January 2, 2024 — Lawrence/Geist

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LOOKING AHEAD New mayoral administration to lead Lawrence with various projects underway / P8-9

Pacers forward visits Brook Park school / P3

Council says goodbye to departing members / P4

Fire chief retires after 35 years / P7

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January 2, 2024

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Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XIII, No. 46 49 Copyright 2023 Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved.

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‘69 Mr. Basketball McGinnis remembered

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Billy Shepherd had a standing joke with George McGinnis whenever he saw him.

“I’d say ‘Man, I alIN MEMORIAM ways thank my mom that I wasn’t born a year later because no one would have ever heard of me,’” Shepherd said. “He’d always just laugh and say, ‘C’mon Shep.’”

Carmel resident Billy Shepherd was named the 1968 Indiana Mr. Basketball from Carmel High School. McGinnis captured the 1969 Mr. Basketball title in dominating fashion. Billy’s brother, Dave Shepherd, also a CHS graduate, won the honor in 1970.

McGinnis, a Geist-area resident, died Dec. 14 of complications from cardiac arrest at age 73 at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis.

“George might be gone but he will never be forgotten,” said Billy, who played at Butler University and in the ABA. “His stories will live on forever in the lore of Indiana high school basketball, let alone what he did one year in college and the professional ranks.”

McGinnis, who played with the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets, was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. He was a six-time All-Star, three times each in the ABA and NBA. “He was rough-and-tumble and a (bad man) on the court, but off the court he was just a big teddy bear,” former Indiana Pacers teammate Bob Netolicky said.

Netolicky and his Pacers teammates watched as McGinnis led Indianapolis Washington High School to an unbeaten state championship in 1969. He scored 53 points and grabbed 30 rebounds for the Indiana All-Stars in a victory over the Kentucky All-Stars in Louisville.

“We watched him in high school when we were playing and he was tearing up the whole state,” Netolicky said.

When McGinnis came to the Pacers after playing the 1970-71 season at Indiana University because of his hardship status, he was signed by the Pacers. McGinnis’ father had died in a construction accident in July 1969.

Netolicky said even though McGinnis played the same power forward position as he did, the team blended well.

“He was a great, great player,” Netolicky said.

From left, former Indiana Mr. Basketball winners Dave Shepherd, George McGinnis and Billy Shepherd. (Courtesy of Dave Shepherd)

Netolicky, who moved to Austin, Texas, four years ago, previously lived in Carmel and Noblesville.

“We would get together once or twice a week with “Slick” (former Pacers coach Bobby Leonard) and (the late) Mel Daniels to have lunch or coffee,” Netolicky said.

“We were a close-knit team. When George was in his prime, I don’t know if there was a better player in the world. George was like a 6-foot-8 guard. He was that fast. He could jump and he was seriously strong.”

Geist resident Bill Benner, who covered McGinnis for The Indianapolis Star and later became friends, said McGinnis led what he believed was the greatest high school team in state history.

“He embodied Indiana basketball,” Benner said. “He was absolutely dominant in high school and dominant at Indiana University (29.9 points per game) the one year he was there and then had an immediate impact on the Indiana Pacers and led them to two championships and almost a third championship in 1974-75. He was a magnificent athlete that I got to watch from the

very beginning. When he retired, I got to know George the person and what a wonderful personality he had.

“He was kind, generous and giving. He made other people feel they were the big deal and not him.”

Freshmen weren’t eligible to play in college in that era, so Dave Shepherd never got to play alongside McGinnis at IU. Dave, who began his career with the Hoosiers before transferring to the University of Mississippi as a sophomore, played against McGinnis mostly in pickup games on campus.

“Over the years we would get together in Florida and reminisce,” Dave said. “The mutual respect for each other was a great thing. You couldn’t find a better guy than George. He was always consistent. It was never about him. It was always about somebody else.”

Although he had back issues for several years, Dave Shepard said McGinnis never complained.

“Not once did I hear him say he got dealt a bad hand,” Dave said.

January 2, 2024

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Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin and mascot Boomer visited Brook Park Elementary School in Lawrence EDUCATION for a special presentation Dec. 19 in conjunction with CareSource, a nonprofit health care organization.

During the short presentation, Toppin talked about the importance of eating healthy and getting enough exercise. He also answered questions from kids in the audience.

Among the many questions, they asked how old he is (25), how tall he is (6-foot-10) and what his favorite snacks are (candy — which he admitted wasn’t a healthy choice).

One audience member asked how basketball in Indiana compared to New York City, where Toppin grew up. He said in New York, there was always a game going on somewhere, but he hadn’t driven around Indiana much to see how it compares. Toppin played for the New York Knicks until he was traded to the Pacers in 2023.

A student asked if Toppin had ever felt like giving up. He said there was a time when he didn’t have any offers to go to college, so he wasn’t sure he’d be able to attend. Toppin did end up playing for the University of Dayton before starting his NBA career.

At the close of the presentation, Toppin posed for photos with students and families that attended.

Each Brook Park family also received a Kroger voucher for a free turkey or ham along with a bag of side-dish items, according to an announcement from Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township. Students also received a pair of gloves, a hat and some Pacers’ gear; and the school received 20 coats of varying sizes to have on hand for students who need them.

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Pacers forward Obi Toppin and Pacers mascot Boomer give a presentation Dec. 19 at Brook Park School.

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January 2, 2024

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Lawrence council bids farewell to departing members

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

cil members for being teachers even though you didn’t realize it.”

Denney also thanked the council and ColThe Lawrence Common Council said good- lier administration officials for accomplishbye Dec. 20 to five members who chose not ing positive things for the city. He said the to seek reelecnext council and new mayor have GOVERNMENT tion, and to some great ideas they want to work outgoing City on, as well.

Clerk Kathy Walton.

“It’s been an honor to work with Maria Rusomaroff (D-District 4), this council,” he said. “We’re conTom Shevlot, (R-District 5), Lauren tinuing to work with the school Russel (R-District 6), Shawn Denney district, and I’ll continue to do both (D-at large) and Deborah Whitfield of those in the coming years. We Rusomaroff (D-at large) have completed their live right around the corner, so we’ll terms on the council. Whitfield is still be in the community doing our mayor-elect following the Nov. 7 best for the City of Lawrence.” election and will assume that office Walton, who lost her bid for in January. Denney was not sucreelection as city clerk, received cessful in his primary bid for mayor a standing ovation from the small this spring. crowd gathered for the Dec. 20 Council President Tyrrell Giles meeting. Walton, a Republican, Shevlot thanked the departing councilors was the first elected city clerk and for their service to the community served in that position for the past and gave them an opportunity to 20 years. speak. Rusomaroff and Shevlot The new city clerk is Leatrice were not present for the meeting, Adkisson, a Democrat. The five and Whitfield chose not to speak. new council members are Carlos Russel thanked her family for Jennings (D-District 4), Zach Cramer their patience and love, thanked the (D-District 5), Kristina Krone (D-DisRussel community’s first responders for trict 6), Liz Masur (D-at large) and their service and thanked constituBetty Robinson (D-at large). ents for giving her the opportunity In other business Dec. 20, the to serve. council unanimously approved a “I have learned so much and I’m $1.98 million bond request for Harris able to take what knowledge I have & Ford, a chemical manufacturer gained and will bestow that on the that wants to expand its Fort Ben next generation that is raised in site. The 20-year bond debt will be my home,” she said. “I would also paid through taxes generated by the Denney like to thank the administration property’s increased assessed value for being available to answer any after the development is completed. of my questions when they would The $30 million project will arise, especially to those behind expand Harris & Ford’s existing the scenes that do so much and facilities at 9307 E. 56th St. Plans love our city so much. Thank you call for a rail spur in addition to a also (Mayor Steve) Collier for being new 141,000 square-foot distribution a teacher even after high school. I facility.

Whitfield appreciate you and everything you The next council meeting is set have done for our city and for me. for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8 at Lawrence Lastly, I would like to thank my fellow counGovernment Center, 9001 E. 59th St.

“I have learned so much and I’m able to take what knowledge I have gained and will bestow that on the next generation that is raised in my home.”

– LAUREN RUSSEL

January 2, 2024

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Lawrence resident set for Miss America experience

5

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By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com For Cydney Bridges, the impetus for her Miss Indiana mentoring initiative came from her roots.

COMPETITION “I grew up the youngest of four children from a single mom with an uninvolved father, so I’ve always had a heart for kids,” said Bridges, who grew up in Fort Wayne.

“I had so many mentors invested in me when I was younger, so I’ve always known I wanted to work with kids. It wasn’t until my seventh-grade careers class when I saw a presentation on nursing that I learned I wanted to be a nurse.”

The Lawrence resident, a registered nurse at Riley Hospital for Children, will participate in the Miss America competition Jan. 6-14 in Orlando. Bridges won the Miss Indiana title in June in Zionsville. She graduated from Huntington University in the spring with her Bachelor of Science in nursing and started at Riley in July.

Through her power of mentoring service initiative, she created a program “Ignite Your Sparkle” during her year as Miss Fort Wayne.

“I travel to youth programs and I talk with the schools,” she said. “I speak to goal setting. We do vision boards. The girls write letters to themselves. They work on positive affirmation. I’ve been a mentor for the past four years. It’s been cool to meet so many students and young kids during my year as Miss Indiana.”

Bridges, who will sing for the talent portion of the competition, participated in the Voices of Unity choir from age 8 to 18. She said the choir is where she met many of her influential mentors.

“It’s where I learned to sing. Before I joined, I couldn’t hold a note,” she said.

This was the third time Bridges participated in the Miss Indiana competition. She competed in the 2021 pageant as Miss Fort Wayne and placed in the top 10.

In 2022, Bridges participated as Miss Banks of the Wabash, finishing third runner-up. Then she returned courtesy of the Miss Fort Wayne title in 2023.

“I have this cool experience where I always get better,” Bridges said of the competition. “Whenever I go to pageants, I never think I’m going to win. I’m super humble and whatever is meant to be will be, and if

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I’m the girl for the job, they’ll choose me. I always compete very relaxed and peaceful and happy. When I won this past summer, I was in tears.”

Bridges said she is eager to share her message, which is about authenticity, diversity and compassion.

Bridges said one of her favorite parts of the Miss America competition is the women she meets.

“They are lawyers, teachers, doctors, artists, performers, and we all come together in this one space to accomplish similar goals,” Bridges said. “It’s such an empowering environment that I don’t get anywhere else. I have never been in an environment where women are actually rooting for each other and lifting each other up and inspiring each other. I’m just excited to meet all the girls from the other states. I’m excited to make bonds with them and make memories with them. At the end of the day, only one person leaves with a title and the rest of us leave with new experiences and new friends and that lasts longer after the year of service we have.”

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January 2, 2024

COMMUNITY

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Noblesville High School senior guard born to play basketball

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com It might be a slight exaggeration, but Noblesville High School senior point guard Aaron Fine claims he has been playing basketball since he was born.

“With my dad coaching, my first word was ‘ball’ and my (first) phrase was ‘ball shoot,’” Fine Fine said.

Fine’s father, Matt Fine, is a Millers assistant coach for head coach Scott McClelland and was previously head coach of Muncie Central and Winchester high schools.

“I’m kind of like another coach on the floor, which is helpful to my teammates,” Aaron Fine said. “I can talk to Coach Mac or talk to my dad or one of the assistants and we can figure out things together.”

Fine averaged team highs of 17.1 points and 4.4 assists per game in the first seven games for the Millers (6-1). His shooting percentage was 49 percent, including 32 percent from 3-point range.

MEET AARON FINE

Favorite subject: Math Favorite athlete: Steph Curry Favorite musician: Biggie Smalls Favorite movies: “The Avengers” series The four-year varsity player averaged 13.8 points as a junior, 13.7 as a sophomore and 5.2 as a freshman.

“I’ve gotten a lot better at running our offense,” Fine said. “I’ve always been able to score, but I’ve done a lot better about getting people involved. Overall, I’ve just grown as a leader.”

Fine, one of three returning starters, said he has always been a vocal leader.

“With us winning the sectional last year,

Senior guard Aaron Fine leads the Noblesville High School boys basketball team in scoring.

(Photo courtesy of Aiden Caddell)

our goal is just taking the next step and, hopefully, getting a deeper run in the tour-

nament,” he said. “Our sectional is so tough that we can’t really look past it. There are probably four or five of the top 15 teams (in the state) in the sectional. We’re just trying to keep getting better.”

McClelland said Fine had the luxury of growing up around the game.

“One of his strongest attributes is he just loves being in the gym,” McClelland said. “He likes staying afterwards and shooting. Aaron will come in and shoot on his own on the weekends, after school and before school.”

McClelland said Fine thrives because of his passion for the game.

“We’ve asked a lot from him with his leadership, not just being a leader or point guard, but having another voice on the floor,” McClelland said. “He’s tried to take steps with his leadership each year. He’s off to a good start. The one thing that he has done a better job of this year is rebounding.

We’re going to need him to be an integral piece for our team to be successful.”

Fine said he wants to play in college at some level and major in business.

Fine’s younger brother, Adam, is a sophomore who splits time between the varsity and junior varsity teams.

The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Congratulates

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January 2, 2024

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Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com

7

Lawrence Fire Department Chief Dino Batalis, right, is honored during a Dec. 20 retirement ceremony.

(Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

Lawrence Fire Department chief retires after 35 years news@geistcurrent.com City of Lawrence Fire Department Chief Dino Batalis was presented with a retirement flag and badge PUBLIC SAFETY Dec. 20, marking the conclusion of his 35 years of service to the community.

According to an announcement from the city, Batalis joined LFD in 1988 as a volunteer firefighter and was hired on as a professional firefighter in 1991.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 1998 before becoming a battalion chief. In 2010, he held dual roles as battalion chief and deputy chief until 2011, when he became chief under then-Mayor Paul Ricketts. After Mayor Steve Collier was elected, Batalis was retained as chief.

Batalis was a part of the 9/11 Run that the Lawrence Fire Department organized following the terrorist attacks in 2001. More than 50 firefighters and police officers ran to New York within five days to benefit the families of 9/11 victims. They raised more than $300,000.

According to the city, when he was a volunteer, Batalis founded the Needy Family Fund. The name has since changed to the Firefighters Family Assistance Fund. In the beginning, the fund helped families during the holidays, and it has grown to be a yearround program that provides families with groceries, beds, gas and, sometimes, utility payments.

Batalis was the first in his family to join the fire service, as most of his family background is in law enforcement. He has certifications in Instructor II/III, Fire Officer III, EMT, Public Safety Diver and Emergency Vehicle Operator Course Instructor.

According to the city, when he’s not spending time with his wife of 42 years, Batalis enjoys golf, traveling, yard work and cruises. He also has two adult daughters.

“As Chief Batalis embarks on a well-deserved retirement, we express our deepest gratitude for his service and wish him and his family all the best in the next chapter,” the announcement stated.

Batalis also was honored during the Dec. 20 Lawrence Common Council meeting.

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Round Room gives more than $3.1M in 2023 — Verizon Authorized Retailer Round Room, based in Fishers, announced that it has given more than $3.1 million in 2023 to nonprofit organizations. Round Room and its subsidiaries TCC and Wireless Zone, make ongoing investments in their communities through initiatives supporting local organizations, employees and customers.

The business credits its “culture of good” for its 70 percent employee retention rate and strong customer satisfaction.

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January 2, 2024

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LOOKING AHEAD geistcurrent.com

New mayoral administration to lead Lawrence with various projects underway

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com Numerous changes are in store for the City of Lawrence in 2024, with a new administration and five new members on the Lawrence Common Council, along with various development projects finishing up or getting started.

GOVERNMENT Newly elected Mayor Deb Whitfield begins her first term leading the City of Lawrence in January and will have at least a few key administrative positions to fill.

Chief of Staff Cori Korn is not remaining in that position, Lawrence Fire Department Chief Dino Batalis has retired, and Utilities Superintendent Scott Salsbery plans to retire. In an earlier interview, Whitfield said she and her transition team planned to take a careful approach when filling various jobs within the city.

“I’m not a micromanager,” she said. “I want to make sure that we have people around in my administration that have skill sets, talents and perspectives that can help us move forward.”

Whitfield, a Democrat, replaces outgoing Republican Mayor Steve Collier who did not seek reelection after two terms in office. She won against Collier’s deputy mayor, David Hofmann, who ran as the Republican nominee.

Whitfield recently just completed her first term on the Lawrence Common Council as an at-large representative.

She worked at Community Health Network as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director of Community Outreach and Engagement, but resigned following the election to be a full-time mayor.

Whitfield was among a field of Democratic candidates who swept the 2023 general election in Lawrence, leading to a 100-percent Democrat council and city clerk in 2024.

Previously, two Republicans served on the council, and longtime City Clerk Kathy Walton also was Republican.

The five council members who completed their terms on the council at the close of 2023 were Maria Rusomaroff (D-District 4), Tom Shevlot, (R-District 5), Lauren Russel (R-District 6), Shawn Denney (D-at large) and Whitfield.

The new city clerk is Democrat Leatrice Adkisson. The five new council members are Carlos Jennings (D-District 4), Zach Cramer (D-District 5), Kristina Krone (D-District 6), Liz Masur (D-at large) and Betty Robinson (D-at large).

Reelected to the council were Tyrrell Giles (D-District 1), Rick Wells, (D-District 2), Sherron Freeman (D-District 3) and Lisa Chavis (D-at large).

The first council meeting of 2024 is set for Jan. 8.

DEVELOPMENT IndyGo’s second rapid transit line, the Purple Line, is scheduled for completion in fall 2024 following about a year and a half of construction that started in 2023.

The Benjamin is a mixed-use development at Lawrence’s Fort Ben campus that will be under construction throughout 2024, with completion expected in fall of 2025. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Mayor Deb Whitfield, a Democrat, assumed office Jan. 1 after winning the Nov. 7 election against Republican rival David Hofmann.

(Photo courtesy of the Deb Whitfield campaign)

The $188 million project will offer faster service from downtown Indianapolis to the Ivy Tech Community College campus on Lawrence’s 59th Street, cutting the wait time between buses serving Lawrence from about an hour to only 15 minutes.

The new service will offer 60-foot-long articulated electric buses to reduce emissions, along with sheltered bus stops that offer ADA accessibility. The Purple Line will run a 15-mile route from downtown Indianapolis to the Ivy Tech campus. It potentially will serve about 58,000 people who live within walking distance of the line, according to IndyGo. The project also includes infrastructure improvements, such as new sidewalks and better drainage.

A project that will start construction in 2024 is The

Benjamin, a Keystone Group mixed-use development on 56th Street close to Civic Plaza that will offer luxury apartments and commercial space, and is set for completion in fall of 2025. A groundbreaking ceremony for the project took place in October 2023.

During that ceremony, Fort Harrison Reuse Authority Board President Jeff Vest said the estimated $70 million Keystone Group development had been in the works for more than six years. It involved a lot of conversations and was delayed in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vest said he was happy the project is moving forward, and it should benefit all of Lawrence.

“It’s the largest private development — private-public Continued on Page 9

January 2, 2024

COVER STORY Continued from Page 8 development — in the history of Lawrence,” he said. “This will be a little cliche here, but it should be the keystone to drive people to the fort — the whole work, live, play concept.”

According to the Keystone Group, The Benjamin will offer 220 residential units, a pool and luxury amenity spaces, and about 24,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space on the ground floor.

Also starting in 2024 will be a major reconstruction project on Pendleton Pike through Lawrence, headed up by the Indiana Department of Transportation.

The 5-mile stretch begins at I-465 and heads northeast, ending at the intersection with Oaklandon Road. Officials said that traffic accidents are common along that busy section, with fast-moving traffic and no barriers. The plan is to build a raised median to reduce left turns.

Construction is expected to begin in summer and last for about two years.

SCHOOLS Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township is

Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com

looking forward to the completion of major renovations at Lawrence North and Lawrence Central high schools, with a combined cost of $180 million.

The projects, part of the district’s Blue Ribbon Facilities initiative, are due to end in 2024. They were financed in part through a capital referendum approved by voters in 2019. Other capital projects funded through the referendum benefited Brook Park Elementary, Forest Glen Elementary, Oakland Elementary and Winding Ridge Elementary, along with some of the district’s early learning centers.

Both high schools have received a face lift on the exterior, along with renovations to classrooms and other interior spaces. New additions include more classroom spaces and pools.

Lawrence North was built in 1976 and had few upgrades since that time. Lawrence Central, built in 1964, underwent some modifications in the 1990s.

Another building at the fort that will be under construction throughout 2024 is the $20 million MSDLT administration building.

The district’s administrative offices currently are

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housed at the Lawrence Education and Community Center on Sunnyside Road — formerly the Craig Middle School.

The Sunnyside site will continue to house Lawrence Advance Academy, several alternative and special needs programs, and will be the home of the future Craig Academy, according to the district.

The new building will be at 5710 Lawrence Village Parkway, a large, empty field in the middle of the Fort Benjamin Harrison campus. It sits west of the Civic Plaza and is surrounded by former military buildings that have been repurposed since the fort closed in the 1990s.

The Reuse Authority donated the land to the school district for the new facility, which will house the district’s business operations and executive offices.

Also in 2024, three seats will be up for election on the MSDLT School Board. They’re now held by board president Wendy Muston (District 1), vice president Amy Norman (District 3) and secretary Crystal Puckett (at-large).

ON THE COVER: One of the many events hosted by the City of Lawrence every year — and planned again in 2024 — is the annual Fourth of July parade. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

Improvements to the 5-mile section of Pendleton Pike running through Lawrence are scheduled to start in 2024.

(Map courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

Above and below, renovations at Lawrence Central and Lawrence North high schools are due for completion in 2024. (Renderings courtesy of Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township)

Construction for IndyGo’s Purple Line, a new rapid-transit line that runs through Lawrence, is scheduled for completion in fall 2024. (Photo

by Adam Seif)

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January 2, 2024

COMMUNITY

Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com

The Fall Creek Greenway Trail will be extended with funding through the state’s Next Level Trails grant program. (Image courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources)

Lawrence awarded $5M for trail extension Return of the popular 10K race!

Staggered start times beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Revamped VIP & after-party experience!

All participants receive a shirt, finisher medal, and free drink at the after-party.

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com The City of Lawrence has been awarded $5 million through the state’s Next Level Trails grant program to DEVELOPMENT extend the Fall Creek Greenway trail 1.83 miles.

Chief of Staff Cori Korn announced the grant award during the Lawrence Common Council’s Dec. 20 meeting — the final meeting of 2023.

“This grant is in partnership with Indy’s Urban Wilderness and Indy Parks to complete an extension of the Fall Creek Greenway,” she said. “Central Indiana Community Foundation through Lilly Endowment is actually contributing another $1.75 million to provide matching funds for this grant. The trail will go from 63rd Street and Lee Road to Fall Creek and then north to the North Loop Trail.”

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ website, the total project cost will be about $7 million, and the extension will be 1.83 miles.

“The new trail will be a paved multi-use path and will include a section of boardwalk,” DNR’s website states. “To the west, the existing Fall Creek Greenway runs over 14 miles from downtown Indianapolis to Fort Harrison State Park. Along 63rd Street, the new trail will connect to a Round 3 Next Level Trails project in Lawrence that connects to Forest Glen Elementary School and residential areas.”

For more, visit in.gov/dnr/state-parks/ recreation/grants/next-level-trails.

January 2, 2024

BUSINESS LOCAL

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Estridge Studio E provides gallery of choices for homebuyers

By Tirzah Rowland news@currentincarmel.com Inspired by showrooms in London and along the East Coast, along with its own designs, the team at Estridge DESIGN Homes said the company offers an elevated and personalized design approach to clients at its new Studio E in Carmel.

The longtime Indianapolis-area homebuilder moved its corporate offices to 645 Carmel Dr. in early 2023 with plans to create a customizable space for its design center, called Studio E, as a contemporary reflection of its established brand.

“We wanted a creative on-trend space with the feel of an art gallery,” said Devon Bloxom, director of sales and marketing for Estridge Homes.

Bloxom said clients can move through Studio E room by room and see the quality and variety of choices.

The studio features crisp white walls and ceilings above polished concrete floors in rooms displaying tiles and cabinetry options. Curated fixtures are displayed on built-in shelving. Islands with seating are open to clients throughout the space.

“We started planning the space knowing we were moving our offices,” said Rob McGraw, Estridge Homes co-owner and chief operating officer. “We looked at other builder’s studios and other industries.”

Understanding that trends and styles evolve quickly in the age of social media and design shows, McGraw said he wanted a space that would be easy to change to keep up with client interest and would provide more product options.

“When they walk in, they are drawn in.

It is a very inviting space that inspires people to want to put together their own home,” McGraw said. “The intentional lighting, open-air flow and strategic design make it feel different than other studios.”

Artwork by local artists available for purchase is displayed in front of the studio.

“We wanted to support local artists,” McGraw said. “The artwork adds to the gallery feel.”

Unlike traditional builder-design centers, Studio E focuses on empowering design and style more than specific products and predetermined ideas, according to McGraw.

“We wanted to provide more creative flexibility, not create a focus around specific materials.” McGraw said. “The product is art more than locked-in suggestions.”

Estridge offers an á la carte experience with up to 20 or more options in each category and hundreds of choices and combinations overall for everything from light fixtures to exterior finishes, Bloxom said “This space was built with an elevated experience in mind,” Bloxom said. “Clients walk through the space and see visions of a custom home from the robust number of choices.”

Considered a semi-custom builder, the Estridge motto, “Different by design,” inspired the space that opened in November and frames the entire design and build process, Bloxom said.

“We change our product a lot. We put a lot of thought into architecture and neighborhoods,” Bloxom said. “We allow structural changes to our floorplans.”

Prices vary by neighborhood but are designed for a broad range of clients and budgets.

“The next year will be important for home buying. If you are looking to personalize your home, visit one of our neighborhoods,” Bloxom said. “They all have different homes and overall feel.”

Sales consultants at Estridge model homes connect clients with Studio E for preview appointments. There they meet with a designer to guide the process but are given creative freedom within their desired budget.

For more, visit estridgehomes.com.

Studio E design center in Carmel offers personalized services to clients. (Photos courtesy of Estridge Studio E)

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January 2, 2024

VIEWS

Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com

A little is enough Commentary by Terry Anker “Let’s hurry and get going so that we can hurry and get home.” It is a classic dad line. On its face, it makes ESSAY little sense. If we don’t want to be away from the house, why go? Even if we must go, there is scant evidence that leaving earlier will mean that we are away any less than if we leave later. Some of us put up the Christmas decorations earlier each year but by New Year’s Day would pitch a fit if hearing a carol. We come to the banquet table starving, eat more than our fill and leave with some uncomfortable regret about the second piece of pie.

We humans are infected with wanderlust. More is better. New is better. Our closets are filled with items that we are unlikely to ever wear and many more shoes than feet. We acquire, move, consume and explore like our lives depend upon it. For a few contented souls, rocking on the porch from dawn to dusk is quite

enough. But most of us are possessed with a notion that settling is dangerous.

Perhaps our ancestors came to know that survival is linked to finding a more reliable source of fresh water or seeking a mate outside of our own shallow gene pool.

Today, our journeys are more likely to help us flourish in impressing others on social media than in keeping us alive.

Is there a space between not going at all and going so often that relevance is lost? Can we love Christmas without being overwhelmed by it? Can we feast at the table without abusing our stomachs? There is a big space between immobility and unreliability. And moving around a bit is likely good for us. Still, shouldn’t we enjoy where we are while we are there?

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

I fail to see the (AI) humor Commentary by Danielle Wilson

needs originality when a machine can regurgitate clichés and tired expressions Friends, what are our thoughts on with unparalleled efficiency?”

AI-assisted writing? Is it a digital darling Better, but too repetitive (I’d never use saving us time and effort, or a “charm” twice in one question! The horror!).

HUMOR Terminator-in-waiting ready to I ran it a few more eradicate times but couldn’t our creative brains? I quite get my perdecided to try it this sonal style and tone “In less than 10 seconds, I had, week to see what kind across. Conclusion?

‘Who needs human wit when of local newspaper If I were scripting a algorithms can churn out content form letter of sorts or humor column it could as charming as my Mamaw’s cat perhaps a one-off ediproduce. I began with some basic inputs, memes, even if AI has the charm torial, ChatGPT might including word count, be my go-to. But for of a rusty can opener?’” “opinion” and “funny.” my voice, absolutely – DANIELLE WILSON The result? Mid. not. Bring on Sarah It generated Connor! sentences like, “Gone are the days of I suppose AI-assisted writing is the savstruggling to string together coherent ior we never knew we needed — or maybe sentences; now we have AI to save us from we didn’t. So, here’s to a future where the perilous task of using our noggins. It’s robots pen our jokes (and columns? Mwahlike having a literary Groundhog Day, but ha-ha!) and we all pretend it’s an upgrade. less entertaining.” Not a bad start, but a Cheers to progress, or whatever. Peace out. bit boring. So, I had ChatGPT refine it, with instructions to be “snarkier.”

In less than 10 seconds, I had, “Who Danielle Wilson is a contributing needs human wit when algorithms can columnist. You may email her at churn out content as charming as my info@youarecurrent.com.

Mamaw’s cat memes, even if AI has the charm of a rusty can opener?” And, “Who

Thanks for the memories, Part 2 Commentary by Dick Wolfsie Here is Part 2 of my yearly look back on the people, places and things HUMOR that gave me ideas for my column.

• Thanks to the website that offers cooking tips. For example, “Don’t cook your asparagus with the rubber band still on the stems.” Yes, if your spears are exceptionally chewy one night, you have discovered the culprit.

• Thanks to the quack doctor who said he invented a mobile app that would cure acne if you held the phone to your head. He was arrested for fraud. Asked if he would serve his sentence like a man, he said, “Breaking out is not an option.” He also said his wife was worried that even a short prison sentence would jeopardize their marriage. “She’s my main squeeze,” the dermatologist told everyone. Which is not something his PR agency wanted him to say.

• I also celebrated Indianapolis’ high ranking for cities with the most rats.

The Crossroads of America (Indy’s nickname) was rated 15th, indicating exactly what was crossing those crossroads. So, the rats were rated higher than the Cubs this year. Washington, D.C., was rated fourth on the list with half a million rats — 500,535 if you count Congress.

• Thanks to my wife, who wanted to try a new Chinese restaurant. She found one online and ordered the food.

I called back to find out how long it would take to get there. “Where do you live?” I was asked. I said the north side of Indianapolis. “Oh, about six hours.

Sir, you are calling a Chinese restaurant in Canton, Ohio.” “No problem,” I said. “I love Cantonese food.”

• One morning I sliced my finger when cutting a bagel. I told Mary Ellen we had to go to the emergency room be-

“One morning I sliced my finger when cutting a bagel. I told Mary Ellen we had to go to the emergency room because of all the blood and white ooze coming from the injury. After some testing, the doctor told me it was cream cheese and jelly.”

– DICK WOLFSIE cause of all the blood and white ooze coming from the injury. After some testing, the doctor told me it was cream cheese and jelly.

• Kudos to a new chess website. First, I wanted to assess the competition.

Each player has a bio online. Canty is an international grandmaster. The bio says he is very tricky and “might catch you with your pants down.” I suggest you not play him on Zoom. My favorite was Zara. Her bio says she is a good sport, loves animals, is a nonsmoker and wants to play with someone who likes romantic dinners. Hmmm, maybe she thinks she’s on ChessMatch.com.

• I was frustrated that I can never find the TV remote, so I tied a piece of dental floss around the device and connected it to the couch leg. Great results. I don’t miss nearly as many shows and I have 34 percent less plaque.

• In bad weather, I started jogging in Walmart and Costco, sometimes getting in as many as 6 miles on a rainy day. I only do Costco now. Walmart started charging me mileage.

Have a great 2024!

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters.

Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

January 2, 2024

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Documentary filmmaker creates first fictional production

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Filmmaker Rocky Walls’ forte is making documentaries.

“I never thought I’d write a MOVIE fictional film. Like, never,” Walls said.

The Fishers resident never expected his Noblesville-based 12 Stars Media company would make a feature film.

“I would say the concept of revealing secrets in a laundromat came to me first, then I started joking with my team about filming it as a reality series later,” said Walls, executive director of 12 Stars Media.

“I’ve always wanted to film something in a laundromat, so I think one day when my mind was wandering, I came up with the idea for what would become a key scene in this film — two characters revealing untold truths in a laundromat.”

Starring in “Dirty Laundry” are Mitchell Wray and Charlie Schultz, who are freshmen at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Wray, a University High School graduate who grew up in Carmel, plays Kyle Miller.

Schultz, a Westfield High School graduate, is cast as Eric Hernandez. Wray and Schultz didn’t know each other before college.

The film began production in December 2023 in Indianapolis.

“Before I met and worked with any of the actors, I expected the process and experience to be completely different from a documentary,” Walls said. “I was surprised to find out how much common ground there was. Mainly in the way that the actors, even though they are acting, have to become very authentic when portraying their characters. So, a lot of the skills and experience I have in making a documentary subject feel comfortable being themselves ended up being useful for helping the actors authentically become their characters.”

Walls said the film will be a feature-length movie, which must be more than 40 minutes, according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The

‘MENOPAUSE, THE MUSICAL” Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents “Menopause, the Musical” Jan. 5 through Feb. 4 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET Feinstein’s presents “Melissa Errico: The Life and Loves of a Broadway Baby” at 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 5-6 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

PEANUT BUTTER & JAM The Peanut Butter & Jam series will feature Movers and Shakers with Relevations Dance Company at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 6. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Actor Mitchell Wray, left, confers with filmmaker Rocky Walls. (Photo courtesy of 12 Stars Media)

script was 60 pages, so Walls estimates the film will run between 65 and 75 minutes.

Filming was done at night at an Indianapolis laundromat.

“As the night goes on, you kind of evolve into that character, and by the end of the night, you are that character,” Schultz said. “You go home and go to sleep, then you wake up the next morning and start the whole process again getting into that character.”

Schultz said it’s been great to work with Walls because of his documentary experience.

“He really cares about people,” Schultz said. “From a director’s standpoint, he wants to know how we’re feeling on all these different levels, and that’s really beautiful because he puts us in the right perspective to feel comfortable getting into these characters.”

Wray said the fact the film is set in the 1990s caught his attention.

“I love the aesthetics from then,” Wray said. “I’ve always been into vintage clothing and being able to bring our own style and interests to the film to help make these characters our own.”

Wray said he has always wanted to be a film director.

“So, just seeing behind the scenes and talking to the crew members, it’s so interesting to see what they’re trying to accomplish while we’re acting,” he said.

Wray said he looks forward to seeing the rough cut.

“I have an idea of what it’s going to look like in my head, but I’m sure it’s nothing like what the finished product will be, in a good way,” he said. “The film won’t premiere until next fall, so we have a whole year to envision what we think it’s going to be like.”

Wray has been acting since he was young. He performed with a national touring group in “Finding Neverland.”

The main characters’ family members appear in some flashback scenes, which focus especially on the relationship Kyle has with his mother, Christine, played by Erika Lewandowski, and the relationship between Eric and his father, Carlos, played

by Ian Cruz.

Walls said Deborah Asante, founder of Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis, lends her incredible screen presence as a Mysterious Stranger.

Adult-child music classes set editorial@youarecurrent.com There are openings for the Child & Adult Music Class program “A Snowy Day” at 10:45 a.m. Jan 5, 12, 19 and 26 and Feb. 2 and 9 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The 9:30 a.m. sessions sold out.

The class is designed for caregivers to take a musical walk through a winter wonderland with their child. Participants will stomp in imaginary snow, play with penguins, catch snowflakes and search for polar bears using rhyme, rhythm, melody and beat. The caregiver and child class is led by singer/guitarist “Ms. Michelle” Marti, who will provide an age-appropriate music curriculum as well as toys and percussion to immerse children in the music.

Child & Adult Music Class is presented in partnership with Westfield Veterinary Care.

Open to all ages, best for 18 months to 5 years, participation is limited to 10 children, with a minimum of five required to offer the class. The cost is $72 for all six class sessions. Siblings under 10 months can attend free of charge.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

January 2, 2024

NIGHT & DAY

Reilly enjoyed run as ATI executive director

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Jim Reilly had experience operating a nonprofit after running the Indianapolis City Market in Indianapolis.

THEATER After leaving that position, Reilly started his own consulting company, The Reilly Group. But when the Actors Theatre of Indiana approached him about being a consultant, he was unsure he could do the job.

“I don’t act, I don’t sing, Reilly I don’t dance, but I can run a business,” he said. “I said, ‘Let’s give it a three-month contract.’”

Reilly served as ATI’s executive director for 12 years before retiring in late December.

“It’s been a good run,” Reilly said. “I had fun. I told them if they ever need me, I’ll help them. The time has come for some younger blood. I’m ready not to have the fundraising worries. I’m sure they will bring in someone who has the experience and the knowledge. My skills weren’t in the artistic field, they were in the business world. You have the combination of someone who likes theater and understands business.”

Reilly said he and his wife, PJ, always loved the theater.

Reilly, 76, said he liked that the ATI office was near his Carmel home. PJ worked in the front office of Carmel High School for 28 years before retiring three years ago.

“She liked her job, and I liked working in the theater,” Reilly said. “It gave me some flexibility. I liked being around the actors all day, just being able to sit in the office.

When I was doing my work and they were rehearsing, it made the day interesting. I liked hearing all the old songs, especially if it was an old Broadway show where I knew all the songs.”

Reilly, who is from Chester, Pa., moved to Indiana to work for Simon Property Group.

He eventually worked at the Indianapolis City Market in Indianapolis.

Reilly has three children, who live in different states, with nine grandchildren.

“This will give us time to hop in the car and go,” Reilly said.

Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com

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‘Menopause, the Musical’ set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

where we’re performing in the country, there will be a person who relates to each and every part on stage,” she said. “NuKimberly Vanbiesbrouck can’t even begin merous times, I’ve had women and men to remember how many times she has come up to me and explain that I remind appeared in “Meno- them of someone in their lives. Then, they PERFORMANCES pause, the usually go on to tell me who the Musical.” other characters remind them of, Vanbiesbrouck will perform in as well, which really makes each the role of the Soap Star in Beef & role a joy to perform or teach.

Boards Dinner Theatre’s producThis show really does appeal to tion that runs Jan. 5 to Feb. 4 at both men and women, because the Indianapolis venue. we all have mothers, daughters, Her first appearance in the musisters, aunts and grandmothers sical was in 2004 in her hometown Vanbiesbrouck in our lives who will go through of Detroit. menopause.”

“We ran there for 4 1/2 years, which Vanbiesbrouck’s favorite Soap Star is unheard of in the City of Detroit and number is “Hot Flash” to the tune of “Heat also why we are still, to this day, the lonWave.” gest-running musical in Detroit Theatre When playing the Iowa Housewife, she History and also the Wilde Award winners said her favorite song is “Only You,” in of Best Ensemble Cast,” Vanbiesbrouck large part because of the incredible audisaid. “After the Detroit run ended, I toured ence reaction every show. the country for years, took a short break Vanbiesbrouck said some of the other and returned again in 2012. It’s been on/off favorite audience numbers are the Bee pretty steadily since then. Jeanie Linders, Gees’ disco medley “My Husband Sleeps at who wrote, ‘Menopause, the Musical,’ not Night” to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and “My only created a show that tapped into a Thighs” to “My Guy.” heretofore untapped part of the theatri“In this show, if the audience is enjoying cal market, women of a menopausal age, themselves, the actors can’t help but do she also gave actresses of a certain age so, as well,” she said. “(It’s) another reason continued employment in an industry that performing this show never really gets old. generally doesn’t have an abundance of The other part that keeps me coming back opportunities for us.” is the connection with my fellow actors Vanbiesbrouck has played the Soap Star and crew. I have had the privilege of workrole more than any other role, but she also ing with so many amazing actors and crew has performed as the Iowa Housewife. who will be friends my whole life long, “What I like about all the roles is that thanks to ‘Menopause, the Musical.’” somewhere in the audience, no matter For more, visit beefandboards.com.

“In this show, if the audience is enjoying themselves, the actors can’t help but do so, as well.”

– KIMBERLY VANBIESBROUCK

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LIFESTYLE

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A replica of Monument Circle at Eiteljorg Museum. (Photos by Don Knebel)

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A replica of Yosemite Falls on display at Eiteljorg Museum.

Exploring Eiteljorg’s exhibit Commentary by Don Knebel In the last of our visits to interesting sites in and around Indianapolis, we stop by Jingle Rails, an annual holiday exhibit TRAVEL at the Eiteljorg Museum in downtown Indianapolis.

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art opened in White River State Park in 1989. The museum was named for Harrison Eiteljorg, whose extensive holding of art and other items from and about the American West and the indigenous peoples of North America formed the foundation of the museum’s initial collection. Today, the museum’s collection is considered among the finest of its kind in the U.S. Every holiday season since 2010, the museum has featured “Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure.” At the heart of this special exhibit is nearly a quarter mile of miniature railroad tracks. Nine G-scale model trains follow the tracks over wooden trestles and through make-believe tunnels, passing by buildings and landmarks representative of Indianapolis and the American West. Almost everything is created from natural materials, including such things as tree bark, nuts,

seeds, leaves and cinnamon sticks. Structures from Indianapolis at the beginning of the exhibit include the Eiteljorg Museum, Union Station, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indiana State Fairgrounds and Monument Circle, complete with the Soldiers and Sailors Monument decked out as the “World’s Largest Christmas Tree.” On a nearby representation of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, slot cars race each other around the miniature oval.

Western scenes include the Grand Canyon, Yosemite Falls, the Golden Gate Bridge, Old Faithful, Mount Rushmore, Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas Strip. Lights and holiday trimmings are everywhere, creating a festive atmosphere enjoyable by adults and children alike. Each year, the presenters of Jingle Rails attempt to provide something new. The addition this year is a lighted inflatable train on the museum’s front lawn, colorfully calling attention to what is inside.

Don Knebel is a local resident. For the full column visit donknebel.com.

You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

January 2, 2024

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Across 1. UIndy alums 6. “Harper Valley ___” 9. ISO closing chords 13. Cowboy competition 14. Palladium ticket word 15. “Nae” sayer 16. Post-season football game for Purdue (1978 and ‘84) and Indiana (1988 and ‘90) 18. “___ never work!”

19. Tic-tac-toe win 20. Bad check letters 22. Hoosier Motor Club org.

23. Unattractive 26. Some IBM products 28. Replies to an invitation, briefly 30. ___ step further 31. Butler frat letter 32. Strong request 33. Fashion Mall store for

43

48

51

59

1

29

42

50

58

22

38

53

6 4 1 7 6

63

64

Italian fashion 35. Shopping binge 37. Circle City Soul Food dessert choice 41. Fighting words 42. Conditional phrase 44. Doing the same old thing 47. Muppet friend of Elmo 49. Wagering option inits.

50. Private teacher 51. Sassy talk 52. Leaky tire sound 53. Commotion 54. Carmel-to-Cincinnati dir.

56. IND posting 58. Propositional phrase?

60. Pantone Color of the Year 2024 65. List entry 66. IRT play part 67. Watch again 68. Dermatologist’s

2 9 5

2 7 4 1 2

36

41 45

12

32

34 37

21

27

31

30

11

18 20

25

10

15

17 19

44

9

14

13 16

23

7

3 5 1 3

3 3 5 2

3 9 8 7 8 9 5 3 7 1 3 8 4 6

concern 69. Vonnegut: “___ Sirens of Titan” 70. Maine-to-Florida hwy.

Down 1. Org. 2. Fish eggs 3. Toothpaste tube letters 4. Fake drake 5. Big Apple neighborhood 6. Bridgewater Club golf instructor 7. Indiana’s Brook, Brooklyn, Brooksburg and Brookville 8. Piercing tools 9. WTTV forensic drama 10. Musical span 11. Work out in the YMCA pool 12. “Finally!”

17. Conks on the head 21. Unpaid-for perk

23. Fleecy boot brand 24. Elevate 25. Sneaker feature 27. Pancho’s TV amigo 29. Place for books 31. Photo 32. Texter’s “Gimme a sec” 34. Egypt’s capital 36. ___ scheme (investment scam) 38. FDR’s successor 39. Genesis name 40. Decomposes 43. Atlanta-based cable co.

44. Type of type 45. Bare existence at the Ponderosa Sun Club 46. Makes amends 48. Oil cartel 51. Bloodsucker 52. Bank vaults 55. Tiff 57. Drive-___ window

6 Streaming Services _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ 5 Indy Avenues _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________

4 Indy Country Clubs _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ 3 Snowman Parts _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ 2 ___ Jam _________________________ _________________________

1 Quilters Hall of Fame Site ___________________________

59. CPR expert 61. Had scallops at Vida 62. GI entertainers

63. Buddhist doctrine 64. Alphabet ender Answers on Page 19

An informative resource for parents and caregivers, this comprehensive guide will be published on Feb. 20. It offers valuable insights, camp options, summer programs and engaging activities in and around Hamilton County. Delivered to 132,927 households in Carmel, Fishers, Lawrence/Geist, Noblesville, Westfield, and Zionsville via U.S. Mail, you may seize this opportunity to reach a wide audience at an affordable price and explore the best tips and listings to make the most of your family’s summer experiences.

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