July 25, 2023 — Lawrence/Geist

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First hearing set in ongoing Lawrence government court case

almost-complete fire station, which did not have the four-fold doors. The council asked for an explanation.

Delivery

is about statutory authority to appropriate funds.

GOVERNMENT

The first hearing in the ongoing court case between the City of Lawrence mayor and Common Council has been scheduled for Aug. 21 via web conference. In the meantime, motions continue to be filed for the five-judge panel to consider.

In the most recent motion filed on behalf of the Lawrence Common Council, Lawrence Fire Chief Dino Batalis was added as a co-defendant in the council’s counterclaim against Mayor Steve Collier’s administration.

The motion is an update to the initial response and counterclaim from the council. The update was approved by presiding Judge Kurt Eisgruber on July 13.

The updated information focuses on the newly built Fire Station 38. The council approved bonds up to $10.5 million for the project in 2021 and discussed what kind of bay doors the station should have.

“Of particular concern to the council was a previous incident where the loss of electrical power at a fire station resulted in emergency vehicles being unable to respond to an emergency,” the updated motion states. “Therefore, the council researched and publicly discussed in its finance committee and council meetings the financial and practical impact of including fire station bay doors in the project that could be manually folded open during a loss of power or other mechanical failure of the doors’ lift system. On June 16, 2021, the council adopted Amended Resolution 7, 2021, which specifically stated that ‘The maximum principal amount of the bonds was $10,500,000, to include construction costs of five (5) four-fold apparatus bay doors for the front bay exits.”

In late May, the city posted photos of the

“On June 15, 2023, the fire chief emailed the council and provided an explanation that the folding bay doors were not included in the project due to concerns about cost,” the updated motion states. “Neither the mayor, the mayor’s staff, nor the fire chief ever publicly raised concerns with the council regarding project costs, delays or the four-fold apparatus bay doors prior to June 15, 2023.”

According to the updated counterclaim, the total project cost came in at $10.16 million, about $340,000 under the project bond budget limit.

Brian Bosma is a municipal attorney representing Collier’s administration in the court case. In a phone interview July 17, he said they reviewed the bond document and talked to the bond lawyer, who had no knowledge of a construction detail like what kind of doors to install included by a legislative body.

“The job of the council, the legislative body, in the course of a bond issue, is to approve general specifications and funding, not to control or micromanage details of that construction,” Bosma said.

He said the four-fold doors the council wanted would have cost three times more than the overhead doors that were eventually installed. The folding doors also would have required an under-concrete thawing system. Bosma said if that system needed repairs, about eight inches of concrete would have to be excavated to perform that maintenance. He said that the mayor’s focus has been to protect taxpayers from unnecessary expenses, which is why the committee chose doors that would have less-expensive life-cycle costs.

Bosma added that what kind of fire station doors were installed is not applicable to the original issue before the court, which

The Aug. 21 hearing will address outstanding issues and in-person hearing dates, according to court documents. The five-judge panel that will consider the case comprises Judges John Hanley, Cynthia Ayers, Timothy Oakes, Heather Welch and Eisgruber.

BACKGROUND:

Collier’s administration filed a petition March 23 in Marion County Superior Court over the council’s decision to appropriate $250,000 to investigate who was at fault when the city’s 2022 budget was not submitted to the state by deadline in late fall of 2021 and reverted to the previous year’s budget. The council started the investigation in late 2022-early 2023 after learning that the city had been operating for all of 2022 under the 2021 spending plan.

Collier’s petition asks the court to declare the appropriation null and void, based on state statutes that say an appropriation cannot be made without the mayor’s recommendation. Collier’s petition also asks the court to rule that the council was at fault for the 2022 budget issue, because it allegedly failed to provide details needed for that budget to be submitted on time.

In its late-May response to the petition, the council alleges that through the petition and other actions, Collier’s administration is attempting to avoid investigation. The council’s lengthy response denied specific allegations in the mayor’s March 23 petition and included counterclaims against the mayor’s office.

For more stories on this topic, search for “Lawrence budget” at youarecurrent. com.

3 July 25, 2023 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com COMMUNITY Try our Campfire! The pizza that won the Best Classic Pizza in America at the World Pizza Championship in Parma, Italy! PuccinisSmilingTeeth.com 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 geistcurrent. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily. Join our community www.facebook.com/currentingeist www.twitter.com/currentingeist instagram.com/youarecurrent
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Lawrence Town Hall covers EV charging stations, trails One new candidate slated for Lawrence election

City of Lawrence officials hosted a town hall meeting July 13 at Cohron Homes, 9623 Pendleton Pike.

Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier and members of his administration spoke to residents about upcoming improvements to the city.

MEETING ELECTION

One new candidate was added to the City of Lawrence’s general election ballot by the deadline for writeins and those nominated by their party.

EV CHARGING STATIONS

The use of electric vehicles has steadily increased over the past decade.

Collier said he believes even more of these vehicles will be on the roads within the next few years. Plans are underway to add charging stations to at least six areas that have not yet been identified.

“They will be what we’re calling the quick-charge stations,” Collier said. “That’s something that‘s coming in the not-too-distant future.”

FALL CREEK GREENWAY PARK EXTENSION

According to director of Indy Parks and

Recreation Eric Martin, a $1.75 million state grant was received to build a trail from 59th Street to 63rd Street along Lee Road in Lawrence.

The park is working on appraisals and the land purchase. Holden said they aim to start construction at the beginning of 2024 and that they’re working with limited time.

“It has to be completed by Dec. 31 (2024),” said Cori Korn, City of Lawrence chief of staff.

The deadline for a state chairman of a political party to nominate a candidate by petition or for an individual to declare an intent to be a write-in candidate was noon July 3, according to the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office.

According to the updated list of Marion County candidates, Republican Valerie Shake was nominated by County Chair Joe Elsener to run for the District 4 seat on the Lawrence Common Council.

A message seeking comment from the county GOP and seeking contact information for Shake was not answered at deadline.

Prior to her nomination, Democrat Car-

los Jennings was running unopposed for the seat.

The rest of the Lawrence election ballot remains unchanged following the May primary election. The Nov. 7 ballot will include the following candidates:

• Mayor: Deb Whitfield (D); David Hofmann (R)

• Clerk: Leatrice Adkisson (D); Kathleen Walton (R)

• Common Council at large (three seats): Betty Robinson (D); Lisa Chavis (D); Liz Masur (D); Tom Ashcraft (R); Heather Hewitt (R); Bob Jones (R)

• Council District 1: Tyrrell Giles (D)

• Council District 2: Rick Wells (D)

• Council District 3: Sherron Freeman (D); Brent Addington (R)

• Council District 4: Carlos Jennings (D) Valerie Shake (R)

• Council District 5: Zach Cramer (D) Pamela Anderson (R)

• Council District 6: Kristina Krone (D); Aaron Short (R)

S A F E T Y D A Y

5 July 25, 2023 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com COMMUNITY
August
59th St
Family
Public
12 10am - 2pm
& Lee Rd
Fun with
Safety
City of Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier speaks to residents who attended a town hall meeting at Cohron Homes in Lawrence. (Photo by Edward Redd)

Lawrence controller answers council’s ARPA fund questions

At the request of the Lawrence Common Council, City Controller Tyler Douthit has provided information about American Rescue Plan Act fund spending approved for 2022 that has not yet been spent.

SPENDING

Douthit also provided information about the benefits of purchasing first-responder vehicles rather than leasing. Both issues came up during the council’s July 10 back-to-back Finance Committee and regular council meetings.

A spreadsheet detailing the city’s ARPA funds spending for 2022 shows that about $5.5 million had been allocated for sewer and stormwater projects, street paving, trail improvements, parks department expenses and bonuses for city employees.

By the end of 2022, about $2.5 million remained unspent, but much of that was encumbered and will be spent by the end of this year, according to the spreadsheet. What’s left unspent and unencumbered is about $102,000.

A proposal submitted in early May calls for about $3 million of the city’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds to be spent on a variety of city projects. The council has repeatedly postponed action on that proposal while waiting for the Finance Committee to review it. The first committee review was on July 10. The council decided later that same night to refer the proposal to a committee of the whole, which is not yet scheduled to meet.

The proposal would fund:

• $1 million to match a state grant for street improvements

• $280,000 to match a grant for trail development and improvements

• $1.6 million to replace public safety vehicles

• About $50,000 for public safety education and training, and facility repairs for the fire department’s training tower

• About $95,000 for police cameras, and for the police department’s new-hire and promotions process

Council members had questions about purchasing public safety vehicles. The city has leased vehicles for the past few years,

citing cost savings, and council members wondered why purchasing vehicles now is considered a better option.

In his report to the council, Douthit lists the pros of leasing, which he said is normally a better option. Leasing spreads out payments, which helps with annual cash flow, for example, and financing matches the useful life of the vehicles.

“Overall, leasing does help us manage our cash flow by spreading the cost out across the useful life of the asset,” he stated. “I, like many others, am a fan of leasing versus outright paying cash in most cases. However, we continue to face funding challenges with our public safety tax fund that we are attempting to address with this (ARPA) proposal.”

Douthit stated that city revenue remains steady but flat, and costs continue to rise.

Those costs can’t be covered by the public safety tax fund, he stated, so the overages are shifting to the city’s general fund.

“With this in mind, we are asking to utilize (ARPA) funding to make one-time cash purchases of public safety equipment/ vehicles,” he stated.

“This will lower our annual debt obligation and will provide relief to the general fund as it continues to take on the costs from the public safety tax fund. This will lower a recurring cost within public safety’s operational budgets. Lowering a recurring cost is typically a difficult thing to do but, in this instance, we have been given a unique opportunity to do so.”

The City of Lawrence received about $11.2 million through the federal ARPA pandemic relief plan. If the council approves the 2023 ARPA fund spending proposal, about $2.6 million will remain for 2024 projects.

6 July 25, 2023 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com COMMUNITY
Douthit
“We are asking to utilize (ARPA) funding to make one-time cash purchases of public safety equipment/ vehicles,”
– TYLER DOUTHIT

HSE school board discusses handbook changes

“I hope my shoulders haven’t been too distracting for you today,” she said. “I think our wording on dress code now is fine.”

Thomas said Parks-Reese’s shirt was not a spaghetti-strap style, which is what Thomas objects to.

EDUCATION

A work session July 12 focused on updates to the Hamilton Southeastern Schools student handbooks, including a discussion about dress codes.

The HSE Board of Trustees took no action during the work session but gave direction and provided feedback to staff. The usual process for amending handbooks would mean any changes would have to wait for the 2024-25 school year, but some board members expressed interest in implementing the changes earlier. The issue will come before the board during its July 26 meeting.

The liveliest discussion focused on language related to student clothing. Board member Suzanne Thomas was the most vocal, stating that she wants stronger language prohibiting certain styles.

“I don’t think the skin should be showing at all,” she said. “Nothing see-through. We have to make sure our kids are not wearing inappropriate clothing that’s see-through. If you’re going to wear skirts or dresses, (you have to make sure) that you’re covered. Shirts should have sleeves with no midriffs or bellybutton exposed. There should be no plunging necklines, excessive back exposure or visible undergarments.”

Thomas referred to a dress code from another school district that talked about the correlation between proper dress and good conduct. It notes that the major responsibility rests in the home, but that the school has an interest in maintaining a proper learning environment, and that school is not the place for “extreme” fashion choices that “violate cultural standards for modesty.”

Board member Juanita Albright said school is a student’s job, and they need to dress appropriately for that job, in preparation for their future careers.

HSE Chief Equity Officer Nataki Pettigrew cautioned the board about inserting language that can be seen as shaming toward female students.

“This comes across as misogynistic and targeted against girls,” she said.

Board member Sarah Parks-Reese, who was wearing a sleeveless shirt, disagreed with adding the language that Thomas proposed.

The existing handbook already does not allow spaghetti-strap tops for high school students.

By the end of the discussion about dress code, the board in general supported adding language that prohibited hats and hooded sweatshirts with the hood worn up, unless a teacher allows that in their class or a student with special needs is granted an exemption.

The board also talked about reinstating lunch time visits by parents, a practice that was halted during COVID-19. School district officials said they would prefer to not bring it back. They cited added staff time and responsibilities, and the capacity to accommodate parents who show up for lunch.

Board members, however, generally preferred allowing lunchtime visits. Board member Ben Orr said the district could limit the numbers and require parents to sign up ahead of time on a first-come, first-served basis, to limit capacity issues.

“Make it safe, make it efficient and everyone must fall under the code of conduct,” he said, adding that he believes it’s a good way to engage parents.

The July 12 work session started at 7:30 a.m. that day and lasted about two hours. It was the first of three school board meetings that day, with a special meeting set for 5:30 p.m., and a regular meeting that began around 7:30 p.m., lasting through 10:30 p.m.

During the regular meeting, several people spoke during public comment about the handbook work session. Mack Lapp, a recent Fishers High School graduate, cited a federal study that he said shows 90 percent of dress code rules target female students.

“This reinforces the idea that girls are responsible for the actions of others,” he said. “The focus of this conversation should be about respect, but it’s focusing on how girls should be covered up.”

Other speakers also expressed concern about the dress code discussion, and about the board potentially implementing changes sooner than called for in the established process.

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The Great Indiana State Fair

OPENS FRIDAY

LAWRENCE

Project: Franklin Road

resurfacing

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Location: Resurfacing of Franklin Road from Pendleton Pike to 56th Street is scheduled to start the week of Aug. 14, weather permitting. Franklin Road will remain open to traffic in both directions with lane restrictions in place.

Expected completion: Oct. 15

Project: Street repairs

Location: Midwest Paving will be working on the following streets starting in mid-August: 50th Street from Richardt Avenue to Mitchner Avenue; 51st Street from Richardt Avenue to 50th Street; Elmhurst Drive from 49th Street to 52nd Street; Longworth Avenue from 47th Street to 49th Street; Sadlier Drive from 49th Street to 50th Street; 49th Street from Longworth Avenue to Franklin Road; 49th Street from Elmhurst Drive to Sadlier Drive.

Expected completion: Mid-November

Project: Sanitary sewer main capacity improvements

Location: Harrison Park Drive from the south end of the GetGo gas station to the east side of Harrison Park Lane will be closed starting July 31.

Expected completion: Spring of 2024

Project: IndyGo Purple Line Construction

Location: Northbound on Post Road between Pendleton Pike and the CSX Railroad will be closed during IndyGo Purple Line construction. Southbound will remain open.

Expected completion: August

Project: Drainage Improvement project

Location: Drainage systems on Rainbow Lane north of Indian Lake are currently under construction.

Expected Completion: August

Project: Water main replacement

Location: 46th Street (between Franklin Road and Shadeland Avenue); Richardt Avenue (between 46th and 56th streets); Woodcroft Avenue. (between 46th and 47th); Elmhurst Dive (between 46th and 47th); Kingman Drive (from 47th south to dead end); McGuire Court (46th north to dead end)

Expected completion: End of summer FISHERS

Project: Florida Road

Location: Beginning on July 20, Florida Road is closed for 30 days to realign the S-curve. Local traffic only will be allowed between 113th Street and Southeastern Parkway.

Expected completion: Aug. 19

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CURRENT AUGUST GEIST/LAWRENCE COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FALL BALL OPENING DAY SET

The City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department announced that opening day for Fall Ball at Fall Creek will be Aug. 20 for softball, and Aug. 26 for baseball. Softball practice starts Aug. 8. And baseball practice begins the week of Aug. 15, according to the city. Registration is open now at fall-creek. org.

CITY OF LAWRENCE AUGUST MEETINGS SCHEDULE

Government meetings in the City of Lawrence for the month of August include:

• Lawrence Common Council, 6:30 p.m. Aug 7 and 16 at the Public Assembly Room at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E 59th St.

• Utility Service Board, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 8 and 22 at the Public Assembly Room at Lawrence Government Center.

• Parks Board, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Public Assembly Room at Lawrence Government Center.

• Redevelopment Commission, 4 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Public Assembly Room at Lawrence Government Center.

• Board of Works, 5 p.m. Aug. 10 and 24 at the Public Assembly Room at Lawrence Government Center.

• Police Merit Commission, 6 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Public Assembly Room at Lawrence Government Center.

• Board of Zoning Appeals, 6 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Public Assembly Room at Lawrence Government Center.

• Fort Harrison Reuse Authority, 6 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Public Assembly Room at Lawrence Government Center.

• Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board of Education, 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Lawrence Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Rd.

FRIDAYS AT THE FORT

Arts for Lawrence presents the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 11, and Pork & Beans Brass band Aug. 25 at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus. The free event is part of the Arts for Lawrence summer concert series.

URBAN LINE DANCING

Arts for Lawrence hosts regular urban line dance classes at the Theater at the Fort stage. In August, the classes are set for 6 p.m. Aug. 8, 15, 22 and 29. No registration is required. Beginning, intermediate and advanced dances are taught. Classes are presented by Triple Take Productions.

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OPEN POSITIONS ABOUT US

Lead and Assistant positions are available ages 2 through Kindergarten.

• Our Staff is passionate about building life-long learners through a play-based and faith-focused early childhood education program.

• For more information and to apply visit: www.geistwdm.org/our-staff or call 317-578-4591

MYSTERY SNAPSHOT CHALLENGE

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

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A rat snake is on display at the Fort Harrison State Park visitors center. (Photo by Leila Kheiry) MYSTERY SNAPSHOT CHALLENGE JULY 18 SOLUTION

PEOPLE MOVER

New IndyGo Purple Line will improve transit service to Lawrence area

Construction has begun on Post Road in Lawrence, part of a $188 million IndyGo project to create a rapid transit line from downtown Indianapolis to the Ivy Tech Community College campus on 59th Street, cutting the wait time between buses serving Lawrence from about an hour to only 15 minutes.

When it’s complete in fall of 2024, the Purple Line will offer amenities similar to the Red Line, which was the first IndyGo rapid transit project built starting in 2019.

Carrie Black, director of communications with IndyGo, said new services will include 60-foot-long articulated electric buses.

“So, this is reducing emissions in the community — reducing the harmful emissions,” she said. “It’s a larger bus that can accommodate more people. (The project) also takes care of the (bus) stations and all of the amenities that come with it, including the covered seating and the fare payment machines there on the platforms. Those platforms also have a system in them that when there is freezing, when there is ice or snow on them in the wintertime, we can activate this system that melts the ice and the snow to promote safety.”

The bus stations, which will replace simple bus stops with limited seating and shelter, will be similar to the existing Red Line stations, with raised platforms that allow for level boarding and improve accessibility for people with mobility limitations and people who use wheelchairs. The stations are also well lit and provide real-time monitors so riders know when the next bus is on the way.

Black said the Purple Line serves a 15-mile route from downtown Indianapolis to the Ivy Tech campus. It’s the second-most traveled route, she said, and potentially serves about 58,000 people who live within walking distance of the line. Most of those people are minorities, she said, and about 30 percent fall into the low-income bracket.

“So, we know that there are a lot of people that will be able to utilize the Purple Line. We know that they will use this to primarily get to work, and we know that these people live in primarily disadvantaged neighborhoods,” Black said, adding that for those in the core Indianapolis area, the Purple Line will cut

wait times down to about five minutes.

The project will benefit more than transit customers, though.

Black said half of the project budget goes toward infrastructure improvements.

“We are paving roads. We are building sidewalks in areas where there are none (and) improving the sidewalks in areas where some do exist,” she said, “We’re adding a multi-use path for people to bike and walk. We’re improving drainage. In some areas along this route, the drainage was a huge problem where water would pool and pond on the roads and cause significant potholes.

So, we’ve gone through and partnered with Citizens Energy — who had had plans of getting in and taking care of this problem eventually — we’ve partnered with them to be able to go ahead and take care of that sooner rather than later. So, I think even those who don’t ride the bus, they don’t use transit, those driving through the area are going to see the benefits.”

City of Lawrence Director of Engineering

Sri Venugopalan, who formerly worked for IndyGo, said that when the new rapid transit line is in place, it will be much easier for students who go between the Ivy Tech campus-

NEXT UP: BLUE LINE

The Blue Line is the last of three rapid transit projects planned by IndyGo, but the project is on hold for now because costs have skyrocketed in recent years, According to the IndyGo website, estimates pre-COVID-19 pandemic showed an overall cost of about $220 million for the 24mile Blue Line project. Estimates now show a total cost of more than $500 million.

es in Indianapolis and Lawrence, and more people will have access to Fort Harrison State Park. He said the current frequency of buses to Lawrence is challenging, with wait times of up to an hour. Cutting that down to 10 or 15 minutes will make a big difference.

“This is going to be a huge help for them because right now they have to wait a really long time for the next bus,” he said. “They have to plan that well in advance. So, with Purple Line being a short interval, it’s definitely going to help a lot.”

Venugopalan said construction happening now on Post Road involves installing new storm drainage infrastructure. The project later will include a complete reconstruction of Post Road, adding the elevated centerline stations, and creating a dedicated lane for Purple Line buses. He said the dedicated lane should not significantly affect traffic.

Venugopalan said engineers analyzed traffic in the area and came up with plans to minimize impact.

“They are going to modify signal timings and all that stuff to make sure that traffic still flows,” he said, noting that there is always concern about taking a lane for buses. “Of course, it’s going to impact it, but it’s not going to impact it for minutes. It’s going to be minimal — a few seconds of delay here and there.”

And, he said, everyone will benefit from faster, more-reliable transit service coming into the heart of Lawrence.

For more, visit indygo.net/purple-line.

ON THE COVER: Construction along Post Road is ongoing through 2024 as crews make improvements and build infrastructure for the new IndyGo Purple Line that runs into Lawrence. (Photo by Adam Seif)

The department is evaluating the project and working with the Federal Transportation Administration to come up with next steps.

The Blue Line serves Washington Street between Cumberland Road and the airport.

The Red Line was the first rapid transit project completed by IndyGo. It runs 13 miles through the heart of Indianapolis.

11 July 25, 2023 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com
COVER STORY
The new Purple Line will cut wait time between buses serving Lawrence to about 15 minutes. (Courtesy of IndyGo)

SWEET CELEBRATION

TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT with INDIANA UNIVERSITY HEALTH

BEHIND EVERY KNEE IS STRONG KNEE

a highly skilled orthopedics team

of pre-surgery coordinators

orthopedic surgeons

nurses

post-surger y coordinators

physical therapists and rehab specialists

WORKING TOGETHER TO GET YOU BACK TO FEELING YOUR BEST.

Hip & Knee Pain Seminar

Monday, August 21 | 6 pm

IU Health Saxony Hospital Medical Of ce

Building | 13100 E. 136th Street in Fishers

Free to attend but registration is required. Register at iuhealth.org/joints or scan the code.

Community Hospital North recently hosted a reunion party at Conner Prairie for children who had been patients in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. The annual NICU reunion gives families and caregivers a chance to reconnect, according to the hospital. When babies are born early, have health problems or a difficult birth, they are cared for in the NICU, the hospital stated. The experience often forges a special bond between parents and caregivers who offer support in the baby’s first days, weeks and sometimes months of life. The NICU reunion allows caregivers to see how their once-tiny patients are growing and thriving, and parents have a chance to update caregivers and to show their appreciation. The NICU reunion was the ninth annual for Community Hospital North NICU. (Photo courtesy of Community Hospital North)

DISPATCHES

Website connects residents to resources – The Hamilton County Community Foundation, Duke Energy, the Hamilton County Trustees Association and Good Samaritan Network have partnered to launch Help4HamiltonCounty.org to provide residents with a one-stop resource for support services. The new resource offers connection in the areas of aging and seniors, food assistance, medical and mental health, youth and families, housing and education and employment.

My Healthy Baby program available – The Indiana Dept. of Health and Indiana Family and Social Services Administration have completed the rollout of My Healthy Baby, the state’s obstetrical navigator program that is designed to improve health outcomes for both mother and baby. Launched in 2020, My Healthy Baby connects pregnant women who are enrolled in Medicaid with free home visiting services and support in their communities during their pregnancy and throughout their baby’s first year of life. Since its inception, the program

has referred more than 12,000 women to local support through programs such as Nurse-Family Partnership and Healthy Families. Eligible women can be referred to My Healthy Baby by a provider or can refer themselves by visiting myhealthybabyindiana.com or calling 844-624-6667.

Back-to-school immunization clinics offered —The Indiana Department of Health has partnered with local health departments and other health care entities across the state to host summer back-to-school immunization clinics as part of a statewide effort to help families easily access required and recommended school immunizations prior to the start of the 2023-24 school year. Now in its second year, the Start Smart campaign includes a map showing dates, times and locations of community immunization clinics. The map can be found at startsmart.health.in.gov. The clinics are open to children ages 5 and older. Families will not be charged at the site of the clinic but should provide insurance information if available.

12 July 25, 2023 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com HEALTH
©2023 IUHealth
AND BETTER Issue 15 | SUMMER 2023 STAYING LOOSE Inala Movement Studio instructor helps older adults stay flexible D I S C O V E R E P C ON ’ S Courtyard Home Advantage O N P A GE 6 Kids’ care beyond compare, when you need it most. Riley Children’s Health at IU Health North in Carmel ER To view emergency room wait times, scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit RileyChildrens.org/ERnorth PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY SUE FINKAM VICTORY COMMITTEE
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Our city is constantly targeted by those who want to take what we have built. In the past year we have seen a 27% rise in thefts, 22% rise in motor vehicle thefts, and 20% rise in burglaries. We must stand strong to keep our community safe and protect our quality of life. The Carmel FOP remains steadfast that this community deserves nothing less than the finest police officers in the nation, through recruitment and retention. Sue Finkam understands the need for a stronger police force now more than ever, so that we continue to remain one of the safest cities in America. Please join us in voting for Sue Finkam as your next Mayor of Carmel on November 7, 2023.”

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What is elder law and how can it help you?

Elder law is a specialized legal practice area that focuses on the unique legal needs of older adults. Here are some interesting statistics and points highlighting the importance of elder law:

AGING POPULATION

The population of older adults is growing rapidly. According to the United States Census Bureau, the number of Americans 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060. This demographic shift underscores the increasing need for legal services tailored to the elderly population.

Estate planning is a crucial aspect of elder law. However, a significant number of Americans, including older adults, do not have essential estate planning documents in place. Elder law attorneys play a vital role in guiding individuals through the estate planning process, ensuring their wishes are documented and their assets are protected.

LONG-TERM CARE PLANNING

Long-term care is a significant concern for older adults and their families. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 70 percent of individuals aged 65 and older will require long-term care services at some point in their lives. Elder-law attorneys assist with planning for long-term care needs, including navigating Medicaid eligibility, setting up trusts, and developing asset protection strategies.

ELDER FINANCIAL ABUSE

Older adults are vulnerable to financial exploitation and abuse. According to a study by the National Council on Aging, financial abuse costs older Americans $2.9 billion annually. Elder law attorneys play a critical role in preventing and addressing financial exploitation by establishing safeguards, advocating for their clients’ rights, and pursuing legal remedies when abuse occurs.

GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORSHIP

Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings are essential tools for protecting the rights and well-being of incapacitated older adults. Elder law attorneys assist families in initiating guardianship or conservatorship proceedings when necessary, ensuring that vulnerable individuals have responsible and trustworthy individuals appointed to make decisions on their behalf.

HEALTH CARE DECISION-MAKING

Advanced health care directives, including living wills and health care proxies, enable individuals to express their health care wishes and designate someone to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. Elder law attorneys assist older adults in creating these important documents, ensuring that their healthcare preferences are respected and that they receive appropriate medical care.

ELDER LAW ADVOCACY

Elder law attorneys play a crucial role in advocating for the rights and protection of older adults. They work to address legal issues specific to older individuals, such as elder abuse, age discrimination, access to healthcare, and social security benefits. Some firms, including Applegate & Dillman Elder Law, offer life care planning services, including Elder Care coordinators who assist older adults navigate the aging world.

Elder law encompasses various legal areas, and its importance lies in addressing the unique legal challenges faced by older adults, protecting their rights, and ensuring their well-being and dignity in the later stages of life.

Lisa Dillman is an attorney at Applegate & Dillman Elder Law. The firm has offices in Indianapolis, Carmel and Zionsville. Find out more at applegate-dillman.com.

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ESTATE PLANNING

Is walking regularly enough exercise?

Commentary by Katrina Archer

As an ACSM-certified personal trainer working with older adults at Motion 4 Life Fitness, I often hear these three frustrations:

• “I walk regularly, why isn’t that enough exercise?”

• “I’ve been walking for exercise, but I still struggle when climbing stairs, carrying groceries and getting up from a chair.”

• “I’m worried about my balance.”

So, why is it important to add strength training to your walking routine? Although walking will help with cardiovascular health and help maintain endurance, muscular strength, power and flexibility have a tremendous impact on your ability to enjoy life to the fullest. For example, climbing stairs requires muscular strength and power, which also can improve your golf or pickleball game. Everyday activities like gardening, biking and even walking become easier when you have a well-rounded

Take a moment to reflect on the last time you were with your grandkids. Were you able to get down on the ground and play with them – and get back up? Were you able to lift them for a hug? Were you able to play catch or kick a ball? As we age, our bodies change, and while we think we can still do what we did when we were younger, at times like these, we realize it often is not the case.

For many of us as we age, we plan to travel. Are you worried about that upcoming trip? Walking through busy airports and moving through new environments can be challenging. Carrying luggage requires strength and balance as we maneuver through airports and hotels.

I’ve had the joy of watching my older adult clients improve their balance, strength and mobility. They are often amazed at the difference in their lives. So, keep up your walking routine and try to add in a little strength conditioning and balance with the guidance of a trainer. You deserve to have an active and mobile lifestyle.

“Walking is a great, lowimpact way to improve cardiovascular health, but it is just one component of a wellrounded exercise program.”

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f you are an avid walker, keep up the good work! Walking is a great, low-impact way to improve cardiovascular health, but it is just one component of a well-rounded exercise program. Muscular strength and power naturally decline as we age, and the rate of decline is even higher after the age of 60. Strength and power training have proven to be beneficial additions to the older adult’s exercise routine.exercise program -- which, by the way, will reduce your risk of injury.

*Offer incentives are valid on or after July 1, 2023 on purchase agreements, not contingent on the sale of another home, accepted by affiliates of Epcon Communities, on a limited number of inventory homes in specified communities and are subject to change or withdrawal at any time without notice. To qualify for the incentive the purchase of the home must close on or before December 31, 2023. The incentives are available only for certain financing options and do not apply to all lenders and loans. Some conditions, limitations, and restrictions apply. Offer may vary locally. See your Sales Consultant for more details. Finance incentives are capped at no more than $20,000 based on participation in this offer, including financing through Go Mortgage, LLC, (NMLS 1018). May require at least 10% down. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. The 4.99% interest rate (5.124 APR) incentive is based on qualification and financing with Go Mortgage, a conventional 30-year fixed rate mortgage, sales price of $600,000, loan amount of $420,000 with a 30% down payment, and a 760 FICO score and payment of 1.13 points. Some buyers may not qualify for this loan or this rate. A Higher rate or a different loan scenario may apply based on credit score and applicant characteristics. Additional closing costs will apply. Rates fluctuate daily based on market conditions and may increase until the rate is locked. Ask for a Loan Estimate. Loans are subject to underwriting guidelines and lender approval. Go Mortgage, 4215 Worth Ave., Suite 320, Columbus OH 43219. Ohio Mortgage Residential Mortgage Lending Act Certificate of Registration Number MB.804284.000, Indiana Mortgage Lender No. 10882. Additional licensing information may be viewed at: https://gomortgage.com/licensing-information. Prospective buyers are free to shop for the best rate and terms and use any mortgage lender of Buyer’s choosing in the purchase of their Epcon home, subject to the terms of the buyer’s home purchase agreement with Epcon. The purchase price for the house

Summer 2023

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will not change based upon the lender selected by buyer. Home sites in the designated communities are subject to availability. Offers may not be redeemed for cash or equivalent. This offer may not be combined with any other offers or discounts. This incentive may affect the amount of the loan for which a buyer may be eligible, check with your lender for details. Offers not valid on previously written sales contracts or contract re-writes. Community Association fees required. This offer is void where prohibited. Go Mortgage is an Equal Opportunity Lender. ^No step entryways are not available for all homes or in all communities. Although all floorplans, features, illustrations, and specifications of the homes and communities are believed correct at the time of publication, the right is reserved to make changes, without notice or obligation. Windows, doors, ceilings, layout, colors, finishes and room sizes may vary depending on the options and elevations selected. This information is for illustrative purposes only and not part of a legal contract. ©2023 IP86, LLC. TOUR OUR MODELS AND SEE THE Courtyard Home Advantage ASK ABOUT OUR 4.99% INTEREST RATE BUYDOWN FOR QUICK MOVE-IN HOMES * EpconIndianapolis.com | 463.220.4111 Make more time for the moments that matter most when you move into your new luxury ranch home in one of our Indianapolis-area communities. With a private, garden courtyard, you’ll have an ideal space for entertaining outside while also maintaining your privacy. Plus, a low-maintenance lifestyle means no more yard work. And you can say goodbye to climbing stairs with single-level living. Drop in and visit an Epcon community today - or schedule a private appointment with our team! Private Outdoor Living Space EPCON’S LUXURY COURTYARD HOMES OFFER A In Close, Connected Communities. Signature Courtyard Homes. © IP86, LLC 2023 © IP86, LLC 2023 © IP86, LLC 2023 © IP86, LLC 2023 EXPLORE IDEALLY LOCATED HAMILTON COUNTY COMMUNITIES FROM THE MID $400 s Landscape Maintenance Included. Private, Garden Courtyards. Lock & Leave Lifestyle. No Steps ^ , No Mower. NOW IS THE TIME FOR NO STEPS ^ AND NO MOWER.

Recognizing dementia symptoms, preventing falls in patients

Dementia is an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities to function. Symptoms include difficulty problem solving, communication, and decreased memory.

Which stage of dementia do falls happen the most?

Stage 6 is high risk for falls because of confusion, decreased physical coordination and disorientation, although, falls can happen at any stage of dementia.

Incidence of falls with dementia

Falls happen almost twice than that of cognitively intact individuals. Most falls occur at home, about 6 percent

happen in the bathroom, on the stairs, or in the bedroom. Problems with memory, poor judgement/insight, depression and inability to express their needs. Other problems include weakness, lack of exercise, decreased balance, decreased vision and depth perception.

What are the risk factors?

The fear of falling, medication side effects, depression, visual-depth perception and wearing the wrong type of shoes. There are many other intrinsic and external risk factors that play a part as well.

What are some consequences of falls?

Acceleration of the dementia process, decrease socialization because of fear of falling, loss of independence,

chronic pain and depression. Fractures can occur because of bones being more fragile, which can lead to surgery, and recovery time from healing can be increased. Limit distractions when walking, slower paced walk, ensure a clutter-free environment and the avoidance of overuse of narcotics. The use of contrasting colors, adequate lighting in a room, adaptive equipment such as rails, etc., can assist in the avoidance of falls. Regular exercise and an exercise program can potentially slow the progression of dementia.

I’m Darrell Blackburn, a licensed sales agent in Boone, Hamilton and Central Indiana. When it comes to Medicare, it’s important to consider all of your options. What works well for your neighbor may not be the best fit for you. I know the ins and outs of Medicare, and I’m ready to answer your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs. Take advantage of my knowledge and experience to:

• Take the confusion out of Medicare

• Get help comparing plans

• Receive one-on-one service

• Make enrolling in a plan easier

I look forward to helping you explore your Medicare options so you can enroll in a plan with confidence. It’s

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7 55 AND BETTER Summer 2023 Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. ©2022 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Y0066_23SPRJ55189_C SPRJ55189
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CONCERNS FOR GRANDPARENTS TO KEEP IN MIND

SUMMER SAFETY: HEALTH

The summer months are a great time for grandparents to play outside with their grandkids. However, before participating in these activities, it is important to know potentially dangerous situations so you can avoid them. Here are some common child health concerns and tips to keep in mind this summer.

ASTHMA

Asthma is a condition in which the airways become narrowed, causing people to cough, wheeze and have difficulty breathing. Asthma is particularly relevant in the summer months because kids are typically more active, which can cause asthma flare ups. Common asthma irritants or triggers include cigarette smoke, pollen, dust, chemical fumes and even pet dander. After your grandchild encounters these triggers, they may start coughing and have trouble stopping. Asthma symptoms include experiencing shortness of breath, chest tightness, difficulties taking a deep breath, and whistling or squeaking when you breathe, commonly called wheezing. If your grandchild experiences one or more of these symptoms, let their physician know.

HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS

Three common heat-related illnesses are sunburn, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat exhaustion is the body responding to losing an excessive amount of water and salt. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, elevated body temperature and decreased urine output. If you think a child is experiencing heat exhaustion, call 911, take off excess clothes, have them slowly drink water and give the child a cold compress on their head, face and neck.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Signs of heat stroke include confusion, slurred speech, dry skin or profuse sweating, seizures or very high body temperature. You can help by calling 911 immediately, getting your grandchild cold by putting them in a cold bath or moving the child to a cool area.  Finally, leaving children alone in the car during summer months is extremely dangerous. When left alone in the car for even a short period of time, children are at risk for injury, dehydration or even death.

WATER SAFETY

Before getting into a pool this summer make sure your grandchild knows how to swim or at very least tread water. They should swim with adult supervision. More children ages one to four die of drowning than any other cause of death, according to the CDC. Make sure your grandchild is wearing some kind of flotation device when they are swimming as well.

WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY CARE

When accidents, injuries or illnesses occur suddenly and unexpectedly, it can be hard to know the best place to seek medical care. Serious, complex or life-threatening medical emergencies always require evaluation and treatment in an emergency department. But for less severe, more common illnesses and conditions, neighborhood urgent care centers offer a variety of benefits, including lower costs, shorter wait times and less risk of exposure to ill patients. If you’re uncertain where to seek care, go to the nearest healthcare facility or arrange for emergency transportation for more serious situations. Be familiar with the healthcare services offered by your local urgent care center, and if it’s not an emergency, call the urgent care center to find out if they’re equipped to treat the situation.

While summer activities can be fun and lead to lasting memories, they can quickly go wrong without the proper preparation. IU Health North has a skilled Emergency department team, including Riley Children’s Health physicians and nurses, ready to care for patients of any age. If a serious injury does occur, call 911 or go to your local emergency department immediately.

8 55 AND BETTER Summer 2023
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You can’t predict when kids will need emergency care. But you can always count on us to provide highly skilled, compassionate ER care for your kids anytime, day or night. We give you 24/7 access to current emergency room wait times when every minute counts. And your kids get the highest level of care to feel better. Soon.

To view emergency room wait times, scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit RileyChildrens.org/ERnorth

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W. 116 St. E. 111 St. City Center Drive N. Illinois St. Spring Mill Road N. College Ave. N. Pennsylvania St. S. Guilford Road W.CarmelDrive E. 118 St. E. 108 St. US 31 ©2023 IUHealth
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Inala Movement Studio instructor helps older adults stay flexible

Leslie Whitesell knows how important movement is to stay flexible.

“As we’re aging, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for people to keep moving,” she said.

Whitesell, a Carmel resident, opened Inala Movement Studio in Fishers in the summer of 2020.

She had lived in New York City for many years, working for two different studios. She then worked for a studio in Cincinnati before moving to the Indianapolis area.

Whitesell teaches the GYROTONIC Method, which is trademarked by the company.

“It’s a method of teaching movement to basically anybody,” Whitesell said. “It helps with mobility as well as strength. It’s a combination of things, so you’re not getting just strength training and you are not getting just flexibility. You are getting a lot of mobility, which is flexibility supported by strength, especially in the joints and spine, which, as we get older, in their 40s and 50s, people are starting to have their low back or hips hurting all the time. It allows you to keep the mobility and strength to go about your life with ease to deter many of the aches and pains that come with aging.”

Whitesell said the method helps improve posture.

When she teaches private lessons. Weights and tension resistance are involved.

“You are working with weight-bearing exercise as well, which is good as you age for your bones,” Whitesell said. “All of that is combined with work with breathing, which is important for the nervous system and your sense of well-being.”

Whitesell said some people don’t know how to breathe properly. She said improper breathing contributes to not feeling good.

“The equipment is unique to this work,” she said. “You want to be able to work in the full range of motion in the joints.”

Whitesell said group classes are conducted on a stool.

“It’s seated and standing work and sometimes on the floor, but there is no special equipment,” she said. “It’s sort of like a yoga class, but it’s not yoga.”

Whitesell works with a range of clients, including professional dancers in their 20s.

“I have people all the way up to their 70s,” she said. “They choose what they are most comfortable with.”

Continued on Page 11

10 55 AND BETTER Summer 2023
Inala Movement Studio owner/instructor Leslie Whitesell, left, works with Deborah Barlow. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Continued from Page 10

She has been teaching the method for more than 10 years.

Whitesell, 47, previously was a competitive ballroom dancer.

“When I moved to Indianapolis, I was still competing and dancing and working at a ballroom studio and teaching GYROTONICS on the side,” she said. “In 2020, I decided I was done competing. I wanted to have my own studio where I can teach GYROTONICS and ballroom dancing.”

Indianapolis resident James Brown is a firm believer in the method.

Brown’s former job was golf course maintenance.

“I’ve done yoga five times a week for 24 years because my job was so physically demanding,” Brown said. “I did yoga to alleviate back pain. I did it as a maintenance to keep from being injured. I didn’t want to take muscle relaxers. Yoga worked great but I started doing this and it’s like yoga on steroids. I’m as strong as a cat. I wrestled in high school and I’m as strong now at almost 65. It makes you engage all your muscles.”

Brown said there are a lot of wavy movements.

“But once you figure it out, you are standing straight for the first time in your life,” Brown said. “When you are driving a car, you are looking 4 inches above the windshield, so it’s like a weird body reformation.”

Brown said he takes two private lessons and two classes a week at Inala Movement Studio. He also does yoga one day a week and has taught yoga in the past.

“I feel like I’m 45 years old,” he said. “I’ve built six golf courses, so my body got beat up. I feel younger.”

When a session is over, he said he feels a natural high.

Brown learned about it through Miriam Resnick, who owned Mindful Movement Studio before it closed in 2019. She now gives private lessons.

Resnick, 65, said she loves Whitesell’s GRYROKENISIS classes.

“She is an excellent teacher,” the Carmel resident said. “She guides us through all the movements with beautiful imagery and important nuances to help everyone get the best experience. I always leave class a little taller and have a big smile on my face.”

Marquette is a not-for-pro t senior living community, giving you the life you want to live. With a wide variety of beautifully designed residential options and maintenance-free living, our community gives you the exibility and control over everything you do.

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11 55 AND BETTER Summer 2023
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Younger patient benefits from Copper Trace rehab facility

Leah McManus never imagined she would find herself learning to walk again, especially while living in a senior community at the age of 34. Fortunately for her, rehab stays are available for all ages at Copper Trace, CarDon & Associates’ Westfield community. And that’s where she ended up taking her first steps while recovering from a horrific car accident.

In December 2022, McManus was on active duty as a military dietitian for the Navajo Nation in Arizona. While driving from the hospital there to a satellite clinic in a smaller community, she was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. The accident left her femur and pelvis broken, her knee fractured, her ankle shattered — and the left side of her body impaired after a stroke. The Copper Trace staff’s experience with older stroke patients proved to be vital during her recovery.

“It was just a weird time in my life,” McManus said. Last month, Copper Trace rolled out the red carpet for Leah’s “graduation” from rehab therapy. Her journey to that point was rocky yet rewarding.

While McManus was initially in intensive care in Arizona, her aunt and uncle visited and took care of her 3-year-old daughter. Given the fact that McManus had to be transferred to an acute rehab facility, her

relatives agreed to bring her daughter back home with them to Indianapolis. But McManus felt like she couldn’t fully recover without her daughter.

“I really needed to be near my daughter,” she said. “For mental health reasons and to heal. It was really hard being separated from her because we’re so close. She’s my only child, and I’m her only parent.”

Fortunately, the stars aligned for McManus to receive the rest of her therapy at Copper Trace. She took a military medical flight from Arizona to Indianapolis, where she made the most important milestones in her journey toward recovery.

“Mary was my favorite therapist at Copper Trace,” McManus said. “She really pushed my limits. She taught me how to use a cane, and she challenged me to climb my first flight of stairs — which was really scary, but she was wonderful. Learning to walk again was very exciting.”

Although fellow residents in the community were surprised to see someone so young among them, McManus appreciated the chance to socialize and engage in activities.

“It was great to get out of my room and get out of my head,” she said. “There were all sorts of fun things to do like arts and crafts, nail painting, bingo, games. That put me in a better mental state during recovery. And my daughter appreciated having things to do.”

While she looks forward to being back on duty, McManus is cherishing the time she has now at home with family. And she appreciates Copper Trace for making that possible.

12 55 AND BETTER Summer 2023 motion4lifefitness.com 317.343.2537 Schedule Your FREE 2-WEEK Training Trial Accountability - Guidance - Encouragement
Leah McManus recovered at Copper Trace’s rehab facility. (Photo courtesy of CarDon & Associates)

Sycamore Reserve resident follows passion

At 94, Sycamore Reserve Senior Living resident Eleanor Best is still able to follow her passion.

“I’m still doing my machine embroidery,” she said. “I have a large machine here and I’ve been able to do quite complicated work. We’ve been making aprons for some of the residents. I amuse myself with the weaving and sewing.”

Best has lived at Sycamore Reserve since shortly after her husband, George, died at age 97 in September 2020. The couple, who were married for 68 years, previously lived nearby in Lawrence Township.

Best has written 15 books on weaving, which are available on Amazon. She switched to machine embroidering.

“I used to do workshops all over the country,” said Best, who was a member of the Indiana Weaving Guild. “I also belong to a sewing group that meets once a month. It originated 30 years ago and there are still a few of us left.”

Best said she is very active working on the computer.

“My husband made programs for me for weaving designs,” she said. “I

have three computers working.”

Best learned to weave while trying to get her daughter, Susan, interested in it while she was in school.

Best was born in Toronto and moved to Michigan before eventually moving to Indianapolis.

Best’s daughter, Susan Best, Indianapolis, died last year. She has two other children, Nancy, and Neil, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“My children went to Lawrence Central and Lawrence North (high schools),” she said.

Best used to play tennis to stay active, playing on an adult tennis team. She skated and skied when she was younger.

“My husband and I traveled quite a lot,” she said. “We’ve been to Europe, the United Kingdom, France and Switzerland.”

Best likes the social aspect of Sycamore Reserve.

“We have some good chats,” she said.

Best gave up driving when she was 90.

“I just felt I was more of a menace than anyone else,” she said, laughing.

Common causes of foot and leg cramps

Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan

Do you experience painful cramps in your feet or legs?

Muscle cramps of the feet and legs are most often felt in the arch of the foot and the calf of the leg but may include the toes. Here are some common reasons for foot and leg cramps:

Exercise and dehydration

Intense physical activity can make your muscles contract, resulting in a cramp in your foot or leg. Insufficient fluid and electrolytes in your body can lead to muscle spasms and cramps, especially when exercising. Too much caffeine can also lead to dehydration and cause cramps. To prevent dehydration, try to drink 64 ounces of water daily.

Shoes and hard surfaces

Pointy-toed shoes, high heels or shoes without proper support can induce fatigue and cramping in the foot muscles. Hard surfaces can intensify the problem. Restrictive footwear impedes blood flow and oxygen.

Medical conditions

Nerve disease, including peripheral neuropathy, can cause foot or leg cramps. With neuropathy, the nerves don’t send proper messages from the muscles to the brain, causing the muscles to fire or cramp at the wrong time.

Leg cramps are a classic symptom of peripheral arterial disease. With PAD, the arteries narrow, and the legs and feet don’t get enough oxygen to support activity. Leg cramps show up when walking or exercising, and the

Continued on Page 14

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I’m working again!

Pain-Free! Day center focuses on senior care, activities

bottom, back behind the toes. It was miserable to go to work. Since being treated by Dr. Sullivan, I feel so much better, and I am more energetic since I am not in pain anymore.”

An adult day center in the Castleton-area offers its 55-and-older guests life-enriching activities, faith-based routines, individual-focused care … and smiles.

According to Diana Keely, executive director of Still Waters Adult Day Center, 7160 Shadeland Station Way on the campus of Castleton United Methodist Church, smiles and laughter are contagious at the center.

“The guests uplift one another and support each other even on a tough day,” Keely said. “I love watching two ladies walking down the hallway to lunch together holding hands; the one man redirecting the other man that is having a difficult day; the guest that begins crying while petting the therapy dogs, remembering the dogs she had in her past.”

Still Waters opened in 2011 and is one of two adult day centers in Indianapolis focusing exclusively on seniors, according to Keely. The center has 32 registered guests that visit two to five times a week. Still Waters has a 1-to-4 staff-to-guests ratio, with an RN and LPN on staff and all direct caregivers CNAs.

Guests can participate in activities that promote physical, sensory, cognitive, social and spiritual health. Still Waters has received grants from the Central Indiana Community Foundation to provide art, music and expressive therapists weekly, Keely said. A grant from the AARP helped the center create a community garden, and

guests have enjoyed watching it grow, she said. Church volunteers and members of community organizations visit regularly to provide programming.

Many guests come from faith-based backgrounds, and the center opens with a daily devotional and a blessing before lunch. One guest is an ordained minister and leads a brief monthly church service. Guests also can attend a monthly service in the Prayer Chapel.

“Many of our guests are not physically or mentally capable of the activities that used to be such an important part of their lives,” Keely said. “However limited they are, their faith and Christian upbringing are still a very important part of who they are today, and we make every effort to respect and support them right where they are, both mentally and physically.”

For more, visit stillwatersadc.org or call 317-284-0837.

sive alcohol consumption.

Diagnosing foot and leg cramps

cramps improve when at rest. PAD is a serious medical condition and it’s crucial to be seen immediately.

Medications

Some of the most common medications include diuretics, statins and medications to lower blood pressure.

Diet

Diets low in potassium, calcium or magnesium, or deficiencies in vitamin B12 and vitamin D can cause foot and leg cramps. Another reason is exces-

If your foot or leg cramps don’t improve, you should schedule an immediate appointment with our office. Once we see you, we can diagnose the cause of your cramps and get you on the path to feeling better!

14 55 AND BETTER Summer 2023
Page 13 16411 Southpark Dr., Ste B Westfield, IN 46074 (317) 896-6655 www.westfieldfoot.com David Sullivan, DPM Board Certified Foot Surgeon & Wound Specialist CHECK OUT OUR THE LATEST AND MOST COMPLETE TREATMENT OPTIONS • Achilles Tendonitis • Arthritis • Bunions • Bursitis • Diabetic Foot Care • Flat Feet • Hammertoes • Heel, Arch & Ball of Foot Pain • Ingrown or Fungal Nails • Morton’s Neuroma • Nerve Pain • Neuropathy • Pediatric Conditions • Plantar Fasciitis • Sprains, Strains & Fractures • Tired Achy Feet • Ulcer/Wound Care • Work and Sports Injuries • Warts & Skin Lesions • MLS Laser Therapy
Continued from
“I was on my feet all of the time cleaning and they were bothering me on the
Janey Cox, cleaning business owner & ball of foot pain patient Lelola Thomas, left, and Shirley Green, both of Indianapolis, enjoy Still Waters’ New Year’s party. (Photo courtesy of Diana Keely) A board-certified foot surgeon and wound specialist, Dr. David Sullivan is the owner of Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact him at drs@ westfieldfoot.com.

Father, daughter share love of music

Elizabeth Lee has the perfect outlet for some daddy-daughter time.

Lee, a 31-year-old Carmel resident, and her father perform and write music together under the name Elizabeth Lee

Lee’s group includes her father Bobby Pugh, a 62-year-old Sheridan resident, and Jason McKay, a Noblesville resident who turns 64 in August.

“I think that’s the main thing for me is just being able to be together with your kid,” Pugh said. “I mean, I don’t know if I’d want to go out and play somewhere with my parents when I was a kid. So, I feel very blessed that she wants me to deal with her. No knock on my parents, it’s just a different generation.”

Lee said it’s just as fun for her as well.

“He has amazing harmonies,” she said. “I don’t think I would be gigging if it weren’t for him because I was too shy.”

The one drawback for Lee is Pugh and McKay have their dad jokes.

“I have to keep my eye on them so that they don’t do anything embarrassing in the show,” Lee said.

Lee performs on vocals and guitar. Pugh sings and plays guitar and sometimes plays keyboards. McKay plays bass guitar.

“Jason started out as a classical guitar player, so you can see that in his bass,” Lee said. “He’s awesome,”

McKay has played a few shows and performed on the recording of the single “Regal” that was released earlier this month.

“This is the first original song we’ve released in five years,” Lee said.

Lee and her father have an album out with 11 original songs called “Flyin’… Bye”.

“We’re both good at writing half songs, so we need each other,” Pugh said.

Lee said her mother, Cari, is a band mom, supporting their efforts.

Pugh said Lee started taking guitar lessons at age 9.

“My son started taking piano lessons and he would never practice,” Pugh said. “She said, ‘I didn’t want to disappoint you,’ so she kept practicing. She said she kind of liked it, so he never did play piano but she stuck with the guitar.”

Pugh said he loved to listen to his

daughter play classical music.

“Then one day she graduated from high school and went to college, (and) I thought, ‘It’s so quiet around here,’” Pugh said.

The father and daughter started playing together about six years ago.

“I wanted to major in music in college, but I got scared,” Lee said. “I had a mutual fund job, and it just crushed my soul, even though it was a great company.”

So, she got back into music five years ago. She did it part-time until this year when she went to full time.

“I talked her into working with my window cleaning business for a while and that crushed her spirit, too,” said Pugh, who retired earlier this year.

The group has been playing throughout the Indianapolis area, including wineries, restaurants and festivals.

“We’re fairly chill for the bar scene,” Lee said.

Lee said she describes their style as singer-songwriter or folk pop.

“We do covers from the 1960s on to now,” she said. “We do Jim Croce, The Beatles. I have to teach them some newer stuff, so we do some Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.

McKay has been playing bass for

about 30 years.

“Mainly I played praise and worship through church,” said McKay, a Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate.

McKay and Pugh played in a shortlived band several years ago. Pugh contacted McKay, who is retired, a few months ago to see if he wanted to play bass.

McKay said he was thinking about going into a different direction other than music before Pugh called.

“We gave him some direction,” Pugh said.

Lee said McKay is a fast learner.

“We joke that he knows some of our songs better than (we do) now,” she said.

The group’s music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon music.

One of the group’s songs, “Quicksand,” was used in a 2023 Lifetime movie called “Sabotaging the Squad.”

Lee said she hopes to have the group’s other original songs used in movies or TV shows.

For more, visit elizabethleeband.com.

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From left, Bobby Pugh, Elizabeth Lee and Jason McKay perform together as a trio (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

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Clothed in privilege?

Commentary by

With everything in the human-created social order, our mores shift and flex with fad and fashion like reeds in the wind.  When 100 years ago most men owned a single suit and wore it daily, today many have closets full of clothing and almost never, if ever, wear a suit. In between, blue-collar or agrarian men sported what was colloquially coined the “marrying-and-burying” suit. It would be procured on the occasion of one’s wedding and maintained throughout the years to serve its final purpose in attiring its owner in the coffin. It might be called into use for the odd special occasion or Easter Sunday, but mostly, it was reserved for those times of deepest respect, like seeing a banker or flying on an airplane.

ESSAY

standard uniform, now we communicate our opinions directly on an often graphic, graphic Y-shirt.  Today, standing in the taxi or ride-sharing service line anywhere, one is more likely to encounter folks attired for hiking than for appearing in public. Americans are now significantly more likely be overweight than at the turn of previous century, and it is easy to quip that we look like our last hike was from our table to the buffet. But as our culture dictates screen time over fun time, how do we resist? Even so, who gets to wear the costume of fitness? Are gym clothes reserved for the gym? Does one have to have muscles to wear a muscle shirt, practice yoga to wear the pants, or labor to wear Carhartt’s? Who gets to don the uniform? All of us, or only those deemed worthy?

The passing years have led to far greater access for all of us. What may have been once-in-a-lifetime has become significantly more commonplace. When humans, especially men, once sought to conform with a

Life alert: Shout-out to Siri

Remember the Life Alert commercial with the elderly woman who cries, “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up”? Friends, that was me the other day. Read on for a tale of AI salvation during a muscle mutiny.

HUMOR

I was paying absolutely no attention to engaging my core or quads when I went to lift our newly arrived meal prep delivery. An instant twinge in my lower back had me dropping the box and gingerly tiptoeing to the kitchen for drugs. But when I reached for the Aleve, I felt the muscles give way in a spasm of pain. I managed to snag the bottle before collapsing onto all fours, where even the slightest attempt to move had me groaning in agony.

Luckily, I’m excellent in a crisis. I quickly assessed my situation and determined I was pathetically incapacitated. “Hey, Siri!” I shouted at my phone. “Text Doo Wilson!” My husband Doo was purportedly in the basement. “Come upstairs now! Need help!” No response; new plan. “Hey, Siri! Call Doo Wilson on speaker!”

Doo, sounding irritated, “Yes?”

Me, trying to keep it light, “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up.”

Doo, not bothering to hide his amusement, “Hold tight. Be right there.”

And so, after multiple pills, a Salonpas patch and 40 minutes in modified child’s pose, I was mostly fine. I walked hunched over for the rest of the day and had to wave off one very concerned father-in-law who’d accidentally received my first text, but otherwise, no worse for wear.

Bottom line, dear readers? Siri is the new Life Alert, especially when you’re a middle-aged woman who’s fallen and can’t get up.

Peace out.

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

13 July 25, 2023 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com eskenazihealth.edu
you to IndyGo for the donation of a 40-foot-bus, which has been transformed into the Eskenazi Health Fresh for You Market on Wheels – a one-of-a-kind mobile grocery store/food pantry hybrid. ESKENAZI HEALTH IS GRATEFUL TO FOR THEIR GENEROUS GIFT VIEWS Meet Current in Lawrence/Geist Managing Editor Leila Kheiry from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, August 10 at Launch Fishers, 12175 Visionary Way, Fishers. Suggest story ideas, ask questions and learn more about Current in Lawrence/Geist. For more, email leila@youarecurrent.com
Thank
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.
“Luckily, I’m excellent in a crisis. I quickly assessed my situation and determined I was pathetically incapacitated.”
– DANIELLE WILSON

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VIEWS

Getting serious about humor

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Last week, I shared with you some of the most common inquiries I have received from readers about the writing of humor. Here are a few more: Are there taboo subjects in humor?

HUMOR

A comic named Tig Notaro learned the day before a performance that she had breast cancer. She then created a monologue for her next stand-up about receiving the bad news. Was that an appropriate topic for comedy? Yes! Keep in mind it was her own diagnosis she was joking about. That gave her some leeway. As Tig has reported, it was those people with cancer who enjoyed her riff the most.

Jon Stewart said the key to writing about sensitive topics is to make fun of the smoke, not the fire. Example: Stewart did a show satirizing the way reporters covered Michael Jackson’s death. Not the fact the legend died, but how it was handled in the press. Mel Brooks skewered Hitler, not the Holocaust.

Comedy is about going right to the edge and sometimes over, which means you risk alienating some. Sarah Silverman is brilliant, but she crosses that line for many. She does make Holocaust jokes. I don’t find them funny, but if I don’t like what I am hearing, I grab the remote. Or walk out of the club. Some old “Seinfeld” episodes seem extremely politically incorrect now. Would I ban them from TV? Of course not.

You once said puns were the lowest form of humor? Why?

I was wrong. In order to understand a

(good) pun, you must hold two very different ideas in your head at the same time. In poems, the words rhyme. With puns, the ideas rhyme. Some puns do require a little thought to see the connection of two separate ideas. The story goes that a rich passenger on a sinking ship asked the captain if he could choose himself to row the lifeboat or not. “Of course,” the captain said, “either oar.”

“Make me the subject of a joke,” the king said to the court jester. In fear of getting himself in trouble, the jokester responded, “I cannot do that, the king is not a subject.” Of course, some puns are groan worthy. For example, I hate puns about sausages They are the wurst. See what I mean?

How long does it take to write a column?

Actual writing takes about two hours at the keyboard after several days with the idea rattling around in my brain. I never sit down to write without already knowing the topic and having some direction. Otherwise, I’d be sitting there all day.

Mark Twain once said, “Humor is easy.  If something funny occurs to you, just write about it.”  Then he said, “The writing is easy; the hard part is the occurring.”

Next week, I’ll write a real humor column. Hopefully, something will occur to me.

POLICIES

Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to info@youarecurrent.com. Writers must include a hometown and a daytime phone number for verification. Guest columns: The policy for guest columns is the same as the aforementioned, but the allowable length is 240 words. Guest columns should address the whole of Current’s readership, not simply special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

14 July 25, 2023 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
In order to understand a (good) pun, you must hold two very different ideas in your head at the same time. In poems, the words rhyme. With puns, the ideas rhyme.
– DICK WOLFSIE

GHDT presents concert version of ‘La Casa Azul’

For Gregory Hancock, his musical based on Mexican artist Frida Kahlo gives him the opportunity to exhibit a different side of his talents.

DANCE

“While most people are familiar with my work as a choreographer/ director, I am also a composer/musician,” said Hancock, executive artistic director of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre. “This is a wonderful opportunity for people to experience another side of my interests and skills. Honestly, this will be a dream come true to hear my music played by the Carmel Symphony Orchestra and sung by 20 talented vocalists at the beautiful Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts.

“It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, and the entire cast of instrumentalists, vocalists, dancers, directors and audience.”

Hancock’s production of “The Music of La Casa Azul” is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 5 in a different format than the original production. It is a sung-through musical inspired by the life of Kahlo.

“Previous productions have been the presentation of the complete theatrical musical experience,” Hancock said. “This production is a concert version with the focus of the music of ‘La Casa Azul.’ Concert versions of musicals allow the audience to focus solely on the music and have a different and unique perspective of a production. Of course, because it is a sung-through musical, the audience will still understand the narrative of the storyline. The vocalists will be dressed in evening attire and staging is more minimal without all the usual stage action to aid in progressing the storyline.”

Dancers will be dressed in costumes from the theatrical production and will add color and a visual element to the production.

Hancock said a few edits have been made to enhance the concert experience. The musical was first performed in 2015.

“I feel productions are often a living

organism, which continues to evolve with our world,” Hancock said. “Whenever I return to this production, I see and learn new things about myself and the piece itself. Just as we grow and evolve throughout our lives, so it is with works of performance art as well.”

Hancock said 16 of the 20 dancers have been in previous productions, including Abigail Lessaris, who will again portray La Muerte (Death) as Frida’s constant companion.

Bibi Heredia, a TV personality from Telemundo, will be the emcee for the evening.

Jessica Crum Hawkins, a Fishers resident, will sing the role of Kahlo.

“Jessica has appeared in all the previous productions and was the originator

of the role in the premiere production,” Hancock said. “Jessica not only brings an incredible voice to the incredibly vocally demanding role, (but also provides) by a depth of understanding to the trials and tribulations of Frida Kahlo. While the musical is inspired by the life of Frida, it is ultimately about the resilience of the human spirit in us all. Frida took her tragedies and turned them into unique and personal creativity. I have done the same throughout the previous productions, and this time it is another cathartic journey for me.”

Staging will be directed by director and playwright Georgina Escobar, with vocal direction by Tammy Anderson.

“Georgina is a brilliant (New York City)-based playwright/director, and as a Mexican woman brings her world of experiences to the production,” Hancock said. “Tammy is an exceptional vocal director and knows exactly how to bring out the best in each singer. Both are completely invaluable to the production.”

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Janna Hymes said it’s always special to collaborate with other arts organizations.

“This project is extra special because I will be working with my friend, Gregory Hancock, who is an incredible artist in many ways,” Hymes said. “A choreographer, dancer, painter, costume designer and maker, he also composed this epic piece about the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. It is rare to meet someone who excels in so many areas, and Gregory is very special in that regard.”

Hymes said the concert will feature a chamber orchestra of about 40 musicians.

“There are always challenges when you put on a production that involves singers, musicians, staging, lighting, dancing,” she said. “I wouldn’t call them challenges as much as components which need to come together seamlessly to seem as one. I don’t foresee any issues and we are all looking forward to an incredible experience.”

For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

‘SOPHISTICATED LADIES’

“Sophisticated Ladies” runs through Aug. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Deception: An Evening of Magic & Lies” is set for 7:30 p.m. July 27 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. “Opal Staples: Inspiration at a Bar” is set for 7:30 p.m. July 29. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘A TRIBUTE TO BILLY JOEL & ELTON JOHN’

“Face to Face: A Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John” will be presented at 8 p.m. July 28-29 in the Symphony on the Prairie series at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

‘THE SOMEWHAT TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD’

Main Street Productions presents the youth production of “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” July 27 to Aug. 6 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

The Palace, a soul rock sextet, will perform in the Live at the Center series at 7:30 p.m. July 26 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $10 for in-person or register for a livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

‘MEAN GIRLS’

Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program will perform “Mean Girls” from July 27-30 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

DISPATCH

Indy film festivals get recognition — The Indy Shorts International Film Festival and the Heartland International Film Festival have been named among the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World for 2023 by MovieMaker Magazine. The Indy Shorts Festival was set to conclude July 23. Heartland Film Festival starts Oct. 15. For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.

15 July 25, 2023 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com currentnightandday.com
Jessica Crum Hawkins returns in role of Frida Kahlo, seated, and Abigail Lessaris portrays death. (Photo courtesy of Lora Olive)

Indianapolis Children’s Choir features global musical journey

The Indianapolis Children’s Choir’s 202324 season is designed to take audiences on a musical journey around the world.

CONCERTS

“This season will showcase the history, culture and languages from across the globe, and I am excited for our singers and audience to have this culturally immersive opportunity,” ICC Artistic Director Joshua Pedde said. “Rather than jumping from one place in the world to another during a single concert, we will get to focus on different parts of the world in each performance. By the end of the season, our singers and our audiences will see how so many cultures have more in common than they do differences. It also allows our singers to truly immerse themselves in the music and cultures of these areas of the world.”

The eight-concert series is called “A

World Showcase.” The season begins with “Reflections: Sounds of the Pacific,” which will reflect the sounds of fiery volcanoes balanced with shaded, tranquil gardens. Singers will perform songs from India, China and the Pacific Islands, among other destinations in an Oct. 14 concert at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville.

“A European Holiday” will be held Dec. 15-17 at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. On March 24, 2024, the ICC will present “The Crossroads of America” at Hilton Circle Theatre in Indianapolis.

“Christel DeHaan In Harmony: Rhythm of the Lands” is set for May 4, 2024 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Indianapolis. The concert season concludes with “Sacred Harmonies: The Soul of Misa Criolla” May 19, 2024, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Indianapolis.

Season tickets are $12 for each performance; advance single tickets are $14 each. For more, visit icchoir.org.

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Peddle

‘Barbie’ delivers nostalgic fun

In 1959, the world was first introduced to Barbara Millicent Roberts from Willows, Wis., a.k.a., Barbie. Creator Ruth Handler, who co-founded Mattel with her husband, launched the doll by advertising directly to children on TV. Barbie was the first “toy” commercial to appear during “The Mickey Mouse Club.”

MOVIE REVIEW

In 1961, Mattel introduced Barbie’s ultimate “accessory” boyfriend, Ken, who is two years younger than his affluent sweetheart.

An alternative to the limiting gender roles of the time, Barbie was a freethinking, independent gal with the most colorful costumes ever. She’s had more than 250 careers and is limitless in opportunities. Barbie is the No. 1-selling doll in the world, with three sold every second. Her Dreamhouse is sold every two minutes.

Directed and co-written by Oscar-nominee Greta Gerwig (“Little Women,” “Lady Bird”), the film shows what happens when Barbie experiences an existential crisis. The story is smart and witty, with fast-paced dialogue, silly montages and emotional, introspective flashes between Barbieland and the real world. And loads of costume changes.

Every protagonist embarks on a hero’s journey, and Barbie is no exception. Narrated by Helen Mirren, Barbie (Margot Robbie) begins questioning the natural order of life in Barbieland, where extravagant dance numbers and beach parties are daily life. On the advice of Gymnast Barbie (Kate McKinnon), she ventures into the real world to find the person who may hold the key to her dilemma. Along the way, she is confronted by societal expectations, outsmarts Mattel’s CEO (Will Ferrell), rollerblades on Venice Beach and faces the reality of her legacy. Ultimately, the “Barbie” movie is a nostalgic, highly creative and playful journey. It teaches us that self-discovery is an adventure and the important roles imagination and teamwork play along the way. And sometimes, a flashy dance number is just what we need to make life a little more fun.

17 July 25, 2023 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com NIGHT & DAY CELEBRATION 2023 THE CENTER FEATURING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 THE PALLADIUM Experience an evening of food, fun, live auction and entertainment including a headlining performance by six-time Grammy Award Winner Amy Grant and hosted by Artistic Director Michael Feinstein TABLE RESERVATIONS ARE AVAILABLE NOW! 317.819.3528 | GALA@THECENTERPRESENTS.ORG AMY GRANT PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE CENTER’S ARTS AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
During the past 14 years, Julieanna Childs has worked as a film studio representative, contracting for all the major Hollywood studios. Her film reviews can be found at TheJujuReview.com. She is a Hamilton County resident.

Festival performance about more than music

When Brenda Williams is on stage, she’s more than a vocalist singing songs.

el Jazz Fest and supporting the new event.

“I never call what I do singing,” the Indianapolis resident said. “Yes, I’m a performer. There is excitement in performing. There’s nothing I’d rather do than perform.”

Williams will do just that at the first Carmel Jazz Fest. Brenda Williams and Friends will take the stage at 5 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Gazebo stage. They will be among 30 acts performing Aug. 11-12, culminating with a headlining performance by Spyro Gyra at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. Find scheduling and ticket information at carmeljazzfest.org.

Williams is no stranger to performing at the Carmel Gazebo — or just about anywhere that hosts live music in the area. She declined to say how long she has been performing (so as to not reveal her age). But she has been a mainstay on the local music scene for decades, with appearances at the Cabaret, the Indiana Repertory Theater, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre and the Jazz Kitchen. And she has performed for three U.S. presidents: George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

She looks forward to performing at Carm-

“I believe it is paramount that we, as musicians/artists, support our communities, give back in ways that will help them grow by sharing our talents, not only by using our talents but giving of our time and energy,” she said.

Blair Clark, executive director of Carmel Jazz Fest, said the Indianapolis area is lucky to have talented performers like Williams and others who will give the festival local flavor. The event will show off their talent and Carmel’s state-of-the-art performance facilities, he said.

“She is a phenomenal performer, a phenomenal entertainer,” Clark said of Williams. “She knows how to captivate a crowd.”

Josh Weirich, a saxophone player who lives in Zionsville and is the music department chair and a band director for Zionsville Middle School, has been performing with Williams since the early 2000s. Weirich compared Williams’ style to such vocalists as Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Sade, Etta James and Nina Simone.

The ability to connect with audiences helps make Williams special, he said.

“In addition to being a great singer, people find her endearing, and she makes everyone feel like they’re her best friends,” Weirich said. “People just gravitate to her, and as a sideman, it’s just really cool to see and be a part of.”

18 July 25, 2023 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com NIGHT & DAY These activities made possible in part with support from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. 317.843.3800 | THECENTERPRESENTS.ORG SEASON PARTNE R ASK ABOUT THE SUITE EXPERIENCE! DAUGHTRY: BARE BONES TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST AYRON JONES Wed Aug 9 at 7:30pm SPYRO GYRA Sat Aug 12 at 8pm BEN HARPER Tue Aug 15 at 7:30pm PUZZLE ANSWERS SPONSORED BY SHEPHERD INSURANCE Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Sports: BASEBALL, FOOTBALL, GOLF, HOCKEY, SOCCER, TENNIS; Companies: BAYER, ELI LILLY, MERCK, MODERNA, PFIZER; Avenues: COLLEGE, EMERSON, KEYSTONE, MASSACHUSETTS; Dogs: GOOFY, ODIE, SNOOPY; Honorees: SAILORS, SOLDIERS; County: MARION 1 6 7 3 8 9 4 2 5 2 3 5 4 6 1 8 7 9 9 4 8 2 7 5 1 6 3 6 7 3 8 5 4 9 1 2 5 2 9 7 1 6 3 4 8 4 8 1 9 2 3 6 5 7 7 5 4 6 9 8 2 3 1 3 9 2 1 4 7 5 8 6 8 1 6 5 3 2 7 9 4 A C T S E L A T E S T O W S I R S S I R E S H O P E C R O W N P O I N T E W E R O R O A O N E D A N C E T I P J A R S L E U T H I N T S E L K H A R T B Y O B S E S A M E L I E C O V E T X E D S A L T S U K E E S T E E M L S A T P O R T A G E N A S A L O S T T O T E N N I S S T O L E R A I L I S O W O O D P L A I N F I E L D I N K Y T I L D E N C A A M E S A A L B E E D E M S
Williams

Blueprint for Improvement: Exterior upgrade in Carmel

Built in 2007 in The Village of WestClay, this home’s owners were ready for an exterior upgrade to improve both style and function. Our team got to work transforming the home’s façade, creating a brighter and more modern visual appeal.

• We reimagined the home’s exterior — transforming the previously stark federal-style appearance into a warm and welcoming entryway.

• A new portico over the front door provides added dimension, while a new, sleek staircase railing creates a more modern aesthetic throughout the length of the front walkway.

• Eze-Breeze windows were added to the back porch, allowing the homeowners to effortlessly move from sunroom to screened porch, depending on the weather and time of day.

• A new patio and stone fireplace were added to the back of the home, creating the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors (almost) year-round.

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.

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Before
After

Setting up a setup

the director kept adjusting the shot.

As an adjective, setup often gets used in technology situations: Go to the setup screen to change your network settings.

GRAMMAR GUY

I don’t attend many movies with groups anymore. I was always the guy who arrived early. Because of my promptness, I ended up saving seats for the whole group. I’d start declaring my group’s territory by draping my jacket over a pair of seats. Then I’d put my popcorn and drink in the cupholders a few seats away.

As the minutes ticked on, I’d have to fend off more people who also wanted middle-middle of the theater. The anxiety of saving six to eight seats for my friends who were chronically five minutes late ended up being too much for me; I did not like this setup one bit.

That brings me to the crux of some more important grammar guidance: What’s the difference between setup and set up?

Let’s start with setup. Use setup (or set-up) as either a noun or an adjective. As a noun, setup means the arrangement or organization of something. For example: The camera setup was all wrong, so

As a verb, use set up: I set up my friend Byron with his new job answering phones at the conspiracy theory hotline.

We set up our BattleBot so it would never attack humans.

Think about it this way: the verb version of the word spreads out. It is in motion; it stretches and moves. The noun version (setup or set-up) is compact. It’s a box — a static thing.

Now that movie theaters have a different setup (with seats you reserve ahead of time), I don’t have to be so upset all the time. After all, the most important part of the movie is during the last five minutes, when they set up the perfect conditions for yet another sequel.

Visiting the Juneau Icefield

Today, in our continuing tour of Alaska, we visit sites around Juneau, Alaska’s capital city.

TRAVEL

Juneau began as a tent city on the east bank of the Gastineau Channel soon after Joe Juneau and Richard Harris discovered gold nearby in 1879. In 1881, 72 miners named the town, on the Alaska Panhandle along its border with British Columbia, for Juneau. Juneau was the first European settlement in Alaska after the United States purchased the territory from Russia in 1867. In 1906, Juneau, with a population of about 2,000, replaced Sitka, further down the Panhandle, as the territorial capital.

Juneau is famous for the Juneau Icefield to the north. This 1,500-square-mile field of ice includes more than 40 valley glaciers, gradually moving down the valleys because of their massive weight, creating fjords as the ice wears down the adjacent mountain peaks. Much of the Juneau Icefield lies within the 16.7-million-acre Tongass National Forest, the United States’ largest national

forest. All but one of the glaciers within the Juneau Icefield reached their maximum size in about 1700 and have been retreating ever since. Only the Taku Glacier, the name the local Tlingit people gave it, continues to advance and is now the largest glacier in the icefield.

A popular activity for visitors to Juneau is a floating bush plane trip over five glaciers in the Juneau Icefield, with a stop at Taku Glacier Lodge, across the Taku River from the face of the Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier, a branch of the Taku Glacier. Guests at the lodge are treated to a meal including grilled wild salmon. The salmon attracts black bears, which have become their own attractions to the lodge. After dining, visitors can also take a walk in the scenic woods near the lodge, where they are warned to be on the lookout for bears.

20 July 25, 2023 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com LIFESTYLE Yardvarks...doing a common thing uncommonly well! You’ll love working with us. I promise! 317-565-3540 YARDVARKSLAWNCARE.COM
Curtis Honeycutt is a national award-winning, syndicated humor writer. Connect with him on Twitter (@curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com. Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska (Photos by Don Knebel) Sightseeing floatplane in Juneau.
Don Knebel is a local resident. For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

Across

1. Performs with the Carmel Community Players

5. Delight

10. Pack away

14. Gentlemen

15. Hoosier Park paddock papas

16. Faith, ___ and Charity

17. Indiana city: Royal headwear + scoreboard unit

19. Still-life pitcher

20. Spanish gold

21. Top-of-the-line

22. Fishers HS prom, e.g.

23. Biggby Coffee change collector

25. Gumshoe

28. Colts QB mistakes

30. Indiana city: Big deer + male deer

33. Invitation letters

36. WFYI’s “___ Street”

38. Commit perjury in Hamilton County Court

39. Commandment word

41. Crossed out

42. Seasons, in a way

44. Luau strings

45. Respect

48. Future DA’s exam

49. Indiana city: Sailor’s stopover + grow old

51. Out-of-this-world org.

53. Got beaten by

55. Pickleball kin

59. Swiped a mink?

61. Train track

63. Monument Circle musical grp.

64. Crooked Stick caddie’s suggestion

65. Indiana city: Unadorned + pasture

68. Like Current printing presses

69. Squiggle in a Zionsville

HS Spanish class

70. IU sports overseer

71. Flat-topped hill

72. “The Zoo Story”

perhaps

31. “Lovely” Beatles meter maid

32. Butler midterm, say

33. Bra spec

34. Ms. Ono

35. Misses

37. Observe

40. Do hair-raising work

43. Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer Henderson

46. IMPD rank

47. Keystone Art Cinema early show

50. “I knew it!”

52. Part of SASE

54. Big name in toothbrushes

56. Sister’s daughter

57. Muslim religion

58. Pops

59. Do laps at Carmel’s Waterpark

60. Voicemail prompt

62. Indiana Senate staffer

65. School support group

5

3

1

Answers on Page 18

21 July 25, 2023 Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com
LIFESTYLE
playwright 73. GOP rivals Down 1. Natty neckwear 2. Wispy clouds 3. Group of Girl Scouts 4. Noblesville-to-Evansville dir. 5. Competitive video gaming 6. Indy Zoo feline 7. Zodiac sign 8. Big ___ Conference 9. Indy’s winter hrs. 10. Sword covering 11. Spots for mayors 12. Oil cartel inits. 13. “The Way We ___” 18. Fresh Indian Grill bread 22. British nobles 24. Be in sync 26. Tough to budge 27. Hoosier National Forest tree
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73
29. Jazz Kitchen combo, 6 Sports 4 Indy Avenues Comedic Dogs 2 Monument Circle Honorees Pharmaceutical Companies
8 9 5 1 9 4 8 7 5 1 7 3 9 2 4 1 6 5 4 6 9 2 3 3 1 8 5 3
Indianapolis’ County
inits.
66. “___ Abner” 67. Pacers, on scoreboards
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Guitar Lessons

Schuyler Nehrig, Agent 1488 E 86th Street Indianapolis, IN 46240

O: (317) 830-4444, ext. 2492

C: (317) 918-9744

Schuyler.Nehrig@infarmbureau.com

Stewart's Tree Service Est

Larry & Rhonda Stewart, Owners

$75

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, good-natured work environment. The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair 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

please help this young family and contact Janet Emerson’s Realty at 317.431.1868.

LOVE

HUNT CLUB IS HIRING Part time Kennel Assistant : responsible for the daily care of dogs, kennel upkeep, and other tasks related to keeping our guests happy and comfortable. Hours are from 7 AM to 12 PM or 3 to 8 PM with potential for 18 - 35 hours per week. Part-time Front Desk Assistant: responsible for corresponding with clients through emails ,phone, and in- person as well as various computer tasks. Hours are 8:30 to 11:30 AM or 4:30 to 7:30 PM and as needed. Applicants should have availability on weekdays as well as occasional weekends and holidays. Interested? Have questions Email:huntclubkennal@gmail.com

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