April 2, 2024 — Westfield

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WHS students learn practical skills

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

A well-rounded education at Westfield High School is about more than reading, writing and arithmetic.

EDUCATION

The school’s Family and Consumer Sciences program has seen a boom in development and participation since it was first reimagined a decade ago.

Nikki Heflin is a culinary educator in the department. While Heflin and her partner Bryan Ferreire are well known around Westfield as the leaders of the culinary arts program and sponsors of Foodies Rock — a full-service catering organization made up of high school students — Heflin said there’s more to family and consumer sciences than what’s cooking in the kitchen.

“What brings me such great pride in having a true, comprehensive family and consumer sciences program at Westfield High School is that we are able to provide a lot of experiential education here for our students that provides them with several different career pathways,” Heflin said. “In the courses, they are really able to explore what they want to do post-graduation.”

The department has five educators and multiple classes. The courses, taught by Heflin, Ferreire, Katie Duda, Julie McComb and Renee Kohlmann, include culinary arts, early childhood education, interpersonal relationships, adult roles, tourism and visual arts and designs.

Freshman Emmy Watson participates in fashion construction with FCCLA, the family and consumer sciences national technical organization.

“It really inspired me to do something more creative,” Watson, 15, said of family and consumer sciences. “I was able to do fashion construction this year, where you design and make your own garment, then you present a marketing plan and how you made it as well as a budget, pricing, and future plans for your design career.”

Watson designed a formal gown called “Someone New” for an FCCLA competition.

“I love that it’s such a practical product at the end,” Watson said. “You have an end product that can be used not just by yourself, but it can be appreciated by almost everyone.”

Alyssa Pazdernik, 17, is a junior who spent one trimester this year in early childhood education, spending time at the early learning center three times a week

for hands-on experience with children in preschool and younger.

“I’ve always had the interest in becoming a teacher, but I didn’t know if it was something that I really wanted to pursue, so it allowed me that time and opportunity to see if this is something I want to pursue in college,” Pazdernik said.

Sofia Arocha, 17, a WHS senior, said family and consumer sciences introduced her to interior design.

“It was a class that really interested me because I think I am going to go into (design),” Arocha said. “You learn about the principles of how everything in a room should feel together, how things should be unified and nothing should feel odd. There are a lot of things that go into that, it’s all about balance, lines, shapes. We don’t even think about it but rooms are thought out to be not only pretty but also useful. That’s something you really learn in the class.”

Family and consumer science courses teach students not only practical knowhow, but career skills.

“Hospitality careers play a pivotal role in the growth of Indianapolis and central Indiana, contributing significantly to the local economy by attracting tourists, creating

employment opportunities, and fostering overall development,” Ferreira said, noting that Indianapolis is front and center for hospitality needs this year, with events such as NBA All Star Weekend, the eclipse, U.S. Olympic Swim Trials and three nights of Taylor Swift concerts.

“Teaching students about these careers and having guest speakers from the local industry help to create awareness and build the next generation of hospitality leaders from our local community,” Ferreira said.

Enrollments for family and consumer sciences courses for next year are already at 1,100 students.

“I’m very proud of our home economics roots. Where we used to be preparing students just to take care of the home, now we’re preparing students to be life ready,” Heflin said. “It’s not just about taking a course and getting through the day. Family and consumer science is about preparing students to be successful in their everyday lives, their communities, their families and their careers. That’s what it meant to me about building this program and why I’m so proud to be an educator in the family and consumer sciences field.”

Westfield High School freshman Emmy Watson created a formal gown for the FCCLA visual arts and design competition. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Washington Schools)

Investigators with the Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force investigated a Greenfield man for the past year, leading to his arrest March 19 on federal charges of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material.

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana, investigators received a tip in May 2023 alleging that Bobby Linhart, 22, of Greenfield, had been uploading files containing child sexual abuse materials onto social media accounts, allegedly engaging in sexually explicit conversations with girls who identified themselves to be between the ages of 12 and 15 years old and coercing the children to produce and send to him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves.

Hamilton County investigators said Linhart traveled to at least three different cities, one out of state, to have sex or attempt to have sex with underage children. Linhart also allegedly sent explicit images to at least one child.

Investigators executed a search warrant March 19 at Linhart’s home in Greenfield. The news release stated that they found various illegal drugs, a handgun and electronic devices that contained sexually explicit material involving minors.

According to the news release, investigators believe Linhart had contact with other children. Anyone who may have interacted with “map.syb” or Bobby Linhart are asked to call 317-595-3300 or visit p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=945#.

The Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force is a partnership with the Fishers Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Carmel Police Department, Noblesville Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Westfield Police Department, and Alexandria Police Department.

Linhart

Eclipse set to be “once in 10 lifetimes” event

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

The shadow of the moon will move across Indiana at Mach 3 — or 2,310 mph — in just a few days. When it does, experts say residents should take notice.

SCIENCE

Gregory McCauley, CEO of Grand Universe in Westfield, said his goal is to make sure Westfield and Hamilton County residents have a true understanding of the history about to be made in central Indiana.

“To have a total eclipse happen at your house, in our town, is extremely rare,” McCauley said. “It’s not a once-in-a-lifetime thing. It’s a once-in-10-lifetimes thing.”

McCauley said the 2017 eclipse gave the region a unique opportunity to see how the event affected tourism and gave local leaders an advantage in planning accordingly.

“This eclipse is set to be the largest tourist event in Indiana’s history,” he said. MCauley said the event is more than a tourist attraction. During the total eclipse, the corona of the sun — the highly charged plasma that is omitted by the sun — will be visible. The corona is only visible during totality, and the results are unlike anything viewable during a partial eclipse.

Things visible during totality include:

• Wavering dark lines will shimmer across the landscape. These are shadow bands that produce an effect similar to looking at the bottom of a swimming pool.

• Animals that do not have an internal clock, but rather rise and rest with the sunrise and sunset, will act as if the sun has gone down. That means birds will come to roost and insects will begin chirping.

• Temperatures can drop nearly 10 degrees, and dew may form on the grass. There may also be a change in wind direction.

• Shadows made by trees and other objects cause a pinhole effect, creating thousands of miniature eclipses along the ground.

• The colors of sunrise will be visible in a 360-degree ring.

• Colors will appear different in the light of the sun’s corona, which will

make grass appear gray.

• The sun will appear as a jet-black hole in the sky surrounded by a glowing ring of purple fire.

McCauley said the event is likely to produce an emotional response in many viewers.

“It’s absolutely amazing, it’s a spiritual thing,” he said.

McCauley said the viewing event in Grand Park in Westfield will be one of the best places to see the eclipse because of the unobstructed views of the horizon which will allow those at the park to see the 360-degree view of eclipse-produced sunrise.

“When it goes dark for those three minutes and 20 seconds, Jupiter will come out, Venus will be (visible) as long as we have clear skies, and that sunrise is just a spectacular thing,” McCauley said.

He also said people who are looking up — it’s safe to look at the eclipse with the naked eye during totality — should resist the urge to take photos.

“Don’t fiddle around with your camera. You’ll miss this,” McCauley said. “No matter how good of a picture you take, it’s like taking a picture of the Grand Canyon and trying to explain it to your friends. You can’t. A picture doesn’t even come close to doing this justice. Just stand there and take in the event.”

As the eclipse approaches, health officials in Hamilton County are stressing the importance of eye safety to avoid longterm damage from the celestial event.

Learn more about eclipse preparations at visitHamiltonCounty.com/Eclipse.

Reserve a $25 parking spot in Grand Park April 8 at the ticket link at westfieldwelcome.com/solar-eclipse.

The solar eclipse in central Indiana will reach totality at approximately 3:06 p.m. April 8.

(Photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Natural Resources)

Pedestrian bridge planned for 191st Street

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Planning for another pedestrian bridge along the Monon Trail is now in the early stages.

CITY NEWS

Westfield Mayor Scott Willis announced the upcoming bridge construction to an audience of more than 140 residents during his first mayoral town hall March 21 at Wood Wind Golf Club.

Willis said the city is in the design phase for a bridge to bring the Monon Trail over 191st Street next to Grand Park. He did not discuss cost but said the intent is to have construction complete by the end of 2025.

The new bridge is in addition to a planned tunnel at 161st Street, a project that was stalled in 2021 but restarted this year. The $8.8 million tunnel is in the design phase. Willis noted safety issues at both crossings, adding that a bridge over 161st Street would cost approximately $1 million more than the tunnel. The pilings and roof for the tunnel are already in place, built in 2012 when the roundabout interchange at 161st Street and U.S. 31 was completed.

Willis said increased safety on the trails is part of his overall vision for a comprehensive trail system in Westfield, one that provides additional opportunities for travel while connecting residents to downtown.

“We’re going to try to expand our entire trail system throughout the entire city,” Willis said, adding that he would like to make trails friendly to golf carts, similar to the Midland Trace east of downtown. “I’d like to see a spider web of trials that bring people into our downtown area. It cuts down on congestion, it cuts down on the

cost of road improvements, and it’s fun.”

Willis said the intention is to connect areas north and west with no direct access to trails to the existing Monon Trail and Midland Trace Trail. He added that connections downtown via the trail systems are vital for Westfield’s future.

“We need people living, working, playing downtown,” Willis said. “If you want your kids and grandkids to come back to Westfield after they graduate, you have to offer what they want, not what you want. And what they want is walkability. They want to walk out of their townhome or apartment, straight downstairs to the (coffee shop), walk over to the library… go shopping, grab some groceries and go back to the house. They don’t want to get in the car and drive five miles like we did. I want to create a community that not only sustains our current generation, but future generations. We can only do that by opening our minds.”

Willis’ downtown vision is part of his four-pillar plan to address public safety, transparency, growth and empowerment during his tenure. He is planning quarterly town hall meetings to discuss his vision for Westfield. The next town hall takes place at 7 p.m. June 20 at the new Westfield Washington Library.

A bicyclist on the Monon trail crosses 191st Street. (Photo by Marney Simon)

Eskenazi encourages eclipse safety

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By Tirzah Rowland tirzah@youarecurrent.com

Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis is taking patient and staff safety seriously April 8 by not performing elective surgeries and limiting services because of the solar eclipse. The main hospital, at 720 Eskenazi Ave. will remain open for emergencies, but clinics will close.

HEALTH CARE

Stressing the impact of more people in the community and higher traffic throughout the day,

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Justin Mast — emergency preparedness and response manager for Eskenazi — encourages all people to be prepared for potential challenges on the day of the eclipse.

“We want to make sure they aren’t on the roads at peak times,” said Mast, noting that Eskenazi management is working with staff to provide spaces for waiting out the traffic and scheduling shifts to account for the potential impact of more visitors to the area.

Although Indianapolis regularly hosts major events,“the breadth of distance and scale across the state” makes this one different, according to Mast.

Emergency responders in Indianapolis won’t have a pool of support from other areas and will rely on people being prepared and aware.

“Use a winter storm approach in case you get stuck,” Mast said.

Eskenazi will resume regular appointments and surgeries April 9.

DISPATCH

Mast Bicycle sale – Conquest Cycling, an all-volunteer Westfield based organization, will be holding a bicycle sale from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. April 6 at 1199 E. 181st St., next to Grand Junction Brewing. Hundreds of bicycles will be available for $300 or less. Cash or Venmo accepted. The organization also hosts sales Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. and Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Noblesville High School senior forward key

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville High School boys basketball coach Scott McClelland knows how crucial senior forward Hunter Walston has been to the team’s winning ways. “He’s been a really solid player for us the last three years,” McClelland said. “He’s been consistent, not only this year but all three years. He’s got a real knack of being in the right place at the right time, both offensively and defensively.”

The 6-foot-5 Walston averaged 12.4 points per game and a team-high 5.7 rebounds. He was second on the team in assists, averaging 3 assists per game, and averaged a team-high 2 steals per game. As a junior, he averaged 8.3 points and 5.0 rebounds for the Millers, when they finished 19-7. He shot 50 percent from the field as a senior and 48 percent as a junior.

“Overall, he had a real nice career,” Mc-

MEET HUNTER WALSTON

Favorite athlete: Kevin Durant

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite movie: “Semi-Pro”

Favorite vacation spot: Cancun

Clelland said. “We’re going to miss him.”

He became a starter in the second half of his sophomore season.

“I’ve made the most improvement being a leader,” Walston said. “I tried to help guys improve as well. I improved on my blocks and steals and being able to time those up. I’ve learned to read people’s eyes and get in the passing lanes.”

The Class 4A No. 2 Millers (22-3) lost to Class 4A No. 1 Fishers 49-47 in the sectional final.

team’s success

“It’s tough to lose that early, but we set a lot of school records, had a 20-win season,” Walston said. “There is nothing to be upset about.”

Noblesville won the sectional in 2023 for the first time since 2010.

Walston said his best memories are the bus rides with his teammates, especially during the summer on trips to camps.

Walston started playing basketball when he was 2 1/2 years old. He played baseball until eighth grade.

Walston said basketball has always

brought him joy.

“I love competing,” he said. “I like having a goal and working to reach it.”

Walston plans to play in college but hasn’t decided where. So far, he has offers from NAIA schools Grace College and Bethel University, and several NCAA Division III schools. He plans to major in business.

Millers senior guard Aaron Fine, who led the team with a 17.9 ppg scoring average, will be a preferred walk-on at Purdue University.

Noblesville senior Hunter Walston was second on the team in scoring and was the leading rebounder. (Photos by Julie Montgomery)

Walston

OPENING DOORS

Westfield High School senior overcomes odds despite illness

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

On any given weekday, more than 2,600 students walk through the front doors of Westfield High School. But for 18-year-old Isaiah Hurd, passing through those doors last fall at the start of his senior year was the culmination of a journey he was determined to finish, against all odds.

Hurd spent much of his high school career using a wheelchair or walker. But he didn’t always have mobility issues. In middle school, he was a tennis player at Indy Racket Club playing up to five days a week. But during summer break between eighth grade and freshman year, he was afflicted with a mystery illness.

“I couldn’t move. I woke up in bed and I couldn’t move a muscle, and that feeling persisted over days and over weeks and then over months,” he said.

The illness left Hurd bedbound, requiring him to attend school virtually regardless of pandemic restrictions. He spent his freshman year seeing doctors and specialists, taking numerous blood draws with no indication of what was wrong. Until finally, when it felt like hope was lost, he saw a specialist at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health in Indianapolis. He was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis, sometimes referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome.

“I didn’t know what this looked like for my future. I didn’t even know if I had a future,” Hurd said.

Determined not to let the disease defeat him, Hurd began multiple treatment options, including various combinations of medications and physical therapy. But ultimately, he said the key to his management is rest and listening to his body. If he overexerts himself, he suffers with post-exertional malaise, an extreme fatigue. Fatigue isn’t simply being tired. When fatigue hits, it means he can be bed bound for an indeterminate amount of time.

Armed with that information, Hurd attended classes three days a week using a wheelchair or walker in his sophomore year, and four days a week his junior year.

But senior year, he accomplished something that he described as “astounding.”

“I walked through the front doors for the very first time on my own two feet on the first day of my senior year, something that most kids do on their very first day as a freshman,” Hurd said. “That moment was emotional. Just walking through doors seems like a normal, everyday thing. But those doors, they hold an importance to me. To be able to get through them on my own without any walking assistance or device, it was emotional. I kept my composure though, because if you see a kid just walk through doors and start crying, it’s kind of weird.”

Pushing himself as hard as his body would allow, Hurd began to achieve more. Last summer, he visited Niagara Falls and was able to walk with his family, something he

didn’t think he’d be able to do again.

“Ever since I was first symptomatic, I always dreamed of getting back out on the tennis courts. I love tennis,” he said. “Just a couple of months ago, I was finally able to get back out on the court and be in the moment and play.”

This winter, Hurd was named Mr. Westfield during the school’s annual talent show for seniors. For the talent portion, he told his story, earning a standing ovation and the title. He will now share his story May at the Robbie’s Hope Mental Health Gala in Westfield, where he’ll talk about how chronic illness can have a long-lasting impact on mental health.

Hurd hopes to attend IU Bloomington or IU Indianapolis this fall and major in biochemistry.

For his last trimester at WHS, he keeps busy after school helping to manage the high school’s Instagram page, and he is active in a club called Invisibuddies, which

supports students and staff with invisible diseases and mental health challenges.

He has a message of positivity for his friends and peers.

“Live every day the best you can,” Hurd said. “There was no warning sign that I was going to develop myalgic encephalomyelitis. I wasn’t sick beforehand. Walking is something we all take for granted. And once I lost the ability to carry myself around, I realized how important that is, and how important living every single day to the fullest is. There’s so much uncertainty about tomorrow or the future, and it’s important to think about the future, but it’s more important to think about the present.”

ON THE COVER: Westfield High School senior Isaiah Hurd said walking through the front doors at WHS at the start of senior year was a feat he didn’t think he’d ever accomplish during high school. (Photo by Marney Simon)

SHAMROCK STRONG

Isaiah Hurd gives credit for this improved health and positive outlook to his support system, specifically his friends, family and everyone at Westfield High School.

“The students and staff at Westfield High School and the people here at Westfield in general have been so understanding and so accepting,” Hurd said, adding that his teachers and peers have gone to great lengths to make sure he feels supported both in and out of the classroom.

“I’ve never had a single bad experience,” he said. “All of my teachers, all of my friends, every single one of the class members here have been so open and accommodating, especially my counselor, Mrs. Corya. She’s helped me ever since I came through these doors in a wheelchair, she’s had my back. Just to have such an accommodating and uplifting community to support me and have my back, it’s something that I am eternally grateful for.”

(Above) Isaiah Hurd said he owes thanks for his progress in dealing with his chronic illness to the supportive environment at Westfield High School. (Photo by Marney Simon)

(Below) Isaiah Hurd was the winner of Mr. Westfield, a talent show competition held this winter at the high school. (Photo courtesy of Kim Hurd)

Westfield City Council approves fund transfers

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

After a public hearing with no comments, the Westfield City Council voted in March to transfer money within the general fund budget, to cover expenses anticipated as part of Mayor Scott Willis’ budget appropriations that were approved by the council in January.

CITY NEWS

The transfer represents $2.3 million pulled from certain departments, then reallocated for different needs, all within the general fund. In the case of the parks department, funds were subtracted then added back to cover changes now that parks and recreation has become a separate department.

To accomplish the transfer, the council approved the following appropriation reductions:

• Parks Department -- Personal Services:

$42,231

• Parks Department -- Supplies: $500

• Parks Department - Other services and charges: $368,245

• Parks Department -- Capital outlays: $2,000

• Public Works -- Personal services: $463,389

• Public Works -- Supplies: $29,300

• Public Works -- Services and charges: $1,357,560

• Public Works -- Capital outlays: $50,000 Appropriations were added in the following departments:

• Facilities and Events -- Personal services: $475,667

• Facilities and Events -- Supplies: $12,500

• Facilities and Events -- Other services

and charges: $491,465

• Facilities and Events -- Capital outlays: $15,000

• Parks Department -- Personal services: $29,953

• Parks Department -- Supplies: $17,300

• Parks Department -- Other services and charges: $1,234,340

• Parks Department -- Capital outlays: $37,000

Councilmember Patrick Tamm said the ordinance means the city is taking accountability for spending.

“The great thing about this is it actually improves transparency and awareness with the public and with council as well with regard to transfers that may be occurring from one department to another department. It’s also compliant with Indiana law, but most importantly, it’s shining more light with what is occurring,” Tamm said.

On Jan. 29, the council approved a $3.2 million budget increase for 2024 proposed by Willis to invest more cash in economic and community development as well as the staff needed to reach Willis’ goals for the city.

The Westfield City Council transferred $2.3 million within the general fund to cover expenses stemming from this year’s budget increase.

(File photo)

currentnightandday.com

Carmel Symphony Orchestra takes on challenge of ‘Verdi’s Requiem’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Music Director David Commanday is convinced audiences will experience a wide range of emotions during its upcoming concert.

MUSIC

The CSO will perform the 80-minute “Verdi’s Requiem” at 7:30 p.m. April 13 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“It’s a life-changing experience because of the power of the piece,” Commanday said. “It’s an operatic, dramatic setting of the Latin Requiem Mass. For people who experience that in their personal religious life, that means something. The Mass is about people contemplating the aspect of the afterlife and what that means and the concept of life after that. It’s a prayer for mercy. The thing that is so special about the way Verdi set the Mass is the human and personal voice that he gives it. It doesn’t sound in any way like a ritual. It’s an expression of the human spirit confronting the reality of guilt or sin. It’s pleading to a merciful God and Jesus because it’s Catholic.”

Commanday said it’s a plea to give the deceased an eternal light.

The four soloists from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music are dramatic soprano Cassandra Glaeser, tenor Jaemyeong Lee, lyric soprano Seonyoung Park and bass-baritone Sunghoon Han. The soloists represent different moments in the requiem.

“Then the chorus represents all of us together,” Commanday said. “It’s dramatic. There are moments of tenderness, moments of fear and moments of wrath. One of the most famous sections of it is how he sets ‘Day of Wrath,’ that day when all will be judged.”

Commanday said when the entire choir sings, it’s incredibly moving and powerful.

“There is some of the loudest music

and some of the softest music you can hear at a concert hall,” Commanday said.

Richard Sowers, who is retiring as Anderson Symphony Orchestra’s music director/conductor this spring, is coordinating the Anderson University choir for this concert.

A Chicago resident, he retired from Anderson University in 2021.

“There is a big responsibility for the chorus in the piece,” Sowers said. “It’s at times almost terrifying and at times comforting. It’s deeply spiritual. It’s some of the most glorious writing for soloists. It’s just astonishing how beautiful it is.”

Sowers estimates there will be 100 choir members from different Anderson University choirs, some university alumni members and Circle City Sound.

CSO is partnering with Carmel’s Congregation Beth-El Zedeck to relay the story of Czech conductor Rafael Schachter leading Terezin concentration camp prisoners to perform “Verdi’s Requiem” in 1943 and 1944. The performances are part of a documentary, “Defiant Requiem.” Cantor Melissa Cohen will give opening remarks prior to the concert.

“It was a mark of resistance and courage to perform live music,” Cohen said. “I am also doing a pre-concert discussion with Maestro Commanday. There will be a small performance with me and my daughter Sadie to inspire more about the partnership together.”

Cohen said it’s an important time to remember the Holocaust.

“We’re living at a time when antisemitism is at the highest in history, which is really remarkable,” Cohen said. “It seems idealistic, but music has the ability to bridge these types of barriers and spark inspiration. Throughout history, Jewish people have faced adversity and we’re still here. We remain strong people. Music becomes that affirmation of life. Through chaos and tragedy, there is this duality of life that is fundamental to the human experience.”

Cohen said “Verdi’s Requiem” is a majestic piece of music.

“It’s powerful in many ways,” Cohen said. “The subject matter of requiem is not Jewish in any way.”

Commanday said humanity in the piece transcends considerations of religious denominations.

“It creates an awareness of our imperfections and needing forgiveness,” Commanday said. “None of us live forever and we lose dear ones, and we think about what it means to not live anymore. The music makes the message all the more universal.”

For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘BEAUTIFUL’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents “The King and I” April 4 to May 19 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘FABLES AND FOLKLORE’

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents “Fables and Folklore,” featuring “Golem” and “Pinocchio” at 7 p.m. April 5-6 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

‘THAT CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON’

Main Street Productions presents “That Championship Season” from April 4 to 14 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience” is set for 7:30 p.m. April 5-6 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

DISPATCHES

Songbook Foundation features women artists — Items telling the stories of pioneering women artists such as Diahann Carroll and Mitzi Gaynor are among the 37 historical collections processed last year by staff at the Great American Songbook Foundation’s Songbook Library & Archives. For more, visit thesongbook.org.

CIAF registration opens — Registration is underway for the 27th annual Carmel International Arts Festival. The Sept. 28-29 festival attracts more than 100 artists from across the United States and around the world. Artists specialize in nine different mediums including glass, 2D, 3D, paint, jewelry, photography, fiber, ceramics and wood.The festival is a juried exhibition with prizes totaling $7,000. May 31 is the deadline for submitting the application. To sign up and review requirements, visit zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=12196 Selected artists will be notified June 30, that they have been chosen. For more, visit carmelartsfestival.org.

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Music Director David Commanday will conduct “Verdi’s Requiem.” (Photo courtesy of David Commanday)

Sowers

Cohen

Time to ‘ramp’ up

Commentary by Mark LaFay

One of the early sprouting plants are ramps. Ramps are commonly known as wild leeks. But they really are more of a cross between leeks and garlic.

FOOD

RAMP PESTO RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches of ramps, cleaned and trimmed (use both the white bulbs and green leaves)

• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/3 cup of pine nuts

• 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, plus more if needed for consistency

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Prepare the ramps: Wash ramps thoroughly. Trim the roots and remove any tough outer layers from the bulbs. Roughly chop the ramps.

• Toast the nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

• Blend the ingredients: In a food processor, combine the chopped ramps, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.

• Add olive oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl a few times.

• Season: Taste the pesto and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

• Serve: Use the ramp pesto with pasta, as a spread on sandwiches, or as a condiment for grilled meats and vegetables. Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator, with a thin layer of olive oil on top to preserve freshness.

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4201 Millersville Rd., Suite 19, Indianapolis

ESKENAZI HEALTH FOUNDATION IS GRATEFUL TO Deborah Daniels & Lyle Mannweiler FOR THEIR LEAD GIFT

THEY BELIEVE: “A civilized society cannot permit a 16-mile geographical distance to dictate a 16-year life expectancy disparity. There are multiple environmental and societal factors that negatively impact the health of our neighbors; working with many like-minded partners, we can – and must –make a real difference in everyone’s opportunity to thrive.”

EskenaziHealthFoundation.org

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 2006 in the Hunt Country Preserve section of Zionsville, this primary bathroom featured lots of great space but lacked modern style. Our team reimagined the layout to create a luxurious retreat that makes every day feel like an opulent spa day.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Natural elements like oak, cedar, natural stone and crystal are expertly combined with man-made components like porcelain, glass and metals for a dynamic material mix that makes a statement.

• The new vanity creates a dramatic focal point thanks to custom oak cabinetry, quartzite counters and arched brass mirrors.

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Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

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1

the

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Answers on Page 15

The Indiana Stamp Club hosts its Spring Stamp Fair, April 6 & 7 at the Lawrence Community Center, 5301 N. Franklin Rd., Lawrence, Ind. Show hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-3. Free admission and ample free parking.

Contact: Tom Chastang (317) 913-9319

Email: tchas5@sbcglobal.net

Website: www.indianastampclub.org

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