March 19, 2024 — Lawrence/Geist

Current

About us

Founded Jan. 27, 2015, at Fishers, IN Vol. X, No. 6

Copyright 2023

Current Publishing, LLC

All Rights Reserved.

30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

Contact the editor

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

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

Share your thoughts

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

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

Advertise your business

If you’re interested in reaching the Lawrence/Geist market (14,974 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Lawrence/Geist advertising) or by calling 317.748.2662.

Obituaries obits@youarecurrent.com

Legal advertising legals@youarecurrent.com

Delivery questions

circulation@youarecurrent.com

Join our community www.facebook.com/currentingeist www.twitter.com/currentingeist instagram.com/youarecurrent

Opinions

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

GOP governor candidates take to the debate stage

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Six candidates vying for the Republican nomination for Indiana governor espoused strong conservative values during a March 11 debate at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

POLITICS

The primary election is May 7, with early in-person voting starting April 9.

An audience of more than 500 listened to about 90 minutes of questions and answers with candidates Mike Braun, Brad Chambers, Suzanne Crouch, Eric Doden, Curtis Hill and Jamie Reitenour.

The first question from moderator Ann Marie Shambaugh, managing editor of Current in Carmel, focused on citizen-led ballot initiatives, which are not allowed in the Indiana Constitution.

“In some states, ballot initiatives or referendums allow citizens to create law by direct vote, such as Ohio, where last year voters legalized recreational marijuana and ensured access to abortion,” Shambaugh said. “What is your position on citizen ballot initiatives, and if elected governor, would you support introducing them in Indiana? If not, why do you believe citizens should not have direct oversight on such issues?”

For the most part, the candidates agreed that the existing system is best for Indiana. Hill said ballot initiatives work in other states, but not Indiana. He said initiatives tend to be led by emotions, rather than rational debate and he doesn’t support provisions for citizen initiatives.

Crouch, who is the lieutenant governor in Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration, said elected representatives make the decisions in Indiana and she supports that process. However, she said, if the General Assembly approved a ballot initiative bill and it came to her as governor to sign, she would support it.

Braun, Chambers and Doden said they, too, would consider approving an initiative bill passed by the Legislature.

However, Braun — who is completing his first term as a U.S. senator — said he would be concerned about outside money influencing the vote for ballot initiatives; Chambers stressed the need for a governor to get to know the state’s “customers” — the citizens; and Doden said he prefers Indiana’s representative form of government.

Reitenour, a political newcomer who said that God called her to run for governor, said that when government operates the

way it should, there’s no need for citizen initiatives, but when there’s government overreach, she could see where it could be necessary.

Another question focused on improving education. Crouch said she wants to create a “cradle-to-career” program that focuses on the basics and provides career training opportunities.

“Increasingly, we need to be sure that our schools are teaching our children how to think not what to think,” she said, “We need to protect our most precious resource, which is our children, from indoctrination and manipulation.”

Braun said public education makes up half the state’s budget, and if the state isn’t getting that right, something isn’t working the way it should. He also touted getting back to the basics and providing training in the trades.

Chambers, who founded an Indianapolis-based real estate firm, said nothing is more important to the future than education.

“We have too much money going into administration, too much money going into buildings and not enough money going into teacher salaries,” he said, adding that he has a plan to modernize the state’s education system.

Doden, who led the state’s Economic Development Corp. under then-Gov Mike Pence, said the state has a constitutional and moral obligation to educate children. He touted vouchers, and said competition with private schools for state dollars will improve public schools. Doden also promoted his teacher-investment program to address

teacher shortages, especially in Indiana’s rural areas.

Reitenour has chosen Paige Miller of Carmel to be her Secretary of Education, and said their plan includes going back to core academics, bringing in representatives from the private sector to mentor kids, and requiring apprenticeships for all graduating seniors. She said that while she prayed, she heard “education” in her heart.

“Why? Because that is where the enemy is aiming,” she said. “He’s aiming for our children.”

Hill, a former Indiana attorney general who served from 2017 to 2021, said the Holcomb administration, which he noted includes Crouch, shut down schools during the Covid-19 pandemic. He blamed that for poor test scores now. Along with the other candidates, he said he wants the schools to get back to basics, adding that he would streamline the state Department of Education.

The candidates also discussed state laws that preempt local ordinances — such as a recent bill that rolled back some municipal regulations around commercial dog breeding. They all said they preferred local control and bottom-up government, rather than top-down, although there was some spirited disagreement over the need for LEAP — a state economic development project in Boone County — with Chambers vigorously defending it.

The candidates also all supported a recent bill that limits a governor’s emergency powers.

To watch the entire 90-minute debate, visit youarecurrentcom/2024republicandebate.

From left, Eric Doden, Brad Chambers, Sen. Mike Braun, Lt. Gov. Susan Crouch, Curtis Hill, and Jamie Reitenour participate in the first gubernatorial debate ahead of the 2024 primary election. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Lawrence Redevelopment Commission hires new E.D.

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The City of Lawrence Redevelopment Commission had its first meeting of the year during a special meeting March 4, and hired Keith Johnson as the new executive director for the city’s economic development program.

GOVERNMENT

Johnson was a campaign advisor for Mayor Deb Whitfield and a member of her transition team following her election in November. He told the commission that he previously worked for the city as director of planning and zoning and briefly as interim city controller.

“It’s a pleasure to be back,” Johnson said. “And many of the projects that were on the city’s plate are still there — redeveloping Pendleton Pike is an incredible challenge.”

Johnson said the commission’s powers include providing incentives to businesses, supporting infrastructure improvements and purchasing land for future projects.

“One of the commission’s main tools is to buy and hold property and to try to find a larger redevelopment use, and there’s a few prominent examples — Meyer Plastics being one of them,” he said.

The commission voted unanimously to approve a motion hiring Johnson. Also on March 4, the commission voted to hire Russell Brown of Indianapolis-based Clark, Quinn, Moses, Scott & Grahn law firm as its legal counsel; and Oscar Gutierrez of Carmel-based Bondry Consulting as the commission’s financial advisor. They both also served on Whitfield’s transition team.

Also during the meeting, the commission appointed Jerrell Blakeley as the new president, with Elia James as vice president and Mari Swayn as treasurer. Other commission members are Sarah Whittaker and Craig Willey.

The council took no other action during the special meeting. Its next regular meeting is 3:30 p.m. March 28 at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.

Fishers Police

Gooden set for Hall of Fame

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The timing of his selection for induction into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame surprised former Lawrence Central High School coach Al Gooden Sr.

BASKETBALL

Gooden retired as the Bears boys coach following the 2022-23 season.

“The call came much quicker than what I thought,” he said. “It’s good to be acknowledged by your peers for doing what you enjoy doing.”

Gooden will be inducted as part of the class of 2024 at the men’s basketball awards dinner March 20 at Primo Banquet Hall in Indianapolis.

Gooden said he never thought about making the Hall of Fame while coaching.

“You don’t coach for that reason,” he said. “You coach to help kids and stay close to the game. That was my purpose. I just wanted to stay close to the game and give back to the game.”

As a player, Gooden said his highlight

was being on the first Ball State University team to play in the NCAA Tournament after winning the Mid-American Conference Tournament in 1981. He said it also was the first Ball State team to win 20 games. He was named All-Mid-American Conference as a junior and senior.

Gooden, a 1977 graduate of Fort Wayne Wayne High School, averaged 20 points and 14 rebounds as a senior.

As a coach, Gooden led Fort Wayne Harding to the Class 2A state title in 2001 and led Harding to four state runner-up finishes, three in Class 2A (2002, 2005, and 2006) and one in Class 3A (2008)

Previously, Gooden was named to the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame and Wayne Athletics Hall of Fame.

Gooden won a combined 523 games in 35 seasons as a head coach at Heritage, Harding, New Haven and Lawrence Central. He became the first Black coach to get 500 victories in the state.

The Lawrence resident became Lawrence Central’s coach in 2014. His 2018-19 team finished 22-4 and won the sectional title.

Gooden

ISP warns of phone scam

news@youarecurrent.com

The Indiana State Police is warning residents of a new phone scam disguised as a call from state police headquarters.

SCAM ALERT

ISP has fielded reports from citizens reporting an apparent phone scam with the caller ID showing “Indiana State Police” with the phone number 317-232-8248.

According to a news release from ISP, the scammer says they are an Indiana State Police trooper and tells the recipient that their identity has been compromised or stolen, asking for verification of personal information.

“The ISP does not cold call people and ask

for personal or financial information and would like to remind all citizens that phone scammers are persuasive, convincing and technically savvy. Scammers will often play on your emotions and fears in order to get your personal information and money,” ISP stated in the news release.

Residents are reminded to ignore unsolicited calls and report potential scams as soon as possible to local law enforcement. Residents should also alert their banking institution if they provided financial information to an unsolicited caller.

Indiana residents are reminded to never give out personal information, including date of birth, Social Security number or bank/credit card numbers.

DISPATCHES

Road closures planned on 146th and Allisonville — Allisonville Road is closed to through traffic between 146th Street and Kensington Drive, and between 146th Street and Helmsley Court. The contractor will place detour markers as the closure approaches. Phase 2A traffic restrictions remain in effect for the ongoing road project. These

restrictions eliminate left turn movements from 146th Street onto Allisonville Road and reopen to two through lanes on eastbound and westbound 146th Street. Periodic lane closures may be necessary. Crews continue work on widening the westbound bridge over the White River, and work on the bridge foundations and substructure units.

Youth learn leadership skills for on and off the court

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

EMPOWERMENT

Indiana and basketball go hand in hand. But one nonprofit organization has taken that Hoosier love for hoops to the next level this month, mixing lessons on the court with life lessons on leadership and teamwork.

S.L.E.D. is an acronym for Saving Lives Every Day. The organization, which was formed in 2021 in Lawrence Township, assists those who are underserved, marginalized or recently released from incarceration.

S.L.E.D. focuses on empowerment; mental health and wellness; functional family therapy; substance use disorder; affordable housing, life skills development; and job training, as well as working with those they serve to create opportunities, reduce recidivism and eradicate inequities.

This month, the organization branched out into youth outreach, hosting From March Madness to Competitive Greatness at Com-

Participants at S.L.E.D.’s From March Madness to Competitive Greatness program spend the month of March working on basketball fundamentals while also learning about leadership and teamwork. (Photo by Marney Simon)

petitive Greatness basketball training facility in Carmel.

S.L.E.D. President Charleston L. Bowles said the program is a collaboration between S.L.E.D., Major Fundamentals youth development program and Competitive Greatness to create a four-week workshop to inspire and embolden youth leaders in a sports atmosphere — specifically basketball. Participants spend their Sundays in March performing basketball drills and receiving training, fol-

Continued on Page 9

COMMUNITY

Continued from Page 8

lowed by activities and discussions around the themes of teamwork, resilience, strategic thinking and goal setting. The sessions helped the participants learn to be successful both on and off the court.

“At S.L.E.D., we usually work with the adult population, but we thought it would be neat to have a youth program for the month of March,” Bowles said. “We talk about instilling leadership, empowerment and emboldening our young men through basketball. It’s been a great opportunity.”

Bowles said the program averages about 20 participants each week. Following some intense instruction on basketball fundamentals, the kids gather for a leadership workshop with different speakers each week.

Bowles said participants came from all across the Indianapolis area, including Carmel, Lawrence Township, Indianapolis and Avon, and also come from varying backgrounds.

“I think what’s most beneficial first and foremost is to have community leaders, community role models and parents to show that they care,” Bowles said. “I think that really drives home the message to all the young participants here. I think also they really love to see and hear the stories from the programming that we’re sharing with them.”

Bowles said presenters at the sessions are people who have been able to turn a bad situation around, and teach the youth the importance of how to make good decisions, how to think before they act and how to take off the mask that hides their frustrations and anxiety.

“At the end of the day, I think they most appreciate seeing people who care, seeing people who want to meet them where they are, seeing leaders and role models who want to give back to their well-being and development,” Bowles said.

Besides services, S.L.E.D. also operates Corey’s House, an upcoming sober-living facility in Lawrence Township. S.L.E.D. works with the City of Lawrence, the City of Indianapolis, the Salvation Army, and the Fort Ben YMCA on programming for those members who will stay at Corey’s House.

Learn more about S.L.E.D. and its initiatives at wesled4u.org.

Ceremony kicks off Community Center construction

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

A group of first-graders in kid-sized hardhats wielded mini shovels to help break ground at the site of the planned Fishers Community Center during a March 12 ceremony to kick off the construction phase of the $60 million, 105,000-square-foot project.

DEVELOPMENT

The students walked to the site from Hoosier Road Elementary School, across the road from where the center will be built on Hoosier Road near 121st Street. They and a group of grownups heard from a few speakers, including Fishers City Councilor Todd Zimmerman, Jeff Hagerman of the Hagerman Group, Mayor Scott Fadness and Art Johnson, who sold the 25-acre site to the city for that development.

can deal with a Johnson, he can deal with anything.”

Fishers Director of Recreation and Wellness Jake Reardon-McSoley invited the students and others at the groundbreaking to return in about 18 months for a grand-opening celebration.

For more about the Fishers Community Center at Johnson Farm, visit thisisfishers.com/ fishers-community-center-at-johnson-farm. EskenaziHealthFoundation.org

“The Johnson family is more than proud to yield this acreage to the City of Fishers,” he said. “And also, I think that the mayor of Fishers gets a lot of credit because if he

First-graders from Hoosier Road Elementary School helped City of Fishers officials break ground at the site of the Fishers Community Center during a ceremony March 12. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

ESKENAZI HEALTH FOUNDATION IS

Andretti Global reveals designs for new Fishers HQ

Andretti Global has released new site designs for its planned Fishers-based headquarters and confirmed that it is progressing toward a 2025 move from Indianapolis.

U.K-based design company Ridge continues to lead the project, according to a news release from Andretti Global. RATIO architects and Clark Construction have joined as new partners on the development of the 90acre site near 96th Street and Hague Road.

Ridge will continue to focus on project design and race shop programming, utilizing the company’s experience designing motorsport and sport facilities. RATIO is the architect of record for the project and Clark Construction has joined as the general contractor.

The development will have a phased approach, the announcement stated, with Phase 1 covering a little less than 400,000 square feet. The 2025 move-in date for

An aerial view shows a rendering of the new Andretti Global headquarters in Fishers. It is expected to open in 2025. (Rendering courtesy of Andretti Global)

Phase 1 will focus on bringing Andretti’s INDYCAR and INDY NXT operations under one roof alongside the operations of Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti’s IMSA programs.

The company broke ground on the $200 million project in December 2022.

“Since groundbreaking, we’ve taken time to really evaluate and dive deep into every aspect of the project,” stated Michael Andretti, chairman and CEO of Andretti Global.

For more, visit andretti-global.com.

DISPATCHES

FHS athlete named to All-Stars – Fishers High School senior Talia Harris was named March 11 as an Indiana Girls All-Star. The 5-8 Harris, who averaged 14.8 points, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Mercer University next season. FHS coach Lauren Votaw will serve as one of the two assistant coaches The Senior All-Stars will play against the Junior All-Stars June 5 in a boys and girls doubleheader at Kokomo. The senior All-Stars boys and girls doubleheaders against Kentucky All-Stars are set for June 7 at a Kentucky site to be determined and June 8 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

OneZone Honor Awards announced — OneZone Chamber recently announced its 2024 Honors Award recipients, honoring longstanding chamber members. According to

the chamber, the honorees will be celebrated throughout the year through social media, blogs, OneZone events and a display at the OneZone office. Recipients are: Hamilton Southeastern Schools, Delaware Township Trustee, Sunlake Apartments, Sunblest Apartments, Fishers YMCA, Don Hinds Ford, Hawthorns Golf & Country Club, Ivy Tech Community College, Ascension/St. Vincent, Conner Prairie, Carmel Clay Parks, Carmel Glass & Mirror, Hamilton County Tourism, S&M Painting & Drywall, Carmel Clay Public Library, Flanner Buchanan, Janus Developmental Services, Katz, Sapper & Miller, Duke Energy and Community Health Network.

Businesses urged to prepare for eclipse — Local businesses in central Indiana are uged to prepare for the total

solar eclipse on April 8. The celestial event will attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area, impacting businesses across the county. For businesses planning to close operations for the day, it is crucial to implement safeguards for parking lots, buildings and other spaces. With people expected to park, camp, and gather to witness the eclipse, security measures will be critical. Those choosing to stay open should to consider the influx in visitors, which could require more supplies, cause potential delivery delays and create a need for additional staffing. Businesses should also consider updating their operating hours on Google and secure appropriate eye protection for staff working outside during the eclipse. To learn more about the eclipse and its impact, visit VisitHamiltonCounty. com/Eclipse.

Vincent, our doctors have expertise in many types of breast cancer surgery. Every visit starts with a conversation so we can work closely with you on a personalized care plan and help connect the dots for your care. With a plan, comes hope. And our goal is to

ZCHS senior wrestler caps special prep athletic career

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Community High School senior wrestler Luke Penola had some special moments in his wrestling career.

“Luke is one of the best to ever wear a Zionsville singlet,” Eagles coach Doug Welch said. “He’s the fifth multiple-time state-place winner in the history of Zionsville wrestling.”

Penola, who finished his career with a 11323 record, had IHSAA state finals finishes of third in 2023 and seventh this year, both in the 190-pound weight class. He then capped it off by winning the Mental Attitude Award, given to a senior wrestler at the state finals.

“Luke’s exceptional leadership, sportsmanship and dedication to both athletics and the community make him truly deserving of this honor,” Penola said. “His commitment to excellence is inspirational, and we are incredibly proud to have him as part of our school.”

Penola was surprised when the Mental Attitude Award was announced.

MEET LUKE PENOLA

Favorite athlete: Zaire Franklin

Favorite movie: “The Dark Knight”

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite genre of music: Christian music

“Once we had got to the tournament and started wrestling, I forgot about the award, so when it was announced at the end, it definitely surprised me,” he said. “I didn’t have the finish I wanted for my wrestling on the mat, but that award was a very cool way to end my career.”

Penola added winning the Al Smith Invitational as another cool achievement.

“But I’d say a lot of the best times have been with my coaches and teammates in

practice, getting food together after a match, or at big tournaments like the Al Smith where we stay overnight,” Penola said.

Penola said a big improvement he has made, especially these last two years, has been with his mindset.

“Wrestling is obviously a very physical

sport, but the mental side is a huge part,” he said. “Working with my coaches, I’ve been able to wrestle much more confidently these past two years, trusting in my training and offseason work I’ve put in. When I’ve done that and focused just on wrestling hard, not on the result, I wrestled my best.”

Penola started wrestling at age 8 and began playing football at age 11. A three-year starter for the Eagles, he played inside and outside linebacker.

In the fall, he will play football at Hillsdale (Mich.) College, an NCAA Division II school.

“I prayed, talked to my family, talked to coaches and just felt that playing football was the best thing for me and would help me with my plans after college,” said Penola, who plans to major in math and minor in statistics. “I had a brother play at Hillsdale and have a sister (Lizzie) there right now, so I knew the school and program pretty well. I felt that it fit my values well, gave me a chance to compete at a high level in football and had great academics. Overall, I felt it was the best fit for me and gave me a chance to keep growing into who I want to be.”

His brother, Scotty, graduated from ZCHS in 2013 before playing at Hillsdale.

Zionsville Community High School senior Luke Penola wrestles against Evansville Mater Dei’s Caden Thacker. (Photo courtesy of Luke Penola)

Penola

BOOKS FOR COOKS

Indianapolis Public Library’s Lawrence Branch offers monthly club for those with culinary interests

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Part book club and part potluck, a group of cooking enthusiasts gathers monthly at the Indianapolis Public Library’s Lawrence Branch to share recipes and reviews of cookbooks available through IPL.

Librarian Kris Gould organizes the Culinary Book Club, which she started about half a dozen years ago when she worked at IPL’s North Branch.

“There were a lot of really nice cookbooks coming out that had a lot of pictures and they had stories that went along with them,” she said. “They weren’t just recipe books anymore — they were stories and sharing cultural information and all sorts of things, and I thought it’d be really fun to try a book club with those.”

She called the first iteration the Cookbook Book Club, and unlike a typical book club, members didn’t all read the same book, primarily because there aren’t enough copies to go around.

“With cookbooks, we don’t buy 25 copies of them — we buy maybe four or five,” she said. “So, I decided to do it in a theme. When I first started, it was more like dessert cookbooks or appetizer cookbooks, and then everyone would pick out a cookbook or two they wanted to try.”

While the stories and cultural information enhance a cookbook, the most important part is how well the recipes turn out. The only way to know for sure is to try them and, better yet, share the results with others. Participants were encouraged to make and bring a recipe from their chosen cookbooks, and to give a review of the book.

When Gould moved to the Lawrence Branch in June 2023 and started a similar program, her Cookbook Book Club became the Culinary Book Club because, Gould said, “Cookbook Book Club” is a mouthful.

“I started to sound like a chicken after a while,” she said, laughing.

The Lawrence Branch’s Culinary Book Club’s monthly Saturday meetings kicked off in the fall of 2023 with basic-cooking cookbooks. Other themes have been limited ingredients — five or fewer; cultural and ethnic cookbooks; and cookbooks from

(Below) A selection of recipes to taste that members brought to the March Culinary Book Club meeting included stuffed dates, lemonhazelnut cookies, quinoa salad and “power morning muffins.”

(Photo by Leila Kheiry)

different regions of the United States.

The March 9 meeting focused on cook-

books with healthy recipes. Gould used a power morning muffins recipe from “Cook

LAWRENCE’S TWO PUBLIC LIBRARIES

The Indianapolis Public Library’s Lawrence Branch is the original branch for the Lawrence area, and, librarian Kris Gould said, has been one of the busiest in the system for many years.

Last summer, after about 20 years of planning, the Fort Ben Branch opened, adding an option to residents in the Lawrence area.

Whether that will reduce demand at the Lawrence Branch is yet to be known, though. Gould said a few other

IPL branches temporarily closed while they move to new facilities or await extensive renovations. Patrons from those areas are coming to Lawrence and some of the other IPL branches in the meantime, so all the branches are busier than usual.

IPL Lawrence Branch is at 7898 Hague Rd., and the Fort Ben Branch is at 9330 E. 56th St.

For more about the Indianapolis Public Library, visit indypl.org.

Smart, Eat Well,” a Mayo Clinic publication. Other participants brought stuffed dates, lemon-hazelnut cookies, quinoa salad and biscotti from various cookbooks in the library’s collection.

Abby Rogers said she looks forward to the monthly club meeting, in part because she gets to interact with people she wouldn’t otherwise have met.

“(Also) it’s food that wouldn’t have tried otherwise,” she said. “You’re actually forced to — well, you’re not forced to cook something, but you’re encouraged to cook something instead of just flipping through the books.”

Emily Stuart said she appreciates hearing from others in the group about cookbooks she might not have known about. For example, one member previously brought community cookbooks for everyone to look at — collections of recipes submitted by members of, for example, a church.

Melanie Lannan said she always enjoyed looking at cookbooks, and — like Rogers — appreciates that the club gives her an incentive to try making a recipe from one of them.

In addition to talking about cookbooks and recipes, the group’s general discussion unsurprisingly focused on food — new restaurants to try, different places to buy unique ingredients and, with spring close at hand, gardening.

One more Culinary Book Club meeting is scheduled before the group takes a hiatus until fall. Gould said it’s good to take a breather, especially during the summer months when people are busy with vacations and other activities.

The April meeting will be somewhat less healthy, with the theme focusing on desserts. It is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. April 13 at the IPL Lawrence Branch, 7898 Hague Rd. Registration is encouraged, but dropins are welcome.

For more, visit attend.indypl.org/ event/10354273.

ON THE COVER: Emily Stuart is a regular member of the IPL Lawrence Branch’s Culinary Book Club. She brought a Thai quinoa salad to a recent meeting that focused on “healthy eating” cookbooks. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

(Above) Librarian Kris Gould organizes the monthly Culinary Book Club at the Indianapolis Public Library’s Lawrence Branch on Hague Road. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

Grants to help promote tourism

news@currentinfishers.com

Hamilton County Tourism has given $95,000 to more than 30 nonprofit organizations through its 2024 Tourism Gives grant program, which helps fund tourism-related organizations and events.

FUNDING

“We want to support those nonprofits that provide unique experiences for both residents and visitors,” Hamilton County Tourism President/CEO Brenda Myers stated in a recent announcement. “They are one of the many reasons why our community is such a great place to live and visit.”

Hamilton County Tourism launched its Tourism Gives program in 2006 and has provided more than $15 million in grants and special project support since it started. The county attracts about 6 million visitors a year, according to the announcement.

Recipients of the 2024 Tourism Gives grant program include:

• Fishers Arts Council

• Spark! Fishers

• Fishers Art Center

• Conner Prairie

• Hamilton County Parks

The annual Spark!Fishers festival is among the events that received grant funding from Hamilton County Tourism. (File

• Hamilton County Artist Association

• Heartland Film Festival

• Great American Songbook Foundation

• Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre

• Center for the Performing Arts

• Indiana Peony Festival

• Carmel Christkindlmarkt

• Carmel Arts & Design District/City of Carmel

• Noblesville Cultural Arts District

• The Nickel Plate District

• 4H Fair

• Carmel Jazz Fest

• SERVE Noblesville

For more about the grants program, email Assistant Director of Community Engagement Sarah Buckner at sbuckner@hamiltoncountytourism.com.

photo)

PUZZLE ANSWERS

$5M pledged to Fairbanks Recovery Center

news@geistcurrent.com

A $5 million donation will go toward improving access to residential substance-abuse treatment in central Indiana.

PHILANTHROPY

According to an announcement from Community Health Network Foundation, Julie Wood, on behalf of the Tom and Julie Wood Family Foundation, has pledged to donate $5 million over the next five years for Community Fairbanks Recovery Center’s Recovery Housing program, based in Lawrence Township.

Answers to HOOSIER

HODGEPODGE:

Cities: ALEXANDRIA, ANDERSON, ANGOLA, ATTICA, AUBURN, AVON; Tastes: BITTER, SALTY, SAVORY, SOUR, SWEET; Schools: FISH, HARD KNOCKS, ROCK, THOUGHT; Equipment: HURDLE, JAVELIN, SHOT PUT; Colors: BLUE, GOLD; Mayor: JOHN STEHR

“Through this gift, our family aims to give back to Indianapolis — our community — which has given us so much over the years,” Wood stated. “There are so many people that are affected by substance use disorder; it’s heartbreaking. I have experienced the heartache of a loved one with addiction — it affects the whole family and the whole community around that person. Our family hopes the financial support we provide to Community Fairbanks Recovery Center will ensure a lasting and meaningful impact on individuals with substance use

Julie Wood, with a portrait of the late Tom Wood, has pledged $5 million through the Tom and JuIie Wood Foundation to Community Fairbanks Recovery Center’s Recovery Housing program. (Photo courtesy of Community Health Network)

disorder and their loved ones.”

Community Fairbanks Recovery Center’s apartments provide a safe and sober environment for residents. According to the announcement, more than 250 individuals benefited from the Recovery Housing program in 2023, staying an average of 67 days. A public health study from 2013 for acute-care users — including people with

substance use disorders — shows that housing reduces emergency department and short-term detoxification use, and decreases hospitalizations and jail bookings, the announcement stated.

“An individual’s environment while receiving substance use disorder treatment can often determine the long-term success of their recovery,” stated Cathy Boggs, administrator and executive director of Community Fairbanks Recovery Center. “For some of our clients, returning home after primary treatment for substance use disorder is not always the best option. That’s where our Recovery Housing program can help, providing stability, fellowship with others in recovery and proximity to services so that sustained, long-term recovery is more possible and probable.”

The Carmel-based Tom and Julie Wood Family Foundation has provided previous gifts to Community Fairbanks Recovery Center. According to the announcement, from 2018 to 2023, the foundation gave $1.2 million to help clients in recovery with rent assistance.

For help with substance use disorders, call 800-225-HOPE.

Getting a jump on fitness

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I am obsessed with getting in 15,000 steps a day for my fitness regimen. I am not a health freak by any stretch of the imagination, although that stretch is one of the few I can do without hurting myself.

If I haven’t reached my goal by midnight, I often go down in our basement and trot around the rowing machine (which we never use) or dance around the recumbent bike, which is our most versatile coat rack, or dash around the ping-pong table, which has caused me real hip pain — not playing ping-pong, but crashing into the table when I round the corners at 2 a.m.

To get those final steps in each night, I occasionally even walk up and down the street for 10 minutes. Now, everyone in the neighborhood knows how obsessive I am. They also know the color of all my pajamas.

“You have to find a better way,” I kept telling myself. That’s also what several police officers told me after reports of streaking in the neighborhood. I don’t wear the pink jammies anymore.

What I did do was buy a mini trampoline. I had heard that bringing out your inner kangaroo could have some health benefits. And so, I ordered one.

The instructions said you need two people to complete the job. I enlisted my wife to assist and it’s a good thing I did. Mary Ellen convinced me to call our handyman, Kevin, to put the contraption together.

Kevin didn’t even need the directions. He grabbed his electric drill, popped on a few accessories and in 20 minutes I was ready to bounce like no one was watching. Well, almost …

My wife was still concerned about my safety. Springing forward is something I’m allowed to do only once a year … that would

“Now, everyone in the neighborhood knows how obsessive I am. They also know the color of all my pajamas.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

have been last week during the first Sunday morning of daylight saving time.

There were several safety warnings on the instructions. First, the manual said, “Don’t install the trampoline while out in bad weather. The frame of the trampoline can conduct lightning.” What a bummer! Now, I don’t have anything to do in my backyard during the next thunderstorm.

The directions also made clear that “some parts can loosen when using the trampoline.” I knew that right away when my shoulder and knee slipped out of their sockets after 100 bounces.

One night, I watched Stephen Colbert’s late-night show on CBS while I did some in-place jogging. Trust me, laughing and bouncing at the same time is not a good combination.

Finally, the instructions said that if you don’t plan to use the machine for an extended period, store the device by “removing all the parts in reverse order.” My handyman, Kevin, loved that part.

Now, he has steady employment for the rest of my life.

Newfields exhibit celebrates Dali’s work and life

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Surrealism has taken over the fourth floor of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, with a new multisensory, immersive exhibit celebrating all things Dali, including four paintings that have been in storage for decades.

MUSIC

The LUME Indianapolis featuring “Dali Alive” opened in early March and runs through spring 2025. The exhibit’s floorto-ceiling projectors with moving images from Salvador Dali’s life and artwork, accompanied by music and a piped-in scent, provide an all-encompassing experience for people walking through the main 30,000-square-foot space.

Jonathan Berger, vice president of marketing and external affairs, was on hand for a recent media preview of the exhibit. He said the exhibit shows the evolution of Dali’s artwork, from earlier pieces that are more impressionist than surreal to his better-known work featuring melting clocks and elephants with long, stick-thin legs.

“It kind of tells the story of, OK, this is how we started — kind of a traditional artist — and then evolved into these dreamscapes and, really — in the literal sense of the word — fantastic images,” he said.

The exhibit includes four original watercolors by Dali — who usually worked in oils — that have never been publicly displayed before now. The paintings were created when Dali was commissioned to design the set of the 1961-1962 production of the opera “The Spanish Lady and the Roman Cavalier.”

Berger said it was exciting when the paintings were brought out for the exhibit, and he’s happy the public will have a chance to see them up close before they go back into storage to preserve their easily faded watercolor paint.

“Any time out in any light, no matter how UV-protected it is, it’s always a risk (with watercolors),” he said. “They’ll go back in dark storage and rest for several years. That’s another exciting part about this is that they’re out — let’s drink it in

while we still can.”

In addition to drinking in Dali’s surrealism, exhibit visitors can create some of their own. Through an interactive art-generating artificial-intelligence program, visitors choose colors, subjects and descriptions they want for their Dali-esque image, and the program uses those prompts to create a unique image. Visitors can have the image emailed to them, to keep and/or

share on social media. There also are Dali selfie stations to take photos surrounded by melting clocks and other iconic Dali imagery.

The LUME cafe and bar also are part of the immersive experience, and were remodeled to accompany the surrealist theme of the exhibit.

The cafe offers a menu of Spanish cheese, olives and other snacks in honor of Dali’s Spanish heritage, as well as specialty cocktails. Bartender Caleb Gwin made what he called the Canvasnova — an updated version of the Casanova, a cocktail featured in a cookbook Dali published.

“It’s an herbal, bittery, fiery little blend,” Gwin said of the orange-hued drink. “We’ve got a nice brandy; we’ve got fresh ginger, fresh orange juice, as well as a pair of herbal liqueurs … and then we have a little sprinkling of cayenne pepper. It’s herbalicious; it’s temperamental — really unique and complex.”

Kind of like Dali.

For more about the exhibit, visit discovernewfields.org.

‘BEAUTIFUL”

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

‘DRIVING MISS DAISY’

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

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Don Farrell’s Frank Sinatra tribute is set for 7:30 p.m. March 20, followed by the Bobby Clark Band March 21; “Deceptions: An Evening of Magic and Lies” March 22; and Will Hoge March 23 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, feinsteinshc.com

‘THE MÉLANGE SERIES’

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents “The Mélange Series,” a series of performances of art, dance and music, at 5 and 7:30 p.m. March 23 and 3 p.m. March 24 at The Florence, 329 Gradle Dr., Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

‘THROUGH THE PULSE OF MEMORY’

Indianapolis-based choreographer Amanda Browning presents “Through the Pulse of Memory,” a contemporary modern dance at 7:30 p.m. March 23 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘JAZZTALK’

“JazzTalk: A Conversation with Sammy Miller” is set for 7 p.m. March 25 for a virtual presentation. For free registration, visit thecenterpresents.org. Sammy Miller and the Congregation will perform at the Palladium in Carmel April 19.

DISPATCH

Select Sound, Whiffenpoofs in concert

— Carmel High School’s Select Sound a cappella group will perform at Newfields at 7:30 p.m. March 20 as the opening performer for the Yale Whiffenpoofs. Tickets are available for the public at discovernewfields.org/ calendar/yale-whiffenpoofs-concert.

Jonathan Berger, vice president of marketing and external affairs for the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, leads a media tour of the new immersive exhibit “Dali Alive.”

A woman takes a photo during the “Dali Alive” exhibit at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)

GHDT debuts unique new series

By Mark Ambrogi  mark@youarecurrent.com

“The Mélange Series” is something Gregory Hancock had envisioned for some time.

PERFORMANCES

“The establishment of The Florence allows us more and new opportunities to present intimate and more experimental work,” said Hancock, executive artistic director of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre. “I have wanted to present spontaneous art with collaborations from a variety of artists for some time. This series will explore how art is created spontaneously in real time through the interactions of one musician, one dancer and one visual artist. We hope to present ‘The Mélange Series’ annually, but it is a series, so we have more scheduled throughout 2024 that will each feature different dancers and visual artists, as well as musicians from many different genres.”

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will present “The Mélange Series,” a series of performances of art, dance and music, at 5 and 7:30 p.m. March 23 and 3 p.m. March 24 at The Florence, 329 Gradle Dr., Carmel. Mélange is defined as a mixture or combination. The Florence opened in early 2023 as the black box theater inside the studio.

“There is no rehearsal between the three artists prior to the performance,” Hancock said. “The musician has prepared and selected music, but the dancer or visual artist does not know what it will be. Each performance will be unique. The music is the only thing that will remain consistent, but perhaps even in a different order with each performance. The dancer and visual artist will also create something unique with each performance.”

The performers are vocalist Katie Schuman, GHDT company dancer Camden Lancaster and painter Mirvia Sol Eckert.

“I’ve never seen or performed in a show like this before,” Schuman said. “As a vocalist, I’m frequently around a lot of other singers and actors, but the chances to collaborate with other types of artists are fewer and farther between. But art is about the human experience. As human beings, we all experience love, joy, loss, doubt, regret and so many other things that we can express through art. While the specific art discipline is different for each

of us in this show, we each tell the same story from our own unique perspective.

“The audience gets to experience three distinct art forms capturing the same moments, each adding flavor to the combined experience.”

Schuman, a Bloomington resident, said most of the music is musical theater or Broadway style.

“I chose the music based on a theme, so the styles themselves are somewhat varied within the broader genre,” she said. “I was interested in telling a story about personal reflection, doubt and growth, so these songs reflect that story rather than one musical style within the musical theatre repertoire.”

Lancaster, a Fishers resident, said it can be challenging to create dance in real time.

“The nice thing about dance improvisation is, this is a time to find new ways to create movement,” Lancaster said. “If something doesn’t work out with one of the movements how you thought it would, you now have created a transition out of a

movement that is new to you. This allows me to continue to keep my personal choreography, movement and improvisation evolving. So as challenging and vulnerable as improvisation can be, it is also a beautiful way to keep growing in my artistry. Because every time I improv, I am learning and creating something new.”

The concept is new to Eckert, an Indianapolis resident.

“I have done things like plein air but never on stage in front of an audience,” she said “The presence of an audience or anyone observing while you’re creating can absolutely make you feel pressured and self-conscious. Creating is a personal and introspective process. In my studio, no one is there but me. Most visual artists are solitary creatures while creating, and that’s what most of us love about it. ‘The Mélange’ will definitely take me out of my comfort zone, but I am always up for a challenge.”

For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

Schuman

Lancaster

Eckert

Blueprint for Improvement: Contemporary Indy Kitchen

Commentary by Larry Greene

From dark and dated to stylish and sleek, the kitchen in this Normandy Farms subdivision home hadn’t been updated since it was built in 1989. The new owners wanted a more open space to amp up the room’s functionality and improve the overall aesthetic.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Bright white custom cabinets add light to the space, while indigo shades on the island and backsplash provide a touch of depth and modern style.

• A wall dividing the kitchen and dining room was removed, opening the space and improving the room’s flow and function.

• The original bar-height island that interrupted the line of sight was replaced with a counter-height island, making entertaining and serving a breeze.

• Honey-bronze finishes and wood shelving bring warmth and classic style with a pristine modern touch.

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.

After

Before

ASSISTED LIVING • REHABILITATION • LONG TERM CARE • MEMORY SUPPORT

Laugh and the world with you!

DON’T BE PUZZLED ABOUT SENIOR LIVING OPTIONS. WE HAVE THE RESOURCES TO ASSIST, CALL TODAY!

HamiltonTrace.us 317-813-4444

Across

1. German car

5. Maladies

9. Some Skatepark gear

13. Marching Eagles instrument

14. Sit heavily

15. Computer command

16. Messy person

17. Colts shutout, on the scoreboard

18. Caustic solutions

19. ECHL team that will play in the Fishers Event Center

22. Stallone role

25. Westfield HS prom partner

26. “Groovy!”

29. Willow trees

31. Nary a soul

33. Photo ___ (media events)

34. Biblical peak

38. Fiber source

39. Indoor Football League team that will play in the Event Center

42. The “E” in HOMES

43. County seat of Washington County

44. Snakelike fish

45. Stopwatch button

47. Lenient sort

49. Air leak sound

50. Carmel HS choir voice

54. ___ John’s (sandwich shop)

55. Pro Volleyball Federation team that will play in the Fishers Event Center

58. Pet food brand

60. Timbuktu’s land

61. Tizzy

64. Seized vehicle

65. Nursery school, for short

66. Butler frat letter

67. Abel’s brother

68. Rabbit’s kin

69. Crash investigating org. Down

1. Current revenue source

2. E-address

3. Twosome

4. Have some booze

5. Apple music player

6. Frank ___ Wright

7. Shower sponge

8. Teapot part

9. Word on a door

10. Whichever

11. HST follower

12. “Mayday!”

20. Oslo people

21. James Whitcomb

Riley’s “dusk”

22. Top workers on a construction crew?

23. Has high hopes

24. Flow of rivers: White to Wabash to Ohio to ___

26. Alaska state flower

27. Disneyland locale

28. Albers Motorcars luxury brand

30. Knights’ titles

32. Japanese sash

35. CIA kin

36. ___-CIO

37. Angers

40. “___ Haw”

41. Texting pictogram

46. Tiny bit

48. Meshes with the group

51. Kind of node or gland

52. Miss Indiana crown

53. Lustful looker

56. High time?

6 Indiana “A” Cities

4 School of ___

3 Track & Field Equipment

5 Tastes

2 Indiana Flag Colors

1 Zionsville Mayor

57. Purdue sports shoe sponsor

58. Circle part

59. Meadow

62. “___ showtime!”

63. Bar Louie bill

Answers on Page 16

$16-24/hour

Health insurance and 401K with employer matching offered

Landscape foreman/crew

An opportunity to work with a great company that understands the worth of a hard day’s work.

Call

(317) 843-0100

4317 East 146th Street Carmel, Indiana 46033

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full

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

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024

CARMEL FISHERS

NOBLESVILLE WESTFIELD NORTHERNTOWNS

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

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

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

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

VisitHamiltonCounty.com/Eclipse