August 8, 2023 – Lawrence/Geist

Share your thoughts

200 words. Guest columns have a word count of 300 words. Please include your city of residence and a contact phone number for verification.

Advertise

Eat Puccini’s... N W!

New Conner Prairie exhibit focuses on Black Hoosier history

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Delivery questions

Opinions

MUSEUM

Conner Prairie has been planning and developing its newest exhibit, Promised Land as a Proving Ground, for about three years. Following a series of delays, the outdoor museum is finishing up work on the last of three buildings integrated into the main outdoor Prairietown exhibit.

The new additions focus on Black Hoosiers, how they got here, what they endured and how they built lives for themselves.

On a very hot day in late July, Curatorial Director Charlene Fletcher and research associate Easton Phillips walked through Prairietown to show what’s been completed so far in the PLPG exhibit, and to talk about its evolution.

Fletcher, who has a doctorate in history, said she was hired about 2 1/2 years ago to curate PLPG. She said the original plan focused on Black history through the lens of the AME — the African Methodist Episcopal Church — and Black interactions with the Quaker community.

“And I said, ‘OK, no, we’re not doing that.’” Fletcher said, noting that Black people are not monolithic; they’re not all Christian; they don’t all attend church; and those that do attend many different churches.

The exhibit still has a faith focus, but different faiths are now represented. Fletcher said she also wanted to make sure the story started in pre-colonial Africa.

Another change she initiated was to integrate the new exhibit into Prairietown — where characters dress and act as though it’s 1836 — rather than offering it as a separate experience.

“I made it clear this cannot be a segregated experience,” she said. “Conner Prairie already has enough problems with the African American community. Follow the North Star damaged the relationship with the African American community — (there

are) Black people who don’t want to come up here, quite frankly.”

The former North Star program was a reenactment of the Underground Railroad, where guests played the part of slaves. Fletcher said the program ended in 2019.

The new exhibit’s first cabin is complete and open to visitors. The Origins Cabin includes a garden and pens with spotted pigs.

Inside the Origins Cabin, a video plays on a loop, telling the story of pre-colonial Africa, trade routes and eventually the slave trade, including how enslaved Africans brought seeds with them so they could grow their traditional foods. Graphics by Indianapolis-based artists Braintwins accompany the audio recording.

The second cabin, the Resistance Cabin, is not yet open to the public but is complete. It focuses on Black Hoosier history. Fletcher noted that although Indiana was not a slave state, it wasn’t welcoming to Black people.

“In 1831, the state passed a law that required African Americans to register with their local clerk’s office, and they had to pay a $500 bond. That’s a lot of money in 2023, so just imagine in 1831,” she said.

Phillips looked it up, and $500 in 1831 is the equivalent of about $17,500 today.

The third building, still under construc-

tion, focuses on the 20th and 21st centuries. That includes the civil rights movement, Black Hoosiers who served during the two world wars and interviews with current community faith leaders.

Fletcher is leaving for another job and said she’s disappointed that construction delays mean she won’t be at Conner Prairie when PLPG is completely open. She said the best part of the experience has been mentoring her team of research assistants — young historians who have been an important part of the overall project.

Phillips, one of those young historians, described his job as a “historical detective.”

Phillips said not everyone will be open to the Promised Land as a Proving Ground exhibit, but he’s optimistic.

“We just want to make sure we have the best thing built to last so that we can reach as many people as possible, because if 100 people go into PLPG today and the Origins Cabin, and one person walks out a little bit more curious than they were and 99 people don’t, I think that’s a victory,” he said.

According to the Conner Prairie officials, construction delays make it unclear when Promised Land as a Proving Ground will fully open.

For more, visit connerprairie.org.

Conner Prairie Research associate Easton Phillips, left, and Curatorial Director Charlene Fletcher lead the way through the outdoor museum’s Promised Land as a Proving Ground exhibit, still under development.

(Photo by Adam Seif)

Community Hospital North doctor competes on ‘Jeopardy!’

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

someday.”

Schaffer was notified more than a year ago that she was in the pool of potential contestants, but there was no guarantee that she would be picked to be on the show.

GAME SHOW

Community Health Network OB/Gyn hospitalist Dr. Alicia Schaffer, who works at Community Hospital North in Lawrence, was one of three contestants on ‘Jeopardy!’ July 27.

Schaffer didn’t win the episode, but she performed well. According to fancied. com’s report about that night’s episode, she was one of two contestants challenging the returning champion Lucas Partridge.

The game stayed relatively close during the first round, the website stated. When the second round ended and the contestants entered “Final Jeopardy,” Partridge held $13,600, Schaffer was second with $11,000 and the other challenger, Zach Razavi, had $2,000.

The three players all answered the last question correctly, but Partridge’s wager kept him in the top position.

According to an announcement from Community Health Network, Schaffer first auditioned for the show more than two

years ago by answering questions online and virtually.

“I’ve been watching ‘Jeopardy!’ since

I was a little kid with my parents,” she said in a video about the experience. “It’s always been a big life goal to be on it

Once she was, Schaffer stated that the overall experience was nerve-wracking.

‘It’s an all-day process,” she stated. “There are hair and makeup people. It was overwhelming but super cool.”

She compared the long day of taping to the 12-hour shifts she works at the hospital.

Shaffer said in the video that she was pleased the show she participated in was hosted by Ken Jennings, a former champion of the show who won a record 74 consecutive games. Jennings shares hosting duties with Mayim Bialik.

“I was really happy it was him,” she said. “I think Mayim does a great job, but he’s kind of synonymous with ‘Jeopardy!’, so I was excited to get to meet him.”

Find out more about becoming a ‘Jeopardy!’ contestant at jeopardy.com/be-on-j/ faqs.

Community Health Network Dr. Alicia Schaffer, who works at Community Hospital North in Lawrence, stands with ‘Jeopardy!’ host Ken Jennings (left). (Photo courtesy of Community Health Network)

Tickets on sale for Lagers in Lawrence Oktoberfest

news@geistcurrent.com

Lagers in Lawrence, the annual Oktoberfest celebration, is set for 2-6 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus in Lawrence.

EVENTS

Tickets for the popular event are on sale now at event.ontaptickets.com.

“Attendees will be allowed unlimited pours of more than 100 craft beverages,” the event page states. “The event will feature all styles of beer in addition to the popular Lager styles. And not to worry, there will be plenty of pretzels.”

The event will feature a DJ playing popular dance hits as well as polka tunes from the main stage, and food vendors for those who want something solid to accompany their beer.

The event will also feature the return of the popular weiner dog races.

“That’s right, Dachshunds of all shapes and sizes from around central Indiana will be racing in multiple heats throughout the

event in the ‘Running of the Weiners,’ with the winners competing in the championship heat at the end for the honor of ‘Fastest Weiner,’” the event page states.

Other events during Lagers in Lawrence include games — such as the “Masskrugstemmen” or stein-holding competition — and traditional German dancing.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own beer stein, but tasting cups will be provided if needed.

Early-bird tickets through Aug. 23 start at $37. Prices increase after that date.

Lawrence receives grant for lead pipe inventory

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

S A F E T Y D A Y

Engineers Inc. to perform inspection work on the city’s Brookside Park Phase 2A water main replacement project.

GOVERNMENT

The City of Lawrence has been awarded $400,000 from the Indiana Finance Authority for its lead service line inventory project.

Utility Supt. Scott Salsbery announced that to the Lawrence Utility Board during its regular July 25 meeting. He said he had learned about it that day during a video conference with Finance Authority officials.

Salsbery said the next step is for the board to approve a resolution accepting the grant funding, which then will be sent to the Lawrence Common Council for final authorization.

The project will allow the city to have an inventory of lead pipes remaining in the system.

Also during the utility board meeting, the board approved a $90,000 contract with VS

Salsbery said the city’s engineer recommended that the city use a third-party inspector, rather than someone that’s involved with the design. He said the contract costs less than what had been previously budgeted for that service with engineering contractor HWC Engineering Inc. The board also approved a contract amendment with HWC, increasing project costs by $41,000 to include video documentation.

“On a couple of our projects, there were incidents where there’s been damage to customers’ sewer laterals during the project,” he said, noting a lack of pre- and post-work videos, which made it difficult to resolve those issues.

The board also voted in favor of awarding construction of the Brookside Park Phase 2A water main project to Midwest Paving LLC for $2.14 million.

August 12 10am - 2pm

Weiner dog racing is one of the events planned during the Lagers in Lawrence Oktoberfest Sept. 23 at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

Salsbery

Is joint pain keeping you from activities you enjoy?

Community Health Network's Center for Joint Health invites you to a FREE dinner seminar to hear from Community orthopedic surgeons, Zach Ongwijitwat, MD, and David Foulk, MD, on the latest treatment options for hip, knee and shoulder pain.

Joint Pain Dinner Seminar

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Marriott North 3645 River Crossing Indianapolis, IN 46240

Register today at eCommunity.com/jointcenter or call 800.777.7775.

This event is FREE, but space is limited and registration is required.

NBA gamer shifts gears to cleaning business

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A former professional NBA 2K gamer is looking to clean up in a different way in Indiana.

NEW BIZ

Carmel resident Stanley Lebron started Glorious Cleaning, a home cleaning business, in September 2022. The company serves Hamilton and Boone counties.

Lebron, 28, was born In the Dominican Republic and moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., when he was 1 year old. He started working at his father’s grocery store when he was 7.

Lebron became a part of the NBA 2K League season in 2018 after being drafted by the Miami Heat.

After two seasons, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers and moved from Miami to Portland for one season.

Lebron spent one year with the Sacramento Kings’ gaming team. Then he moved to Indianapolis in 2022 when he became a member of the NBA 2K franchise from Spain

called DUX Infinitos. The team worked out of downtown Indianapolis at the Pan Am Tower. He met his girlfriend in the area and decided to stay.

“I made a decision before the draft in January that I was just going to put (the gaming) on pause, try to pursue this business,” Lebron said.

He has been doing 90 percent of the cleaning himself but wants to add employees.

Anyone from 6-month-olds to seniors can get COVID protection with safe vaccines and boosters that are free whether you have insurance or not. Find an Eskenazi Health Center near you at EskenaziHealth.edu/FreeVaccines Please scan

Teammate Waseem Talbert watches Stanley Lebron, seated, during an NBA 2K session.

(Photo courtesy of Stanley Lebron)

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.

Tour Lawrence bikes are available for rent in the Fort Ben area. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

PAST PRESERVED

Museum of 20th Century Warfare honors military history

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Tucked away in one of the many former military buildings at Fort Harrison State Park is a wealth of information and artifacts from all of America’s wars and conflicts of the 20th century.

The Museum of 20th Century Warfare is small but takes full advantage of the space it has. After entering, guests start right at the beginning of the 20th century, with the China Relief Expedition that kicked off in 1900. During that military effort, U.S. soldiers rescued citizens and other foreign nations during the Boxer Rebellion — an anti-colonial uprising in China.

Museum President Chris Schneider pointed out the battle streamers on display, noting that the museum was fortunate to have such rare artifacts.

“Outside the military, you don’t normally see them,” he said. “We kind of lucked into them, and we had to contact the Center for Military History and ask, ‘Are we supposed to have these?’ And they said, ‘Yeah, hold onto them.’”

After the China Relief Expedition is the Punitive Expedition, also known as the Mexican Expedition or the Pancho Villa Expedition. That’s when U.S. forces went into Mexico in 1916 in retaliation for an attack on the border town of Columbus, N.M.

“And of course, while that’s going on, you have what became known as the Great War,” Schneider said, referring to the start of World War I.

He pointed out the German “pickle” helmets on display with their characteristic spike on top and noted that World War I saw a lot of technological innovations, including the use of aircraft and tanks. Trench warfare wasn’t new, he said, but World War I took trenches to a whole other level.

Part of the World War I display is a replica of a trench that soldiers would have used for protection during battles. Visitors can walk through the replica, which has corrugated metal to shore up the sides, a boardwalk floor and a small periscope for a glimpse of the surface.

“This is a shallow trench,” Schneider said of the replica on display. “The deepest ones were as far down as 10 feet. Those were

communication trenches. The frontline soldiers were usually close to about 6 to 8 feet deep, and you would have a firing step, so you can see over the top. You didn’t poke your head out unless you absolutely had to because it (would) get shot off.”

Innovations continued with World War II, including the discovery of penicillin, which the Allies had, but not the Germans. Schneider said medicine in general improved and pointed to the display of a World War II medic and all the equipment he had to carry onto the field.

“You figure you’re only going to get one medic to a platoon of 30 guys,” he said. “(In) intense combat, out of those 30 guys, 20 are going to end up a casualty within a couple of hours. That guy’s going to be busy.”

The museum includes many models, built by Schneider and other volunteers, depicting tanks and planes. A large model shows what the USS Indianapolis looked like before it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine and sank on July 30, 1945. Out of the approximately 1,200 people on board the ship, only 317 survived.

Also on display is a replica of the inside of a German Panther battle tank.

“I spent a lot of time putting this thing together,” Schneider said, noting that it’s not quite complete. “I spent a lot of time down in the two Panthers at Fort Knox, and I got a lot of pictures, and I still haven’t built the gun guard.”

Schneider was a tanker in the U.S. Army. He served from 1975 to 1996 in California, Germany and Muncie.

After World War II is the Korean War, which started in 1950. Schneider said that war is not over.

“All we have is an armistice; there is no peace treaty,” he said. “Since the armistice in July (of) 1953, we’ve had over 600 Americans killed in South Korea by North Korean action.”

The next conflict in the museum is the Vietnam War, with many items brought back by veterans and donated or loaned for public display.

“After Vietnam, you’ve only got two small operations, Grenada, and Panama, and then you jump to Desert Storm, which is the largest U.S. military deployment since World War II,” Schneider said. “It was even slightly bigger than Vietnam.”

Schneider said Desert Storm also was the most successful military campaign in U.S. history.

“By the time it was over with, the Iraqis were wondering, ‘What hit us?’ Because it was over so fast,” he said. “The air war was unlike anything they’d ever seen. We were prepared to fight the Third World War; the Iraqis were prepared to fight the Iranians again.”

The museum has a small display honoring the U.S. Coast Guard, which became part of the Department of Defense after the Sept .11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. It also has a library with more than 4,000 books on 20th-century military history, and a small chapel dedicated to four military chaplains who were killed when the SS Dorchester was sunk by a German U-boat

World War II.

The Museum of 20th Century Warfare operates solely on donations. Schneider said it was founded in 2004 and offered traveling exhibits until they moved into the Fort Harrison State Park building in May of 2010.

Information about the museum’s events can be found on their Facebook page.

Look for M20CW - Museum of 20th Century Warfare.

MUSEUM OFFERS SPECIAL DISPLAYS AND EVENTS

While the Museum of 20th Century Warfare is packed full of artifacts, what’s on display is only part of the museum’s collection. Organizers have regular special displays that they set up throughout the year for the public to view more items from specific conflicts.

On Sept. 9 and 10, the museum will host a living history program called “Remembering the Vietnam War.” Replica camps and displays will be open for viewing 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 9, and 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 10. The event will include re-enactors representing U.S. forces in camps outside the museum. A special display of uniforms and equipment will be open in the building next to the museum.

Other special events and displays coming up are:

• Operation Market Garden, a World War II mini display, on Sept. 23

• A World War I mini display on Nov. 4

• Africa: Independence and the Cold War on Nov. 11

• Battle of the Bulge display Dec. 15-17; Dec. 22-23; Dec. 29-30; and Jan. 5-7

ON THE COVER: A model of the USS Indianapolis, which was torpedoed and sank during World War II on July 30, 1945, is on display at the Museum of 20th Century Warfare. (Photo by Adam Seif)

during

Artifacts from the Vietnam War are among the displays at the Museum of 20th Century Warfare. (Photos by Adam Seif)

A radio from a World War II tank is one of the items on display at the Museum of 20th Century Warfare.

Discern when to learn

Commentary by Terry Anker

Dread the popcorn moment

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

ESSAY

Touring the campus of a beloved alma mater with their soon-to-be-college-bound offspring, the doting parents did everything possible to convey their love for the place to their youngster. She, in-hand, took it all in. “There is where Mom and me first met,” Dad proudly proclaimed, pointing to the gazebo visible through the trees. “Oh,” responded the daughter, now more attentive to the chirping phone in her hand than in the parental-sponsored tour down Memory Lane. Disappointed that the sales pitch was not going entirely as planned, Mom and Dad resigned themselves to the disinterested child. The next day would be the formal student-led campus tour for a group of potential enrollees.

As the time came, the daughter was sent along with the pack of teenagers guided by one of their own, not much older. The parents skipped it and went to lunch, certain there was no reason for more effort dedicated to the lost cause. Three hours later, the daughter reappeared filled with energy

and entirely committed to attendance! What happened on this tour? She regaled her astonished parents with tales of trails, edifices and opportunities of great interest. These were things that she’d visited many times before — in fact, their phones were filled with pictures of them standing in the spot yesterday that she’d described as seeing for the first time just now. How could this be?

We process information as we need it. Knowing about her parents courting was not yet appealing, but keeping up with her peers was. Eventually, the family history will matter, and the gaggle of teens won’t. Alas, often we don’t learn our lesson until too late. It must matter to us to get our attention. Until that moment, we think it can wait. Maybe, but too long and it’s lost forever.

My wife Mary Ellen and I went to see a movie last week with our friends Bob and Cathy.

Feeling the back-to-school blues

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Friends, summer is coming to an end and I’m starting to feel the anxiety of heading back to school. With less than a week left to luxuriate in lazy mornings and Netflix shenanigans, I’m already panicking over lesson plans and class rosters and strategically designed bathroom breaks. What I wouldn’t give for another month! Or four.

HUMOR

But it seems like yesterday when I absolutely longed for this time of year, when I couldn’t wait for that beautiful yellow bus to show up on our street! As a stay-athome mom, I reveled in the August return to routine and schedules and hours without my precious little angels. Our family operated far better when everyone had a place to be each day and limited access to Minecraft and “SpongeBob.” And by family, I mean me. My creativity is noteworthy, but even I struggled to fill June and July with enough exciting activities to keep my rugrats engaged. Story hour and zoo visits can only get you so far, and then you’re left eyeballing each other over a third round of Capri Suns and Goldfish wondering who’s going to crack first. Hint: It’s not them.

But now that once much-anticipated ice cream social represents the end of my vacation, too, my break from endless grading and teenage angst. When I see the new kindergartens practicing pickup, my gut reaction is no longer a fist pump but rather a middle finger. And when I hit Meijer, I must purposefully avoid the northwest quadrant, lest the mechanical pencil and three-ring binder sales trigger my educator PTSD.

Alas, another school year approacheth, and so, too, does my anxiety.

Peace out.

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

HUMOR

“Are you going to get popcorn again, Mary Ellen?” I asked.

“I have to. It’s been a movie tradition for me since high school.”

“So was necking in the balcony, but you cut that out completely after we got married.”

Once we reached the theater, the tension rose.

“Dick, I’ll find seats for the four of us,” Mary Ellen said. “You wait in line for the popcorn.”

“Why do I have to wait in line? I don’t even like popcorn. And when I come into the movie theater, you’ll forget to look around for me. Then I walk aimlessly up and down the aisles while people stare at me. Everyone assumes I’m all alone and have no one to sit with. Or I’ll wave my cellphone flashlight to get your attention and all three of you slump down in your seats while you laugh hysterically. At the Tom Cruise movie I never found where you guys were sitting, but I did get my 10,000 steps in searching for you.”

Of course, I do wait in line and buy the popcorn as directed. It drives me crazy that you pay about six bucks for a bucket of air. What a rip-off. And I don’t let my wife forget it.

“Did you know, Mary Ellen, that when I was a kid, popcorn in the theater was only a quarter?”

“Yes, and here’s another update — the actors in films are talking now.”

And then there’s eating the popcorn. Mary Ellen takes one piece from the top of the box with two fingers, then bites off half at a time. Yes, two bites per kernel. She claims this helps her rhythm and draws her into the movie. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch my wife’s arm go down to the box, up to her

mouth. Up and down. Up and down. Up and down. For two hours. Ahhhhh!

She pretty much follows a similar routine at home. After we have searched for a good flick or series on Netflix, Mary Ellen is at the stove to make popcorn the old-fashioned way. Just oil and popcorn in a pot, which she meticulously jiggles at the right speed, so every kernel is popped. The movie starts and the routine begins — one piece at a time, every 10 seconds, for the entire show. About 500 times. If she preferred M&Ms, she’d weigh 400 pounds.

Here’s the right way to eat popcorn in a movie. Dig way down into the container, which spews the popcorn all over the person in the seat next to you. Take an entire handful, shake the kernels in your fist like a pair of dice and throw several into your mouth at one time. Then while still chewing, reload and prepare to fire again. This is how Orville Redenbacher wanted you to do it. You could look it up. Heaven knows why there aren’t instructions on the popcorn box.

The next day her fitness trainer, Justin, asked her if she had been doing her upper body exercises.

“Yes, I did them for three hours last night,” she said. “When we went to see ‘Oppenheimer”’ at the movies.”

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

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

“It drives me crazy that you pay about six bucks for a bucket of air. What a rip-off. And I don’t let my wife forget it.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

“When I see the new kindergartens practicing pickup, my gut reaction is no longer a fist pump but rather a middle finger.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

Ex-Michigan State player chose saxophone over shot at pro football

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A former Michigan State University football player, Tim Cunningham had an opportunity to sign a $40,000 free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys.

He wasn’t really interested because football was a means to an education and music was his passion.

“I had 20 credits to finish and if you sign a pro deal, your scholarship is gone,” he said.

Cunningham, a saxophonist who lives in St. Louis, will have two performances with his quartet in the two-day Carmel Jazz Fest. Cunningham will perform from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. He then returns to play from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at The Tarkington. Cunningham needed an early spot because he has a performance scheduled that night in St. Louis.

Cunningham, whose last season playing for Michigan State was 1983, got a record deal with Atlantic Records and his first album, “Right Turn Only,” came out in 1996. Now 61 years old, he continued working as a full-time musician from 1991 to 1998, when the record label dropped all its jazz artists.

“A lot of the smooth jazz radio stations were dropped,” said Cunningham, an insurance adjuster. “I just went back to work and worked on my own CD projects at home. It was bad that you didn’t have a major label out there to promote you with the big money. But it was good that you own your own (master recordings). I was performing two or three times a month.”

Cunningham had some regular weekly gigs in the early 2000s. Then he started performing his own shows in St. Louis and out of state.

“Most jazz musicians work on the weekends,” he said. “The demand for us to be playing on a Wednesday or Thursday is not the same as a big R&B or pop act. It’s

early to hold down a regular job and get out on weekends.”

Cunningham has nine albums, with “Freedom” being released in October 2022. A single, “Enough Said,” with live drum and some piano parts, was recently released.

Cunningham performs a lot of remixes of his favorite song. His best-known song is “This is the Life,” which he wrote with Culbertson.

“But I have to play songs people will recognize and I sprinkle in a few of my originals here and there,” he said.

Cunningham and Carmel Jazz Fest Executive Director Blair Clark are from Lansing, Mich., and have known each other for years.

Cunningham was going to give up football after ninth grade, but he got talked into playing because the team needed players. He had been playing backup quarterback but got moved to running back because of injuries. He started to get letters from colleges.

“I guess God wants me to play football,” he said.

Cunningham played strong safety for

Michigan State, earning a starting spot during his freshman season and remained a starter throughout his career. University of Alabama coach Nick Saban was Cunningham’s defensive backs coach as a senior.

AUG. 11

Gazebo Stage: 5-6:30 p.m.: Brenda Williams & Friends; 7-8:30 p.m.: Tad Robinson Band; 9-10:30 p.m.: The Danny Lerman Band. The Tarkington: 5-6:30 p.m.: The Dave Bennett Quartet; 7-8:30 p.m.: Sarah Scharbrough & Bethany Robinson; 9-10:30 p.m.: Tim Cunningham. Studio Theater: 5-6:30 p.m: Sue Wickliff; 7- 8:30 p.m: Tommy Baldwin; 9-10:30 p.m.: Joe Filipow. Carter Green: 5-6:30 p.m.: Premium Blend; 7-8:30 p.m.: Jennie DeVoe; 9-10:30 p.m.: The Dave Bennett Quartet. Kids Zone/The Athenaeum at Carter Green: 6:30-7 p.m.: Mr. Daniel, 8:30-9 p.m.: Mr. Daniel. Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael*: 7:30 p.m.: Harry Allen & Rossano Sportiello.

AUG. 12

Gazebo Stage: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dysfunktion Brass; 1:30-3 p.m. Tad Robinson Band; 4-5:30 p..m: The Bottom 40 Band; 6:30-8 p.m.: Blair Clark; 9-10:30 p.m.: Evelyn Champagne King. The Tarkington: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Tim Cunningham; 1-2:30 p.m.: Josh Kaufman; 3:30-5 p.m.: Both Sides of Joni Project ft. Alexis Cole; 6-7:30 p.m.: Steve Allee Big Band; 8:30-10 p.m.: College Professors. Studio Theater: 11 a.m -12:30 p.m.: University of Indianapolis; 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.: Butler University Jazz Collective; 4-5:30 p.m.: Ball State University Jazz; 6:30-8 p.m.: Indiana University. Carter Green Stage: 5- 6:30 p.m.: Freddie Fox; 7-8:30 p.m.: Hurricane & The Gang; 9-10:30 p.m.: Pavel & Direct Contact. Kids Zone/The Athenaeum at Carter Green: 2-5 p.m.: Mr. Daniel. Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael*: 7:30 p.m.: Denise Times. The Palladium*: Carmel Jazz Fest headliner 8 p.m.: Spyro Gyra. * Tickets sold separately and not included in festival pass pricing. To purchase tickets and add-on experiences, please visit the carmeljazzfest.org.

‘SOPHISTICATED LADIES’

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

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

The Freeform Concert Series presents Fox Royale with Anna Rose at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Admission is free. There is a $25 food and beverage minimum per person. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE

The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute is set for 8 p.m. Aug. 11 and Here Come the Mummies with Rock E. Bassoon will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 12 in the Symphony on the Prairie series at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’

The Carmel Community Players’ production of Ken Ludwig’s “Murder on the Orient Express’’ runs through Aug. 13 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

DISPATCHES

Russell Dickerson concert set for Fishers — MOKB Presents and The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers announced Russell Dickerson live in concert Sept. 10, along with special guest David J. Tickets for the Russell Dickerson show can be purchased at npdamp.com. Russell Dickerson’s show is part of the venue’s annual summer series. Snarky Puppy was previously announced for a Sep. 8 concert. For more, visit npdamp.com.

Carmel International Arts Festival music lineup set — The Carmel International Arts Festival, set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 23-24, will include The Hippie Dream, Tim Brickley and the Bleeding Hearts and Tim Wright during the first day of festival hours. Entertainment will continue into the evening with the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra. ART ROCKS is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. with Bluewater Kings Band from Chicago. The music continues Sept. 24 with the Kenny Phelps Trio, Touch of Grass and Phone Club.

CARMEL JAZZ FEST

Tim Cunningham will have two performances at the Carmel Jazz Fest. (Photo courtesy of Tim Cunningham)

SINGLE TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

Where’s Amy?

Spyro Gyra takes Jazz Fest spotlight

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Where’s Amy attends ‘Mean Girls’

Where’s Amy attended Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program’s sold-out July 27 production of “Mean Girls High School Version” opening night. The young actors earned a standing ovation, and the audience was mesmerized by Civic’s choreographer Anne Beck’s (Fishers) dance numbers. This was an amazing musical. Next up is “The Prom” coming Oct. 6-21. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

CONCERT

Spyro Gyra saxophonist and founding bandleader Jay Beckenstein figures the group’s jazz fusion style is pretty well known in jazz circles by now.

“We’re going on our 50th year. It’s surprising if someone who likes jazz hasn’t seen us before,” Beckenstein said. “We are conscious of playing music that reaches people. Our form of jazz is lyrical and combines a lot of styles, and people like it.”

Spyro Gyra is the headliner for the Carmel Jazz Fest, capping the two-day festival with an 8 p.m. concert Aug. 12 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. It is a separate ticketed event, available through thecenterpresents.org.

“Something about jazz festivals is they attract an audience that is really nice,” Beckenstein said.

Spyro Gyra has received 13 Grammy nominations.

Beckenstein said the band will likely perform one song from recent albums of cover songs.

“We’ve done 33 albums and only one had the covers,” Beckenstein said. “At this stage of our career, we find that at least a percentage of the audience wants the music to be from our heyday. An average set for us will be 10 songs, and five of them will be classics.”

Beckenstein said there are three songs that are musts: “Shaker Song,” “Catching the Sun” and “Morning Dance.” He said all three were played heavily on the radio in the 1970s and 1980s.

The band started in clubs in Buffalo, N.Y.,

in 1974 before it emerged as a national act.

“We got our first record out in 1976,” Beckenstein said. “We did our best to distribute that, but we had very low expectations being from Buffalo. In many ways, players in the band, who were very good, were starting to get offers to do other things. It felt like it was a farewell record to Buffalo and a farewell record to the band. The first record did so well that it not only kept the band together but got us a national deal for a second record.”

Keyboardist Tom Schuman, who joined the band when he was 16 before the release of the first album, retired in March to move to Barcelona, Spain.

Beckenstein, 72, said he understands the 65-year-old Schuman’s decision because traveling is hard, and he wants to spend more time with his wife.

“We have found a fantastic player, Chris Fischer, and in the end a little change is stimulating,” Beckenstein said.

In the early days, Beckenstein said there were years when the group played 150 concerts. In recent years, the band has cut back to 60 to 70 shows.

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE:

Composers: BACH, BEETHOVEN, BRAHMS, CHOPIN, HANDEL, MOZART; Purples: LAVENDER, LILAC, ORCHID, PLUM, VIOLET; Tribes: APACHE, CHEROKEE, NAVAJO, SIOUX; Numbers: UNO, DOS, TRES; Trails: CULTURAL, MONON; Name: OLIVER

From left, YAP Actor Andrew Horras (Fishers), choreographer Anne Beck (Fishers) with daughter and YAP actress Nya. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

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

From left, the members of Spyro Gyra are Lionel Cordew, Julio Fernandez, Jay Beckenstein, Chris Fischer and Scott Ambush. (Photo courtesy of Spyro Gyra)

Center Gala to feature Amy Grant

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jeffrey McDermott understands that the Center for the Performing Arts’ annual gala has a challenging mission each year.

FUNDRAISER

“Our goal every year is to create an unforgettable experience for our most vital supporters, and that’s a challenge, because this audience knows what we can do,” said McDermott, president and chief executive officer of the Center for the Performing Arts. “In choosing a headliner, we look for artists who not only have broad appeal but also have made distinctive contributions to the music world. That’s true of our previous headliners, like Chris Isaak and Straight No Chaser, and it’s certainly true of Amy Grant, who has enjoyed great success while also breaking boundaries in the industry. She’s a proven hit with our patrons, and we look forward to seeing her in this intimate setting.”

Grant

Singer-songwriter Grant, a six-time Grammy Award winner, will perform at The Center Celebration, which is set to begin at 5 p.m. Sept. 23. Grant previously performed at the Palladium in October 2012 and again to a sold-out house in May 2019.

McDermott said the event is an opportunity to gather supporters together and rededicate the Center’s mission of engaging and inspiring the community.

Proceeds from the gala support the Center’s arts and educational programming, including Center Presents performances as well as children’s concerts and camps, book clubs, lectures and music classes. The Center also offers free student matinees for school groups and a Transportation Grant Program that reimburses their travel costs.

Jeff and Shari Worrell of Carmel, serving their second year as steering committee cochairs, are joined by Carmel resident Adam Arceneaux in the first of his two years as a co-chair. Arceneaux is Indianapolis managing partner at law firm Ice Miller LLP, the gala’s presenting partner,

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org/ gala.

Blueprint for Improvement: Outdoor enhancements in Zionsville

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in Zionsville’s Austin Oaks section in 1999, this home’s owners were looking to make their outdoor space more dynamic. Our design included space for entertaining and protection from the elements while featuring low-maintenance materials that make upkeep a breeze.

THE BLUEPRINT

• The existing raised deck was removed and a screened porch, new deck and ground-level patio were built in its place.

• The new porch provides protection from the sun, rain and insects, while the stone fireplace can provide a relaxing ambiance and warmth to extend outdoor enjoyment through the fall.

• An outdoor kitchen and integrated storage were added to make entertaining, meal prep and cleanup a breeze. Trex composite decking provides the look of natural wood with minimal maintenance and added durability.

• Roofing, siding and soffits were carefully crafted to match the home’s façade, ensuring the new porch blends seamlessly into the existing aesthetic.

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.

Presenting Sponsor: SOLD! Bar Sponsor: $3,000

Partner Sponsor: SOLD! Table Sponsor: $2,500

Companion Sponsor: $5,000 Auction Sponsor: $1,500

Band Sponsor: $3,000 Dessert Sponsor: $1,500

VIP Ticket: $250

Individual Ticket: $175

Tag along on this grammar trip

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

I appreciate clothing companies that have stopped adding tags to their shirts. Instead of adding the tag, they print the size and washing instructions directly on the inside of the shirt. Just like that -- no more back-of-theneck irritation! I’m glad someone finally figured that out. If there’s a sartorial equivalent of the Nobel prize, we should track down the inventor of the tagless shirt and give them one.

put my stapler in Jell-O again, didn’t you? See how that works? Let me rephrase that: you see how that works, don’t you?

GRAMMAR GUY

When it comes to grammar and tags, I like “question tags.” A question tag is a question added to the end of a sentence. This could either be to keep a conversation going, get someone to agree with us, or ask a question. Here’s an example: You don’t think I can slam dunk a basketball, do you? He’s trying to bring back the sleeveless turtleneck, isn’t he?

Interestingly, if the initial statement is positive, the question tag is negative; conversely, when the initial statement is negative, the question gag is positive. You never learned the Macarena, did you? You

The question tag uses the same verb if the initial statement uses an auxiliary verb (like do, be or have) or a modal verb (like could, may or shall). I couldn’t win the presidential election next year, could I? He sure does like his long ties, doesn’t he?

However, if the initial statement doesn’t use an auxiliary or modal verb, simply use the verb “do.” The Colts won the game on a last-second field goal, didn’t they? Byron didn’t buy another apocalypse shelter, did he?

Question tags are fun, aren’t they? This is kind of like when you buy a new car — once you’re aware of question tags, you’ll notice them everywhere. It’s kind of like a shirt with an itchy tag — it’s annoying, isn’t it?

A visit to Skagway

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing tour of Alaska, we visit Skagway, 100 miles northwest of Juneau.

began to wither. Skagway was saved from extinction after residents began promoting it as a tourist destination. Six blocks of downtown Skagway have been designated a National Historic District.

TRAVEL

After gold was discovered in the Klondike region of Canada in 1896, American prospectors began sailing to the northern end of the Inside Passage, a waterway along the west coast of North America protected by barrier islands. Prospectors, many led by indigenous guides, walked the mountainous White Pass Trail and sailed on the Yukon River to the gold fields. To supply the prospectors for their 500-mile trek, a town soon formed, named “Skagway” after the Tlingit name for the area.

By June 1898, Skagway, with a population of about 10,000, was the largest city in Alaska. Because of its rapid growth, away from civilization, Skagway was lawless. About 300 prostitutes serviced arriving prospectors, some having come to Skagway to be prospectors only to learn that women could not stake claims. By 1890, when the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon railroad was completed through the mountains, the Klondike Gold Rush was over, and the town

Skagway, with a population of just more than 1,000, attracts 1 million people each year. Replica streetcars with costumed drivers take visitors around town. Popular stops include the Gold Rush Cemetery, containing the grave of Frank Reid, who died in an 1898 shootout with Soapy Smith, a notorious swindler also killed in the shootout.

Broadway Street includes many restored historic structures, including the Arctic Brotherhood Building, covered with 8,800 pieces of driftwood. The Red Onion Saloon features a reconstructed brothel on the second floor, where costumed “madams” explain early uses for Lysol. The White Pass & Yukon Route takes passengers through scenic mountains to the White Pass Summit.

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

A White Pass & Yukon train.

Along Broadway Street in Skagway, Alaska. (Photos by Don Knebel)

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

1. Fair Oaks Farms cow collection

5. Indy Fuel rubber disks

10. Crisscross pattern

14. Black-and-white cookie

15. How pastrami is often served at Shapiro’s

16. Nevada city

Jewelers

41. Part of a Santa costume

44. Tiny bit

45. Mideast nation

46. Sunrise Cafe patron

47. Piercing tools

49. ___ culpa

50. Type of Fishers HS rally

52. Monotonous cadence

55. FedEx

58.

60.

Down

skiing champ)

28. Pricey Japanese beef

29. Mental picture

30. Clutter-free

31. Bites like a beaver

33. Envision

36. Ignore the script

38. BBs, e.g.

39. Sharp-witted

40. Unforeseen difficulty

42. Victoria Spartz’ pos.

43. Fear

48. Unexpected winter break, for kids

51. Fiscal gain

53. Sound from a peeved poodle

54. Pacify

55. Milkmaid’s main squeeze?

56. Segment

57. Gobble (down)

59. Ye olde jerk

62. African grazers

5

3

2

rival

Old flood insurance?

Alternative to -ville or -town for five Indiana municipalities

61. Doorbell sound

64. Injustices

68. Butler bigwig

69. Got by OK

71. Little piggies

72. Hosiery shade

73. Ex-Mrs. Trump

74. Pride of Westfield Marching Band instrument

75. Mackey Arena whistle blowers

76. Victoria’s Secret selection 77. Barely manages, with “out”

1. ___ d’oeuvres

2. A Great Lake

3. Hunters Point Apartments payment

4. GI ID

5. Nintendo game with Pikachu

6. Family card game

7. “Oh, no!”

8. One of the Jenners

9. Ghostly gathering 10. Tennis racket part

11. Transplant 12. Pointless 13. City to get out of?

21. Antlered animal 23. Pious 25. Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer ___ Folk George (who became a national water

6 Classical Music Composers

4 Eiteljorg Museum Tribes

Spanish Numbers

Indy Trails

Shades of Purple

1 Most Popular Baby Name in Indiana in 2022

63. Noblesville HS alum 65. Cozy spot

66. “American Gigolo” star

67. Indiana tax IDs 70. Colts lineman Answers on Page 12

ARMESON LECTRIC LLC

Brian Harmeson (317)414-9146

Owner/Master Electrician bharmeson@harmesonelectric.com

Locally owned and operated in Hamilton County

Licensed-Bonded-Insured/Residential-Commercial

Carmel, Fishers, Geist, Noblesville, West eld, Zionsville

“I’m ready for my senior year.”

RIGHT SIZE. RIGHT CARE. RIGHT HERE. NOBLESVILLE / WESTFIELD / CARMEL / CICERO / FISHERS / SHERIDAN / ZIONSVILLE

With advanced technology and expert care, we’ll get you back to what you love.