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Geist Polar Plunge supports state Special Olympics

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

PHILANTHROPY

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On a beautiful, blue-sky Saturday morning, a crowd gathered at Wolfies Grill at Geist on Feb. 17, braving the icy parking lot and mingling on the snow-covered outdoor deck. Most wore appropriate winter coats, gloves and boots, but a few were in costume, dressed as Ghostbusters, the cast of The Little Mermaid and, randomly, a rat.

They were there to either watch people jump into a pool of freezing-cold water, or to be one of the jumpers raising money for Special Olympics of Indiana.

The annual Polar Plunge fundraiser started about 25 years ago, Director of Marketing and Communications Joe Frollo said, and each plunger commits to raising at least $99 for Special Olympics. All the funds raised go to the state organization, he said, which help ensure that Hoosiers with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to participate in sports.

“It’s one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, if not the biggest,” Frollo said. “Something that people don’t really know is that with Special Olympics, there’s $0 that we charge for activities fees. So, if an athlete wants to play basketball or bowling or anything, we do not charge them or their families — we are run entirely on donations.”

Special Olympics Indiana serves about 16,000 athletes with the help of more than 10,000 coaches and volunteers.

Nineteen plunge events in Indiana began in early February and run through March 2, with the final one at Eagle Creek Park, Frollo said. The goal is to raise $1 million. Although the Polar Plunge has been taking place throughout the state for the last quarter century, this is the first year an event has been held at Geist.

Around 150 people signed up for the new Geist Polar Plunge. Among them was a team from Fishers High School — the Freezin’ Fishers Tigers – consisting of students and supporters of the Champions Together Club, a combination of students from general ed-

ucation and special education programs.

Patrick Schooley is dean of students at FHS, coach of the school’s Unified Track and Field, and sponsor of Champions Together. He’s plunged multiple times in support of Special Olympics.

“The very first time I jumped, there was like a million needles. It was miserable,” he said. “The worst part was probably my feet were frozen for about two to three hours afterwards. It takes a while for them to thaw out, but it’s not bad.”

Schooley’s son, Colin, has been part of Special Olympics for many years, he said, and at 23 continues to participate in the nonprofit’s sports.

“He’s done all the sports — he’s done basketball, soccer, softball, unified track and field,” Schooley said. “When he was a student at Fishers High School, he did all the unified sports that we had. So, that’s why I got involved, because he started with Special Olympics athletics when he was 8 years old, and he’s been doing that ever since. We’ve been plunging since 2009, to help him and his peers have these opportunities.”

Although the Feb. 17 event took place at Geist, the plungers didn’t jump into the reservoir — Frollo said that would have required a much more complicated level of liability insurance. Instead, they set up a small pool at Wolfies, with ladders and platforms for jumpers to launch themselves into the frigid water and then haul themselves out on the

other side. Safety personnel were on hand to help, including one in the pool wearing diving gear as protection from the cold.

Each plunger handled their jump differently. Some, despite the snow and ice on the ground, stripped down to bikinis before jumping. Others remained in their clothes, or even their costumes. One young man dressed in a dolphin costume took a flying leap into the small pool, landing belly first with an icy splash. No matter how they entered, though, they all made a fast exit and headed quickly to the changing rooms to dry off and warm up.

For more about the annual Polar Plunge fundraiser, visit soindiana.org/polar-plunge.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS REACHES FAR

Special Olympics is a global organization that provides athletic opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. The founding organization began in 1968, according to the Special Olympics website, just one year before Special Olympics Indiana.

“There are as many as 200 million people with intellectual disabilities around the world,” the website states. “Our goal is to reach out to every one of them and their families, as well. Special Olympics does this through a wide range of trainings, competitions, health screenings and fundraising events. We also create opportunities for families, community members, local leaders, businesses, law enforcement, celebrities, dignitaries and others to band together to change attitudes and support athletes.”

According to the website, participating in athletics helps boost confidence and improves overall health.

“In Special Olympics, the power and joy of sports shifts focus to what our athletes can do, not what they can’t,” the website states. “Attention to disabilities fades away. Instead, we see our athletes’ talents and abilities and applaud them for all that they can do.”

For more, visit specialolympics.org.

A 2024 Polar Plunge participant dressed in a dolphin costume takes the plunge at the Feb. 17 event at Wolfies Grill at Geist. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

FHS boys place third at state

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Entering the boys swimming state finals, Fishers coach Joe Keller figured his team was in a four-team race for second place.

SWIMMING

Hines

“Penn and us kind of separated ourselves,”

Keller said. “We didn’t help ourselves with a snafu in the 200 medley relay (in prelims). You get a disqualification, and you throw away 14 points. We had a great swim and we had one bad exchange. Sometimes those happen.”

Fishers ended up placing third in the IH SAA state finals with 158 points at the In diana University Natatorium at IUPUI. Penn was second with 165 points. Carmel won its 10th consecutive state title with 409 points.

The Tigers were fourth in 2023, third in 2022 and second in 2021.

“All these guys have made huge strides from a year ago, and next year they will be that much better,” Keller said.

Junior Jonathan Hines finished second in the 500-yard freestyle and fourth in the 200 freestyle.

“I knew the 500 time would be around there and I was able to get a personal best,” he said.

Hines’ teammates Anthony Adams Jr. placed sixth and Luis Sanchez was eighth in the 500.

Hines was joined by freshman Alex Koo and juniors Hudson Lee and Victor Herbert on the fifth-place 200 freestyle relay team. Hines, Lee, Sanchez and Thomas Johanneman were on the sixth-place 400 freestyle relay team.

Other top eight finishers for Fishers were junior Jacob Schade, fifth, 1-meter diving; Koo, fifth, 100 freestyle; and Sanchez, eighth, 200 individual medley.

Hines said he is optimistic with everyone who scored in the state meet returning next season.

C

Fishers Arts Council exhibit features work by people with disabilities

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

INCLUSION

The Fishers Arts Council’s annual March exhibit provides a space for people with disabilities to express themselves through art and share that work with the public.

The exhibit is among the City of Fishers’ Disability Awareness Month events, with a special Second Friday reception set for 6 to 9 p.m. March 8 at the Hub Gallery, 11810 Technology Dr.

FAC Executive Director Les Reinhardt said the nonprofit has worked with the city’s Advisory Council on Disability for about seven years to organize the annual exhibit, which highlights artists who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. She said offering the special exhibit can help those artists feel more comfortable submitting their work for other shows the FAC hosts throughout the year.

“There was one artist who joined us for

the first time last year, and then he applied to be in our juried exhibit in September and got into the exhibit and then ended up winning the People’s Choice Award,” she said. “I feel sometimes these exhibits let artists know that this is a safe and welcoming environment, and it’s OK to share your art with us and then get the courage to participate more.”

Reinhardt said the FAC partners with organizations in the community to encourage artists with disabilities to submit their work.

“We will have artwork by Art Mix. We will have Outside the Box — they have a location now in Fishers outside of Indianapolis. And then we will also have Noble out of Noblesville — they’ll be bringing work in. And then also the exceptional learners program at Hamilton Southeastern High School,” she said, adding that Janus Developmental Services clients will submit artwork as well, in addition to nine individual artists who are not directly connected to an organization.

Limited space at the Hub Gallery means artwork also will be displayed at the Fishers Library’s Ignite Studio, 5 Municipal Dr.

The March 8 reception is only at the Hub Gallery, though, and Reinhardt said there will be an American Sign Language interpreter for the presentation, featuring speaker Johnson Simon and musical guest Andy Schomburg.

For more, visit fishersartscouncil.org.

“Unity” by Johnson Simon is one of the pieces in the Fishers Arts Council’s March exhibit highlighting the work of people with disabilities. (Photo courtesy of FAC)

Vare elected new Hamilton County Democrats chair

news@currentinfishers.com

Hamilton County Democrats chose former Fishers City Councilor Jocelyn Vare as the county party’s new chair during a Feb. 17 party election at Carmel Clay Public Library.

POLITICS

Vare, who lost her bid for reelection to the Fishers council in November, ran for the county chair position along with Crystal Neumann, another former Fishers councilor who lost her seat in the November election.

Vare stated in a Feb. 21 announcement from the Hamilton County Democratic Party that her first priority is supporting Democratic candidates in the upcoming election.

“Voters in Hamilton County will have important choices on their ballot this November and the Hamilton County Democratic Party will make sure that all voters are informed with the facts and prepared to use their voices,” she stated. “When Hamilton County citizens pledge to never skip a vote, their voices make Indiana a better place to live.”

Vare stated that there are more Democratic voters in Hamilton County than ever before, and her goal is to strengthen those voters and Democratic candidates for elected office.

Vare replaces former county party chair Dayna Colbert, who was hired as the new executive director of the Indiana Democratic Party.

“Congratulations to Jocelyn Vare on becoming the next Hamilton County Chair,” Colbert stated in an email from the state Democratic Party. “Jocelyn knows how important this election is and has spent the last few years as an important voice in the Fishers community for fairness and growth. Democrats are uniting for 2024, and ready to bring balance to Hoosier politics.”

“When Hamilton County citizens pledge to never skip a vote, their voices make Indiana a better place to live.”

Vare

HSE announces name of proposed new superintendent

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of School Trustees revealed Feb. 22 that their choice to lead the school district is Patrick Mapes, who most recently was superintendent of Perry Township Schools.

EDUCATION

a starting base salary of $215,270. The board has the option of increasing that salary by up to $20,000 annually.

Mapes, who is returning to work after retiring in 2023, has more than 35 years of experience as an educator in Indiana, in large, medium and small K-12 organizations, according to an announcement from the district.

“Prior to leading Perry Township Schools, Mr. Mapes was chairman of the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board and spent nearly 15 years serving in various capacities, including superintendent, within Delaware Community Schools in Muncie,” the announcement stated. “He was also the assistant superintendent of public instruction at the Indiana Department of Education for three years and was selected to join the U.S. Department of Education as the regional advisory chairperson on education issues.”

Mapes will continue to serve the state as an appointee to the Indiana State Board of Education, which oversees K-12 education policymaking in Indiana.

The board held a public hearing on the terms of Mapes’ contract during a special meeting Feb. 21, which took about 10 minutes. The four people who spoke voiced no opposition to the terms of employment.

According to a summary of the proposed three-year contract, the Mapes will receive

Mapes

Before opening the Feb. 22 public hearing, Board President Juanita Albright reminded those planning to speak that the hearing was specifically about the terms of the contract, and comments should focus solely on that topic. She had to interrupt three of the four speakers to remind them of that limitation.

One of the speakers was Stephanie Hunt, who said she is “cautiously optimistic” about the next three years. Hunt said she trusts HSE Chief Financial Officer Katy Dowling’s assessment that the district can afford the proposed contract.

The board met Feb. 23 to vote on an interim service agreement with Mapes, so he could start work right away before the formal vote to approve his contract. For each day of work, he will receive $826.92, according to the agreement. It was unanimously approved.

According to the district announcement, Mapes, his wife, Jacinda, and their children plan to relocate from their home on the south side of Indianapolis to the HSE district.

“The HSE school board is confident Mr. Mapes will be a great addition to the district’s administration and will help spearhead continued efforts to enhance our schools and communities,” the announcement stated.

The board voted on Mapes’ proposed contract during a special meeting set for 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at HSE’s central office, 13485 Cumberland Rd. See www.youarecurrent.com for a report about that meeting.

Fishers Fire Department honors outstanding personnel

By Cassie King news@currentinfishers.com

AWARDS

The Fishers Fire Department presented its annual awards ceremony Feb. 17 at Heartland Church in Fishers, where it honored first responders for bravery, dedication and service.

The event included awards for Fishers firefighters, paramedics, public safety educators and staff. Fishers’ public safety educator Ashley Heckley was the emcee.

“It is important to reflect on the hard work, dedication and passion that have brought us to this moment,” Heckley said.

Fishers City Council President Cecilia Coble administered the oath of office to recently promoted officers. She shared her experience from nine years ago, when she was a firefighter for a day.

“I came away with a life-altering experience and a deep appreciation for everything that all our firefighters do,” Coble said. “We have the finest men and women serving in our Fishers Fire Department.”

The following awards were presented:

• Chiefs Medal: Capt. Neil Sullivan and firefighter Ron Stolz

• Roy Holland Officer of the Year: Lt. Danny Ebbert

• Firefighter of the Year: Kevin Brolsma

• Rookie of the Year: firefighter Chris Jessee

• Jeannie Clark EMS Provider of the Year: firefighter/paramedic Joe Goad

• Recent Promotions and Badge Pinning: Battalion Chief Michael Zajdel, Battalion Chief Adam Lee, Battalion Chief Hugo Wans, Lt. Chad Mohr and Lt. John Hinton

• Retirees: FF Travis Sichting, EMS Division Chief Steve Davison, Lt. David Gillespie and firefighter William Crew

• 20 Year Service Award: Lt. Marty Devine, Lt. Leann Foster, firefighter Seth Johnson and Captain Todd Rielage

• Fishers Fire Foundation Scholarship Award: Annelise Hiner and McKinley Underhill

• Newly Certified Paramedics: Thomas Ford, Kurt Globerger, Andrew Thomas and Quinton Camp

• Civilian of the Year: James Knowles from the Fishers Department of Public Works

• Public Service Award: Lt. William Ortiz

• Safety and Training Award: firefighters Greg Morlen and Matt Rambo

• Peer Leadership Commendation: A Shift — Seth Johnson, B Shift — Matt Rambo, C Shift — Michael Schroll

• A recording of the ceremony’s livestream can be viewed at heartlandchurch.com/live.

Battalion Chief Adam Lee, left, and firefighter/ paramedic Kevin Brolsma, who was awarded Firefighter of the Year during the Fishers Fire Department’s annual awards ceremony. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)

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Interact with The Music Playhouse at Meet Me on Main! Sing, dance, move and play instruments to stimulate musical learning. All abilities and ages are welcome to visit the booth at Anthony’s Plaza.

NEW EXHIBITS AND FEATURES IN DISTRICT GALLERIES

The Children’s Art Gallery

40 W. Main St.

Art on Main Gallery and Gifts

111 W. Main St., Suite 140

CCA Gallery

111 W. Main St., Suite 135

Circle Contemporary Art Gallery

30 W. Main St.

Indiana Artisan Gifts & Gallery

22 N Range Line Rd.

KUABA Gallery

404 W. Main St.

Soori Gallery

33 E. Main St.

Magdalena Gallery of Art

27 E. Main St., Suite 100

The Art Studio of Carmel

30 N. Range Line Rd., 2nd Floor

Fishers arts agencies receive $60,000 in grants

The Fishers Arts & Culture Commission recently awarded $60,000 to 11 organizations through the 2024 Fishers Arts & Culture Grant program.

FUNDING

This is the fourth year for the grant program, according to an announcement from the City of Fishers, which provides funding.

“One meaningful way the City of Fishers builds community and vibrancy is through the arts,” stated Jocelyn Vare, chair of the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission. “This year’s grant recipients will provide unique experiences that demonstrate the talent and creativity of Fishers.”

Grant recipients include:

• 31Svn Dance Academy — $4,000 to host hip-hop dance workshops.

• Academy of Dance Arts — $7,000 for its Dance Ability program for youth with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

• Brandon Meeks Music — $7,000 for the Harmony in Motion: Jazz Improve Workshop Series.

• Emerging Pearls Foundation — $7,000 to host the Art, Kulture, and Appetizers event showcasing Black artists.

• Fishers Arts Council — $5,710 for its monthly Second Friday gallery receptions, and musical groups at Spark!Fishers and Harvest Fest.

• Forward Motion — $5,040 for a concert event entitled Perspective that shares themes of the rotating exhibits of the Ignite Studio at Hamilton East Public Library Fishers.

• Hidden World — $6,000 for unique musical compositions that can be accessed virtually along the Nickel Plate Trail.

• High Frequency Arts — $5,000 for a new event called AI: The Intersection of Art & Tech

• Ignite Studio at HEPL — $3,750 for a 75-square-foot mural.

• Lantern Islamic Theater Company — $7,000 to produce six theater productions and acting competitions at the Alhuda Foundation.

• Noblesville Creates — $2,500 to host Comic Book in A Day at the Fishers Library.

For more, visit FishersIN.gov/grants.

ZCHS senior swimmer caps career with state titles, award

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Community High School senior Walker Mattice knew the boys swimming team had to make strides.

“At the beginning of the season, our expectations weren’t that high with as many good guys as we had graduated,” Mattice said.

“Throughout the season, we proved ourselves, and then to be able to place as high at the end of the season is so nice. It shows the guys behind me are going to step up and continue to improve, and they’re going to be at the top level the next couple of years, too.”

After finishing second in both events in 2023, Mattice won the 200-yard freestyle in 1 minute, 36.86 seconds, and the 100 freestyle in 44.26 seconds at the IHSAA boys swimming and diving state finals Feb. 24 at the Indiana University Natatorium at IUPUI. Mattice’s two victories helped the Eagles place fourth in the team standings.

“Winning an individual event is a whole

MEET WALKER MATTICE

Favorite athlete: Giannis

Antetokounmpo

Favorite movie: “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith”

Favorite subject: Physics

College major plans: Electrical engineering

other level of what it means to me and everyone around me,” Mattice said.

Then it was capped off by Mattice winning the Mental Attitude Award for boys swimming.

“That was so special. It just made everything pay off from swimming and school and everything the last four years,” Mattice said.

Eagles coach Scott Kubly said Mattice defi-

nitely deserved the honor.

“He’s a great kid,” Kubly said. “He’s a leader of the team both in and out of the pool. He’s a good student and does all the right things.”

Mattice did all the right things in the state finals.

“He was definitely dominating in the 200 freestyle and had to work to get the win in the 100 free, but that was a fun race,” Kubly said.

Mattice also was a member of the Eagles’ third-place 200 freestyle relay team and fifth-place 400 free relay.

“Our goal was to get top five and we did it,” Kubly said.

Mattice was part of the state record-setting 200 freestyle team with 2023 graduates Will Modglin, Gabe Berry and Will Raches.

In November 2022, Mattice committed to Purdue University.

“I decided on Purdue for not only the incredible team atmosphere and team that they have, but also for the amazing education that Purdue offers as I am majoring in electrical engineering,” said Mattice, who has a 4.57 weighted GPA.

ZCHS swimmer Walker Mattice competes in the state finals. (Photo courtesy of Peter H. Bick Photography/Swimming World)

Mattice

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Local residents named as 500 Festival Princesses — The Indy 500 Festival has named 33 Indiana women selected as 500 Festival Princesses for 2024. The women are from 18 Indiana colleges and universities and 23 cities across the state. The 500 Festival Princesses were chosen from hundreds of applicants for leadership, academic stewardship, community involvement and embodiment of the Hoosier spirit, according to a 500 Festival announcement. Festival princesses from the Fishers area are:

• Jaslin Martinez of Noblesville, a graduate of Fishers High School and a senior at Purdue University majoring in public health, pre-physician’s assistant.

• Hannah Mullen of Fishers, a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School and a junior at Ball State University majoring in graphic design.

• Parmida Nazarloo of Fishers, a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School and a junior at Indiana University majoring in human biology.

• Kaitlyn Ross of Fishers, a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School and a first-year law student at Indiana University Maurer School of Law with an undergraduate degree in biology.

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.

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Easter egg hunt scheduled — The Fishers American Legion Post 470 will host an Easter egg hunt starting at 11 a.m. March 30 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.

Youth-led news site to publish first print edition — After three years posting stories online, Youth Environmental Press Team is issuing its first-ever print product, a 28-page magazine with stories its youth directors deemed the most important of 2023. The magazine features stories written by students from Carmel, Fishers, Elkhart, South Bend, Indianapolis and West Lafayette. The stories include pieces about the Norfolk Trail derailment, youth climate advocacy at the Indiana Statehouse, youth involvement in municipal climate progress and how whales could help solve the climate crisis. For more, visit youthenvironmentalpressteam.org.

HEALING COMFORT

Ascension St. Vincent in Fishers kicks off pet therapy program with Paws & Think

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

A new volunteer at Ascension St. Vincent’s infusion center has been providing patients with the kind of comfort that only a dog can give.

Lulu is a large, black goldendoodle with mounds of soft, curly fur. She is happy to get pets and treats from people going through treatment at the Fishers hospital’s infusion center, and in return, the 75-pound lapdog provides calming, unconditional love to patients.

The hospital partnered with Indianapolis-based nonprofit Paws & Think to bring a pet therapy program to the hospital’s infusion center, where patients receive chemotherapy along with other intravenous therapies.

Sandy Manwaring is the infusion center’s clinical supervisor and spearheaded the effort to bring in therapy dogs.

“I went to a leadership conference in downtown Indianapolis, the convention center, and Lulu was there with Paws & Think,” she said. “I struck up a conversation and I was like, ‘Oh, do you guys go everywhere?’ I found out they do visit hospitals.”

That was April 2023, she said, and it took until January to get all the paperwork signed and sealed, allowing Lulu and other trained therapy dogs to start visiting. Manwaring said she and the center’s staff know how important pets can be for emotional health, pointing to a wall of pet photos — dogs and cats who belong to the center’s employees.

“We are huge dog and animal lovers,” she said. “It brings us joy. So, we knew it would bring the patients joy as well, because the patients walk by here and they want to guess whose animal is whose. We had Lisa bring Lulu out to kind of see how everyone reacted and the patients just loved it.”

Lisa Gupton is Lulu’s owner and co-volunteer. She’s also the program coordinator for the Paws to Heal program at Paws & Think. Manwaring said that Gupton doesn’t just bring the dog — she also talks to and connects with patients.

Manwaring said pet therapy visits can help people get through treatment with a more positive outlook.

“When you’re in here, getting chemo, getting stuff that’s not going to make you feel well, Lulu can turn people around and just make them smile,” she said.

Jenni Pettigrew is among the patients who look forward to visits from Lulu. Pettigrew was diagnosed in October with breast cancer, which spread to her lymph nodes. She’s been going through chemotherapy since November. After completing chemo, she said, she’ll have surgery and radiation

Jenni Pettigrew, Lulu the therapy dog and Lulu’s owner, Lisa Gupton, visit in the infusion center at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Fishers. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

And Lulu helps take her mind off it, Pettigrew said.

“I think it’s human nature that when we see people, we all just instantly say, like, ‘Oh, how are you?’ And right now, that’s, like, the hardest question when people ask me that because my answer — again, in normal life, everybody just says good, right? But right now, it’s not good,” she said. “It was nice to have Lulu come in and just be (there). I didn’t have to have a conversation or pretend like things were fine.”

Gupton knows what it’s like to spend a lot of time in a hospital environment. She said her son has an autoimmune disorder and was ill for a long time before it was diagnosed.

“He got the benefit of a therapy dog often whenever he was in treatment when he was little,” she said. “We were able to get Lulu and we kind of just decided to (volunteer) to give back once we got him stable enough to have a pet in the house.”

treatment, “and then by the end of summer, hopefully, life will swing back to the normal side.”

She said visits from Lulu and other therapy dogs have been a wonderful addition.

“I’m a single mom to an 8-year-old, and we are big dog people,” she said. “So, it’s been wonderful just telling my daughter that Lulu was coming and sending pictures and videos. The staff here is amazing. Amazing. But it’s scary every time you come.”

PAWS & THINK PROGRAMS REACH BEYOND THE HOSPITAL

Paws & Think, based in Indianapolis, brings people and dogs together in a variety of ways. Its youth-canine programs allow at-risk kids to connect with shelter dogs and provide basic obedience training that can help a dog find its forever home and help the youth learn positive skills.

The organization offers many therapy-dog programs, with trained dogs whose primary job is to provide affection

and comfort — something most dogs do very well. Some of the therapy dog programs include Paws to Read — where children can read books to dogs; Paws to Heal — where trained dogs visit healthcare facilities; and Paws to Comfort — where dogs provide support to people who have experienced a traumatic loss.

For more about the nonprofit’s programs, visit pawsandthink.org.

Gupton and Lulu started training and were registered for therapy work when Lulu, now 4, was 16 months old. Gupton later became the program coordinator for the nonprofit’s therapy dog program but continues to volunteer her time taking Lulu into hospitals.

“And now the program is expanding — we reached almost 22,000 lives last year in 2023 just at Ascension hospitals,” Gupton said. “We’ve got about 32 teams altogether that float around Ascension hospitals and various venues.”

Although Gupton and Lulu primarily visit kids at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, she said she was excited to start volunteering at the Fishers hospital, too, because she lives about 10 minutes away.

“It’s so close for us to pop over,” she said. “We’ve got two other teams that come here, so we’re doing weekly visits to get things started and then we’re hoping to expand into the hospital and more days.”

For more about Ascension hospitals, visit healthcare.ascension.org.

ON THE COVER: Jenni Pettigrew, who is going through treatment for breast cancer, gets a visit from Lulu the therapy dog at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Fishers. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

District South breaks ground

news@currentinfishers.com

A Feb. 21 groundbreaking ceremony kicked off the construction phase for the downtown Fishers’ District South development, a $33 million mixed-use project along South Street near Lantern Road.

The project will be anchored by a four-story building surrounded by four three-story buildings, all offering apartments and commercial space. The central building will include 14,000 square feet of office space that has been claimed by housing developer Annex Group as its new headquarters.

The Annex Group plans to relocate up to 40 full-time employees to the building. There are 42 residential loft apartments on the upper floors of the central building with a shared rooftop outdoor patio, cafe, and work from home lounge.

“As a company, we crossed the 100-employee count within the last year, and we anticipate more expansion in Indiana and beyond in the near future,” Kyle Bach, CEO of The Annex Group, stated in an announcement from the city. “District South is unique

DEVELOPMENT ACQUISITION

in the fact that it has the square footage to grow with us. This complex will have so much to offer our team, making collaboration and everyday conversations more plentiful. Fishers will also be a great place for us to call home.”

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said he’s excited to see the city’s growth continue.

“Today’s ceremony marks the beginning of a series of developments on the south side of 116th Street that will spur more vibrancy and opportunities to live, work and play in downtown Fishers,” he stated.

For more, visit DistrictSouthApartments. com.

Crosstown Ventures buys Fishers-based Top Talent

news@currentinfishers.com

Crosstown Ventures, a Columbus-based investment firm, has bought Fishers-based Top Talent, LLC, which recruits professionals for various industries.

A news release from Crosstown states that the company “specializes in partnering with companies that provide top service to their clients, value operational efficiency and want to expand their reach.” Acquiring Top Talent allows the company to enter the recruiting field and helps Top Talent with financing a planned expansion.

and drive the company’s growth initiatives.”

Top Talent’s vice president, Brent Burleson, will be promoted to president, according to the news release, and will oversee the day-to-day operations of Top Talent.

“We’re thrilled to be joining the Crosstown family,” Burleson stated. “The knowledge and resources they bring will play a pivotal role in helping us execute our growth initiatives.”

Nick Likens, CEO of Crosstown Ventures, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition.

“In line with the acquisition, Top Talent is excited to announce strategic changes to its executive team,” the news release stated. “Michael Monson, the founder of Top Talent, will move into the role of chief revenue officer. In his new capacity, Mike will spearhead business development efforts

“Acquiring Top Talent aligns with Crosstown’s strategy to invest in growth-focused companies, promising dozens of new job opportunities for the City of Fishers,” he stated. “We’re excited to drive Top Talent’s expansion, enhancing our services and exploring new avenues to better serve our clients.”

For more about the companies, visit toptalentllc.net and crosstownventures.com.

City of Fishers officials and representatives from Rebar Development break ground on the District South project, a $33 million mixed-use development in downtown Fishers. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)

Fishers fall-prevention grants help seniors stay safe

news@currentinfishers.com

ASSISTANCE

Emergency responses in Fishers that stem from accidental falls have nearly doubled since 2019, and City of Fishers departments have teamed up to try and reduce those numbers.

According to an announcement from the city, the Fishers Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the Fishers Health Department collaborated to receive a $30,000 Mobile Integrated Health grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security for the new Fishers Fall Prevention Program.

That program, which launched in November, aims to help residents age safely at home. Residents 65 and older can apply for free support, which includes home visits, fall prevention education, assistance with in-home modifications and referrals to community partners as needed.

“Falls in the home are the leading cause of injury in Fishers,” Division Chief Joe Harding from the Fishers Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ EMS Division stated. “For several years, our first responders have recognized that these are often preventable events, but we lacked resources to assist the individual. We quickly identified that there was a lack of funding for low- or fixed-income residents to purchase or install mobility devices on their own. These grant dollars will help us close the gap and help to keep our residents safe in their own homes.”

The departments will work with organizations such as the Shepherd Center of Hamilton County and Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County to identify residents in need of financial support.

For more, contact the Fishers Health Department Social Work program at 317463-4361 or email socialwork@fishers. in.us.

Kingston takes on iconic role of ‘Miss Daisy’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Ellen Kingston figured every middle-age actress in the area would audition for the title role of “Driving Miss Daisy.” Instead, only two other women auditioned at the same time. She figured more people came to the second audition and she didn’t get it. But she eventually got the offer she wanted.

Civic Theatre will present “Driving Miss Daisy” March 15 to 30 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“When I get a show even in community theater, (when) I’m not getting paid, I’m going to work just as hard as IRT or Beef & Boards when I’m getting paid because I’m so honored to have the role,” Kingston said. “I’m happy to have a role that is (in) my wheelhouse.”

The 68-year-old Carmel resident said it helped that she had memorized her lines before the audition, which impressed Civic Theatre Executive Artistic Director Michael Lasley, who is directing the show.

Kingston has only seen the film version with Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, and the Australian stage version with Angela Lansbury in the Miss Daisy role and James Earl Jones as Hoke.

“It’s weird to see a Southern accent from Angela Lansbury,” Kingston said. “You think of James Earl Jones as so dignified, but he was amazing as Hoke. It was a small theater in Australia, and no one was on mics, so everyone yelled all their lines, which was awful.”

As Miss Daisy, Kingston seldom leaves the stage.

“There are two little scenes where I go off the stage for 40 seconds,” Kingston said. “There is no intermission. She wears the same dress the whole show with hats, gloves and a bathrobe at one point, but there’s no time to change. There’s a lot of lines.”

Kingston retired as director of creative events from the Center for The Performing Arts in February 2023. She does freelance projects for her own company called Ideal Talent.

Despite many years in community theater in central Indiana, Lasley has not previously directed Kingston.

“We have worked in proximity to each other before but I’m very much looking forward to the opportunity to direct her in this classic piece of American theater,” Lasley said. “Similarly, I have worked with Antione Demmings, who played Hoke on a number of occasions at Civic, but this will be the first time I have been the director.

I have had the pleasure of directing David Wood, who is portraying Daisy’s son, Boolie, a number of times as well as working with him in other capacities. All in all, I am very excited to work with all three of these accomplished performers to bring this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama to the stage.”

Lasley said “Driving Miss Daisy’ is a

terrific fit for the Studio Theater, and the three-person cast is the smallest cast since the initial Civic production in that theater.

“While the space is sort of automatically intimate by its nature, the chance to tell this very intimate story about family and friendship in this warm and open space is a real gift,” Lasley said.

Kingston suggested she and Demmings and Wood, both Indianapolis residents, meet before rehearsals started.

“We sat for two hours and talked and laughed and got to know each other, because I think it’s essential for that kind of a small cast,” Kingston said. “We just went into rehearsals feeling like friends.”

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘BEAUTIFUL”

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

‘VIOLET’

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

‘AN EVENING WITH CARRIE NEWCOMER’

Carrie Newcomer and pianist Gary Walters, Allie Summers and String Quartet will appear in concert at 8 p.m. March 9 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

THE IRISH TENORS

The Irish Tenors will perform at 8 p.m. March 8 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

BRUCE HORNSBY

Bruce Hornsby and yMusic present BrhyM at 8 p.m. March 9 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

IMAGINATION MOVERS

Imagination Movers’ interactive concert is set for 1 and 4 p.m. March 10 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘ECLECTIC ENCHANTMENT’

The Indiana Wind Symphony’s performance of “Eclectic Enchantment” is set for 7:30 p.m. March 9 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

Ellen Kingston and Antione Demmings appear in Civic Theatre’s production of “Driving Miss Daisy.” (Photo by Joshua Hasty Photography)

ATI names Frost as executive director — Brian Frost, a Fishers resident, has been named executive director of Actors Theatre of Indiana. Frost replaces Jim Reilly, who retired after 12 years. Frost has been working as a Realtor/associate broker for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

DISPATCH

Rickie Lee Jones to perform

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones first came to national prominence with the hit “Chuck E.’s in Love” in 1979.

CONCERT

Forty-five years later, Jones is still creating and performing. She will perform at 8 p.m. March 8 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“The switch that makes me want to write all the time, loving to write, remains as elusive to me now as it ever was,” Jones said. “The switch is on now. Worries about family are far less. That kind of thing can devastate the creative mind. It needs pastures of unobstructed views of its own imagination, rivers unpolluted by depression and despair. Sometimes you can write your way out of a feeling, but the other time the feeling just sucks down joy and poetry like a black hole.”

At 69, Jones said her age has let her feel like her life belongs only to her.

“I have a little time left to express and

leave behind the impression of my unique self,” Jones said. “Why I decided I am worth it, what caused that Catholic self-retaliation to dissolve, I cannot say. But now that it’s gone and I feel loved and treated with the respect old folks get, I am writing like mad. The pressure is off. I don’t need to present myself. I am myself. I am lucky enough to be called to this job, to have it all my life, to make money being Rickie Lee Jones. Imagine that — so beautiful. And I like being my honest self, so others can feel good about their honest self, their own kindness, their own glory.”

Jones said having money can help.

“When one needs money, that immediacy keeps us returning to the typewriter or the piano, in spite of how it might hurt our jagged soul to have those feelings pass through the memory as they are turned into art,” Jones said. “It’s not a bad word, money. But it’s easy to forget that art has nothing to do with money. The value, for myself, (is) the value of a single song having been sprung up out of the air, with no one else’s judgment of it.”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Jones

IWS plans ‘Eclectic’ concert

By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com

There’s nothing like a broad and diverse range of music. For many people, it can mesmerize, surprise and enchant.

MUSIC

So, perhaps it’s not a wonder the Indiana Wind Symphony is presenting the concert “Eclectic Enchantment.”

The concert is at 7:30 p.m. March 9 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Conrad said the IWS is going to open the concert with “Serenade No. 12” by Mozart, and then Anderson will sing an opera selection and a piece by Samuel Barber called “Knoxville: Summer of 1915.”

Anderson

The night promises to be an eclectic mix of works with performances by guest vocal soloist Jessamyn Anderson, a 2011 Carmel High School graduate.

Anderson, who now lives with her family in Nashville, Tenn., is an accomplished performer, according to IWS founder and Music Director Charles Conrad, a Carmel resident.

“Jessamyn is a graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and is a very talented actress and soprano,” Conrad said. “She’s appeared in operas, recitals and musicals.”

Conrad said it’s a soprano feature with 15 instruments.

“I’ve been performing as a soprano soloist with the Indiana Wind Symphony for 12 seasons, which means I’ve grown up professionally alongside this ensemble,” Anderson said. “The Indiana Wind Symphony remains a wonderful group to perform with, and I’ve been blessed to sing a wide variety of repertoire with them.”

The IWS is made up of approximately 80 volunteer members and includes professional musicians, music educators and serious avocational musicians.

Conrad said he believes the IWS is the only concert band that does a chamber series and has done so for 15 years.

“They are smaller than a concert band, anywhere from four to 24 pieces,” Conrad said. “It’s comparable to the orchestra doing a string quartet as part of its series.”

For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

CSO, IBC present ‘The Firebird’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Music Director David Commanday figures the upcoming CSO concert will be a thrilling blend of music and dance.

CONCERT

The concert, titled “Bohemian Delight and The Firebird,” is set for 7:30 p.m. March 16 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“The whole idea is to give the audience a great experience and I expect this music and this orchestra will do that for them,” Commanday said.

Indiana Ballet Conservatory dancers will be featured in the suite from “The Firebird.”

The program begins with Antonio Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 8.”

“It offers everything a romantic symphony can do from singing strings to brilliant winds to thrilling bass,” Commanday said. “It’s one of the anchors of this program and I’m happy to be playing (it).”

Commanday described Bedrich Smetana’s “The Bartered Bride” as a festive overture.

“It’s a thrilling piece and it brings the concert hall alive with electricity,” Comman-

day said.

Commanday added Dvorak’s “Prague Waltzes’ to the program.

Igor Stravinsky’s ‘Firebird Suite” is inspired by Russian folklore.

“I think this is the very best concert version of a Stravinsky ballet,” Commanday said. “It has all the best goodies in it, and it flows.”

Chris Lingner and Westfield High School freshman Clara Crane from the Indiana Ballet Conservatory will perform in front of the orchestra during the piece.

String groups from Carmel High School will perform in the lobby before the show.

For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

Westfield High School freshman Clara Crane has trained at Indiana Ballet Conservatory for more than 12 years.

(Photo courtesy of Moonbug Photography).

Oscar awards predicted

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Heartland International Film Festival Artistic Director Greg Sorvig makes his predictions for Academy Awards winners ahead of the March 10 telecast:

FILM

• Best picture: “Oppenheimer”

• Best actor: Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer”

• Best actress: Lily Gladstone, “Killers of the Flower Moon”

• Best supporting actor: Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer”

• Best supporting actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers”

• Best director: Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer”

• International feature film: “The Zone of Interest,” United Kingdom

• Animated feature film: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”

• Adapted screenplay: “American Fiction”

• Original screenplay:” Anatomy of a Fall”

• Visual effects: “Godzilla Minus One”

• Original score: “Oppenheimer”

• Original song: “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”

• Documentary feature film: “20 Days in Mariupol”

• Cinematography: “Oppenheimer”

• Costume design:” Poor Things”

• Animated short film: “Ninety-Five Senses”

• Live action short film: “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”

• Documentary short film: “The Last Repair Shop”

• Film editing: “Oppenheimer”

• Sound: “Oppenheimer”

• Production design: “Poor Things”

• Makeup and hairstyling: “Maestro”

For a full list, visit yourarecurrent.com.

America’s corned beef history

Commentary by Mark LaFay

We are sneaking up on St Patrick’s day, a day to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland. While many Americans use this an excuse to slam Guinness and light lagers dyed green, I use it as an excuse to eat corned beef. This year I got to wondering why corned beef and Ireland seem to go handin-glove in America. What I found was that the connection between corned beef and St. Patrick’s Day is more a tale of immigration and adaptation than of ancient Irish tradition.

So, this year, want to make your own corned beef instead of buying one? Try this recipe. You’ll want to get a brisket and remove the point so that only the flat remains.

HOMEMADE CORNED BEEF

Ingredients:

• 1 5-pound brisket

• 1 gallon water

• 1 1/2 cups kosher salt

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 4 tablespoons pickling spice

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 teaspoons pink curing salt (sodium nitrite)

Instructions:

• In a large pot, combine water, kosher

salt, sugar, pickling spice, garlic and pink curing salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.

• Place the brisket in a large, sealable bag. Pour the chilled brine over the meat, ensuring it is completely submerged. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible.

• Refrigerate the brisket in the brine for five to seven days, turning the bag daily to ensure even curing.

• After curing, remove the brisket from the brine and rinse under cold water. Cook as desired, typically by simmering in water with additional pickling spice until tender. I like to slow cook in the oven at 225 degrees until nice and tender. I’ll finish the corned beef by make a mixture of equal parts yellow mustard and brown sugar, cover the top of the brisket and allow the brown sugar to caramelize under the broiler, but be sure to not scorch it!

WRITTEN

Blueprint for Improvement: Sleek and stylish Carmel living room

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 1992 in downtown Carmel, this home’s owners were ready to transform their dated living room into a modern and sophisticated space.

THE BLUEPRINT

• The fireplace now makes a sophisticated statement, with chic floor-to-ceiling tile and a custom gas insert for easy operation.

• Grass cloth wallpaper pairs perfectly with the sleek fireplace tile, adding texture and modern style.

• Luxury vinyl plank flooring unifies the living room with the adjoining kitchen, improving flow and elevating the aesthetic.

• A new island features a unique custom curved support that serves as a stylish transition piece between the living room and kitchen.

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.

PHEASANT, PHYSICAL; Fly: BUTTER, DRAGON, FIRE, HORSE; Stars: HACKMAN, HERSHEY, HOPPER; Dishes: CHOP SUEY, CHOW

LEGAL NOTICE DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC

Public notice is hereby given to affected property owners pursuant to 170 IAC 4-9-4(f) that within two (2) to six (6) weeks of the date of this notice, weather permitting, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC will be performing vegetation management as part of its power line maintenance program in the area described below. As part of this project, one of its contractors that employ qualified utility line clearance tree workers will be trimming and/or removing trees and brush to clear the lines of vegetation to provide safe and reliable electric service. Vegetation management will be performed in/near Noblesville, Fishers on or near streets identified below:

• Beginning at the substation located near the intersection of N 8th St & Clinton St to include the areas around & near: N of Dan Dr, E of S Mill Creek Rd, S of Great Lakes Dr, W of the substation

• Beginning at the substation located near the intersection of Southeastern Pkwy & Olio Rd to include the areas around & near: N of W Fall Creek Rd, E of the substation, S of W 650 S, W of S 750 W

The date this notice is published initiates the two (2) week period for calculating implied consent by an affected property owner under 170 IAC 4-9. If you have any questions, you may contact the Duke Energy Vegetation Management toll free number, 866-385-3675.

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC Vegetation Management Department

TO SIGN-UP FOR WEEKLY DIGITAL EDITIONS, MORNING DAILY BRIEFINGS AND BREAKING NEWS

ON YOUR PHONE

What’s up, doc?

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

HUMOR

I’ve had the same barber for 35 years, the same housekeeper for almost 40, and our CPA retired after 40 years, probably because she was sick of looking at my shoebox filled with receipts. Oh, and I have had the same wife for 44 years. She has no plans to retire … I don’t think.

After about 25 years, my primary care physician is calling it quits. Many local M.D.s went to Dr. Kevin Coss for their personal health needs. Kevin was known as the doctor’s doctor.

You never hear that expression about other professions. I asked my plumber (who’s been our plumber for 25 years) to tell me who in town is known as the “plumber’s plumber.”

“Most plumbers fix their own plumbing,” he told me. “Unless they have a reputation for not showing up on time, then they call someone else.”

Don’t worry, I don’t know what that means, either.

When we first arrived in Indy, my physician was Dr. Bob Palmer. He retired years ago and, sadly, has since passed away. Bob was a diminutive guy, and when he wrote me an email, he signed it, “Your dwarf inter-

City Walk Development LLC is submitting a Notice of Intent to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of the Construction Stormwater General Permit to discharge stormwater from construction activities associated with a proposed commercial development located at Lantern Road and Circle Drive in Fishers, IN. Runoff from the project site will discharge into the existing pond north of the site, east of Alhuda Foundation and west of the Nickel Plate Trail. The project site will eventually discharge into the White River. Questions or comments regarding this project should be directed to Hossam Wanas at wanas@citywalkfishers.com or 317-979-9797 with City Walk Development LLC.

nist.” But don’t sell him short — he was not only a superb practitioner but a World War II bomber pilot with more than 70 missions. His office was decorated with photos of him in uniform standing by his plane. I preferred this décor to my urologist’s office, which is furnished with pictures of … well, let’s just leave it at that.

Dr. Bob once examined me, and the nurse came in with a worried look.

“Dr. Palmer needs to see you right away,” she said.

Shaking, I went back to his office.

“You have Wisenheimer’s disease,” he told me.

I asked what that was.

“While examining you, I saw that you have on a black sock and blue sock. That’s Wisenheimer’s disease.”

I told him I had another pair of socks just like it at home.

Bob always came out to the waiting room and personally summoned the next person into his office. This was a small commitment in time, but it made a huge impression on the patient.

But now back to Dr. Coss. Like Dr. Palmer, he put me at ease and spent a solid hour with me at my annual checkup. He always sat down with me during our conversations. So, I never felt rushed in the examination. Even during what I will call the yearlong hypochondriacal period of my life, he was patient and understanding.

Thanks, Kevin Coss. I hope retirement treats you well. Just like you treated all your patients.

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

NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS OF ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION

The City of Fishers, Hamilton County, Indiana (“City”), pursuant to Ind. Code §6-1.1-18-5, hereby provides NOTICE that the City’s Common Council (“Council”) will conduct a public hearing during its March 18, 2024 regularly scheduled Council meeting for considering the following additional appropriation(s) in excess of the budget for the current year.

Addition Reduction

Sewer Availability Fund – Capital Expense $1,650,000 $0

Municipal Health Fund – Professional Services $36,699 $0

Total $1,686,699 $0

The Council meeting will take place at 7:00pm at the Huston Theatre, Launch Fishers, 12175 Visionary Way, Fishers, IN. Taxpayers appearing at the meeting shall have the right to be heard. The additional appropriations as finally made will be referred to the Department of Local Government Finance (Department). The Department will make a written determination as to the sufficiency of funds to support the appropriation within fifteen (15) days of receipt of a Certified Copy of the action taken.

Dated this 21st day of February, 2024

CITY OF FISHERS

Lisa Bradford, City Controller Hamilton County, Indiana

What’s the use in crying?

Commentary

by Terry Anker

Although the very earliest forms of expression were often cave paintings of heroic deeds against formidable opponents, animal or otherwise, art eventually matured into other forms — romantic expressions, then deities, then edifices and so on. We retell the story of our personal state, often the universal human condition, through art in all its forms — music, painting, sculpture, theater, literature, song, dance — the list goes on.

ESSAY

The subjects haven’t found much variability in these many years. We brag of our conquests and prowess. We express our fears and loathing. And we emote. Wow, do we emote. French poet Raymond Queneau entitled his magnum opus “100,000,000,000,000 Poems,” but it is unlikely that he managed to say it all. Anger, pain, love, loss and need all find outlets in our expression. The notion of human crying appears so often in song lyrics that even the vaunted artificial intelligence will not yet provide a specific answer, instead

asserting it blithely to be “a common theme” in music. No doubt.

What is the use of all the time we spend crying instead of time doing? Were we to dedicate our energy and emotion to action, would the foundation for sadness dry up? Even the great Nat King Cole observed that we’d be better off to “smile” and rhetorically queries, “What’s the use of crying?” Still, there is much evidence that our sobbing is good for us, that grief has an important role in healing.

In 1981, the rock band Journey found a hit among all of those seeking revenge in “Who’s Crying Now.” Is there a different act that could serve us in our need to feel better? Fury? Reason? Resignation? Evolution? Even if tears are the best path, is there a point too far? Is there a point of self-indulgence?

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

One is the happiest number

Commentary by

Danielle

Wilson

Friends, happy days are here again! Or at least for a week. My husband Doo is away on a boys trip, leaving me and my lonesome behind. Woohoo! Actually, the dog is here, too, but you get my point. Six glorious nights of single-lady living!

HUMOR

I’ll return each evening to a beautiful bed because I will have made it that morning. The kitchen sink will be immaculate because the dishes will be where they belong — in the dishwasher. I will not be awoken intermittently from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. by snoring, grunting, breathing or “Is he experiencing a medical event?” And randomly discarded boxers won’t be a topic of mid-level debate, nor will his definitely on-purpose turning on of all the overhead lights (those two 40-watt-bulb lamps are plenty!).

They say a man’s home is his castle — until he leaves, and the queen takes over! And this queen don’t mess around with her solo reign. I made a special Meijer trip to stock the fridge with my favorite frozen dinners, bakery goods and deli delights and purposefully did not schedule any

“I made a special Meijer trip to stock the fridge with my favorite frozen dinners, bakery goods and deli delights and purposefully did not schedule any plans outside of work.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

plans outside of work. Me Time is free time, and if I decide to watch an entire season of “House Hunters International” while savoring two of Amy’s Cheese Enchiladas and a chocolate bundt, then sue me. Oh, wait, you can’t! And neither can Doo! Will I be glad when he returns? Probably. I do still kinda like him. But am I thrilled to have the TV remote to myself and a relatively smelly smell-free bathroom? Abso-fudgin-lutely. Happy days are here again, temporarily at least, and I intend to enjoy them fully! Peace out.

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

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Seeing is _______________.

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Across

1. Phone downloads

5. Indy City-County Councilor Annee

9. Ask for money

14. Alka-Seltzer sound?

15. Teen woe

16. Online party announcement

17. ___ fide

18. Angela Buchman forecast, maybe

19. Attacked, in a way

20. Indianapolis Motor Speedway street

23. Astronaut Jemison

24. IU’s Kelley School deg.

25. Indiana Firebirds’ defunct pigskin org.

28. Small, but full of fight

32. 007, for one

35. Windblown snow pile

37. Start of a poker

declaration

38. “Star Wars” princess

39. Street interrupted by Geist Reservoir

42. Extinguishes, with “out”

43. Norse thunder god

44. Silence-breaking women’s movement

45. Colts’ 6-pters.

46. Straddling

48. ___-Cat

49. In the past

50. Pacer foe in Texas, briefly

52. Indy street with an I-65 exit

57. Atlantic or Pacific

59. Portent

60. Denny’s rival

63. Toga’s kin

64. Civil rights org.

65. Equipment

66. First Lady Ford

67. Body art, for short

68. Infamous Roman emperor

Down

1. IMPD alert

2. Farm implement

3. Cornmeal cake

4. Muscle twitch

5. Astronomical unit of distance

6. Trendy smoothie berry

7. MS-DOS alternative

8. It started on Ash Wednesday

9. “I ___ declare...”

10. Ex-Mrs. Trump

11. Color gradation

12. Nevada neighbor

13. Humane Society for Hamilton County adoptee 21. “Here, try some!”

22. “E” on a gas gauge 25. Competent

26. Criminal trickery

27. Shoppers’ aids

29. “That’s correct!”

30. Detest

31. Lilly lab dish

32. Racy online messages

33. Mountaineer’s tool

34. Google alternative

36. Pacers stats

38. Commit perjury in Boone County Court

40. “Let’s do this!”

41. Lipstick mishap

46. Part of CIA

47. Near failing grade at Westfield HS

49. Bide one’s time

51. Two-finger salute

52. Camp shelter

53. Exactly as required, in three syllables

54. Where to take a Zumba class in Fishers

55. Sensed

6 Airplane Parts 4 ___ Fly

3 “Hoosiers” Stars

5 Ph- Words

56. “Of ___ I Sing”

57. Wagering letters

2 House of Cheung Dishes

1 Largest Indy Hotel

58. Mud Creek Players stage prompt

61. Rowing need

62. Purgatory Golf Club instructor

Answers on Page 18

Schuyler

O:

Speech Pathology Services is looking to hire a part-time business manager for a small pediatric private practice located in Carmel. If interested, please contact: info@spscarmel.com

information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net.

We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays. To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@ integrityautomotive.net . 40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www. IntegrityAutomotive.net

SYSTEMS

BorgWarner

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 does not require travel. Lead the systems project team in developing programs for hybrid traction motors; among other duties. Apply to

Starting at: $1659

Available as: sofa, loveseat, chair, ottoman

Starting at: $1759

GET STARTED:

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

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

DISCUSS YOUR DESIGN

Meet your designer and review the space, budget, and style vision.

Available as: sofa, loveseat, chair, loveseat, chair 1/2, chair, ottoman, chaise

1 2 3

CONFIRM DESIGN & INSTALL

Give your final approval and our team will schedule your install day!

THE MARTIN 36”x80”x35”

THE MONACO 36”x79”x35”

HEAR FROM KAREN ABOUT OUR DESIGN SERVICES!

“WORK WITH A DESIGNER WHO HELPS YOU FEEL CONFIDENT IN YOUR DECISIONS WHILE LEADING AN ORGANIZED & ENJOYABLE DESIGN PROCESS.”

THE BRADFORD 88”x39”x37”