June 13, 2023 — Fishers

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Fishers celebrates new fire station, baby box

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

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PUBLIC SAFETY

The City of Fishers has its first baby box. It’s an anonymous way for a new parent — who for whatever reason can’t keep their newborn — to give the infant to those who can care for the child.

The box is part of the Fishers Fire Department’s newly opened Station 397 at 15109 E. 136th St., which celebrated a ribbon-cutting and a blessing of the baby box May 31.

Fishers Fire Department Public Information Officer John Mehling said the baby box was made possible through a partnership with Safe Haven Baby Boxes, an Indiana-based nonprofit founded by Monica Kelsey, who herself was abandoned as an infant.

“And that inspired her down the road to create these baby boxes,” Mehling said. “Sometimes, these kids are left in places where (the parents) hope they’ll be discovered, but they’re not. Some of them are placed into dumpsters. Some are left out in the woods. And this just provides that opportunity to remain anonymous, but to pass that baby on into arms that will take care of the baby.”

Mehling said once a baby is placed inside the box, there’s a short delay and then an alarm goes off in the station, at the city’s dispatch center and directly to the phones of several first responders.

“Within minutes, someone will be at that baby’s side and providing whatever medical care is needed,” he said.

Also in the box is a packet of information for the parent to take, he said, because often the mother needs help, too.

Mehling added that in Indiana, any new parent can surrender an infant up to 30 days old, no questions asked, to a firefighter or police officer. But the baby box provides a way to do that with complete anonymity.

He said Carmel has a baby box, as well, and has had several babies safely surrendered through that service.

“There are over 100 boxes in Indiana,” he said. “Indiana is leading the nation with this option.”

NEW FIRE STATION

Fire Station 397 has been in service since Feb. 14, Fishers Fire Department Public Information Officer John Mehling said, but the department decided to hold off on the ribbon cutting because many northeastern Fishers residents whose homes are served by the station travel out of state during the winter months.

Mehling said it was a great turnout, and everyone who showed up was able to tour the station, see the firetruck and get some swag. They did have to move all the festivities indoors because of a rainstorm, but despite that it went well.

“It was just a great showing by not only the community that lives out there, but our government partners that make all this happen,” he said, noting that Mayor Scott Fadness, Council Member Brad DeReamer and other local officials attended the event.

Mehling said the city has kept a close eye on neighborhood data ever since the Del Webb development went in, and the population numbers eventually got to the point where they justified building

DISPATCH

a new fire station to provide better and faster service. DeReamer, the council member representing that district, was a regular advocate for the new station, Mehling said, along with the residents themselves.

“It’s not an inexpensive resource,” he said. “You have to take care of the whole city. And everything is important, but you still have to make decisions about what you can do because, contrary to popular belief, there are no money trees in Fishers.”

It did eventually make sense to build a new station, though. The new $7 million station is staffed by nine firefighters, with at least five on duty at any one time. The city also purchased a new $600,000 fire engine, with about $130,000 worth of equipment for the truck.

Mehling said the new station is Fishers’ seventh. When he first started working as a volunteer with the department in 1990, he said, there was only one.

Fishers Fire Department personnel cut the ribbon May 31 for the new Fire Station 397 at 15109 E. 136th St. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)

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

Wine, Wags & Whiskers fundraiser planned — The Humane Society for Hamilton County will host its first major fundraising event of the year, Wine, Wags & Whiskers, June 16 at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer tastings, bourbon and spirits, tempting sweets, a Jackpaw Raffle, a silent auction with more than 100 items, and “pawsome” jewelry

from Hupp Jewelers. Adoptable dogs and cats will also be in attendance. General admission tickets are $95. Table sponsorships are available starting at $750 for a half table seating four guests, or $1,500 for a full table seating eight guests. Visit WineWagsandWhiskers.com for more information and to purchase tickets. Attendees must be 21 or older.

Local chambers merge

news@currentinfishers.com

OneZone Chamber serving Fishers and Carmel, and Northern Hamilton County Chamber serving Arcadia, Atlanta, Cicero and Sheridan, announced June 1 that they will merge.

BUSINESS

Northern Hamilton County Chamber will keep its identity and branding, according to the announcement. OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell will serve as president of both organizations, and OneZone Chamber will hire an executive director to run the day-to-day operations of the Northern Hamilton County Chamber

Northern Hamilton County and OneZone Chamber memberships are now reciprocal, which means members of either can participate in both chambers’ events and services.

“We are excited to welcome Northern Hamilton County to OneZone Chamber as an affiliate,” Russell said. “As we began to discuss what this relationship would look like, it was important to keep the identity and the culture of both organizations. We look forward to providing new programming, initiatives and advocacy work for the northern part of the county.”

Liz Foley Nelson, past president of the Northern Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce, said the time was right.

“The ability to retain our identity while offering our members the wider scope of services OneZone can provide gives our businesses access to more tools to increase their success,” she said. “Add to that the presence of an executive director with offices here locally will further serve the needs of our businesses and the community at large.”

The Northern Hamilton County Chamber executive director position is posted on OneZone Chamber’s job board on its website, onezonechamber.com. A membership survey will be sent to all Northern Hamilton County Chamber members to identify what they are looking for from their chamber.

Russell

Nelson

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New gym to offer group classes

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

This summer, a Noblesville resident is offering group workouts to anyone who has an interest in fitness.

breaking a sweat.

Mirro said the gym’s motto is “Half the time, double the result.” Instructors will lead three Tabata-style classes, a form of high-intensity interval training, with sessions in “power,” “savage” and “tactical.”

FITNESS

On Aug. 1, Sweaty Butts will open at 14300 Mundy Rd. in Noblesville. It will be a group-only exercise facility open to anyone. It will serve the Noblesville and Fishers areas.

Founder and owner Denise Mirro has been involved in the fitness industry for 15 years. She said group exercise is a missing element in most gyms.

“The last six months, I’ve traveled around and all I did was join gyms to see what was going on,” Mirro said. “There is just no community feel.”

Mirro wants to create a community space for people who want to improve their health. Sweaty Butts will offer full-body, 30-minute workout sessions throughout the day. Participants can enjoy music while meeting new people and

“Our power class is strictly heavy weight and slow repetition,” Mirro said. “Then savage is a lot of cardio, body weight and jumping. Then tactical is a combination of both.” Instructors will be present during each session to help participants learn the workouts, so everyone can participate regardless of their fitness level.

Walk-in guests are welcome, and memberships will be offered.

“Guest can pay per session,” Mirro said. “We recommend memberships because it’s unlimited. You can come as many times as you want per day and as many times during the week.”

Sessions will begin at 5:30 a.m., rotating every 30 minutes until the gym closes at 11 a.m. Classes will resume at 4:30 p.m. until the facility closes at 8:30 p.m.

Mirro

TO THE UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2023

Matthew Alcantara

Reva Allam

Ruby Arnold

Nikolai Auclair

Christian Baltz

Paige Banta

Adam Bauer

Ella Boschee

Jackson Bowe

Kahmi Bracey

Curran Brown

Kylie Congdon

Samantha Cooper

Jaclyn Copeland

Liam Coveney

Catherine Dollins

Quinn Dryden

Kelsey DuBois

Justin Francis

Alfonzo Gallanosa

Pierce Garino-Heisey

Andrew Gipson

Francesca Gobbi-Belcredi

Christian Gray

Lyla Gregory

Celeste Hastings

Seth Hogg

Carson Holstine

Jacob Hooker

Cole Jacob

Chloe Kaplan

Saif Khatri

Salma Kherallah

Rémy Lance

Kathleen Lautenbach

Matthew Loynes

Jacob Malinzak

Mena Morcos

Michael Morfas

Abby Murchland

Ashley Ndebele

Peter Ogon

Andre Ozlowski

Sophia Paris

Truman Parker

William Paton

Jordan Patterson

Leyton Paul

Julia Poertner

Benjamin Pollack-Milgate

Audrey Priest

Francys Reder

Ethan Rekeweg

Samuel Ricketts

Jeremiah Robinson

Adam Russell

Leo Rusyniak

Steven Scott

Payton Seay

Christopher Senften

Sofia Shelley

Betty Ann Skinner

Isaiah Smith

Constantine Stefanidis

Vivian Suh

Julia Timmermans

Edward Wang

Karl Wang

Yixu Wang

Eva Warren

Kamryn Washington

Larry Wei

Lily Westerkamm

Molly Wikman

Aya Wiles

Foster Wilson

Amelia Wray

Mitchell Wray

Jinxin Xia

Zikai Zhong

HSE graduate to compete in Miss Indiana contest

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Kaitlyn Ross has an unusual talent in the Miss Indiana competition.

COMPETITION

The Fishers resident will conduct a science experiment during the Miss Indiana competition June 14-17 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville.

“I’m the only one doing a science demonstration,” Ross said. “I do an experiment on why fireflies glow.”

Ross, a 2019 Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate, qualified for Miss Indiana for the first time by winning the Miss Indiana University title in February. She was second runner-up in Miss IU in 2022, the first year she competed in contests, which are part of the Miss America organization.

“It’s a fun program and I really got close to a lot of the girls, so I made a lot of friends,” Ross said.

Ross, 22, recently graduated from Indiana University with a degree in biology. She plans to attend lU School of Law in Bloomington this fall.

The science demonstration is in keeping with her community service initiative called “Advocating for the Next Generation of STEMnists.”

“I really am passionate about going out in the community and doing outreach, and I also work with a local Girl Scout troop,” she said. “I co-lead that Girls Scout troop and we really do a lot of science activities, including bird watching, going out in nature and talking about what it means to be a scientist. I really try to focus on showing the young students you don’t need to be in a lab or like an Albert Einstein or really smart IQtype in order to be a scientist — you could be like me and I study birds.”

She worked as an ornithologist at the Ketterson Lab while at IU.

“I would take care of birds and track where birds were around the area,” she said.

Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate Kaitlyn Ross is competing to be Miss Indiana. (Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Ross)

Ross said her plan always was to attend law school.

“I wanted a science background because I wanted to potentially do health care law or patent law,” she said. “Then I got really passionate about research and birds. I almost sought a Ph.D. in ornithology but decided to go back to law because I couldn’t let that part of me go. I decided to try to do both.”

She was involved in Mock Trial all four years at HSE and We the People. HSE won the We The People state competition in 201819 and qualified for the national competition,

“I’m excited to be able to experience (the Miss Indiana competition) and see all my friends,’ she said. “I want to share with the judges my passion for STEM. I’m really service-oriented, I’ve been part of service since I was in Girl Scouts. It’s really exciting to share on this kind of stage.”

Ross was a swimmer from the time she was 6 years old through her junior year in high school.

“Swimming became more competitive and I had to choose between swimming or Girl Scouts,” Ross said. “That’s why I went back to Girl Scouts because it was an impactful part of my life.”

DISPATCH

State Rep. Garcia Wilburn’s first authored bill signed into law — House Enrolled Act 1321, authored by State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers), received a ceremonial signing from Gov. Eric Holcomb after it passed both chambers. This is the first authored piece of legislation by Garcia Wilburn, a freshman legislator, to be signed into law. House Enrolled Act 1321 aims to improve the mental health of Indiana’s first responders. This bill requires annual in-service virtual training for first responders, including law enforcement, full-time professional firefighters and EMS. House Enrolled Act 1321 will go into effect July 1, 2025.

Jagannath Rath Yatra Festival planned

news@currentinfishers.com

Hindu residents in the greater Indianapolis area, including Fishers, will celebrate the Jagannath Rath Yatra festival starting with a gathering June 18 at the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana.

CULTURE

Organizer Shriya Una said that Rath Yatra is a nine-day festival that celebrates the annual journey of three Hindu deities — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra — to their aunt’s home in grand chariots. The festival originated in the city of Puri, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, and is now celebrated at Lord Jagannath temples around the world.

Una said Satya Tilusaram, chairman of HTCI, will perform the customary Chhera Pahanra ritual, which involves sweeping around the deities and their chariots. The chariots will be pulled by devotees as the congregation chants.

The celebration includes a cultural program, where participants eat maha prasadam — consecrated food — and watch classical singing, dance and instrument performances from performers of all ages.

“Throughout the event, the local Indian community is introduced to Odisha culture with an art exhibition,” Una said. “Beautiful illustrations depict the Odisha culture with paintings and sketches.”

All preparations for the event have been organized over the past couple of months, she said, adding that the festival is significant to the Indian community of Indiana, because it is a day to celebrate and embrace the Odisha culture.

“Many people who are from different states in India join on this auspicious day and enjoy the festivities,” Una said.

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Hindu residents of Central Indiana gather at the Hindu temple. (Photo courtesy of Shriya Una)

COMMUNITY

Project: 126th STREET

Location: 126th Street between Royalty Drive and Bellingham Blvd. is closed for median and crosswalk construction. The detour shall use Olio Road to Southeastern Pkwy.

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Expected completion: June 30

Project: 146th and Allisonville Interchange

Location: Phase 1 of construction for the grade separation intersection improvement has begun at 146th Street and Allisonville Road. One thru lane and one left turn lane in all directions will be closed through the intersection. Closures of Sowers Drive and Saville Road at 146th Street will be necessary in June. Please exercise caution while driving through this construction zone. In addition to these closures, the worksite speed limit will be 35 mph.

Expected completion: The entire project is set for completion in summer 2025

Project: Fall Creek Road

Location: Citizens Energy Group is mobilizing the lift station on Fall Creek Road near Geist Woods Way, resulting in the closure of Fall Creek Trail.

Expected completion: August

Project: 106th Street & Kincaid Drive

Location: Phase 1 started June 5 for construction of a new concrete median on 106th Street and to modify Kincaid Drive to a right-in-right-out entrance. During this phase, access to Kincaid Drive from 106th Street will be restricted. The detour shall use Lantern Road to Sunlight Drive. Phase 1 is anticipated to be completed by July 7. Phase 2 is expected to start July 10. During that phase, lane restrictions will be in place on 106th Street, and both roundabouts at 106th and I-69, and 106th and Lantern Road will be converted into a single lane. This phase is anticipated to be completed by July 28.

Expected completion: The full project is expected to be completed by August 2023

Project: Roundabout at 106th and Hoosier Road

Location: Prep work prior to the roundabout construction has started. Work will include tree clearing, utility relocation and storm sewer installation.

Expected completion: To be determined.

Project: Ind. 37 Improvement Project

Location: Ind. 37 and 141st Street. A pre-construction phase is in place. During this phase, 141st Street will have a temporary right-in-right-out traffic configuration.

Expected completion: The full timeline for the 141st Street interchange will be provided after project bids are accepted in the Summer of 2023.

FAMILY FUN RIDES

SLOW ROLL DINNER CRUISE

2023

Fishers event raises funds for Alzheimer’s Association

By Chris Bavender news@currentinfishers.com

When Pete van Overwalle’s aunt, Pam van Overwalle, moved to Indianapolis to live closer to family, he became her primary caregiver because of her early onset Alzheimer’s disease. While trying to find a memory care home, he started to look for support resources to help with his new and challenging responsibility.

that it’s intended to be based on something you are passionate about. In a busy life with work, family and caregiving, it makes it easier to channel precious time and energy to make it successful.”

NONPROFIT

“Through an invitation via LinkedIn, I connected with Jennifer Buddenbaum, manager (of) The Longest Day at Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana,” van Overwalle said. “We met for coffee and (she) quickly helped me understand the association’s many resources, from awareness, education and support for people suffering from disease, and those who love and care for them. Jennifer was very personable, professional and engaging, so it did not take long to think about supporting the association. The Longest Day campaign just made sense to me.”

That led to van Overwalle chairing the 2023 Longest Day fundraising campaign. The Longest Day is June 21, the summer solstice — the day with the most sunlight. On that day, people around the world will help fight the “darkness of Alzheimer’s” through fundraising activities.

“When I took on the role of The Longest Day Committee chair, I knew the best way was to lead by example. I wanted the experience to figure out my event, plan it, host it and make a tangible difference,” he said. “The great thing about The Longest Day is

So, van Overwalle decided to host the first Fishers Pickleball Clinic May 20 at Mashcraft Fishers to help raise funds for the campaign. He set a goal of $3,000 for the firsttime event.

“I was not sure what we could do, but I also believe you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. The event was a success in that the 15 people that participated seemed to really enjoy the event,” he said. “And we raised $1,400, which goes directly to the Alzheimer’s Association to fund research and operations to support their vision.”

Ironically, before the pickleball clinic, van Overwalle had never touched a pickleball racket.

“It did not take long for everyone attending to get out on the courts and break a sweat. There were plenty of laughs, a bit of ball chasing, but enough of an experience to say, ‘I’ll be back’,” he said. “My Aunt Pam was there, too, and although she did not play, she really loved the day. Purple is her favorite color. She’s also hoping to stay involved with these events to find a boyfriend!”

While van Overwalle has never raised funds for charity before, he believes there is a “magic formula in life — when you give, you get back even more in return.”

To learn more about the Longest Day or to donate, visit act.alz.org/site/ SPageServer?pagename=the_longest_day.

“Seek and you shall find” Matthew 7:7 - 8

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Overwalle

Guerin Catholic girls repeat

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It was the same opponent and the same result for the Guerin Catholic girls lacrosse team.

Guerin Catholic (16-3) graduated three starters, Alic, Carter and Grace Klee.

LACROSSE

The only difference was, this time it was not quite as close.

The Golden Eagles defeated Carmel 13-8 June 3 in the Indiana High School Lacrosse Association’s Class 2A state championship game at Heritage Christian. In the 2022 state final, Guerin Catholic edged Carmel 7-6.

Joe Bellflower, in his first year as head coach after serving as an assistant last year, said there were three keys to the season,

“First, great leadership from our captains Clare Alic and Caitlin Carter,” Bellflower said of the two seniors. “Second, strong team defense. We allowed only four goals a game. Third, (the) growth of our young players throughout the season. We started five sophomores and they all improved throughout the year, which made us a much better team at the end of the season.”

In the championship game, Alic had four goals and one assist. Carter also had four goals. Junior Alex Soucie contributed three goals and three assists. Katherine Constantino had one goal and three assists.

For the season, Alic had 54 goals and 27 assists and Carter had 42 goals.

Bellflower, a Westfield resident, said the players live in Westfield, Carmel, Noblesville and Fishers.

CHS sophomore Sophie Mock and senior Tori Tomalia each scored twice and had two assists in the loss to Guerin Catholic. Sophomore Elle Tomalia scored twice, and sophomore Breckin Hare had one goal.

Tori Tomalia, who will play for the University of Connecticut next season, was named Indiana High School Lacrosse Association first team all-state, USA Lacrosse Academic All-American and USA Lacrosse All-American. She also won the Candi Parry award, which is for a player who embodies lacrosse in the state and gives back to the youth. Tori Tomalia finished with 62 goals for the Greyhounds (16-3)

Guerin Catholic celebrates winning its second straight Indiana High School Lacrosse Association’s Class 2A state title. (Photo courtesy of Joe Bellflower)

Bills support work-based learning, robotics

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

state’s next two-year budget, officials said.

LEGISLATION

Expanding work-based learning opportunities for high school students and increasing access to robotics are part of two pieces of legislation authored by a Noblesville lawmaker have been approved.

House Enrolled Act 1002, which was authored by State Rep. Chuck Goodrich, R-Noblesville, was recently signed into law and is intended to increase high school relevancy by expanding work-based learning opportunities. Goodrich said HEA 1002 creates career scholarship accounts for students that can be used to pay for career training, apprenticeships, certifications and internships.

The new law will also allow quality, work-based learning to count toward high school graduation requirements, according to Goodrich, who is a member of the House Education Committee.

“We know there are employers across the state who are struggling to find qualified candidates for job openings,” Goodrich said. “This is a critical step toward connecting our students with the skills they need for in-demand careers right out of high school.”

The career scholarship accounts can be used by sophomores, juniors and seniors to enroll in earn-and-learn opportunities and can also be used to pay for items such as transportation and uniforms, Goodrich said. The Indiana Deptartment of Education and the Commission for Higher Education will approve available courses and tracks, and accounts will be awarded $5,000 under the

Goodrich said the legislation incentivizes schools and career centers to partner and bring more experiences to high school students. The Indiana State Board of Education will reexamine high school diploma requirements to provide more flexibility in a student’s schedule so they can pursue work-based learning and apprenticeship experiences, according to ISBE officials.

Goodrich said as part of the legislation, a teacher higher education and industry collaboration grant program and fund will be established that will help teachers engage with colleges and employers to learn about industry needs and employment trends. Goodrich also authored another bill, House Enrolled Act 1382, that creates a grant program to allow schools to establish their own robotics teams, and will be supported annually with $4 million in the state’s new two-year budget.

Goodrich said the goal of the new law is to encourage more students to enter STEM careers and stay in Indiana.

“This is an important step toward ensuring young Hoosiers in schools large and small have the ability to explore the innovative and creative world of robotics,” he said.

The Indiana Department of Education will manage the grant fund, which K-12 schools can utilize to create and develop competitive robotics programs, according to Goodrich. Grant funding can be used to pay for a team mentor, supplies, competition costs, in addition to establishing or maintaining teams.

OBITUARY

Jobe Clifford Wiersma, 86, of Fishers, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 29, 2023, surrounded by his three daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Cliff was born on July 30, 1936, to John and Annie Wiersma, in Whitinsville, Mass. He is survived by his daughters, Debbie (Phil) Jackson; Betsy (Doug Lane) Wiersma; Nancy (Steve) Wright.

Cliff lived in Indianapolis from 1962-1982, when they relocated to Fort Myers, Fl., where he worked in Commercial

Real Estate. Retiring to Fishers, Indiana in 2012, Cliff became an active member of the Senior Citizens Organization of Noblesville.

The Senior Center was the hub of social activities, bridge games and many new friends for Cliff in his later years, and after the passing of Norma. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cliff’s honor may be sent by mail to the Senior Citizens Organization, Inc; 18336 Cumberland Road, Noblesville, IN 46060.

metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain) patient

Goodrich

Fishers girls tennis concludes successful run

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Fishers High School girls tennis coach Dave Heffern was feeling a bit of deja vu.

look over the other player’s strengths and weaknesses and try to play into that.”

Heffern said Briggs can play any style.

SPORTS

The Tigers lost to Carmel 4-1 in the IHSAA state semifinals June 3 at Center Grove High School. Carmel then edged South Bend St. Joseph in the final.

Fishers had lost to the Greyhounds 5-0 in the 2022 state championship at Center Grove.

“Same scenario, same courts,” said Heffern, whose team finished with a 20-3 record.

Fishers also lost to Carmel 4-1 May 11.

“We’re playing them better, just fell short at the other positions,” Heffern said. “I just have one senior. I think we have a good program going now. We’ve just got to keep working on it.”

The Tigers made their first trip to the state finals in 2021, losing to Jasper in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinals, the Tigers got their lone point at No. 1 singles, where sophomore Mischa Briggs topped Carmel’s Nora Perkins,

“She can hit hard for a short girl. She has such good hands and control of the ball with her slicing and drop shots,” Heffern said. “She’s been one of my most intelligent players since Katie Martzoff.”

Martzoff won four singles titles (19982001) while Heffern coached at Park Tudor. Under Heffern, Park Tudor’s girls won six team titles.

The

girls tennis team made it to the state semifinals June 3. (Photo courtesy of Fishers High School)

6-2, 6-1.

“I had an ear problem, and I was feeling really sick,” Briggs said. “I got on the court and I was feeling a lot better. I was playing my game and it was going well.”

Briggs remained unbeaten in the postseason and advanced to the state singles quarterfinals, which were scheduled to begin June 9.

Briggs said she has improved on her serves and overhead shots.

“I think more of my overheads are going in this season,” she said. “Before a match, I

Fishers’ other loss this season was against North Central, but Heffern said he was missing two starters in that match. The Tigers then beat North Central 3-2 in the regional final.

The Tigers’ lone 2023 graduate is Izzy Mokra, who finished with a 20-5 record at No. 2 singles.

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Caroline Ober, who will be a senior, had a 14-4 record at No. 3 singles.

The No. 1 doubles team of Emma Beehler and Cassie Maurer, and No. 2 team of Maddie Barron and Meredith Ober were juniors this past season.

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Unique Quality Merchandise for Everyone!

2003 Pleasant St. Noblesville, IN 46060

Free Admission Hamilton County Fairgrounds

Unique Quality Merchandise for Everyone!

Free Admission Hamilton Fairgrounds

Hosted By Spooner Markets

2003 Pleasant St. Noblesville, IN 46060

Free Admission

2003 Pleasant St. Noblesville,

“I think we’ll come back even stronger next year,” Briggs said.

Hamilton County Fairgrounds

Free Admission Hamilton County Fairgrounds

Hosted By Spooner Markets

Hosted By Spooner Markets

2003 Pleasant St. Noblesville, IN 46060

2003 Pleasant St. Noblesville, IN 46060

Hosted By Spooner Markets

Hosted By Spooner Markets

Fishers High School

Indy Biplanes take to the sky for good causes

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The joy of flying is one reason Monty Miller started Indy Biplanes.

CHARITY

However, the desire to give back to the community has become an even greater reason.

Miller launched Indy Biplanes about five years ago, but the aviation group took off in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When people saw their formation, Miller said they got requests for flyovers when people were at home during the lockdown period in the spring of 2020.

“In 2020, we did 90 flyovers for charities of one kind or another,” the 58-year-old Carmel resident said. “There are 13 different charities we’ve done. We do the Carmel Farmers Market and Carmel Christkindlmarkt. We never charge anything. It’s 100 percent free. We’re similar to the Blue Angels, except we’re in biplanes and amateurs.”

Amid the pandemic, air travel was down 60 percent in the U.S. in 2020, so commercial airline pilots’ work was scaled back and they had more free time.

During 2020, the group even did some flyovers for kids’ birthday parties.

That has become scaled back because of the cost of gas and the time commitment. In addition to the larger charities, Miller said the group mainly performs flyovers for funerals of veterans or first responders, and weddings.

Indy Biplanes is based at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport in Fishers.

A biplane is a fixed-wing aircraft with two main wings stacked above each other.

Miller said the biplanes, which weigh approximately 1,000 pounds and cruise about 140 mph, are worth between $30,000 and $100,000. Miller was in the crop-dusting business for 22 years and has worked at an aerospace firm for 12 years.

“We try (to fly) three or four times a week during the summer if the weather is good, because it is a perishable skill,” he said. “If we don’t have a flyover to do, then we’re training.”

The main period for flyovers starts in late April or early May. They have been invited to some air shows.

The pilots don’t fly if it is too windy or during thunderstorms.

Indy Biplanes has six full-time pilots, and one who has a military plane that is a little larger. The other two pilots are stand-ins or ones that will borrow a biplane.

“The things we do that require a lot of maneuvering we’ll do with just two biplanes, like gender reveals,” he said. “If they are going to sing the national anthem, we try to show up with four or five (biplanes) for the flyover. Five is our best-looking formation.”

Don Anderson is one of the biplane pilots. Anderson, who already had his own plane for his company, Carriage Cleaners, saw the biplanes fly over his Fishers home.

“I found their hangar was three doors down from my hangar,” Anderson said. “I wanted to know what these guys are all about. I said, ’This looks fun.’ They said, ‘You ought to buy one and go with us, so I did.’ They took me under their wing to train me. It’s an extraordinary amount of training.”

Anderson said it has been an amazing experience.

“It’s a great camaraderie of friends,” Anderson said. “In what we do, you are literally trusting the man next to you with your life since we fly close together. We build great friendships. We are extremely well-known in the Fishers, Carmel and Noblesville area because they see us all the time. It’s nice to be a silent, little local celebrity, but no one knows it’s you. You go and help people raise money, honor veterans, fallen police officers. You go out and do these things and no one knows who you are. It’s a unique, fun way to be part of the community.”

For more, visit Indy Biplanes on Facebook.

The planes are kept at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport in Fishers. (Photo by Adam Seif)

MYSTERY SNAPSHOT CHALLENGE

Hey there, folks! Take a good look at this zoomed-in image we’ve snagged from a spot in Fishers. We want you to channel your inner Sherlock and head over to youarecurrent.com/mysterysnapshot to submit your best guess about where this photo was taken. Ready for the challenge? Check back next week for the answer. Below is an example from a popular roundabout sculpture in Carmel.

MYSTERY SNAPSHOT CHALLENGE EXAMPLE

“Morning Sun” by artist Brad Howe is in the roundabout at Range Line Road and Lowe’s Way. In late 2022, the $209,000 sculpture moved 2 miles north from its original location at Range Line Road and Executive Drive.

PUZZLE ANSWERS SPONSORED BY SHEPHERD INSURANCE

The Pursuit Institute – Pre-Nursing Program

Pre-Nursing is one of the programs in the health sciences pathway. The Pursuit Institute partners with All Heart Nurse Aid Training Center to offer a Pre-Nursing Capstone experience. Below is a snapshot of the program from both the student and instructor perspective.

Who would you recommend taking these courses?

INSTRUCTOR

Students who have already taken and passed the CNA certification and are looking to pursue a career in healthcare.

Would this program be good for students who want to go to college?

INSTRUCTOR

Absolutely. Nursing education has little “hands on” practice with this skill. This course provides a good opportunity to master the skills they may need for their job.

What about students who want to work right after high school?

INSTRUCTOR

Yes, this course teaches them a skillset that can help them land gainful employment right after or during school.

What types of jobs would align with students who may find this coursework interesting?

INSTRUCTOR

Skills acquired in the course can be utilized to start working in a lab setting, or used in nursing.

What does an average day look like in the program?

STUDENT

An average day for me included meeting with my teacher, understanding our work for the day and practicing blood draws. When I started the program, I practiced with a rubber arm, drawing water out of it. It was actually harder to draw from the fake arm than an actual person’s arm. Once I was in the hospital setting, I continued to draw blood but also worked in the lab and saw different aspects of the hospital.

Student - Madison Brown

Year in School - 2023 graduate of Hamilton Heights High School

Anticipated Plan After GraduationAttend Ball State University to become an RN.

Instructor - Nicole Aber, President All Heart Nurse Aide Training Center LLC

What kind of hands-on activities did you participate in?

STUDENT

The hands-on activities we did included actually drawing blood, first at the nursing home then in the hospital. We also learned how to process the blood in the lab. I didn’t think it would be something I enjoyed, but I enjoy doing that more than I did being in the outpatient lab drawing blood.

What makes this different than traditional classes offered at most high schools?

STUDENT

This was a lot different than a normal high school class because it didn’t really ever feel like class. You got to build relationships and work with people who had been working in this field for a while. I also learned about the workplace and how people do things differently and still get the job done.

INSTRUCTOR

This class is mainly off campus, and it is a true “hands-on” experience. This course allows the student to qualify to sit for a national exam and gain employment through Riverview Health.

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Birds: CARDINAL, CROW, EAGLE, HAWK, OWL, ROBIN; Gadgets: GRATER, PEELER, SPATULA, TONGS, WHISK; Products: BUTTER, CHEESE, CREAM, MILK; Cities: BROWNSBURG, GREENWOOD, WHITELAND; Teams: COLTS, PACERS; Chancellor: ANDREW KLEIN

To learn more about The Pursuit Institute, scan our QR code.

(Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

SPARKTACULAR SPECTACLE

June 24 is the grand finale for Spark!Fishers 2023

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Spark!Fishers used to be a one-day event, with everything happening on a Saturday. Although the festival now is spread over a four-day period, there’s still a full schedule of activities on the final day of the festival, June 24, at the Nickel Plate District in downtown Fishers.

You don’t have to get up early, though. The celebration starts at 3 p.m., and events last through 10 p.m., said Fishers Parks and Recreation Director Marissa Deckert.

“Years ago, we started earlier but found that the community was really ready to come out after lunch and then stay through 10 p.m.,” she said. “So, we’ve kind of adjusted over the years and landed on 3 to 10 as really good time periods.”

The street fair begins at 3 p.m., with a mix of food vendors, artisans, local businesses and activities for kids and teens. Deckert said the city offers a Kids Zone and a Teen Zone to engage those age groups.

Deckert said the city wants everyone to be able to enjoy the four-day festival, and with that goal in mind has special backpacks that residents with sensory challenges can check out for the day. The backpack contains noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools and communication cards if someone is having a difficult time communicating their needs.

The city also has special parking very close to the event space for people with physical disabilities.

The big parade, with a new route, will start at 6 p.m. It includes local businesses, all the big rigs that kids love to look at, Shriners zooming around in their mini cars and school bands, and the grand marshal will be Indy Fuel owner Jim Hallett with mascot Nitro.

Deckert said the new parade route will go through downtown and onto the main road.

“We’ve always kind of interwoven through neighborhoods (in the past),” she said. “This year, we’re going to go straight through kind of the heart of downtown and then take the parade completely down 116th Street, which is really the main thoroughfare for Fishers. It’ll go all the way from Lantern Road to Allisonville Road down 116th Street.”

The festival closes with an aerial drone show, the first of its kind in central Indiana. Deckert said when the idea first was pitched, she had a difficult time envisioning why it would be cool. Then she saw some demonstrations by the company, which has done similar shows for events such as Lollapalooza.

“We have over 200 drones that light up at night and can create this synchronized kind of routine,” she said. “We’re working on exactly what we want the logos or images to be. But in quick succession, they can create all of these different things. So, it could go from an American flag to a guitar to an alien.”

The drone show will be synchronized to music. The best spot

to watch and listen will be near the Nickel Plate Amphitheater, Deckert said.

A short fireworks display will follow the drone show.

MORE INFO

For more coverage of Spark!Fishers, see pages 19-21

SPARK!FISHERS 2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

June 20

• Free community concert with Jukebox Luke, starting at 7 p.m. at the Nickel Plate Amphitheater.

June 21

• Spark!Fishers 5K, starting at 6:30 p.m. for the Kids Dash, and 7 p.m. for the main event. Each participant receives a medal, race shirt and free beverage for the after party, which runs until 9 p.m. at the Nickel Plate Amphitheater. Sponsored by IU Health and Mashcraft Brewing.

June 22

• Spark!Fishers Car & Art Show, starting at 6 p.m. around the Central Green at the Nickel Plate District. One-of-a-kind championship belts will be awarded to cars that win “Judge’s Choice” and “People’s Choice.” A one-of-kind award made in our Parks Maker Playground will be awarded to the car that wins “Best of Show.” Sponsors are the Fishers Arts Council, Jiffy Lube of Indiana and Central Indiana Honda Dealer.

June 23

• Free community concert with an artist to be determined, starting at 7 p.m. at the Nickel Plate Amphitheater

June 24

• 3-10 p.m. - A street festival around the Nickel Plate District will offer live performances and music on the Nickel Plate Ampitheater Stage, activities for kids and teens, and booths with food and refreshments. Pre-registration is required for access to kids inflatables at sparkfishers.com.

• 6 p.m. - Parade starts.

• 10 p.m. - Aerial Drone Show, the first in Central Indiana, with a Firework Finale

• Saturday festival sponsors are IU Health, WTHR, DMC Insurance, Ed Martin and 31Svn Street Dance Academy.

(Map/graphic of June 24 events courtesy of the City of Fishers)

ON THE COVER: Guests enjoy a previous Spark!Fishers street fair. (File Photo)

Festival event highlights cars and artists

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

A fairly new Spark!Fishers event has grown in popularity the past couple of years, with thousands of people attending the 2022 Car & Art Show at the Nickel Plate District in Fishers.

The event this year is set for 6 to 9 p.m. June 22 at the Central Green on 116th Street. Fishers Parks and Recreation Director Marissa Deckert said the event, sponsored by Jiffy Lube of Indiana, had more than 60 classic cars last year for people to admire, and more than 40 local artists selling their work and demonstrating their techniques.

Participants can vote for their favorite classic car, get some ice cream or a beverage, and support local artists.

“We are thrilled with how this event has grown each year,” Deckert said. “And one of our favorite things kind of happened unintentionally. When we were closing down for the night, we opened up the gates to have everybody leave, (and) the cars drove out onto 116th Street. And it was a really, really cool experience to have all of these classic cars, kind of as a parade down 116th Street. We had folks lining up on either side of the street to watch them as they exited. So, we’re incorporating that now as an intentional exit plan to create this parade at the end of the event.”

Deckert said the Spark!Fishers Car & Art Show attracted about 5,000 people last year.

“It’s a great family event,” she said. “There’s lots of ways to interact for all ages. I love to see that kind of multigenerational (interaction). It’s cool to see the families come together, they get an ice cream, they’re checking out the cars and then we have so many local artists that are creating such cool work that don’t have an opportunity to showcase their work on a daily basis.”

Some of those artists will create paintings on site, she said, giving the public an opportunity to see the process in person.

“We are thrilled with how this event has grown each year.”

– MARISSA DECKERT

Spark!Fishers 5K reroutes onto Nickel Plate Trail

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Completion of the Fishers portion of the Nickel Plate Trail last year provided an opportunity to make the Spark!Fishers 5K fun run even more fun to run.

Fishers Parks and Recreation Director Marissa Deckert said the new race route will incorporate the trail, which is a bonus not only for the more than 1,000 runners, but for traffic in general, since it will mean fewer road closures during the June 21 race.

“The main course, it starts and finishes downtown, running up the trail across 126th and then down Lantern (Road), so it’s a pretty great loop that isn’t impacting traffic significantly,” she said.

The trail will now take up about a third of the race route, or about a mile. That’s for the main event, but the race is more than just a 5K.

“We’ve got a couple of different activities,” Deckert said. “We’ve got the kids’ dash starting at 6:30 p.m., and then we have our 5K that starts at 7. And new this year, we’ve created an after-party, so there’ll be a live DJ and games and food.”

Race participants will receive a voucher for one free beverage during the after-party, she said, but the event

The Spark!Fishers 5k route includes a portion of the Nickel Plate Trail. (File Photo)

is open to everyone. The after-party kicks off at 7:15 p.m., and lasts through 9 p.m., and is sponsored by IU Health and Mashcraft Brewing, which will be on-site for the party.

Deckert said the after-party idea came about when the city decided to switch the race to an evening event, rather than a morning run.

“When we did that, we thought this is a perfect opportunity for families that are coming out to be able to engage,” she said. “Even if you’re not running the 5K, but you’re supporting somebody that’s running the 5K, you can still participate in the event happening that night.”

The after party will include a DJ spinning tunes, yard games, interactive games and food and beverage vendors.

Spark!Fishers offers two free community concerts

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Fishers residents love their concerts, and the Spark!Fishers festival gives them two opportunities to celebrate music, along with everything else that makes Fishers a great place to live.

Fishers Parks and Recreation Director Marissa Deckert said Jukebox Luke will kick off the Spark!Fishers celebration June 20 with a free concert starting at 7 p.m. at the Nickel Plate Amphitheater in downtown Fishers.

Jukebox Luke is new to the Nickel Plate Amphitheater, Deckert said. It is a Bloomington-based band that plays throughout the region, she said. It’s a cover band that plays well-known songs from a variety of eras.

“You’ll hear all of the classics that you know, new and old,” she said. “It will span the ages of teenagers up to our senior community. You will hear songs that you recognize.”

Another concert, set for June 23, also starts at 7 p.m. at the Nickel Plate Am-

Free concerts are planned June 20 and 23 at the Nickel Plate Amphitheater. (File Photo) phitheater. The performer had not been confirmed by Current’s deadline and will be announced by the city at a later time.

Deckert said the community’s free concerts are very popular and generally draw up to 4,000 audience members. In addition to the music, the city arranges to have food trucks on site, along with alcohol vendors, ice cream, snacks and treats and games for the whole family to enjoy.

“So, you can come participate even if you’re not participating in the main party,” she said.

READERS’ VIEWS

Article shines light on real needs of teachers, schools

Editor,

I would like to thank the staff of Current in Carmel for their excellent reporting in the May 23 edition about HB 1177. Specifically, I appreciate Current’s reporting on one of the most concerning aspects of this legislation — the funding for this program is coming from the state’s budget at a time when our schools and teachers are begging for more financial support.

The authors of the most recent Indiana state budget claim they are investing in Indiana’s schools by providing an 8 percent increase in overall K-12 school funding. But many school districts, like Carmel Clay Schools, will not actually see that increase. The state’s two-year budget also provides a 69 percent funding increase for voucher schools in the first year and 14 percent the second year. Carmel schools will see only a 5.5 percent increase the first year and an even smaller 1.5 percent

Value of blue-chip relationships

Commentary by Terry Anker

increase the second.

Additionally, for many schools, new requirements in the budget effectively represent an unfunded mandate. The state is now requiring schools to pay the tuition and fees for students that have previously been parents’ responsibility. This is an important win for Hoosier parents, but Indiana’s supermajority did not provide schools with enough extra money to cover these new costs. Schools, like CCS, are left on their own to figure out how to cover this budget gap.

With our continued teacher shortages and rising inflation, I hope next year our legislature can find a way to truly support teachers and meet our schools’ budgetary needs.

Matt McNally, Westfield, candidate for Indiana House District 39

ESSAY

Although the specific attribution may wobble a bit, it is likely that famed turn-ofthe-last-century German-born theoretical physicist and allaround smart guy Albert Einstein said, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it.” As in most things, the crazy-haired thinker was right on target.

If we could have managed in 1993 to put $1,000 into our stock market’s Dow Jones Industrial Average and left it there until today, we would be able to walk up to an ATM and extract almost $14,000, so much that it might take a while to get it all, given the daily automatic teller cash withdraw limits. Still, increasing 14 times is remarkable. Adjusted for inflation, it would still bring $8,600. Incomes, depending on who you ask, during the same period increased between 125 percent and 150 percent. Not adjusting for inflation, 1,400 percent in the market beats what we might have managed in working, which produced less than 1 per-

cent of the growth. There has been much said about how the benefit of these kinds of returns may not be available to all and that there are countless specifics to be considered. Yet, the math is irrefutable. What other investments might likewise produce outsized benefit? Is it better to own household objects longer, business assets, land or automobiles? The equations may vary, but what of pets, people and institutions? If old friends are indeed the best friends, why? Are long-term relationships like investing in an early retirement plan? Are the dividends beyond what we’d likely find in other forms of income? Is a 40-year marriage more valuable than one of 10 years? Perhaps it depends on the stocks purchased and the investment discipline followed. Are we hanging on to our bluechip relationships or risking a tech bubble?

Can feel stupid in a Jiffy

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

I hate feeling stupid or, more specifically, being perceived as stupid. Call it vanity. My recent trip to Jiffy Lube is a case in point. I went in for an oil change and came away questioning my cognitive abilities.

HUMOR

First, I misread the hand signals of the guy attempting to direct me into the right spot. I very nearly drove my great white whale of a van into the pit. Next, because I was embarrassed, I struggled to locate the hood pop. Oops, that was the gas tank. Best of all, I tried to take the keys with me into the waiting room. “Ma’am, we’re going to need those.” Ugh. By the time I got to the obligatory, “Would you like to replace your air filter for $29.99?” I was a hot mess. I stood stock-still for probably 30 seconds trying to decide if I really needed a new one or if I was being scammed because I’d come off as an idiot.

This is exactly why I normally let my husband Doo handle the things that are outside my comfort zone — car and tech stuff, for starters, but also the boring big-ticket house items like HVAC, siding and the god-awful plumbing. I want to be seen as a strong, capable, intelligent woman, but whenever I have to talk to the contractor about electrical issues or to the aforementioned automotive people about my transmission, I get nervous and end up sounding like a do-do head.

But why do I even care? I am stupid when it comes to cars. I just don’t want Derek at Jiffy Lube thinking this! Yep, pure vanity.

Peace out.

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

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

“This is exactly why I normally let my husband Doo handle the things that are outside my comfort zone.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

How can I get your number

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

at the bank.”

There was a pause on the phone … a long one.

HUMOR

I’m a big “60 Minutes” fan. I remember watching the premier show in 1968. The producer of that show was Don Hewitt, an alumnus of New Rochelle High School where I graduated in 1965. The high school has a list of famous graduates and Don is listed along with 29 other people. I must have been No. 31 because I couldn’t find my name. Recently, “60 Minutes” did a show about artificial intelligence, and the story focused on how some of these AI programs can mimic someone’s voice and be used to trick people into sending money or giving out personal information over the phone. This freaked out my wife, who is very concerned about having her identity stolen. She is not worried about my identity being stolen because, to quote Mary Ellen, “I don’t think anyone would want to be you.”

She is very paranoid about this kind of stuff. She shreds everything, convinced that people will rifle through our garbage to find vital information.

“Mary Ellen, why are you shredding our junk mail?” I asked her.

“Dick, I don’t want people to know our address.”

“Well, if unsavory people are going through our trash at the curb, they can figure out where we live, because we live right behind the trash.”

Now, because of the “60 Minutes” story, she has heightened concerns about privacy. I called her the other day to ask a question.

“Hi, Mary Ellen, It’s Dick. I need your Social Security number to fill out a form here

“Hmm, when you call you never say, ‘It’s Dick.’ You always say ‘Hi, it’s me.’ Now, who is this?”

“It’s your husband. Now, can you give me the Social Security number, please?”

“I have a couple of questions before I give out this highly sensitive information. What is your brother’s name?”

“Peter, of course.”

“And where were you born?”

“New Rochelle. Look, if this is some kind of an IQ or memory test, you need to make the questions a lot tougher.”

“This is my way of checking if it’s really you. With all the new technology available, a crook could be calling me and making his voice sound like yours.”

“OK, Mary Ellen, you may ask one more question. Make it a good one.”

“OK, Dick — or whoever you are — when we got married, we stayed in a magnificent vacation spot in Big Sur, Calif. You said it was the most romantic, glorious hotel you had ever been in and it was a weekend you would never forget. What was the name of the hotel?”

“I don’t have a clue.”

“Oh, good it’s definitely you! It’s 897-006-0000!”

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

Jr. Civic Theatre performers ready to make headlines with ‘Disney’s Newsies Jr.’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Nya Beck, there couldn’t be a better show to end her Jr. Civic Theatre career with than “Newsies.”

‘BEAUTY & THE BEAST’

“Beauty & the Beast” runs through July 9 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY’

MUSICAL

“It’s my all-time favorite show ever,” Beck said. “I grew up as a dancer, so the dancing in every production I see of this show appeals to me. I love the storyline as well.”

Beck, who will be a Fishers High School freshman, plays Katherine, a reporter, in “Disney’s Newsies Jr.” June 23-28 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“I like that she is very spunky,” Beck said. “She’s very intelligent and knows what she wants. She is kind of cunning as well.”

Beck said she enjoys performing “King of New York.” But she enjoys watching the newsies perform “Seize the Day.”

“I’m very thankful (the role) became available,” Beck said. “I would have taken anything to be in this one. I just wanted the opportunity to be in the show, I didn’t care which role.”

Beck is the daughter of Anne Beck, who coordinates Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program. Beck choreographed “Newsies” when Civic presented it in 2019.

The Jr. Civic show is for ages up to 14. The YAP is for high school students. Nya Beck also will appear in YAP’s “Mean Girls” July 27-30.

Andrew Horras plays Jack Kelly, the leader of the newsies.

“He’s very witty,” said Horras, who will be a Hamilton Southeastern High School freshman. “Jack Kelly never backs down from a challenge and wants to keep going and he wants to win. I feel like I can relate to that. I’m a better competitive person. I really enjoy playing him.”

This is the largest role for Horras, who has performed with Jr. Civic for three years.

Horras said “Once and for All” is his favorite number.

“Just standing there and looking powerful with a bunch of the newsies is fun,” he said. “Some songs are challenging.”

Horras said he had never seen the show until it was announced, and then he watched it.

“It’s a very ensemble-heavy show and they’re all enjoying it a lot,” he said.

Director Brent E. Marty said there are 44 performers in the cast.

“I think it’s the largest cast we’ve ever had,” Marty said. “The cast is very skilled. The talent base is improving every year. I think the people will be pleased with what they see if they know the show or don’t know the show.”

Thomas Murray, who will be a Zions-

ville Community High School freshman, plays Davey. Murray played Schwartz in “A Christmas Story: The Musical” in December of last year.

“I’ve always loved the music in ‘Newsies’ more than anything,” Murray said. “The music has such a nice ring to it. It’s very catchy.”

Murray said “Carrying the Banner” is a great way to open the show with the whole cast.”’

Daphne Pinchouck, a 10-year-old Fishers resident, plays Les.

“It’s a fun show,” said Pinchouck, whose favorite song is “King of New York.”  For more, visit civictheatre.org.

Main Street Productions presents “August: Osage County” through June 18 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

‘GODSPELL’

Carmel Community Players’ Rising Star production of “Godspell” is set for June 16 to 25 at the Ivy Tech Noblesville Auditorium. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Anthony Nunziata: Romance From Italy to Broadway” is set for 7:30 p.m. Jun 16-17 at Feinstein’s cabaret in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinhc.com.

‘SEE HOW THEY RUN’

Red Barn Summer Theatre’s production of “See How They Run” will be presented through June 18 at the Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre. net.

DISPATCH

Summer Shine exhibit showcases individual artists —The Fishers Arts Council features a new community exhibit called “Summer Shine” through June. Bold colors, big statements and love are the aim of the exhibit. “Having 22 artists on display is amazing,” Fishers Art Council Executive Director Les Reinhardt stated. “The only time we have ever had more artists in the gallery is during our annual Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists.” Artists from Fishers, McCordsville, Noblesville, Carmel, Beech Grove, Indianapolis and Bloomington are represented on the FAC Hub Gallery walls that reside inside the Collaboration Hub at Hamilton County Community Foundation. The exhibit is open for viewing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Fridays by appointment by contacting the Fishers Arts Council.

From left, Andrew Horras, Sadie Cohen and Nya Beck appear in “Newsies.” (Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)

CCP set for ‘Godspell’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern High School student Nick Lantzer found himself inspired by the music of “Godspell.”

Beer & Wine PARADE SPONSOR

“There is something about the energy of the music that attracted me to it,” Lantzer said.

MUSICAL

Lantzer, who will be a junior this school year, plays Judas and John the Baptist in Carmel Community Players’ Rising Star production of “Godspell,” which is set for June 16 to 25 at the Ivy Tech Noblesville Auditorium.

Lantzer’s favorite number is “All for the Best.”

“It’s a classic song from ‘Godspell’ that has entered pop culture,” Lantzer said. “It’s always a fun song when you get to have choreography with canes.”

The 1971 musical was composed by Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote “Pippin” and “Wicked.” The song “Day by Day” became an international hit.

“There’s not a straight story line,” said Tanya Haas, a Carmel resident who is directing. “It takes pieces of the Gospel ac-

cording to Matthew. The songs and scenes are ways of telling stories from Matthew’s Gospel without using straight biblical languages. It’s told with dancing, jokes and magic. We’ve been working hard on the music. We are trying to make it so all the kids are comfortable singing.

Isabella Bardos, who will be a freshman at Noblesville High School this fall, performed in last year’s CCP Rising Star production of “Medley of Murder.” Bardos plays Anna Maria, one of the disciples.

“I think the biggest challenge is the Prodigal Son parable, which is a long piece of text to try to remember,” Bardos said.  For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

Actor a natural to play Lewis

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

His band is called Jefferson McDonald’s Great Balls of Fire, but that’s only part of the story.

MEDIA SPONSORS

Jefferson McDonald plays

MUSICAL

“There is a common misconception that I am a Jerry Lee Lewis tribute artist,” McDonald said. “I play everything, starting with classical music as a youngster, and it was only during the pandemic that I started playing 1950s rock ‘n’ roll shows under a variety of names. I was going out as Jefferson McDonald and his Rockabilly Buddies for a while. I recorded an album at my cousin’s studio called ‘Memphis.’ Prior to the pandemic, I had penned a musical called ‘Jerry Lee Lewis VS Jerry Lee Lewis.’

“My show that I tour on cruise ships is called Jefferson McDonald’s Great Balls of Fire, but it covers a wide variety of artists, from Ray Price to Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and, of course, Jerry Lee Lewis.”

Fittingly, McDonald will portray Lewis and serve as music director for the Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Million Dollar

Jerry Lee Lewis in ATI’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet.” (Photo courtesy of Hubert Schreibl)

Quartet,” set for 7:30 p.m. June 16-17 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

McDonald has performed productions of “Million Dollar Quartet” at several venues.

“It’s been quite a blessing to do this show, and it’s been a wonderful introduction to some incredible theaters,” he said. “Some of them have brought me back for many productions. When I initially auditioned for ‘Million Dollar Quartet,’ I was intrigued by the role of Jerry Lee Lewis as I thought it was just hilariously written. For more, visit atistage.org.

The cast of “Godspell” at a rehearsal. (Photo courtesy of Tanya Haas)

New comedy a winner

Commentary by Julieanna Childs

Writer and director Nicole Holofcener delivers another win in a sharp and perceptive story about our insecurities and the little white lies we tell to protect the people we love. Her newest film, “You Hurt My Feelings,” explores the occasional dilemma facing us in relationships: When is it better to lie than tell the truth? The result is a deliciously entertaining comedy that taps into something recognizably human.

Beth unexpectantly overhears Don confessing that he doesn’t like her new book. He’s supportive and encouraging as he reads over the drafts but doesn’t like any of them.

MOVIE REVIEW

The main story focuses on Beth (played by the lovely Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a semi-successful writer working on her new book. Her previous memoir was a mediocre success, although none of her students have read it. She’s laden with self-doubt and worries that her agent doesn’t think the new book is worth publishing.

Meanwhile, her husband, Don (Tobias Menzies), is a psychotherapist who isn’t helping anybody. Wrestling with aging and uncertainty, he assesses his work’s relevance to his patients.

The bombshell of the film is not an affair but a confession that disrupts their marriage.

Beth is totally devastated. She knows she’s probably an unexceptional writer, and her husband’s a crummy therapist. But the realization that he doesn’t really like her work is a blow to the gut, leaving Beth questioning her trust in him.

Blended with superb pacing by editor Alisa Lepselter, the film delivers a smashingly good adult comedy you rarely see in theaters anymore. Holofcener supplies endless laughs, including cuts of David Cross and Amber Tamblyn as a quarreling couple that Don is treating quite unsuccessfully.

Although there are big problems in the world, “You Hurt My Feelings” has a lesson for all of us: It’s OK to fret over the little intrusive troubles in our lived-in bubbles.

During the past 14 years, Julieanna Childs has worked as a film studio representative, contracting for all the major Hollywood studios. Her film reviews can be found at TheJujuReview.com. She is a Hamilton County resident.

Where’s Amy?

Where’s Amy attended Indiana Ballet Conservatory‘s production of “Fairy Doll” June 3 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. It tells the story of a mechanical doll that comes to life. The IBC dancers put on an outstanding show. Save the date of Nov. 25-26 for “The Nutcracker.”

MUSIC BY Alan Menken

BOOK BY Harvey Fierstein LYRICS BY Jack Feldman

WRITTEN BY Bob Tzudiker and Noni White

ORIGINALLY

BY Disney Theatrical Productions

Amy Pauszek is a photographer, award winning film producer and scouting and casting associate for Talent Fusion Agency in Indianapolis. She can be reached at Amy@ youarecurrent.com. To see more of her photos, visit currentnightandday.com.

From left, IBC students Maura Wheeler (Indianapolis), Ryo Matsunami (Fishers), Aurora Ausserer (Indianapolis) and Abigail Kimball (Fishers). (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

Blueprint for Improvement: A stylish and spacious culinary haven

Commentary by Larry Greene

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

THE BLUEPRINT

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

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

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

• The pearlescent finish on the backsplash tile adds an elevated feel with a touch of artisan charm.

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

LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’S STANDARD CONTRACT RIDER NO. 67 CREDITS ADJUSTMENT

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or about July 24, 2023, Duke Energy Indiana will submit an update to its Standard Contract Rider No. 67, Credits Adjustment (“Standard Contract Rider 67”) to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. Standard Contract Rider 67 provides the rate adjustment to 1.) adjust for 2022 reconciliation, 2.) refund the IGCC Property Tax Incentives, 3.) amortize Excess Accumulated

Deferred Income Taxes resulting from the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017, 4) refund resulting from the Rate Case Remand order (Cause No 45253), 5.) refund Step 2 rate adjustment from Duke Energy Indiana’s retail rate case (Cause No. 45253.), 6.) refund depreciation expense for the Gallagher Plant retirement, 7.) refund utility receipts tax, 8.) refund coal ash rate adjustment from Rate Case Remand order, and 9.) refund regulatory asset amortization. Standard Contract Rider 67 is applicable to all Duke Energy Indiana retail electric customers. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, Dana Kosco or Barbara A. Smith or Randall C. Helmen of the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission 101 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 317-232-2703

Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor PNC Center 115 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-232-2494.

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC By: Stan Pinegar, President

In accordance with 170 IAC 1-6 et seq., I hereby verify under the penalties of perjury that all affected customers have been notified as required under section 6 of the abovereferenced rule and pursuant to the attached legal notice, which was published in a newspaper of general circulation in Hamilton County, Indiana to the best of my knowledge, info1mation and belief.

In accordance with 170 IAC 1-6 et seq., I hereby verify under the penalties of perjury that all affected customers have been notified as required under section 6 of the abovereferenced rule and pursuant to the attached legal notice, which was published in a newspaper of general circulation in Hamilton County, Indiana to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC Stan Pinegar, President

Presidential words of wisdom

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Have you ever heard of a politician who is short on words? A terse politician is about as common as a dancing potato, and as unelectable as a vampire who wants to raise taxes.

and division. While certainly effective, Adams suggests these messages only do damage to the fabric of the U.S.

GRAMMAR GUY

Surely, presidents of the past have something to say about words, right? As surely as more politicians are announcing their presidential candidacies (with lots of words), voices of the past are echoing through the hallowed halls of government.

For the sake of staying apolitical, I won’t include any presidential quotes from the past 50 years; instead, I’m going to shed light on some of the words about words that have staying power.

In an 1819 letter, John Adams wrote, “Abuse of words has been the great instrument of sophistry and chicanery, of party, faction, and division of society.” In essence, Adams here is railing against the abilities of people, parties and politicians to use words to promote wedges

Speaking to an audience in Oyster Bay, N.Y., in 1915, Theodore Roosevelt said, “I have a perfect horror of words that are not backed up by deeds.” The meaning here is about as plain as it gets. Teddy didn’t mince words, although he gave many speeches throughout his political career. Here Roosevelt basically says, “If you’re going to talk the talk, you’d better walk the walk.” It’s a warning against those who are all talk.

As we enter another presidential campaign cycle, I believe we should heed these words about words from former U.S. presidents. Pay attention to what candidates say and measure them against what they have done.

A visit to Fairbanks, Alaska

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, we begin a tour of Alaska with the first of two stops in Fairbanks, the northern-most city in the United States, about 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle.

TRAVEL

In 1901, E.T. Barnette established Fairbanks as a trading post, trading with the native Athabascan people. After Felix Pedro, an Italian immigrant, found gold in a nearby stream in July 1902, prospectors began coming to Fairbanks, named for Indiana Sen. Charles Fairbanks, later United States vice president. Miners dug 100-foot-deep shafts in the permafrost to reach ancient stream beds and then constructed horizontal drifts along the gold seam. By 1905, the Fairbanks Mining District supported 10,000 prospectors, panning for gold on 1,500 streams.

After a fire in 1906 destroyed most of the town, it was rebuilt with more substantial one- and two-story buildings, many of which survive. By the 1920s, individual miners, called “drifters,” were replaced by dredges that mechanically separated gold from sand and gravel. In the 1950s, most gold-mining operations ceased when

the dredging process became uneconomical. During the building of the 800-mile Trans-Alaska Pipeline system in the 1970s, Fairbanks, located near the mid-point of the pipeline, became a major supply center for workers and materials.

Today, Fairbanks is city of about 30,000 residents, who contend with temperatures as low as 50 degrees below zero in the winter and as high as 100 degrees in the summer. Winter visitors come to see the northern lights. Summer visitors can ride a reconstructed mining train to Goldstream Dredge No. 8, retired in 1959 after producing gold today worth about $15 billion. Visitors are instructed in gold panning techniques and most walk away with a few dollars’ worth of gold flecks. Visitors to the dredge can also observe a section of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline that rises from the ground nearby.

Trans-Alaska Pipeline system in Fairbanks.

Don Knebel is a local resident. For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

Curtis Honeycutt is a national award-winning, syndicated humor writer. Connect with him on Twitter (@curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.

Gold flecks in a pan in Fairbanks, Alaska.

(Photos by Don Knebel)

Across

1. Crackers stand-up performer

6. Lays down the lawn

10. Speaker’s platform

14. Be of service

15. Hot-and-cold fits

16. First 007 film

17. Old photo tint

18. Irving Theater poetry option

20. Colt or Pacer

21. Darling

23. IND flight info

24. UIndy URL ending

25. Not neg.

26. Pesters

28. PU military org.

30. Palindromic man’s name

33. Canine command

34. ‘60s psychedelic

36. Word attached to “cold” or “lion”

39. Poe’s “eternally”

41. Fishers HS trig class

functions

42. Numero ___

43. Clinton’s veep

44. Understands

46. [Oh, well]

50. Polar region

53. “For ___ a jolly good fellow”

55. IU Health scan

56. Opposite of WNW

57. Provide with food

60. Bic product

61. Candy with a hole in the middle

63. Dog-___ (like some book pages)

65. Tea type

66. Prepared to drive at Crooked Stick

67. Unaccompanied

68. No-goodniks

69. Fashion Mall store, for short

70. Local team found in the puzzle’s circles

Down

1. “The Friendly Ghost”

2. Go too far

35. ___ Lanka

37. Makes smile

38. Indiana State Senator

Alting

39. Crammed down someone’s throat

40. Chill (out)

41. Mediterranean island

43. Irish tongue

45. Glutton’s serving at the buffet table

47. Off-the-cuff stuff

48. Linton’s county

49. Impede

51. ___ and outs

52. Ex-US Senator from Indiana who was Trump’s Director of National Intelligence

54. Bundle of wheat

58. Eye part

59. Smell bad

62. Some Current staffers, briefly

64. Union Brewing Company brew

5

3

1

Answers on Page 17

3. Plan in detail

4. Indianapolis trio?

5. Necklace fastener

6. Most secure

7. Storybook monster

8. Musical pair

9. “Try to ___ my way”

10. HST follower

11. One wearing cuffs in the back of an IMPD cruiser

12. Alternatively

13. “A piece of cake!”

19. Flying geese formation

22. Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer who played at Purdue and coached at ISU (and UCLA)

27. 2022 World Series champs

29. Where hangers hang

31. This and that

32. ‘Neath’s opposite

4 Dairy Products

“Colorful” Indiana Cities

2 Indy Pro Teams

Kitchen Gadgets

IUPUI Interim Chancellor