December 7, 2021 — Westfield

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

FULL BLOOM Heartland Growers cultivates poinsettias for winter season / P14

Council identifies projects for ARPA funds / P2

Center Grove student wears blackface to allegedly mock Westfield teen / P3

Westfield loses to Center Grove in state football final / P5

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December 7, 2021

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Westfield council identifies projects for $4.9 million in ARPA funds

By Anna Skinner anna@youarecurrent.com

very restricted, and the city doesn’t have many local projects for the dollars. However, legislation being discussed in Congress could loosen restrictions.

Westfield City Council member Cindy Spoljaric outlined a “There are debates going on in Congress around the restrictemplate for how the city plans to use the $4.9 million it retions on the use of those funds,” council member Scott Willis ceived in its first allotsaid. “Right now, it is very, very tight and GOVERNMENT ment of American Recue there’s nothing on our current radar screen of Plan Act funds during immediate importance and something we can the council’s Nov. 22 meeting. Another $4.9 use that money for. (The legislation) could give million will be received next year. us a lot of flexibility to use it for just about Spoljaric said the council’s ARPA committee any kind of infrastructure project we want.” has created a spending plan for the dollars.

Willis said although the council wants The committee plans to collect more informato prioritize premium pay for public safety Spoljaric Cook tion from the public during an ARPA informaworkers associated with the health risks tional outreach meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at of working during the pandemic, more premium pay Westfield City Hall, 130 Penn St. money is available for other employees.

Of the $4.9 million, 45 percent will be used to reverse “Our public works employees were not working from negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, home. They were patching holes and plowing snow such as providing assistance to nonprofits, businesses and they were out there,” Mayor Andy Cook said. “Same and affected individuals. Forty percent will be used for thing when we made a decision to keep our building ininfrastructure projects. Five percent will be used as spectors active during the whole time in order to keep Willis premium pay for employees who were on the frontlines the construction industry working. We did have other during the pandemic, such as public safety workers. Ten peremployees out there, and I hope you’ll take a look at those.” cent will be designated for auditing and legal services.

The council unanimously approved the funding template.

Spoljaric said ARPA funds designated for infrastructure are For more, visit westfield.in.gov.

COMMUNITY DISPATCHES HSHC receives energy rebates — The Humane Society for Hamilton County moved into a stateof-the-art facility in April, and qualified for more than $24,000 energy efficiency rebates from Duke Energy Incentive Programs. The facility is one of only a few Humane Societies in the country that have their own animal surgery suite on site. The installed heating, ventilating, air-conditioning system is unique because of the large quantity of outside air which provides a healthy environment for the animals. The project used both the Duke Energy Mid-Stream HVAC program and their prescriptive lighting program to capture rebates for the high efficiency lighting and occupancy sensors. The 40,000-square-foot facility uses 42 percent of the energy used per square foot compared to their previous Noblesville location.

Homework help -- A new school year has added video tutoring services to help middle school and high school students better understand their math and science homework through Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s free AskRose Homework Help program. Rose-Hulman tutors are available Sunday through Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m. for tutoring sessions to help students in grades 6 through 12 by video, telephone call, email or chat. Tutors can be accessed via the AskRose website, AskRose.org.

December 7, 2021

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Council to vote on $1 million in legal fees

By Anna Skinner anna@youarecurrent.com Westfield City Council members are still waiting on an accurate number for administrative and clerk-treasurer COUNCIL legal fees so it can appropriate funds to cover mounting expenses for the ongoing litigation between Mayor Andy Cook and Clerk-Treasurer Cindy Gossard.

The litigation began earlier this year when the city sued Gossard, claiming she had unauthorized access to data. Several lawsuits and accusations followed, the most recent of which included Gossard accusing the city of installing “spyware” on her and her staff’s computers.

An appropriation for just more than $1 million was introduced at the council’s Nov.

22 meeting. The figure was almost $400,000 more than the $668,000 that was first introduced at the Oct. 11 meeting. The council tabled voting on the appropriation during the October meeting. The new $1 million figure is spread across three funds: administrative attorney fund, administrative consulting fund and a clerk-treasurer legal fund.

Since the Oct. 11 meeting, the administrative attorney fees are now $430,941, the administrative consulting fees are $414,616 and the clerk-treasurer fees are $155,000.

Council President Mike Johns said the council wants to see the final legal fee numbers and what invoices still need to be paid.

City of Westfield Director of Enterprise John Rogers said he worked with Gossard to come up with the revised numbers presented at the Nov. 22 meeting. However, some councilors are still unsatisfied with

the information.

Council member Troy Patton said he sent an email request for legal fee billing and the associated dates several weeks ago but hasn’t received a response.

“Until I get that, I will not be voting for this,” Patton said.

Johns asked Rogers to provide the council with the following items no later than Dec. 10: A list of all invoices paid year to date for the three funds with the date they were paid; a list of all invoices received for the three funds that had not yet been paid; a list of anticipated invoices for the three funds through the end of the year; and a total for each fund reduced by the total amount originally budgeted for 2021.

The council is expected to vote on the appropriation at its Dec. 13 meeting. For more, visit westfield.in.gov.

Center Grove student wears blackface

By Anna Skinner anna@youarecurrent.com Center Grove Community School Corp. is investigating an incident in which a Center Grove High School INVESTIGATION football player posted photos on social media in blackface allegedly depicting one of Westfield High School’s football players, senior defensive end Popeye Williams.

Blackface is a form of theatrical makeup used predominantly by performers of non-African descent to portray a caricature of a Black person in a mocking manner, according to Merriam-Webster.

Bo Williams, Popeye Williams’ father, shared an image of the Center Grove student with blackface and posted the following statement on Facebook on Nov. 29.

“This first picture was taken some time after the 6A championship game on Saturday night. While I hope this isn’t behavior that Center Grove represents, this was unfortunately done on a bus where there should have been adult supervision. I have a few friends who I respect highly and their children play for the football program. They were NOT happy! The second picture is one my son (Popeye Williams) responding to the nonsense. He was informed by some of the CG players that the player in the picture was mocking him.

“My hope is that something is done and that this ridiculous behavior is disciplined to the highest level. We know it won’t stop,

but the powers at hand need to show that it is NOT TOLERATED.” Bo Williams also included a screenshot of a statement from Popeye Williams made on Popeye Williams’ Instagram page, @thepopeyewilliams.

“It was a hell of a game from both teams and I LOVE games like those (because) iron sharpens iron,” part of the statement from Popeye Williams read. “I want nothing but the best for those players and for them to be successful in life.”

Popeye Williams ended the statement with a #spreadlovenothate hashtag.

WWS released a statement about the viral photos Nov. 30.

“The Westfield Washington Schools administration wants its community to know that it stands with Popeye Williams, his family, our families of color, and anyone else impacted by the black face photos,” the statement read.

The photos were posted following the Nov. 27 Class 6A state championship football game, which Center Grove won, 27-21.

“It is unfortunate that the recent media coverage has nothing to do with the great football that was played on the field,” WWS Supt. Paul Kaiser stated. “Instead, the lasting image is of a player in black face, mocking a Westfield community member. We’ve been in constant contact with Popeye, his family and other people who may have been impacted to support in any way they need.

We want all Westfield families who may have been impacted by that act of racial

bias to know that we stand with you and support you as well.”

Westfield High School Principal Alicia Denniston denounced the incident in a statement.

“While we know that people make mistakes, we hope we can all use this opportunity to learn from our actions,” Denniston stated. “WHS remains committed to standing up against racial discrimination, supporting our students of color and promoting diversity and inclusion efforts in our school and community.”

WWS’ statement said it “cannot let actions like this go unnoticed and we are confident that Center Grove High School will take appropriate action with regards to their investigation.”

Center Grove High School released a statement to parents from Principal Jeff Henderson.

“This incident is disappointing and hurtful and does not represent the sportsmanship or values that our team, school and community stand for,” the statement read.

In his statement, Henderson said he spoke with Denniston to assure her that Center Grove will not tolerate racism or harassment.

“We follow our student handbook as we investigate allegations and issue discipline accordingly,” Henderson stated.

Henderson also stated student discipline information is protected record and cannot be released to the public.

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MOVE INTO YOUR DREAM HOME IN 2022 The Westfield High School football team with its Class 6A state runner-up trophy. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

Westfield comes up short in Class 6A state title game

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com The Westfield High School football team worked hard to put itself in a position to win against traditional FOOTBALL state power Center Grove.

“We’ve worked hard for a year, since we left here last year, to be ready to win this game,” Shamrocks coach Jake Gilbert said. “We didn’t come here to take part. We came here to take over and win. I hope that showed. The kids competed their butts off, in my opinion.”

The effort did show, but the second-ranked Shamrocks still weren’t able to get past No. 1 Center Grove, losing 27-21 in the Class 6A state championship game Nov. 27 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The defending state champion Trojans completed their second consecutive 14-0 season.

“This is a devastating loss,” Gilbert said.

“The average person is like saying, ‘You played Center Grove really well.’ We came here to win. We are devastated. I’m super proud of the kids, but we expected to win the game. We have to refresh. We’re really dinged up. That was a physical game. Both teams laid it all out there. Kudos to those guys (Trojans). They played their butts off, too. That’s who we are trying to become.

“Both teams left every ounce out there they possibly could. We were just maybe one play short.”

The game was much closer than the Shamrocks’ 38-14 loss to Center Grove in the 2020 state championship game.

Westfield (12-2) was driving for a potential go-ahead touchdown, but with the ball at the Center Grove 11-yard line, Owen Bright intercepted Shamrocks senior quarterback Maximus Webster’s pass with 1:37 left in the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the victory for the four-time state champion Trojans.

“I thought we were going to win until we threw the pick,” Gilbert said. “I 100 percent thought if we got a stop and got the ball back, we would score. We darn near did.”

Senior running back/defensive back Micah Hauser had touchdown runs of 15, 25 and 1 yards. Hauser’s 1-yard TD run closed the deficit to 27-21 in the third quarter.

Hauser had a team-high 10 tackles, one more than senior defensive end Popeye Williams, who has committed to the University of Louisville.

Webster completed 19 of 33 passes for 226 yards.

Webster, who has committed to play for Ball State University, said the team just came up short.

“We’re not going to judge our season on one game,” he said. “It was a hell of a game.

Everyone played well. It just didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to, but the seniors played hard. We gave it all we had. That’s all you can really ask for.”

Webster said the seniors set a good example for the younger players.

“We’ll be back next year,” he said. “I know our guys. I know Coach Gilbert will get them going next season. Most of these guys will be at my wedding in the future. I love these guys and I’m never going to forget them.”

Hauser said the loss will sting for some time.

“This started in the second half of last year’s (state title game),” Hauser said. “That fuel drove us the entire year. To come up super short is frustrating.”

Hauser, who finished with 1,317 rushing yards and 26 TDs, has played with Webster since fifth grade.

The Shamrocks’ only other loss came against Class 5A state champion Cathedral, 14-0, in the season opener.

Westfield senior offensive guard Will Strahm was named the Phil N. Eskew Mental Attitude Award winner for Class 6A.

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Mt. Vernon QB Slunaker’s perfect finish includes state title

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com For Mt. Vernon High School senior quarterback Gehrig Slunaker, the ending couldn’t have been more perfect.

Slunaker threw three touchdown passes as the Marauders topped Northridge 45-14 to capture the Class 4A state championship Nov. 27 at Lucas Oil Stadium. It was Mt. Vernon’s first state football title.

“Wrapping up your high school career with a state title, you can’t write it any better than that,” Slunaker said. “It’s amazing.

Not a lot of people get to go out on the season with a win, let alone their high school career with a win. It’s a picture-perfect ending.

“I love this team. We’ll be brothers for life.”

To make things even sweeter, Marauders coach Vince Lidy also is Slunaker’s uncle.

“It was amazing to share that moment with my uncle,” Slunaker said. “I am so happy for him because he has wanted to become a head coach for so long, and in his first year as a head coach he wins it all.

MEET GEHRIG SLUNAKER

College plans: Study business and sports management.

Favorite TV show: “Friends” Favorite movie: “Rudy” Favorite athlete: Tom Brady I love playing for him. He is so energetic, which feeds to the players.”

Lidy was Mt. Vernon’s defensive coordinator for three years under Mike Kirschner, who left to take the Warren Central job.

Lidy and Slunaker share something else.

Lidy won a state title playing quarterback and linebacker for his late father, John Lidy,

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From left, Jeff Slunaker, Jennifer Slunaker, Gehrig Slunaker, Dr. Phil N. Eskew Jr. and Indianapolis Colts Community Relations Manager Kelsey Rowles in the Class 4A Mental Attitude Award presentation. The award is named for Eskew’s father. A replica check is presented in Slunaker’s name to the Mt. Vernon general scholarship fund. (Photo courtesy of Gehrig Slunaker)

at Castle in 1994 and was named the Phil N. Eskew Mental Attitude Award winner for Class 5A. Slunaker earned the award for 4A this year.

“He’s a great leader,” Lidy said. “He prepares like none other.”

Senior running back Keagan LaBelle was glad to see Slunaker, who transferred from Greenfield-Central after his freshman year, get the accolades.

“He deserves it. He came here his sophomore year and has been a hell of a player ever since,” LaBelle said. “I wouldn’t want anyone else at quarterback.”

Slunaker completed 12 of 18 passes for 235 yards and two interceptions in the title game. The interceptions were uncharacteristic as he finished the season with 34 touchdowns and only five interceptions.

For the season, Slunaker completed 147 of 214 passes for 3,028 yards for the Marauders (14-1).

Mt. Vernon lost its season-opener to Class 6A Noblesville before winning its final 14 games.

“You don’t want to lose any games, but if you are peaking in Weeks 1 and 2, you are not where you want to be,” Slunaker said.

Slunaker, who maintans a 3.81 GPA and is ranked in the top 20 percent of his senior class, said Hanover, Marion, and Saint Francis are among the schools interested in him with regard to continuing his playing career.

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Expected completion: The fourphase project, which will Project: Wheeler Road traffic later impact other areas, is signals expected to be complete by Location: Construction CONSTRUCTION May 2022. started on Wheeler Road Project: Burial of overhead at the intersections of lines both Ind. 32 and Tournament Trail. The Location: Guilford Road between Grand project will add a traffic signal at Wheeler Boulevard and Main Street Road and Tournament Trail, complete Expected completion: End of 2021 the connection on Tournament Trail from ZIONSVILLE Wheeler Road to Oak Ridge Road and add a second left turn lane on Wheeler Road at Project: Southern Rail Trail closure Location: The southern portion of the Rail Ind. 32. There will not be any closures.

Trail closed Sept. 24 for the installation of Expected completion: Before the end of the year a new bridge over Starkey Avenue, to pave Project: Jersey Street and widen the southern portion of the Location: From Union Street to Mill Street trail and for the installation of a bridge Expected completion: Jersey Street will connecting to the future Overley-Worman Park. be closed for the remainder of the Grand Junction Plaza construction.

Expected completion: The trail is Project: Grand Junction Plaza anticipated to open later this year.

Location: The parking lot west of Union Project: Templin Road Bridge Street and south of Main Street reconstruction Location: The shoulder of this bridge Expected completion: The gravel parking lot on the east end of Park Street is is closed. The Templin Road bridge over permanently closed as the Grand Junction Eagle Creek was inspected and an engineering firm has been hired by the Plaza is moving into the construction Boone County Highway Department to phase. Parking is available on the west work on design of a complete bridge end of Park Street. replacement.

CARMEL Estimated completion: Construction will Project: Range Line Road reconstruction start in 2022.

Location: 116th Street to Carmel Drive. The Project: C.R. 300 S. corridor project initial phase affects the right southbound Location: The town has partnered with lane of Range Line Road as crews replace the Boone County Highway Dept. to a water main. Work will stop for the conduct a corridor study along C.R. 300 winter and resume in mid-March 2022 S. from C.R. 800 E. to the Boone/Hamilton with construction of a roundabout at County line. The purpose of this study Medical Drive followed by construction of is to identify a preliminary scope and a a roundabout at 116th Street. potential design of future road widening Expected completion: Sum mer 2022 and intersection improvements.

Project: Transmission and water utility Estimated completion: While there is work one known bridge replacement project Location: Veterans Way between The Cat planned within the next four years, there Theatre and 1st Street SW. Partial closures are no identified intersection or road will occur but access to all addresses will projects at this time. be maintained.

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Entertaining Ideas From left, authors Becky Feltz, Cindy Robison, Missy Haston and Lisa Jeffries. Not pictured: Pam Higgs. (Photo by Anna Skinner)

Local dispatchers connect 911 stories with recipes

By Anna Skinner anna@youarecurrent.com Five Hamilton County dispatchers recently blended some of their most memorable stories from 911 calls to cook up BOOK a new family recipe book, “From Capes to Aprons.”

Missy Haston, a retired dispatcher, came up with the idea of writing the book in February. She recruited fellow dispatcher Cindy Robison and retired dispatchers Lisa Jeffries, Becky Feltz and Pam Higgs to be co-authors.

“Once I came up with the idea, I contacted these ladies,” Haston said. “I went by seniority. I wanted to start with the older ones, the older stories.”

Many of the stories are funny, and several are heartbreaking. Each is accompanied with a family recipe from one of the women.

“When we were thinking about it, we decided on the theme of heroes in everyday lives,” Haston said. “Every hero has an everyday life they live, so the cape signifies a hero or first responder — a dispatcher, police officer, firefighter, paramedic, nurse, military — but they take that cape off when they get home, and they still have to live a normal life. They still have to cook dinner.

“So, the aprons represent your normal life at home. Everybody has to eat. Everybody has to cook dinner.”

Recipes span from desserts to main courses and include items like zucchini bread and chicken and rice casserole.

Robison, an Arcadia resident and the only writer in the group who still works as a

Hamilton County dispatcher, said most of the stories she shared were funny. The recipes she contributed were her husband’s.

Robison shared one story in the book about a woman who was housesitting, and when she went upstairs, she saw a man standing there.

“So, she runs downstairs and calls 911,” Robison said. “We get there, and we check the lower level, then we go upstairs, and it is a cardboard cutout of ‘The Most Interesting Man in the World.’”

No names, addresses or physical identifiers are included in the stories. The women also didn’t include stories from well-known, recent or disturbing cases.

Becky Feltz, a Noblesville resident and retired dispatcher who now works as an accounts payable administrator for the Carmel Police Dept., shared a heartbreaking story.

In 2005, Feltz took a 911 call when a canoe capsized in the White River.

“A couple people found a child in the water,” Feltz said. “They pulled him out and called 911, and I immediately wanted to start CPR, but the guy said, ‘I don’t think that’ll do anything.’ I actually convinced him to do it, and he did. The other two people there helped each other doing CPR the whole time until police got on scene to take over.

The child didn’t make it and the father also didn’t make it. They found him later.”

Feltz received the Dispatcher of the Year award from Riverview Health for the way she responded to the incident.

The book published last month. It sells for $24.95 and can be purchased on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com.

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Voter Education Townhall Series December 11th, 1:30-3:30 PM Westfield-Washington Library 333 W Hoover St, Westfield, IN 46074 Learn about local offices Meet elected Democratic officials Have your questions about running for office answered Presented by:

COVID cases rise, omicron poses questions for researchers

By Jarred Meeks jarred@youarecurrent.com After a temporary plateau in COVID-19 cases, Indiana has seen an uptick in recent weeks as concerns about the new omiPANDEMIC cron variant grow.

On Oct. 23, the Indiana State Dept. of Health reported the state’s seven-day moving case average was 1,591 cases. One month later, on Nov. 23, the seven-day moving average had more than doubled to 3,206 cases, according to the ISDH, and the effects were being felt by local health care networks. The ISDH reported 2,012 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in Indiana hospitals as of Nov. 28.

Dr. Rocky Singh, chief medical officer for IU Health’s Indianapolis Suburban Region, said hospitalizations have increased across IU Health’s system.

“Hospitalizations per 100,000 residents have increased to 24 per 100,000 residents, which is a 30 percent increase in the state of Indiana,” Singh said Nov. 30.

As of the morning of Nov. 30, Singh said IU

Health had 328 COVID-19 patients across its hospital system. At the peak of the pandemic, IU Health had more than 500 patients in its hospitals.

“We are seeing some hot spots across IU Health’s system, especially our downtown hospital. (IU Health Methodist Hospital), has 77 COVID patients by itself, so there have been some spikes,” Singh said.

A new variant, omicron, has labeled a “variant of concern” that posed a “very high” global risk.

It was detected for the first time in the U.S. last week.

Singh, who encourages vaccinations, said it will take researchers time to figure out what threat the variant poses. He said transmissibility hasn’t been determined and it is unknown if it could cause more deaths or breakthrough cases.

On Saturdays throughout this month, IU Health North Hospital retail pharmacy, 11700 N. Meridian St. B106, in Carmel, will offer a walkin vaccination clinic where pediatric doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The clinic will not be open Christmas Day.

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Experiencing the impact of cancer research

Pemberton soon met Bryan S c h n e i d e r, MD, the Vera Bradley Professor of Oncology at IU and a leading expert in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer.

Genetic testing—aimed at better understanding her disease—revealed a new surprise: Stephanie had a mutation in a gene, BRCA1, that put her at greater risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

Pemberton and her family

S

tephanie Pemberton was no stranger to the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Wo r k i n g f o r t h e Indianapolis Colts in community relations, she had arranged for players, cheerleaders, and even the Colts’ mascot, Blue, to visit the center to encourage cancer patients. Often, Pemberton went along.

She gained additional perspective through the team’s support of its cancer-stricken coach, Chuck Pagano, and the Colts’ Chuckstrong initiative, which has raised nearly $10 million for cancer research at IU School of Medicine.

Yet, even as she walked

IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center she knew from Chuckstrong events. “I knew I didn’t want to be anywhere else,” she said. “I knew what we were dealing with was, literally, a life and death matter.”

the halls of the chemo infusion center and met cancer survivors, the disease remained remote. “It was always something I worked on from a work perspective,” she said, “but it was not something I ever thought, ‘What if I get breast cancer?’”

That changed in February 2020 when Pemberton, a 36-year-old wife and mother of two, found a lump in her breast that was soon diagnosed as triple negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive types of the disease.

After a heartbreaking call to her husband, Keith, and an emotional conversation with her parents, Pemberton’s next call was a nobrainer: a contact at the

Pemberton underwent 16 weeks of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, but also made the difficult decision for her longterm health to undergo a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy. More than a year later, followup testing has revealed she shows no evidence of cancer.

It’s a dramatic turn from her lowest moments following her diagnosis, when Pemberton feared she might not live to see her children, ages 5 and 3, grow up, graduate college, and have families of their own.

“Because of research and because of amazing doctors and because of the IU Simon Cancer Center and because of God’s plan for my life I know I’m going to be

there for all of those moments,” Pemberton said. “You just can never put into words what that means.”

The genetic discovery had implications for her family. Subsequent testing revealed that her mother and three of her four sisters also had the BRCA1 mutation, leading them to make dramatic decisions for their own health. Pemberton knows her daughter may face similar choices, but she hopes advances in science will make those easier.

“Research truly does save lives. And the more we can know about the different kinds of cancers and treatments, the more hope there is for our children and our children’s children,” Pemberton said. “I think one of the challenges is that, sometimes, research takes time, and it’s not always immediate.

“When we’re giving and we’re donating, we’re not just donating for the here and now. We’re donating for the future, and for future generations.”

Your questions.

Our experts.

Learn more: cancer.iu.edu/simonsays

RESEARCH CURES CANCER Learn More

Scan the QR code with your smart phone or visit go.iu.edu/44Bx

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12

December 7, 2021

Current in Westfield

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December 7, 2021

COMMUNITY

Current in Westfield

Keep pets safe during holidays Commentary by Dr. Michael Graves The holiday season is upon us, and many pet parents include their furry companions in the festivities. BeFROM THE VET fore you haul out too much holly, take some precautions to keep your pets safe.

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall. If possible, set up your tree in a room you can easily close off when you’re not home. Cats especially love tinsel, but swallowing tinsel can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery.

Be careful with seasonal plants like holly, mistletoe and poinsettias. When ingested, these holiday favorites can cause all kinds of stomach upset. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic.

Be careful with seasonal plants like holly, mistletoe and poinsettias. When ingested, these holiday favorites can cause all kinds of stomach upset. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic.

– DR. MICHAEL GRAVES trical shock, and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus.

Don’t leave lighted candles unattended.

That may seem easy, but it’s also easy to forget when people are extra busy around the holidays. When you leave the room, don’t forget to blow candles out!

Finally, your local veterinarian can offer medications to help keep pets calm during the stressful times of the holidays, so make sure to contact them.

We nurture ingenuity.

www.currentinwestfield.com

Aspiring innovators rarely go from zero to life-changing on their own. They start early, in an environment that rewards their drive to create better ways to do things. They model themselves after teachers and visionaries who show them what changing the world looks like, one invention at a time.

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Academy helps your child turn those sights andIN sounds 46074 into something more memorable and meaningful. We nurture a love of language wherever your child’s imagination goes.

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THAT HOLIDAY GLOW Fasten all your holiday lights to your tree, and place cords as much out of reach as possible. Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal elec-

Dr. Michael Graves is the founder and chief executive officer of Pet Wellness Clinics. He has been active in small animal medicine for more than 37 years.

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Kiddie Academy of Chatham Hills - Westfield 1324 Chatham Commons Boulevard, Westfield, IN 46074

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14

December 7, 2021

COVER STORY

Current in Westfield

www.currentinwestfield.com

Heartland Growers cultivates poinsettias for winter season

By Anna Skinner anna@youarecurrent.com Inside the Heartland Growers’ greenhouse, there’s a sea of red. And a sea of pink, white and myriad other colors.

The Westfield greenhouse and nursery at 2621 E. 186th St. stocks more than a half million poinsettias for the holiday season — its busiest time of year next to spring. To make sure the poinsettias bloom time, Heartland Growers staff manipulate daylight and temperatures to mimick shorter days, which is how the poinsettia know when to bloom.

Heartland Growers President Jim Gapinski, a devout Christian, credits the success of his business – and the poinsettias’ natural beauty — to God. “Our family believes in Christ.

We get to grow Gapinski crops, and we do all we can and it’s still up to (God),” Gapinski said.

“It’s all about weather. We don’t control the weather. He controls the sunny days. How a plant performs — it’s fascinating. We can change the daylight and maneuver the temperature to make the plant respond, but the Lord designed it all. It’s his design. We are just learning about it.

“To be able to grow a living plant and know that we do all we can, but we still have to let God (work), that’s the greatest joy of life — to see a creator God.” Gapinski moved to Westfield in 1984 and purchased Heartland Growers the same year when Westfield’s population was just more than 2,000 people. Since then, his annual sales have jumped from approximately $6 million to $25 million. Heartland Growers has sold poinsettias since Gapinski bought the business, and he said it is one of the few Hoosier greenhouses that still grows poinsettias.

“We do spring in a big way. We do garden mums in the summertime, and we do poinsettias,” Gapinski said. “We are one of the few poinsettia growers left in the state, but overall poinsettia growers are getting less and less. It’s high cost and low prices.”

Poinsettias bloom in December, making the vibrant red flower a popular gift at

“A SENSITIVE PLAN” Heartland Growers stocks a half million poinsettias at its nursery in myriad colors, including red, pink and white. (Photo by Anna Skinner)

Christmastime, but the growing process begins in July.

Each summer, Heartland Growers receives small, unrooted cuttings for each poinsettia from Costa Rica or Mexico. After the cuttings are inspected by the USDA, they are shipped to Miami with an ice pack so they don’t get too hot. After the cuttings clear customs, they arrive at Heartland Growers 48 hours later. Heartland Growers horticulturists then root the cuttings and control conditions, like temperature and daylight, to grow the cuttings into mature plants that flower by Christmas.

In the past, Heartland Growers took its own cuttings from mature plants, but labor costs are lower if cuttings are sourced from Costa Rica or Mexico.

“The world became smaller with the internet and everything else with FedEx and the USDA,” Gapinski said.

Eighty percent of Heartland Growers’ poinsettias are red, with 20 percent varying in other colors, like pink, speckled, cream and white.

Lowe’s is the greenhouse’s No. 1 customer, followed by Costco. Heartland Growers also sells to thousands of landscapers, plant shops and fundraisers. One of its customers got her start in the family business.

Angela Gapinski, Jim Gapinski’s daughter and one of nine Gapinski siblings, said she’s spent virtually every day in the Heartland Growers greenhouse since she was born.

“That’s all we did as kids, every day after school, every day in the summer,” Angela Gapinski said. “As soon as employees left

for the day, it became our playground, for better or for worse.”

Angela Gapinski remembers working in the greenhouse even as a child.

“We did everything from stickering pots to hanging pots, and for many summers, we used to have poinsettia mother plants we would take our own cuttings off of,” she said. “I worked with my sister doing that for many summers.”

Angela Gapinski began working in the greenhouse full time in 2014 and ran the greenhouse program for independent purchasers, such as landscapers, garden centers, florist shops and fundraisers. She worked there for five years before launching her own plant shop, Root 31, in downtown Westfield. She still sources most of her products from the family business.

“Ninety percent of the plants come from Heartland,” she said. “This time of year, the fun part is at Root 31. We bring in all the unique poinsettias. We don’t bring in red or white, we save that for Costco and Lowe’s.

At Root 31, I try to carry some of the fun, unique varieties you don’t really see everywhere. Personally, our family favorites are the ones that are a little bit different. When you see that sheer amount of poinsettias growing up, you’re attracted to something off the beaten path.”

For more, visit heartlandgrowers.com.

ON THE COVER: Heartland Growers President Jim Gapinski displays one of the half million poinsettias at the Westfield greenhouse and nursery. (Photos by Anna Skinner)

Poinsettias are perennial plants in tropical areas like Mexico, meaning the plant regrows each year. In America, however, the plant is often used as an annual, meaning it is discarded when the growing season ends.

Poinsettias naturally bloom during shorter days in the tropical environment, which is why their natural blooming time is December. Heartland Growers horticulturists control daylight to prompt the plant to bloom.

“I can make a poinsettia bloom in July during the longest days of the year if I pull shade and make it dark in the middle of the day,” Heartland Growers President Jim Gapinski said. “I’ll fool it, and I’ll trick it into blooming.”

But the process is difficult for nonprofessional growers. After the plant blooms in the winter, if people keep the flower, it will revert to green in March or April.

“For you to reflower it, you’d have to put it in your closet,” Gapinski said. “Even a lightbulb will make it a long day, so you’d have to put it in your closet at 4 p.m. and then take it out every day. It’s not worth it. People might save them through the winter, but they’re green. You don’t need to reflower these things. Let me do the reflowering. I’m a local grower.”

December 7, 2021

VIEWS

Current in Westfield

www.currentinwestfield.com

ESSAY

HUMOR

Perfect timing?

A French toast to Christmas

Commentary by Terry Anker Timing is everything. This axiom sounds about right. We cannot catch a fish when the fish are absent. We cannot board a plane that has already departed. And we cannot order breakfast after the clock tells us that now is inexplicably reserved for lunch food.

Still, is the sweeping truism worthy of strict adherence? Or is it better if we observe it only as a general guide?

Sure, scheduling is important but so are preparation, opportunity and ability.

It is comforting to boil down the complexities of modern life into a few simple phrases, and it is better to live by some rules than none. But what do we overlook when we apply all that comes our way through the filter of an orthodoxy that would fit on a bumper sticker? Do we really believe it to be so straightforward, or are we just a bit lazy? When is the right “timing” to get a job, get married, start a family, go to college, or begin an exercise regimen?

No doubt, there are some moments that are less convenient, maybe even life altering. Many would delay awaiting a perfect instant that never arrives, leaving an open door for regret to take up residence.

An expert gardener was asked, when is the ideal point to prune the plantings? He pondered for a few moments and asked the inquirer if they had a sharp knife. If so, he suggested, now is the time. In an unkept lawn, an imperfect action carries more value than no action whatsoever. He may have had a point. Yet, imprudence flows from the reckless assumption of duty. If we decide to move forward despite inopportune timing, we must acknowledge the increased risk and dedicate ourselves to overcoming. It might be the best decision of our lives.

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

15

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.

— ALDOUS HUXLEY

POLICIES Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to info@youarecurrent.com. Writers must include a hometown and a daytime phone number for verification. Guest columns: The policy for guest columns is the same as the aforementioned, but the allowable length is 240 words. Guest columns should address the whole of Current’s readership, not simply special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

Parlez-vous français? Neither do we, but we’re heading to France, anyway!

Here’s the plan for a Christmas like no other.

One of our sons is studying abroad just north of Marseilles (you may recall my fine parenting moment in August when I opted for a trip to Vegas instead of depositing said son at Chicago O’Hare, nary to be seen for 10 months.

Sometimes you gotta let it ride, baby!).

As soon as he landed safely, my husband Doo and I immediately concocted a crazy scheme to take the rest of our crew over there for the holidays, but with COVID-19, we figured it wouldn’t actually amount to anything more than several wasted hours on Expedia. But as travel reopened and we realized this would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our six-pack, we decided to go for it. Can we afford it? No. Am I confident it won’t get shut down at the last minute?

Absolutely not. But might this be the most memorable December ever? Oui! A thousand ouis!

So, we’ve ditched the live Douglas fir, all presents and most decorations. Our focus has been on rounding up proper walking shoes, warm coats and vaccination passports. We’ve secured two Airbnbs, booked tickets for the Eiffel Tower and are praying that we experience neither a “Home Alone” “Kevin!” scene nor an emergency mandatory quarantine, although if we had to get stuck in a foreign country, we could do worse than one known for red wine, stinky cheese and croissants sent from heaven.

Regardless of what transpires, I can’t wait to share what will certainly be an extraordinary adventure. Wish me bonne chance! Peace out.

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

16

December 7, 2021

VIEWS

Current in Westfield

www.currentinwestfield.com

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Can’t stand this predicament Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

went.

“Can I sit here?” I asked one evening.

Mary Ellen and I have a standing argu“Yes, Dick, you can sit there. We’re in a ment — literally, a standing argument. She restaurant.” claims that the first thing I do when I enter That weekend I was still on alert. a room is sit down.

“Are you going to stand all evening?” Mary “That makes you seem old,” she said,” and Ellen asked me.

I know you are concerned about not por“I don’t want you to think I look elderly if traying that image.”

I sit down too soon.”

I always thought “Dick, no one will I became very obsessive about recognize my wrinkly skin and you. It’s this standing/sitting thing. I balding pate led to dark in this movie that assessment. theater.” didn’t want Mary Ellen to see “When we went To make me even me as the “older” man she to Bob and Cathy’s more paranoid, I for Thanksgiving, married, so I checked with her was constantly reyou sat down as minded that my Apeverywhere we went. soon as we walked ple Watch tracks my – DICK WOLFSIE movements. The dial in the house, while everyone else was intermittently lights chatting in the front hall.” up to report how much time I’ve spent “I wasn’t feeling well, and I don’t think standing versus sitting. Apparently, to pass it’s fair to count the bathroom.”

Apple standards, you need to “stand and Recently, we were shopping in a boutique move at least one minute, 12 different hours on Mass Ave in Indy. As soon as we walked in the day for a week.” I had to read that in, I sat down. After we left, Mary Ellen said, directive several times to understand it.

“When I saw you do that, I thought, oh, dear, I found all kinds of advice online about frail and 100 years old.” how to cheat the watch. One guy admitted “Well, that’s pretty mean, Mary Ellen.” flapping his arms like a bird before he went “No, not you. The chair was a hundred to bed to fool the watch, so it registered a years old. We were in an antique store.” higher standing time. I tried that one night What’s ironic is that sometimes I stand so I could show Mary Ellen on my watch when I should sit. I never sit to eat lunch; I that I had made some improvement. She stand over the kitchen sink and snarf down caught me flapping. a sandwich. Who has time to walk over to Now, she no longer tells me not to sit. the table? Sometimes, I just nibble from the She tells me not to roost. shelves in the fridge, but only when Mary

Ellen is away from home. When she returns, it’s hard to explain mustard and ketchup Dick Wolfsie is an author, droplets in the vegetable bin. columnist and speaker. Contact I became very obsessive about this him at wolfsie@aol.com. standing/sitting thing. I didn’t want Mary Ellen to see me as the “older” man she married, so I checked with her everywhere we

December 7, 2021

HEALTH

Current in Westfield

www.currentinwestfield.com

Avoid a gout attack this holiday season Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan Gout is a type of arthritis that triggers intense foot pain. Usually, that pain begins in your big toe. Gout isn’t a PODIATRY progressive condition that attacks your joints. Instead, gout comes in flares triggered by a buildup of uric acid in your bones.

When that acid builds up, urate crystals form in the blood, causing painful symptoms wherever they settle. And, since they frequently settle in your big toe joint, your podiatrist is often the one to diagnose gout.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES In addition to pain in your big toe, gout symptoms include redness and inflammation, as well as tenderness to touch.

Dietary choices are often to blame for most gout flares. The holidays are a good time to discuss gout, since uric acid is formed when our body breaks down a chemical known as purine. This chemical is found in many animal proteins, which is why a holiday meal full of protein is a major contributor to gout outbreaks.

Additionally, gout flares occur when uric acid becomes more concentrated in your body. Dehydrating substances, such as alcohol, can increase uric acid buildup and raise

the risk for a gout flare.

HOLIDAY FOODS TO AVOID High in purines: Foods high in purines, such as shellfish, red meat, red wine and beer, contribute to uric acid build up.

High fat add-ons: Eating too much fat can make it harder to filter out uric acid, increasing the risk for a gout flare up.

Fructose: Staying away from juice and soda makes sense, since fructose can trigger your body to produce more uric acid.

But certain fruits, like cherries, also can reduce acid concentrations.

Alcohol: Studies suggest that drinking more than one alcoholic beverage in a 24hour period increases your risk for a gout attack by 36 percent.

YOU HAD ME AT ALOHA!

PREVENTING AND TREATING GOUT Besides watching your diet, gout can be treated with medications, increasing consumption of the appropriate fluids and elevating and immobilizing the foot.

A board-certified foot surgeon and wound specialist, Dr. David Sullivan is the owner of Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact him at drs@ westfieldfoot.com.

DISPATCHES Riverview Health seeks volunteers -- Riverview Health is looking for volunteers to join its team. Some of the many volunteer service areas include patient transport, guest services and the gift shop. Shifts are available in the morning or afternoon, at least one day per week, Monday through Friday. If you’re interested in volunteering at Riverview Health in Noblesville or Westfield, please contact the manager of Volunteer Services, Melinda Nash, at 317-776-7236 or mnash@riverview.org.

Sudden paranoia – If someone you know has become suddenly paranoid, there are several possible causes. Dementia may be one cause, but there are other, treatable conditions that can cause paranoia. It also can be caused by certain medications. So, if someone begins acting paranoid, urge them to see a doctor quickly to determine the cause.

Source: BottomLineInc.

Avoid that cold – As soon as you feel that first hint of a cold – stuffy nose or scratchy throat – begin a regimen of Vitamin C and zinc. Take 500-1500mg of Vitamin C daily.

Any more than 1500mg can cause diarrhea.

Take 10-25mg of zinc per day. Be aware, though, that zinc lozenges and tablets can cause upset stomach or a metallic taste.

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December 7, 2021

BUSINESS LOCAL

Current in Westfield

www.currentinwestfield.com

21/22 Season

S E A S ON S PO N S O R

From left, Steve Rupp, Tim Hartman, Jimmy Cox, Keith Pemberton, Steve Latour, Mayor Andy Cook, Karen Keinsley, Andrea Driver and Eric Lohe pause during a proclamation recognizing the Westfield Chamber of Commerce’s 40th anniversary. (Photo courtesy of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce)

Chamber celebrates 40 years

By Anna Skinner anna@youarecurrent.com

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Mayor Andy Cook presented a proclamation recognizing the Westfield Chamber of Commerce’s 40th anniRECOGNITION versary at the Nov. 22 Westfield City Council meeting.

Prior to the proclamation, Westfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Steve Latour gave a presentation about the chamber’s progress since he joined a year ago.

“It has been a fun and interesting year.

The board has been really busy this year working on its inner workings,” Latour

said. “We adopted a new vision statement for the chamber, and in addition to looking at what’s the vision for the chamber long term, we looked at what is our purpose for Westfield and how are we going to serve Westfield moving forward?”

Latour said the vision statement focuses on four key areas: member services, economic development, public policy and participating in Westfield’s community vision.

Latour said he hopes the vision will allow the chamber to continue to be indispensable to Westfield.

Latour said the board is creating a strategic plan through 2025.

For more, visit westfield-chamber.org.

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Current in Westfield

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currentnightandday.com

BEEF & BOARDS “A Beef & Boards Christmas” runs through Dec. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

MUD CREEK PLAYERS Mud Creek Players will present “A Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon” through Dec. 11 at Mud Creek Theater, 9750 E. 86th St., Indianapolis.

CIVIC THEATRE

The cast of “White Christmas” gathers on stage at Westfield Playhouse. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

‘White Christmas’ to finally arrive for Westfield Playhouse audiences

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Andrea Odle has been dreaming of directing “White Christmas” for some time.

“I had this picked out MUSICAL about 2 1/2 years ago and then COVID delayed it,” Odle said of the musical originally scheduled for a Westfield Playhouse run in December 2020.

The Noblesville resident is directing Main Street Productions’ presentation of “White Christmas” from Dec. 9 to 19 at the Westfield Playhouse.

“We’re just polishing at this point, and we have four sold-out shows already,” Odle said. “It will probably be a sellout run before we open. It’s a timeless classic. The play is a little different from the movie.

There are some different characters involved. The show is still about Bob Wallace and Phil Davis putting on a show in a barn to help the General.”

Noblesville resident John Parks Whitaker, who plays Bob Wallace, is performing at Westfield Playhouse for the first time.

“I didn’t really know about it,” Whitaker said of the musical. “‘White Christmas’ is a part of a ton of family traditions, but it really wasn’t one of ours. Even beyond

that, the show is different from the movie.

Even what I did know of the movie, I was surprised how different the music was.”

Whitaker said performing “Blue Skies” in the first act is a huge dance number and lots of fun.

One big difference in the musical from the 1954 movie is, Wallace was played by Bing Crosby, a baritone singer. In the musical production, Wallace is a high tenor.

“So, there is no Bing in me at all,” Whitaker said.

Noblesville resident Katherine Conrad plays Betty Haynes.

“I’ve always loved the song ‘Sisters.’ My mom would sing it around the house when I was little,” Conrad said. “That attracted me to the show, the possibility of singing that. But I haven’t even gotten through the whole movie.”

Along with “Sisters,” which pays homage to the movie scene with the blue-feathered fans, Conrad said she enjoys singing “Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun.” “I love how it sounds,” she said.

Westfield resident Sarah Seyfried is cast as Judy Haynes.

“I actually own the DVD of ‘White Christmas.’ One of my parents gave it to me a few years ago and I still haven’t watched it,” she said.

Her favorite number is “I Love a Piano.”

“I learned to tap dance this summer, so trying that out as been really fun,” Seyfried said. “This is my first production since high school in Bloomington.”

Logan Laflin, who moved to Carmel in February from Michigan, plays Phil Davis.

Unlike the other lead performers, Laflin said he grew up watching the movie.

“It was a favorite movie of my mom and grandmother on both sides,” Laflin said. “My mom and her sister are close, so they would always sing ’Sisters’ to each other. It’s their ring tones for each other. I watched the movie several times growing up.”

Laflin said one of the main numbers is “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing.”

“I get to sing for about a third of the song, and it’s all dancing from there,” Laflin said.

Laflin displays his tap dancing skills during “I Love a Piano” as well.

“I love big shows, and Christmas shows are always fun,” he said. “I saw the audition and I was champing at the bit to come out.”

Thursday, Friday, Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday shows are at 2:30 p.m. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

Civic Theatre presents “A Charlie Brown Christmas” through Dec. 18 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Civic Theatre’s production of “Elf” runs through Dec. 24 at The Tarkington. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS “A Motown Christmas” is set for 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 4 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS The Postmodern Jukebox: The Grand Reopening Tour will stop at 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Christmas with the King’s Singers is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration runs through Dec. 23 at the Hilbert Circle Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

20

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King’s Singers set for show

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Julian Gregory always looks forward to Christmas concerts with his British a cappella group, The King’s CONCERT Singers.

“Musically, it’s lovely to sing those really familiar songs we’ve sung with our families and in choirs,” he said.

“It’s also a warm, fuzzy feel when you’re full of pumpkin spice lattes from the shop.”

The King’s Singers will appear at 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“We love our Christmas season,” Gregory said. “We bring with us the traditional carols.

We love the variety we can sing at Christmas, whether it’s carols from the 16th century, which they would have sung in churches, or whether it’s carols we still sing in church today or around the piano in our homes after a few glasses of wine. We also have carols from other parts of Europe and different languages. That’s always fun to sing.”

Gregory said the group recently released its latest album, which has Christmas carols.

The King’s Singers will perform Dec. 12 at the Palladium in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of The King’s Singers)

“We’ll be singing songs from that new album,” he said.

Gregory, a tenor, has been with The King’s Singers since September 2014.

“It’s a full-time job,” Gregory said. “There are normally 120 concerts every year across America, Europe and Asia, and we get down to South America. We even get to South Africa once (every) few years.”

After being inactive during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gregory said the group began touring full time in September.

For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.

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Dave Koz will perform at the Palladium Dec. 11. (Photo courtesy of the Center for the Performing Arts)

Koz & Friends Christmas Tour to land at Palladium

By Alan Sculley editorial@youarecurrent.com Back in fall 2019, as Dave Koz was readying himself to do his annual holiday tour, he was having thoughts PERFORMANCE about making an ambitious new album.

“In the beginning, the idea was to make like a double album or maybe a double EP that would reflect a little bit about where I’d been and then where I’d like to go,” Koz said. “I remember even ‘Yesterday and Today’ was the working title of that.”

Within a few months, the pandemic hit and turned everything upside down, including Koz’s plans for a double album. But Koz, who has always been one of the busier artists in music, didn’t let the unexpected interruption keep him from being productive.

As a result, this fall Koz had two new albums under his belt as he launched the 24th edition of his “Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour.” Koz and Friends will appear at 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

The first of those albums, “A New Day,” arrived in October 2020, and it’s Koz’s first album of original non-holiday music in a decade. To an extent, it follows through on the idea of making an album that stays true to the musical style of the 10 non-holiday studio albums Koz has released since 1990 — all of which have gone at least top five on the

contemporary jazz chart. Like his previous albums, “A New Day” is largely in the instrumental R&B-accented smooth jazz realm.

The pandemic, though, did influence the upbeat feel of the music for “A New Day.” Koz found that music helped him cope with the pandemic and he decided he should try to bring some musical happiness to his fans.

One issue, though, was how Koz would be able to work with his co-writers and musicians when they couldn’t get together in person. To his surprise, Koz found working virtually using the internet was a viable way to get things done. “(The album) was amazingly easy to make because everybody was home (and available),” Koz said. “I would have loved to have gotten together with people and written in person. But in this situation, it had to be what it had to be. So, these guys would send me fragments of songs, maybe like a verse, chorus, saying what do you think of this? Either I would hear something immediately or not.”

Koz didn’t have that issue with writing for the second album, “The Golden Hour.”

The pandemic delayed recording sessions for several months, but in September 2020, Koz, Wong, the musicians and crew convened and recorded “The Golden Hour” in three days.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

11/26 - 12/18 Presented by arrangement with Tams-Witmark, A Concord Theatricals Company (concordtheatricals.com)

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12/3 - 12/24

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have been dancing 15-plus years,” Brazus said. “So, for something like that to completely stop after all the hours they have It’s a historic year for Ballet Theatre of put in all these years will be a hard thing Carmel Academy as six of the featured for them when they graduate.” dancers in Hannah agrees.

BALLET “The Nut“This ‘Nutcracker’ is uncracker” deniably bittersweet, as I production are high am both extremely excited school seniors and will be to be playing the lead role graduating and leaving of Clara and heartbroken the troupe. to leave behind this magThe BTCA will present ical Christmas tradition,” Brazus Brame “The Nutcracker” at 2 and Hannah said.

7:30 p.m. Dec 18 and 19 at the Star But for now, Hannah and the Bank Performing Arts Center in other dancers are immersed in the Zionsville. world of Clara and ‘The Nutcracker.’

“As far as I know, they have They will dance in all four shows never had that many graduating but portray different characters in seniors, and this group is very each production. tight knit and (are) all very good “It is almost always double cast, TerBush friends who try to support each so it allows the girls more opportuother,” said Lisa Brazus, marketing volunnity to have different roles and learn differteer at BTCA. “In a studio of teenage girls, ent dance techniques,” Brazus said. that is not normal. It really is a very unique “The Nutcracker” is always a popular situation, and they don’t know how lucky production for BTCA. they are.”

“I think a lot has to do with tradition, so Brazus’ daughter, Hannah, is among the when it comes to the holidays, everyone six seniors. Hannah, Elizabeth Brame and wants to see it,” Brazus said. “And it’s the Cora Maine attend Westfield High School. fantasy of it all, especially at ChristmasThe other seniors are Riley TerBush, Carmel time. Little girls get excited because they High School; Olivia “Liv” Weintraut, Brebeuf get to see princesses and fairies, and it’s Jesuit Preparatory High School; and Caitlin just magical and special.”

Connolly, Heritage Christian School. WeinBesides the live performances, BTCA traunt is a Zionsville resident and Connolly will offer a recorded version of the Dec. is from Carmel.

19 shows on Vimeo later in the month. For “It’s hard for these girls because some more or for tickets, visit ballettheatreofcarmel.org.

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December 7, 2021

LIFESTYLE

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A visit to historic Nashville Commentary by Don Knebel About 350 million years ago, a shallow inland lake covered most of southern Indiana.

Over time, sediment created TRAVEL layers of soft rock, eventually lifted by tectonic forces and eroded by flowing waters to fashion hills and valleys. Glaciers stopped just north of what is now Brown County, leaving it probably the most picturesque county in Indiana, with deep ravines and tree-covered hills.

In 1836, European settlers founded the town of Jacksonburg as the Brown County seat. With a population of 270, the town was incorporated as Nashville in 1872.

Artists from across the U.S. began coming to the area after nationally acclaimed impressionist painter T. C. Steele made his home on a remote hilltop south of Nashville in 1907. In 1929, Brown County State Park opened near Nashville.

Today, Brown County State Park’s 16,000 acres and miles of trails attract about 1.3 million visitors each year, many coming in the fall when the colors are the most spectacular and entering through a covered

landmark, as is the F. P. Taggart Department Store Building, now housing the Hob Nob Corner Restaurant, a favorite of locals. The Brown County Music Center, southeast of town along Salt Creek, opened Aug. 24, 2019, with a soldout performance by Vince Gill.

The county built the 2,000-seat facility at a cost of $12.5 million to replace the famous Nashville Opry, destroyed by fire in 2009, that once attracted country music lovers from across the U.S. Willie Nelson is scheduled to appear at the center on April 25, 2022, as a part of his farewell tour, with a handful of remaining tickets going for more than $500 each.

Brown County Music Center in Nashville. (Photos

by Don Knebel)

wooden bridge. Nearby Nashville, with a population of about 1,000, features more than 100 shops and tourist attractions.

The Brown County Courthouse, built in the 1870s, is a nationally registered historic

A backward take on words Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt Today I’d like to take a look at ananyms and anadromes. Ananyms are backward names while anadromes are backward words.

GRAMMAR GUY An ananym is a pseudonym (or false name) using a real name written with the letters arranged in reverse order. It comes from the greek “ana-” (back) and “-nym” (name). For instance, if the CIA hired me, my code name could be “Sitruc.” No one would ever guess it was me.

Plenty of American town names got their names from reversing the letters of the town’s founder or the name of another prominent resident. These include Nedrow (Worden), N.Y.; Mahned (Denham), Miss.; and Remlap (Palmer), Ala. Of course, not all ananyms are town names. Famously, Oprah Winfrey’s production company is called Harpo. In the multiple vampire sagas (the movie “Son of Dracula,” the video game “Castlevania” and the manga series “Hellsing,” to name a few), we see characters named “Alucard,” which is an ananym for “Dracula.” The closest ananym

to my heart is “Seltaeb,” a merchandising company founded in 1963 to protect licensing and trademarking products depicting The Beatles.

We get the word anadrom from the Greek “ana-” (back) and “-drome” (course or road).

For instance, “stressed” and “desserts” are anadromes of each other. The same goes with “drawer” and “reward”; “diaper” and “repaid”; “deliver” and “reviled”; and “nametag” and “gateman.”

When it comes to town names, anadromes are all over the place. The town of Nolem, Fla., was named as such because “Nolem” is “Melon” spelled backward. Does the town grow tons of melons? Let’s call it Nolem! We also see this naming technique in the towns of Ekal (lake), Fla.; Enola (alone), S.C.; Ragic (cigar), Ore.; Tesnus (sunset), Texas; and my personal favorite, Rotavele (elevator), Calif.

Curtis Honeycutt is a national award-winning, syndicated humor writer. Connect with him on Twitter (@curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.

Don Knebel is a local resident who works for Barnes & Thornburg LLP. For the full column visit donknebel. com. You may contact him at editorial@youarecurrent.com.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Notice is hereby given that Westfield Washington Schools (“School”), by and through its Board is requesting bids for leasing land owned and/or leased by the School for farming purposes (the “Project”).

The land for lease is approximately a) 19.13 acres; Parcel 08-05-27-00-00-015.001; commonly known as 18997 Casey Rd, Westfield, IN; b) 24.5 acres; Parcel 08-09-05-00-01-005.000; commonly known as 0 Towne Rd, Westfield, IN Bidding for leasing a portion of the land located on parcels a) 08-05-27-00-00-015.001 and b) 08-0905-00-01-005.000; will begin at 12:00 p.m. EST on December 6, 2021 and continue until 2:00 p.m. EST on December 17, 2021.

Bids will be received until December 17, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. (EST). Bids must be delivered before 2:00 pm EST on December 17, 2021 to: Brian Tomamichel Westfield Washington Schools 1143 East 181st Street Westfield, IN 46074-8926 Or via email to Tomamichelb@wws.k12.in.us The land may not be leased to a person who is ineligible under Ind. Code 36-1-11-16 A bid submitted by a trust (as defined in Ind. Code 30-4-1-1(a)) must identify each beneficiary of the trust; and settlor empowered to revoke or modify the trust.

All bids received after 2:00 pm on December 17, 2021 will not be considered and rejected.

All aspects of the Project shall be performed under one or more leases with the School. Mandatory terms and conditions of the lease are set forth in the farmland lease documents. Two copies of farmland lease forms shall be submitted on forms provided on the district’s website. Bidders must include in their bid submission a complete the entire bid forms including a statement of experience, proposed plan or plans for leasing the land, the resources the bidder has available for leasing the land, farming the land, and operating any equipment, non-collusion affidavit, and financial statement.

Wage rates shall not apply to this Project. All bidders must comply with all applicable laws including but not limited to the requirements detailed in the bidding documents. Bidders must also be able to and meet all requirements found in applicable land, leasing, and environmental statutes and regulations.

The bidding documents for the Project are on file with the School and may also be examined at the following location: https://www.wws.k12.in.us/Page/1002 Costs associated with digital or printed copies are and will be incurred by and at the expense of the bidder and are non refundable.

Prior to approval and execution of the School’s contract, the tenant(s) who is the successful bidder shall furnish adequate assurances of the faithful performance of the lease and the payment of all obligations arising hereunder. The bidder must prove it has the necessary expertise and can furnish all labor, services, supplies, materials, tools, machines, equipment, and transportation necessary for leasing the land owned or leased by School. Insurance must remain in full force and effect for a period of one year after termination of the lease.

The School expects to award the contract(s) for the Project to the highest and best bidder at its January 11, 2022 Board meeting. The School reserves the right to hold bids, including any alternates, for up to 30 days from the date of the bid opening. The School reserves in its sole discretion the right to reject any and all bids, is not obligated to accept the highest or any other bid, and may waive any irregularities, discrepancies, omissions, variances or informalities in the bidding procedure.

Questions regarding the Project, or requests for equal status, can be directed in writing to: Brian Tomamichel Westfield Washington Schools 1143 East 181st Street Westfield, IN 46074-8926 Or via email to Tomamichelb@wws.k12.in.us

24

December 7, 2021

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Across 1. “The Phantom of the ___” 6. Indy 500 sponsor letters 9. Ancient Peruvian 13. The “N” of USNA 14. ___ Claire, Wis. 15. Apple center 16. Country music sound 17. Hoosier National Forest tree 18. Scarlett of “Gone With the Wind” 20. First collection of short stories by 38-Across (published in 1947) 23. Wisely cautious 26. What heirs split 27. UFO crew 28. Cold symptom 31. ___-Mex cuisine 32. Plant more seed 35. Exhilarating 38. Writer of “Fahrenheit 451” whose personal papers

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and archives are in a permanent collection at IUPUI 42. “Happy Birthday ___” 43. Japanese port 46. Approves 49. Ancient artifact 52. “___ Abner” 53. Hispanic American 56. Ought to have, informally 59. Collection of short stories by 38-Across (published in 1997) 62. Kitchen wrap 63. Hoosier Motor Club letters 64. Boise’s state 68. Adjust a piano 69. Indiana tax ID 70. Aromatic wood 71. Practice for the Indiana Golden Gloves 72. PU prof’s deg.

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• House Wash • Roof Wash • Concrete Cleaning & Sealing House Wash • Concrete Cleaning & Sealing • Stamped Concrete Cleaning • Stamped Concrete Cleaning & Sealing • Deck Cleaning & & Sealing • Paver Cleaning and Sealing Cleaning Staining • Fence Cleaning and Staining••Dock Paver Cleaning and and Sealing Sealing • Dock Cleaning and Sealing

Give us a before call at 317-490-2922

after

to schedule your Free Quote & Demonstration omaliashsr.com Serving, Hamilton, Marion, Boone Madison & Hancock counties

house washing

Give us a call at 317-490-2922 to schedule your Free Quote & Demonstration

Serving, Hamilton, Marion & Boone counties • omalias.com C&H TREE SERVICE

Pet & House Sitting Service

www.pawpatrolindy.com

317-802-6565 317-432-1627

FIREWOOD SALE Topping – Removal Deadwooding – Landscaping Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES Call Steve 317-341-4905 or 317-932-2115

“The Safe and Reliable Alternative to Boarding”

NOW HIRING

Insured/Bonded Serving Carmel & Westfield

COMPUTER TECHNICIAN NEEDED

Local Computer repair shop in need of PC and Mac techs with experience pref both PC and Macs, certification strongly desired, pleasant personality & some sales experience. Pay starting at $16/hour and up for F/T. Send resume with cover letter to jobs@ ctcarmel.com

Clevernest is a growing company servicing homebuilders, architects, and residential clients throughout central Indiana, as an Andersen Window and Door Dealer, specializing in the installation of all that we sell.

We are looking for an Operations Manager, who possesses a strong supportive mindset of “how can I help” and deeply appreciates finding joy on executing tasks and projects on a daily basis.

This position is responsible for the activities related to operations after the sale; therefore, one must have the ability to juggle multiple projects at once and be an advocate for our clients.

Requirements: The ideal candidate is professional, entrepreneurial minded, and able to lead and assist with all aspects of a project post sale until completion; day to day warehouse, inventory, and field supervision; and likes to get his hands dirty! Construction or Carpentry skills required.

To Apply: CLEVERNEST INC 240 W. Carmel Drive 46032 tom@clevernest.com; 317-688-8100 www.clevernest.com

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR SKILLED CARPENTERS!

Looking for job security? Simpson Construction Services has so much work that it must hire five people for residential remodeling NOW. The skilled carpenters we select will have strong abilities in bathroom remodeling, but also with respect to kitchens, decks, basements, wood and tile flooring, doors and windows, interior and exterior painting, drywall, plumbing and electrical, siding and room additions. Again: Only skilled carpenters need apply. For immediate consideration, call Gary Simpson at 317.703.9575.

Hiring experienced lawn care laborers, shrub and tree trimmers, Bobcat operators immediately. Text/call Jay 574-398-2135

TEACHERS AIDE/FLOATER

The Teachers Aide/Floater will collaborate with the counseling team and teachers to support the needs of all students. This position would be Monday through Friday throughout the school year. Hours and pay will be discussed when interviewed.

To apply please send your resume to Jean Coffman at jcoffman@mymwa.org.

HELP WANTED:

Looking for an entry level employee to round out my help desk. It is a perfect job for college aged students or someone looking to return to the workforce.

Primary duties would be inbound tech support calls, emails, and light office work. Mid-morning, approximately 15 hours per week. Please send resumes, work history, or questions to: mkress@theankerconsultinggroup.com

December 7, 2021

Current in Westfield

www.currentinwestfield.com

JOB FAIR

JOB FAIR

JOB FAIR

JOB FAIR

NOW HIRING

NOW HIRING

YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE! Call Dennis O’Malia 317-370-0749

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December 7, 2021

Current in Westfield

www.currentinwestfield.com

May 7, 2022 | Indianapolis, IN It’s Time to Get Back on the Track!

“One of America’s most iconic races” #1 Half Marathon of the Decade!