December 29, 2009

BUSY PARKING LOT AT THE MALL A GOOD SIGN FOR THE CITY / P6

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A FOOL-PROOF PLAN FOR A SAFE NEW YEAR'S EVE / P15

Tuesday December 29, 2009 FREE

Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear heads into seventh year with budget challenge.

A MAYOR’S GOALS: 2010

John Ditslear wants to attract business and help to see through schools referendum, among other leading objectives / P2 Photo by Lesle Webber

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A MAYOR’S GOALS: 2010 John Ditslear wants to attract business and help to see through schools referendum, among other leading objectives

Photo by Leslie Webber

Mayor John Ditslear would like to land a major company that would provide job opporunities and help the tax base. “I’d like to find that one employer, that one big fish out there," said Ditslear.

By Zach Dunkin Current in Noblesville John Ditslear never was an A student while pursuing a degree in finance at Miami (Ohio) University in the early 1960s. And the 67- year-old mayor of Noblesville isn’t about to give himself an A for his performance in 2009, either.

When asked what kind of a grade he would give himself for the second year of his term, Ditsler paused to think about it.

“I’d probably say a ‘B,’ ” he finally answered. “No one’s perfect.

There were some things that maybe we shoulda, coulda, woulda done but, overall, considering the economy I think we got through it fairly well.

“Generally, I think most of our residents and taxpayers are happy. We haven’t heard many complaints. We were able to maintain the services we have been providing with what we have (fiscally).”

With his staff reduced by 15 employees because of positions left vacant by retirement and terminations, it becomes a challenge when one considers there are no salary increases in sight for at least a couple more years.

So, what’s done is done for 2009. Ditslear now faces 2010 and “maintaining those services” for Noblesville with a drastically reduced budget.

As he heads into his seventh year as mayor, he spoke with us about that challenge and offered his thoughts on other hot-button topics, such as the Noblesville schools referendum, the town’s business sector and his controversial trash pickup proposal.

THE BUDGET

The city has a little more than $74.1 million to work with next year, down $2.9 million due mostly to state lawmakers in 2008 phasing in property tax caps of 1 percent for homes, 2 percent for

2 | December 29, 2009

farms and rental properties and 3 percent for businesses.

“The property-tax caps have nothing to do with the recession, but everybody thinks that once we get out of it we’ll be OK. The caps are the caps are the caps, and we must find another form of income. It’s a good deal from a taxpayer’s standpoint, but that is our income. Our basic job is public safety and services like salting, snowplowing and leaf and trash pickup – the services people expect - and that will be a real challenge to provide those services with this budget.”

TRASH PICKUP

Noblesville is the only municipality in Hamilton County to provide “free” trash pickup, although, realistically, it is paid for through property tax. Ditslear had proposed a tax fee but it didn’t pass city council vote.

“The cost of trash pickup was $900,000 when I first became mayor in 2004. Now, it’s $2.4 million. I realize it would have been another tax – about $7 a month more - but that would have been another source of income for us. My proposal wasn’t a very popular one, and I don’t think we’ll address it again for awhile.

Not getting that passed was my biggest regret.”

BUSINESSES

The mayor’s office is not only trying to attract new businesses but retain the ones already here. The goal is to balance the residential assessed value and the commercial assessed value, so there is less of a tax burden on the residents.

“In the last two months, we’ve had some people kicking tires with some projects that give us hope that maybe we can come out of this recession with more commercial assessed value to our current books. We want to attract new businesses, sure, but more importantly we don’t want to lose any. Some communities dwell

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too much on getting the new and forgetting the old. You have to remember who brought you to the dance. We’ll do what we can do to help them.”

NOBLESVILLE SCHOOLS

The Noblesville schools’ proposed $59.5 million capital improvement project was voted down by residents last January. School officials have returned from the drawing board with what they believe to be a more efficient plan, which likely will be put up for another vote in May. “Although we (the city government) don’t have a lot of control there, frankly, I was very disappointed and befuddled that the referendum did not pass. It has our support. I appreciate people not wanting to pay additional tax, but it’s important that we keep up with the growth that’s coming. People move to Noblesville and other nice communities because of schools.”

HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR

Ditslear was among the more than 50 community, state and corporate officials to accompany Gov. Mitch Daniels on a trade mission to China and Japan in September.

“We did establish a relationship and rapport within China.

We planted a seed there, and then in Japana met with the people from SMC who are doing business here in Noblesville. ”

HIS BIGGEST WISH FOR 2010

The mayor wants to attract a major company that would employ 200 to 300 people and contribute to the commercial tax base, which would solve a few problems.

“I’d like to find that one employer, that one big fish out there, that would provide job opportunities for our people, help our commercial tax base and be a great corporate contributor to our community and the non-profits.”

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Flying high Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. I, No. 17 Copyright 2009. Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved.

1 South Range Line Road, Suite 220 Carmel, IN 46032

317.489.4444 Publisher – Brian Kelly brian@currentincarmel.com / 414.7879 General Manager – Steve Greenberg steve@currentincarmel.com / 847.5022 Managing Editor - Zach Dunkin zach@currentnoblesville.com / 908.2697 Associate Editor – Terry Anker terry@currentincarmel.com Art Director – Zachary Ross zross@ss-times.com / 787-3291 Associate Artist – Stefanie Lorenz stefanie@currentincarmel.com / 340.1836 Senior Reporter – Martha Allan

OUR VIEWS

It is our position that Indianapolis Executive Airport was a good buy for Hamilton County.

At the Hamilton County Council meeting in December, the Indiana Aviation Association President Bruce Payton presented the Council members a plaque honoring Indianapolis Executive Airport as the Indiana Airport of the Year – out of more than 60 active airports across the state. The award was based on an evaluation of the facility’s performance in areas such as economic development, aviation education, corporate citizenship and community outreach, safety and security, and environmental improvements.

As Hamilton County residents, we should be proud to have Indy Executive Airport as an asset allowing for travel in anything from a small experimental aircraft all the way up to executive level jets, directly into Hamilton County for business and leisure travel alike.

Indianapolis Executive Airport is located on the south side of State Road 32 just West of Westfield, less than a half-hour drive from most of the county, and much more convenient to utilize for travelling short distances by air than Indianapolis International. Hamilton County residents should support this locally-based asset over other private airports in the area, and take full advantage of the considerable time, effort and resources in upgrades to the airport, its facilities and the management of operations.

Put a lid on it

It is our position that Governor Daniels and the state administration are right to hold the cap on spending during these especially difficult economic times. While we all suffer at the loss of even one job, our government cannot imagine itself immune from the global financial circumstance. Even as our Federal government admonishes us for spending too much on credit and saving too little, the solution they propose is massive spending, on credit, with almost no plan to reduce the bloated Washington “lifestyle.” Some have argued that no State government worker should be displaced while others are being rewarded for good work. We respectfully, and heartily, disagree.

Those State workers who have managed to do more with less should be rewarded financially and otherwise. While others unable or unwilling to remain competitive or relevant with our citizens have no right to expect absolute job security. Not everyone wins a trophy. Each day, we must work to prove our worth. The near socialist belief that a job once earned is a pass to lifetime employment must be reconsidered. As times change, so-then should change our priorities. We citizens deserve the best – and should demand it.

Advertising Sales Executive – Maggie Green maggie@currentnoblesville.com / 538.3790 Sales Executive – Kate Holleman kate@currentnoblesville.com / 379.9400 Sales Executive – Dennis O’Malia dennis@currentincarmel.com / 370.0749 Sales executive – Mike Janssen mike@currentnoblesville.com / 490.7220

Business Office Bookkeeper - Deb Vlasich deb@currentincarmel.com / 489.4444 The views of the columnists in Current In Noblesville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

strange laws

CONSTITUTION CLOSEUP

Photo Illustration

Our nation has all sorts of arcane, nonsensical laws on the books. Each week, we’ll share one with you.

In Pasadena, Calif., it is illegal for a female secretary to be alone in a room with her boss.

Source: Weird Laws (iPhone application)

4 | December 29, 2009

Every week, we will print a portion of the U.S. Constitution, followed by a portion of the Indiana Constitution. We encourage you to benchmark government policies against these bedrock documents. Today: the U.S. Constitution..

Section 8. Continued To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years; To provide and maintain a navy; To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval

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forces; To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections and

repel invasions; To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the states respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

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From the backshop Musings we hope will make you think While pausing to wish you and yours a heartfelt happy, healthy and prosperous new year, we’re emptying our leftovers of musing this week. Consider: • Your vaunted U.S. House of Representatives and Senate members have voted themselves $4,700 and $5,300 in raises, respectively. Why anyone would support either party is beyond comprehension.

• Nice of “the people’s” representatives to Washington to vote not to give you (or us) Social Security cost-of-living raises in 2010 and 2011. Oh, well. As long as they can stand there with hands extended, collecting cash and then look themselves in the mirror, we’ll get exactly what we deserve.

• In 2010, the sitting Congress can be knocked on its collective seat. A ton of House and Senate seats will be up for grabs. Change? Well, yes! We need to follow Virginia’s and New Jersey’s moves more toward independent thinking to correct the mess. Don’t blindly punch buttons in the booth. If you do and this abomination of representation continues,

Brian Kelly & Steve Greenberg it’ll be, in part, your fault.

• Will there be viable challengers bubbling to the surface in 2010 for the Carmel mayor’s race in 2011? We’ve heard nothing to make us think anyone will mount a serious challenge to Jim Brainard’s incumbency.

• We’re loving the adjacent growth and development that Hamilton Town Center is fostering in Noblesville. Apparently, if you build it they certainly will come.

• Administration transparency? What administration transparency? Think about it … on local, state and national levels.

• Come on, economy! Westfield needs you to continue its transformation.

Schoolkids, staff keep Ditslear's ego in check COMMENTARY

By Zach Dunkin Your mayor let me sit at his desk the other day. It didn’t feel much different from the one I am sitting at now, clicking out this weekly tome.

And I think that’s the way Mayor John Ditslear likes it. Just ordinary.

Just like how a fourth grader from North Elementary sized up hizzoner on a recent visit to City Hall.

Letting school kids visit his workplace is one of Ditslear’s favorite things to do as a mayor, he says.

“It’s good for the ego, and to be honest about it, I think it’s good for them to see that I put on my pants one leg at a time just like they do,” said Ditslear.

“And it’s just not with kids, but I think it’s important to be visible and approachable and not hide in this office. It takes some extra effort but it’s something, very honestly, I love to do.”

Back to the fourth-grader: A few weeks ago 11 members of the school’s bell choir, the North Elementary Handchimes, played for the mayor’s staff at a holiday luncheon. The select group was chosen from 76 contestants. As a reward, the winners lost most of their recess time to practice. Proudly.

Apparently disappointed that the mayor of Noblesville doesn’t wear a crown or sit on a throne overlooking the Courthouse Square, this particular kid told Ditslear’s assistant, Cindy Hawkins, “The mayor seems kind of normal.”

And you know what? Ditslear liked that.

“You can get a big head in this job if you’re not careful,” he said.

Photo by Leslie Webber

Editor Zach Dunkin fills in briefly for Mayor John Ditslear.

That’s where Rusty Bodenhom, the city’s administrative officer, comes in. If Ditslear ever gets uppity, Bodenhom is to take him out behind the barn and bring him back down to Earth.

“Awhile back somebody asked Rusty how that was going,” said Ditslear. “He said, ‘Well, we got to the barnyard once.’ ” Must’ve been after he won his second term.

That’ll really mess with your hat size.

Zach Dunkin is the managing editor for Current in Noblesville.

You may e-mail him at zach@ currentnoblesville.com

A beautiful friendship COMMENTARY

By Terry Anker We have added a new member to our family – well, a new member of sorts. We had a lengthy break from pet ownership following the passing of our beloved family Dalmatian, Beau, several years ago. But collectively we have concluded that our mourning, while never completely over, has subsided to the point that a new dog won’t seem like a betrayal.

But how does one go about adding a pet to the family? Unlike the other big decisions we all make, this one is unusually permanent. A car or house can be sold. Even when bringing home a new baby, one has time to brace for impact. But with a pet, we go from a handshake to a lifetime in a moment.

But like much of life if receptive and opportunity seeking, serendipity has an amazing way of providing a path. In our case, a very close family friend (and animal lover extraordinaire), has for many years been in the business of pet rescue. A

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casual conversation between she and my mother led to an introduction to our family’s new ward (and protector), a Klein poodle. At our initial meeting (more a chance for the group to interview us than a chance for us to greet the dog), we met a shiny black little guy (now 11 weeks old) being freshly washed and swaddled by the humans entrusted with his care.

The very fact that so little thought goes into our decisions today – we have revamped our entire healthcare system with most voting on it not having read the bill – has bolstered the joy we have taken in painstakingly considering this one. As Rick Blaine said, “I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.” And those last a while.

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may e-mail him at terry@ currentincarmell.com.

December 29, 2009 | 5

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DISPATCHES » Celebrate 2010 at the Fairgrounds – The Hamilton County 4-H Grounds will help bring in the new year with a New Year’s Eve celebration Dec. 31 and a marketplace Jan 2. The Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs will host its 15th annual New Year’s Eve Party at the fairgrounds from 8 p.m. until midnight.

The drug-and-alcohol-free event features food and entertainment for all ages, and admission is free. » Winter market – The Hamilton County Marketplace from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 2 features vendors normally scene at the farmers’ markets and outdoor festivals of the summer months. The new event will take place one Saturday a month from January through April and then again in November and December. The $1 admission fee benefits a different local, nonprofit organization each month. For more information, visit www.hamcomarketplace.com. » Building permits down in the county – Permits issued for new single-family homes in Hamilton County dropped 43 percent, from 114 permits last year to 61 this year, according to the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis. Only 220 permits were issued in the nine-county Indianapolis metro area last month, compared to 265 in the same month last year. Building permits have dropped every month this year except for October when an expiring federal tax credit for first-time buyers caused an uptick in sales. » New light near commercial development – A new stoplight at the intersection of 146th Street and Herriman Boulevard is timed with the light at State Road 37 and 146th Street to enable traffic on 146th to allow traffic to flow smoothly. Installation of the light, which was activated by the Hamilton County Highway Department a week ago, was paid for by Mann Properties. Which is developing an 8.5-acre Noble Crossing property at 37 and 146th. The project also included realigning a private drive from 146th Street to Herriman Boulevard. The development includes a Crystal Flash gas and has more room for more retail and commercial businesses. » Start new year with 5K – The Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Dept. is partnering with Washington Township Parks and Recreation and Westfield Parks and Recreation for the fifth annual 5K walk and run Jan. 2, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cool Creek Park, 2000 E. 151st St, Carmel. Awards will be given in seven age groups.

Registration begins at 8:15 a.m., and the entry fee is $20.

For more information, call (317) 774-2500 » Correction – The Noblesville school board is not proposing that Forest Hill Elementary School be razed as reported in the Dec. 22 story on the Noblesville Schools building project proposal. The school board hopes to work with the city to find a use for the facility in connection with Forest Park. Also, the $63.6 million proposal is about $10 million below what it was two months ago, not $1 million as misquoted in a statement by Todd Cass, architect and project manager.

6 | December 29, 2009

Learning to be a parent by the book Much of parenting is letting go of our own expectations and control. Autonomy is a good thing; I try not to squelch it.

COMMENTARY

By Krista Bocko I’m learning to parent.

One day my oldest, upon seeing my library book on parenting, had an epiphany that I had never done this parenting gig before and exclaimed “you mean…I’m an experiment?!”

Yes, indeed. I’m trying to relate to my children a little bit better, to be aware of their emotions, be empathetic, and internalize guidelines for navigating through their days while keeping my sanity intact.

So, here are a couple of tips I’ve gleaned: When you want your child to do something, tell them they may (whatever it is). For example, “You may pick up your blocks now, and then you may have a snack.” Speak what you want them to do.

Children desire to cooperate and need clear directions.

If they need help getting all the blocks picked up, offer to help.

This does a couple things: one, it helps prevent them from getting frustrated and it gets the job done and, two, you’re modeling what you want them to do (besides pick up the blocks)—which is to help

others.

Children want to be autonomous. Allow them that by making a safe environment where everything within their reach can be played with. Let them dress themselves, pour their own drink, fix a snack.

Speaking of dressing themselves, try not to control this too much.

Much of parenting is letting go of our own expectations and control.

Autonomy is a good thing; I try not to squelch it. I’m over caring if my child wears a striped shirt, a flowery skirt, and her pink boots. I think it looks darn cute, actually.

Get down at eye level with your child. This goes a long way toward working together with your child. It connects you and allows you both to give each other your full attention.

Krista Bocko is living and learning in Noblesville and striving to be a better parent (chocolate helps). See her blog at www.cachetwrites.blogspot.com to comment/leave your parenting tips.

Another year, another set of New Year’s resolutions Gossip and heresay are just not healthy ways to communicate, and I, for one, am not going to tolerate it any longer!

Commentary

By Danielle Wilson It’s that time of year again. A time to reflect on how 2009’s resolutions faired and which foolhardy notions I will challenge myself with in 2010. Last December, I published my New Year’s resolutions, and guess what? I think it helped. Knowing thousands of people were aware of my commitments actually kept me, well, committed. So I’m giving it another go. Here they are (and no laughing!): 1. Keep exercising. Last year, my husband got me into P90X, an intense workout regimen whose infomercial ruled late night television for a while and actually had me bikini buff in three months. But alas, it was way too much to continue with, so my goal this year is to find a nice balance between jogging, free weights and hot fudge sundaes. I got no place I need to be ‘til spring break, and that’s just with my kids who already think I’m weird looking. I want to focus on overall physical strength (cardio and dumbbells) and mental well-being (DQ Turtle Parfaits).

2. Enjoy the summer. I will be officially retiring as Babysitter Extraordinaire to my nephew and two nieces in May in preparation of finding gainful employment with a local high school come August. (Administrators, please e-mail me for my exceptional teaching resume!) So I am really going to make an effort to enjoy this summer; to spend quality time with just my kids, and to simply take pleasure in their, shall we say, unique personalities? Though they’ve had the wonderful opportunity to practically grow up with their cousins, they’ve had to sacrifice plenty of “mommy and me” time. I’m hoping to make that up to them this summer.

3. Be less bossy. This is going to be a hard one for me. I’m a control freak, a neat freak and a big-time punctuality freak. Freaky, I know. Usually, I am able to maintain a balance between my

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psychoses and my family, but occasionally, say 15 minutes before bedtime, with my husband on the couch amidst shoes, pillows and discarded McDonalds toys and the remnants of dinner suffocating the countertops, table and sink, I completely lose my fa-sizzhite to ensure the kids finish their homework and the kitchen is clean come morning. It ain’t pretty. So when situations like this arise in 2010, I’m vowing to take a step back, breathe deeply, and realize everything, even the crusty casserole pan, can wait.

4. Quit Spider Solitaire. I don’t know how it happened or even when, but somehow over the last several years I have become highly addicted to Spider Solitaire on my computer. It’s so bad that even when I give it up on Ash Wednesday, (replacing it with Web Sudoku or Facebook Scrabble, of course) I’m sucked right back in after Easter. Pathetic. My resolution is to limit myself to three rounds per day, then one, then done. Or at least make it to Lent.

5. Stop “triangulating.” On a serious note, I’m going to try my darndest to quit talking about people behind their backs this year.

I’ve gotten a good start with some family issues that have thankfully resolved themselves, and I am now committed more than ever to gentle and respectful confrontation as well as recusing myself from situations where I am clearly a third-party sounding board. Gossip and heresay are just not healthy ways to communicate, and I, for one, am not going to tolerate it any longer!

So what are your New Year’s resolutions? Consider sharing them with a friend so they can hold you accountable. Or have good laugh.

Peace out!

Danielle Wilson is a Carmel resident and contributing columnist. You may e-mail her at danielle@currentincarmel. com.

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Somebody was in my parking space, and that’s a good thing COMMENTARY

By Leslie Webber It happens every year. I think I have plenty of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Then before I know it, someone turns to the 15th on the advent calendar and I panic. It’s usually at this point, I realize I have purchased two of the 50 gifts I need to buy.

Prior to the development of Hamilton Town Center, my panic often increased when I realized I would have to fight Castleton traffic 10 days before Christmas. What a relief it is to know I can find something for almost everyone on my list a short 10-minute drive from home.

When procrastinator’s remorse struck this year, I took a deep breath and headed for my new favorite mall. Part of the reason I love the development is I’m able to park right in front of the store and run in and out. I nearly always find a spot.

As I turned into Hamilton Town Center on the 15th, I noticed there were more cars turning into the mall than usual. No big deal; they couldn’t all be headed for the same stores I was.

They’d park somewhere else. I was wrong.

The place was packed. There was nary a parking place to be found. Normally, this would be

cause for alarm if you happened to be along for the ride. I can go from zero to grouchy when places are crowded. It’s especially dangerous if I’m over-heated from wearing a winter coat and haven’t had lunch. However, this time was different.

I didn’t stalk people with bags who looked like they might be finished shopping. I didn’t utter so much as one off-color complaint. I just parked further away than planned. I took in the decorations and listened to Bing Crosby croon.

It wasn’t that I was full of Christmas spirit instead of anxiety. It was the realization that in order to survive in the current economy, the merchants need those parking spots to be filled.

I’m not someone who enjoys a full day of shopping. I like to get in, get what I need, and get out. If I can do that easily, in an environment that makes me feel like I’m on vacation, I’ll shop there until eternity.

Here’s hoping the rest of you do, too.

Leslie Webber is a Noblesville resident, wife and mother of two very young children. She writes a blog at www.lesliewebber.blogspot. com.

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Fax: 317-773-7009 December 29, 2009 | 7

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DISPATCHES » Patient discusses lifesaving shock – On Dec. 21, St. Vincent patient William Sears, 60, shared his astonishing story of suffering sudden cardiac arrest while sleeping, and being resuscitated by the LifeVest, a wearable cardioverter defibrillator. Sears’ near-fatal arrhythmia was detected by the device, and he was brought back to life during this holiday season. He was joined by Dr. Richard Fogel, electrophysiologist at the St.Vincent Heart Center of Indiana, who discussed the benefits of the LifeVest. » Fresh tips for fresh breath 1. Drink more water to help replenish saliva 2. Avoid mints and gum with sugar, which feed bad breath bacteria 3. Use oral products that contain oxygenating compounds 4. Always brush your tongue 5. Don't use mouthwash containing alcohol, which dries the mouth - newsandexperts.com » Lash out – Eyelashes can thin with age, but you can combat the thinner look with makeup.

Doublelining your lashes will make them appear thicker by darkening the roots.

The alternative – extra mascara – can have a clumping spier-eye effect. Make sure the line is thick and smudgy, which adds more depth than a skinny one.

- www.prevention.com » Brain boost with curry - Curry helps maintain your mental muscle. In fact, some parts of India, where it's eaten daily, have one-fourth the U.S. rate for Alzheimer's. Curry is packed with turmeric, a spice that's rich in the antioxidant curcumin. Researchers at UCLA believe that curcumin wards off Alzheimer's by preventing the growth of sticky proteins that are toxic to brain cells. In addition, it shields us from harmful free radicals, which attack our cells, damaging tissue and organs. Curry prevents those assaults from happening in the brain, where they can impair thinking and memory.

- www.parents.com

8 | December 29, 2009

‘Alpha Male Challenge’ off to a sore, but rewarding start

By John Bellmore Current in Noblesville Week 1 of the Alpha Male Challenge is complete, and I’ll have to admit it left me a bit sore. That’s to be expected when starting a new routine. Although I’m a seasoned gym rat, there are parts of this program that I haven’t done for years, so it was a nice change.

For the first 10 weeks of 2010 I’m going to provide workouts and tips to help all of you guys who may have gotten a bit soft get back in shape with the principles used in the book, “The Alpha Male Challenge: The 10Week Plan to Burn Fat, Gain Muscle & Build True Alpha Attitude.” If someone didn’t give you the book for Christmas as I hinted at last week, I’d encourage to buy it now.

I set three sets of goals: longterm, midterm and short-term in my plan. Then I made a bet with a co-worker that I would accomplish the goal most important to me: to reduce my bodyfat percentage to 10 percent. This helps me strive to “The Alpha Male Challenge” by James Villepique and Rick Collins retails for $26.99 but you can find it cheaper online. follow through by making me more accountable and giving me the op“Play Heart” requirement: heavy bag training. portunity to have an extra reward, too.

I’ll be adding in other, more “playful” activities I started with an a.m. cardio routine for the

as I go along like hill sprints. For “Work Heart” points I had to improvise. I got my points by jumping rope, doing calisthenics and high-rep ab crunches at intervals throughout the day.

The weight sessions were tough. I haven’t done whole body workouts in awhile. The first “Wave” of the “Alpha Wave Training” emphasizes muscular endurance, so there are a lot of 20-rep sets with 1-minute rests between each. There is a certain amount of guess work when choosing the weights. It can be easy start too heavy, and then have to lighten up as you go along.

The workout moves along at a good pace. I’m working at Level A, so there are 30 sets per workout. That’s quite a few of sets, but including the warm-up, it still only took about an hour and 15 minutes.

If you drop me an e-mail request I’ll send you all three workouts I did from Week 1. It’s a challenging workout. I’m still feeling it!

John Bellmore is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Health and Fitness and has been working with clients in the Noblesville area for the past six years. You can reach John or submit questions for future articles at jwbellmore@ hotmail.com

The less is more project: By definition I'm a rat COMMENTARY

By Tracy Line I don’t know or how when it happened. But here it is: I’ve become a gym rat. And I’m not sure I like it.

Dictionary.com says a gym rat is “someone who spends all leisure time playing sports or working out in a gymnasium or health spa.”

Ew! That’s not me. I don’t spend my leisure time working out (I don’t even have leisure time).

I work out because I need to do. And Cardinal Fitness isn’t exactly a health spa either.

It’s the cheapest workout facility around. Still, I am at the gym all the time.

For this I can thank Trainer Bob. He’s tricky.

He doesn’t ask you to work out every day, he says, “Think you can do three workouts before you see me next?” Blindly, I nod yes. Finally I realized, “Hey, I’m working out seven times a week!”

If he’d asked me to do this I’d have said I didn’t have time. But he didn’t ask; he slid it in.

That’s why he’s the trainer, and I’m the gym rat.

How do I feel about this role? Undecided. I love feeling strong and healthy. I love being at the gym enough to run into friends and neigh-

» Tracy’s progress report

Week 7: The gym is my home away from home Weight lost: 8.4 pounds.

Goal: 10 pounds.

Money raised for Christel House: 8.4 x $62/ pound equals $520.80.

Thoughts: Elliptical + Book = Me Time

bors. And I’ve figured out how to read on the elliptical!

But, I’m a busy mom with three kids, a job, volunteer work and no extra hours in the day.

How can I give up my time to be a gym rat?

But could I stop?

I’m antsy if I miss a day. My body needs to sweat and there’s that endorphin high. Perhaps, I just change the title. I’m no gym rat. I don’t leisurely hang out at the gym. Rather, I work out, daily, book in hand, because it makes me a better person. There, that sounds so much better.

Current in Noblesville

Tracy Line is a soon-to-be-fit freelance writer and Noblesville resident. To sponsor her in her weight loss efforts to raise money for Christel House, email her at Tracy.

Line@comcast.net. For information on Trainer Bob, visit www. precisionhealthandwellness.com.

Hangover relief If you find on the morning of New Year’s Day that you overindulged in alcohol the night before, reaching for the quick fix may not be a great idea. The side effects of aspirin, Tylenol and ibuprofen can be magnified when alcohol is in your system, so it is best (even though it may be the first thing you reach for) to avoid them to kill the hangover pain. Aspirin is a blood thinner, just like alcohol, and can intensify its effects; Tylenol (or acetaminophen) can cause more damage to your liver. Ibuprofen can also cause stomach bleeding. So be cautious when going for the quick relief.

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‘Lettuce’ show you some healthy dishes for weight loss

By Molly Herner Current in Noblesville I am going to quit smoking. I am going to read more and watch less TV. I am going to lose weight.

Sound familiar? I can help you begin at least the latter of these resolutions and get your year off to a healthy start. I have some delicious yet healthful recipe suggestions that you and your family can enjoy together.

Start by trying creative new salad options instead of your plain, old, bagged salad. Use fresh romaine lettuce and fruit to liven up a plain salad. Using good cheese like whole milk mozzarella or blue cheese crumbles is suitable in small amounts.

Here are three great ideas to get you started.

Insalata Caprese

Thickly slice some of your favorite tomatoes and lay a small fresh basil leaf on top. Slice a piece of fresh mozzarella cheese, preferably the buffalo variety that comes in ball form and packed in water. This cheese is a great dairy product and when eaten in a small quantity is not bad for you. Layer the cheese on top of the

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tomato slice. Drizzle the tomatoes, basil and cheese with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and enjoy.

Romaine, blue cheese and melon salad Start by chopping a fresh head of romaine lettuce. Wash and drain the lettuce to rid it of residual silt or dirt. Next, dice either your favorite melon or a pineapple. Even apples work well; any kind of firm fruit works for this salad. Next, add some blue cheese crumbles, or use chopped whole milk mozzarella again. Toss this with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Wheat pasta and garbanzo bean salad Using wheat pasta in general ensures a serving of whole grain for the day. Substitute wheat pasta for white pasta any day and with any dish.

Wheat pasta needs to boil a bit longer, but is generally the same.

Renny Harrison • 876-3338 • www.fanfaretix.com

Molly Herner, is the baker/pastry chef at Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano.

You may email her at odette05@ aol.com.

Wheat pasta and garbanzo bean salad Ingredients: • 1 pound wheat farfelle (bow ties) or penne pasta • 5 artichoke hearts • 6 ounces of sundried tomatoes • 5 ounces of feta cheese crumbles • Chopped calamata or green olives • One can of garbanzo beans • 1/2 cup olive oil • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar Directions: 1. Boil the wheat farfalle or penne pasta and

set aside with drizzled with olive oil to cool.

2. Chop the artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, feta cheese crumbles, some olives and add these ingredients and the can of drained garbanzo beans into a large mixing bowl.

3. Combine with the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a sprinkling of salt and pepper.

4. Add the pasta and combine until fully coated and mixed.

5. Chill and serve

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December 29, 2009 | 9

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THEATRE

MUSIC

Mo’s Irish Pub

Musical grand opening

‘The Wizard of Oz’

Indianapolis Civic Theatre’s signature holiday extravaganza “The Wizard of OZ” returns to the stage for the holidays through Jan. 3. Directed by Civic Director of Music & Education Brent E. Marty and choreographed by Rory D. Shivers, the show will feature more than 40 munchkins, lavish sets, amazing special effects and all of the well-loved songs from the film. This year marks the 70th Anniversary of the popular MGM movie that made Judy Garland famous.

For more information, visit www.civictheatre.org.

A Beef and Boards Christmas

LIVE MUSIC

One more regular performance of “A Beef & Boards” Christmas at 8 p.m. Dec. 30 precedes a special New Year’s Eve production. Chelsea McLean of Noblesville sings and dances in the show. Cost for the Dec. 30 show is $34-$57. The New Year’s Eve package includes dancing to the Beef & Boards Orchestra, a party favors, a balloon-drop, a champagne toast and breakfast buffet. Tickets are $72-$92. Beef & Boards is located at 9301 N. Michigan Road. Call (317) 872-9664 for reservations.

Lambert's Lowrey Organ Center will hold a musical grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 7 to celebrate the move to Noblesville Square Shopping Center. Artist Lori Graves will perform mini-concerts at 11 a.m., 1, 3 and 5 p.m. All are welcome. For more information call 317-773-2002.

ART

Bar Louie

The following musical acts will be playing at Bar Louie, 14299 Clay Terrace Boulevard in Carmel. For more information, call 317-843-1200.

Dec. 31: Barometer Soup (non-smoking event)

Fionn MacCool’s

Native contemporary art

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art will present its biennial Eiteljorg Fellowship for Native American Fine Art through Jan. 18. The sixth cycle of the initiative features an exhibition of artwork, called Art Quantum.

My Kid Can Paint That!

Magdalena Gallery of Art in Carmel is presenting this art show, displaying artwork by local kids. Opening night was Nov. 21. All artwork is available for sale, ranging from $100 to $150. Call 317-844-0005 for details.

SUBARU

The following musical acts will play live at Mo’s Irish Pub, 13193 Levinson Lane in the Hamilton Town Center, Noblesville. For more information, call 317-770-9020.

Dec. 31: Something Rather Naughty

The following musical acts will play live at Fionn MacCool’s, 8211 E 116th St., Fishers. For more information, call 317-863-2100.

Dec. 31: Mother Grove Jan. 2: My Yellow Rickshaw.

Mickey’s Irish Pub

The following musical acts will be playing live at Mickey’s Irish Pub,13644 N Meridian, Carmel. For more information, call 317-573-9746: Dec. 31: Bunny Brothers

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RESTaurant

KRISTA WILBUR

Dick's bodacious bar-b-q

Waitress at Ginger’s Café Where do you like to eat? Texas Roadhouse What do you like to eat there? A sixounce steak, a baked potato, and the rolls.

What do you like about Texas Roadhouse? Everyone’s so nice there, and I get to ride the horse on my birthday.

Texas Roadhouse 12950 Publishers Drive Fishers, Ind. (317) 585-5020

Parks Department offers plenty of classes for kids

Dick’s Bodacious Bar-B-Q’s namesake, Rich Allen, moved to Noblesville in 1996 and finally decided a few years later to pursue his life-long dream of bringing authentic Texas barbecue to others. What began as a small catering venture has become a successful franchise, thanks to the restaurant’s bold mission statement: to serve bodacious food to great people at a great value. For starters, order a heaping plate of breaded, deep-fried pickle chip or a basket of fried biscuits with apple butter. Move on to one of many entrees, including slow-smoked brisket, dry-rubbed ribs, and the Tasty Trio: a juicy ribeye, New York Strip or filet mignon. Although Dick’s takes pride in the quality of its meat, the menu offers plenty of not-so-meaty offerings, like award-winning chicken salad, chili, macaroni and cheese, baked beans and okra. To satisfy your sweet tooth, make sure to delve into the Cotton Candy Tower, cotton candy piled high and topped with chocolate chips, or the cobbler of the day, topped with vanilla ice cream.

2295 Greenfield Ave | Noblesville Phone: (317) 774-7427 Web site: www.dicksbbq.com Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday noon-8 p.m.

Current in Noblesville Enrollment is now open for January sessions of Noblesville Parks Department’s popular recreation programs for kids. Here are some of the classes available: Preschool Music and Movement: Ages 2 – 4. The two sessions offered at Forest Park Lodge are January 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 9 – 9:45 a.m. and January 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 9 – 9:45 a.m. $35.

Nature Club for First through Fourth Graders: January 7, 14, 21, and 29 from 4 – 5:30 p.m. at Forest Park Lodge, $32.

Nature Discovery for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners: The two sessions offered at Forest Park Lodge are January 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. and January 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 9:15 – 10:45 a.m. $32 Nature Exploration Toddler and Caregiver: For children ages 2 ½ - 4 with an adult; January 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 11 a.m.

– noon. $24.

Children’s Pottery: For children ages 4 – 7; January 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 4:45 – 5:45 p.m. at Forest Park Lodge. $46.

Children’s Woodshop: For children ages 7 – 11; January 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 6 – 7 p.m. at Forest Park Lodge. $46.

Children’s Theatre: For children ages 7 – 11; January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. at Forest Park Lodge.

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Children’s Ballet: For children ages 3 – 5, $35. The two sessions offered at Forest Park Lodge are January 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 10 – 10:45 a.m. and January 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 10 – 10:4 5a.m.

Intro to Karate: For children ages 4 – 5.

The two sessions offered at Forest Park Lodge are January 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 11 – 11:45 a.m. and January 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 11 – 11:45 a.m. $35 Ballet/Tap Combo: For children ages 4 – 7; January 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 5 – 5:45 p.m. at Forest Park Lodge. $35.

Kitchen Creations for Kids: The two sessions offered at Forest Park Lodge are January 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 6 – 6:45 p.m. for children ages 4 – 7 and January 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 6:50 – 7:35 p.m. for children ages 8 – 11. $46 Tumbling and Cheerleading for Children: Two sessions offered at Forest Park Inn are January 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 5:30 – 6:20 p.m for ages 4 – 6 January 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 6:30 – 7:20 p.m. for ages 7 – 12. $35 Pre-registration is required for all classes.

For more details about these classes and adult classes or to register, visit www.cityofnoblesville.org/Parks or call the Parks Recreation office at (317) 770-5750.

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DISPATCHES » NYE party-room package in Fishers – The Fishers Hospitality & Conference Center, 9775 North by Northeast Blvd, is hosting a New Year’s Eve party and overnight stay. The $259 per couple package includes, drinks, hors doevres, entertainment by the band Etc., party favors and a room the Hilton Garden Inn or Hotel Indigo. Advance reservations are required.

Call Chris Reth (317) 577-5900. » Two countdowns to 2010 – Fionn MacCool’s Irish restaurant, 8311 E. 116th St., is having a New Year’s Eve party with a countdown to 7 p.m. when the new year arrives in Dublin, Ireland, and a later countdown to midnight. Celtic rock band Mother Grove performs. Reservations for a 5 p.m. dinner, two toasts and entertainment at (317) 2100. For more information, visit. www. macoolsirishpub.com., 3625 E. 96th St. » Start the year laughing – Comedian Dan Wilson will perform two shows at Morty’s Comedy Joint, 3625 E. 96 st. on Dec. 31. Admission is $30 for the 8 p.m. show is $35 for the 10 p.m. performance.

For reservations and information, call (317) 848-5500 or visit www.mortyscomedy.com.

Capt. Critic’s DVD pick

“9”

PG-13, 79 minutes

January 23 & 24, 2010 11 aM - 6 PM

Photo by Focus Features Chuck and provided by AllMovie.com.

••••••••••••••••••••••

Champions pavilion, indiana state Fairgrounds

5 (left), voiced by John C. Reily, and 9, voiced by Elija Wood, hold the Talisman in Focus Features’ “9.”

HealtHy Fun For The Whole Family • over 200 exhibitors • over 30 Speakers • Special Guests • Free onsite Childcare Provided by Primrose Schools • healthy Cooking Demonstrations

“9” is one of the boldest, most original films to come out in 2009. It didn’t get much of a box office reception, but now that it’s hitting video, audiences have a chance to discover this animation gem.

Director Shane Acker based the feature film on an Oscar-nominated short he made about a dystopian world where all of mankind has perished.

About the only living things around are tiny puppet-like creatures made out of burlap and bits of metal, with numbers for names.

The voice cast is especially good, with Elijah Wood as the title character, Christopher Plummer as 1, the authoritarian leader, Jennifer Connelly as the knight-errant 7, and Martin Landau as 2, an old tinkerer.

They must battle a faceless army of machines

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Making a Will Should be Your New Year’s Resolution

Get outta town

Richmond, Ind. Getting there: Take I-69 south and I-70 east to Richmond.

About 83 miles, 1 ½ hours.

Info: (800) 828-8414, www.visitrichmond. org.

What: Antique shopping, museum exploring and cozy bed & breakfasts make Richmond, the Photo provided by the Wayne County Historical Museum former “Gateway to Wayne County Historical Museum founder Julia Meek Gaar purchased the the West” on the old mummy at a curio store during a 1929 visit to Cairo, Egypt.

National Road an inviting winter weekend escape. Local history unfolds in the captivating 70-year-old Wayne County Historical Museum (www.waynecountyhistorical museum.com), where 13 vehicles dating to the early 1900s honor the past when 14 makes of automobiles were manufactured in Richmond. The museum’s centerpiece is its famous 3,000-year-old mummy. There’s an indoor Main Street display with an apothecary, bicycle shop, general store and gunsmith. In the Moore Museum at Earlham College a couple of miles to the west, visitors can see, yes, even another mummy, plus live reptiles along with skeletons of an allosaurus, mastodon and a huge ground sloth. Indiana’s Antique Alley runs through Richmond and branches out to include more than 900 dealers from Richmond to Centerville with the state’s largest antique mall (Webb’s) to Knightstown on U.S. 40 and then circling back on scenic State Road 38 through New Castle, Hagerstown, and Green’s Fork.

12 | December 29, 2009

• Children’s activities • health Screenings

looking to dominate the post-apocalyptic word -- and capture the strange talisman 9 is carrying around.

The animation is just terrific, with inky pools of darkness and a wonderful tactile feel -- things you don’t normally get from computerized animation.

Despite the PG-13 rating, which I feel is misplaced, this movie should be suitable for children above toddler age.

Grade: B-plus

Holiday parties, shopping, gift-wrapping and travel arrangements consume precious hours this time of the year, making it common for many to continue to put estate planning on the back burner. However, one of the most precious gifts one can give to children and loved ones is a properly executed Stephenie Jocham or updated will. Many do not understand the ramifications of dying “intestate,” or without a will, which often has profoundly unintended consequences. If you die without a will, decisions regarding your property or your children may be made by the state. There is added stress on surviving family who must deal with the legal and personal matters without knowing your wishes.

It is a topic with which many are uncomfortable, and most assume that end of life planning doesn’t need to be discussed until “later” or “when we’re older.” But the harsh reality is that people with young families may face tragedy, something we hear more frequently during holiday travel time when weather and traffic increase accidents and fatalities. For many families living far apart, holiday gatherings may be one of the few opportunities to discuss your wishes in person. Although it can be a difficult subject to bring up, there are different ways to initiate the conversation, including utilizing an example of a relative, co-worker or news story. Once you’ve shared your wishes, it is important to take the

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next step to protect your family.

Make it your new year’s resolution to prepare proper legal documents. There are common misconceptions that only wealthy people “need” estate planning, or that it is an expensive and time-consuming process.

While there are more detailed options for families with larger assets, a simple Will is sufficient for the average person to identify a personal representative and provide instructions on distribution of their property. Parents with minor children can add trust provisions to their Wills naming guardians for their children. Wills are often accompanied by a durable power of attorney, a document naming a representative to act on your behalf for financial matters in the event of your incapacity or death. It is also important to prepare Advanced Directives, commonly known as a “living will.” This enables you to specify your wishes regarding life-sustaining procedures and to name a health care representative to make those decisions in the event you are unable to do so. At JHDJ Law, our attorneys can help you determine what documents are needed to protect your family. The process is efficient and cost-effective, typically involving an inexpensive flat fee for the preparation of simple estate packages.

By formalizing your wishes legally, you exercise control over decisions regarding your property and your children and you reduce stress and prevent confusion for your surviving family.

Please contact JHDJ Law at 317-569-0770 or asmall@jhdj-law.com for more information about our low cost options for simple estate planning.

The above is for informational purposes only should not be considered legal advice. Each case is unique and you should consult an attorney for advice regarding your particular situation.

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MONEY MATTERS Do you plan to spend a lot of money for a New Year’s Eve date or will you just stay home?

“Going to Bloomington and partying with some peeps.

I’ll keep it cheap.”

Meredith Kipp Noblesville

“I’m going to Philly to see a friend.”

Natalie McQuade Noblesville

“I’m sitting around doing that exciting thing known as nothing. I don’t expect it to be too expensive.”

Drew Sparger Noblesville

DISPATCHES » Income tax planning for women – Susan of Somerset CPAs will present the basics of individual income taxes with particular focus on income and adjustments, Jan. 14 from 8:15 to 10 a.m. at the Somerset Conference Center in Indianapolis. » Top six consumer stocks for 2010 1. Scotts Miracle-Gro (SMG) 2. Clorox (CLX) 3. Proctor & Gamble (PG) 4. Phillip Morris International (PMI) 5. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) 6. PepsiCo (PEP) - moneycentral.msn.com » Carmel Green Award - The Green award sponsored by Vine & Branch and the Carmel Chamber of Commerce was recently presented to the Upper White River Watershed Alliance (UWRWA). The Green Award recognizes an organization, company or association that is solving environmental challenges using innovative and green practices or by setting up creative partnerships to enhance the environment.

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NOW OPEN

WHAT’S IT WORTH

L’Evento Event Resource Boutique The days of running all over to find a photographer, a DJ and a caterer for that next party are just about over thanks to Heather Lapham Kuhn.

KUHN She’s created a one-stop shop for anyone throwing a party, planning a wedding or hosting an event.

L’Evento Event Resource Boutique, located on Range Line Road in the Carmel Arts and Design District, is home to the portfolios of 15 vendors and counting. Kuhn has created an inviting atmosphere where anyone can stop in, curl up by the fireplace and look through the portfolios of florists, photographers, caterers, planners, etc to find the right vendors. Kuhn personally screens each vendor before adding him or her to the shelves, so clients can be assured they are choosing from quality professionals. Using the portfolios and magazines at L’Evento is free for clients, who can also meet any of the vendors in the private meeting room.

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Square footage: 2,088 Rooms: This three-bedroom home has two-and-a-half baths, a great room, dining room, two-story entry, open floor plan and two-car garage.

Strengths: This home is a great value and worth more than the list price. It sits on a wooded lot, has a nice two-story entry and has same the amenities found in homes above $200,000. Overall, the home is in good shape considering it is winterized and no longer actively kept up by the owner.

Challenges: This is a bank-owned home sold in “as-is” condition and may provide some hidden expenses that will increase the chance of requiring surprise out of pocket funds. The roof has a tarp where there has been a leak possibly caused by a tree limb.

Proprietor: Heather Lapham Kuhn 21 S. Range Line Road, Carmel, Ind., 46032 leventoboutique.com | 317-442-4729 Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

John Pacilio and his team specialize in Hamilton County real estate with RE/MAX Ability Plus. Contact him at 216.8500 or John@JohnPacilio.com.

Ten technology-related red flags for small businesses in 2010 COMMENTARY

By David Cain As technology facilitates behavioral change, organizations of all sizes must develop new strategies. A clear path to irrelevancy is to ignore change or – worse yet – fight it. If you continue business as usual, running your career and business day by day, you will find you might not be needed. Consider these red flags that you are on the path to irrelevance.

FLAG 1: You don’t have a mobile strategy, yet you spend all your time relying on your mobile device to connect and communicate.

FLAG 2: You have no defined online strategy – you just guess and explore – yet like 80 percent of all C-level executives, you spend up to four hours a day on the Internet.

FLAG 3: You think Facebook is something for your teenage kids, yet more than 90 percent of your customers believe a company should have a social media presence, and more than 40 percent want to do business with a company that uses social media platforms.

FLAG 4: You think “interconnected” is a puzzle or something pornographic, yet you are always available via a mobile device, and the majority of your customers are demanding new ways to interact with your brand.

FLAG 5: You think transparency means con-

trolling information, yet younger buyers are spending their time buying from companies they can authentically connect with.

FLAG 6: You don’t update your online presence, yet you have your physical office cleaned regularly.

FLAG 7: You spend countless hours working on office efficiencies, yet you have an online office that is widely inefficient.

FLAG 8: You, like most people, want to read more, but you never make the time, yet your online destination is stacked tall with text waiting for all those non-readers to dig in.

FLAG 9: You think the Internet is just another platform, yet the average professional will spend more time online than they do talking to their spouse or watching broadcast media.

FLAG 10: You say you want more, yet you do the same things expecting different results.

If one of these flags sounds familiar, now is the time to adjust or be left wondering where the world went while you or your company proceeded down familiar, but irrelevant paths.

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David Cain works at MediaSauce, a digital media and online marketing company in Carmel. David welcomes your questions or comments at David.Cain@MediaSauce.com.

Noblesville, we want to hear from you!

This is YOUR newspaper, so please send your story ideas, news tips, news releases, letters and photographs to our managing editor, Zach Dunkin, at zach@currentnoblesville.com December 29, 2009 | 13

Find the perfect hair color

Get the look with hair extensions Have you always wanted glamorous hair like the stars? Their secret is hair extensions. And you too can have the look. Book your consultation today with Jillian Fay or Kristin Siebert, our trained and certified Hairdreams hair extension specialists.

Hair extensions are not only for lengthening, but are also great for adding thickness and volume or helping to grow out a style you are no longer enjoying. Extensions can also be used to add highlights to your style. And yet another option is to try our California colors for a “pop.” The hair itself is 100% human hair, guaranteed to last up to six months. Proper brushing, shampooing, and conditioning along with maintenance appointments are all you need to maintain the extensions. During your consultation, you and your stylist will determine what service will be best for your desired result. Once your consultation is completed you are ready for the application.

How are the extensions applied?

Each strand of hair is attached with a bond made of a nylon-based plastic called thermoplast. The thermoplast attaches to the outside of the hair shaft so there is no damage. After 4-6 months, when you are ready to remove your extensions, a removal solution is applied to the bond that dissolves the bond causing the attached hair to slide out. Once again not causing any damage. Whether you want long locks or thicker hair, call today to book your Hairdreams appointment and get closer to having the hair you have always wanted.

14 | December 29, 2009

Choosing the right hair color isn’t as easy as picking a color you like. Many elements factor in when coloring your hair: your skin tone, eye color, your natural and artificial hair color all play a big role in which hair color shade will look great on you.

First and most important when choosing the perfect hair color for you is to determine whether you fall into the warm or cool category.

Why is this so important? Think of it this way... have you ever bought the wrong shade of makeup foundation. All of a sudden your skin looks orange or too ashy. You must have chosen a color that clashes with your natural skin tone.

Just like when picking a foundation shade, you need to look at your skin tone to pick the right hair color that will compliment your tone not clash with it. Naturally cool toned people should avoid gold, yellow, red and bronze tones in their hair color. These warm tones have a tendency to make you look sallow and drawn. The best hair color shades for a cool toned person are shinny raven-wing blacks, cool ash browns, or cool blondes. Highlights should be wheat, honey, taupe or ash shades. You

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are also fortunate enough to be able to wear many exciting “unnatural” hair colors like lipstick reds and purples. Naturally warm skin tone people should avoid blue, violet, beige and ash based hair colors, which will “wash out” your skin color. You’ll find dark, warm, or rich golden browns, chestnuts, auburn, warm gold and red highlights, and golden blonde shades look best on you. Highlights are a great way to add warm tones to your hair. You should highlight with golden blondes, copper streaks, or golden brown shades. Remember, if you have to wear more makeup than you did before, then you have the wrong hair color. When the hair color works correctly, your skin tone comes alive.

Hair color should make your face glow.

Be honest with your Hair Stylist (and yourself) about how much time you are willing to spend having your roots touched up and doing conditioning treatments. The further away you are from your natural color the more maintenance your hair requires. The best option is to set up a consultation with one of our professional Hair Designers, Valerie, Jillian or Kristin, to see which color is best for you!

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Winter has its good side, too, for the passionate gardener COMMENTARY

By Holly Funk Common sense would tell you that an avid gardener would be gloomy come winter. And I suppose, for the most part that might be true.

I, on the other hand, specialize in slacking and winter is ideal for that. Which leads me to engage my readers with the “Top Ten Reasons Holly Funk, Gardener and Slacker, Loves Winter”.

10. Opening the water bill without heart palpitations.

9. The lawn is full of weeds…wait, I don’t care!

8. A cardinal in the first snowfall and the branches frosted with white – what a sight.

7. Tree and branch structure and limbs loaded with bright red berries. Seriously!

6. A warm fire, hot coffee and cuddly puppies (Okay. They’re dogs).

5. Watering chores restricted to the house – yay!

4. Fresh flowers on the table in January.

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And the scent that comes with them.

3. Migratory birds that only visit in the winter, thank you dark junco.

2. The smell of a fresh tree in the house.

1. And finally, the number one reason this gardener loves winter…only three more months until I get to start all over again.

Holly Funk is an Indiana accredited horticulturist and advanced master gardener residing in Noblesville.

Email your gardening woes (or wisdom) to hollyfunk75@yahoo. com.

Blower door closes leaks COMMENTARY

By Craig Todd Even a small house can have mysterious air leaks, annoying cold spots and high-energy waste.

Larger homes create larger challenges. The size of the “building envelope” (outer walls, floor, ceiling and roof ) make finding and fixing air leaks – let’s call them “energy bleeders” – a nearly impossible task if our only weapons are “hand feel,” gut instinct, weather stripping, a roll of insulation and, in some cases, plain old luck.

Thanks to “blower door” technology, developed and pretty much perfected over the past couple decades, we can now reliably find, measure and fix otherwise-hidden ventilation energy bleeders – and know they are fixed.

That’s the exciting and satisfying part – that we can verify the fix before we leave the home; before the next winter storm blows in.

A blower door is exactly that – a door with a blower in it. It looks a little bit like one of those old form-fitting window fans, but it is the size of an exterior door. Secured in an existing door frame, a blower door creates an air-tight seal and has a purpose-built diagnostic fan mechanism that can lower (or raise) air pressure inside the home.

Typically the blower door fan lowers interior pressure … not by much, usually about

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50 Pascals (equivalent pressure needed to pull water about an inch up a standard drinking straw). Sensitive gauges set up both inside and outside the house measure airflow and pressure differences.

The lower interior pressure provides dramatic evidence of leaks, and a small “smoke” device reveals exact locations. In addition to the primary living areas, it’s important to assess basements, storage spaces, attics and garages as well.

Energy bleeders can be anywhere, and a blower door test can tell when your house needs a bandage, and when it needs a tourniquet.

Craig Todd (ctodd@gottabegodby. com, 317-244-3444) is the CEO of Godby Family of Services.

December 29, 2009 | 15

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DISPATCHES » Superintendent to speak at Hinkle Creek PTO – Dr. Libbie Conner, superintendent of Noblesville Schools, will speak at the 7 p.m. Jan. 5 PTO at Hinkle Creek Elementary regarding the closing of the Forest Hill Elementary School at the end of the 2011-2012 school year and its impact on the Hinkle Creek Community. The Noblesville School Board of Trustees is moving forward with the referendum process which proposes expansion and improvement of several schools. The one constant in the referendum process is that Forest Hill will close in the next 2 1/2 years and its students will be redistributed around the district. The largest impact will be at Hinkle Creek since the corporation obtained Tri County Education Center. The renovation of the Center will provide expanded classroom space for Hinkle Creek and the incoming Forest Hill students. » Basketball camp for grades 1-8 – The Billy Keller Basketball Camp is having a three-day Christmas Clinic for any boy or girl in grades 1 through 8. The camp will be at the Fishers YMCA, 9012 E. 126th St., Fishers. Morning sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 28-30 and afternoon sessions from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. cost $100 each. All-day sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 28-30 cost $190, and campers should bring their own lunch. Each camper will receive a camp T-shirt and a voucher for two free Indiana Pacer tickets. For information or to receive a Christmas Clinic flyer, call the camp office at (317) 773-6553 or visit www.billykellercamps.com.

Be safe, responsible and drink in moderation if you must on New Year’s Eve COMMENTARY

By Hannah Davis Last year, because I’m a total geek and I tend to hang out with people of my own kind, the highlight of my New Year’s Eve was going over to a friend’s house and guzzling nonalcoholic glögg.

What’s glögg, you ask? Well, my friends, glögg, glorious, glorious glögg, is the term for mulled wine in Nordic countries. So technically, we just had some seasoned fruit juice.

But it was fantastic, mostly because we liked sloshing our mugs around. (It’s worth mentioning, I think, that the evening culminated with a 3 a.m. trip to Steak ‘n Shake for cheese fries, because we are just that hardcore.)

My more urban, more privileged acquaintances in Chicago and New York are a little more exuberant in their celebrating, at least according to what I can see on Facebook. I’ve happened upon more than a few pictures of 16- and 17-year-old girls toting wine coolers and uncharacteristically cheap beer.

It’s a little unnerving.

I’ve repetitively emphasized the fact that I’m not a prude – really, I’m just more responsible than the average kid – but I have to draw the line at reckless celebrating.

New Year’s is a holiday drenched in alcohol. No one parties on December 31 to celebrate the coming of a new year. It’s an excuse to drink, and everyone knows it.

That’s fine, I guess… if you’re old enough to do so. But there’s an element of responsibility that comes with drinking, and a good handful of individuals seem to ignore that small detail.

Safety (on the eve of the) First

How to have a ridiculously safe, fail-proof New Year’s Eve, from www.ehow.com SAFE – Stay indoors. Because some individuals celebrate New Year’s Eve by shooting guns in the air and using dangerous fireworks and explosives, staying indoors is the safest option.

SAFER – Staying at home. Close family and friends can remain at your home until the next day. Ordering movies, dancing, watching New Year’s Eve countdowns on television, playing games and ordering some of favorite foods are all great suggestions for spending New Year’s Eve at home.

SAFEST – Stay off of the roads. Once you have reached the destination where you will be celebrating, remain there until the next day. It is important to not drive on the roads because there is a risk that drunk drivers will be on the road.

Drink in moderation if you must at all, and keep a head on your shoulders. There’s more to a party than alcohol.

Hannah Davis is a senior at Noblesville High School and the opinions editor for The Mill Stream.

New Year's resolutions from a grammarian COMMENTARY

By Brandie Bohney As we approach the New Year, many people face the annual task of deciding which New Year’s resolutions they will be making (and for many, breaking).

If you’re looking for something less daunting than lofty goals such as becoming Peyton Manning’s best friend (I tried for years, and it has just never worked out), how about resolving to improve your grammar?

Below is a list of 9 grammar mistakes that, in my opinion, can make you seem less credible than you are. Each item has a quick-fix suggestion.

9. Accept/except and affect/effect: Remember in these cases that A = action. Accept and affect are both verbs, and with very limited exceptions; except and effect are not.

8. Using of instead of have: This problem refers to the verb forms could have, would have, and should have. Because we so frequently use the contracted forms that sound like could of, would of, and should of, people write them using of instead of have. Just stop and think about what you’re really saying.

7. Then/than: Again, this is a pronunciation problem more than anything. Than is used for comparisons; then is used as a reference in time.

6. Its/it’s: Possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes (think about his, hers, and theirs).

It’s is a contraction for it is or it was.

16 | December 29, 2009

5. Your/you’re: Your is a possessive pronoun (see #7), and you’re is the contraction for you are.

4. Their/they’re/there: Their is a possessive pronoun (see #7), there is the contraction for they are, and there is most often used to refer to a location.

3. Using apostrophes with plurals: Plural nouns, unless they are also possessive, do not get apostrophes. And, not to overstate myself, but possessive pronouns don’t get apostrophes (see #7).

2. Subject and object pronoun confusion: Most commonly made when the pronoun is paired with other nouns, the easiest fix is to drop the noun to determine whether it’s the correct pronoun pairing. For example, Me and her went to the mall with she and Jim. Me went to the mall? Her went to the mall? With she?

1. Subject-verb agreement: There’s a big difference between making a glaring error in subject-verb agreement (We was going to finish, but they done it for us.) and making a more subtle error (Girls’ overwhelming need to be accepted by unwilling peers are hard to understand.). It’s an error either way, though, and making certain you use the correct verb is tremendously important.

Best wishes with those resolutions!

Brandie Bohney is a grammar enthusiast and former English teacher. If you have a grammarrelated question, please email her at bbthegrammarguru@gmail.com.

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Less shouting and more of everything else for 2010 COMMENTARY

By Joe Shearer As much as I’d love for everyone to think otherwise, I’m hardly the perfect parent.

And given the time of year, I thought it appropriate to make a list of parenting resolutions, my nine goals for 2010 that will make life better for me and my family.

Less yelling: Too often, my reaction to misbehavior is to inform them in a loud, angry voice that I’m displeased. Raising your voice is sometimes necessary, but not always.

More reading: TV has gradually replaced the bedtime story in our house. My kids need more to hear stories in book form.

More travel: My wife constantly hassles me to go on weekend trips, and most of the time I find an excuse not to. Last year we excursed to Lake Michigan for a few days and it hardly felt like enough.

More culture: We’ve been to the Children’s Museum, but not Conner Prairie, the IMA or the Eiteljorg.

More saving: We divvy up spare change for the kids’ piggy banks, but little else. We need to set up a 529 or some other account for their futures. College starts in 13 years!

More patience: This one ties in with number 1. I need to have a longer fuse when they’re misbehaving. They are kids, after all.

More learning: During an interview, a prospective babysitter we spoke to listed out the things she teaches her kids. Riley was doing most of it; Jenna almost none. Did I think her goals were a little ambitious? Yes, but it reminded me that we need to work with the kids on their education.

More time: One commodity I can offer is more time. A full-time day job, Web site and various freelance jobs often leave time in short supply. I need to carve out more of it for them.

More fun: I recently found myself imparting some fatherly wisdom to Riley: “Always have fun.” It’s maybe the most important thing a dad can teach his kids.

Joe Shearer is an editor, freelance writer and the father of three children living in Noblesville. He blogs at daddyheaven.blogspot. com and also writes for www. thefilmyap.com. E-mail him at joeshearer@gmail.com.

Make some resolutions for family story-keeping

By Darla Kinney Scoles Current in Noblesville “This packrat has learned that what the next generation will value most is not what we owned, but the evidence of who we were and the tales of how we lived. In the end, it’s the family stories that are worth the storage.”

Ellen Goodman of the Boston Globe wrote that, and it’s so true.

So, as the New Year approaches and I evaluate how to best prioritize life to include more in the way of family history stories, a few simple resolutions come to mind that are in keeping with Ms. Goodman’s thought.

Write in a journal regularly. Making time to jot down the activities, events and thoughts of our days in 2010 will one day be appreciated by those who will read them with their feet in the future. One does not have to be a writer to write his/her own story. Get a journal and get started.

Don’t forget to include those important factual details that we take for granted - full names, dates, places – and write on archival quality paper with permanent pen.

Spend time with those photos. Most

photos exist as computer files, so start by backing those up often. Better yet, get them off the computer and onto photo paper. Label each photo on the back (use a photo pencil) with names, dates and places.

Scrapbooking is a wonderful form of genealogical record keeping. Store printed photos carefully.

Keep a detailed calendar. Long ago I began saving our family calendar each year. As I read over them now, I am reminded of all the wonderful things we did. It’s surprising what one can learn from a calendar.

Family history is not necessarily complicated or time consuming. It’s daily recording our stories – whether they are carefully penned, captured in images, or quickly calendared as the weeks fly by.

Darla Kinney Scoles is a freelance journalist living in Noblesville.

Her most recent work involves the creation of “Stories,” an individualized writing service helping people get their personal histories down on paper. Contact her at darlas@mpinet.net

New Year. New Plan.

Embark on a journey to a stable financial future.

Making financial decisions can be difficult. As an independent Financial Advisor, I can help you customize an action plan for your unique situation, providing you options and services needed to make an informed decision. It’s not just money. It’s your Life, Future, Family and Dreams. Together, we will achieve your goals.

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www.omwealthmanagement.com kpatel@woodburyfinancial.net Krisna Patel Investment Advisor Representative

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Securities and Investment Advisory services offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC and Registered Investment Advisor. P.O. Box 64284; St. Paul, MN 55164; (800) 800-2638. Om Wealth Management and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. are not affiliated entities. Neither Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., nor its registered representatives or employess, provide tax or legal advice. As with all matters of tax or legal nature, you should consult with your tax or legal counsel for advice.

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December 29, 2009 | 17

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No more Scrooge – now I love Christmas

COMMENTARY

By Mike Redmond I wasted a lot of my adult life being a Christmas cynic. I wasn’t Ebenezer Scrooge, but I made a pretty good run at it: no decorations, a grudging appearance at the family holiday get-together, and more often than not, volunteering to work on Christmas Day. The seeds for this cynicism were planted long before I became an adult. In fact, I think I have it narrowed down to the years when I was 12, 13 and 14.

I had long since gotten used to the idea that Santa was never going to bring me what I really wanted: artillery. That left me with the usual sweaters, socks, underwear, books and board games. Whoop-ti-do.

(OK, there was the year I got a 12-string guitar. And the year I got a mandolin. And the year I got a banjo. Other than that, though, it was dullsville.)

Add to that my growing disenchantment with my family’s Forced March Through Merryland, also known as decorating the tree. I hated it because my mother, who tended to get a little amped up about it, supervised us with an iron will. Mom wanted the decorations placed a certain way, and a certain way only, and

woe to the kid (me) who did it otherwise.

Eventually, I just took to hiding in my room reading comic books while the others decorated. A cynic was born.

That ended a few years ago, when I went through the intense psychological process known as Getting Over Yourself. I started celebrating – putting up a tree, decorating the house, the whole Christmas bit.

And then the deal was sealed when I found the book “A Christmas Blessing,” which features beautiful cover illustrations from magazines of long ago, along with a message by Welleran Poltarnees. It has become part of my traditional Christmas Eve reading, and I’d like to share it with you now: “May this blessing fall on you like a gentle snow.

Let your Christmas be savored far in advance of its arrival.

May the spirit of the season make your quest for gifts selfless & filled with joy.

Adornment, reflecting old traditions, shall make your home bright with the loveliness of Christmastide.

May winter, in some way, grace your holidays.

Let there be a tree, bringing into your home the fragrance and power of the earth.

May song bless your Christmas, and remind us all of the universal

harmony which is at the center of creation.

In the wrapping and adorning of your gifts, let there be the satisfaction that all creative acts offer.

On the night before Christmas may you be visited by peace and beneficence, and visible presences who enrich you and yours.

Let the children teach you, and all of us, through their freshness and focus, the precious joy to be discovered in this celebration.

May you feast in good health & comradeship.

Let us remember the foundation of this joy – the fear, the journey, the refuge, the birth, the revelation.

When your celebration is over, may you turn in your memory the love, the giving and the receiving.”

I hope such a blessing visits your house, too. And I am not being cynical. Not in the least.

Mike Redmond is an author, journalist, humorist and speaker. Write him at mike@mikeredmondonline.com or P.O. Box 44385, Indianapolis, IN 46244.

Hoosier Hodge Podge

Indiana Wordsmith Challenge

Build the words

See Solutions on Page 19

18 | December 29, 2009

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Robert “Bobby” Earl Sells, 69, Noblesville, passed away Dec. 13 at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville.

He was born June 13, 1940 in Noblesville to Millard and Dorthy (Earl) Sells. Bob was a retired industrial dielectrics worker. He was a 1958 graduate of Noblesville High School and a past member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Noblesville. He is survived by son, Rex (Sharon) Sells; daughters, Tina (Arthur) Townsend, Tonya (Phillip) Walser, Lacretia (Donald) Shelton and Kandy L Sells; brother, Orville (Norma) Sells; sister, Betty (Jim) Bryant; companion, Louise Greer; 16 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Tipton Whitson, 86, Noblesville , passed away December 18 at Riverwalk Village in Noblesville.

He was born April 23, 1923 in Saint Charles, VA. to Tipton Whitson and Elizabeth Whitson (Frith).

Tipton was the owner of Whitson Cabinet Shop of Noblesville since 1968 and also worked at Firestone. Tipton served in the United States Army

Frank Hazelwood, 63, Noblesville, passed away Dec. 20, 2009 at his home in Noblesville. He was born Oct. 16, 1946 in Shelbyville to William Hazelwood and Sarrah Frances Hazelwood (Owens). Frank worked for Carmel Welding Supply as a Mechanic. He was also a past member of the Moose Lodge.

He is survived by wife of 42 years, Judy Hazelwood (Stidham), daughter, Tina (Rick) Foster of Monrovia, daughter, Shannon (Randy) Craft of Noblesville, son, Frankie Jr. Hazelwood of Arcadia, four brothers; William (Ann) Hazelwood of Lawrenceburg , TN, Ernest (Ginny) Hazelwood of Anderson, Jack (Edy) Hazelwood of Anderson, Carl “Butch” (Janet) Hazelwood of Noblesville, and five sisters, Patty (Wayne) Aicher of Ottawa, IL, Joann Powell of Iron City, TN, Carlene (Willie C.) Powell of Iron City , TN, Charlotte (Kenny) Kitchens of Noblesville, Gloria “Cookie” (Danny) Branham of Noblesville, sister-in-law, Jean Hazelwood of Cicero, eight grandchildren and a great grandchild.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by four sisters, five brothers and a grandchild.

Memorial contributions may be made to donor’s favorite charity.

Lois E. (Mills) Musselman, 96, Noblesville, passed away Dec. 15 at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville.

She was born Aug. 6, 1913 in Wayne Township, Indiana to Walter and Belle (Morgan) Mills. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Musselman, who died in 1976, sister, Iris Mills Lehr and a brother, Harry Mills. Lois was a homemaker and a member of Clarksville Christian Church and of the Eastern Star, and was the State President of the Women’s Insurance Organization. She is survived by son, Steve (Marilyn) Musselman and daughter, Sue Musselman Haines both of Noblesville; grandchildren, Kent (Renita) Haines, Kurt Haines, Emily (Jeff) Musselman Sorenson; Melissa (Ross) Musselman Winkelman; and greatgrandchildren, Sarah, Jessie, Richard, Morgan & Will Haines, and Kaitlyn, Zach and Brady Winkelman.

Memorial contributions may be made to Clarksville Christian Church, 16600 Lehr Street, Noblesville, Ind., or your favorite charity.

Puzzle Solutions

Answers to BUILD THE WORDS: RACHAEL RAY, CARDINAL, BLACK EYED PEAS, WHITCOMB RILEY, AMSTERDAM

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Helen Meaker Bowser, 75, formerly of Noblesville, passed away Dec. 15, 2009 at St. Mary’s Health Center in Jefferson City, Mo.. She was born Feb. 14, 1934 in Syracuse, N.Y., the daughter of the late Merritt Fuller and Mary Helen (Fuller) Meaker.

Husband Jay Edward Bowser preceded her in death on Nov. 20, 1996. Helen worked as an operating room nurse and an occupational therapist for many years, living in Michigan, Colorado, California and Indiana. She became a homemaker in 1970 and lived in Indiana until moving to Missouri in 2003 to be near family. Helen was a member of Noblesville First Friends Church and attended Community Christian Church in Jefferson City. She was a past member of the Indiana Society of Mayflower Descendants and the Horseshoe Prairie Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She is survived by two children: Lynne Holsapple and husband Aaron of Jefferson City and Steve Bowser of Louisville. She is also survived by two granddaughters in Jefferson City.

during World War II. He was a member of the Jehovah’s Witness for over 50 years. He is survived by wife of 68 years, Mildred (Burgess) Whitson, son, Mike (Vickie) Whitson, grandchildren, Craig Whitson, Amanda Whitson, Jennifer Whitson, Luke Whitson, and Gabrielle (Keith) Kimmberling, great-granddaughters, Autumn Whitson, Sierra Whitson, Hope Grace Whitson, Mya Whitson, nephew, Doug Whitson. Also surviving are several other nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, He is preceded in death by, son Clifford Whitson, 3 brothers; Elmer Whitson, Ed Whitson, and Albert Whitson. 2 sisters; Gladis Brock, and Ella York.

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Restaurants: ARBY'S, BLIMPIE, HARDEE'S, KFC, SUBWAY, WENDY'S; Joes: BAZOOKA, DIMAGGIO, LIEBERMAN, MONTANA, TORRE; Songs: FELIZ NAVIDAD, JINGLE BELLS, LET IT SNOW, SILENT NIGHT; Colleges: GOSHEN, HANOVER, MARIAN; Towns: LEBANON, ZIONSVILLE; Coach: CREAN

Carmel Cemetery Association 1000 N. Rangeline Rd. Carmel, Indiana

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Martha Jean (Morris) Johnson, 83, Anderson, passed away Dec. 15 at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie. She was born May 13, 1926 in Noblesville to James and Elizabeth (Lovell) Morris. Martha was a homemaker and had also worked on the production line at Power Equipment Company.

She is survived by four daughters; Becky (Charlie) Lambert, Joyce Cooksey, Debbie (Buddy) Carmine and Kathy (Jeff) Simmons; two sons, Mike (Ann) Johnson, and Bill Johnson; two brothers, Sam (Debbie) Morris and Marion Morris; one sister, Dorothy (Keith) Johnson; 10 Grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Leland “Blackie” Johnson. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses. Arrangements are being handled by Randall & Roberts Funeral Home, Noblesville.

www.CarmelCemetery.org

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