March 5, 2024 — Westfield

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Northpoint II proposal returns to council

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

DEVELOPMENT

Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said plans to develop NorthPoint II are back on track. The proposed 180acre NorthPoint II commercial/industrial development north of Ind. 38 and east of Anthony Road is being developed by Holladay Construction Group development. The project was shelved by the city council in 2022 after an unfavorable recommendation from the Westfield Advisory Plan Commission.

But following his election to the mayor’s seat last year, Willis said plans to revive the development were on the horizon.

In November 2023, approximately 40 neighbors of the NorthPoint II development area attended a meeting with Willis. Although Willis used the meeting to express the city’s interest in taking advantage of future development along Ind. 38, residents in the area were frustrated at the idea of the encroaching commercial space.

Since then, Willis said the city has continued to work with local landowners to address their concerns while still moving the project forward.

“This is a second, third, fourth attempt at getting this project off the ground,” Willis told the Westfield City Council Feb. 12 during the introduction of the PUD and unified development ordinance. “We had a town hall meeting with residents in the area to try to get engagement going around this.”

Willis recognized that not all the residents in proximity to the project were in favor of it.

“I do believe this is a very important location for our city around commercial development. I’m happy they were willing to meet with us and try to find a compromise,” said Willis, adding that residents have created a

task force and brought to the city at least one dozen items that they would like to see changed or addressed in the agreement.

Still, Willis is confident the project will move ahead.

“I feel we’ve set a tone and a standard of future development that I would like to emulate in other areas that may be a bit more difficult to develop in our community,” Willis said. “I’m very encouraged by how this went. The residents have been magnificent. They’re not excited about it, but they’ve been magnificent in working with us and giving us fair requests and it’s going to make it a better project.”

Willis also asked the city council not to pick the project apart while the process is underway, because it has taken a lot of work to get to this point, with a lot of work left to be done.

Per the zoning summary presented to councilmembers in February, NorthPoint is proposing to expand the Commerce Park uses of the NorthPoint Project to meet the continued demand of users in the Westfield market. City officials noted that market de-

Opinions

The

mand means there are large scale — but as of yet unknown publicly — projects seeking Westfield as their base for operations.

The city’s development team noted that the expansion of the Northpoint planned unit development to the north side of Ind. 38 is the logical and reasonable next step for the process. The 300-acre Phase 1 of NorthPoint development was completed between 2019 and 2022. The additional 180 acres of land were added to the development with the anticipation of Phase 2 development in 2020.

Per the zoning summary, a proposed buffer to the existing single-family development on Anthony Road, an area designated as “Preservation Area,” has been built into the ordinance. That area would consist of 10 acres earmarked as a common area with no active development and would include plantings of hardwood saplings.

The timeline for the PUD includes an APC workshop April 15.

APC recommendation is anticipated in May, with final adoption currently anticipated for May 13.

DISPATCH

“Clue” on stage – The Westfield High School performance of “Clue” hits the stage at WHS March 21-23. There are four performances scheduled: March 21 at 7 p.m.; March 22 at 7 p.m.; March 23 at 2 p.m.;

and March 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. Proceeds from ticket sales support the performing arts at WHS. For advance tickets, go to whs. wws.k12.in.us/students/performing-arts.

The NorthPoint II planned unit development and unified development ordinance has been revived in Westfield. If approved, the commercial/industrial development will sit on 180-acres of land north of Ind. 38 and east of Anthony Road. (Image courtesy of the City of Westfield)

Willis vows public safety improvement for Westfield

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

GOVERNMENT

From the start of his campaign, Mayor Scott Willis planned for progress in Westfield. Almost two months into his administration, he said those plans are starting to take shape, beginning with public safety.

On Feb. 22, Willis addressed about 240 constituents at the Westfield Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, held at the Prairie Waters Event Center.

Willis talked about the four pillars of his plan for advancing Westfield – public safety excellence, transparency and accountability, quality growth and livability and empowerment and improvement.

With regard to public safety, Willis said there is a crucial need for the city to invest in infrastructure and technology, especially for the Westfield Police Department.

Willis said he plans on updating the city’s strategic plan with the intention of investing wisely.

“I don’t think people moved to Westfield with the expectation that we weren’t going to create something special here,” he said. “We are sitting on a mound of cash right now, to the point that it’s almost an unhealthy amount. We’re going to be thoughtful on how we move forward, but we’re going to start investing more in our community. It starts with public safety.”

Willis said the Westfield Police Station is in bad architectural shape and is being redesigned to have a safe and adequate place for WPD officers and staff.

Willis said in addition to updating structures and technology, city staff is working

to identify personnel needs, including a focus on mental well-being. He said even though Westfield is a safe community, first responders are still heavily affected by things they see every day, including tragedies that don’t necessarily make headlines.

“We’re lucky that they don’t experience the things that the police department in Indianapolis or Terre Haute or Kokomo might experience,” Willis said. “But still there are a lot of things that happen in our community that impact the mental well-being of our public safety officials. When you get that call and you show up in that environment, you never forget it. We owe it to these folks who put their lives on the line every single day for us. We owe them the best when it comes to their mental health.”

The WPD has a wellness program available to its 75-member department. Services include fitness, peer support, critical incident stress management and three chaplains.

For more, visit the public safety tab at westfield.in.gov.

Westfield Mayor Scott Willis addressed about 240 constituents during a luncheon hosted by the Westfield Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 22 at the Prairie Waters Events Center. Willis told those gathered that his administration plans to invest in the city, starting with public safety.

(Photo by Marney Simon)

Heflin named Teacher of the Year

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RECOGNITION

Westfield High School culinary instructor chef Nikki Heflin was named National Teacher of the Year by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Heflin is an educator with the WHS culinary program, part of the high school’s family and consumer sciences department. Students in the culinary pathway have a chance to grow their skills through intense training, including earning certifications to enter the culinary and hospitality workforce.

The culinary department was founded 10 years ago with Heflin the only instructor and only two course options. Heflin was later joined by her teaching partner, chef Bryan Ferreria, and the pair developed the program to include 10 elective courses taught by four educators.

Heflin also sponsors the WHS FCCLA ProStart Culinary Team, Foodies Rock, which enters competitions and caters events.

The National Teacher of the Year recognition is a testament to her unwavering

dedication, passion, and outstanding contributions to the field of Family and Consumer Sciences, school officials said.

Heflin will be honored at the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences national conference in Minneapolis in June.

For Foodies Rock catering information, connect with Heflin by email at whsfoodiesrock@wws.k12.in.us, or call 317-701-4440.

Nikki Heflin, culinary educator at Westfield High School, is the National Teacher of the Year for the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Heflin, center, front, pictured with her students, teaches culinary and cooking classes at WHS, and is one of the sponsors of the FCCLA Foodies Rock culinary club. (Photo courtesy of Westfield High School)

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

Pay increase for off duty officers – Westfield Washington Schools Board of School Trustees approved a pay increase for officers of the Westfield Police Department who assist the district with traffic control. The rate, which was approved during the board’s regular monthly meeting on Feb. 13, will increase by $10 from $55 to $65 per hour. The district is also looking into the potential to train district employees to conduct traffic control at those schools with lower traffic volumes, in an effort to save some dollars.

Parks & Rec appointee – On Feb. 13, the Westfield Washington Schools Board of School Trustees approved the appointment of Mike Hall, director of operations at Westfield Washington Schools, to the Westfield Parks & Recreation Board. The Westfield City Council unanimously approved the creation of the new department during its Jan. 29 meeting, as well as a board to oversee the department. The Parks & Recreation Board will be made up of four members appointed by the mayor, as well as an ex-officio member appointed by the school district, the seat Hall will fill. The board’s duties will include performing all acts necessary to acquire and develop sites and facilities, and to conduct such programs as are generally understood to be park and recreation functions.

Hometown Hero Program – Lawn care services to deployed service member’s families through the city of Westfield’s Hometown Heroes Program is now administered by H & N Outdoor Services. The Hometown Hero Program was established in 2021 to care for those who put their lives on the line for the community. To qualify for the program, the family must live in Westfield and identify as city public safety personnel on a service-related disability or immediate family of military personnel serving in a branch of Armed Forces and currently deployed out of state. The Westfield Board of Public Works and Safety manages the program. Submit a Hometown Hero request at https://weconnect.westfield.in.gov/hometown_hero/.

Submit questions for GOP debate – Current Publishing will present a debate between the Republican gubernatorial candidates for Indiana governor from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 11 at the Palladium, 1 Carter Green in Carmel. Current readers may submit questions or issues to be considered for the debate by emailing Ann Marie Shambaugh, Current Publishing senior editor and debate moderator, at annmarie@youarecurrent.com.

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Prepping for the eclipse

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PRESENTATION

As the April 8 eclipse approaches, plans are firming up to make sure the public has all the tools and information they need to enjoy being in the path of totality.

Grand Universe will host a 45-minute multimedia presentation titled “Totality –Standing in the Shadow of the Moon” at 7 p.m. March 14 at the Bridgewater Club, 161st St. and Carey Rd., sponsored by the Rotary Club of Westfield.

The free presentation will include music and NASA animations that will explore the Great North American eclipse and how it will be viewed in Indiana.

According to Grand Universe, the eclipse is expected to become the most widely observed astronomical occurrence of the century and a monumental tourist attraction for the state.

During the eclipse — the first total eclipse over Indiana since the year 1205 — the sun’s corona will unveil itself for 3 1/2 minutes.

Grand Universe president and CEO Greg

McCauley will lead the presentation. Reservations are not required but seating will be limited.

Meanwhile, the City of Westfield announced some changes to its plans for the April 8 eclipse celebration in Grand Park.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Grand Park Sports Campus and will include food trucks, a concert by the 1985 Band and inflatables. Grand Universe will have viewing telescopes on-site to educate attendees about the solar eclipse and its history. Special guest Mark SubbaRao, director of NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, will also be on-site.

Tickets are available for pre-purchase only at the newly reduced price of $25 per standard-sized vehicle and $100 for overnight RV and camper parking.

Eclipse viewing glasses are included in the admission price.

Community members not attending can still pick up free eclipse viewing glasses at various locations throughout Westfield beginning in early March.

For more, visit westfieldwelcome.com/ solar-eclipse.

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Council approves abatements

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

TAX ABATEMENT

The Westfield City Council approved tax abatements for two companies set to construct new commercial buildings. However, at least one councilmember said he would like to see more thought put into the city’s consideration of abatement plans.

that we look at abatement schedules that are not reduced by 10 percent a year, and we look at abatements that can be from one to 10 years, not just a standard 10year abatement that has been used in the past,” Dartt said.

By state statute, the City of Westfield can allow a property tax abatement — a property tax deduction from the assessed valuation — for construction of a new structure or a rehabilitation of property in an Economic Revitalization Area. That abatement can last between one and 10 years.

Although the city council approved two identical 10-year abatement schedules for two businesses Feb. 12, Councilmember Jon Dartt said he’d like to see the city make sure abatements are appropriate for the applying businesses individually, rather than just follow a standard plan.

“I’m suggesting as we move forward

The abatements granted Feb. 12 were both 10-year schedules with 100 percent abatement for the first year, reduced by 10 percent each year thereafter.

The recipients are JBD Holding, LLC, operating as Duramark Technologies and Southside Park, LLC.

Duramark is a label printing company that produces branding, safety and instruction labels, metal plants, reflective labels and smart labels for industries including agriculture, construction, transportation, automotive, marine and health care.

Dartt noted that the abatement passed for Isotopia in January was also a 10-year schedule, but the year-by-year reduction in the abatement was customized.

The council approved both abatement plans by a 6-1 vote, with Dart voting no to each.

Dartt

Events Center planning progresses

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

EDUCATION

With only three months until the new Westfield Washington Public Library is set to open, Westfield Washington Schools officials are preparing to take over the soon-to-be-empty building at 333 W. Hoover St.

In February, the WWS Board of School Trustees unanimously approved a measure to appoint the firm Meyer Najem of Fishers as construction manager for the WWS Events Center that will open at the site.

“This is really the remodel of what is currently the Westfield Library,” said Brian Tomamichel, WWS’ assistant superintendent for business and operations. “They are looking for an aggressive timeline, to have it ready for the 2025-26 school year.”

Tomamichel said the district’s transportation bids came in about $2 million under budget, which means there is now some financial wiggle room in the operations budget for projects, including the new events center.

The events center project will include renovating the 27,300-square-foot building,

as well as an addition of approximately 9,700 square feet.

The building is between the Westfield middle and high schools, and the intent of the renovation is to serve the school system by providing a large event programming space, a culinary arts space and educational space for 18- to 22-year-old students in life skills programming.

Large events with seating for 250 will take place in the planned addition on the north end, while the culinary arts and life skills programs will be in the renovated building to the south.

The original building was constructed in 1983, with renovations and additions in 1994 and again in 2014.

The project is estimated at $15 million for both hard and soft costs.

The estimated timeline includes bidding in May, construction to begin by July, and a move-in date of June 2025, prior to the start of the 2025 school year.

When complete, the space will be a home for Shamrock Connections, Foodies Rock and the Rock Shop.

For more, visit wws.k12.in.us/about-us/ destination-westfield.

ZCHS senior swimmer caps career with state titles, award

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Community High School senior Walker Mattice knew the boys swimming team had to make strides.

“At the beginning of the season, our expectations weren’t that high with as many good guys as we had graduated,” Mattice said.

“Throughout the season, we proved ourselves, and then to be able to place as high at the end of the season is so nice. It shows the guys behind me are going to step up and continue to improve, and they’re going to be at the top level the next couple of years, too.”

After finishing second in both events in 2023, Mattice won the 200-yard freestyle in 1 minute, 36.86 seconds, and the 100 freestyle in 44.26 seconds at the IHSAA boys swimming and diving state finals Feb. 24 at the Indiana University Natatorium at IUPUI. Mattice’s two victories helped the Eagles place fourth in the team standings.

“Winning an individual event is a whole

MEET WALKER MATTICE

Favorite athlete: Giannis

Antetokounmpo

Favorite movie: “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith”

Favorite subject: Physics

College major plans: Electrical engineering

other level of what it means to me and everyone around me,” Mattice said.

Then it was capped off by Mattice winning the Mental Attitude Award for boys swimming.

“That was so special. It just made everything pay off from swimming and school and everything the last four years,” Mattice said.

Eagles coach Scott Kubly said Mattice defi-

nitely deserved the honor.

“He’s a great kid,” Kubly said. “He’s a leader of the team both in and out of the pool. He’s a good student and does all the right things.”

Mattice did all the right things in the state finals.

“He was definitely dominating in the 200 freestyle and had to work to get the win in the 100 free, but that was a fun race,” Kubly said.

Mattice also was a member of the Eagles’ third-place 200 freestyle relay team and fifth-place 400 free relay.

“Our goal was to get top five and we did it,” Kubly said.

Mattice was part of the state record-setting 200 freestyle team with 2023 graduates Will Modglin, Gabe Berry and Will Raches.

In November 2022, Mattice committed to Purdue University.

“I decided on Purdue for not only the incredible team atmosphere and team that they have, but also for the amazing education that Purdue offers as I am majoring in electrical engineering,” said Mattice, who has a 4.57 weighted GPA.

ZCHS swimmer Walker Mattice competes in the state finals. (Photo courtesy of Peter H. Bick Photography/Swimming World)

Mattice

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Reduction in costs for NHC Academy

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

A change regarding funding for Westfield High School students who need alternative education is expected to save the school district some money.

EDUCATION

On Feb. 13, the Westfield Washington Schools Board of School Trustees approved a memorandum of understanding with the Northern Hamilton County Academy regarding the cost for students to use the service.

Funding per student had been anticipated to cost $40,000, the same as annual state revenue per child. But, through the addition of grants and county funding, the cost has been reduced to $14,000 per student. The MOU addresses the reduction in costs.

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“The academy is a partnership of Hamilton Heights, Sheridan and Westfield high schools,” said John Atha, assistant superintendent for WWS. “It’s an alternative school, so students who have not been as successful in the traditional school setting have an opportunity to go into a smaller setting, fewer hours per day. They still earn credits but structure the day differently. It might be short term and they might return to us for the rest of high school. It might be that they made a poor choice, and they might need to be isolated but still have an opportunity to earn credits. Or it might be that they just want a different setting.”

Atha said the academy can be a shortterm assignment, which allows students to stay on track. Currently, only about a dozen students from all three high schools are enrolled.

The academy is in the second semester of its inaugural year.

(Image courtesy of Westfield Washington Schools)

PULL UP A CHAIR

Unique nonprofit digitally preserves veterans’ stories in custom furniture

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Preserving stories of U.S. military veterans has become a labor of love for Westfield resident Roy Adams.

After serving 20 years in the U.S. Army, including a deployment to Iraq, Adams, 52, retired from the service as a lieutenant colonel in 2013. He worked in several different private sectors as part of his post-military career, including serving as executive director for a school district in Omaha, Neb., for four years and as a private consultant before using his GI Bill to attend woodworking school.

“After I finished there, I moved to Indiana and started making furniture,” said Adams, who opened a custom furniture shop after he moved.

But Adams never forgot the stories that meant so much to him in the service. Soon after arriving in Westfield in 2020, he found a way to connect his love of building furniture with his honor and respect for his fellow veterans. He started the nonprofit Chairs of Honor organization in 2022, which creates custom furniture for veterans with a twist — the ability to carry those service members’ stories with the pieces themselves.

“When we were deployed in Iraq, we had a porch and we had rocking chairs that were made by local Iraqis that we would sit in every night and smoke our cigar (or) pipe and try to decompress,” Adams said. “That’s how we tried to maintain our sanity amongst the stresses of combat.”

Adams said he was contacted by his former battalion commander, who asked him to build a rocking chair. But during a two-hour phone conversation about the project, Adams realized that the stories they shared in Iraq were getting lost.

“How are we going to remember these stories?” he said. “We just tell them to each other. We don’t tell them to anybody else. That was the seed of the idea, and I started thinking about how I could honor veterans and their service. Then through reflection time I decided that I wanted to build something that would honor veterans individually and give them the opportunity to tell their stories. So, this whole idea of a chair — that is my favorite piece of furniture to build — came about.”

Adams saw a news report about Holocaust victims who were interviewed and had their stories preserved digitally, which inspired him to consider incorporating an interview process into the effort to make chairs for veterans, to record those interviews of veterans sharing their stories then attaching that to the chair with a digital marker. Currently, that means a QR code on a plate that is attached to the chair. When the code is scanned, it connects to the veteran’s interview on the Chairs of Honor website.

“The mission of the nonprofit is really two-fold: I want to preserve honor and preserve craft,” Adams said. “We do that through capturing the stories of service, and by giving them handcrafted heirloom-quality chairs.”

Including himself, Adams has five woodworkers who make the chairs. They are based in five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Colorado and Minnesota. He said the only criteria for the chairs is that the recipient is a veteran. Each chair costs roughly $400 to make, which can be funded through donations or can be funded by the person who nominates the veteran.

“I want to be about preserving the honor of the service,” Adams said. “I believe everybody has a story to tell. Whether you were in combat or not, you served your country and you have a story to tell. People deserve to know it, and more importantly, your family does. We tend to not

tell our families about our service until late in life and we may forget.”

Adams is looking to grow the nonprofit by expanding programs for veterans, including providing workshops so veterans can learn woodworking skills. He’s been working on grant applications for the $20,000 needed to start that effort but is also grateful for donations and other funding.

ON THE COVER: Westfield resident Roy Adams works in his shop to create chairs for military veterans for his nonprofit organization, Chairs of Honor. (Photo courtesy Roy Adams/ Chairs of Honor)

CHAIRS OF HONOR

WHAT IT IS: Chairs of Honor is a nonprofit organization that constructs chairs with digital technology that captures the stories of the veterans who use them. When the chair is presented to the veteran, a sit-down interview of the veteran telling their story is recorded. The story is then linked to the chair using a unique digital footprint, forever preserving the story to that chair.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Chairs of Honor seeks tax deductible financial support to help purchase materials and cover costs to build chairs for veterans. To nominate a veteran to receive a chair, or to make donations, visit www.chairsofhonor.com.

Roy Adams of Westfield began a nonprofit organization, Chairs of Honor, in 2022 to create handcrafted chairs for veterans that include recordings of their stories of service. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Lions Club)

Chairs of Honor creates heirloom-quality custom chairs for veterans. In the process, those veterans are interviewed to tell their stories of their service, and a link to that interview is attached to the chair via a QR code. (Photo courtesy of Justin Sicking Photography/Chairs of Honor)

Kingston takes on iconic role of ‘Miss Daisy’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Ellen Kingston figured every middle-age actress in the area would audition for the title role of “Driving Miss Daisy.” Instead, only two other women auditioned at the same time. She figured more people came to the second audition and she didn’t get it. But she eventually got the offer she wanted.

Civic Theatre will present “Driving Miss Daisy” March 15 to 30 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“When I get a show even in community theater, (when) I’m not getting paid, I’m going to work just as hard as IRT or Beef & Boards when I’m getting paid because I’m so honored to have the role,” Kingston said. “I’m happy to have a role that is (in) my wheelhouse.”

The 68-year-old Carmel resident said it helped that she had memorized her lines before the audition, which impressed Civic Theatre Executive Artistic Director Michael Lasley, who is directing the show.

Kingston has only seen the film version with Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, and the Australian stage version with Angela Lansbury in the Miss Daisy role and James Earl Jones as Hoke.

“It’s weird to see a Southern accent from Angela Lansbury,” Kingston said. “You think of James Earl Jones as so dignified, but he was amazing as Hoke. It was a small theater in Australia, and no one was on mics, so everyone yelled all their lines, which was awful.”

As Miss Daisy, Kingston seldom leaves the stage.

“There are two little scenes where I go off the stage for 40 seconds,” Kingston said. “There is no intermission. She wears the same dress the whole show with hats, gloves and a bathrobe at one point, but there’s no time to change. There’s a lot of lines.”

Kingston retired as director of creative events from the Center for The Performing Arts in February 2023. She does freelance projects for her own company called Ideal Talent.

Despite many years in community theater in central Indiana, Lasley has not previously directed Kingston.

“We have worked in proximity to each other before but I’m very much looking forward to the opportunity to direct her in this classic piece of American theater,” Lasley said. “Similarly, I have worked with Antione Demmings, who played Hoke on a number of occasions at Civic, but this will be the first time I have been the director.

I have had the pleasure of directing David Wood, who is portraying Daisy’s son, Boolie, a number of times as well as working with him in other capacities. All in all, I am very excited to work with all three of these accomplished performers to bring this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama to the stage.”

Lasley said “Driving Miss Daisy’ is a

terrific fit for the Studio Theater, and the three-person cast is the smallest cast since the initial Civic production in that theater.

“While the space is sort of automatically intimate by its nature, the chance to tell this very intimate story about family and friendship in this warm and open space is a real gift,” Lasley said.

Kingston suggested she and Demmings and Wood, both Indianapolis residents, meet before rehearsals started.

“We sat for two hours and talked and laughed and got to know each other, because I think it’s essential for that kind of a small cast,” Kingston said. “We just went into rehearsals feeling like friends.”

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘BEAUTIFUL”

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

‘VIOLET’

Carmel Community Players’ production of “Violet,” a musical, runs through March 10 at the Switch Theatre, 10029 E. 126th St., Suite D, Fishers. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘AN EVENING WITH CARRIE NEWCOMER’

Carrie Newcomer and pianist Gary Walters, Allie Summers and String Quartet will appear in concert at 8 p.m. March 9 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

THE IRISH TENORS

The Irish Tenors will perform at 8 p.m. March 8 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

BRUCE HORNSBY

Bruce Hornsby and yMusic present BrhyM at 8 p.m. March 9 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

IMAGINATION MOVERS

Imagination Movers’ interactive concert is set for 1 and 4 p.m. March 10 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘ECLECTIC ENCHANTMENT’

The Indiana Wind Symphony’s performance of “Eclectic Enchantment” is set for 7:30 p.m. March 9 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

ATI names Frost as executive director — Brian Frost, a Fishers resident, has been named executive director of Actors Theatre of Indiana. Frost replaces Jim Reilly, who retired after 12 years. Frost has been working as a Realtor/associate broker for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

Ellen Kingston and Antione Demmings appear in Civic Theatre’s production of “Driving Miss Daisy.” (Photo by Joshua Hasty Photography)

DISPATCH

FOOD

America’s corned beef history

Commentary by Mark LaFay

We are sneaking up on St Patrick’s day, a day to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland. While many Americans use this an excuse to slam Guinness and light lagers dyed green, I use it as an excuse to eat corned beef. This year I got to wondering why corned beef and Ireland seem to go handin-glove in America. What I found was that the connection between corned beef and St. Patrick’s Day is more a tale of immigration and adaptation than of ancient Irish tradition.

Historically, the Irish were used to consuming salt pork, a pre-cursor to bacon, but when Irish immigrants arrived in America in the 19th century, they found beef to be more abundant and affordable, thanks to the booming cattle industry. The term “corned” beef comes from the large grains or “corns” of salt used to cure the meat, a preservation method necessary before refrigeration.

In the neighborhoods where Irish and Jewish communities intersected, particularly in cities like New York, Irish immi -

grants encountered Jewish butchers who sold a similar salt-cured meat: brisket. The Irish adopted this method, and thus corned beef became a staple for Irish Americans. So, this year, want to make your own corned beef instead of buying one? Try this recipe. You’ll want to get a brisket and remove the point so that only the flat remains.

HOMEMADE CORNED BEEF RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 5-pound brisket

• 1 gallon water

• 1 1/2 cups kosher salt

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 4 tablespoons pickling spice

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 teaspoons pink curing salt (sodium nitrite)

Instructions:

• In a large pot, combine water, kosher salt, sugar, pickling spice, garlic and pink curing salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.

• Place the brisket in a large, sealable bag. Pour the chilled brine over the meat, ensuring it is completely submerged. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible.

• Refrigerate the brisket in the brine for five to seven days, turning the bag daily to ensure even curing.

• After curing, remove the brisket from the brine and rinse under cold water. Cook as desired, typically by simmering in water with additional pickling spice until tender. I like to slow cook in the oven at 225 degrees until nice and tender. I’ll finish the corned beef by make a mixture of equal parts yellow mustard and brown sugar, cover the top of the brisket and allow the brown sugar to caramelize under the broiler, but be sure to not scorch it!

Rickie Lee Jones to perform

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones first came to national prominence with the hit “Chuck E.’s in Love” in 1979.

CONCERT

Forty-five years later, Jones is still creating and performing. She will perform at 8 p.m. March 8 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Jones

“The switch that makes me want to write all the time, loving to write, remains as elusive to me now as it ever was,” Jones said. “The switch is on now. Worries about family are far less. That kind of thing can devastate the creative mind. It needs pastures of unobstructed views of its own imagination, rivers unpolluted by depression and despair. Sometimes you can write your way out of a feeling, but the other time the feeling just sucks down joy and poetry like a black hole.”

At 69, Jones said her age has let her feel like her life belongs only to her.

“I have a little time left to express and

leave behind the impression of my unique self,” Jones said. “Why I decided I am worth it, what caused that Catholic self-retaliation to dissolve, I cannot say. But now that it’s gone and I feel loved and treated with the respect old folks get, I am writing like mad. The pressure is off. I don’t need to present myself. I am myself. I am lucky enough to be called to this job, to have it all my life, to make money being Rickie Lee Jones. Imagine that — so beautiful. And I like being my honest self, so others can feel good about their honest self, their own kindness, their own glory.”

Jones said having money can help.

“When one needs money, that immediacy keeps us returning to the typewriter or the piano, in spite of how it might hurt our jagged soul to have those feelings pass through the memory as they are turned into art,” Jones said. “It’s not a bad word, money. But it’s easy to forget that art has nothing to do with money. The value, for myself, (is) the value of a single song having been sprung up out of the air, with no one else’s judgment of it.”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

IWS plans ‘Eclectic’ concert

By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com

There’s nothing like a broad and diverse range of music. For many people, it can mesmerize, surprise and enchant.

MUSIC

So, perhaps it’s not a wonder the Indiana Wind Symphony is presenting the concert “Eclectic Enchantment.”

The concert is at 7:30 p.m. March 9 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Conrad said the IWS is going to open the concert with “Serenade No. 12” by Mozart, and then Anderson will sing an opera selection and a piece by Samuel Barber called “Knoxville: Summer of 1915.”

Anderson

The night promises to be an eclectic mix of works with performances by guest vocal soloist Jessamyn Anderson, a 2011 Carmel High School graduate.

Anderson, who now lives with her family in Nashville, Tenn., is an accomplished performer, according to IWS founder and Music Director Charles Conrad, a Carmel resident.

“Jessamyn is a graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and is a very talented actress and soprano,” Conrad said. “She’s appeared in operas, recitals and musicals.”

Conrad said it’s a soprano feature with 15 instruments.

“I’ve been performing as a soprano soloist with the Indiana Wind Symphony for 12 seasons, which means I’ve grown up professionally alongside this ensemble,” Anderson said. “The Indiana Wind Symphony remains a wonderful group to perform with, and I’ve been blessed to sing a wide variety of repertoire with them.”

The IWS is made up of approximately 80 volunteer members and includes professional musicians, music educators and serious avocational musicians.

Conrad said he believes the IWS is the only concert band that does a chamber series and has done so for 15 years.

“They are smaller than a concert band, anywhere from four to 24 pieces,” Conrad said. “It’s comparable to the orchestra doing a string quartet as part of its series.”

For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

LEGAL NOTICE DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC

Public notice is hereby given to affected property owners pursuant to 170 IAC 4-9-4(f) that within two (2) to six (6) weeks of the date of this notice, weather permitting, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC will be performing vegetation management as part of its power line maintenance program in the area described below. As part of this project, one of its qualified contractors will be applying EPA approved and registered herbicides to control vegetation that may interfere with the safe operation and maintenance of power lines. This vegetation management will be performed in/near Sheridan on or near streets identified below:

Beginning at the substation located near the intersection of SR 38 & Six Points Rd to include the areas around & near: N of W 221st St, E of N CR 600 E, S of W 9th St, W of the substation

The date this notice is published initiates the two (2) week period for calculating implied consent by an affected property owner under 170 IAC 4-9. If you have any questions, you may contact the Duke Energy Vegetation Management toll free number, 866-385-3675.

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC Vegetation Management Department

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Parts: CABIN, COCKPIT, ENGINE, NOSE, SEAT, WING; Words: PHANTOM, PHARMACY, PHASE, PHEASANT, PHYSICAL; Fly: BUTTER, DRAGON, FIRE, HORSE; Stars: HACKMAN, HERSHEY, HOPPER; Dishes: CHOP SUEY, CHOW MEIN; Hotel: JW MARRIOTT

WRITTEN BY ALFRED UHRY

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3 “Hoosiers” Stars

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2 House of Cheung Dishes

1 Largest Indy Hotel

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62. Purgatory Golf Club instructor

Answers on Page 15

Schuyler

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