April 16, 2024 — Lawrence/Geist

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Lawrence Central to present classic ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ / P13

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Primary candidate Q&A: House District 88

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Two candidates have filed to run for the Democratic nomination for State House District 88 — Stephanie Jo Yocum and Starr Joy Hairston.

ELECTIONS

The district, currently represented by Republican Chris Jeter of Fishers, includes portions of Hamilton and Marion Counties in the Geist area. Jeter is running unopposed in the Republican primary.

I am the chair of Indiana’s commission on service and volunteerism. What top three issues are your campaign focused on?

Education: Access to preschool and kindergarten for all kids, fully funded public schools, supporting educators.

Economy: The living wage crisis — anyone working full time should earn enough to care for themselves and their family.

Half of the state’s budget pays for education, and we’re seeing the impact of learning loss suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic in student assessment scores and anecdotally. How can the Legislature address this issue without increasing education funding?

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Current attempted to reach out to both Democratic candidates with questions about their campaigns but was not able to reach Hairston via email or phone, and she does not appear to have a campaign website. Yocum’s responses are below.

Why do you want to run for this office?

I am running because I have a vision of what Indiana can be. Our current Statehouse does not reflect the people of our state. Indiana can be a place where people and businesses want to be and stay, where all people feel valued and represented.

What sets you apart from your opponent(s)?

Twenty years ago, I served in the AmeriCorps and my commitment to public service hasn’t waned since. My life and career is dedicated to public service. I’ve successfully led large nonprofit organizations in the education and health care fields and

Health care: The rising costs of healthcare, reproductive rights. Rising assessed values are quickly increasing property tax bills, making it more unaffordable to move here (or stay here). How do you plan to address this?

I am a homeowner. I’ve experienced this myself. Addressing this issue is critical because homeownership is the foundation of family economic stability. We have to cap property tax increases, make known resources like assessment appeals and provide immediate relief in the form of tax credits.

Health care costs continue to rise sharply in Indiana — how would you propose reining them in?

While we need to continue cost-cutting strategies like capping drug costs and addressing the high costs of hospital stays, we must invest in doing more to improve the health of Hoosiers. Indiana ranks 35th for overall health and 45th in public health funding.

DISPATCHES

Breakfast at the Brickyard with Mario Andretti — Mario Andretti, the 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner and four-time IndyCar Series champion, will be the featured guest at the 2024 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc. The event will take place at 9 a.m., May 18 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Tickets are on sale to the public, with individual tickets priced at $100 each and Preferred Corporate Tables at $1,200. For more, visit 500Festival. com/Breakfast.

Woman arrested following shooting incident — Fishers Police Department announced April 8 that officers arrested 20-year-old Amaria Janae Butler of Fishers in connection with an April 6 shooting in the Meadows Drive area. According to the

announcement, Butler faces a level-six felony charge of criminal recklessness. “On the night of the incident, several neighbors called 911 to report shots fired,” the announcement stated. “FPD officers and detectives quickly investigated the incident and detained two subjects for questioning. Search warrants were obtained for the residence and DNA. While officers were there to serve the search warrant, Butler admitted to firing a gun outside the house.” Evidence was collected at the scene, the announcement stated, and Butler was taken into custody at that time.

Scholarships available – The Indiana Chapter of the Association of the United States Army is offering scholarships of up to $2,000 each to students who are members or children of an AUSA member

Public funds should pay for public education. Funding may seem high, but it’s not all going to public schools. Taxpayers are funding a private school voucher system. Last year, 64 percent of vouchers went to families already paying for private school tuition, leaving an inequitable and inadequate amount for low-income families.

We live in an increasingly polarized and politically divided state and nation. How will you work to lead and better all Hoosiers – regardless of whether they support you?

My parents, a Republican and a Democrat, are my models of civility. I am grateful for their teachings. I enjoy listening to and learning from others. I know, if we respectfully engage one another, we can find common ground. I commit to making that time and space for all Hoosiers. What do you most want voters to know about you?

A Hoosier, born and raised, I spent half my life in a small Indiana town and now proudly call Indianapolis home. I am running for office because I believe we can do better for all Hoosiers, from our farms to our cities and everywhere in between.

The primary election is May7.

pursuing an undergraduate degree. Applicants must be high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, or juniors and must attend a regionally or nationally accredited institution. Documentation must be received by the Indiana Chapter AUSA no later than 11:59 p.m. April 30. For inquiries or to request an application, contact indianachapterausa@gmail.com.

Ramaswamy to speak to county GOP — Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will be the featured speaker at the Hamilton County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner May 2 at Embassy Suites in Noblesville. A VIP reception will begin at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Learn more and purchase tickets at hamiltoncountygop.org.

Yocum

Resurfacing projects to kick off in Lawrence

news@geistcurrent.com

The City of Lawrence’s Department of Public Works streets division kicked off various road resurfacing projects starting April 9.

ROADS

According to an announcement from the city, resurfacing should lead to smoother and safer streets.

The streets that will be affected are:

• Franklin Road, which was resurfaced last year from Pendleton Pike to 56th Street, but will have additional work to raise manholes, valves and storm drains to grade.

• 49th Street, which will be resurfaced from Richardt Avenue to Mitchner Avenue.

• 51st Street, which will be resurfaced from Richardt Avenue to 50th Street.

• Elmhurst Drive, which will be resurfaced from 49th Street to 52nd Street.

• Longworth Avenue, which will be resurfaced from 47th Street to 49th Street.

• Sadlier Drive, which will be resurfaced from 49th Street to 50th Street.

• 49th Street, which will be resurfaced from Longworth Avenue to Franklin Road.

Residents with questions about the road resurfacing projects are directed to contact Lawrence Department of Public Works at 317-545-8787.

City of Lawrence street crews are resurfacing streets in the community starting April 9. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

MSDLT schools pick top teachers, classified employees for 2024

news@geistcurrent.com

Schools within the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township have chosen their top teachers and classified staff members for the year, and those employees will be eligible for the district’s Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year, which will be announced in May. The schools and the employees that each honored are:

EDUCATION

• Amy Beverland Elementary Early Learning Center: Teacher Leah Beardslee and classified employee Jyra Hughes

• Brook Park Elementary ELC: Teacher

Helisha Klipp and classified employee

Dana Dowden

• Mary Castle Elementary ELC: Teacher

Jennifer McNamara and classified employee

Carla Rosebrock

• Winding Ridge Elementary ELC: Teacher Casey Krummel and classified employee

Mara Ramirez-Hastings

• Amy Beverland Elementary: Teacher

Lindsey Lewis and classified employee

Amanda McGarrell

Lawrence Central High School Teacher of the Year for 2024 is science teacher Amber Leonhard. She is now eligible for the district’s Teacher of the Year award, which is announced in May. (Photo courtesy of Lawrence Central High School)

• Brook Park Elementary: Teacher Audrey Johnson and classified employee

Russell Harpold

• Crestview Elementary: Teacher Kristine Booth and classified employee

Maria Rodas

• Forest Glen Elementary: Teacher Kelis Barber Benitez and classified employee Michele Hernandez Davila

• Harrison Hill Elementary: Teacher

Emily Ross and classified employee

Antoinette Welch, bookstore assistant, was chosen as Lawrence North High School’s Classified Employee of the Year for 2024. She is eligible for the districtwide award, which is announced in May. (Photo courtesy of Lawrence North High School)

Harshi Chahal

• Indian Creek Elementary: Teacher

Sylvia Marrero Olivo and classified employee Julie Hils

• Mary Castle Elementary: Teacher Debra Ann May and classified employee

Dawn Gill

• Oaklandon Elementary: Teacher Jill

Ambre and classified employee Cardel

Laurence

• Skiles Test Elementary: Teacher Reg-

inald Golder and classified employee

Beatriz Castro Rodriguez

• Sunnyside Elementary: Teacher Beatriz Smith and classified employee

Edwin Davis

• Winding Ridge Elementary: Teacher

Ruth Sheldon and classified employee

Patricia Schuh

• Belzer Middle School: Teacher Lauren Hill and classified employee Alexandria Hayes

• Fall Creek Valley Middle School: Teacher Kayci Troyer and classified employee Leticia Valdez Centeno

• Lawrence Central High School: Teacher

Amber Leonhard and classified employee Roderick Coleman

• Lawrence North High School: Teacher

Samantha Good and classified employee Antoinette Welch

• Lawrence Advance Academy: Teacher

Steve Helgeson and classified employee Gabriel Llovet Bisbal

• McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology: Teacher Gracie Sahm and classified employee Diana Stocksdale

• Transportation department’s classified employee of the year: Jhunlette Kelly

DISPATCHES

Brooke’s Place seeks volunteers — Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People is looking for volunteers to serve as support group facilitators for its westside, eastside and northside program nights. Volunteers provide a safe and supportive environment for young people, ages 3-29, and their caregivers to grieve. Facilitators engage groups through conversation as well as age-appropriate therapeutic activities such as crafts and games. Facilitators serve families twice a month on either Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. To learn more about becoming a facilitator or to apply, contact chelsea@ brookesplace.org or visit brookesplace.org/ grief-support-volunteer.

Fishers American Legion plans craft fair — The Fishers American Legion Post 470 has scheduled a Spring Craft Fair for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 4 at the Legion, 9091 E. 126th St. Anyone interested in renting a booth for the fair can get vendor information at the post or by emailing auxiliarypost470@ gmail.com.

Congressional art contest — Submissions are being accepted for the U.S. House of Representatives’ Artistic Discovery Contest, which is open to all high school students. Winning artwork will be displayed for a year in the U.S. Capitol. For more, contact your congressional representative.

Free weather radios for hard of hearing — Hamilton County Emergency Management is giving away free weather radios to Hamilton County residents who are deaf and hard of hearing. Anyone who qualifies should contact Monica Peterson at Monica. Peterson@HamiltonCounty.in.gov to receive a radio.

Registration open for Spark!Fishers 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk — New to the Spark!Fishers 5K events in 2024 is the Spark!Fishers 1-Mile Run/Walk. The shortened version of the 5K route invites any age or ability to join the Spark!Fishers 5K festivities, presented by IU Health Fishers. Participants receive a T-shirt, medal and admission into the Spark!Fishers 5K after party. The 1-Mile Run/Walk begins at 6:15 p.m. June 26. Registration is $24.99 per person. Kids 12 and younger are $19.99 per person. The 2024 Spark!Fishers Festival, presented by Meijer, is June 25-29 in downtown Fishers’ Nickel Plate District. See the full event schedule and learn more at sparkfishers.com.

Fishers man charged in separate shootings

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

A 34-year-old man faces multiple felonies following a complex Fishers Police Department investigation that allegedly links a road-rage shooting in 2023 to a home shooting incident in 2022.

CRIME

Noblesville resident Anthony Mikalani Medeiros was booked into Hamilton County Jail March 22, according to the jail website. He was charged with four felonies — criminal recklessness, shooting a firearm into an inhabited building; criminal recklessness, committed with a deadly weapon; aggravated battery, posing a substantial risk of death to a person under age 14; and aggravated battery, posing a substantial risk of death. He also faces one misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief.

The investigation started in August 2022, when FPD officers responded to reports of a shooting at Veon Drive in Fishers, according to the affidavit for probable cause filed by FPD Detective Sgt. Robbie Ruble. Multiple houses had been hit, but one home appeared to be the main target.

“The residence sustained damage to the general area of the front door and to two vehicles parked in the driveway,” Ruble stated. “All the aforementioned damage appeared to have been caused by bullet strikes. The damage was more pervasive inside, where it appeared the bullets fired had traveled through multiple surfaces inside the house and out through the back side of the house. It appeared their residence had been intentionally targeted and that damage to other residences was caused by bullets which had passed through the (victims’) residence.”

Four people were in the home at the time, including two children. Police recovered bullet casings from the home and were told by the victims that the wife had previously experienced problems with Medeiros, whose last known address at the time was in Carmel.

Police made multiple attempts to locate Medeiros at the time but were unsuccessful.

About seven months later on March 20, 2023, Ruble stated that police were called

to Gilbert Lane close to the Van Buren Place intersection for a report of gunshots. They found shell casings in the area similar to those found at the Veon Drive home and interviewed a resident of the area who reported that someone had shot at him during a road rage incident.

The victim said he had missed the turn into his housing addition and braked quickly, and the driver behind him responded aggressively.

“(The victim) stated that he heard a loud pop but didn’t know it was a shot,” Ruble stated. “(He) stated he turned off of Promise Road onto Chandler Way into his housing addition. The vehicle followed him onto Chandler Way. (He) stated he heard three gunshots and saw the driver of the vehicle waving a gun out of the window.”

The victim was able to lose the other driver and park in his garage. Police recovered a bullet from the victim’s vehicle that was similar to those collected earlier and got a description of the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle.

With the help of traffic camera data, police identified a vehicle in the area belong-

ing to Medeiros, and a Noblesville address for the suspect about three miles from both shooting scenes.

Through a search warrant, police found various firearms and ammunition in his possession. Among the items found were bullets that allegedly match casings found at both shooting sites.

In May 2023, FPD learned that lab results had matched a gun seized from Medeiros’ vehicle to shell casings found at both shootings.

A second search warrant to seize electronics was served in late August 2023. Ruble stated that police seized three cell phones, an iPad and a desktop computer. Investigators examined the data on the devices and allegedly found various conversations predicting Medeiros’ arrest following the search warrants, along with older messages related to the victims from the August 2022 shooting — including more than 200 phone calls along with numerous text messages to the wife’s phone number.

Medeiros’ next scheduled hearing is a pretrial conference 9 a.m. May 6 in Hamilton County Superior Court. A trial is tentatively set for June 10.

Medeiros

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

County childcare plan announced — Invest Hamilton County, the economic development corporation for Hamilton County, recently announced the development of a childcare action and investment plan. The initiative aims to address the need for accessible, affordable and high-quality childcare across the county. Invest Hamilton County has selected TPMA to develop the plan.

Hats Off to Spring fundraiser – The Hats

Off to Spring fashion show and luncheon will be presented beginning at 10 a.m. May 1 at Ritz Charles, 12156 N. Meridian St. in Carmel. The fundraiser benefits the Little Sisters of the Poor who care for the elderly at the St. Augustine Home on W. 86th Street in Indianapolis. Proceeds will support ongoing operations of the St. Augustine Home for the Aged. Call 317-294-1955 for more information and an invitation. Learn more at staugustinehomeguild.org/ st-augustine-home-guild/hots.

Nonprofit grants available — The 2024 City of Fishers nonprofit grant application is open through April 24. The Fishers City Council established a nonprofit committee to manage the city’s grant disbursement process, with final awards subject to council approval. The program awards funding to local organizations that create a sense of place, public interaction or additional educational opportunities for Fishers residents. The Fishers City Council has allocated $250,000 for the program this year. For more, visit FishersIN.gov/NonprofitGrant.

Fishers Parks offers lifeguard camp — A new junior lifeguard summer camp at Geist Waterfront Park will teach basic lifeguard skills to kids ages 11-15 while the park is open to the public, allowing one-one instruction and hands-on experience. The camp will help participants obtain lifeguard jobs after they turn 16. Parks Department’s summer camp offerings are open for registration at playfishers.com/167/ Summer-Camp.

New sports summer camps offered — Fishers Parks announced new sports and athletic summer camps, offered in partnership with SkyHawks Sports Academy. The following sports and athletics camps are now available for registration: mini hawk (multi-sports for ages 4-8), multi-sport, flag football, sand volleyball and basketball. To register, visit playfishers.com/746/ Sports-Athletic-Camps.

The

installation

takes

as little as a day. The joy it brings lasts a lifetime.

FOOD

Hunting mushrooms: The morel of the story

Commentary by Mark LaFay

Spring season is finally upon us. But let’s be honest, while the vernal equinox may have come and gone, the threat of snow never ends until May and the sound of racecars can be heard faintly in the distance. Indiana’s tormenting weather patterns aside, the warmer average temperatures do mean that we are officially at the beginning of morel season. I am an avid outdoorsman and, in addition to spring turkey hunting, you will find me and my boys walking the woods in search of the ever-elusive morel.

Morel mushrooms are very finicky and very hard to cultivate commercially. They appear only in the spring and once the temps get warm enough, they stop fruiting and lay dormant until another trip around the sun has been completed.

If you’ve never been mushroom hunting, morels are a great mushroom to get started on. They are very easy to identify accurately, they taste amazing, and when you find where they are growing, they will almost always continue growing there as long as you harvest responsibly.

Here are some tips for morel hunting:

• Morels will start to pop up when average soil temps are between 45 and 50 degrees and air temps are above 60 degrees. You can check soil temps online. There are several websites that track this.

• Look for elm trees. You can identify an elm tree by its bark. Morels will grow in the ground, not on wood, around elm trees where their bark, sticks, leaves, etc., fall and decay.

• Harvest responsibly. Pinch the morel off at the base, leaving the root in the

If you have any doubt in your mind, false morels are solid. Real morels are hollow. Cut it open and look.

Morel mushroom season has begun.

(Creative Commons image)

ground. Mushrooms are organisms that live and grow under the surface, so they can grow back. The mushroom that you pick is the fruit and is responsible for spreading spores, which grow more mushrooms. That means you should carry your mushrooms in a netted bag so that spores can be spread as you move through the woods.

A word about safety. There is only one mushroom that remotely resembles the morel, and it is called a false morel. They are similar but very different in appearance.

Lastly, morel honey holes are top secret. If you know other people who hunt morels, don’t ask them where they go. They will, at best, lie to you and, at worst, get angry with you for asking. That means you must find the spots yourself. When you head out looking for these delectable fungi, try public parks, like Cool Creek. It is legal to take mushrooms from Indiana DNR-managed property. Dormant spores could come back to life after construction and other agitation of the soil, so walking the wooded edges of a cornfield conversion is another good option. When you stumble upon one morel, don’t move, look around to see where there may be more and pick carefully. Then promptly email me your GPS coordinates. Happy hunting!

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

Princess Program develops leaders

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrrent.com

The 500 Festival Princess Program has continued developing since it started as a pageant in 1959,

500 FESTIVAL

“Throughout its 65-year history, the program has evolved into an ambassador program,” said Laura Bliss, 500 Festival director of operations. “The sashes and tiaras are part of tradition, but today’s program’s focus has shifted to commitment to service, effective communication, strong leadership, academic excellence and professionalism. The 2024 Princesses who represent the 500 Festival in their hometowns and communities around the state are 33 of Indiana’s most impressive college leaders and achievers.”

the state of Indiana serve as 500 Festival Princesses who represent the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500 throughout their communities. Princesses participate in community outreach events around Indiana. They visit elementary school classrooms, nursing homes, community events, and everything in between, to bring the spirit of the 500 Festival and Indy 500 to these audiences. It’s a way to bring the fun and festivities of the month of May and Indy 500 to everyone — whether you’re attending the Indy 500 or not.”

The program is sponsored by The National Bank of Indianapolis.

Bliss, an Indianapolis resident, has worked with the Princess Program since 2016.

“Each year, we receive hundreds of applications for 33 coveted spots,” Bliss said. “College-aged women from around

“Each 500 Festival Princess is paired with a member of the 500 Festival’s Board of Directors, who serves as her mentor throughout her time as a Princess and beyond,” Bliss said. “The Princesses and board directors are paired based on areas of common interest, including their professional and educational backgrounds. For example, a Princess who is majoring in public health may get paired with an executive at a hospital system.”

Bliss

for up to 72 months based on approved credit for the 2024 Forester. Expires 4/30/24

The City of Fishers has put together a time capsule for the new Fishers City Hall, with items contributed by local residents, businesses and organizations. The time capsule will be opened in 50 years.

The new City Hall is set to open in June.

According to a blog post on the City of Fishers website, among the items featured

Among the items contributed for the time capsule is a volleyball signed by members of the Hamilton Southeastern High School girls -

Fishers Arts Council, STAR Bank present student work

news@currentinfishers.com

The Fishers Arts Council, in partnership with STAR Bank, is presenting the annual Senior Showcase exhibit, featuring artwork by seniors in the Hamilton Southeastern and Fishers high schools’ visual arts and writing programs.

EXHIBIT

The exhibit is on display through April 26 at the Collaboration Hub Gallery, 11810 Technology Dr., Fishers.

According to an announcement from the arts council, visual arts teachers from both schools have been working with students all year to help them hone their skills, create new projects and learn and appreciate more about the arts.

The exhibit includes 126 pieces of 2D artwork, 47 pieces of 3D artwork and nine poems. Shannon Bennett and Alex Moore — both from the Indy Art Center — judged the exhibit, which is made up of artwork selected by the visual arts teachers from both high schools, based on the HSE dis-

trict art show in March.

Winners received scholarships totaling more than $4,200.

The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays by appointment. To make an appointment, contact Fishers Arts Council at info@fishersartscouncil.org.

The April Fishers Arts Council exhibit features selections of artwork by Hamilton Southeastern and Fishers high school seniors. (Photo courtesy of FAC)

Carmel High School shortstop off to fast start

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School junior shortstop JD Stein’s team goal for the baseball season is a lofty one.

He wants to win the IHSAA Class 4A state title, which would be the first in program history.

“To do that, we have to get out of our sectional, which is pretty hard,” Stein said. “Our goal is show to everybody who we are in sectional and then make a little run and get there.”

Stein is off to a strong start in pursuit of his personal goals.

“I like to be a tough out, keep (my) batting average above .450 and hit a couple bombs,” Stein said. “I’m not going to try to do anything (special), just stick to my game.

In the first six games, Stein hit .500 with three doubles and two triples. CHS coach Ty Neal said Stein, who bats leadoff, is a disciplined hitter. He had seven walks and zero strikeouts in those five games.

“He’s a very talented player,” Neal said. “He’s a young man that works really hard on his craft. He’s a great teammate and

MEET JD STEIN

Favorite athlete: New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe

Favorite subject: Biology

Favorite musician: Drake

Favorite TV viewing: MLB Network

very coachable. His strength is going to increase each year. He’s a very good runner. He plays the game aggressively.”

The 5-foot-9, 175-pound Stein primarily played third base last season but played shortstop as a freshman.

“He is showing that he continues to play shortstop at levels above this (high school),” he said.

Stein said he changed his approach this

“ Putting it o is not an option.”

season to hit more line drives.  Stein also played shortstop for the Indiana Bulls travel team.

“I like to play short the most. I get more range and can show off my arm a little more,” he said.

Stein originally committed to the University of Louisville but has reopened his recruitment. He said he is still considering Louisville.

“I’ll probably pick a place in two or three months,” Stein said. “I’m kind of seeing what comes to me first and then take it from there.”

Stein’s father, Mike Stein, a 1986 CHS graduate, played baseball at Northwestern University.

“His dad does a lot to help JD. He’s hitting him ground balls and throwing batting practice to him,” Neal said. “It’s a great baseball family.”

Like many women, Rainey’s health routine was disrupted by the pandemic. Before she knew it, three years had passed without an annual mammogram. After getting back on track with this key screening, she was able to catch and treat her breast cancer early. And thanks to a simple mammogram and her care team at Community Health Network, Rainey is now cancer-free.

It’s simple, it’s convenient and it can save your life. Schedule your annual mammogram today at eCommunity.com/mammogram

Carmel High School junior shortstop JD Stein has hit .500 in his first six games. (Photo courtesy of JD Stein)

COAT OF MANY COLORS

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Controlled chaos is the norm for any play rehearsal and that was the case during a recent gathering of cast and crew as Lawrence Central High School gets ready to present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” the classic 1970s-era musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, set for 7 p.m. April 18 and 19, and 2:30 p.m. April 21 at the school auditorium.

Director Alex Bowman was the calm at the center of the storm, smiling and chatting with students as they practiced songs and dance moves, helped each other apply portable microphones and gossiped.

Bowman said he chose “Joseph” as this year’s spring musical because he knew his students would learn a lot from the production.

“I have an educational goal for every show — it’s theater education. So, there’s got to be a purpose behind it, right?” he said. “The purpose of this show is, there are so many genres of music, so many genres of dance, that it really becomes a masterclass in style for the kids to really explore, which will build toward them being a little more well-rounded for next season.”

Bowman said about a third of the cast is made up of students new to stage productions.

So far, he said, it’s going well.

“We’re at the stage where we’re polishing — trying to make everything look as good as it can,” he said. “I’m making it sound as good as it can. To be at a point of polishing rather than teaching, that’s a good spot to be.”

Bowman said he has performed in “Joseph” previously and knows how much fun it can be. He added that it’s not performed by schools as often as other musicals, likely because it’s based on a Bible story and public schools have some restrictions when it comes to religion.

“We actually had a lot of good conversations about how we’re approaching this show more like — yes, it is a biblical show, but how we’re approaching it as a story, rather than a biblical story,” he said.

Junior Tracie Smith plays one of the two narrators, and this is her first experience

in a musical. She said she’s nervous but so far has enjoyed the experience.

“I really like the culture,” she said. “I came into it as a new person. The group — like a lot of people have already done this before — and when I came in, they were open and welcoming. They welcomed me in. I didn’t feel like the odd one out.”

Smith said singing is her passion, so the opportunity to sing on stage also has been enjoyable.

Senior Eduardo Palapa plays the title character of Joseph and said that was the character he hoped for when auditioning — not only because Joseph is the star.

“I really like how silly the character is and how much I relate to it,” Palapa said. “Sometimes it honestly just feels like I’m playing myself on stage.”

Palapa explained that the character is one of the 12 sons of Jacob and is the favorite.

“The brothers don’t like Joseph because of how much Jacob the father favors him,”

Palapa said. “Jacob buys or gets him a coat — like, a rainbow-colored coat — and that was really just the final straw for the brothers and so they sold Joseph to be a slave. And, yeah, he kind of just goes through this journey and later becomes a ruler.”

The musical is presented through singing only — no dialogue — which Palapa said makes it easier to learn. Palapa’s favorite song in the show is “Go, Go, Go, Joseph,” a high-energy tune with lots of dancing.

Bowman said a big challenge with any high school production is how to balance pushing and praising the students.

“You want to make sure you are giving them that good feedback of, you’re doing this really, really well. But here’s how it can be even better,” he said. “You want them to have a good time, you want them to learn, you want them to gain skills. But, at the end of the day, they’re doing this for fun.”

He added that performing arts can help young people learn valuable skills such as

time management, communication, delegation and teamwork.

For more, visit lcpaa.org/joseph-and-theamazing-technicolor-dream-coat.

ON THE COVER: The cast of Lawrence Central High School’s spring musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” rehearses the opening song. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Lawrence Central High School’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: WHEN: 7 p.m. April 18 and 19; and 2:30 p.m. April 21

WHERE: Lawrence Central High School auditorium (Door 11)

HOW: lcpaa.org/joseph-and-theamazing-technicolor-dream-coat for tickets — $8 for students and $10 for adults.

Lawrence Central to present classic ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’

Cast members rehearse an energetic song and dance piece for the Lawrence Central High School production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Cast members Kaniah Cheaney, Eduardo Palapa and Tracie Smith strike a pose before rehearsal starts. Cheaney and Smith are the narrators in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and Palapa plays Joseph. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)

317-848-7634

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ESKENAZI HEALTH FOUNDATION IS GRATEFUL FOR THEIR LEAD GIFT

EskenaziHealthFoundation.org

Lawrence township nonprofit to host aging expo

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

An upcoming event in Lawrence Township will provide information and resources to help area residents remain healthy as they age.

EVENT

Hosted by the nonprofit Still Waters Adult Day Center, the first Preparing to Age Expo is set for 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 19 at Castleton United Methodist Church, 7101 Shadeland Ave.

Diana Keely is executive director at Still Waters, which is affiliated with the church. She said they hope the expo will address what they saw as a growing need in the senior community.

“The event comes as a response to the evident gaps in services and support for seniors in the local area, despite projections indicating a significant rise in the senior population by 2025,” she said. “Over the past two years, Still Waters has diligently worked to broaden our services, offering free training sessions, lecture series and caregiver support to the local senior population. The increasing attendance at these events underscored the pressing need for additional resources tailored to seniors.”

The expo will provide a platform for seniors and caregivers to access existing resources, Keely said, and will feature more than 50 exhibitors specializing in

senior care.

“The expo serves as more than just a resource hub,” she added. “It fosters a sense of community among seniors. By bringing together like-minded individuals, the event encourages networking and social connections, which are vital for overall well-being in the senior years.”

The expo, which Keely hopes will become an annual event, also will feature presentations, such as “Living at Peace with Loss,” which focuses on ways to cope with grief; “Bongo Boys Drumming,” an interactive presentation that focuses on the positive physical, mental and emotional effects of drumming; a presentation for people caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia; and free vaccines offered by the Indiana Immunization Coalition.

Keely said there also will be entertaining presentations by the Still Kicking Cloggers and the Ukeladies.

“The overarching goal of the event is to foster community unity,” Keely said. “By bringing together individuals from various backgrounds and age groups who share a common interest in aging-related issues, the expo aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment where attendees can connect, share experiences and learn from one another.”

For more about this free event, visit stillwatersadc.org/events/ preparing-to-age-expo.

Staff at Still Waters Adult Day Center lead a drumming session with clients. (Photo courtesy of Still Waters Adult Day Center)

Choosing the correct lawn mower for you

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

With spring’s arrival comes the return of yard work, and employees at Reynolds Farm Equipment are ensuring customers know which lawn mower is best for them.

YARD WORK

Michael Bode, CEO of Reynolds Farm Equipment and a Westfield resident, debated switching from a push mower to a riding mower for two summers.

“I felt guilty about making the switch because, for one, it is great exercise, and I felt lazy making the switch,” Bode said. Bode began counting how many times he mowed his yard for two years and found that he mowed 34 times a year. Once he bought a riding mower, it saved him half an hour each time.

“With a riding mower, I got 17 hours of my summer back,” Bode said. “That’s 17 hours of golf I get to play or 17 hours of family time. I mean, that’s two full vacation days off work. When customers switch, they get a cool product, but they’re also

buying part of their personal life back.”

According to Bode, customers can determine when to make the switch based on time, money and exercise.

“It is a bigger purchase, but it is basically a lifetime purchase,” Bode said. “I don’t put as many hours on it as I did with a push mower, so it will last me literally the rest of my life. Time can also outweigh the financial decision if someone has a busy family life.”

Bode said it is all a matter of personal preference for a gas versus an electric lawn mower. He said it “does not cost that much to charge an electric mower compared to the gas you would use to fill up a gas-powered mower.”

“You don’t have to keep running to the gas station to make sure you have gas and oil and things like that every time you mow with an electric mower, so there are benefits to that,” Bode said. “If you’re charging, you’re putting in some electric use in your household. It is, however, a lower-maintenance option because you’re not having to maintain an engine,” Bode said.

DISPATCH

State chamber of commerce plans HR conference — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s 60th annual Indiana HR Conference and Expo will take place April 30 to May 2 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. The conference offers a variety of workshops and sessions for HR professionals, and will showcase top industry services and products at the market expo. The three-day program, sponsored by Frost Brown Todd, includes a morning keynote on May 1 featuring workforce thought leader Cara Silletto of Magnet Culture, discussing how to reduce “us vs. them” conflicts in the workplace. The closing keynote that day will be HRD CEO Andrea Butcher speaking on HR’s role in partnering with executive teams to move businesses forward. For more and to register, visit indianahrconf.com.

Reynolds Farm Equipment offers several lawn mower options for customers.

(Photo courtesy of Michael Bode)

Sharp as a razor

Commentary by Terry Anker

Even before the disposable variety, there was Ockham’s razor. Granted, they are very different kinds of devices. The former removes unwanted body hair, and the other is an intellectual device in philosophy that pares off the doubtful to focus one’s attention on the more likely. In the 14th century, William Ockham is attributed with formalizing some earlier thinking into his notion that in the absence of evidence to the contrary, whatever is most likely the cause can be assumed to be it. While the outraged conspiracy theorists among us may advance innumerable alternatives, Ockham would have suggested that we stay with the simplest probable causation.

ESSAY

The term “razor” to define the thinking came in the 19th century from Irish academic William Rowan Hamilton. Now, the expression is used in a variety of mostly scientific, philosophical or economics concepts. It is all very highbrow. But in 1980, comedic writer Robert J. Hanlon compiled a joke book centered on the notion of Mur-

phy’s Law (namely, that if anything can go wrong, it will).

In a clever riff on Murphy, Hanlon took the notion that “we’d better be prepared because it is tough out there” to a new level, asserting, “Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.” Like Ockham’s, Hanlon’s razor attempts to walk we humans back from our all-too-eager willingness to imagine conspiracy where a more simple but less dramatic cause is probably the root. Evolution has brought us to be curious, unrelenting and suspicious. Caution has kept us alive. Still, the principle can go too far. We imagine all manners and sort of slight, insult and intrigue. Most people act through ignorance, incompetence or disinterest — not malice. Knowing it could improve our relationships and calm our anxieties, a sharp razor reduces the burn.

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

Life on the move

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Update: After selling our house much faster than we anticipated and then temporarily living with my in-laws, my husband Doo and I are now settling into our eldest’s new home, a cute little bungalow in the disputed territory of either Meridian Kessler or South Broad Ripple, depending on your reading of the boundary line. He still has another two months on his current apartment lease and we wanted our own space, so win-win for the Wilson clan. The cool thing is that we’re only a mile from where Doo and I lived when we first became parents. I’m not sure if this is irony or some circle of life nonsense, but I do know we have majorly downsized. When I said “cute” above, I actually meant “tiny.” Like, TINE-EY.

HUMOR

It also means we’ve had to fill and unfill two storage units and a garage bay in the span of three weeks. My arms look amazing and my lower back aches nonstop. Doo’s body is in full-scale rebellion despite daily Aleve-IPA dosing. He nearly stroked out trying to get a king mattress

“My arms look amazing and my lower back aches nonstop. Doo’s body is in full-scale rebellion despite daily Aleve-IPA dosing.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

up the narrowest set of stairs I’ve ever seen. I have to both duck and turn slightly sideways to avoid getting stuck or hitting my head, and I’m not that big of a person. For our broad-shouldered, 6-foot-3 son, the journey to the second floor is both comical and perilous. The threat of accidental decapitation is real! Doo and I are both so tired at night that dinners consist of Jif peanut butter straight from the jar and a few stale pretzels. Anyhoo, the housing saga continues. Where will we be in June? Stay tuned! Peace out.

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

Cold truth about lost coat

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Nippy temps will soon be over. This past cold season, I faced the winter chill without any substantial outerwear whenever possible. It’s not that I’m particularly hardy; I’m simply looking at things realistically. I’m tired of losing my coat. I lost three during the COVID-19 pandemic and we never left the house.

HUMOR

I’m going to explain my problem, but you must read this carefully, or you’ll be lost -- like my coat usually is.

I never liked wearing winter coats, especially in the car. I don’t want to be all bundled up and feel like the Pillsbury Doughboy at the wheel. I get too warm when the car heats up, but I can’t undo my buttons or unzip because of the seat belts. Then when I exit the car, I’m soon in a warm place, like a movie theater or Lucas Oil Stadium, and have to immediately take off my heavy jacket and stuff it under my seat, which is a great way to add mustard stains and sticky pieces of popcorn to my apparel.

Since I seldom wear a coat, I am accustomed to leaving places without one. And so, when I occasionally do take along a jacket, I often leave it behind because I’m not used to wearing it in the first place. Are you following me? If you are following me, please tap me on the shoulder and remind me that I just left my coat at Beef & Boards.

It’s even crazier for my wife, Mary Ellen, to get bundled up in the winter because she asks me to warm up the car before we leave the house. Then she asks me to drop her off in front of the restaurant. Then she asks me to pick her up at the door when we leave. We drive home in a heated car and get out inside our heated garage. Why does she even need a coat?

For many years, this was a typical phone conversation on any given morning after

“I never liked wearing winter coats, especially in the car. I don’t want to be all bundled up and feel like the Pillsbury Doughboy at the wheel. I get too warm when the car heats up, but I can’t undo my buttons or unzip because of the seat belts.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Mary Ellen and I went out and I made the mistake of bringing a coat.

“Hello, this is Dick Wolfsie. I was at your movie theater last night and may have left my brown winter coat there. Could you please check your lost and found?”

“Let me see. We have a pair of glasses, an iPhone and a credit card.”

“Yes, all that is mine. Not only did I forget that stuff, I forgot that I forgot it. But about the coat?”

“Here’s a brown coat. How could you leave it, sir? Once you got outside, didn’t the bitter cold remind you of your coat?”

“I can’t explain this. Read my column. Look, I’ll get the coat tomorrow when it’s not raining.”

“Don’t you have an umbrella? “

“I left it at Starbucks.”

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Fishers actress embraces role in Civic Theatre’s ‘Anastasia’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jill O’Malia is acting her age, or in fact, a little older.

MUSICAL

“I’ve been fortunate over the years to be cast as someone much younger than I was,” O’Malia said. “So, this is nice I don’t have to worry about the wrinkles. I’m a grandma.”

O’Malia, who was crowned Miss Indiana in 1969, portrays Dowager Empress Maria Fyodorovna in Civic Theatre’s production of “Anastasia” April 26 to May 11 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Empress Maria is supposed to be around 80 years old and is Anastasia’s grandmother.

“It was thought through history she was the only surviving Romanov,” O’Malia said of Empress Maria.

Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed in 1918 following the Russian Revolution of 1917.

“She was a very kind and pleasant person until the time her family was murdered, and then she became very stubborn and outspoken and her heart was broken,” said O”Malia, a Fishers resident. “So, the solo I sing is at a point where she is so broken, it’s kind of sad.”

This is the first time O’Malia has performed in a Civic Theatre show since “Into the Woods” in 2013.

“It’s great to be back. It’s a wonderful organization,” said O’Malia, who regularly acts for several community theater organizations.

O’Malia said she gets to sing a part of “Once Upon a December” with Young Anastasia at the end of the show. Young Anastasia is played by Westfield High School senior Keegan Connor.

Isabella Agresta plays Anya, or Anastasia. Agresta, a 2022 Franklin Central High

School graduate, said she would have been happy with any role but wanted to play the title role.

“I’ve done a few community theater roles where I’ve played the lead, but this is probably one of my favorites,” Agresta said. “It’s grown to be one of my favorite musicals. I always liked the music, and that’s what led me to audition.”

Agresta said “In my Dreams” is one of her favorite songs to perform.

“I also really love ‘In a Crowd of Thousands,’” Agresta said. “I think it’s a really important one in the show. It’s a big moment when she finally realizes she is Anastasia.”

Agresta said it’s an emotional role.

“I’m a really emotional person and I cry really easily,” Agresta said. “I’m afraid I might shed some tears during the show.”

This is Agresta’s second show with Civic Theatre. She performed in “Elf” in 2023. Indianapolis resident Troy Bridges plays Dimitry in his Civic Theatre debut.

From left, Troy Bridges, Isabella Agresta and Steve Kruze appear in Civic Theatre’s production of “Anastasia.”

(Photo by Joshua Hasty Photography)

“I didn’t know much about the musical beforehand, but it’s become a favorite of mine,” Bridges said. “I think I’ve acclimated pretty well to the role.”

Bridges said he researched the musical quite a bit after getting the role.

“I’ve been enjoying getting to know (Dmitry) a little bit,” he said.

Renée La Schiazza, a 2012 Carmel High School graduate and Carmel resident, plays Tatiana Romanov and various roles in the ensemble.

“I always liked the movie, but I think what intrigued me about auditioning is none of us has had the chance to do the show because it’s the regional premiere,” La Schiazza said. “The score is beautiful and there are a lot of wonderful dance numbers. It was really a great opportunity to be part of a new cast and do a show with just a lot of dynamic musical numbers.”

La Schiazza, the director of programs for the Great American Songbook Foundation, performed in Civic Theatre’s “The Sound of Music” In 2023.

Fishers resident Anne Beck is the director and choreographer. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘THE KING AND I’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The King and I” runs through May 19 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Deceptions: An Evening of Magic & Lies” is set for April 17, followed by Summer Nights: The Music of “Grease” April 18 and Storm Large April 19-20 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘SYLVIA’

“Sylvia,” a play by A.R. Gurney, runs through April 23 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

WORLD VOICE DAY

World Voice Day is set for 6:30 p.m. April 16 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Singers of all ages are encouraged to sign up for the free performance. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

SAMMY MILLER AND THE CONGREGATION

Sammy Miller and The Congregation’s concert is set for 8 p.m. April 19 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘RUMOURS: A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE’

“Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute” concert is set for 8 p.m. April 20 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCH

Bennett to serve as Carmel Jazz Festival headliner — Jazz vocalist Antonia Bennett, the late Tony Bennett’s daughter, has been invited to headline the Carmel Jazz Festival Aug. 9 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. However, due to this opportunity, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra is postponing its April 21 concert, which featured Bennett. Those tickets will be honored at the Aug. 9 concert or a refund can be requested by calling 317-8449717. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

La Schiazza O’Malia

Heartland’s Cinemania starts strong

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Heartland International Film Festival’s Cinemania is a box office hit.

FUNDRAISER

The 650 tickets for the April 19 fundraiser at the Crane Bay Event Center in Indianapolis sold out quickly. The inaugural theme for the signature fundraiser is “A Tribute to The Beatles in Film”

“It really shows the support behind our events,” said Jessica Chapman, director of marketing and communications for Heartland Film. “Every year, this event is going to have a different theme. Cinemania is a one-night celebration of iconic films.”

This year’s event will include an appearance by BritBeat, a Beatles tribute band.

Chapman said there was room for more than 650 people, but officials wanted to make sure there was space for visitors to enjoy interactive experiences.

“One of the themes is ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,’ and we’re going to have an aerialist pouring champagne,” Chapman said. “All the different areas are

based on classic Beatles songs.”

Other themed areas include “Strawberry Fields Forever,” featuring strawberry margaritas, and “Yellow Submarine.”

“BritBeat will take us through the different years of The Beatles with costume changes,” Chapman said.

There also will be performances by DJ Lockstar, jazz singer Rebecca Rafla, soul singer Bashiri Asad and the DysFUNKtion Brass Band.

Chapman said BritBeat will be on the main stage and the other performers will be in the Jimmy Stewart VIP Lounge.  For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.

Adana kebab great for grilling

Commentary by Mark LaFay

April is a bustling month for us at the shop as we finalize preparations for the summer farmers market season. We’re assembling and training our team, gathering and repairing gear, scheduling, planning and building up inventory for the grilling season. I’m a grill enthusiast who doesn’t need anything fancy — a Weber kettle grill with hardwood charcoal suits me perfectly.

FOOD

This week, we’re introducing a Turkish lamb sausage named after Adana, a town in Turkey. Having spent time in Turkey, I can attest to the fantastic nature of Turkish cuisine, with döner sandwiches and Adana kebab ranking high among my favorite dishes.

Adana kebab consists of spicy minced lamb sausage skewered and grilled over charcoal, traditionally seasoned with cumin seeds, Urfa pepper flakes and sumac. Cumin adds an earthy flavor. Urfa pepper contributes a mild spiciness, and sumac provides a slight bitterness, combining to create a memorable taste. For those interested in trying Adana kebab, you can

sample ours or make your own. Here’s a recipe to consider:

• Approximately 1.2 pounds ground lamb

• Kosher salt (approx. 10 grams)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon ground sumac

• 1 tablespoon ground Urfa pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoons ice-cold water

Mix all ingredients by hand for 3-5 minutes, chill overnight, then form around skewers to make them flat and thin. Grill over charcoal for optimal browning and crisping. Serve on grilled pita or a crispy fluffy baguette. Top with thinly sliced red onion, fresh ripe tomato, parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Optionally, add yogurt, fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing twist, or elevate it with some fine hummus.

Here’s to the grilling season!

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

BritBeat will perform at Heartland International Film Festival’s Cinemania. (Photo courtesy of BrttBeat)

Fishers resident participates in Disability Film Challenge

By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com

Movie making isn’t only for Hollywood filmmakers.

COMEDY

A team of deaf filmmakers from Indianapolis is participating in the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge for the second consecutive year.

baum, Aaron Margolis-Greenbaum, Cullen Shade, Rydrea Walker, Justin Perez and Carlina Fucarino.

Their film, “Sugar Buddy,” is a buddy comedy.

One of the producers, Fishers resident Allison Friedman, was a finalist last year in the category of Best Public Awareness Campaign. She and her team are hoping for a repeat as a finalist.

“Our film challenge begins (soon), then we will have to wait until the films upload to all social media outlets,” Friedman said. “We will begin the awareness campaign, which runs from April 13-21, so we will need support to spread our disability film to get more attention in Indiana.”

Besides Friedman, the other members on the movie team are Sarah Margolis-Green-

The team wrote the script and filmed and edited the movie in five days.

Should “Sugar Buddy” win, the team will receive $2,000 grants as category winners and will have a chance to access a $15,000 seed fund/film finishing grant provided by the Adobe Foundation. Other prizes, like a Dell Technologies computer and one-year membership to Internet Movie Database Pro, further incentivize participation. In addition, organizations such as the Heartland International Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival and NewFilmmakers could take notice and elevate the film and possibly provide invaluable opportunities for networking and collaboration within the industry. For more, visit disabilityfilmchallenge. com.

Sky inspires Fishers artist

Commentary by Randy Sorrell

Feeling a little stale and need a shot of inspiration? We all have periods of low energy or lack of enthusiasm, don’t we? The challenge is how we push through them. If you’re a “creative” or entrepreneur, this anti-staleness strategy can have a major impact on your livelihood.

ART

Martin Fitzgerald, a Fishers resident and acrylic artist, gets inspiration from the sky, where all true colors reside! I dig that! His father was an artist, which is where Fitzgerald received his inspiration and training.

One of his inspiring techniques is to pair his paintings with a song that is best enjoyed while viewing. Check out Fitzgerald’s Facebook page for his art/music pairings.

Marilyn Wilson, an inspiring 80-yearyoung Zionsville resident has several strategies to “get her creative on” that most of us will appreciate. And they are really mechanisms to avoid boredom, which she has a low tolerance for.

She loves her iPhone photography while out walking when unusual things catch her eye. Recently, a grove of flowering dog-

wood trees in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis were subjects. She will employ them in greeting cards with a personal poem or note to uplift someone.

So, how do you get your creative on?

Send me an email and tell me your story.

Let’s help unclog the stale energy in someone who may appreciate it.

Randy Sorrell, a Carmel artist, can be reached at 317-6792565, rsorrellart@gmail.com or rsorrellart.com.

Martin Fitzgerald’s painting is named for Jimmy Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks at 40.” (Photo courtesy of Martin Fitzgerald)

Friedman

Commentary by Larry Greene

Constructed in 1992 in Carmel’s Orchard Estates neighborhood, this home featured a well-designed and functional kitchen layout that was ready for a modern-style refresh. The homeowners were looking for a light and contemporary style while also increasing storage.

THE BLUEPRINT

• New maple cabinets extend to the ceiling, increasing storage space and extending the perceived ceiling height.

• A modern green shade on the lower cabinets add a sophisticated color pop that perfectly accents the wood tones throughout the open-concept space.

• The curved lines of the statement range hood provide a striking contrast to the clean lines on the cabinetry and backsplash, while the light wood tone adds a touch of natural warmth and nuance.

• The glossy artisan tile backsplash in tonal neutral adds texture to the overall aesthetic, while the hardware’s rich gold tones add a touch of classic style.

C: (317) 918-9744

Schuyler.Nehrig@infarmbureau.com

LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING

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FREE ESTIMATES

CALL 317-491-3491

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Parents of Ball State Students

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, good-natured work environment. The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@ integrityautomotive.net. We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays. To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net . 40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net

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HUNT CLUB BOARDING KENNEL

SEEKS Part-Time Kennel Assistant responsible for the daily care of dogs, kennel maintenance, and other duties, as assigned. Exceptional customer service and good communication skills via in-person interaction.

Team Member availability includes weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Interested candidates submit resume to: huntclubkennel@gmail.com.