September 5, 2023 — Lawrence/Geist

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Lawrence town halls focus on 2024 budget

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

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cles, which cost about $65,000 each, including the police equipment.

Parks Director Eric Martin, Streets Director Jim Heneghan and City Engineer Sri Venugopalan addressed various projects during the second town hall.

GOVERNMENT

City of Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier kicked off the 2024 budget planning process with two town hall presentations in mid-August, focusing on different services the city provides.

The first town hall was about public safety, including law enforcement and fire and EMS. The second one covered parks, streets and public works.

Collier gave a brief introduction before handing the microphone to department heads. He noted that the municipal budget is usually between $25 and $27 million, and then the utility budget is generally between $28 and $31 million.

“We have a fairly substantial budget that we deal with every year and it’s fairly intricate,” he told the audience. “You’ve probably already seen the rather thick budget books that we put out every year.”

The 2024 budget is not yet available to the public. When a proposed budget is ready, the city puts it online, and Collier said residents then can look up expenses by line item, or can email the controller, Tyler Douthit, with specific questions.

Douthit provided an overview of the city’s finances during both town halls, noting that the primary revenue source for Lawrence is property taxes — the 2023 rate was 67 cents per $100 assessed value. He said property taxes make up about 42 percent of the general fund. Income tax is next at about 19 percent, followed by fees for services and payments in lieu of taxes.

He estimated that revenue for 2024 will be about $28 million.

As far as expenses go, Douthit said public safety takes up about 77 percent of the general fund.

“It’s an important piece, and it’s a primary use of our funds,” he said. “Given the size of the departments and their operating expenditures, it makes sense. This is not uncommon for most cities of our size.”

Lawrence Fire Department Chief Dino Batalis talked about significant cost increases for

equipment — ladder trucks, in particular. He said a truck that cost about $930,000 in 2016 now costs close to $2 million.

“That’s how much has gone up (from) 2016 till now, and you have to really plan ahead because if you wait, you’re going get behind the ball,” he said. “And these prices are going up around every 30 to 45 days with the way that things are going.”

Batalis talked a little about expenses in 2023, including the new Fire Station 38. He said the new station will open in September and replace a 36-year-old building that was built for volunteer firefighters, not professionals who have to sleep and cook there during their shifts. The new station also will have a separate building to house reserve apparatus and a baby box, paid for through a grant.

Lawrence Police Department Chief Curtis Bigsby told the audience that the LPD has 57 officers but is authorized to have 65. He said they were about to swear in two new officers, and they’re always looking for ways to attract more personnel to Lawrence.

“It’s very competitive when it comes to salaries and pay and benefits,” Bigsby said, adding that there are regulatory barriers surrounding transfers from other agencies. “We are looking at how we can overcome some of those barriers and challenges and get more officers here within the City of Lawrence.”

Bigsby added that the police department has a regular rotation for new police vehi-

Martin said the city takes care of about 300 acres of park land with seven full-time parks employees, and they’re always looking for grants to improve or add more services and amenities.

Venugopalan talked about the city’s stormwater system, which had been managed by Indianapolis until 2020, when Lawrence created its own stormwater district. Now, Lawrence residents’ stormwater fees go to the City of Lawrence.

Venugopalan said the fees generate about $2 million annually and are used to improve the local stormwater drainage system. He said they also have been awarded grants to help make those funds go further and to have something on hand for emergencies.

“I always set aside some money for ongoing repairs because people call in with complaints about drainage issues that has not been addressed some of the years,” he said. “I’m happy to say that we have caught up on a lot of those repairs in the last year and this year we have a contractor nonstop working on those repairs.”

The street department is primarily funded through the city’s gas tax, which will generate an estimated $3.1 million in 2023.

Heneghan said, like the fire department, his equipment costs are growing.

“Three years ago, I bought a tandem axle — it’s a three-axle truck — for $180,000,” he said. “I just was getting in the process of buying a smaller single axle — $260,000. So, three years difference, and trucks went up that much. That’s a budget killer.”

Similar to other departments throughout the City of Lawrence, Heneghan keeps an eye out for grants that could help fund services.

Once the mayor’s proposed City of Lawrence 2024 budget is complete it will go to the Lawrence Common Council for review. It then must be submitted to the Department of Local Government Finance for final approval.

Lawrence Fire Department Chief Dino Batalis speaks about budget issues facing the LFD during a City of Lawrence Town Hall. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

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LAWRENCE

Project: Franklin Road

resurfacing

Location:

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CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Resurfacing of Franklin Road from Pendleton Pike to 56th Street has begun. 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: The entire project will be completed in 2024

Project: Drainage Improvement project

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

Expected Completion: August

Project: Water main replacement

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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: Roundabout at 106th and Hoosier Road

Location: Prep work prior to the roundabout construction has started. Work will include tree clearing, utility relocation and storm sewer installation.

Expected completion: TBD

Masur running for at-large Lawrence Common Council seat Walton seeks reelection as Lawrence City Clerk

Compiled by Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

public at council meetings and respond to emails within 48 hours.

Compiled by Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

ELECTION

Liz Masur, a Democrat, is seeking one of three at-large seats open on the Lawrence Common Council. Masur, a retired teacher, and her husband, Jim, moved to Lawrence 27 years ago with their daughters, Rebecca, Quincy and Bridget.

Masur, 61, serves on the boards of the Lawrence Sunrise Kiwanis, the Lawrence Parks Foundation and her neighborhood homeowners association.

Q — What can you offer to the citizens of Lawrence as an elected official?

A — What I can offer is a dedication to further improving our city in a researched, equitable and consensus-building manner.

Q — How will you ensure that all residents of Lawrence feel welcome, included and heard by their elected officials?

A — I will lobby to allow comments by the

Q — How do you envision future cooperation between the mayor and common council?

A — The council and mayor have a duty to work together to do what is best for Lawrence. Discussing and hearing different viewpoints is part of the process, and this will be done in a professional way.

Q — What do you consider the most important issue facing the City of Lawrence in the next four years and how will you address it?

A — The most important issue is how we can be a Smart Growth city, a community which thinks globally and acts locally. We need to invest in EV charging stations, change zoning laws to help address the housing crisis and revamp park landscaping practices that are costly and harmful to the environment and residents’ health.

The general election is Nov. 7.

ELECTION

Incumbent Lawrence City Clerk Kathy Walton, a Republican, is seeking reelection. She has lived in Lawrence since 1963 and graduated from Lawrence Central High School and IUPUI.

Walton is the daughter of two World War II veterans, and the mother of an Iraq War veteran. She has four grandchildren and is active in youth and community activities.

Q — What can you offer to the citizens of Lawrence as an elected official?

A — I have served 20 years as first elected City Clerk. I have an understanding and direct involvement with the dramatic growth in Lawrence during recent decades.

Q — What is the most important role of a City Clerk and how would you make sure that role is fulfilled?

A — Ensuring success and informing the

public, keeping the process of governance running smoothly, ensuring continuity and maintaining detailed records of that process. Serving as a functional link between the common council and the mayor regardless of parties.

Q — How will you ensure that public information is easily available?

A — Posting relevant documents and meeting minutes on the city website for public access.

Q — What is your experience in maintaining and managing records

A — Thirty-five-plus years in managing banking and City of Lawrence records. After Lawrence grew into a second-class city, I established and managed records systems for the council and 13 other boards and commissions. I serve on the Executive, Education and Legislative committees of the Indiana League of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers

The general election is Nov. 7.

Masur Walton

Ashcraft seeks at-large seat on Lawrence Common Council Krone running for District 6 Lawrence Common Council

Compiled by Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

dents of Lawrence feel welcome, included and heard by their elected officials?

Compiled by Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

ELECTION

Tom Ashcraft is running as a Republican for one of three at-large seats on the Lawrence Common Council. He is a retired Lawrence police officer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Ashcraft, 67, is married with four children and six grandchildren. He has lived in Lawrence for more than 30 years and has worked with the Friends of Lawrence, Lawrence Pension Board and was president of Lawrence Fraternal Order of Police. He is an executive board member with the Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police.

Q — What can you offer to the citizens of Lawrence as an elected official?

A — I offer a strong public safety working background. I have worked in public safety for over 38 years.

Q — How will you ensure that all resi-

A — I will always prioritize that public safety is top of the list, assist with neighborhood watch and city events, always be available to the residents.

Q — How do you envision future cooperation between the mayor and common council?

A — Cooperation is a must between the mayor and the council. I will always strive to do what is best for the citizens of Lawrence. Working together is the key to a successful future.

Q — What do you consider the most important issue facing the City of Lawrence in the next four years and how will you address it?

A — Public safety is the answer to a happy city. Start with educating the children and all residents about public safety by holding town hall meetings and reaching out.

The general election is Nov. 7.

Kristina Krone is running as a Democrat to represent District 6 on the Lawrence Common Council.

that offers residents services that enhance their lives and does so respectfully with an emphasis on inclusion and active rejection of discrimination and bias so everyone who lives and works here thrives.

ELECTION

Krone, 52, works as a tutor at Lawrence North High School and is a remote editor. She and her husband, Charlie, have lived in Lawrence for more than 20 years, raising three graduates of Lawrence Central High School.

Q — What can you offer to the citizens of Lawrence as an elected official?

A — As an elected official, I will bring authenticity, transparency and integrity to the community. I’m viewing this as a chance to truly be a representative of the people of Lawrence.

Q — How will you ensure that all residents of Lawrence feel welcome, included and heard by their elected officials?

A — I want to ensure Lawrence is a city

Q — How do you envision future cooperation between the mayor and common council?

A — I envision future cooperation to be very smooth and respectful. None of us want to see or hear that their elected officials are fighting or at odds. We experience enough of that at the national level of politics.

Q — What do you consider the most important issue facing the City of Lawrence in the next four years and how will you address it?

A — None of the great things happening in Lawrence matter if its residents feel unsafe. I’m committed to working closely with first responders to ensure they have the resources they need to work effectively. I’m also committed to working with grassroots organizations for education and outreach.

Ashcraft Krone

Senior striker seeks to lead Noblesville to third straight state title

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville High School boys soccer player Sam Holland, a senior striker, is taking his role as captain to heart.

“I’ve had to become a little more vocal with a younger team,” said Holland, who is one of four captains. “I’ve been trying to push everyone to their limits and make everyone be the best they possibly can to lead to another state championship. I hadn’t really done a lot of leadership (before this season). This year, I’ve taken over that. I’ve been focusing on the team more than myself. I’m trying to get them to work together because success matters more than one person.”

The Millers are seeking their third consecutive Class 3A state title.

“As a senior, the younger guys are looking up to him,” Noblesville coach Kenneth Dollaske said. “As a captain, he is getting everyone else to buy into our program

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culture and success. We are still figuring out who works well with Sam up top. We are young. Our other strikers are a junior, a sophomore and a freshman. He is required to do more offensively as his fellow strikers get up to varsity speed.”

Holland led Noblesville with 13 goals last season. He has seven goals and three assists in the first seven games for the Class 3A No. 2 Millers (4-0-3).

“He has been our offensive workhorse,”

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Noblesville High School senior striker Sam Holland leads the team in goals through the first seven games. (Photo courtesy of Kyle Klimek)

Dollaske said. “Even when he isn’t scoring, he is the catalyst that makes our offense

go. He has good hold-up play as a striker so other players can make runs off him. His vision is quite good, and he uses his speed so well to beat defenders.”

Holland said freshman Ben Hewitt helps him as a striker. Hewitt has five goals. Holland said his club season with Indiana Fire helped prepare him for the high school season.

“We went pretty far, winning regionals and nationals,” Holland said. “We were playing a lot harder opponents and it helped me prepare for this.”

Team members are hungry to win another state title.

“When I leave, I want Noblesville to be known as a dynasty, winning three years in a row,” Holland said. “I feel with the talent we have we can pull off another title.” Holland, who started playing at age 5, wants to play soccer in college but is still searching for the best fit.

Holland played hockey for nine years but gave it up his sophomore year. He said he didn’t want to get hurt in hockey and jeopardize missing his soccer club season and chances for college coaches to see him play.

Holland

City investigates Maplewood sewage overflow

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

which leads to overflow.

UTILITIES

The sewage system at Maplewood Mobile Home Park off Pendleton Pike has been overflowing during rainy weather, creating drainage concerns for the City of Lawrence. As part of its ongoing sewer rehabilitation program, the city recently completed an investigation into that privately built sewage system.

The resulting recommendation is a complete replacement of the system, which would cost the park’s owners upward of $6 million. Maplewood owners are looking into less costly alternatives, according to city officials.

Contractor American Structurepoint conducted the city’s investigation. During a utility service board meeting, Project Manager Karen Saavedra said they tried to start with a smoke test, which helps establish where cracks are located, but some manholes in the park are located directly under trailers, so they couldn’t get the equipment in place. They also tried flushing pipes to get clear video of the interiors, she said. It wasn’t as

successful as they hoped because it started to create backup in some residents’ toilets.

Saavedra said they were able to complete their investigation on about half of the system. She noted that problems found likely are the same throughout the park’s sewer system.

Those problems included grease buildup and roots from plants that found a crack and grew into the pipes seeking water.

“The problem with all these blockages is then when we add extra flow from rain plus the sewage, the sewer doesn’t have enough capacity because its blocked,” she said,

One option for fixing these kinds of problems is cured-in-place pipe, or CIPP. That’s essentially a new pipe that’s inserted inside an old pipe. Saavedra said that is the least expensive option, but likely wouldn’t work in this situation because of inaccessible manholes.

The recommended option instead is a completely new sewage system.

Lawrence Utility Superintendent Scott Salsbery said he and other city officials met with Maplewood owners to provide raw data from the investigation and to talk about the report. In an email, he stated that he also gave the city’s recommendation, but the owners will have their own engineers look at the information. He said the owners also noted that off-site drainage from neighboring developments is adding to the problem.

“I reiterated that the only concern Lawrence Utilities has is the significant amount of rain and groundwater entering the system during rain events,” he stated. “But we also made sure they understood that we are reaching out to them in a spirit of cooperation and will work with them, but we must see progress.”

The private sewer system at Maplewood Mobile Home Park on Pendleton Pike in Lawrence needs repairs to keep it from overflowing. (Photo courtesy of zillow.com)

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Craig, Kelley & Faultless announced that five of its lawyers were included in the 30th edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” for personal injury litigation — plaintiffs. Those attorneys are David Craig, William Kelley II, Scott Faultless, Alexander Craig of Lawrence and Christopher Barry.

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David Craig has been recognized by the publication annually since 2017, Faultless since 2018, and Kelley since 2019, according to the announcement.

Alex Craig has been recognized for the past two years.

Barry, Stevens and Coker each were named for the first time this year.

“Since it was first published in 1983, ‘Best Lawyers’ has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence,” the announcement stated. “‘Best Lawyers’ recognitions are compiled based on an exhaustive ‘Purely Peer Review’ evaluation. More than 123,000 industry leading lawyers are eligible to vote (from around the world), and they have received more than 20 million evaluations on the legal abilities of other lawyers based on their specific practice areas around the world.”

According to the announcement, Craig, Kelley & Faultless handles cases involving semi-trucks, wrongful death and other injury cases throughout the United States.

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Fishers Health Department to post restaurant grades

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Starting Sept. 1, restaurants in the City of Fishers will be required to have letter grades posted on their doors, showing how they are rated through the city’s retail food inspection grading system.

SAFETY

The Fishers Health Department has been inspecting commercial food service businesses throughout the year after the Fishers City Council approved the inspection program last November, according to a news release from the city.

Fishers is the second municipality in the state to implement its own retail food inspection program, according to the announcement.

“The system showcases the Fishers Health Department’s commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of its residents,” the announcement stated.

Following an inspection, restaurants receive a letter grade based on a 100-point

The City of Fishers Health Department has launched its retail food grade and inspection dashboard, with ratings and reports on commercial food businesses that have had a health inspection. (Image courtesy of the City of Fishers)

scale.

Grades are required to be displayed on restaurant doors by Sept. 30. Grades also can be viewed through an interactive online dashboard. The dashboard lists restaurants in order, and each restaurant’s grade and inspection report are available.

New grades will be given each year through annual inspections. To learn more and view the online dashboard, visit fishers.in.us/FoodGrade.

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DISPATCHES

Congregation Shaarey Tefilla offers free High Holy Day services — Congregation Shaarey Tefilla at 3085 West 116th St. in Carmel is inviting Jewish people throughout the Indianapolis area to attend high Holy Day services for free. Rabbi Benjamin Sendrow, the congregation’s spiritual leader, will guide all sanctuary services. Hazzan Giora Sharon will lead the musical components of the service, along with a guest cantor Tom Berkson. The congregation also will host special youth services, conduct Tashlikh at West Park, and organize events beneath the Sukkah during Sukkot. The High Holy Days are the most

sacred set of days on the Jewish calendar. They start Sept. 14 with Erev Rosh Hashana services at 7:30 p.m. The season culminates with Simchat Torah Oct. 7. For more, visit shaareytefilla.org.

Hamilton County legislators seek Statehouse interns — Local lawmakers are seeking interns to join them at the Statehouse during the 2024 legislative session. According to a news release from the Indiana House Republicans, House interns are paid $900 biweekly as they work in downtown Indianapolis during the session, which starts in January and concludes

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mid-March. House internships are open to college students and recent graduates of all majors. Paid, spring-semester intern positions are full time, Monday through Friday, and include free parking, career and professional development assistance, enrollment access to an Indiana government class and opportunities to earn academic credits through the student’s college or university. Interns are also eligible to apply for a competitive $3,000 scholarship to use toward undergraduate and graduate expenses. Applications are available online at indianahouserepublicans.com/internship and are due by Oct. 31.

Bicentennial memorial unveiling — Delaware and Fall Creek Townships are partnering with Conner Prairie to create a permanent reminder of the Hamilton County Bicentennial. A memorial will be unveiled at 11 a.m. in Clowes Commons near Lenape Camp showcasing the history of Delaware and Fall Creek Townships, including Conner Prairie. Learn about the history of the area and join Conner Prairie for an architectural tour of the Conner House after the unveiling. The free event starts at 11 a.m. Sept. 9 at Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers. Early arrival is recommended.

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A TRULY UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE FOR THE SEASON Outdoor dining grows in popularity

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There may not be scenic ocean views, but the outdoor dining experience continues to grow in popularity in the Indianapolis area.

Jason Benish is vice president of operations for Huse Culinary, which includes Harry & Izzy’s on the north side of Indianapolis and HC Tavern + Kitchen and 1933 Lounge in Fishers. Huse Culinary also operates St. Elmo Steak House and Harry & Izzy’s in downtown Indianapolis.

“We used to have no overheard shelter,” Benish said of Harry & Izzy’s on 82nd Street. “It was simply sun and umbrellas. We struggled with umbrellas for a number of years. They don’t look great after a while.”

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, patrons felt safer to dine in open-air restaurants. Benish said the desire for outdoor dining started before the pandemic but grew fast in its wake.

Benish said they invested in a louvered roof system at the northern Harry & Izzy’s first and then the two Fishers restaurants.

“We can open and close the louvre based on sunlight and direction,” Benish said. “That was a great first step. From there, we found it’s still very cold in the winter outside. We took the next step to install vinyl-paneled walls in the winter months. The following season, we put in 15 outdoor heaters out there. We started to get some traction, and most of that was happening during the peak of COVID. So, there was definitely a strong interest in outdoor dining. We had a lot of success. On one of the COVID Christmas Eves, we brought in more heaters and people liked it. I think things have normalized a lot from an outdoor perspective. It’s a popular place to dine when the weather is lovely.”

There are cooling fans as well during the summer.

Benish said 18 months ago, the restaurants installed outdoor carpet to soften the space. Then they started dressing the tables with white tablecloths.

“We really tried to create the comfort of the indoor dining experience and try to elevate that,” he said.

Benish said they purchased new bar stools for the high-top tabletops outside at Harry & Izzy’s.

Benish said it’s around three seasons of outdoor dining at Harry and Izzy’s and all four seasons at HC Tavern and 1933 Lounge, except for the three or four coldest weeks of the year.

Claudio Bertolini, co-owner of The Smart Pergola, said his company has installed about 40 pergolas at restaurants in Hamilton County and the north side of Indianapolis with a few more planned.

“During COVID, the restaurants were calling us because due to the social distance, they had to utilize as much space as they could,” Bertolini said. “Now, they are calling because restaurants are extremely busy and outdoor dining has boomed and become more and more popular.”

Some of the restaurants include Woody’s Library, Bar Louie and Muldoon’s in Carmel. Noblesville restaurants include Ford’s Garage and Livery at Hamilton Town center.

“Our patio has been very popular from spring going into fall,” Bar Louie bar manager Sydney Brothers said. “We have the option of having the patio enclosed and kicking on our outdoor heaters to keep the patio warm during those cool fall nights. Along with having a warm spot to sit during the cooler months, we have multiple fans that keep the space cooled off for those warmer summer days.”

HC Tavern’s outdoor dining area is popular in Fishers. (Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

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3UP will now be open Saturday afternoons. Guests can watch college football games at the rooftop bar in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of 3UP)

Sports fans have plenty of options to watch football

By Mark Ambrogi

There are numerous options for those wishing to watch football this fall. Parks Place Pub co-owner Matt Whitlow said there are more 50 televisions at his Fishers restaurant.

“Football season is definitely the best time to come watch a game,” Whitlow said. “Saturdays and Sundays are equally packed. Colts games are the most sought after seat. We have increased steadily through the first 25 months. We are expecting 100 percent occupancy for football season this year.”

Fox 59 named Parks Place Pub the best sports bar in 2021. Whitlow said it was based on total experience.

“We have amazing food, 23 draft beers, 180-plus bourbons and 50-plus tequilas,” she said.

Anthony Lazzara, owner of Anthony’s Chophouse and 3UP in Carmel, said he expects 3Up to become a popular place to watch college football on Saturdays this fall.

“With three TVs, two indoor and one outdoor, we can accommodate all the Saturday games now that we open at noon,” said Lazzara, who said 3UP began opening at noon on Saturdays in May.

The rooftop bar is closed on Sundays.

Bar Louie is another popular spot to watch games in Carmel.

“We do have 10 TVs inside surrounding our bar and one upstairs in our mezzanine,” Bar Louie bar manager Sydney Brothers said. “We do play the sound to highly requested games. Being an Indiana bar, we always play the sound to every (Indiana) Pacers and (Indianapolis) Colts game.”

Brothers said Saturday night college games and NFL on Sunday afternoons are the most popular.

“While sitting indoors there is a view of every TV,” Brothers said. “We play every game, making it the most enjoyable for our guests who either come to watch their favorite team or root for their fantasy football players. Our mezzanine is a highly requested space for March Madness, along with the Super Bowl. The mezzanine space is the perfect spot for our sports fans to have their own private space to watch and listen to their favorite team.”

Other popular places to watch football include Joe’s Grille in Westfield and Fishers; Fox + Ale House, Brockway Pub, Danny Boy Beer Works and Pint Room in Carmel; and Birdies Grill House and Sports Bar in Westfield, among others.

There are Wolfies Grill locations in Noblesville, Fishers, Geist and Carmel. The Fishers location is a 21-and-older restaurant/bar.

Although football — and the NFL, in particular — is king, there are plenty of soccer fans who show up at Chatham Tap in Fishers to watch their favorite sport.

Where to wing it

Commentary by Mark LaFay

I love good chicken wings, and we in central Indiana are fortunate to have numerous options to get excellent wings without having to travel too far. Everyone has their own way to make wings, but often it comes down to the sauce. So, if you are looking for a great place to catch a football game and get your fingers messy, I have a list of some great options for you. If you are a boneless wing eater, a.k.a. you love chicken nuggets, never fear, you can get your fix at all these wing spots.

Fork + Ale in Carmel has a large menu with several unique and scratchmade items that can make it easy to overlook their wings, but don’t do that. Get your wings bone-in. They are naked and lightly smoked before being deep fried. It has several house-made sauces like mango habanero, Parmesan garlic and maple bacon.

Moontown Brewing in Whitestown makes delicious beers. Its crispy pilsners are lights out and a great option for washing down some tasty eats. The Moontown menu is often changing to keep things interesting, and that includes wings. Expect something seasonal and delicious here. Currently, you can expect to enjoy a naked dry-rubbed smoked wing tossed in house hot honey mustard and served with a roasted garlic aioli dipping sauce.

Crafters Pizza and Brewhouse in Carmel is always packed and for good reason. Its pizza is great. Owners Bryan and Alexis Hall love to make funky pizza topping combinations, and they are often switching out their wing sauce recipes as well! Their bone-in wings are naked, deep-fried and dry rubbed. Dip your wings in a variety of sauces, including buffalo garlic parm, Tennessee honey or sweet Thai chili. You should check out the PB&J hot wing.

Fat Dan’s in Carmel is a great place to get hot sandwiches, smoked brisket and killer fries. It is also a great spot for grabbing some wings. Fat Dan’s wings are smoked to tender perfection and dry rubbed before being tossed in the fryer to crisp up a touch. These wings are smokey and delicious, not one to miss. Enjoy these wings by watching a Cubs game. Fat Dan’s may be a Chicago-style deli, but you won’t find many White Sox fans there.

Ale Emporium is about as Indianapolis as Monument Circle. This neighborhood pub was opened in 1982 by Marc Luros, who was later joined by Herman Perryman and his daughter and son-in-law. The pub is famous for wings. It serves a deep-fried naked wing with several sauce options, but if you are eating wings at Ale Emporium, try the Hermanaki-style wings, named after Herman himself. It is a secret recipe that can only be found here.

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4021 Millersville Rd., Suite 107A, Indianapolis

Everyone has their own way to make wings, but often it comes down to the sauce.

(Stock photo/Unsplash)

St. Elmo executive chef Holmes embraces his dream job

By Mark Ambrogi

Jeremy Holmes understands he is blessed to be the executive chef at perhaps the most well-known restaurant in Indiana.

“We’ve been here since 1902,” Holmes said of St. Elmo Steak House in downtown Indianapolis.

“I definitely wear that badge proudly and I don’t take it for granted,” the 45-year-old Fishers resident said. “I know that I have a job that a lot of people want. I come to work every single day proud of that and make sure I do my best to my ability to keep that. You never know who is going to walk through the doors. I’ve seen (everyone) from Ciara to Shaquille O’Neal to John Travolta.”

Holmes enjoyed meeting former San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

“He and I had a deep conversation because I saw one of his pieces on HBO, how he was raised in the South,” Holmes said. “His family grew up on a plantation, and that kind of resonated with me. So, I talked to him in the 1933 Lounge (in the upstairs of the restaurant) about how his piece touched me and he reminded me of my hometown (in Mississippi), you know, so he and I connected a little bit for that short period of 15-minute conversation.”

Holmes also has appreciated his interactions with former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning through the years.

“He’s such a down-to-earth guy, really cool, really nice,” Holmes said. “(When) word gets out when Peyton is in town, we get a crowd forming outside.”

One of his favorite customers is CBS sports broadcaster Jim Nantz.

“He’s a great guy,” Holmes said. “He’s a fan of St. Elmo. He talks it up on the air and put it in his book. When he’s in town, he makes it a point to come in here, and he and I are on a first-name basis.”

Holmes has been at St. Elmo for 24 years. He moved to Indianapolis with his cousin in 1996 from Mississippi, the day after he graduated from high school.

“I had three older brothers living here, and two of them were in the restaurant industry,” he said. “So, we technically had a job waiting on us when he moved here. Taco Bell was my first job.”

He worked at Taco Bell for about a year before picking up a second job at an Arby’s. He then moved into a prep cook role at an Outback Steakhouse.

“One of my brothers was the assistant kitchen manager (at St. Elmo) and recruited me here in April of 1999, and I’ve been here ever since,” he said.

Holmes started as a pantry chef and worked his way around all the stations. He was a sous chef at the catering business for about two years. He got the position of lead boiler cook before moving into the executive chef position in 2010.

Holmes said his specialty is pasta.

“On my days off, I make some kind of pasta dish,” Holmes said. “It’s not typically something you should eat every day, but it’s my guilty pleasure.”

Holmes, however, cooks plenty of steaks.

“I’m still one of the best grill cooks here, if not the best,” he said. “Every once in a while, I have to get back there and show them who is the top dog.”

His biggest duty is overseeing the entire operation.

“Lately, I’ve been working the grill with the guys because we got understaffed a little bit or somebody called in sick or for whatever reason,” he said. “So, I jump in and then when I’m back there, it’s like being back home. I do kind of miss it a little bit. But I’m not missing doing it five days a week anymore.”

St. Elmo is a place where many employees stay for years, Holmes said. The Legends room features paintings of employees who have been there 30 years or more.

“Every year, we have dinner for those (who have been) here 20 years or more and it’s like 30 people,” he said. “People typically don’t leave because Steve and Craig (Huse) are great owners to work for. Their goal is to make each person feel they are part of something great and what we’re building here.”

Jeremy Holmes is the executive chef at St. Elmo Steak House. (Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

Tuttle Orchard celebrates 95 years of fall fun

By Ann Marie Shambaugh

After 95 years in business, Tuttle Orchard in Greenfield has built a generational fan base.

“We have so many customers that it’s their family tradition to be out there every fall,” said Kelly Wenning, the orchard’s marketing coordinator. “Things have evolved over the years and changed as we’ve added new opportunities, but it’s always fun hearing the stories and the memories they have.”

This year, many traditional favorites — such as apple picking, a pumpkin patch, corn maze and Tractor Town play area — have returned. Fall hours in September and October are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and for the first time the grill will be open every day from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Previously, it only operated on Saturdays.

Some offerings at the orchard, which is in its fourth generation of family ownership, vary by the week. For example, sunflowers tend to peak in late August or early September, Wenning said, while the pumpkin patch won’t be available until Sept. 22. Most of the best apples from the orchard are gone by October, she said.

Playdates at the Orchard are set for Sept. 5 to 8. The event includes a discounted combination pass for the play area, hayride, corn maze and flower picking

garden. Tuttle Orchard does not have any school groups or other field trips scheduled to visit that week.

“If (families) are wanting to play in a quieter atmosphere, that’s a good week to come,” Wenning said. “(Participants) can do a free apple-themed kids craft, and we’re doing an apple-themed storytime at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. every day.”

Tuttle Orchard has special events scheduled throughout the fall, including the Caramel Apple Festival on Sept. 9 and 16. The store carries the dipped treats throughout the season, but during the festival guests can create their own caramel apple combination and roll it in a wider variety of toppings than usually available.

Tuttle Orchard is open year-round, but Wenning said fall is its busiest season.

“Fall is definitely the biggest time around here,” she said.

Cost to visit the sunflower fields, Tractor Town, corn maze and hayride is $7 each. Combination passes to visit all attractions are $14 each. Season passes valid for September and October cost $30. General admission and parking are free.

Tuttle Orchard is at 5717 N 300 W in Greenfield. Learn more at IndianapolisOrchard.com.

Area orchards and pumpkin patches

DULL’S PUMPKIN HARVEST

1765 W. Blubaugh Ave., Thorntown

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday Sept. 23 to Oct. 29; also open 1 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays starting Oct. 5

Learn more: dullstreefarm.com/PumpkinHarvest

STUCKEY FARM

19975 Hamilton Boone County Rd., Sheridan

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Learn more: stuckeyfarm.com

PINEY ACRES FARM – FALL ON THE FARM

1115 East 1000 North, Fortville

Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday Sept. 23 to Oct. 30

Learn more: pineyacresfarm.com/fall-fun

RUSSELL FARMS

12290 E. 191st St., Noblesville

Hours: Vary by day. Learn more: russell-farms.com/admission.html for details.

SMITH FAMILY FARMS

7055 W 675 S, Pendleton

Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in October

Learn more: smithfamilyfarms.com/pumpkin-patch

WISEWOOD FARM

50 W. 250 S. Lebanon

Hours: Fall Fest from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 1, 8, 15

Learn more: wisewoodfarm.com

Tuttle Orchards offers a variety of caramel apples during the fall season. (Photo courtesy of Tuttle Orhcards)

Local wineries offer homegrown Hoosier options

By Leila Kheiry

The Hoosier state might be known for pigs and corn, but it’s also home to more than 100 wineries, some growing their own grapes in addition to importing fruit from more established wine-producing states.

Native Hoosier grapes have natural resistance to Midwestern weather, and scientists at places like Purdue University have crossed traditional varieties from Europe and the West Coast with native grapes to create vines than can handle Indiana’s cold winters and produce grapes during the area’s comparatively short growing season.

Locally, there are quite a few businesses to choose from that offer Hoosier-made wine. In the Geist area, for example, is Daniel’s Family Vineyard and Winery, 9061 N. 700 W., McCordsville.

Winemaker Blake Trobaugh said the vineyard has about 22 acres of vines, and it — like other vineyards in the state — grows hybrid grapes that can handle Indiana’s weather.

“Your more traditional varieties like cabernet, they’re not cold-hardy enough, and they don’t have any sort of (local) disease resistance,” he said.

Daniel’s also grows native grapes, Trobaugh said, such as Concord and traminette. Both produce sweet wines. Daniel’s offers dry wines from their hybrid vines and imports whole fruit from the West Coast to make traditional wines like cabernet or pinot noir.

Daniel’s wines can be bought at the vineyard, which also has a tasting room and event space, and at various liquor and wine stores in the area.

Trobaugh said with fall fast approaching, he recommends their Gewurtztraminer, a semi-sweet white wine. He said the acidity and the slightly sweet notes pair well with a heavier meal, such as Thanksgiving.

“Also, if you’re having anything spicy in the fall, whenever it’s football season, you got the pregame chili on or whatever, it’s a great kind of balance for that too,” he said.

For red-wine fans, Trobaugh said they will have a pinot noir available in November, adding that their canned wines and wine spritzers are perfect for tailgate parties. For more, visit danielsvineyard.com.

Sugar Creek Winery, 1111 West Main St. in Carmel, is another local winery that grows its own grapes, albeit on a smaller scale. Co-owner David Phillips said their vineyard totals about three acres in Montgomery County east of Crawfordsville.

Phillips said they had their first commercial harvest in 2015 and opened their tasting room in September of 2018. They offer wine by the glass, bottles for sale and guided tastings for those who aren’t sure what they want.

Sugar Creek Winery has front and back patio space, live music on the weekends, trivia nights and music bingo, and offers the space for events. They don’t have a kitchen, but customers can bring carryout or buy some of the limited snack items.

Like other Indiana wineries, Phillips said Sugar Creek grows hybrid varieties, such as Brianna.

“It’s a hybrid out of the University of Minnesota,” he said. “It makes a very floral, nice white. All of the ones that I grow. I make them either semi-sweet or sweet. I think that those varieties, in my taste, tend to work better (for sweet wine).”

Sugar Creek imports fruit or juice to make its other wines. Whole fruit is better for reds, he said, because fermenting with the skin helps the flavor.

Phillips said white wines are preferable in the summer because they’re served slightly cold. For the upcoming cooler fall weather, he recommends Sugar Creek’s Holiday Wine. That’s a spiced red wine, which is not the same as their mulled wine.

“Our mulled wine has a base of apple cider with wine added to it and a bunch of a bunch of seasonal spices and we serve it hot,” he said. “Whereas the Holiday Wine is a true wine that’s been fortified with small amount of port. We call it Christmas in a glass. It’s what everybody’s grandmother’s kitchen used to smell like in the holidays.”

The Holiday Wine is a nice red with hints of cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Phillips said they will introduce that wine at their Carmel tasting room in October. For more, visit sugarcreekwinery.com.

Other local wineries to try:

Fall is a great time for a glass (or two) of wine. Here are a few more local wineries to check out that aren’t too far from home:

PEACE WATER WINERY, 37 W Main St, Carmel

URBAN VINES WINERY, 303 E 161st St, Westfield

SPENCER FARM WINERY, 7015 E 161st St, Noblesville

HOPWOOD WINERY, 12 E Cedar St, Zionsville

COUNTRY MOON WINERY, 16222 Prairie Baptist Rd, Noblesville

Winemaker Blake Trobaugh of Daniel’s Family Vineyard and Winery in McCordsville examines grapes that are almost ready to harvest (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

David Phillips of Sugar Creek Winery in Carmel holds a glass of their popular spiced Holiday Wine. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest as fall approaches

Commentary by Mark LaFay

Nothing kicks off the start of fall quite like Oktoberfest, but do you know what Oktoberfest is all about? The original event was a celebration of the marriage of German Prince Ludwig and Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on Oct. 12, 1810. To celebrate their nuptials, they invited the public to join them for a massive party. Every year since, more events, activities and celebrations were added for anniversary celebrations. The event ultimately grew to become an annual event and the date was pushed forward to September to take advantage of longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures.

Oktoberfest has evolved through the years to become a celebration of agriculture, friendship, German culture, food, family and life in general. The event still pays homage to its roots. Each year since 1850, to kick off the party in Germany, a parade proceeds through the streets of Munich to the Oktoberfest grounds to honor the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.

Oktoberfest has become popular in Western cultures in recent decades. Coupled with the explosion of beer culture in America and our penchant for co-opting the traditions of our cultural heritage, Oktoberfest celebrations have begun to pop up in greater concentration domestically.

“Moontown Oktoberfest is first and foremost a celebration of beer, especially German beer,” said Bobby Mattingly, proprietor of Moontown Brewing Co. in Whitestown. “Lager is a passion of ours and we show it by tapping a handful of them, including our awardwinning Oktoberfest lager. On top of the beer, it’s a gathering of friends, family and a big portion of the Whitestown community. We’re proud to have this event every year. It’s my favorite event we do at Moontown.”

What’s not to love about food, friends, family, beer and the fall season?

We have done our best to assemble a comprehensive list of Oktoberfest celebrations in the area. Grab your lederhosen or dirndl and head on out with family and friends to enjoy food, beer, live music and the commencement of fall in the Midwest!

CARMEL OKTOBERFEST

Location: Carmel City Center

Date: Oct. 6

Time: 6 to 10 p.m.

Details: Beer, food, live music, all ages welcome

GRAND JUNCTION OKTOBERFEST

Location: 1189 E 181st St, Westfield

Date: Sept. 9

Time: Noon to 10 p.m.

Details: Music, beer, food, contests and activities for kids. All ages welcome

BIER CARMEL OKTOBERFEST

Location: 13720 N. Meridian St, Carmel

Date: Oct. 7

Details: Bier-stein holding contest, dog races, live music and more

MOONTOWN BREWING OKTOBERFEST

Location: 345 S. Bowers St., Whitestown

Date: Sept. 30

Time: 2 to 11 p.m.

Details: Live music, food, stein-holding contest, best dressed contest

ST THOMAS ACQUINAS PUMPKIN FEST & OKTOBERFEST

Location: 1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville

Date: Oct. 7

Time: Pumpkin Fest 2 to 6 p.m.; Oktoberfest 6:30 p.m. to Midnight

Details: Pumpkinfest will have food, hayrides, face painting, pumpkins for kids. Oktoberfest starts at 6 p.m. with food, dancing, and music for guests 21 and older.

PRIMEVAL BREWING OKTOBERFEST.

Location: 960 Logan St., Noblesville

Date: Sept. 8-9

Time: 4 to 11 p.m. Sept. 8, noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 9

Details: Food, beer tapping, live music, wear traditional apparel, indoor/ outdoor games, all ages welcome

GUGGMAN HAUS BREWING OKTOBERFEST

Location: 1701 Gent Ave., Indianapolis

Dates/times: 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 15, 1 to 9 p.m. Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17

Details: Live music, stein-holding contest, cookie decoration, run, food, beer

BBQ & BLUES

Fort Harrison State Park to host annual music festival

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Fort Harrison State Park will host its fifth BBQ & Blues Festival starting at noon on Sept. 16, featuring four bands, five food trucks and plenty of fun.

Don McQuade is with the Friends of Fort Harrison State Park, which organizes the annual festival. He said they got the idea from a similar event that McCormick’s Creek State Park hosts every year.

“They were very helpful in telling us how they set up their original BBQ and Blues festival, what kind of vendors they had and how they publicized it,” he said, adding that the Friends of Fort Harrison started their planning process about a year before the first festival in September 2018.

Part of that planning process was finding the right spot in the park. McQuade said. They settled on a natural amphitheater off the Cherry Tree parking area. That year’s festival had three bands and two food trucks, he said, and attracted about 800 people — not bad for the inaugural event.

“For the next year, the (City of Lawrence) actually reached out to us and offered to co-sponsor (the festival),” he said. “So, we were able to pull in some more performers and some additional food vendors.”

With the city’s help, McQuade said attendance doubled the second year and has continued to grow since.

They skipped a year in 2020 because of COVID-19, he said, but the festival returned as an annual event in 2021.

People can bring their own lawn chairs or use picnic tables supplied by the park. McQuade said park staff will put up a “very, very large” awning for those who want to stay out of the sun, and there’s a shuttle — in the form of a hayride — that brings people to the festival from the main parking area across from the sledding hill.

The shuttle is sponsored by Curran Architecture, Context Design and the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority.

Other than the normal fee to enter the park, there is no charge for the festival. McQuade said the Friends of Fort Harrison State Park raises money from the event through sponsorships.

“We’ve bought 15 to 20 new trees that we’ve planted,” he said, giving examples of what the funds go toward. “We’ve done some armoring of some of the trails that have some wet spots in them so that people can avoid those wet spots. We’ve built bridges. We’ve helped with some of the programming that the naturalist does. So all of that goes right back into the park.”

It’s not just about raising money, though.

“One of the goals that we’ve had is to bring in more people through this festival and have them (get) acquainted with the park, especially our local citizenry — Lawrence and Fortville and Fishers and the surrounding areas,” McQuade said. “And to help people get out and realize what a great experience it is to be in the park and all of the variety of

things that they could do in the park from hiking and biking and picnicking and programming that the staff does.”

He said Fort Harrison State Park is a great amenity for people living in the greater Indianapolis area.

The performers scheduled for this year’s BBQ & Blues Festival are John Ford of Cincinnati, Ohio; King Bee & the Stingers of Bloomington; and Indianapolis-based Queen Delphine & the Crown Jewels and The Blues Ambassadors.

The bands are sponsored by Katz, Sapper & Miller CPAs.

McQuade said Ford has performed at all the festivals so far, and this will be the fourth year that King Bee & the Stingers will return. Queen Delphine and the Crown Jewels and The Blues Ambassadors were added to the lineup later, providing a more local flavor.

Speaking of flavor, vendors offering barbecue and other treats will be MJ’s Backyard BBQ and Catering, J&J A Taste of Home Catering and Da Blue Lagoon Jamaican BBQ. For those who want dessert, Moo & Lou Frozen Treats and More will be at the festival, and Mo’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade will offer beverages.

McQuade said all of the food vendors have been with the festival since at least 2019.

He noted that the festival is a success because of its

Left, a variety of vendors will be on-site to provide barbecued meat, sides and desserts, during the Sept. 16 Fort Harrison State Park BBQ & Blues Festival. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

sponsors and all the volunteers who help with organizing, setting up and cleaning up.

ON THE COVER: King Bee and the Stingers perform during a previous Fort Harrison State Park BBQ & Blues Festival. They are part of the lineup for the upcoming Sept. 16 event. (Photo courtesy of Fort Harrison State Park)

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Don McQuade of the Friends of Fort Harrison State Park said the Sept. 16 BBQ & Blues Festival schedule is a little different this year, starting an hour earlier than previous events. Instead of a 1 p.m. kickoff, the music starts at noon, he said, and runs through 5:30 p.m.

“That gets everyone home a little bit earlier and gives our staff a little bit extra time to clean up and get ready for Sunday,” he said.

The lineup for performers is:

Noon.: John Ford

1:30 p.m.: Queen Delphine & the Crown Jewels

3 p.m.: King Bee & the Stingers

4:30 p.m.: The Blues Ambassadors

Right, Queen Delphine and the Crown Jewels are among the performers for the Sept. 16 BBQ & Blues Festival at Fort Harrison State Park. (File photo)

Governor’s

Award. (Pho-

Eastern Engineering honored for 50 years in business

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Eastern Engineering, which has offices in Fishers, was among 38 Indiana companies and organizations recognized for their longevity by Gov. Eric Holcomb.

of time, navigated economic uncertainties and demonstrated unconditional commitment to their employees and communities across Indiana,” Holcomb stated in the announcement.

AWARDS

Eastern Engineering received a Half-Century Business Award, honoring its 50 years in business. Some companies also were recognized with Century Awards.

The Governor’s Century and Half Century Business Awards honor Hoosier businesses that have remained in operation for a minimum of 100 or 50 consecutive years and demonstrated a commitment to community service, according to a news release from the Indiana Economic Development Council. More than 1,200 Indiana companies have been recognized during the award’s 32-year history.

“Every year, the Century and Half-Century Awards remind me of the dedication and perseverance Hoosiers across the state bring to their businesses, and each year it is truly an honor to recognize these organizations that have withstood the test

Eastern Engineering was founded in 1972 as a blueprint shop in Muncie, according to a statement from the company. The company now has 55 employees in six locations in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Michigan. They provide scanning and large format color printing. The company works with architects, engineers, and construction and manufacturing industries.

“We’ve stayed true to our roots, always focused on helping people achieve their greatest potential,” Eastern Engineering President Dawn Langdon stated. “We could not have achieved our success without the dedication from our team here at Eastern Engineering. Their passion for putting the client first comes through in everything they do.”

Besides Fishers, Eastern Engineering has Indiana offices in Muncie and Fort Wayne. They do business throughout Hamilton County, according to the company statement.

From left, Mark, Dawn and Mary Langdon and Tony Dargo of Eastern Engineering accept the

Half-Century Business

to courtesy of Eastern Engineering)

Inconvenience of facing truth

Commentary by Terry Anker

Putting the squeeze on juicing

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

ESSAY

“I want the truth,” demanded the zealous, perhaps conceited, Tom Cruise in the 1992 military courtroom drama, “A Few Good Men.” Jack Nicholson famously shouted back, “You can’t handle the truth.” Nicholson went on to lecture the much younger and more idealistic Cruise on the hard realities of protecting these United States from our very dangerous foreign enemies. Naturally, the crusading Cruise was unaffected and went on to win his point and the film’s female star, Demi Moore. In 120 minutes, our moral precepts were challenged and vindicated. We left the theater smugly secure that we’d make a good ethical choice even if it were to directly put us, our homes and families into harm’s way. Maybe it was the result of Nicholson Academy Award-nominated performance, but his pushback also stuck with moviegoers. How much terrible are we willing to overlook to gain the advantage of superior competence? Do we tolerate more in Guantanamo Bay than we would in our own

living rooms? It is easier to overlook that which we choose not to see. Still, there seems to be an intentional disconnect between our stated desire to associate with moral, right-minded folks and how we tend to live in the real world.

We vote for politicians who may not be the paragons of moral virtue we might hope them to be. We sing along with performers often accused, and too often convicted, of significant crimes. We spend our free time with our families watching sports stars whose own dedication to family values is notoriously in question. If the charming, then-young Cruise had been in the Nicholson role and vice versa, would the outcome have been the same? It feels good to claim moral superiority and also to win. But is it ever OK to intentionally not know the truth?

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

A dog day afternoon

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

It never fails. Whenever my husband Doo goes out of town and I’m anticipating a few days of beautiful alone time, the proverbial stuff hits the fan. Kids, house, weather — some crisis ensues, and I’m left to deal with it. Recently, while my husband Doo was at his fantasy draft, it was our Lab Libby who frustrated my weekend. Our younger son had noticed that she was acting weird. Labored breathing, constant licking of a bald patch on her dog elbow, and a warm nose. “But I’m headed downtown for a birthday party, so good luck, Mom!” When I got home from school, sure enough, Libby would not stop panting, even though she’d been lying around in the AC all day. She didn’t eat dinner and kept trying to crawl under tables. I was certain she was dying and wouldn’t survive the night. Naturally, I blamed Doo. How dare he leave me to deal with this! Rude.

HUMOR

to walk straight due to a SETI-sized satellite dish around her head. Apparently, she’s in good shape for an 11-year-old, except for a nasty ear infection and nagging arthritis. It took the rest of the day for the painkillers and antibiotics to work, and the poor thing kept getting stuck in corners and on doorframes, but she’ll live!

Unfortunately, my highly anticipated weekend of relaxation couldn’t say the same. And I completely blame Doo for leaving town. Just plain rude. Peace out.

Luckily, Libby made it to morning, but our vet had us go directly to the ER, fueling my worst fears. Two hours and $1,300 later, though, we left with a mostly healthy, albeit extremely irritable 80-pound dog, unable

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

Several years ago, some guy 85 years old was hawking a contraption on TV. He said that because he drinks fresh-squeezed juice every day, he fathered triplets — not a motivating factor for me to start juicing. In fact, I’m going to lay off the juice when I turn 78. My wife, Mary Ellen, will be 74 at that point, but I’m taking the V8 away from her.

HUMOR

My long association with juice has made me a keen observer of some fruit juice conundrums. Let me share a few:

• Why is there no raisin juice? There is prune juice, which is from dried-up plums. Why not raisin juice? Just dried up grapes. Sounds good.

• Why is there no plum juice? If you can get juice out of a prune, you sure can squeeze it out of a plum.

• How come apple juice has 100 percent vitamin C, but on the apple cider label, it says there is no Vitamin C? Where did the vitamin C go? Let’s get it back.

• If vegetables are fat free, why is vegetable oil 100 percent fat?

• How come there is no cantaloupe juice? Cantaloupes are just waiting to be squeezed. It’s cruel and inhumane, like not milking a cow.

• Does white grape juice stain like blue grape juice, but you just can’t see the stain? This will keep you up all night, so don’t think about it too much.

• There’s a lot of talk about acai juice, but I won’t order something I’m not sure how to pronounce. That’s why I’ve never had a gyro or aioli.

• Why can’t I get grape juice with pulp?

• Some orange juice has no pulp. What did they do with the pulp? I wouldn’t mind buying some extra pulp. I’d put it in my grape juice.

• How did lemonade become such a hit? Who handled the PR for limeade,

anyway? By the way, why is a lemon shakeup at the Fair $9? If you filled up your car tank with that lemonade, it would cost about $500.

• If the orange juice I buy is 100 percent juice, then what is concentrate? Five hundred percent juice?

• You can buy fresh orange juice and fresh grapefruit juice, but not fresh grape juice. You can also buy grape juice in a frozen concentrate. So, why not wine from frozen concentrate? “Shark Tank,” here I come.

• There is no banana juice. You can’t squeeze juice out of a banana. But there’s almond milk. Go figure.

• Guava and mango, those fruits make two great juices. I’m told that one is a good remedy for constipation, the other for diarrhea. I forget which is which. I better figure that out before we go to Mexico this winter.

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

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Terry

Artmobilia motors into Carmel with new date and some new features

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Artmobilia returns with a new date and some new features.

‘GRUMPY OLD MEN’

“Grumpy Old Men” runs through Oct. 1 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

EVENTS

“Historically, it’s been the last weekend in August, and due to some general conflicts, we moved it to the weekend after Labor Day,” Artmobilia event director and founder John Leonard said.

Artmobilia, which started in 2008, is set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 9 in the Carmel Arts & Design District.

“We may have interest in moving (it later) into the fall, but we’ll see how this one goes,” Leonard said. “Maybe it won’t be quite as hot. I’m also seeing a way to incorporate the Center for the Performing Arts. It’s not really available until the end of September, but the intent is to push it out a bit.”

One new feature is that there will be a variety of Mercedes-Benz cars on display. The Mercedes Monumental Classic Car Show is presented by the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.

“They are having a national meeting in Indianapolis around the time of the event,” Leonard said. “Their cars will be on the south edge of Range Line Road.”

Leonard said Artmobilia also has expanded into Midtown.

“We’ve been wanting to do that for a while because Midtown is gorgeous,” Leonard said. “We’re going to locate Lotus cars from the Monon Plaza to Main Street.”

There will be an awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 9 for Mercedes-Benz, Lotus, BMW and Porsche entries.

“We’ll bring up the best in group winner in each and then go through our standard award ceremony,” Leonard said.

There also is a change in the event before Artmobilia.

Veloce will begin at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 in the Jet Access Center at the Indianapolis Executive Airport in Zionsville. It replaces Fuelicious, which was previously held the night before Artmobilia.

“We wanted to make the event more accessible,” Leonard said. “In the past, the tickets have started at $250 and gone up. We decided to change it up. We want to do something a little less expensive. We changed the name to Veloce, which means speed in Italian. There will be planes and super-fast cars. There will be small plates and an open bar. It will be a lot of fun.”

Tickets for Veloce are $175.

“In the past, we’ve only sold tables, so you had to buy 10 tickets at a time,” he said. “This year, we’re selling (individual) tickets, tables and lounges.”

Leonard said if tables weren’t sold in the past, they might have sold individual tickets in the final two weeks before the

event.

“If you are into speed, that’s the event for you,” Leonard said.

The Shift Road Rally is set to start at 9 a.m., Sept. 10, starting at the Motor District, which is private garages in Westfield, and concludes at the Silo Auto Club and Conservancy in Indianapolis. The drive, which goes through Carmel, is about 200 miles.

There also will be a Mercedes-Benz rally that goes in the opposite direction of the Shift Rally the same day.

The club also has a short rally Sept. 8, but those events are more specifically for Mercedes-Benz members, Leonard said. For more, visit artomobilia.org.

“A Collective Cy” Brittany Brumfield presents Baby Grand Dueling Pianos at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 7, and Jeff Harnar presents his tribute to songwriter Cy Coleman at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7-8 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

RUSSELL DICKERSON

Country singer Russell Dickerson will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers. For tickets, visit npdamp.com/198/Russell-Dickerson

DISPATCHES

ATI announces 2023-24 season – Actors Theatre of Indiana’s 2023-24 season kicks off with “ATI’s Greatest Hits” Oct. 28 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The show will feature tunes from past ATI productions, several performed by the same actors who brought the hits to life. ATI’s annual fundraiser, Cocktails, Comedy and Costumes, returns Dec. 1. “ATI’s Christmas Show” is set for Dec. 13 to 17 with more details on the performances to come. The new season will wrap up with “Forbidden Broadway” from April 26 through May 12 at the Studio Theater. For more, visit atistage.org.

GHDT single tickets to go on sale Sept. 11 – Single tickets go on sale beginning Sept. 11 for the 2023-24 season of performances for the Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre. The theater announced the upcoming season with the presentation of culturally inspired new artistic works as well as the return of audience favorites, including “Pinocchio!,” “La Llorona” and “The Wild Wild West” at two venues, The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel and The Florence inside the The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel. For full schedule, vist gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

Artmobilia is set for 11 a.m. Sept. 9 at the Carmel Arts and Design District. (Photos courtesy of Beth Maier)

NIGHT & DAY

Paranormal investigator to share stories

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Amy Bruni’s interest in the paranormal started early.

Amy

locations and look for ghosts,” she said.

Bruni said she thought she was irresponsible when she quit her job with benefits to hit the road looking for ghosts.

PRESENTATION

“I grew up in a haunted house and I became interested in what ghosts and spirits were at a young age,” she said. “My dad was an amateur paranormal investigator. It was a hobby that never quite went away. Years later, I had the opportunity to go out with ‘Ghost Hunters.’ I already had my own team. I met the guys from ‘Ghost Hunters’ and they asked me to join them for a show. That was the beginning of me being known in the public eye.”

Bruni, 47, will share her story in her presentation of “Life with the Afterlife: True Tales of the Paranormal with Ghost Hunter Amy Bruni” at 8 p.m. Sept. 16 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“I tweak (the presentation) every year but this will be more focused on relaying haunting encounters I’ve actually had, so it will be examples of the evidence I’ve captured,

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stories of haunted locations,” Bruni said. “It will be super interactive. People can ask me anything about ghosts and hauntings.”

Bruni is the co-star and executive producer of “Kindred Spirits,” which is on Travel Channel and Max. In addition, she produces the “Haunted Road” podcast.

She co-wrote “Life with the Afterlife: 13 Truths I Learned about Ghosts” with Julie Tremaine.

Bruni joined the cast of “Ghost Hunters” in 2008, starring in seven seasons.

Prior to becoming a full-time paranormal investigator, Bruni worked as a project manager for a health insurance company.

“On the weekends, I would go to spooky

“I thought it would just be a year, but 15-plus years later, I’m still at it,” she said. “I consider myself incredibly lucky to be able to be active in something I love doing it.”

Bruni, who lives in Newport, R.I., she said has a number of spooky encounters.

“I talked a lot about investigating Waverly Hill, a tuberculosis hospital (in Louisville), and seeing a full-body apparition appear right in front of me,” she said. “Then not even five minutes later, having something violently grab my arm in the same area. There was a time when I was investigating on train tracks (in Barnstable, Mass.) that were out of commission, but the train alarm came on by itself. That scared the crap out of me, thinking there is a train coming I don’t know about. When I contacted the train company that controlled the tracks, they told me that was impossible. They basically called me a liar.”

The VIP package includes a meet-andgreet with Bruni, including photo opportunites. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

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Bruni, a paranormal investigator on TV shows, will share her experiences Sept. 16 at The Tarkington in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of the Center for the Performing Arts)

Baritone to make Indy Opera debut

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Everett Greene has performed with a variety of Indianapolis musical groups.

CONCERT

So, when asked to make his debut in an Indianapolis Opera event, the 89-yearold Indianapolis resident quickly accepted.

Greene will perform in the Opera in the Park at 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at the MacAllister Amphitheater at Garfield Park. The event is free but a $10 donation is suggested.

“I did a concert with a couple opera singers years ago and learned how to work with them,” said Greene, a baritone. “I like to do all kinds of music. I do jazz, gospel and blues.”

Greene will sing “Here’s to Life,” which he had heard numerous times before it took on a new meaning for him.

“I happened to really listen to the lyrics and it means so much,” he said. “At this stage of my life, I like to think I’ve had a lot of fun, been to a lot of places, but I’m not finished. ‘Here’s to Life’ became a special song for me.”

Greene has known opera soprano Angela Brown for several years. They will sing together on “Thank Heaven for You,”

“She is an excellent singer, and I can’t wait to do something with her,” Greene said. “I thought it would be a good duet song.”

Greene traveled with the Count Basie Band for several years and performed in some off-Broadway shows. He also has narrated some children’s books.

Alfred Savia will serve as the conductor

There will be selections from Indy Opera’s 2023-24 season from “Carmen,” “Charlie Parker’s Yardbird” and “A Little Night Music.”

“Opera in the Park is a vital part of our mission of introducing opera to the public,” Savia said. “We have some opera members that come every year, but we have some people who come out of curiosity. We’re exposing them in a large part to some of what we’re offering during the season.”

For more, visit indyopera.org.

Greene

Blueprint for Improvement: Basement overhaul in Carmel

Commentary

by Larry Greene

Built in 2010 in Long Ridge Estates, this Carmel home included a finished basement that was bland and brimming with potential. We transformed this blank canvas into a multifunctional and modern retreat with space for everyone.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Luxury vinyl plank flooring replaced the carpeting, providing a more contemporary appeal and a more durable surface.

• A spacious gathering room is perfect for movie nights and game days, equipped with a large-screen TV, full bar and custom display space for collectibles and Lego creations.

• The bar area received a distinct herringbone treatment on the wood ceiling, adding warmth and modern appeal, while a drink fridge, dishwasher and ample storage make entertaining a breeze.

• Room for hobbies drove the design, with designated spaces for exercise, art, music, reading, studying and guests all included.

• Interior glass doors and thoughtful design around window wells ensure that this space has a luminous and airy ambiance, despite being below ground level.

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.

A visit to Wilbur Wright’s birthplace

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing visits to places within driving distance of Indianapolis, we stop at the birthplace of Wilbur Wright, about 7 miles east of New Castle.

TRAVEL

Milton Wright, ordained in the Church of the United Brethren, and his wife Susan lived in several places in Indiana before purchasing a 5-acre farm near Millville in 1865. On April 16, 1867, Wilbur, the Wrights’ third son, was born in the farmhouse, where the family lived until 1868. The family then lived in Hartsfield, Ind., Dayton, Ohio (where Orville and Katherine Wright were born), Cedar Rapids and Farm, Iowa, and Dublin and Richmond, Ind., where Wilbur and Orville attended, but did not complete, high school. The family moved permanently to Dayton in 1884, where Wilbur and Orville operated bicycle and printing businesses while working on designs for their flying machines.

In 1929, Indiana bought the Millville farm where Wilbur was born. In 1955, with increasing maintenance costs, the state demolished the farmhouse and erected a monument in its place. In 1973, Indiana

rebuilt the house on its original foundation, attempting to duplicate its materials and designs. In 1995, the state donated the property to the Wilbur Wright Birthplace Preservation Society.

Today, the farmhouse includes period furnishings. The adjacent museum includes a full-scale replica of the plane the Wright Brothers first flew at Kitty Hawk, N.C., on De-

cember 17, 1903; a reproduction of the cabin they lived and worked in while in Kitty Hawk; and a recreated 1903 Main Street. The museum also includes pictures and memorabilia of the Wright family and copies of historic documents, including the telegram announcing the success of the first flight. Along one wall is a statement from then-Bishop Wright in the late 19th century, proclaiming that

the dream that man would someday fly was “heresy; flight is reserved for angels.”

Getting the next-to-last word

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

I’m about to share a word to make everyone at the white-tie optional gala assume you’re the king or queen of some distant, exotic land. Use this word, and upper-crusters will consult you before ordering their newest monocle. They’ll picture you eating peeled champagne grapes while you brush the golden mane of your award-winning miniature pony, Lord Anponio.

I’m talking about the word “penultimate.” Although this sounds like a million-dollar word, it simply means “next to last” or “second to last.” It’s as simple as that. So, if you ate the “penultimate Oreo,” that would mean you ate the next to last Oreo in the package.

If you are reading the nineteenth chapter in a twenty-chapter book, you are reading the book’s penultimate chapter. If you use the penultimate square of toilet paper, it’s time to install a new roll so the next person isn’t stuck with one lonely square.

Allow me to put on my horn-rimmed grammar nerd glasses for a second. The term “penult” is a noun that means the next to last

syllable in a word. The penult in the word “automobile” is “mo.” Now you know that!

How about antepenultimate? Antepenultimate refers to the third-to-last item in a series or the next-to-next-to-last thing. Returning to our twenty-chapter book: If chapter nineteen is the penultimate chapter, Chapter 18 is the antepenultimate chapter. If we break down the Latin meanings for each part of the word, we will get “before” (ante), “almost” (pen) and “last” (ultimate). Antepenultimate is the thing that comes before the almost last thing.

Drop any of these words into casual conversation and your friends will offer you the finest bottle from their wine cellars. Horse & Hound magazine (my favorite magazine about both dogs and horses) will call to request an in-depth interview about your dressage training techniques.

Replica airplane at the Wilbur Wright birthplace.

GRAMMAR GUY

Historical marker at Wilbur Wright birthplace near New Castle. (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.

12. Coach Parseghian

13. By way of, briefly 14. Transformed Arctic homes?

17. ___ Davis HS 18. Actor Reeves 19. Colts QB’s mistakes 21. Indiana Gov. Gray 23. US flag feature 25. Body pouch 26. Peevish 29. Boilermakers souvenir shop buy 30. Indianapolis Indians plate appearance 32. What italicized letters do 34. Older lubricants?

37. Indian garb

38. Murat Theatre performance

39. Food additive inits.

40. Entices

42. “___, Brute?”

46. Mitt Romney, for one

48. Indy 500 sound

49. Voicemail signal

50. ___ Lama

54. Recipe amt.

55. Indiana Secretary of State...and an anagram of 14and. 34-Across

27. Enthusiastic

28. Hoosiers All-American Alford

31. Car dealer on Castleton Corner Drive

33. Soda bottle size

34. Elephant ancestor

35. Church musician

36. ___ Moines

37. Porn material

41. Cancel

43. Eiteljorg Museum carved poles

44. 50-50 chance

45. Victory Field arbiter

47. Shoe parts

48. Itinerary word

51. Surrounded by

52. Southwestern wolf

53. Venus de Milo’s missing pieces

56. Big bunch

6 Menu Headings

4 IMPD Words

3

5 Playing

2

58. Place with many fjord explorers

59. PC pioneer

60. Ostrich kin

61. Crash-probing agcy.

62. Uno + uno

63. DSL provider Down

1. Joan of Arc’s crime

2. “The Lion King” canine villains

3. Sewn edge

4. Weaken

5. Kind of code

6. WTHR’s Lindsey Monroe weather forecast, maybe

7. Hawks on a Pacers scoreboard

8. Westfield HS singing group

9. Wryly amusing

10. Whisk brooms’ companions

15. “Best in Show” org.

16. Strong wind

17. Pen name

20. Geist Half Marathon mo.

22. Pong maker

24. Oscar winner Cicely

26. WRTV schedule abbr.

Eagle Creek Park Trees

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