February 27, 2024 — Fishers

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Southwest corner of 116th & I-69

Keep Spring’s warm-up on track with Spicy Meatballs!

Fishers plans Disability Awareness Month events for March

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The City of Fishers is celebrating Disability Awareness Month throughout March with numerous activities and events highlighting the challenges faced by people with disabilities and how the community can improve accessibility for everyone.

EVENTS

Cecilia Coble is co-chair of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability and president of the Fishers City Council. She said she first got involved advocating for people with disabilities in part because her daughter has autism and intellectual disabilities. Another close family member uses a wheelchair, so Coble is also familiar with the challenges faced by people with physical disabilities.

“So, this is near and dear to my heart, and it’s something I was very passionate about trying to make a difference at when I got elected to the city council,” she said. “We’re really fortunate here in Fishers that we have a supportive mayor and city, and we’ve now been able to help other cities form their advisory councils and their advisory committees.”

Coble said all the major cities in Hamilton County now have similar advisory committees, and she hopes to work collaboratively with them, share best practices and make a difference countywide.

Through the committee’s work, she said, Fishers has been able to provide more accessible housing opportunities, started a social club for young adults called Thrive, worked with the business community to increase employment for people with disabilities and reviewed plans for public buildings and spaces to maximize accessibility.

Fishers also now has a day program for people with disabilities — Outside the Box, a nonprofit that provides activities and other opportunities. It will be housed at the new Fishers Community Center once that planned facility is completed in 2026.

Fishers events planned for Disability Awareness Month include:

• Kickoff and awards ceremony — 8:30 a.m. March 1 at Launch Fishers’ theater. Stacey Oldham, Fishers resident and Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability board member will present the keynote address as she shares the story of her 40-year journey with multiple sclerosis. Annual Inclusion and Accessibility Awards will be given to those who inspire and advocate for the disability community. No registration is required for this free event.

• Fishers Parks Storywalk for the month of March features the book “Just Ask” by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Families can read the book and take a short self-guided walk at Brooks School Park, 11780 Brooks School Rd.

• Fishers Arts Council’s Disability Awareness Art Exhibition during the month of March features the work of artists with different abilities. The Second Friday reception is set for 6 p.m. March 8

at the Hub Gallery, 11810 Technology Dr.

• OneZone March lunch, set for 11:30 a.m. at the Forum Events Center, features a panel of local employers who will share their experiences hiring individuals with disabilities. In the lobby after the luncheon, attendees can participate in a reverse job fair with prospective employees. To register, visit onezonechamber.com.

• An employment fair to help people with disabilities draft a resume, learn interview skills and more is set for 9-11 a.m. March 15 at Grace Church, 12450 Olio Rd. Registration is requested for this free event at fishersIN.gov/

DisabilityAwareness.

• A Hamilton County Transition Fair, set for 6 p.m. March 27 at Hamilton Southeastern High School, will feature agencies and providers who support people with special needs. No registration is required. Enter at Door 18.

• Various programs will be offered at Hamilton East Public Library. For details, visit hamiltoneastpl.org.

The Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability at its awards ceremony in 2023. The upcoming awards ceremony is set for 8:30 a.m. March 1 at Launch Fishers’ theater. (Photo courtesy of Cecilia Coble)

Carmel Democrat files for congress

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Democrat Ryan Pfenninger wants to bring his entrepreneurial spirit to Congress. He filed Feb. 9 to run in Indiana’s 5th District and will face Deborah A. Pickett in the May 7 primary.

ELECTION

Pfenninger has launched multiple tech companies, most recently co-founding tech startup Overfuel Inc., a digital platform for auto dealers.

“In the tech world, when something is broken, we don’t sit around and point fingers. We jump in, find the bugs and fix them,” he stated. “We have to solve problems to be successful. That’s why I’m running. Politics is broken, but no one in Washington wants to find common ground, figure out real solutions and deliver them back here to Indiana.”

A graduate of North Central High School, Pfenninger founded and sold his first business while a student at Indiana University. Before starting Overfuel, he worked as chief technology officer for Validity, an email marketing and data software company.

Among his campaign priorities are policies that promote economic prosperity and job growth, reduction of the national debt and freedom from governmental interference.

“I want my daughter to grow up in a country where her reproductive rights are safeguarded and all Americans are protected from discrimination,” he stated.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face one of 11 candidates vying for the seat on the Republican side. That includes incumbent Victoria Spartz, who decided to run for reelection this month after previously stating she would not run again.

Learn more about Pfenninger’s campaign at RyanForIndiana.com.

Fishers American Legion plans craft fair — The Fishers American Legion Post 470 has scheduled a Spring Craft Fair for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 4 at the Legion, 9091 E. 126th St. Anyone interested in renting a booth for the fair can get vendor information at the post or by emailing auxiliarypost470@gmail.com.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

2024 DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH KICK-OFF: FUELED FOR THE FUTURE

Friday, March 1 | 8:30 – 10 AM

FISHERS PARKS’ STORYWALK: JUST ASK

Daily, March 4 – 31 | Brooks School Park

FISHERS ARTS COUNCIL’S SECOND FRIDAY: MARCH

DISABILITY AWARENESS ART EXHIBITION

Friday, March 8 | 6– 9 PM |

Hamilton County Community Foundation’s FAC Hub Gallery

ONEZONE MARCH

LUNCHEON: DISABILITY AWARENESS PANEL

Wednesday, March 13 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM FORUM Events Center

PREPARING FOR YOUR NEXT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Friday, March 15 | 9 – 11 AM

Grace Church Fishers

INDY FUEL GAME: MARCH DISABILITY AWARENESS NIGHT

Friday, March 22 | 7 PM

Indiana Farmers Coliseum

HAMILTON COUNTY TRANSITION FAIR

Wednesday, March 27 | 6 - 7:30 PM

Hamilton Southeastern High School

Pfenninger

DISPATCHES

Submit questions for GOP debate – Current Publishing will present a debate between the Republican gubernatorial candidates for Indiana governor from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 11 at the Palladium, 1 Carter Green in Carmel. Current readers can submit questions or issues to be considered for the debate by emailing Ann Marie Shambaugh, Current Publishing senior editor and debate moderator, at annmarie@youarecurrent.com.

Road closures planned on 146th and Alli— Starting on or after March 1, Allisonville Road will be closed to through traffic between 146th Street and Kensington Drive, and between 146th Street and Helmsley Court for 90 days. The contractor will place detour markers as the closure approaches. Phase 2A traffic restrictions remain in effect for the ongoing road project. These restrictions eliminate left turn movements from 146th Street onto Allisonville Road and reopen to two through lanes on eastbound and westbound 146th Street. Periodic lane closures may be necessary. Crews continue work on widening the westbound bridge over the White River, and work on the bridge foundations and substructure units.

Police seek vehicle information — Fishers Police Department officers continue to investigate an October 2023 fatal crash on Ind. 69 north of 96th Street and are asking for the public’s help. A Feb. 15 news release identified a dark-colored Jeep Patriot as a “vehicle of interest.” The news release asks that anyone with information about the crash call Lt. Kevin Kobli at 317-595-3300. The Oct. 13 accident took place at about 10:45 p.m. and involved a motorcycle. The rider, 61-year-old Ronald Baxter of Fort Wayne, was ejected and fatally injured.

Mudsock Youth Athletics seeks youth board members — Applications for those interested In joining the Mudsock Youth Athletics’ Youth Action Board are due March 17. The organization is looking for youth in 8th-11th grade interested in coming up with creative ways for teens to unplug, stay active and maintain healthy relationships with parents and coaches. Open to public, private or homeschooled applicants who live within the Hamilton Southeasters Schools boundaries. For more, visit myathletics.com.

Dental health webinar set — The Hamilton County Health Department and Trinity Free Clinic will co-host a Children’s Dental Health webinar at 6 p.m. Feb. 28. To register, visit tinyurl.com/childrens-health-webinars.

District robotics get $52K boost

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern School District robotics programs will get a $52,000-plus boost from a state grant that Fishers High School students successfully lobbied for in January 2023.

SCHOOLS

The HSE Board of Trustees heard a presentation about the grant from FHS robotics coach Jeff Fronius, who coordinated the grant application process for the district.

“We knew this grant was being proposed to the state Legislature,” he said. “I took a bunch of (the team members) out of school last year in January (2023), and we went down and helped with lobbying efforts at the Statehouse to try to help get this grant through. So, we were ahead of this whole thing. July is when it was supposed to come out and, of course, we wait and we wait. You know the state takes time. Eventually in September, this grant did come out.”

But, he said, it was a districtwide grant rather than one for individual schools and they had only three weeks to pull an application together.

Fronius said they were able to coordinate with six other district schools and use the FHS team’s fundraising efforts for the required match. They ended up with a $52,671 reimbursement grant distributed between those seven schools for robotics expenses.

The schools that will benefit from the grant are Hoosier Road Elementary, Fishers Elementary, Harrison Parkway Elementary, Fishers Junior High, Riverside Junior High, Riverside Intermediate and Fishers High School.

Fronius said the funding will go toward registration fees and equipment.

FHS’s robotics team won top honors at the FIRST Indiana Robotics state championship competition last April.

Also during the Feb. 14 meeting, the board voted unanimously in favor of increasing the district’s summer physical education fee from $135 to $160. The fees had not been covering expenses for the program, which students can choose to take to earn a PE credit.

A report to the board stated that 534 students took the summer PE class in 2023, paying a total of $72,090. The cost to operate the program was $101,258.

At the close of the meeting, Board President Juanita Albright said that the board has chosen a new superintendent for the district.

According to a summary of the proposed three-year contract posted on the district’s website, the terms of employment for the yet-unnamed superintendent include a starting base salary of $215,270.

Albright said the board will vote on whether to approve the contract during a special meeting at 6 p.m. Feb. 28.

Brandon Ogawa from the Fishers High School Robotics Team uses a computer to command the team’s 2023 championship-winning robot last May. FHS and six other Hamilton Southeastern schools recently received a $52,000 state grant for robotics programs. (File photo by Adam Seif)

Rezone allows church expansion

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

An expansion plan for Traders Point Christian Church in Fishers can move forward following a Feb. 19 Fishers City Council vote approving a rezone for 5.67 acres next to the existing church facility at 12648 E. 116th St.

Traders Point Christian Church plans to expand its existing facility at 12648 E. 116th St. (Image courtesy of the City of Fishers)

The rezone allows the church to add another building and expand parking. Before the council’s vote, Planning Director Ross Hilleary said that although the Plan Commission recommended approval, there had been concerns raised by neighbors regarding noise from the church.

“Neighbors were informed to reach out to the church with any noise complaints first,” Hilleary said. “If they feel like they were not being heard, staff recommend that they reach out to them. Since Feb. 7, and confirmed today by (Police) Chief Ed Gebhart, we have received no noise complaints. Staff feels that there is open dialogue between the neighbors and the church.”

He said the expansion should reduce noise for surrounding neighbors.

well as the residents there that, with the new construction, they’d make sure that the sanctuary was highly insulated and a different construction material would be used,” he said.

The council unanimously approved the rezone.

Also during the Feb. 19 meeting, the council honored Assistant Police Chief Luke Gannon for 25 years of service with the Fishers Police Department; approved an update to the community’s long-range “Fishers 2040” plan; and increased the fees charged for copies of police videos to better reflect the cost of staff time.

CITY COUNCIL EVENT

“(Church officials) confirmed with staff as news@currentinfishers.com

The next Fishers City Council meeting is at 7 p.m. March 18 at Launch Fishers, 12175 Visionary Way.

Conner Prairie plans for eclipse

Conner Prairie in Fishers will host a daylong celebration of the April 8 total solar eclipse, with events kicking off at 10 a.m. and lasting through 5 p.m.

The outdoor museum at 13400 Allisonville Rd. announced that it will offer live performances and talks from experts such as Hoosier astronaut Mark Brown, who was an Air Force fighter pilot, engineer, NASA astronaut, NASA manager and corporate manager.

“After his 20-plus years in the Air Force (Brown) flew in two space shuttle missions in 1984 and 1989,” the announcement stated. “He also served on the Challenger accident investigation team and was the senior astronaut on the International Space Station program until he retired in 1993.”

The event also will provide hands-on activities for kids, focusing on the science of shadow and light. Live performances will include the dance group UZIMA, which created a special dance to reflect the theme of light and shadow, and music by Stella Luna & the Satellites.

Conner Prairie is among the many central Indiana locations hosting an eclipse event on April 8. The region is in the path of totality, with the phenomenon starting shortly after 3 p.m. (Photo courtesy of Conner Prairie)

Rick Crosslin, district scientist-in-residence at MSD Wayne Township, will teach fun facts about the eclipse from the main stage, and regular attractions such as Prairietown will be open during the festival.

Ticketholders age 2 and older will receive a pair of complimentary eclipse glasses, according to the announcement. General admission for nonmembers is $55, with a VIP package available for $150.

For more, visit connerprairie.org/ solareclipse2024.

MARCH COMMUNITY CALENDAR

PLANNED EVENT TO PROMOTE CIVILITY

Alexandra (Lexi) Hudson, author of “The Soul of Civility,” will give a presentation focused on how to increase civility in day-to-day interactions. The event starts at 6 p.m. March 13 at Knowledge Services, 9800 Crosspoint Blvd. The event is open to the public. Space is limited. To register for the free event, visit bit.ly/3V5TBGX.

EASTER EGG HUNT SCHEDULED

The Fishers American Legion Post 470 will host an Easter egg hunt starting at 11 a.m. March 23 at the Legion, 9091 E. 126th St. Age groups are 3 and under, 4-6 and 7-10. Participants should bring their own baskets to this free event.

TRIVIA NIGHT FUNDRAISER SET

Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People, Inc. is hosting a trivia night starting at 6:30 p.m. on March 14 at Barnes & Thornburg LLP at 11 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis. The event is sponsored by Fishers Pediatric Dentistry. Registration is available for individuals for $50, teams of four for $200 and teams of 8 for $375. The deadline to RSVP is March 1. For more, visit ww.brookesplace.org/events/ bptrivia.

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

Local government meetings scheduled for March include:

• Plat Committee, 4 p.m. March 6 at Launch Fishers 12175 Visionary Way

• Planned Unit Development, 5 p.m. March 6 at Launch Fishers

• Plan Commission, 6 p.m. March 6 at Launch Fishers

• Town Hall Building Corp., 4 p.m. March 11 at the Pavilion at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, 10 Municipal Dr.

• Board of Public Works & Safety, 9 a.m. March 12 at the City Services Building courtroom, 3 Municipal Drive

• Fishers Armed Services Commission, 4 p.m. March 12 at the Pavilion

• Finance Committee, 5 p.m. March 12 at the Pavilion

• Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees, 6 p.m. March 13 at HSE central office, 13485 Cumberland Rd.

• Fishers City Council, 7 p.m. March 18 at Launch Fishers

• Board of Zoning Appeals, 6 p.m. March 27 at Launch Fishers

• Fall Creek Board of Zoning Appeals, 6 p.m. March 28 at the Pavilion

Guerin Catholic junior Cardinal gets boost from basketball pedigree

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Although he played basketball, football and lacrosse through his freshman year at Guerin Catholic High School, it seemed a given that Bryson Cardinal would eventually concentrate on basketball.

After all, his father, Brian Cardinal, was a Purdue University standout who played 12 seasons in the NBA, and his mother, Danielle (Bird) Cardinal, was a Purdue women’s basketball player and is now Guerin’s girls basketball coach.

“I consulted my coaches and my parents just about what was going to be best for me for my sophomore year, and I decided to play AAU, which I think really helped me to develop as a basketball player,” said Bryson, now a junior. “On that team, I played a lot of the perimeter, so I think that really helped me this year to understand where I can get shots from, whether it’s dribble pull-ups or setting a good screen

MEET BRYSON CARDINAL

Favorite athlete: Dirk Nowitzki

Favorite subject: English

Favorite movies: “Star Wars” series

Favorite genre of music: Rap

for someone to slip in, and not just playing that inside guy, the center.”

It wasn’t an easy decision for the Westfield resident, because he played lacrosse for several years and enjoyed it.

“But I started to realize that playing college basketball was really my dream of my future,” Bryson said,

Entering the Class 3A sectional opener against Indianapolis Herron Feb. 27, Bryson, who is nearly 6-foot-8, is averaging 13.5

courtesy of LiveActionSports)

points and eight rebounds per game for the Golden Eagles (17-7). That’s more than double last season’s scoring average of 6.1.

“His offense has really improved,” Guerin Catholic coach Bob Allen said. “He can score from inside and out and he is another player that our opponents have to prepare

for. At times, he commands a double team, which is helping some of our other guys to get open looks.”

Allen said Bryson’s game is similar to his father’s.

“Like his father, he is an ultimate competitor,” Allen said. “He wants to win, and he understands the importance of every play, which is why he isn’t afraid to dive for a loose ball or take a charge in a crunchtime situation.”

Allen said his play has definitely attracted interest from NCAA Division I coaches.

“There is no doubt in my mind that he can play at the next level, and he will continue to improve every day,” Allen said.

Like his father, Bryson said his play sometimes irritates opposing teams and fans.

“There’s been a couple of games this season where I’ve had parents yelling at me and coaches yelling at me just because I like to do the dirty work,” he said. “I like to dive on the floor. I like to take the charges. One of my favorite things is guarding one of their bigger or better players and just try to get in their head and being a good hard-nosed player.”

For Jephrey, a backache could have ended in heartache.

The sudden, shooting pain he experienced was caused by a life-threatening ruptured aneurysm. The expert team at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital responded with skill and compassion. Exactly the kind of care that makes a difference.

Learn more about screenings at eCommunity.com/vascularscreen

Guerin Catholic junior Bryson Cardinal, wearing his father’s familiar 35 jersey number, is averaging 13.5 points per game. (Photo

Cardinal

MUDSOCK YOUTH ATHLETICS RECEIVES DONATION

According to the Gatorade website, each state’s Player of the Year is empowered to choose a local or national youth sports organization to receive a $1,000 grant from Gatorade. Pictured from left are

Tri Kappa plans prom dress shop

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Fishers Tri Kappa, a philanthropic women’s organization, has scheduled its annual pop-up prom dress shop for high school girls to find prom dresses at an affordable price.

PHILANTHROPY

The pop-up shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 2 at the Fall Creek Township Office, 11595 Brooks School Rd. in Fishers.

Andrea Davis of Fishers Tri Kappa said the organization has held the sale for the past decade.

“We started it to help local high school girls be able to get pretty prom dresses without spending a fortune on new dresses if they can’t afford that,” she said. “A side benefit is that we provide a good way for families to recycle dresses so they don’t have to store them.”

Area high school students can choose from among about 250 dresses, according to an announcement from Tri Kappa.

“Members of the social sorority transform the township’s offices into a specialty boutique, complete with dressing rooms

and mirrors, so girls can see how beautiful they look in their favorite dresses,” the announcement stated.

The dresses cost between $10 and $50. Shoppers must have a high school student ID and cash to buy dresses. All proceeds go toward new dresses for the next sale.

The ladies of Fishers Tri Kappa collect dresses for the sale throughout the year. Dress donors can contact Fishers Tri Kappa through its Facebook page: facebook.com/ FishersTriKappa.

Davis said that for the past couple of years, the pop-up shop has served about 200 girls from nine different public schools in the greater Indianapolis area.

High schoolers shop for prom dresses during a previous Fishers Tri Kappa pop-up prom shop. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Tri Kappa)

Lauren Harden, the 2023-24 Gatorade Indiana Volleyball Player of the Year and Hamilton Southeastern High School senior, selected Mudsock Youth Athletics as the recipient of a $1,000 grant. The donation will help support Mudsock Youth Athletics’ registration scholarship program, which helps families in need within Hamilton Southeastern Schools to afford sports programs.

Ava Robinson, Lauren Harden, Carlee Long, Gia Wolf and Executive Director of Mudsock Youth Athletics Scott Spillman. (Photo courtesy of Mudsock Youth Athletics)

GIFT OF LIFE

Fishers resident runs state Milk Bank, providing donated breast milk for babies in need

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

In a sterile room, surrounded by gleaming stainless-steel equipment, a technician carefully processes gallons of milk, pasteurizing it slowly in batches. It’s similar to a commercial milk-processing operation. In this case, though, it’s a nonprofit processing and distributing human milk, often donated by grieving parents who want to help other babies as they deal with the loss of their own.

Founded in 2005, the Milk Bank of Indiana is not as well known as, for example, a blood bank. CEO Freedom Kolb, a Fishers resident, wants to change that and spread the word as far as possible, in part because of the constant need for new milk donors.

“We need 100 new milk donors a month, just to keep up with demand,” Kolb said. “Over the course of the year, we have about 1,000 to 1,200, but what we’re seeing has been demand is increasing after COVID and the formula shortage — we’re seeing more and more hospitals request donor milk.”

Donor milk is both food and medicine, she said. It can save babies’ lives — in some cases increasing survival rates by more than 75 percent.

“We dispense about a half a million ounces a year,” Kolb said. “And for the micro-preemies, 1 ounce can provide three feedings, so we’re providing about 1.5 million feedings for infants.”

Kolb said Indiana has a high infant mortality rate compared to the rest of the nation, and the United States’ rate is high compared to other developed countries. The Milk Bank plays a part in trying to reduce those rates, she said. They also work closely with parents who have experienced the loss of their infant.

“Now we’re going to walk down our memorial wall,” she said, leading the way to a hallway with a memorial “tree” painted on the wall, each leaf bearing the name of an infant who didn’t survive. “These are families who have experienced infant loss and we stand alongside them. We provide bereavement support groups. We do open houses so they can meet other families — this is their memorial wall. They’ve paid their milk forward to save another life.”

Kolb said about 10 percent of milk donors

are bereaved families, and studies show that donating milk can help facilitate the grief process.

“A lot of families will tell us the process of pumping and providing milk — not only do they know they have the ability to save another life, but it created a connection to

the infant that they lost,” she said. “It gives them a reason to talk about their son or daughter, we’ve had moms tell us it’s the first time they felt like a mom.”

Those families often find out about the Milk Bank through their health care providers, but some grieving families learn about

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

Freedom Kolb, formerly a therapist, has worked with nonprofits for many years, including Big Brothers, Big Sisters and education foundations. She recently was selected to participate in the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute, a leadership training class for people who work in the nonprofit sector.

“It is really a group designed to bring the philanthropic leadership community together and provide them a rich background and opportunity for networking and connection,” Kolb said, noting that

there’s a limited number of people selected to participate each year. “It’s a monthly classroom style and experiential-learning type of experience, where you get to connect with other professionals in the field. We’ll then go a little bit deeper into what is effective philanthropy — how does our society and our democracy depend on philanthropy to run — and it’s way up my alley. I’m just grateful to be a part of it.”

For more about Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, visit inphilanthropy.org.

the nonprofit through an online inquiry about what to do with their milk.

Many other donors are parents who simply have an abundance of milk and a willingness to give.

“We’re really reaching out to a very small (group),” Kolb said. “I call it the army of moms that are saving all of these babies.”

There are milk banks in other states as well because the need is everywhere. Kolb said each is independent, but they’re all certified to meet specific standards and guidelines. Indiana’s Milk Bank has satellite locations and drop-off depots throughout Indiana — from Newburgh to Michigan City — making it as easy as possible for parents to donate.

Any lactating parent can donate milk, and even a small amount can make a difference.

According to the Milk Bank website, signing up to donate can take up to a month because of required safety measures and health assessments. But a parent can pump milk and freeze it in the meantime.

“If you’ve been recording the date pumped on your storage containers, we can accept milk that has already been pumped,” the website states. “Milk can typically be donated up to nine months (after the) pump date when stored properly in a freezer.”

Donated milk is weighed, recorded by donor ID and kept frozen until it goes to the Milk Bank’s lab, where it’s defrosted, nutritionally analyzed and pooled with milk from up to four other donors, which increases the disease-fighting properties of the milk.

“Milk is portioned into specialty bottles, sealed and labeled with a tracking bar code before being pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria,” the website states. “Pasteurized milk is stored in a walk-in freezer while one bottle is sent offsite for a final microbiological test.”

Following that final test, the milk is sent to hospitals and other recipients, providing lifesaving nutrition for babies.

For more about the Milk Bank, visit themilkbank.org.

Freedom Kolb, CEO of The Milk Bank, which distributes donated human milk to babies in need, holds a bottle of milk at the nonprofit’s lab in the Castleton area. (Photos by Adam Seif)

ON THE COVER: Freedom Kolb, CEO of The Milk Bank, stands next to a memorial “tree” at the nonprofit’s facility. Each leaf bears the name of an infant who died and whose parents chose to donate milk. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Jamie Marvin, a technician at The Milk Bank, sorts bottles of frozen human milk.

Jamie Marvin, foreground, and Oliver Shields are technicians at The Milk Bank’s lab, where donated breast milk is processed for distribution.

Kilwins to open Fishers location

news@currentinfishers.com

Confectionery and ice cream chain Kilwins recently announced that it will be opening its newest shop in Fishers this fall. The store will be in a Whistle Drive building that’s under construction between Torchy’s Tacos and Bibibop off 116th Street near Ikea Way.

CONFECTIONARY

Kilwins, operating since 1947, sells handcrafted chocolates, fudge, caramel apples, caramel corn, brittle, chocolate-dipped treats and ice cream, according to an announcement from the company.

Adam and Kirstyn Kallick are the local franchise owners. They stated that they are happy to operate their business in the Fishers District area. Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness also expressed excitement about Kilwins joining the community.

“We are delighted to welcome Kilwins to our vibrant and growing city,” he stated. “Their commitment to quality, friendliness and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere aligns perfectly with Fishers’ values. We believe that Kilwins will quickly become a beloved destination for residents and visi-

tors alike.”

Kilwins in Fishers will feature an open kitchen where customers can view products as they are made.

“The upcoming Kilwins location on Whistle Drive will feature an inviting storefront along 116th Street, with an abundance of treats on display, welcoming guests of all ages to indulge their sweet tooth,” the announcement stated. “Whether it’s a special occasion, after-dinner dessert or a simple craving, Kilwins will offer a wide range of options to satisfy every taste bud.”

For more, visit kilwins.com/fishers.

COMMUNITY FIRST BANK OPENS FISHERS BRANCH WITH DONATION

Kilwins sells chocolate, fudge, ice cream and more at its many stores, located mostly in the Midwest and on the East Coast. (Photo courtesy of Kilwins)

Community First Bank recently celebrated the grand opening of its newest full-service branch in Fishers with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a $12,000 donation to the Hamilton County Executive Directors Group. The donation will be used to host a four-part Nonprofit Learning Series to help train nonprofit leaders in the community, in partnership with Hedges nonprofit consulting firm, according to an announcement from the bank. (Photo courtesy of CFB)

ESKENAZI HEALTH FOUNDATION IS GRATEFUL TO FOR THEIR LEAD GIFT

THEY BELIEVE IN: “Partnership. We’re very strategic in the causes we support and in choosing organizations we align with. Eskenazi Health’s neighborhood-centric approach and track record makes this project a natural fit for us. We’re proud to be associated with this.”

EskenaziHealthFoundation.org

“This office and staff are first class! I recently went in for a comprehensive eye exam and vision test and the technology they have in the Fishers office is incredible. Everyone there is so friendly, polite, professional and caring. I was nervous about an eye health concern and Dr. Iddins took so much time with me and was very caring and reassuring. Picking out glasses was a fun experience and I wish I could remember the name of the woman who helped me because she was outstanding. RevolutionEyes in Fishers is a 10 out of 10 and I can't recommend them enough!”

Heart health: What to know

Commentary by Dr. Sujoy Phookan

February is American Heart Month, an annual observance that encourages people to focus on cardiovascular health and live a more hearthealthy lifestyle. Historically, there has been a misconception that heart disease primarily affects men. However, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women globally.

CARDIOVASCULAR

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

Coronary artery disease and heart attacks often present with chest pain in both women and men. However, women also frequently present without chest pain and experience subtler symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea, back or jaw pain and fatigue. These atypical symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.

MULTIPLE RISK FACTORS

There are several risk factors that contribute to heart disease in men and women. These include age, diet, genetics and conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Smoking, lack of physical activity, obesity and high-stress

levels also heighten the risk. Conditions unique to women, including pregnancy complications, can increase the likelihood of heart disease later in life. Other conditions that predominantly affect women, such as breast cancer, menopause and autoimmune diseases, also increase the risk.

YOU MAY NEED TO ALTER YOUR LIFESTYLE

Everyone should strive to get regular aerobic exercise and adopt a heart-healthy diet, limiting processed carbohydrates, sugar and saturated fats, while including fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein. Smoking cessation and stress management are also encouraged. Everyone should see a primary care physician yearly and discuss any of their specific risks. Anyone who has significant concerns about heart disease can ask for a referral to a cardiologist.

To learn more about heart disease and treatment options, visit iuhealth.org/heart.

Community Health celebrates cancer-fighting technology

news@currentinfishers.com

Community Health Network surgeons recently performed the network’s 100th lung biopsy using ion robotic assistance. According to CHN, the new high-tech procedure offers hope for early diagnosis of lung cancer.

ADVANCEMENTS

In a news release, the health provider stated that the Ion Endoluminal System is a robotic-assisted procedure that uses an ultra-thin catheter to access parts of the lung previously unreachable.

“It can reach small lesions in all parts of the lung and even difficult-to-reach nodules outside the airways,” the news release stated. “The minimally invasive procedure is key in early diagnosis of lung cancer, which can result in improved outcomes and survival rates.”

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates there were nearly 237,000 new lung cancer cas-

es in 2022. The National Institute of Health states that in about half of the patients, by the time lung cancer is diagnosed, the cancer has spread beyond the initial tumor.

For more about Community Health Network’s cancer care services, visit ecommunity.com/services/cancer-care.

From left, Michael Harrison, George Rubeiz, Thomas Gallen, Angie Arthur, Liz Olsen, Charlie Miller, Mary Means and Tabitha Sparks with the hospital’s Ion Endoluminal System. (Photo courtesy of Community Health Network)

Dr. Sujoy Phookan is a cardiologist at IU Health North and Saxony Hospitals

Tom Wood Subaru partners with AdoptAClassroom.org

In the heart of the vibrant community of Indianapolis, the Edison School of the Arts found itself facing both challenges and opportunities. Amy Berns, the dedicated Principal of the school, was not just juggling the responsibilities of an educational leader but also playing the role of CEO, determined to provide the best for her students.

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Edison School of the Arts, Tom Wood Subaru decided to join forces with AdoptAClassroom.org to make a lasting impact for this school. AdoptAClassroom. org collaborated with Tom Wood Subaru to provide $5000 to Edison School of the Arts. The Leadership Team at Edison then chose 10 deserving teachers, to give $500 each, for their individual classrooms. Sadly, so many teachers reach into their own pockets to provide much needed items for their students.

Through these funds, teachers were able to purchase writing utensils, stickers, candy, crayons, stamps, and so much more! One of the primary focuses was the introduction of a Book Vending Machine, but it didn’t stop there, the school needed more than just books – clothing, personal hygiene items, and volunteers were also essential to fostering a conducive learning environment. A food pantry box was also established, ensuring that no student went hungry.

The teachers and students at Edison sent us so many great photos, sharing their many purchases made through the collaboration with Tom Wood Subaru and Adoptaclassroom.org. We were so touched to receive the beautiful pictures

Going on the ‘permanent record’

Commentary

by Terry Anker

ESSAY

and thank you cards that the children created! Thank you children....we are the ones that are blessed to be able to help you!!

Would you like to join us in helping Edison School of the Arts?

If you would like to volunteer, provide donations, or help Edison School of the Arts in any way, please be sure to reach out to Ebony Cook or Amy Berns at 317-226-4992 or via email at bernsa@myips.org

In the days before the internet, it was a lot easier to forget our past transgressions. As a student in school at the time, we’d be warned if our misbehavior was escalating to the level of the ever-feared “permanent record.” Although it was unclear to most of us what it was, we knew for certain that it must have been critically important to our prospects in life. To have a stain upon it, no matter how trivial, would undoubtedly ruin all hope of prosperity. Undoubtedly, future generations, even our grandchildren, would be dismayed to learn of our delinquency.

As it turned out, it is not entirely certain what this dreaded logbook was. Perhaps it was like Santa’s naughty list — more of a tool for coercion than an actual database. Or maybe it was some dark web force secretly controlling our destinies. Would we have gotten that dream job if only we’d not been caught throwing tater tots in the middle school cafeteria? Regardless, since the advent of social media, everything we’ve done, at least that we or some other

person has posted, is there eternally for all to see. The fun that could have been a bit too much at our brother’s wedding will now be seen by the manager considering us for promotion.

Recently, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita launched a website aimed at allowing parents to post concerns about their children’s schools. In turn, the administrators can rebut or address these complaints. Can transparency improve civility, or will allegations of past indiscretions wrongly imply current problems? Should the out-ofcontext claims be expunged, or does it all go onto the “permanent record?” Can any group look to supposed past transgressions to prove present grievances? And do we have the right to cleanse our own former decisions holding that we are now enlightened?

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

So sick of being sick

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Waah! I’m sick and I’m going to complain about it. Deal.

I have a mild head cold that I’m 100 percent certain came from my husband Doo because he insisted on breathing — breathing — at night in our bed. The audacity of the man. Anyhoo, just as he was perking up, I started to go downhill. Sneezing, headache, congestion, the works. Of course, no fever, so I can’t garner any real sympathy, but still. I’m going to take a moment to wallow in my misery.

HUMOR

Because besides not feeling great and consequently sleeping like poo on fire, I’m missing out on what was supposed to be a glorious commitment-free weekend. I’d planned to do a little post-birthday shopping, get caught up on grading papers, maybe even waste a few hours searching online for my dream Tuscany farmhouse situated perfectly between a small hamlet and a train line. Instead, I’m plopped on the couch, nose raw from the off-brand tissue I insisted on buying to save a stupid 13 cents, and slightly loopy from a Benadryl-Dayquil combo that, in retrospect, I’m deeply regret-

“I’m plopped on the couch, nose raw from the off-brand tissue I insisted on buying to save a stupid 13 cents, and slightly loopy from a Benadryl-Dayquil combo that, in retrospect, I’m deeply regretting.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

ting. The sunshine is aggressively mocking me, and Doo keeps tiptoeing around, not exactly sure what is happening. I’ll tell you what’s happening. I’m losing my gosh darn mind. I hate being incapacitated, especially when there isn’t anything I can do and I don’t have football or F1 to distract me (the NBA is dumb and college basketball is dead to me this year. RIP, Louisville). I know the drill — fluids, rest, chicken noodle whatever — but I just want to be well again. For the love!

So waah, waah, waah! I’m sick. Peace out.

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

Students and their parents participate at one of the the Edison School Of Arts classrooms.

Edison students display what they purchased, with funds provided from Tom Wood Subaru and AdoptAClassroom.org.

Much ado about nothing

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

When I retired from television three years ago, I hoped to relax and have nothing to do.

HUMOR

But I did have stuff to do. Lots of stuff. I was busier than ever. So, I decided last week that I would set out a day where I had absolutely nothing to do. Zero. Nada. That was my goal.

Today looks good. I have nothing to do. Absolutely nothing. I don’t know where to put myself. But putting myself somewhere is doing something, so I better be careful.

I am home now. I am two weeks ahead on my humor column. No bills to pay. We have no dog to walk. All my laundry has been folded and put away. I think I’ve done it. But I am a little bored.

You might say, “Dick, why don’t you read a book or watch a movie on TV?” But then I am doing something. That’s been my way of avoiding what needs to get done. If I read a book when I have nothing to do, what will I do when I really have to do something, and I don’t want to? I’m losing you, aren’t I? Don’t stop reading now. Do you have anything better to do?

I’ll call one of my busiest friends. I know he’ll be jealous.

“Bob, it’s Dick. What are you doing?”

“Nothing, what about you?”

“Hey, that’s exactly what I’m doing.”

“Dick, when I say nothing, I don’t really mean nothing. I’m paying some bills, shopping online, laundry.”

“You call that nothing? That’s a lot of something. Don’t you know anything about nothing? I am really doing nothing. I mean absolutely nothing.”

“Do you want to come over here and do something together?”

“No, Bob, that’s the whole point. I don’t want to have anything to do with you.”

“Well, you don’t have to get nasty about it.”

I tried another friend …

“I am two weeks ahead on my humor column. No bills to pay. We have no dog to walk. All my laundry has been folded and put away. I think I’ve done it. But I am a little bored.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

“Mikki, it’s Dick. Guess what? I have nothing to do.”

“So, take a nap.”

“A nap? You consider a nap nothing? A good nap is a commitment. A nap is not nothing. Trust me. If I were sleepy right now, a nap would be something to do. Geez, can’t I find one friend who knows something about nothing?”

I called my wife. I decided to rub it in.

“Mary Ellen, I wanted you to know I am home right now and I have absolutely nothing to do.”

“You’re home in a house that has burnedout light bulbs, a broken smoke detector, a dishwasher to be unloaded and a dirty litter box … and you say you have nothing to do? I’m glad you called. Get moving, time to get things done.”

Boy, did that backfire. Now, I have like four things to do. I guess I better get started. I have nothing else to do.

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing

nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given oncemonthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

MUSIC

Veteran actress-singer Purl set for Feinstein’s show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Linda Purl has had her share of recognizable TV roles through the years.  She portrayed Fonzie’s girlfriend on “Happy Days,” Ben Matlock’s daughter on the first season of “Matlock” and Pam Beesly’s mother on “The Office.

“I feel lucky to be a journeyman actress and have been active through different decades of my life,” said Purl, who also sings and will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 7 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel Purl, 68, said “The Office” attracted a new generation of viewers.

“I gained temporary coolness with my son,” she said. “It’s fun to go around the country and perform because you meet people who have enjoyed those shows.”

Purl said the show is based on her 2023 album, “This Could Be The Start.”

“It’s very joyful to be in the intimate setting (that) cabaret is,” Purl said. “It’s a special, jeweled treasure-box art form. To be in a smaller room and do these beautiful songs with a group of strangers and virtually embrace at the end of the evening and go back to your lives (is special).”

Purl will be accompanied in the concert by her music director, Tedd Firth.

“He’s a phenomenal jazz pianist,” she said. “We’ve been working together for years. It’s all (material) from the Great American Songbook, which is one of the many reasons why we absolutely worship Michael Feinstein, because he has really single-handedly created this space for the Great American Songbook to thrive in and to keep it alive. One of the many reasons that appeals to me is that, more than other eras of music, they are short stories. So, as an actress and a singer, that very much appeals to me. There’s always a beginning, middle and end. There’s a journey and a character behind the voice in the song.”

The songs were a way for people to heal after World War II and the Korean War, Purl said.

“There were great fissures in their lives that they needed to massage and work through,” she said. “They articulate the human spirit with such depth and such poetry, and the music’s not bad, too. They touch on timeless themes and there’s also, as I’ve learned through Tedd, there’s such an elasticity in the songs. You can do them straightforwardly. You can put them into a jazz feel, and they work. These songs can time travel for different eras and different tastes.”

One of her favorites is “I’m in the Mood for Love.”

“It’s engaging, it’s inviting,” Purl said. “It’s fun to be able to share that moment thematically with an audience. It’s a wellknown tune, but Tedd just has an unusual treatment of it.”

Eight years after appearing as Richie’s date, Gloria, in Season 2 of “Happy Days,” Purl returned in a regular role as a new character in Season 10.

Purl and her boyfriend, Patrick Duffy, have recurring roles on “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Duffy is best known as Bobby Ewing on “Dallas.”

Duffy and Purl have a business called Duffy’s Dough.

“It’s been a big adventure for us with a huge learning curve,” Purl said. “Patrick has

had a sourdough starter in his family for over 70 years and Patrick is a wonderful baker. At one point, he said I should start a business with this, and I said, ‘Yes, of course.’”

They reached out to business friends, who advised the couple on a simple model.

“They said they just start doing it all in one kit, so when people receive the package, they have the sugar, the flour, the rolling pins, the recipes and the aprons to get started,” she said.

Purl said they were advised to start with 200 packages and see if they sold.

“We had a packing party and launched in September 2022 and hoped they would sell by Christmas, and they all sold by noon of our first day,” Purl said. “It was great but terrifying news because we had to make a bunch more packages. It’s been going strong ever since.”

All net proceeds go to food scarcity charities.

“That’s our end game,” Purl said. “At this point in our lives, we want to be celebrating with gratitude the fortune that we’ve had, and we want to be part of giving back on a regular basis.”

For more, visit lindapurl.com and duffysdough.com. For tickets, visit feinsteinshc. com.

‘BEAUTIFUL”

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents “Beautiful — The Carole King Musical” through March 30 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

Peyton Womack Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Studio Theater as part of the Live at the Center series at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $10 or register for the free livestream. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

CIVIC IN CONCERT

Civic in Concert will present music from “Ragtime” at 7 p.m. March 2 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

MIXED REP

Central Indiana Dance Ensemble will present “Mixed Rep” at 4 p.m. March 3 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit cidedance.org.

‘VIOLET’

Carmel Community Players’ production of “Violet,” a musical, is set for March 1-10 at the Switch Theatre, 10029 E. 126th St., Suite D, Fishers. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

DISPATCH

ICC presents musical journey across the U.S. — The Indianapolis Children’s Choir will present “The Crossroads of America” performance at 4 p.m. March 10 at Hilbert Circle Theatre. “The idea for this concert is to really celebrate the diverse genres of music in our country,” ICC Artistic Director Joshua Pedde said. More than 250 singers will perform songs in the style of gospel, spiritual, jazz, folk and more. Performing choirs include Beginning Level Choirs and Lyric Choirs that have locations across Indianapolis, as well as the advanced singers in Indy Voice. Master Chorale, the ICC’s high school division, will round out the performance with mixed voices. Tickets are $14 and can be purchased online in advance at icchoir. org/tickets. Ages 5 and under can attend for free but require a ticket.

Veteran actress-singer Linda Purl will perform at Feinstein’s March 7. (Photo by Kevin Alvey)

Veteran actress/singer Linda Purl and boyfriend Patrick Duffy. (Photo courtesy of Linda Purl)

CIDE presents Mixed Rep

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Carmel High School senior Lily Guntz, the special thing about Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s Mixed Rep is the versatility of the repertoire.

DANCE

“I love ballet, but it is also very beneficial and enjoyable to be able to perform other styles with music we don’t typically dance to,” Guntz said.

“Especially this year, our performance of ‘Khachaturiana’ has the perfect combination of challenging choreography, unique music and enjoyable components of neoclassical ballet that are enticing for the audience and dancers alike.”

Mixed Rep is set for 4 p.m. March 3 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

‘Khachaturiana’ is choreographed by Joffrey Ballet dancer Lisa Slagle.

“My favorite part of Mixed Rep is the mix of neoclassical choreography in the first

Guerin Catholic High School senior Charlotte Van Dyke will perform in central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s Mixed Rep.

(Photo courtesy of Paul Retzlaff Photography)

two acts and performing as Swanhilda in the excerpts of ‘Coppelia’ in Act 3,” said Charlotte Van Dyke, a Guerin Catholic High School senior from Carmel.

“Coppelia” was a ballet first performed in 1870 in Paris.

CIDE co-Artistic Director Ashley Jacobs said Mixed Rep also will include pieces of choreography by former Ballet Arkansas dancer Paul Tillman, titled “Riverside;”

“Morpheus” choreographed by a former Joffrey Ballet dancer, Mauro Villanueva; and a student choreography piece by graduating senior Gretchen Greener.

For more, visit cidedance.org.

CHS grad advances on ‘Idol’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The third time Meggie Iyer tried out for “American Idol,” she finally got an opportunity to audition for celebrity judges. She certainly made the most of it.

PERFORMANCE

The 2023 Carmel High School graduate earned a ticket to the Hollywood portion of the show with a cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry each gave thumbs up to Iyer’s performance, with Perry declaring she was Top Ten material. Iyer was featured Feb. 18 on the Season 22 premiere.

“I’ve been dreaming about going on ‘American Idol’ for practically my entire life,” the Indiana University freshman said. “I grew up watching the show. So, it was really a dream come true to be able to audition on such an amazing, well-known stage. I felt like I wasn’t expecting as good of a reaction as I got from the judges. So, when I got such an amazing reaction, I felt really shocked and I was so excited.”

Carmel High School graduate Meggie Iyer advanced to the Hollywood round of “American Idol.” (Photo by Brittany Iriarte)

The audition was in Leesburg, Ga., Bryan’s hometown.

Iyer was emotional when she saw the judges’ reaction.

“When Katy Perry started to stand up and clap. I think it was a huge, huge moment for me,” Iyer said. “I immediately started crying, and then when Lionel and Luke followed, I about lost it, like I was so surprised and excited to have gotten that reaction from them.”

Iyer said she is excited for friends and family to see her progress.

“I want everyone to see my musicality as they follow along with the process,” she said.

Guntz

ZCHS senior gets special role

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Community High School senior Izzy Casciani figures this is a rare opportunity.

MUSICAL

Casciani will appear in a concert of the music from “The Trouble With Dead Boyfriends” at 5 and 8 p.m. April 20 at The Tobias Theater at Newfields in Indianapolis. It’s the sixth musical supported by Discovering Broadway, a pre-Broadway incubator nonprofit founded by Carmel High School graduate Joel Kirk

WRITTEN BY ALFRED UHRY

Broadway (Sierra Boggess, Erika Henningsen and Samantha Pauly), which put me in contact with the directing team.”

Kirk said each cast member is making their Discovering Broadway debut.

“I saw Izzy Casciani and Alanna Porter perform in our master classes and the world saw Ephraim Owens get a four-chair turn on ‘The Voice,’” Kirk said. “Brett Mutter and Sadie Cohen also blew the authors and I away in the audition with distinct choices. I am excited to direct this exceptionally talented group.”

Owens is a Carmel resident and Cohen is a Carmel High School freshman.

“I feel so privileged to be able to learn about and participate in the early process of creating a show,” Casciani said. “As an actor, you usually only get to work on the finished product, so this is very exciting.”

Casciani said her college audition coach, Kelly Butler Smith, sent her the casting call.

“The character I was cast in felt very similar to some of the material we had worked on,” Casciani said. “Then, I received further information because I had participated in some master classes through Discovering

The dark comedy is described as a female empowerment musical. It centers on Stella, Grace and Madison as they navigate senior prom with their dream dates — who just happen to be dead.

“We’ve received limited information so far, but I am always excited to support new theater and I am confident the show will not only be entertaining but will include some great messages for any type of audience,” Casciani said.

For more, visit discoveringbroadway.org.

Casciani

Studdard returns as ‘The Cat’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

There are good reasons why Jonathan Studdard is in the title role in Civic Theatre’s production of “The Cat in the Hat” for the fifth time.

PLAY

“He is fearless and will try anything,” said Anne Beck, who directs the annual performances. “He is playful. His smile and giggle are infectious. He would prefer not to carry the big red box with Thing 1 and Thing 2 in it — but he knows how much fun kids will have with Thing 1 and 2 that he does it for them.”

“The Cat in the Hat” is set for public performances at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 2 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Performances for school children begin Feb. 27.

Studdard always enjoys performing the role.

“It is so thrilling to find new moments to breathe life into the show,” Studdard said. “It doesn’t get old because it’s always the best feeling to hear and see the kids having so much fun. The show is very specific in the way we present it, so there is not

much room for deviating away from our model. But there are small moments that we can breathe new things into the show.”

Beck said the show is fun to direct.

“It is organized mischief and chaos,” Beck said. “The actors do so much physically and mentally with thousands of sound cues.”

Noblesville resident Emily Bohannon returns in the role of Sally. Indianapolis resident Karen Woods Hurt plays Thing 2 for the second consecutive year.

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

Jonathan Studdard plays the title role in “The Cat in the Hat” (Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)

Women of Vision Luncheon April 25, 2024

Join us in person for a luncheon where we’ll listen to motivational humorist and speaker Desi Payne. Desi, will share “The Incredible Power of Laughter.” As a breast cancer survivor, Desi understands the power of resilience.

Location: Ritz Charles, Carmel

For questions, contact Polly Craig at pcraig@riverview.org or 317.776.7938.

Register online by April 10 at riverview.org/24WomenofVision.

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

Commentary by Don Knebel

In our continuing visit to Egypt, we stop by the famous pyramids on the Giza Plateau above Cairo.

TRAVEL

The Giza pyramids were built as tombs for three consecutive pharaohs — Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure — who ruled Egypt between 2589 B.C. and 2504 B.C. Scholars believe paid workers, including farmers during annual Nile River flooding, built the pyramids. Khufu’s pyramid, the earliest and largest, is often called the Great Pyramid, the only surviving “wonder” of the ancient world. It was originally 481 feet tall, making it the tallest thing made by man for almost 4,000 years. The Great Pyramid, built between about 2589 B.C. to 2566 B.C., was constructed from 2.3 million stone blocks, weighing an average of 2 1/2 tons each. If those blocks were laid end to end, they would extend more than 2,000 miles. At 92 million cubic feet, Khufu’s pyramid is still the most massive structure ever built. Its alignment varies from true north by less than 3.4-arc minutes, less

than 1 part in 1,000. Its base, the size of 10 football fields, is a perfect square to within 4.6 inches, again less than 1 part per 1,000. All of this was accomplished when the Egyptians had not yet invented the wheel and had only stone and copper tools.

Khafre’s pyramid is smaller than that of his father but appears larger because of its higher elevation. Its apex still contains the polished white limestone that once covered all the Giza pyramids. The Great Sphinx, about a mile east of Khafre’s pyramid, lies in the quarry from which workers mined limestone for that pyramid. Scholars believe its damaged face is that of Khafre. The pyramid of Menkaure is by far the smallest of the Giza pyramids, rising only to about 215 feet, less than half the height of Khufu’s Great Pyramid.

The Pyramid of Khafre.

The Pyramids of Giza outside of Cairo. (Photos by Don Knebel)

Across

1. Fishers HS tennis match parts

5. Dwelling

10. “Golly!”

14. Crude letters?

15. “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” author

16. Make a decision, as the Indiana Supreme Court

17. White River angler’s catch

18. Boss with a Monument Circle music group?

20. Civic Theatre play start

21. Latin 101 verb

22. Lauder of cosmetics

23. Camera type, briefly

25. Prejudice

27. Cartoonist with a Newfields gallery?

32. Drunk

36. Argentine soccer star

playing for Inter Miami

37. Face part

39. Haunted house sound

40. Bikini piece

41. Cheese Shop variety

44. Sr. and Jr. at NHS

45. Wicked

47. Gov. Holcomb rejection

48. Off the leash

50. Made over

52. Snake Pit attire on a hot race day?

54. Hombre’s house

56. Evansville winter hrs.

57. Early Peruvians

60. ___ tea

63. Stood up

67. Monthly jewel for a downtown Indy play producer?

69. “___ It Romantic?”

70. Slushy drink

71. Hefty wrestlers

72. Stylish

73. WTHR timetable, informally

74. Went on a buying spree

75. “Hell ___ no fury...”

Down

1. Couch

2. Heroic tale

3. ZCHS final, e.g.

4. Great divides

5. Declare

6. A/C measures

7. “My bad!”

8. Doofus

9. Poetic contraction

10. NASA’s “Gus” who was a paperboy for The Indianapolis Star

11. Expel

12. ___ gin fizz

13. Roll-call response

19. Joe’s Butcher Shop offering

I DO , Current Publishing’s inaugural wedding guide printed on bright-white stock, will debut May 14 with a mailing to 139,235 households in Carmel, Fishers, Geist/Lawrence, Noblesville, Westfield, Zionsville and North Indy.

Current services a highly educated, high-household income audience, and there are plenty of couples, or parents of couples, planning for pending nuptials. I DO will feature multiple weddingcentric touchpoints from choosing the date to identifying the honeymoon location and every single detail in between.

Space

24. Animal shelter

26. “A likely story!”

27. Yellow shade

28. Chutzpah

29. “To repeat...”

30. Enough, for some

31. Miniseries based on a Haley novel

33. “Happy birthday ___”

34. Ankle bones

35. Beginning

38. Put in an overhead bin

42. Currier’s partner

43. Charitable donations

46. Found the spot

49. Indy Zoo big bird

51. Bandmate of Crosby and Stills

53. Least friendly

55. Throw a tantrum

57. Heron’s kin

58. Indianapolis City Councilor Roberts

6 Highest Point 4 Koteewi Archery Equipment

3 Drinks with Caffeine

5 Lowest Point

2 What “Ind.” Can Mean

1 Gov. Holcomb’s Alma Mater

59. Eiteljorg Museum tribe

61. “___ Alone”

62. Bard’s “soon”

64. Job safety org.

65. Foul mood

66. Engrave, in a way

68. Leak sound

Answers on Page 19

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Noblesville, IN 46060. Note, this is a hybrid position whereby the employee will work both from home and from the aforementioned office address. Hence, the employee must live within a reasonable commuting distance of the aforementioned office address. Note, this position requires international and domestic travel. as needed, up to 10% of the time. Job duties. Design, develop, document, verify, validate,

SUZANNE CROUCH ERIC DODEN CURTIS HILL

JAMIE REITENOUR BRAD CHAMBERS