carolina, and Christopher Mitchell of Carmel; great granddaughter, Ella Williams and several nieces and nephews. Family and friends gathered Dec. 6 in Leppert Mortuary, Smith Carmel Chapel. Burial followed in Carmel Cemetery. Please visit www. leppertmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book, share a memory or make a memorial contribution to St. Vincent Heart Center, 10580 N Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46920

ISTEP results now online - The Indiana Department of Education is launching an online system called “Indiana Parent Network” as the new way for parents/guardians to receive ISTEP+ results. Carmel Clay Schools will mail the individual access codes to parents of students in grades 3-8 to explain how to use this new system. If you have a problem with, or question about, this system after trying to access your child’s ISTEP+ results from this past fall, contact the “Indiana Parent Network” site, support@grow.net.

www.currentincarmel.com

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Grimble earns award - Carmel High School media specialist Bonnie Grimble has been named recipient of this year’s Peggy L. GRIMBLE Pfeiffer Award for outstanding service from the Indiana Library Federation Association for Indiana Media Educators. Grimble was presented with the award at the federation’s dinner at the Westin Hotel in Downtown Indianapolis. “No one is more deserving of this award,” said Sue Moeschl, director of information services for the Carmel Clay Schools. Swim lessons coming in January - The Carmel Aquatic Center is offering swim lessons starting in January. Swimmers must be at least 3-years-old and potty trained. The weekday sessions will run two days a week (a total of six classes) for three weeks. Fee: $60 per session per child. Registration will be held in the CHS Aquatic Center lobby, entrance #21N at Carmel High School, from 6-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 10, and from 10 a.m.-noon on Dec. 13. Knerr named finalist for award - Clay Middle School math teacher Amy Knerr has been named one of Indiana’s two math finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and KNERR Science Teaching. As a state finalist, Knerr is a candidate to be Indiana’s math recipient of the Presidential Award. One math and one science winner from each state will receive an award of $10,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C., where these teachers will be honored at a variety of events.

By Brandie Bohney Current in Carmel

the grammar guru

EDUCATION

Possessive pronouns with gerunds

DISPATCHES

You don’t have to be the town gossip to have an affinity for talking about others’ actions. You do, however, have to understand how to use possessive pronouns with gerunds in order to do that talking without making a grammatical error that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. But before I go wild about this hair-raising error, I need to back up and explain gerunds a bit. I once had a student who thought that gerund sounded enough like geriatric to mean that it was a type of word that only old folks use; they aren’t something you’ll find exclusively at retirement homes, however. If you, too, aren’t sure what a gerund is or how to use one correctly with pronouns, read on: Gerunds are verbs that end in -ing that function as nouns: Swimming is his favorite sport. Gertrude really enjoys fishing. He’s looking forward to trying sushi.

In almost every case, we can substitute a so-called normal noun for the gerund: Baseball is his favorite sport. Gertrude really enjoys trout. He’s looking forward to his first sushi.

Now that we have that settled, the real meat of this column is using pronouns in conjunction with gerunds.

That’s where your gossipy side comes in. If you want to explain how you feel about someone’s actions, you may use a construction like this: I was really offended by his leaving. It’s the need to use the possessive pronoun his that is the equivalent of a giant grammatical pothole. You can get stuck there, and many people do. Many people (I think I could say most English-speaking people, but I don’t have the stats to verify most) want to use subjective or objective personal pronouns instead of possessive pronouns. If I just lost you in jargon, let me give you an example to clarify. This is how many people construct the combination: I was really offended by him leaving. Because leaving functions as a noun, this construction is ridiculous. If you need proof, insert a different noun: I was really offended by him socks. Ridiculous, isn’t it? So this type of gerund usage requires possessive pronouns. Actually, even if you use a proper noun or common noun, you still need the possessive form: Jim appreciates Sally’s being proactive in her sales approach. The dog’s barking surprised Allen. So if you must indulge your inner gossip, use the appropriate possessive noun or pronoun with that gerund. The hair on the back of my neck will appreciate the rest. Brandie Bohney is a grammar enthusiast and former English teacher who developed a mastery-learning system of teaching grammar to high school seniors. If you have a grammar-related question, please email her at bbthegrammarguru@gmail.com.

Teaching children that prejudice is wrong

rejudice, as most behaviors, is a learned behavior. Are we subliminally teaching our children subtle prejudices? Do we make fun of someone’s weight, what they are wearing, not play with someone because she/he isn’t athletic, call people names because of their skin color, ignore someone who is in a wheel chair, not let our daughters play with race cars because she is a girl and not let boys take dance lessons Becky Kapsalis because he is a boy? Ask YiaYia When we ‘prejudge’ we form our opinions based on insufficient knowledge, irrational feelings or inaccurate stereotypes - by definition - prejudiced. How to teach our children to overcome prejudices? • Teach them to treat people the way we want our children to be treated. • Teach our children to form opinions of people based on how well they know them or how they make them feel before deciding whether or not to like them.

• Teach them to learn to stand up for people who are being mistreated. To not go along with the crowd when someone is being treated unfairly based on prejudices and get the attention of an adult if the situation puts them at risk. • By having family discussions on any experiences our children may have had with prejudice and how it affected them or the family. • Discuss what prejudice is and what kinds of behaviors demonstrate prejudice. • Have open discussions on ways in which the child deals with instances of prejudice and how they can safely handle the situation at home or school. • By helping our children become aware of their behaviors or language that may be of a prejudiced nature. • While watching TV together, for one week, keep listings of television programs having language, dialogue or actions that demonstrate prejudiced behavior. Finally, follow and practice all of the above yourself. Being the example is the best lesson taught. Hugs! Have a parenting topic or question? Submit it to Ask Yiayia, aka Becky Kapsalis, Certified Parent Coach, at askyiayia@indy.rr.com or call 810.9358.

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EDUCATION

Economy brings holiday into focus

hristmas is around the corner, We all need to accept this holiday wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a time for shopping, gift-giving be the most successful in the gift-giving and feasting. This year, however, department. As for me, I am going to look seems to be a little less extravafor alternate ways to make my holiday a gant. Something seems different. spectacular event, even if I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a new Last year teens were fretting pair of Ugg Boots. over their Christmas lists and if The first step is to reach out they were going to receive evand help the less fortunate. Like erything they wanted. many say, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better to give than The topic of the month was receive. Carmel High School who was getting the best presis putting on a charity event ent. Students would compare called Care to Share. Each stuoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designer hand bag to dent resource class gets a child anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wii game system or and they then provide them pair of Ugg Boots. I think this with Christmas gifts. This projyear is different because of one ect has put students in the spirit downfall, the economy. of giving, along with the spirit This year, checking items off of Christmas. the Christmas list and receivHolidays arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all about Maddi ing the best gift is no longer gifts, either. It is important to Bourgerie the greatest concern for teens. spend it with friends and loved So parents, stop stressing about ones. Traditions are a big part creating an amazing holiday. of the holidays. Without them I know my Last year, the conversations were about Christmas would not be the same. Missing the hot items for Christmas. This year out on my dad reading Christmas books when asked about the holidays, peers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t on Christmas Eve or my mom baking speak about gifts. Many speak about their her variety of cookies just wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be plans with family and the traditions they Christmas. So forget the expensive gifts are looking forward to. Whether meeting and the plunging economy and focus on with family they rarely see or creating new the real meaning of Christmas. traditions, I think teens are adjusting to Maddi Bourgerie is a student at Carmel High the economic change, as well, and realize School. Contact her at maddiclarexo10@aol. the impact. com

www.currentincarmel.com

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

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DISPATCHES

Sounds of Christmas - King of Glory Lutheran Church, 2201 E. 106th St., Carmel, will celebrate A Festival of Lessons & Carols at its annual Sounds of Christmas on Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Come see and listen to all the musical ensembles that call King of Glory home, including vocal choirs of all ages, hand bell choirs, liturgical dance and the Sounds of Glory singers. Ellen Handlin and the Drama Team will offer several favorite Christmas scriptures in a unique story telling fashion and all will join voices in favorite carols of the season.

Special Holiday Events - The Monon Center at Central Park is hosting several holiday themed events this week. Here is a listing. If you have questions or need more information, call the Center at 317-848-7275. Daddy Daughter Dance at Central Park â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 12, 6-9 p.m., $15/person, banquet rooms Breakfast with Santa â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 13, 9-11:30 a.m., $15/ person, banquet rooms Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Candy Cane Hunt â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 13, 12 noon, free, Central Park Fetch the Fruitcake â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 13. 12:30 p.m., free, Central Park Grinch Scramble (West Park) â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 13, 7 p.m., free

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19 DIVERSIONS

Ruschman Gallery Holiday Show - The Ruschman Gallery Holiday Show will be today through the end of December in the Midland Arts & Antiques Market, 488 Gradle Drive, Carmel. Original works of Art at affordable prices. Continuing exhibits by Robert Eberle, Constance Scopelitis and Steve Mannheimer. Hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Open until 9 p.m. on Dec. 13. For more information, call 317-569-9105.

Holiday happenings that are Simply Sweet - On Dec. 13 at Simply Sweet Shoppe, you are invited to make your own edible Christmas tree out of sweet treats. This is free with donation of canned food item for each tree for local food bank. Times are noon to 6 p.m. Also, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, author of Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Poet and picture book, will be having a reading and signing event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. From 5-10 p.m. there will be sampling of holiday treats during the Gallery Walk. Treats include European sipping chocolate, truffles, tortes and more. Peppermint and gingerbread lattes available, as well.

Meet the Mouse

DIVERSIONS

Kids flocked to the Carmel Clay Public Library last week to meet the star of â&#x20AC;&#x153;If You Give a Mouse a Cookieâ&#x20AC;? by Laura Numeroff. 1. The mouse, played by Beth Weaver. 2. Bridget Green, 3, dances along. 3. Library employees (left to right) Anne Marie Moser, Holly Halvorson and Rhonda Hunnicutt sing and dance for the audience. 4. Moser and Hunnicutt read the mouse her bedtime story. 5. Gabby Hall, 16 months, and her nanny, Tiffany Barr enjoy the show.

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008

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Racing Discounts - For the Brickyard motor racing fan, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway online gift shop is knocking 15 percent off of all online purchases until Dec. 25. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for Indycar, NASCAR, motorcycles or the upcoming Centennial celebration, everything available on the newly redesigned website is available at a discount until Christmas.

Butt doubles: Which celebs had rump replacements? The practice of using butt doubles in movies is more common than you might think. A derriere double stood in for Luke Wilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cheeks in â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Super ExGirlfriend.â&#x20AC;? Professional WILSON doubles covered for the behinds of Mandy Moore in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Libertyâ&#x20AC;? and Owen Wilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s booty was not his own in â&#x20AC;&#x153;You, Me and Dupree.â&#x20AC;? Stuntwoman Anita Hart brought up the rear for Liz Hurley in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Austin Powersâ&#x20AC;? and Pamela Anderson in â&#x20AC;&#x153;V.I.P.â&#x20AC;? Christopher Walken reportedly has a clause written in his contract that gives him casting approval of his butt doubles. -isittrue.msn.com

Carmelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sofiya Inger is the featured artist through Feb. 2, 2009, at Art@Clowes, which spotlights the work of Hoosier artists, in the Grand Lobby at Clowes Memorial Hall (www. cloweshall.org) of Butler University. Ingerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work focuses on â&#x20AC;&#x153;matters of the heart,â&#x20AC;? expression of inner emoSofiya Inger tions and our ties to in the studio nature, which she calls â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of the most powerful forces orchestrating our lives.â&#x20AC;? The show presents 27 paintings and mixed-media wall hangings (with prices ranging from $150 to $4,500) in an informal retrospective of her career. Most are acrylic on canvas paintings in frames, although recent work breaks free from traditional frames and spans larger spaces than earlier work did. The exhibition is an opportunity to explore the roots of the Russian-born artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work and the exciting new direction her art is heading. Inger just returned from a month-long residency at the Vermont Studio Center that gave her the gift of uninterrupted time and total focus on painting in her own studio. The residency provided freedom

from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;excusesâ&#x20AC;? of family life that can keep a painter from being productive, as well as the gift of camaraderie with other creative people from around the world, including painters, sculptors, writers and poets. Inger used the opportunity to create one large work â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gardening in Times of Warâ&#x20AC;? (mixed media on canvas, 78 x 56 inches, $4,500) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is a key item in the Clowes exhibit. The piece started to take shape as Inger flew into Vermont over the lush landscape of the Green Mountains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was so clean and cute and beautiful, with the water running through the mountains and rolling hills,â&#x20AC;? Inger said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was thinking of how the people divide the land and tear it into pieces and try to make it their own.â&#x20AC;? To learn more about Ingerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paintings or the Vermont residency, join her for a gallery walk/talk on Friday or Saturday at 6:45 p.m., prior to Clowesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; presentation of, Rejoice!, a free choral and orchestral show of familiar seasonal pieces that begins at 7:30 p.m. Barbara E. Cohen covers the arts for the Current community newspapers. Please send comments or story ideas to barbara@i-writersstudio.com.

21 What: A Year with Frog and Toad When: Friday through Dec. 21: Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m. Where: Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis Cost: Adult tickets half price with purchase of a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ticket. Details: The whole family will enjoy the antics of cheerful Frog and grumpy Toad, as the Actors Theatre of Indiana, central Indianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest professional theater company, performs the musical version of Arnold Lobelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-loved childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story. Follow the characters through four seasons as they learn the value of friendship in its many guises. Tickets: 317-216-5455, www.pikepac. org. Info: www.actorstheatreofindiana.org.

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Holiday Travel Answers - John Van Kirk spent 30 years organizing charter trips and directing world travel as an executive with Ambassadair, the once-popular Indianapolis-based travel club. Since Ambassadair closed up shop in 2005, Van Kirk has re-invested those decades of travel experience into a new Carmel-based website called travelanswerman.com. From trip-planning ideas and advice, to online travel booking by land air or sea anywhere in the world, Van Kirk has himself done it all and now has developed an extensive and informative travel website to share his advice and services. Check out the website and take a minute to watch his introductory video. Talk about a guy who has â&#x20AC;&#x153;been thereâ&#x20AC;? . . . he has. - travelanswerman.com

By Barbara E. Cohen Current In Carmel

DIVERSIONS

Cozy Holiday Dinner - Kevin â&#x20AC;&#x153;Woodyâ&#x20AC;? and Richelle Rider, owners of Woodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library Restaurant, 40 E. Main, provide a cozy holiday stop in Carmelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arts District. They have gift cards available for holiday gifts and remind all that the next â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wine Dinnerâ&#x20AC;? is Feb. 23. Early ticket purchasers get â&#x20AC;&#x153;in the game.â&#x20AC;? Call Woodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at 317-573-4444 for details.

ART@CLOWES HANGS INGER RETROSPECTIVE

www.currentincarmel.com

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

DIVERSIONS

What’s a Nog, anyway?

his time of year, the celebratory foods make their way to the markets, restaurants and our homes in great abundance. One that is associated more than others for the Yuletide season is “Posset” as the Europeans know it, or “Egg Nog” as we are familiar. Throughout my career I have worked with many chefs who have offered not only their recipe, but their opinions of the egg nog’s origin. However, none have Chef Michael been confirmed in Vlasich any manner. The Culinary Explorer following are some of the theories I have heard over the years. You can believe the one you decide to be true. The only real fact is that the first recorded mention in this country was that of Captain John Smith serving it in Jamestown, VA, in 1607, according to his private journal. One theory says egg nog is derived from the English drink Posset, which was made from Ale. This was a hot beverage made with sweetened milk and ale or sometimes from a Spanish wine called sack. Another theory I learned from an English chef stated that it was partly named for “noggin” which was a small wooden mug used to serve alcoholic beverages. He remembered being served egg nog in one as a child. One lastly I recall was that it came from a drink made with rum called “egg and grog”, shortened over the years from egg-n-grog down to egg nog. No matter the story you choose, they all have one flaw. They all originate from European roots many centuries ago where it was of the common man. However, neither milk nor diaries were common to anyone except the very rich who had the animals on their estates and farms. The only real fact known is since the early 1700s it has been part of American holi-

day heritage and celebrations. I researched a few older recipes to compare according to these myths. One uses ale for the alcohol and the other uses rum or brandy. The funny thing is, I did find mention of it in early American cook books as a cure for different sicknesses from arthritis to pneumonia. Bonus this week, two recipes! Here are the two basic types mentioned above; • Take a pint of beer, warm it on the fire, place an egg in a jug with a spoonful of sugar and grated nutmeg. Beat these together and slowly add the hot ale in the fashion to taking care not to curdle egg. Add a few spoons of cow’s cream, shake well and drink. • Separate and beat separately six whites and yolks. Stir the yolks into a quart of rich cream with a half pound of sugar. Add a half pint of rum or brandy with ground nutmeg to your liking. Add in half the beaten egg whites mix well and drink.

I will warn you of a few things should you try one of these recipes for your next party: • Eggs these days should be pasteurized to not run a risk of food poison. • If you use the ale recipe, use a medium dark beer, relatively flat. Back then the ale was not as we think it to be, and carbonation was slight to none.

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Where she likes to eat? Bravo! Cucina Italiana (Italian Kitchen) What she likes to eat there? My favorite is the Shrimp Fra Diavolo. It’s a penne pasta with a spicy tomato cream sauce and shrimp. What she likes about Bravo Italian Kitchen. It has a really nice atmosphere, the servers are professional and courteous and the wine list is great. Bravo! Cucina Italiana 2658 Lake Circle Drive Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 317-879-1444 Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

864 Logan St. Noblesville 46060 Phone: 317-773-9177 Fax: 317-773-9177 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Alexander’s On the Square is an old-fashioned ice cream shop and restaurant. The restaurant is housed in a building that dates back to 1889 with its original tin ceiling still in tact. Alexander’s On the Square, the original of the two Alexander’s restaurants, offers over 30 hand dipped ice cream flavors, old fashioned sodas, malts, and shakes. Alexander’s On the Square also offers great food, from a signature Reuben sandwich to soups and salads. Their second location, Alexander’s On the Water, is open seasonally in the summer. Alexander’s On the Water is located on Morse Reservoir in Cicero.

• Sugar is more refined now. For the real effect use unprocessed or brown sugar or even honey. • When they speak of cream or diary products, it is the equivalent of heavy whipping cream. This is very rich to our digestive systems. • These recipes feature large amounts of alcohol. We are not accustom to this ratio as a spirited drink or high-alcohol flavor. • Beware on over-consuming due to the last two points, or ride the porcelain bus. Chef Michael R. Vlasich, CEC, AAC, is a Carmel resident and the executive chef at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. You may e-mail him at chefmichael@currentincarmel. com

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The Wizard of OZ Indianapolis Civic Theatre brings this classic 1939 film to life in a wild and wonderful musical journey to that magical place where dreams come true. Dorothy, a wistful, little Kansas farm girl, gets caught up in a tornado and whisked off, far over the rainbow, to the marvelous Land of Oz. With the help of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion, she battles the Wicked Witch of the West while trying to reach the great and powerful Wizard in hopes that he can help her get back home. There are plenty of adventures along the way as Dorothy and her three faithful friends follow the yellow brick

23 DIVERSIONS

THEATRE

road in search of the heart, knowledge and courage they’ve always had. Featuring a large children’s chorus and an array of special effects, including a full-blown tornado, this is the musical favorite for all ages. The production runs from Dec. 12 to Jan. 4 with 7 p.m. show times on Thursdays and Fridays. Saturday shows are at 2 and 7 p.m. with Sunday shows starting at 2 p.m. Signed performance is Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. and the audience sing-a-long is Jan. 1 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $34 apiece and available at www.civictheatre.org.

LIVE MUSIC The following musical acts will be playing live at Mickey’s Irish Pub, 13644 N. Meridian, Carmel. For more information, call 317-573-9746: Dec. 12 - Big Daddy Caddy. Dec. 13 - Meatball Band. Dec. 19 - Zanna-Doo! Dec. 20 - Aberdeen Project. Dec. 26 - Endless Summer Band. Dec. 27-31 - The Late Show. The following musical acts will be playing live at Muldoon’s Irish Pub. Shows begin at 7 p.m. For more information, call 317-571-1116: Dec. 13 - Doug Henthorn. Dec. 20 - One In The Same. Dec. 27 - Jeff DeHerdt.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 www.currentincarmel.com

New Holiday Hours! Beginning the weekend of November 7, 2008, Midland Arts & Antiques Market/Carmel will be open Sundays, noon - 5pm; closed on Mondays

www.currentincarmel.com

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

IN SPIRIT

not a word, the word

nd the Word became flesh … God (Greek: Logos), Jesus Christ. John 1:14 The Bible is the immutable word (small When Jesus spoke, people “w”) of God. Amen. I love the Bible, and listened. even if you don’t love or even believe the Some were enraptured, many Bible, you should read it: it’ll make you were enraged. Some believed smarter. The Bible isn’t so much and many were incredulous. a rule book, a science book or Some followed, some shunned even a history or literature book. and some attacked. It is a relationship book; it deYet, they listened. His words scribes God’s relationship with were unlike anything heard in mankind. the history of mankind. His And the key, top, No.1 comwords talked of truth, light, life ponent of that relationship is and eternity. They described a God’s Word (capital “W”), and God of love and good, not wrath that divine Word is the incarnate and power. Christ’s words spoke Christ Jesus, not the Bible. not of earthly goals for survival, This brings us back to John but of a divine plan for salvation. 1:14. The Bible presents good Jesus spoke, with human words, yes, but they are manmade Bob Walters words, of His eternal Father and words even as they express a Godly Spirituality of His oneness with the Spirit of idea. Christ joining humanity (i.e., Life. He talked of humility and becoming flesh) brought to us the service. He revealed not only God, but a Word: a relationship with the Creator God, new covenant of faith. He became flesh – a the Father Almighty. This is not something man – not only to save a needy world from we could do on our own, and it is an action death and sin, but also to call mankind to manmade words could never accomplish. share in the divine glory of God. Read the Bible, go to Church, love your It was radical stuff in the world of neighbor, take care of your family, and Jewish Law and Roman Rule 2,000 years tend to your business, but don’t worship ago. It is radical for all time. them. Worship God and His Word. Even in this day and age of instant, Bob Walters (rlwcom@aol.com) is making a global, personal, mass communication, point about the true meaning of Christmas. we too often dwell on the Bible’s words (Greek: rema) and miss the actual Word of This is the second of a four-part series.

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• Marshmallow Blaster (air blast the airpufts), drugstore.com. • Hamatite Collar Necklace (faux jewelry with glitzy glam), AVON.com. • Connectagons (building with shapes), hearthsong. com. • Color Spot Thermometer (hand-sized weather station), windandweather.com. • Crinkle Plaid Scarf (instant trend to any outfit), Nordstrom.com. • PedEgg Pro Pedicure (revolutionary foot file), drugstore.com. • My Meebas (quirky game with plush surprise), aol. com/shopping. • Momiji Doll (carved wood Japanese friendship dolls), aol. com/shopping.

lder scanners generally came with software that had two options: scan the item as an image or scan the item as text. Scanning items as an image is much like making an electronic photocopy, but the resulting file size can often be too large for sending via e-mail, especially in higher-resolution modes. Scanning items as editable text will make for a small file size, but you Gary Hubbard generally lose most Technology of your formatting. When you scan to the PDF file format, not only can you reduce the file size, you can retain the exact formatting of the document and make it very easy for any recipient to view the file because of the universal nature of the file format. Newer scanners generally come with software that includes the PDF option, but that does not mean you need to go out and buy a new scanner. Just to make sure your current scanner software pro-

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gram isn’t capable, look for menus such as “Output type” or “Settings” for a specific PDF option for the output file. If it doesn’t exist, your next step is to search the Help section for “PDF” to see if productspecific information exists. If nothing turns up in either area, the next step is to see if your current software has any updates or upgrade options by visiting the Support section of your scanner company’s website. If you can’t find any clear options from your current scanner software, your next option would be to install a third party application that offers the PDF alternative. A free option for your scanner is called

Scan2PDF, which works with Windows 2000, XP and Vista and can be downloaded at http://www.snapfiles.com (search for Scan2PDF). If you want a little more flexibility creating PDFs, you can do so from any program that has a print option with PDF Printer (available at http://www.bullzip.com). This cool little program installs itself as a printer option for everything in Windows, so you simply choose it from the Print menu of any program to generate a PDF. Gary Hubbard is Owner of Data Doctors Computer Services - www.datadoctors. com Have a technology question? Send it to CurrentInCarmel@datadoctors.com

• Talking Monopoly Town (talking car prompts young players), aol.com/shopping.

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008 www.currentincarmel.com

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ello, handsome studs of the many slobbering drunk dudes tell me (as north side. I recently wrote they’re spitting in my face) that they can’t about “tweaking” your image seem to find a good woman. a bit to be more “dating marHmmm. I wonder why. And ladies, this ketable”. This is a tough one goes for you, too. because on one hand, you have Get your act together, Mr. to be your fabulous, wonderful Couch Potato. There are some self, right? Of course. But a little great gals out there that will improvement never hurt anyone. accept your video-game-playing Here are a few more tips for ya’: all day long, but for the most Match what you want to atpart, we well-rounded gals want tract. Do opposites really attract? a man who works hard, is findMaybe so, but I beg to differ. If ing success (don’t get me wrong you keep getting turned down success doesn’t always mean you by a certain type of girl, maybe have to be wealthy – just stable), it’s because you’re a certain type doesn’t live in a dirty pig sty, isn’t of guy. You are basically going to still driving on that donut tire attract the type of girl that you after his last blowout and is betmatch. For instance, if you don’t tering himself by reading, workRachael Noble ing out and finding ways to help have a job, dress like Mr. Disco DATING Dude from the ’70’s and your gut his community. Don’t you want looks like it’s sporting a bowling the same from us? ball (no offense to your “pride and joy” . So pry yourself off that couch, clear your . . I know you’ve spent a lot of money on empty beer bottles off of your weight bench the beers you’ve guzzled into that belly of and become what you are looking for in a yours), you’re probably not going to attract mate. You can do it. Ms. Successful who dresses a little more savvy and is physically fit. Another example: Rachael Noble is a single Carmel resident and contributing columnist. She can be reached at if all you do is drink and party, guess what? nobleadvice@yahoo.com. You’re going to attract Ms. Party Girl. Now isn’t that a concept? I’m amazed at how

Meridian

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008

RELATIONSHIPS

Men: Match What You Want to Attract

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DISPATCHES

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Vicky Earley is the principal designer for Artichoke Designs in downtown Carmel. If you have an interior design question, please contact artichokedesigns@aol.com.

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Queen of Christmas Cookies - Indianapolis pastry chef Clare Welage has developed a national reputation as a cookie artist – she’s been on national cooking shows and designed cookies for Disney movie releases. All this despite the fact that her bakery is not a storefront business; orders are by phone or online only. You can see Clare’s holiday offerings at whimsicalwhisk.com, or call in an order at 317-730-6802.

Try using ornaments that aren’t actually ornaments. Shiny accessories such as silver trays, teapots, picture frames, mirrors or small lamps wired onto the sturdy branches of an artificial tree are a spellbinding twist to tradition. A petite crystal chandelier can act as a tree topper, while pheasant feathers can add texture and color. Repeat one type of ornament so it creates a color, shape or theme through a tree. These monochromatic ornaments help unite the other one-of-a-kind ornaments. Various sizes, shapes or finishes of such one color will add even more flair. Designers often create trees using colors and themes that relate to the room where

the tree is displayed. Repeat a room’s hues and style using ribbon, fabric, garlands and ornaments to harmonize. Rather than placing ornaments in a neatly spaced overall pattern, try spiraling from the top down with several types of garland. Concentrate lights deep in the tree and ornaments on the garland spiral. This provides a compelling depth to the tree. Try a totally monochromatic tree for a truly high-design look. One-color trees are successfully created with shape and texture. Vary the size of the decorations and mix up shiny and matte finishes. Fill gaps between branches with some type of filler. Inexpensive white tulle from the fabric store creates a magical iridescence. Silk flowers are a perfect way to add a softer texture to a tree. Choose large blooms or add sprays of smaller blooms nestled into branches. Natural elements add an earthly quality to holiday decorating and are an inexpensive addition to a tree. Try wiring on pinecones (large and small), real holly sprigs, leafy garlands or branches of berries for a wonderfully rustic and elegant look.

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008 www.currentincarmel.com

Bottled Water in . . . Glass? - So the “Save the Planet” crowd is making it hard for your plastic water bottle to be seen in the daylight, what with all that plastic choking landfills, etc. (not to mention the pre-packaged designer ice cubes from France mentioned above). But anyway, the Seletti Italian refillable designer water bottle is all bottle and no water. A blown, glass bottle in elegant, distinctive, 1-liter shapes. These $38 bottles pay for themselves if you fill them up, oh, 19 times or so. Of course, if you treat them like plastic bottles, the economics of replacing broken glass might be prohibitive for the bourgeoisie. See lekkerhome.com.

hristmas morning without the traditional tree overflowing with abundant reminders of childhood and Christmas past is inconceivable. The counterpoint to such memory makers is the tree that regales wonder with holiday artistry. Creating this sophisticated version of the traditional Christmas tree is mastered with just a few tricks of the trade. Some items might be purchased, some might be waiting behind closed Vicky Earley cabinet doors just Design waiting to be enlisted for holiday splendor. Regardless of the size of the tree, use some oversized ornaments. Large ornaments have a huge impact and are generally the element that distinguishes a tree with panache. Though oversized decorations may be pricey, you won’t need many for a stunning effect. If purchased, consider a color that can be paired with other colors in the future for different effects. Our favorite is green.

PANACHE

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DISPATCHES Shelter wants to find homes by Christmas - The Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) is asking for the community’s support in finding homes for 200 unwanted animals during the month of December during its Home for the Holidays campaign. The shelter is filled beyond capacity and is making this urgent plea as a result. The Home for the Holidays campaign lasts until Dec. 31. The shelter created an ‘adopto-meter’ to display where it is towards reaching its goal of placing 200 animals in new homes. For every adoption, clear stockings will be filled with pet food until the 200th adoption is marked.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Holiday Pet Photos - The Monon Center at Carmel’s Central Park is taking holiday pet photos in Program Room A this week. Dates are Dec. 9 from 6-9:30 p.m. and Dec. 11 and 13 from 12-3:30 p.m. The fee is $6 for a 5x7 picture. For more information, call 317-848-7275.

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Cat Christmas Safety - The only fool-proof way to keep your cat away from your Christmas tree is to put the tree in a room the cat can’t access. Unfortunately, this is often not practical. So the next best solution is to make the tree as safe as possible. Here are some thoughts: • Real Christmas trees are more dangerous to cats than fake plastic ones. Pine needles can puncture internal organs if eaten, they are also toxic to cats. • If you do have a real tree, make sure the drink stand has plenty of water to prevent the tree drying out and losing needles. • It is important that your cat isn’t able to get to this water and drink it as it could result in poisoning. • Be careful with tinsel. Expensive to remove if eaten. • You may want to try applying a cat repellent such as bitter apple to the lights to deter your cat from chewing the wires. If this was to happen it could cause a fatal electric shock. • Artificial snow is toxic to cats, so is best avoided. • Make sure your cat can’t get close to lit candles. • Your cat isn’t a novelty item and it is dangerous to try to decorate your cat with ribbons, etc.

317-569-PETS

www.petlandcarmel.com

The bigger the aquarium, the better By Petland Current in Carmel

If you are shopping for an aquarium, chances are you have been told to buy the biggest aquarium you can afford. The advice is based on some well-known fishkeeping truths: WATER QUALITY: A long-held misconception among novice fish keepers is that the smaller the aquarium, the easier it is to maintain. Actually, the opposite is true. The larger the aquarium, the slower the change is in water quality factors. Ammonia, hardness, nitrates, pH and temperature are common testable gauges for water quality in an aquarium. A sudden change in temperature could be fatal to the aquarium inhabitants. The temperature in a 10-gallon aquarium can change drastically in a couple of hours. However, the temperature in a 100-gallon aquarium may take a couple of days to change a couple of degrees. Having a

pets of the week Lacey is a 4-year-old female black Lab mix. Lacey is a gorgeous girl who loves to go on walks. She knows the command “sit” and is ready and raring to go to obedience school to learn more. Lacey is very friendly with everyone she meets. However, she is a bit unsure of her current surroundings and gets a little startled by sudden movements. While she is very gentle taking treats from your hand, she can be a little protective of her food bowl. Therefore, we feel she is best suited in a home with children age 10 and older. She is an intelligent girl with tons of potential, she just needs a loving family willing to work with her and help her feel safe and comfortable in her new home. Ninja is a 1-year-old male orange-andwhite tabby DSH. Ninja is an outgoing boy who loves everyone he meets. He is neutered and good with dogs and other cats, and he enjoys playing with children, too. Ninja arrived at the shelter on Aug. 11 when his family divorced and decided they couldn’t keep him. Ninja has managed to keep his spirits up by bunking up with other kitties at the shelter, but what he wants most is a home he can call his own. He is a low-maintenance guy who would make a wonderful family pet.

larger aquarium basically gives you more time to react when it comes to changes in water quality because, in essence, these water quality variables take a bit more time to change. Overall, the result of having a larger aquarium generally translates into you being a more successful fish keeper. MORE AND BIGGER FISH: It is not uncommon for a fish keeper’s interest to grow as soon as he or she sets up a small aquarium. There will be more than 100 species of fish in which you may select to keep in your aquarium. As a general rule,

only one inch of fish should be kept per gallon of aquarium water. For a 10-gallon aquarium with gravel and decorations taking up two to three gallons of space, this translates into six or seven fish averaging about one inch in length or two to three fish averaging two inches in length. LASTING FOCAL POINT: Those of you who invest in aquariums enjoy the thought of observing and raising fish. You also want the aquarium to be a decorative, lasting focal point in your living room or entertainment room. You want it to be like the attractive aquarium you saw in the dentist’s office, restaurant or local zoo. Large aquariums will command more attention from guests and tend to hold your interest much longer than smaller aquariums. Why? Because larger aquariums allow room for growth of the hobby. Article courtesy of Petland, Carmel. For more information, contact Juan Lopez at 317-569-PETS.

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Normalcy. What’s that?

Prepare Roses for Winter Weather disease-free. Here are some more simple tips to prepare your roses for the fall and winter: • Rake leaves and mulch away from the base of the plants as disease spores or insect eggs may be hidden there. • Examine roses for any insects or diseases especially rust and black spot. • Trim off flowers and buds. This will encourage the plant’s energy to go into underground growth for the winter. • When regular frost begins, mound several spadefuls of soil over the base of the plant and extend the soil up at least a foot above the graft (bud union). When the ground is thoroughly frozen, cover the mound with a thick layer of mulch, such as straw or compost. - www.newscanada.com

We have had nothing but compliments and praise from our agents.”

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Si J Vice Presiden

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S i Jo h n s o n , V i c e P re s i d e n t / Realtor/Manager C a r m e l F. C . Tu c ke r O f f i c e

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We have had nothing but compliments and praise from our agents.” S i Jo h n s o n , V i c e P re s i d e n t / R e a l t o r / M a n a g e r C a r m e l F. C . Tu c ke r O f f i c e

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008 www.currentincarmel.com

For many gardeners rose bushes are a prized possession. As the gardening season comes to a close, it’s time to prepare your roses for the cold, harsh winter ahead. Knowing the best feeding and prepping techniques will ensure your cherished roses survive the winter and bloom beautifully in the spring. Proper feeding is the first step in putting healthy roses to bed for the winter. Remember to continue feeding the plants every seven to 14 days with a specially formulated plant food for roses, such as MiracleGro Water Soluble Rose Plant Food 18-24-6. If temperatures fall below 1°, switch to plant food containing only phosphorus and potassium to help strengthen the plant over the winter. Other preparation secrets include proper cleaning, pruning and inspection to ensure roses are strong, as well as insect and

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29“ Fan INSIDE & OUT

t seems we often prefer what we don’t are at a 15-year lows. have. You’ve heard the saying that What does this mean to you? Well, as “the grass is greener on the other Karen Blumenthal reported in the Wall side”. Maybe this time it’s for real. Street Journal, “With home building in Me? I prefer some deviation, but this a tailspin, more remodelers and contracmarket is insane. Amazingly, tors are looking for jobs, so with the global economy in dire you might get work done more straits, the stock market on a quickly and possibly at better roller coaster ride that makes rates than a few years ago.” Ever Disney World jealous and car wish your home was a little dealership lots stagnant with more livable? shiny inventories, this may be Of course, most of us are one of the most opportune times appropriately focused on in our generation to invest, Christmas celebrations and spend and complete home 2009 business plans as opposed improvements. to thinking about sunroom Volatility has also been the additions, lower-level updates, norm regarding the prices of tile selection and construction building materials, witnessed in traffic. Nevertheless, if you Randy part by the Keystone road projare planning on some sort of ect cost excesses. remodeling project next year, Sorrell After months of vicious price now is an awesome time to plan increases for most construction materials and secure the competitive nature of this (in excess of 20 percent since July 2007 hungry market. for asphalt felts and coatings, plastics and Sometimes the grass is greener on the steel), relief appears on the way. Dave other side. But usually it’s a result of a Carter with Carter Lee Lumber, a leading septic system leak. supplier in Indianapolis, noted that the Randy Sorrell is president of SURROUNDINGS cost of materials for their “model home” by NatureWorks+, a Carmel home improveused precisely for these calculations has ment firm. He may be reached at 317-679fallen 8½ percent since the same time last year driven predominantly by a substantial 2565, randy@choosesurroundings.com or www.choosesurroundings.com. drop in commodity lumber. Some prices

Si Johnson, Vice President Realtor/Manage

C a r m e l F. C . Tu c ke r O

489.4444

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 www.currentincarmel.com

BRIDGE THE GAP

HOOSIER HODGEPODGE

CARMELKU

Use logic to fill in the boxes so every row, column and 2 x 3 box contains the letters C-A-R-M-E-L. Answer below.

Answers to BRIDGE THE GAP: BOTTLE, ROBIN, CREAM, JERSEY, BOWL, MOON, RIVER, GARTH, WAY, MASS

wrote this column early on Thanksgiving morning. I hope you had a joyous day, but Thanksgiving was pretty much blown for me by the poor TV viewing choice I made the night before. I knew that in a few hours, I’d be at our friends’ house enjoying good food and snappy conversation, but I was feeling pretty down. I made the mistake of watching a documentary about the Dick Wolfsie first Thanksgiving Humor in 1623. Here’s a little advice: If you really enjoy something, like sausage, don’t watch a show about it on the History or Discovery Channel. They’re great for things like the battles of WWII or how the pyramids were constructed, but when they start getting into the accounts of everyday stuff, you can be sure they’ll suck the fun right out of them. This year The History Channel enlisted a bunch of PhDs and other researchers to bleed dry any traditional Thanksgiving feelings that may still linger. This is where the TV censors are missing the boat. Instead of scouring the TV shows for gratuitous sex and wanton violence, how about some protection for dreamers like me who still believe that there were bunnies at the first Easter. What they know now about the first Thanksgiving is this: the Pilgrims probably didn’t eat turkey; they had no cranberry relish; they didn’t have forks. No football or big parade. The idea of stuffing never dawned on them and there probably wasn’t a single string bean casserole on the table, if they even had tables, which also seems open to question. Oh, and they probably didn’t have sweet potatoes. The next day, the malls weren’t open. You couldn’t buy a trinket on sale. The pilgrims had a lot of nerve even calling it Thanksgiving, which, maybe, they didn’t. I should have learned my lesson. A couple of weeks ago I watched an endless hour on the history of glue. I learned more about glue than I ever wanted to know. The program covered everything from Elmer’s to wallpaper paste. Up until that point, I couldn’t have told you one darn thing about glue, except that it’s sticky. Now I know that they have found broken pots still stuck together from 4000 BC. How could that be, when the handle keeps falling off my coffee mug. I also learned that Egyptians used egg whites, bones, milk, cheese, vegetables and grains to make glue, which sounded pretty close to

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Snow: BALL, BLOWER, DRIFT, SHOE, SHOVEL, SKI; Cities: ALBION, ANGOLA, ATTICA, AUBURN, AVON; Toppings: CHEESE, MUSHROOMS, PEPPERONI, SAUSAGE; Pen Makers: BIC, CROSS, PAPERMATE; Stars: FREITAG, NEWTON; Coliseum: BALL

LAUGHS / PUZZLES

THANKS, FOR 30 NOTHING

the eggnog I had been guzzling all day. And then there was the History Channel’s “The Story of the Ice Cream Cone.” Apparently, the mafia didn’t like the invention because the pointy end meant they couldn’t rest the cone next to them while they counted their protection money. A triple scoop of Rocky Road will never be the same. I saw a fascinating show on the evolu-

tion of nuts, bolts and screws. They did an entire 20 minutes on this genius Henry Phillips, who invented the Phillips head screw. Then he spent most of his weekend in search of the right screwdriver. So now I am off to this time-honored holiday get-together, but I am concerned that if one of the guests starts waxing on about the great tradition of Turkey Day, I’ll feel obligated to inform him that

the Cool Whip he just slathered all over his pumpkin pie was not at the original Thanksgiving Dinner. I’m an expert on stuff like that. I watch the History Channel. Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist, and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

he Thanksgiving leftovers weren’t even in their doesn’t return until it’s black again. Tupperware yet when my brother-in-law sighed, The deadline for decorating the house is Saturday. pushed himself away from the table and began OK. So much for the timeline. trudging away in the general direction of the Now let’s go to inventory. attic. Amy is not one of those people who believes “Where’s he going?” my brother P.D. asked that less is more where Christmas is concerned. our sister Amy, John’s wife. Oh, no. More is more. And more is what she John overheard and hollered . . . well, wants. what he said was not exactly in the spirit of She has three Christmas trees. Garland on Thanksgiving, if you get my drift. every horizontal surface. Pictures on the walls. “He has to be bringing down the Christmas Knickknacks on the mantle. Lighted figures decorations,” Amy interpreted. “I’m going to outside. Lighted figures inside. Boughs of have this place all together by Saturday.” holly. Mistletoe. Candy dishes. Candles. LordsWe pause here to look at the timeline of a-leaping. Ladies dancing. Patridges. Pear trees. events that is about to unfold: I honestly believe she won’t be happy until It is Thanksgiving afternoon, about 3 p.m. she can just to move everything in her house to The Christmas decorations are coming out of temporary storage each December and replace their hiding places. it with Christmas furniture, right down to the Mike Redmond The next day will be Black Friday, when Christmas footstools and Christmas lamps. Humor my sister joins the hordes of Frantic Holiday Add the inventory to the timeline and you can Shoppers out there jamming the highways and clogging see my sister’s plan to have her house Santa Claus Ship-Shape the malls in search of four calling birds, three French by Saturday is the dream of someone who is out of her mind. hens, two turtle doves and this year’s Elmo doll. She gets it from Mom. Mom was a Christmas nut in My sister traditionally takes Black Friday at face value. her day, too, although not to the degree that Amy exThat is, she starts shopping when the sky is black, and she hibits. Mom’s focus was the tree. According to the mom

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rules, each branch of a tree was capable of holding two to three ornaments, in addition to a light bulb. The objective was to display mom’s collection of ornaments, which numbered in the thousands or, as she liked to remind us, one more than Aunt Nelta’s. For Amy to get it all done, and done by her exacting standards (mom times two) requires several things. An abundance of energy for the all-nighter you’re about to pull. As much help as you can get from family, including Mom, P.D. and two teenagers who would rather eat dog food than hang Christmas ornaments. And most of all, an understanding husband who learned long ago not to stand between my sister and Festive Yuletide Splendor. And every year, somehow, it gets done.Really, it’s an inspiration to us all. Not the husband-and-wife stuff. Or the family stuff. I mean the decorations. They’re fabulous. They really make the house a holiday delight. Which reminds me: Time for me to head to MY attic. Amy’s not the only one to fall under mom’s bad influence. I should invite John over to help.

LAUGHS / CLASSIFIEDS

Sis says this Christmas stuff is serious Business

Joe, living a normal life with heart disease

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Be prepared. ACallToChange.org