March 12, 2024 — Fishers

About us

Contact the editor

Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share?

Contact Managing Editor Leila Kheiry at leila@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444 ext. 804. You also may submit information at currentinfishers.com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.

Share your thoughts

Letters to the editor may be sent for consideration to letters@youarecurrent.com.

Letters have a maximum word count of 300 words. Please include your city of residence and a contact phone number for verification. Current Publishing may refuse letters.

Advertise your business

If you’re interested in reaching the Fishers market (31,463 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Fishers advertising) or by calling 317.748.2662.

Obituaries obits@youarecurrent.com

Legal advertising legals@youarecurrent.com

Delivery questions

circulation@youarecurrent.com

Opinions

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

Southwest corner of 116th & I-69

33 years old today!

(Shouldn’t I be driving a car by now?)

Presentation offers information about eclipse science, safety and photography

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Rick Galloway of the Indiana Astronomical Society wears his science-enthusiast colors with pride.

ASTRONOMY

Sporting a T-shirt that stated, “Indiana is on the path to be totaled,” Galloway recently led a presentation at the Fort Harrison State Park Inn that focused on the upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse. Central Indiana is directly in the eclipse’s path of totality.

Galloway started with a funny story about his shirt.

“Last October, my wife and I were driving down to Florida for fall break and we stopped at a gas station in Tennessee,” he said. “I went inside to get a cola or something to drink. And the lady behind the counter was ringing it up. She looks at (my shirt) and she looks at me (and said), ‘Is there something bad that’s going to happen in Indiana?’”

Nope — it’s good, and very, very cool. A little after 3 p.m. April 8, people in central Indiana will experience a total eclipse, something that hasn’t happened in this area for more than 800 years.

But what is an eclipse, and how does it occur?

“In its simplest, simplest terms, … what it does is, the moon lines up directly (between) the sun (and Earth) and puts a shadow onto the Earth,” Galloway said. “Simplest thing, but astronomically, it’s a very difficult thing to be able to do.”

That’s because the moon has an elliptical and angled orbit, so the lining-up part doesn’t happen very often, at least not over any specific spot.

“On average, somewhere on Earth about every year and a half, 18 months, we’ll have a total eclipse,” Galloway said. “The problem is, many times they’re out over the ocean — no way to go see it. So, having this thing come through the middle of Indiana is extraordinarily rare. And this is just so cool.

This is so amazing.”

The upcoming eclipse also coincides with a predicted uptick in solar activity, Galloway said, which means that when the eclipse reaches totality — a complete covering of the sun by the moon — the corona, or outer atmosphere of the sun, likely will be even more spectacular.

When the eclipse has reached totality — and only at that time — Galloway said it is safe to remove special eclipse-viewing glasses. It’s a brief window of time, though, because as soon as totality starts to wane, the glasses need to go back on. He recommends getting special viewing glasses sooner rather than later.

“Being able to get these things online is getting more and more difficult,” he said, stressing that the eclipse safety glasses must be ISO certified, and there is no substitute. “Sunglasses, no. Welders glasses, no. I had one kid at a high school presentation, he says, ‘Well, what happens if I put on 18 pairs of sunglasses?’ Still no. Certified is the way to go.”

Looking directly at the sun before or after totality can cause severe eye damage.

Galloway said that when using binoculars, telescopes or any kind of camera, an ISO-certified filter lens made from the same material as the glasses must be placed on

the front exterior lens, even if you’re wearing safety glasses while looking through it. A filter not only protects the eyes, it protects digital cameras, including phone cameras, from expensive damage.

Photographing a solar eclipse can be challenging. Galloway, who is a photographer, said a digital camera with a zoom lens can work well — just remember to remove the filter once totality is reached and then put it back on when totality starts to wane.

For those with phone cameras, he recommends a filter, of course (you can take apart a spare pair of safety glasses and tape one of the filters over the lens), along with a small tripod to keep the phone steady and an app called Solar Snap. The app manufacturer sells a kit to help with cell-phone eclipse photography, but the app itself is free and provides simple guidance to inexperienced photographers about how best to get a shot of the eclipse.

Galloway said several times that the weather on April 8 will be perfect, with no clouds for miles. But, he admitted, there’s actually only about a 40 percent chance of clear skies that day.

“This is what keeps me up at night,” he said. “This is what wakes me up in the middle of the night and makes me have night sweats.”

Galloway said he has four weather apps on his phone, and he won’t decide until a few days before the eclipse where he’ll go for optimal viewing, based on what those apps predict. If it is overcast that day, he said people in central Indiana will still see something. It won’t be nearly as cool as it could be, though.

“Things will just get darker and darker and darker,” he said. “So, remember, it’s going to be hundreds of miles from the nearest cloud on that day, beautiful, bright, sunny, 62 degrees.”

Fingers crossed.

For more, visit iasindy.org or science. nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/ eclipse-2024.

Rick Galloway of the Indiana Astronomical Society, center, with the help of volunteers from the audience, demonstrates the science behind a solar eclipse. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

Fishers police arrest man after Top Golf shooting

news@currentinfishers.com

Fishers Police Department announced Feb. 28 that officers arrested an Indianapolis man on charges of criminal recklessness a few days after an incident when a weapon discharged, apparently by accident, around other guests at Top Golf off 116th Street.

CRIME

According to the announcement, officers responded to a call on Feb. 23 reporting possible shots fired at Top Golf. There were no injuries.

“When officers arrived, most of the group (involved) had dispersed and fled the area,” the announcement stated. “Through their investigation and working with witnesses, FPD investigators identified Anthony Hurd Jr. as the suspect.”

FPD took Hurd into custody Feb. 27 and he was booked into the Hamilton County Jail.

According to the jail’s website, Hurd remained in custody March 6 on one felony charge of criminal recklessness for allegedly shooting a firearm into a building where people are likely to gather.

Fishers police clarified in a later email that the Top Golf incident did not appear to be an intentional shooting.

According to the State of Indiana’s online database, Hurd has had multiple prior felony charges related to firearms.

DISPATCH

Fishers Parks offers lifeguard camp — A new junior lifeguard summer camp at Geist Waterfront Park will teach basic lifeguard skills to kids ages 11-15 while the park is open to the public, allowing oneone instruction and hands-on experience. The camp will help participants obtain lifeguard jobs after they turn 16. Parks Department’s summer camp offerings are open for registration at playfishers.com/167/ Summer-Camp.

Hurd

GET INVOLVED

SPRING!

Fishers Park & Rain Garden Stewards

Fishers Farmers Market

Fishers AgriPark

Spark!Fishers

Geist Half Race Series

Members of the Hamilton Southeastern High School state champion volleyball team attended a Feb. 28 announcement revealing that Indy Ignite, Indiana’s new professional volleyball team, will make the Fishers Events Center its home court, with home games starting in Janu(Photo courtesy

Indy Ignite to call Fishers home

news@currentinfishers.com

Brand-new professional volleyball team Indy Ignite announced Feb. 28 that the Fishers Event Center will be its official home court. The venue in Fishers, under construction now, will host Indy Ignite home games starting in January 2025.

The Fishers Event Center is set to open in

The announcement took place at the Fishers Event Center, with Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, Pro Volleyball Federation CEO Jen Spicher, Indy Ignite co-owner Jim Schumacher, former Husker Volleyball player Kenzie Knuckles and Indy Ignite General Manager Mary Kay Huse.

“Indy Ignite is proud to represent not just Indianapolis, but the entire regionwide volleyball community that makes Indiana one of the best states in the sport,” Huse stated in a news release from the city. “From the Fishers Event Center, our team will be able to serve the thousands of young athletes in central Indiana, giving them everything they need to have an incredible night with their families.”

Indy Ignite is the third professional sports team to make the center its new home. The ECHL Indy Fuel hockey team and the Fishers Freight Indoor Football League team also will play home games at the new center. According to the city, the three teams will bring more than 100 events to Fishers each year.

Pro Volleyball Federation began play in January. Indy Ignite is one of three expansion teams to debut in 2025. For more, visit IndyIgniteVB.com.

of INNOVATIVE)

New Hamilton Southeastern Schools Superintendent

Patrick Mapes addresses the school board Feb. 28. (Photo courtesy of HSE Schools)

HSE board approves contract for new superintendent

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Patrick Mapes is officially the new Hamilton Southeastern Schools superintendent following a unanimous vote Feb. 28 by the HSE Board of Trustees approving his three-year contract.

EDUCATION

Mapes, the former superintendent for Perry Township Schools, has been working for the district since Feb. 23 on a special short-term contract. He replaces former HSE Superintendent Yvonne Stokes, who resigned in September with a year remaining of her three-year contract.

No member of the public spoke during the Feb. 28 special meeting, which lasted less than five minutes. Board President Juanita Albright said the board looks forward to working with Mapes.

“The HSE school board is thrilled about what is in store for the future of our district,” she said. “We are confident Mr. Mapes will be a great addition to our

administration and will spearhead continued efforts to enhance our schools and communities.”

Mapes spoke briefly and said it’s an honor to lead Hamilton Southeastern Schools.

“I’ve been here now for four days, I’ve visited 16 buildings (and am) amazed at the instruction that’s taking place and the opportunities of where we can take our kids in the future,” he said. “The teaching staff that I’ve met has been very welcoming, but the students and their interactions have been fabulous. So, I just appreciate the opportunity. I see a very strong team of teachers and administrators in the district that I’ve met so far, and look forward to working with them to make certain that we’re the top school district in the state of Indiana.”

Albright thanked Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Matt Kegley, who has served as interim superintendent during the hiring process for a new fulltime superintendent. She said Kegley will be promoted to deputy superintendent.

HEPL opens annual seed library

news@currentinfishers.com

Madam Walker Theater | March 16, 2024 at 7pm

FOR TICKETS:

SCAN the code VISIT IndyOpera.org

CALL 317-274-2720

Production Sponsors

Arthur Jordan Foundation

GARDENING

As spring planting season approaches, Hamilton East Public Library has announced that its annual seed library is open at the library’s Fishers and Noblesville branches.

“We love hearing about our community’s gardens every year, and we know the seed library is very important to library users,” stated Julia Welzen, HEPL community engagement coordinator. “Our hope is that with the HEPL seed library, our community will explore how wonderful gardening can be, no matter where they are in their gardening journey.”

There are 145 seed varieties in HEPL’s collection this year, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers and even a native grass. According to the announcement, the seeds are non-GMO and open-pollinated. Hybrid plants are not included in the collection.

New varieties available this year include Homemade Pickles cucumbers, Red Malabar spinach, Anaheim peppers, Greek oregano, summer savory, Long Island Cheese pump-

kins, salsify, Amana Orange tomatoes, ageratum (floss flower), annual candytuft, Ohio spiderwort and common ironweed, among others.

The seed library is open to all Hamilton County residents. They can choose up to 20 seed packets per library cardholder for the 2024 growing season, according to the announcement.

HEPL accepts donated seeds for distribution through the library, with some restrictions. For more, including a complete list of seeds and growing guides, visit hamiltoneastpl.org/seed-library.

Hamilton East Public Library’s Fishers and Noblesville branches have opened their annual seed libraries, offering free seeds for Hamilton County residents. (Photo courtesy of HEPL)

HSE girls golf coach leaves program in good hands

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Steve Guenin, the time was right to retire as Hamilton Southeastern High School’s girls golf coach.

SPORTS

“I love where our program is,” he said. “We have a solid group of girls and supportive parents. I think it’s the right time for me to pass the torch on to someone else. Peter Salvadori, my varsity assistant, has accepted the position. HSE golf is in good hands. I’m very proud of our consistency. Qualifying for the state tournament 17 out of the last 20 years defines our program.”

Guenin decided the 2023 season would be his final one. The Royals finished 11th Sept. 30 at the IHSAA state finals.

“One of my favorite parts of this job was seeing how girls improved during the offseason,” said Guenin, who became coach in 2004. “We have had several girls who did not play much one year and then decided to get better. They dedicated their time and energy to improving and contributed to our team the next fall. I am so proud of them.”

The Royals won three state championships in four years, winning in 2008, 2010 and 2011.

“We had a nice group of girls and parents go through and things fell into place for us,” Guenin said. “We talk about playing your best when it counts the most, and in those years, we had girls who all played well during the tournament. It was a great ride.”

Along with that, the Royals were second to a strong Martinsville team in 2007.

“All five of our girls made incredible efforts on both days,” he said. “We were more excited about getting second than Martins-

ville was about winning.”

Guenin, 54, said the team played the state finals in all sorts of fall weather — snow, sideways rain, sunny and 75 degrees.

“We felt like we had an advantage in poor conditions,” said Guenin, who will continue in his role as HSE’s dean of students. “One year our team had to hole up in a McAlister’s restaurant for nearly four hours to wait out a tornado warning,” he said.

He always enjoyed senior nights.

“Seeing our girls play in homemade cos tumes and honoring our seniors is great,” he said. “We have had wonderful golfers go through our program.”

More than 40 of the team’s players have gone on to play collegiate golf.

“We have graduated collegiate All–Amer icans, national champions and PGA profes sionals,” said Guenin, who became a var sity assistant coach in 2000 under Nancy Nuce. “HSE girls have earned all-conference, all-state and Individual state tournament runners–up honors. It was very cool that one year three HSE grads played in the same national collegiate tournament for different colleges. I love staying in touch with former players and learning about their families and careers.”

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Doubles: BOILER, DATE, ENTENDRE, JEOPARDY, PLAY, SPACE; Ingredients: BELL PEPPER, CHEESE, EGGS, HAM, ONION; States: IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA; Blades: EPEE, FOIL, SABRE; Colors: CRIMSON, GREY; City: SHELBYVILLE

Steve Guenin lends support to former HSE golfer Lauren Stewart. (Photo courtesy of Steve Guenin)

Greyhounds senior point guard grows as a leader

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School point guard Ryan Clevenger made his biggest strides in leadership this season.

“I had to take that role being one of the only seniors with experience from last year,” he said.

Greyhounds boys basketball coach Ryan Osborn said Clevenger filled the role quite well.

“Ryan was a vital piece to our team this season,” Osborn said. “He grew up in terms of leadership, accountability and production. Ryan brought a level of toughness to practice every day that challenged everyone in the gym. There aren’t many productive point guards out there that lead without saying a whole lot.”

Osborn said Clevenger learned how to lead the team when it mattered most.

“His teammates respected him and responded with the same level of competitive spirit,” Osborn said. “Watching Ryan grow into a humble leader over the last

MEET RYAN CLEVENGER

Favorite athlete: Paul George

Favorite TV show: “The Rookie.”

Favorite musician: Zach Bryan

Favorite subject: Business

Favorite vacation spot: Rosemary Beach, Fla.

four years is one of the biggest joys I’ve experienced as a head coach. He takes pride in doing things the right way and it was important to him that he left an impression on our team and younger players that would resonate for years to come. He exceeded expectations.”

Clevenger averaged 9 points, 3.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game for the Grey -

Ryan Clevenger was a key performer for Carmel High School’s basktball team. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Clevenger)

hounds, who finished with a 12-11 record. “Going 8-2 in our last 10 games was a

fun experience as it turned our season around,” Clevenger said. “Especially with how hard those 10 games were, it was awesome to go 8-2.”

In that stretch, Carmel beat then-Class 4A No. 1 Fishers 54-46 Jan. 27 and then-4A No. 1 Lawrence North 42-35 Feb. 1. Both were home games for Carmel.

“Beating both two No. 1 teams back-toback was a great experience for us as we had great weeks of preparation leading into that, so we had total confidence going into the games,” Clevenger said.

Fishers got revenge by topping Carmel 54-41 in the Feb. 27 Class 4A sectional opener.

Clevenger said he still hasn’t made a college choice. He plans to major in business and is considering playing basketball in college.

Growing up, basketball was always his favorite sport to play, Clevenger said.

“I have played it ever since I can remember,” he said. “I also played football and baseball but stopped playing both of them to focus on basketball.”

He stopped playing baseball going into his freshman year.

Clevenger

LEAP DAY BABY

Ascension St. Vincent hospitals welcomed approximately 20 Leap Day babies across its six Indiana labor and delivery hospitals on Feb. 29. Among them was Sloane Osburn, born at Ascension St. Vincent Fishers to Regan and Finn Osburn. Dr. Valerie Gathers, left, delivered baby Sloane, and in 11 years of delivering babies, this was her first Leap Day delivery, according to an announcement from Ascension. Also pictured are nurse Krista Fletcher, Regan Osburn holding Sloane and Finn Osburn. (Photo

DISPATCHES

2024 Kick off May Coloring Contest — The 500 Festival and STAR Financial Bank have announced the launch of the 2024 Kickoff to May Coloring Contest. The contest invites children 12 and under to participate. The coloring sheet and entry form can be downloaded at 500Festival.com/Color. Winners will be chosen based on creativity and originality. The two grand prize winners selected will receive a scholarship of $500, courtesy of STAR Bank, and a free one-year membership to the INDYCAR Nation Rookie Program

courtesy of INDYCAR. All entries must be received by noon, April 8. For more about the contest entry rules, visit 500festival.com/ kickoff-to-may-coloring-contest-rules.

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.

courtesy of Ascension St. Vincent)

SHEDDING A LIGHT

Fishers native’s film focuses on sister’s battle with addiction

By Jennifer Haire news@currentinfishers.com

Vince Dixon, a 26-year-old filmmaker, tells stories that connect with people.

A Fishers native, Dixon plans to film “Sometimes I Imagine Your Funeral” — a short film vignette compilation based on his older sister, Lauren Dixon, and her battle with addiction — this spring in the Indianapolis and Hamilton County area.

In early 2021, Dixon wrote a letter to his sister that the film is now based on.

“I was never wanting to send it to her. That was never my intention — it was more just to get out my thoughts and my feelings,” he said.

Two weeks later, Lauren died of an overdose at age 26.

“I felt like I didn’t really have much of an outlet to get out these feelings of anger, grief,” he said. “I was grieving for her before she passed away. I was confused. I felt guilty. I didn’t know if there was something that I could be doing better. And so, I wrote this letter just for me, I guess more of like a journalistic, ‘What would I say to her if I could say anything to her?’”

The film centers on the relationship between a brother and sister, based on Dixon’s real-life experiences growing up. Three pairs of actors will play the siblings at different ages.

“The story kind of traces our relationship through the years,” Dixon said. “Basically, (it’s) me just trying to figure out who she is and what led to her overdose and figuring out how I want to remember her. A lot of these memories take place in Fishers and the house that we grew up in and different places where we have these strong memories.”

The theme focuses on how families want to help loved ones who battle addiction and how to support them through it.

“My hope through this film is to shed light on what it feels like to be adjacent to addiction, to capture on-screen all the complicated emotions you feel — anger, fear, guilt, grief — when your loved one is battling addictions, and to ask the question, ‘How do you remember your loved one when they’re gone?’” Dixon said.

Dixon plans to make the film as authentic

and compassionate as possible and is collaborating with Fairbanks Recovery Center, the rehab facility his sister attended multiple times throughout the years.

“I hope that this film reaches audiences

of people going through similar situations who are trying to figure out a way to help their loved ones,” said Dixon, adding that when his sister was going through addiction, he felt that information available on

FROM FISHERS TO LA

Filmmaker Vince Dixon graduated from the University of Southern California in 2020 and is a former production associate for Nickelodeon Animation, where he worked on projects such as the CG animated “Transformer” series “Transformers: Earthspark.”

Dixon is an associate producer

for Paramount Plus in the creative marketing department. He aspires to be a writer-director and wants to land a job as a writer in a television show writer’s room. H Dixon resides in Los Angeles and writes television pilots and feature films in his spare time.

how to cope and help loved ones with the battle led to more confusion.

“A lot of those methods that I was using to cope or to try to deal with my sister were, in a way, enabling her,” he said.

Dixon’s decision to pursue a career in filmmaking began with a mass media class at Fishers High School. During his senior year in 2016, the school hosted a cancer gala. He and some classmates were asked to produce a short film that screened throughout the gala. The film incorporated his experience of his mom’s battle with cancer.

“This woman came up to me after one of the screenings and told me that her sister had cancer and that was the first piece of media that she had seen that portrayed how she felt,” he said.

Dixon immediately switched his planned college major from engineering to filmmaking.

Filming “Sometimes I Imagine Your Funeral” is scheduled for three to four days in late May in the Fishers, Noblesville, Carmel and Indianapolis areas. Dixon’s childhood home where he and his sister were raised will be an important filming location. The church they attended while growing up, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Carmel, has granted filming permission.

“It just feels emotionally resonant to me to film this in Fishers and in the Indianapolis area,” Dixon said. “And it’s also a really cool way for me to bring back the experiences — (to take) everything I’ve learned in Los Angeles and bring it home.”

The project will include cast and crew from Los Angeles and the Indianapolis area. Former FHS classmate Gabe Donnelly will serve as associate producer. Dixon has had success sourcing potential crew through local filmmaker and social media groups, such as Indiana Filmmakers Network, and is casting the project through Backstage.com.

The estimated $20,000 budget is being crowdsourced through Seed and Spark, an online fundraising campaign platform. For more, visit seedandspark.com/fund/ sometimes-i-imagine-your-funeral.

ON THE COVER: Filmmaker Vince Dixon works in Los Angeles but grew up in Fishers. (Photo courtesy of Vince Dixon)

Vince Dixon, a Fishers native now living in California, left, and his sister, Lauren, when they were children. Dixon is working on a short film about his sister’s battle with addiction. (Photo courtesy of Vince Dixon)

Dixon

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

FREE Business Checking

Fishers resident to lead RQAW

news@currentinfishers.com

Fishers-based architecture and engineering firm RQAW I DCCM recently announced that Fishers resident Lisa Casler has been promoted to president of RQAW.

Casler is a graduate of Purdue University and has more than 27 years of experience in the transportation engineering industry, according to the announcement. She began her career in 1997 at the Indiana Department of Transportation and then worked for an Indianapolis-based engineering firm for 12 years. Casler joined

company.”

Casler is the first woman to lead RQAW. “I look forward to the challenge of shifting my focus from strictly transportation to the company’s overall bigger picture,” she stated. “Being a part of DCCM has given RQAW the tremendous opportunity to become a national presence while still nurturing our local client relationships, and I am committed to preserving the reputation we have built over the last seven decades. The future of RQAW I DCCM is very bright, and I appreciate the opportunity to lead this incredible team.”

Founded in 1954, RQAW was acquired by Texas-based DCCM in 2022.

“She has excelled in her roles of director of roadway services and, most recently, division director of transportation, where she was responsible for overseeing the delivery of all transportation projects and services across seven departments,” the announcement stated. “Her commitment to excellence and ability to lead has been instrumental in advancing the goals of the

James F. (Jim) Thompson, DCCM Chairman and CEO, lauded Casler’s appointment.

“Lisa’s leadership exemplifies the principles we value at DCCM,” he stated. “Her tenacity and drive are the same qualities that define DCCM’s success, and her strategic vision will undoubtedly propel our company to new heights.”

Casler

The choice is clear

Commentary by Dr. Amy Iddins

Let’s talk about contact lenses — specifically, the unsung heroes known as daily disposables. If you’re tired of the monthly lens hassle and discomfort, it’s time to consider the practical benefits of switching to a fresh pair every day.

For many years, monthly replacement lenses have been the most common modality. However, there have been many great advances in contact lens technology that leave many of the popular monthly lenses falling short.

When it comes to eye health, daily disposables take the cake. The risk of eye infections and overall intolerance decreases drastically when compared with their monthly counterparts. This is the main reason eye care providers are big proponents of these lenses. They are also generally thinner and more breathable, which helps to eliminate the complaint of dryness, especially toward the end of the day.

Convenience is also an area where daily lenses shine. No need for contact lens cases or solutions for daily cleaning. You sim-

ply use them for the day and dispose of the contact lenses that night. This also makes them a great option for kids.

Where are my allergy sufferers? Wearing daily disposables is a very smart decision for anyone who struggles with itchy, watery or irritated eyes. While monthly lenses can be a magnet for allergens, dailies offer a clean slate every morning.

If you feel like your vision gradually declines over the course of the month as your lenses age, you may be a great candidate for dailies as well. They do not get the type of deposits that accumulate when using the same lens over and over. It is hard to beat the clean, sharp vision daily disposables provide each day.

In a world that’s hectic enough, daily disposable contact lenses offer a pragmatic and hassle-free approach to contact lens wear. The benefits are quite clear!

Dr. Amy Iddins is an optometrist with RevolutionEYES in the Fishers office. Contact her at driddins@ revolution-eyes.com.

currentnightandday.com

Soprano Brown featured in Indy Opera’s ‘Charlie Parker’s Yardbird’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The role of Addie Parker was made for Angela Brown.

MUSIC

Brown debuted the role of Charlie Parker’s mother, Addie Parker, in June 2015 at Philadelphia’s Perelman Theater. She will reprise the role in the Indianapolis Opera’s production of “Charlie Parker’s Yardbird,” set for 7 p.m. March 16 at Madam Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis.

The story focuses on the legendary saxophonist and one of the inventors of bebop. The premise has Parker’s soul linger between life and death, and his spirit returns to his famous New York City jazz club called Birdland, where he is challenged to compose a final masterpiece.

The Indianapolis soprano said the story follows Addie from a young mother to the time of her son’s death from a heart attack at age 34 in 1955. Charlie Parker was a heroin addict.

“Addie is a role that was created for me, so I was able to put my fingerprints on her first and being able to draw from all of my ancestors like my mother and my grandmother and thinking about all the Black mothers in the community,” Brown said. “When I was growing up, that poured into me. I’m able to put flesh on the bones of Addy and just imagine how she felt having a son that was multitalented that she loved and adored, but that had vices in life and the fear and the anguish and the pains that she gets to come out four separate times in this 90-minute opera. She’s giving you frustration, she’s giving you joy and adulation. She’s giving you fear and she’s also giving you grief, so it’s been great to portray.”

Brown said she has reprised the role in all but two of the presentations. It was the first opera to be performed at the Apollo Theater in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood. It’s also been performed in London.

“I never gave birth to a child, but I have three stepsons,” Brown said. “I know how much I love them and seeing them go through as Black men in America. This was a woman before the Civil Rights Movement who was proud of her son but she knew he was a drug addict. He also was married and had a child, but he also was playing around on his wife and he liked white women. She knew at that time she could be lynched or killed in Kansas City, Mo.”

Brown said the music is accessible to audiences.

“You hear the names of the different pieces that he made famous,” Brown said. “It was all scored on a saxophone. You feel the influences of bebop throughout the opera.”

Brown described the opera as a 90-minute “ghost story,” which opens with Parker dying.

“The premise is Charlie Parker is com-

ing back to write a symphonic piece that he’s always wanted to write,” Brown said. “He dies in a white woman’s apartment, his benefactor. So, he has been placed in a morgue as John Doe. He comes back in spirit form. While his spirit is writing this music, he is visited by his mother, his best friend Dizzy Gillespie and his three wives. They are all telling him he’s a genius, he’s well-loved but he has to get off the drugs. Finally, there is a funeral and he is set free.”

Brown can’t remember the last time she performed at Madam Walker.

“I’ve done special programs,” she said. “I’ve never done an opera or some type of stage play, but I’ve definitely sung there.”

Brown said it’s fitting to be held at Madam Walker because Parker performed at the jazz clubs nearby on Indiana Avenue.

For more, visit indyopera.org.

‘BEAUTIFUL”

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

‘DRIVING MISS DAISY’

Civic Theatre’s production of “Driving Miss Daisy” is set for March 15 to 30 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.

‘BOHEMIAN DELIGHT & THE FIREBIRD’

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will present “Bohemian Delight & The Firebird” at 7:30 p.m. March 16 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Dan Hall and Steven Stewart will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 14 and Ryan Ahlwardt and his Friends are set to perform at 7:30 p.m. March 15 and vocalist Maddie Poppe March 17-18 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael. For more, feinsteinshc.com.

ST. PAT’S COMEDY AT THE CAT

St. Pat’s Comedy at The Cat, presented by Dave Dugan, is set for 7:30 p.m. March 15-16 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way. For more, visit thecat.biz.

DISPATCH

‘Guys and Dolls’ — The HSE Drama Club and the Performing Arts Department will present the American classic “Guys and Dolls” March 14, 15 and 16. Performances begin at 7 p.m. in the Leonard Auditorium at Hamilton Southeastern High School. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Visit Purplepass.com/HseMusical to order. “Guys and Dolls” is a musical with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. It is based on two short stories by Damon Runyon. The story, which includes New York gamblers and gangsters, had its Broadway debut in 1950 and was made into a 1955 movie with Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons.

Angela Brown performs as Addie Parker in New Orleans Opera production. She will perform in Indianapolis Opera’s production of “Charlie Parker’s Yardbird” March 16. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Strout Photography)

WRITTEN BY ALFRED UHRY

Musical gives fresh look at crime

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A chorus girl, actress and model, Evelyn Nesbit has been described as one of the first to be labeled an “It Girl.”

READING

Nesbit was at the center of what was billed as one the crimes of the century when, in 1906, architect Stanford White was killed by Nesbit’s husband Harry Thaw. Nesbit alleged White raped her when she was intoxicated or unconscious, but she later had an affair with him.

A reading, which includes musical numbers, of “Evelyn and the Eternal Question” is set for 2 p.m. March 16 at the Carmel Clay Public Library’s Community Room. Admission is free for the Actors Theatre of Indiana’s Lab Series program. A registration link is on atistage.org.

Scott said she knew the story of “Girl in the Velvet Swing,” and E.L. Doctorow’s “Ragtime,” both movies about Nesbit.

“I used to work at the Indiana Historical Society, and they had a tiny collection of books in the break room,” Scott said. “One

of the books in the collection was ‘American Eve’ by Paula Uruburu, which gave a more detailed account of Evelyn Nesbit’s life. I started reading this book at the beginning of the #MeToo movement and during the (Supreme Court justice Brett) Kavanaugh hearings, and a light bulb went off in my head. I saw the pattern of history repeating itself, particularly when someone speaks truth to power and gets damaged by it. Every popular reference to her is always told in cartoonish ways where we forget that Evelyn was a teenager put in impossible situations. The choices were limited then. So, I wanted to explore this story from a victim’s advocacy perspective. Not to judge her or make her a cartoon, but to demonstrate how easy it is to get trapped in these situations with dangerous people.”

At first, Scott was interested from what she described as a true crime nerd’s perspective.

“I love ‘Ragtime,’ and naturally, all of her photos are stunning, but I did not look too deeply into her life until I started writing this musical,” Scott said.

ATI names executive director

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Actors Theatre of Indiana Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald was looking for several months for the right fit to replace Jim Reilly as executive director.

NEW POST

“Unbelievable that he was right under our noses,” Fitzgerald said.

Fishers resident Brian Frost, 74, has been named executive director of ATI, replacing Reilly, who retired at the end of 2023 after 12 years.

ATI two years ago.

“I’ve always had an interest in the theater and have absolutely no musical talent,” Frost said. “As I see it, we have all the people on the creative side who know how to put on the show. So, it’s my job to manage budgets.”

“As a board member, Brian already had an established relationship with ATI,” Fitzgerald said. “He stepped in and was helping during the hunt for the new executive director, and everything just seemed to fall into place. He is the perfect fit and the transition has been seamless. He has all of the qualities that we were searching for, and we are so grateful that when we asked, he said yes.”

Frost, who has attended ATI productions for 19 years, was encouraged by Marketing Director Meg Osborne to get involved with

Frost wants to improve internal communications between the board of directors and staff by improving technology used for communications.

“Fundraising is No. 1 on my list of priorities,” he said. “All arts organizations have struggled.”

However, Frost said ATI is benefiting from a major legacy gift of $687,000 from the late Christel DeHaan. Frost said it enabled ATI to create an endowment fund managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation.

“It provided us with some operating funds, so we finally have a little bit of a cushion,” said Frost, who had been treasurer of the board of directors.

Frost worked at Fifth Third Bank for 25 years in the financial brokerage department as a financial advisor. He retired in 2017.

Scott

Frost

LIFESTYLE

Across

1. Like some WRTV newscast banter

6. Eli Lilly and Company inventory

11. “___ voyage!”

14. Deliberately mislead

15. Gold bar

16. Big name in ice cream

17. Send to the Indiana Senate

18. SUV at Bill Estes Chevrolet

19. Ages and ages

20. Michiana city that could be in the state’s menagerie

22. Poor imitation

24. Nary a soul

27. So-so

28. Seasonal Golden Arches sandwich

31. Rock genre

33. Lecherous look

36. FOX59 reporter Graves

37. Workshop items

39. Expunge

40. Peculiarity

42. Futuristic animated TV family

44. U-turn from NNE

45. Mario’s brother in video games

47. Wander

48. ___ Christian Anderson

50. Wildebeest

51. Grill brand

52. Chum

54. Chews like a beaver

56. John Roberts’ judicial grp.

59. Hamilton County city that could be in the state’s menagerie

64. Tuna type

65. Halley’s ___

68. Baby-to-be

69. Bar Louie spirit

70. Public persona

71. Amherst school, familiarly

72. Picnic pest

73. Interior design

74. Most of Santa’s mail Down

1. Sheltered, at sea

2. Shapiro’s pickle flavoring

3. Onion’s kin

4. Nagging desire

5. Garfield Park Conservatory garden type

6. “Same here”

7. Genetic letters

8. “Gross!”

9. Blunder

10. Power source

11. Marion County city that

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

CITY OF FISHERS, INDIANA

Residential Solid Waste, Yard Waste, Recycling Collection and Disposal

Pursuant to Indiana Code 36-9-30-5.3, notice is hereby given that the City of Fishers, Indiana (the “City”) intends to issue a Request for Proposals and Qualifications (“RFP”) for Residential Solid Waste, Yard Waste, Recycling Collection and Disposal within the City (the “Services”). In general, the proposed Services consist of weekly pick-up of bagged, containerized and/or bundled household Solid Waste, Yard Waste and bi-weekly (or alternatively weekly) curbside commingled Recycling from all eligible Residential Units within the geographic limits of the City and disposal. The Services may also include Solid Waste and Recycling collection and disposal for designated City Facilities.

Beginning on March 4, 2024, the proposed RFP may be viewed by the general

could be in the state’s menagerie

12. Fragrance

13. Big Apple inits.

21. Indy Zoo CEO Shumaker

23. ___ Speedwagon

25. “The Matrix” hero

26. Texting icon

28. What you’d be smart to join?

29. Northwest Indiana city that could be in the state’s menagerie

30. Hinkle Fieldhouse backboard attachment

32. Bullring cheer

34. Ocean vessel

35. Current big shots, briefly

37. Getting even with

38. Full of tension

40. Campfire residue

41. Carry with effort

43. Weep

46. Paintball shooter

49. Had a seat

51. Conflict that ended on Nov. 11, 1918

6 Double ___ 4 “I” US States

5 Denver Omelet Ingredients

3 UND Fencing Team Blades

2 UIndy Colors

1 “Pride in Progress” City

53. Clearheaded

55. Subsequent

56. Heroic tale

57. Goatee site

58. A few

60. Prefix meaning “half”

61. IND postings

62. Corrosion

63. Leaky tire sound

66. ___ and cheese

67. Self-conceit

Answers on Page 7

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024

CARMEL FISHERS

NOBLESVILLE WESTFIELD NORTHERNTOWNS

THE SKIES ALIGN FOR A SPECTACULAR SHOW IN HAMILTON COUNTY ON APRIL 8, 2024

Get ready to be mesmerized by a celestial masterpiece as the communities of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and the Northern Towns become the perfect stage for the Total Solar Eclipse, when the moon gracefully dances in front of the sun and casts its shadow across the landscape.

Witness the magic of the cosmos with friends and family at official viewing locations like Carmel Civic Square, Conner Prairie, Cool Creek Park, Grand Park Sports Campus, Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center and Strawtown Koteewi Park.

Grab your Eclipse glasses, set up your cameras and join Hamilton County in this celestial celebration—it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience!

VisitHamiltonCounty.com/Eclipse