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Wilder blue yonder Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Westfield, IN Vol. IV, No. 47 Copyright 2011. Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved.

30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032

317.489.4444 Managing Editor – Lindsay Eckert lindsay@youarecurrent.com / 489.4444 ext. 204 Associate Editor – Terry Anker terry@currentincarmel.com Art Director – Zachary Ross zach@yoaurecurrent.com / 489.4444 Associate Artist – Andrea Nickas andrea@youarecurrent.com / 489.4444

OUR VIEWS

It is our position that Lockheed Martin should not have received approval from the U.S. to sell F-16 fighter jets to Iraq. The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been the United States Air Force’s workhorse in the skies since 1978 – and the key to our superiority in the air.

Recently, the federal government approved the sale of the second of two batches of 18 F-16’s to Iraq, making for a total of 36 units. While we recognize the progress Iraq has made in providing security for its people, we feel that as a government Iraq is far too unstable to be receiving weapons and aircraft of the caliber we are allowing them.

In recent years, we’ve faced enemies trained by the U.S. firing rocket propelled grenades at our troops that were at times also provided by the U.S. A rocket propelled grenade is powerful and deadly, but pales in comparison to the destructive power of a $20 million aircraft that travels up to 1,500 mph capable of delivering 17,000 pound payloads. This sale was a bad idea and we hope to never be facing these planes as enemy weaponry one day.

Year-round school

It is our position that the balanced school calendar Indianapolis Public Schools has instituted is innovative, and should be adopted by school systems in Hamilton County. The theory behind the balanced calendar is that more frequent breaks refresh both students and teachers, and prevents the tedium of re-teaching after longer breaks.

Yes, school would have to begin even earlier in August, and would not dismiss for the summer until mid-June. However, the trade-off is a two-week fall break (instead of two days), a week for Thanksgiving break (instead of two days), the usual two-week winter holiday break, and two weeks off for spring break. Families inclined to travel or vacation during their children’s school holidays will find they have many more options with a balanced calendar. Also, enrichment classes can be offered during the longer breaks, providing stimulation for children who want the opportunity for hands-on experiences.

The agrarian calendar is a dinosaur and should be retired. Warren Township Schools has successfully used the balanced calendar for several years, and next year Lawrence and Washington Township Schools will go to the new schedule. Hamilton County schools need to embrace this exciting concept and switch to a balanced calendar.

The views in these editorials are of reader participants. They do not represent those of Current Publishing ownership and management.

Advertising Senior Sales Executive – Dennis O’Malia dennis@youarecurrent.com / 370.0749

Business Office Bookkeeper – Heather Cole heather@youarecurrent.com / 489.4444 Publisher – Brian Kelly brian@youarecurrent.com / 414.7879 General Manager – Steve Greenberg steve@youarecurrent.com / 847.5022 The views of the columnists in Current In Westfield are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

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strange laws V E C TO R BU T TO N S . CO M V E C TO R BU T TO N S . CO M

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 South Berwick, Maine, it is illegal to park in front of Dunkin Donuts..

Source: dumblaws.com

www.youarecurrent.com

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.

Article. I. Section. 5.

Clause 3: Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.

Clause 4: Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without

Current in Westfield

the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be

sitting.

Section. 6.

Clause 1: The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. (See Note 6) They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, beprivileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.

December 20, 2011 | 3

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Green beans aren’t just for the dinner table

FROM THE BACKSHOP Some different ‘twists’ on old favorites In the spirit of the season, we have taken the liberty of, well, rewriting a couple of our favorite holiday tunes, which we’ve been hearing on the radio since, approximately, Flag Day. It wouldn’t be us if we didn’t do this, right? You decide the key, and then please sing along. Ready?

We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a stress-free Christmas We wish you an independent Christmas and a Happy New Year.

No new taxes in ’12 for you and your kin, How about a third party for a Happy New Year?

Oh, bring us some fiscal reform, Oh, bring us the end of unions, Don’t bring us Obama health care, but we’ll take your best beer.

We want non-profits fully funded, We want social programs limited, We want order from this chaos, so we all can cheer.

(Truly, to you and yours from the Current Publishing family …)

We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Rousing, we believe you’ll agree. Now, gather together once more, again select your key, and really belt out our “tribute” to Hamilton County’s greatest commitment to improved traffic flow. Ready? Go!

Brian Kelly & Steve Greenberg Cruising through the area, roundabouts speed our trip, By comparison these days, it’s like riding a rocket ship.

Fewer traffic lights, making spirits bright(er), It’s better now to drive all through the county day and night.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, saving fuel today!

Oh, how smart it is to navigate our locale in this way (hey!).

Jingle bells, jingle bells, crashes are way down!

This is how it’s s’posed to be while motoring in your town.

We hope your holidays are everything you wish them to be. Everyone, be safe out there and keep your spirits bright!

••• As a result of postal holidays, the next two editions will be delivered Dec. 24 (Dec. 27 issue) and Dec. 31 (Jan. 3 issue). We’ll be back to Tuesday delivery on Jan. 10.

COMMENTARY

By Lindsay Eckert If you’re relying on Santa to tumble down the chimney with all of your wrapped gifts, you better a get a move on! There’s only four more shopping days left before the day of screaming and jumping little ones and wives hoping for something that shimmers more than the ornaments on your Christmas tree.

My dad doesn’t apply time management to holiday shopping. Sure he loves my mom, but he hates shopping and anything inside a mall, except Blondie’s cookies.

He really hasn’t done too badly on Mom’s actual gifts; he always gets her something that sparkles and ruins it with a funny card when my mom likes romantic cards, you know the ones with a lot of flowers and I love yous.

But, when it comes to stocking stuffers, oh, wow! Whether it’s time management or forgetfulness or a combination of both… for the last several years his shopping destination is my parents’ pantry or closet.

Although he has many thoughtful and kind characteristics, memory is not his strong suit.

When I was little and getting ready for school I would see sandwich bags all over the house, driveway, on top of the dryer, on a step and in the garage. My mom and I started a guessing game, “Where is Dad’s lunch today?” After weeks of forgetting his sandwich everywhere in

and out of our house he gave up on lunchbox meals.

So his nearly comedic history of forgetfulness doesn’t help him much in the stocking stuffer department. One year my mom opened her stocking to find a can of green beans, a can of corn, an opened package of Dots with only the gross green and yellow ones left, her own pair of socks and the same card that’s been in her stocking for about five years.

My Dad opened his stocking filled with NEW socks, UNOPENED boxes of Dots and, of course, a lovey-dovey I love you card.

But, the man’s memory just can’t step up to the plate every Christmas Eve. He did a little better last year, an unopened box of chocolates, a borderline “mushy” card edited a tad to put some humor in there, but he still included the can of green beans.

So if you run out of shopping time, take to your closet, pantry or even your basement; it might not go over so well the first year but it gets funny, believe me.

I h’ope you have a ‘bean’ingful holiday!

Lindsay Eckert is the managing editor of Current in Westfield.

You can reach him via e-mail at Lindsay@youarecurrent.com.

What’s correct with e-mail?

COMMENTARY

By Terry Anker Haste makes waste. Measure twice and cut once. Both expressions, common enough to be cliché, remind us of the perils of under-thinking and over-acting. But, where is the balance? In the modern age of instant communication and comments that can’t be taken back, many of us have been the victim of our own hasty “Reply to all,” and some off-handed remark intended only for one is distributed to the entire office. The passing irritation becomes a point of contention. The snide quip exchanged between friends becomes a careless and unnecessary misunderstanding lacking both the context of the relationship the sender had with the intended recipient and their shared perspective.

Yet in a world where busy folks can expect to receive dozens (if not hundreds) of telephone calls, faxes, e-mails and texts each day, how can we manage volume without failing in accuracy and intention? Some would advise that we should restrict our communication to only the professional and antiseptic. Does this approach

4 | December 20, 2011

allow for the most effective and authentic style of building deep and lasting relationships?

Restraining comment might best avoid an unintentional HIPAA transgression, but does it preclude us from connecting in the greatest human and intimate of ways? If we restrict our communication to remarks sanitized and “fully vetted by legal,” have we, in insulating ourselves from risk, insulated ourselves from others?

In this past year, our e-mail service counts my sent messages well into five figures. Of those, at least one ended up in the hands of the unintended. Perhaps many others could have been more thoughtfully expressed. But is it better to communicate honestly, even if not entirely empathetically? Is the risk of a misplaced word too great to ignore? Or is the real waste not in the haste of the reply, but in not replying at all?

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DISPATCHES » Holidays around the world extravaganza – Tomorrow Westfield Intermediate School students will teach first graders about other countries’ winter traditions from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Maple Glen elementary school multipurpose room. The WIS students researched winter holidays celebrated around the world. Then WIS students created accordion-fold books to teach others about the holiday they chose to learn about. They also wrote lessons to teach first graders about their holiday.

They will teach a brief lesson using a threesided display board tomorrow morning. » Mystery lovers – The Westfield Washington Public Library’s Mystery Book Discussion Group is talking about “Shakespeare’s Landlord” by Charlaine Harris, when they meet on Jan. 4 at 1 p.m.

Come join other mystery lovers at a oncea-month discussion group that meets at the library. You are invited even if you haven’t read the book. » Homeschool recess – “Homeschool Day” is a fun and social event at the Westfield Washington Public Library for all those in the area who homeschool.

Gather at the library the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. to play video games, make crafts and meet others in the community who homeschool. Join in on the free fun on Jan. 5, and you don’t need to register.

Brokering a Christmas compromise COMMENTARY

By Danielle Wilson When my husband and I were first married, holidays were a struggle. We both come from large families with very specific traditions. I grew up with Scotch pines, Christmas Eve skits, and English fruitcake. Doo remembers Fraser firs, reading The Night Before Christmas, and chocolate pots-de-crèmes. Initially, the only “thing” we had in common was the big, multi-colored lights that burned tiny hands with their safety-hazard heat. It was a start, and we survived our first few Decembers without counseling.

But when we began having kids, tensions grew. With whom would we actually spend Christmas? Whose traditions would we follow?

At the heart of the matter, whose family was better? Thirteen years later, we still are having to tweak our Wilson-Morris melding of holiday cheer (though I contend that live theater is far better than a book reading! Bite me, Wilsons!).

Take – for instance – tinsel. I clearly remember my parents bickering over the damn stuff, my mom clumping it on the branches just to be done with the whole tree-trimming mess, and my dad following around behind her barking, “You can’t just throw it on, Patty! You have to lay it carefully, strand by strand!” As a result of their annual battle, I have a hard time looking at Christmas trees without tinsel; they look naked.

It seems wrong.

Doo unfortunately did not experience the

magic of tinsel, and when I suggested it for our first tree together, he scoffed at the idea. So we compromised. Every other year would be a tinsel year. 2011? Tinsel! And yet Doo behaved like a child when I broke it out last week and instructed my little elves on its proper application. (No clumping, one strand per branch.

Don’t screw it up!) I was bombarded with snide comments like, “Well, the tree looked good a minute ago,” and “We’ll be finding this crap in July!” Really? Are we not passed this yuletide pettiness?

No, we are not. But that’s the thing about marriage. It really doesn’t matter how long you’ve been together. Compromise will always play a leading role regardless of how well you communicate. And holidays especially will be trying as deeply ingrained expectations vie for top billing. My best advice? Choose the ones that are most important to you, retire lame ones (like pots-de-crèmes), and begin new traditions unique to your family. After all, you must ensure your own kids get saddled with cultish customs that no partner will ever understand, thereby laying the groundwork for perpetual holiday disharmony. Peace out!

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» Join the club – Join the Westfield Genealogy Club and share ideas, new websites and sources about family history, as well as meet some terrific people.

The club meets at the Westfield Washington Public Library on Jan. 7, at 10:15 a.m. in the Sumner Room. Beginning and experienced genealogists are welcome to become members.

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» Westfield High School band concert – Today at 7 p.m. in WHS auditorium, band members will play several holiday tunes just a few days before Christmas. » Christmas at Westfield Friends – Westfield Friends Church will hold a Christmas Eve candlelight service Saturday at 10 p.m. Westfield Friends will also hold a Christmas Morning Worship service beginning at 11 a.m.

www.youarecurrent.com

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Danielle Wilson is a Carmel resident and contributing columnist.

You may e-mail her at danielle@ currentincarmel.com.

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» Inauguration – New council members, Cindy Spoljaric and Tom Ake, will be inaugurated Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. at City Hall Assembly Room, 130 Penn St.

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City gets $14.8k election bill

By Robert Herrington robert@youarecurrent.com The right to vote for mayor and city council District 3 representative will cost Westfield taxpayers $14,812.

“Only in municipal elections do they have to pay this,” Hamilton County Elections Administrator Kathy Richardson said.

Richardson said direct costs for municipalities having an election include poll workers, janitors, supply kits, rent, meals, rent, postage for absentee ballots and poll lists – essentially anything that can be directly assessed to them.

“Everything else is pulled together and prorated,” she said.

Items grouped together and pro-rated include fees for ballot counters, machine setup, MicroVote usage, legal advertising, election board and canvas board. Richardson said the county pays a fourth of the bill and the remaining threefourths are divided amongst the municipalities.

Richardson said many believe it should be based on population, but in actuality the cost is based on voting percentage.

“Fishers has more people but if it has less of a turnout than Noblesville, Noblesville picks up a larger chunk,” she explained.

This year, Hamilton County saw 17,280 of 108,997 registered voters (15.9 percent) participate in Noblesville, Fishers, Westfield, Sheridan, Atlanta and Arcadia. In 2007, the general election had 20 percent voter turnout. Westfield had 4,153 ballots (21.7 percent) – up from 7 percent in the 2007 general election. During presidential elections, Richardson said the turnout typically reaches 70 to 80 percent.

“It is always a smaller turnout. It does pick up in the general and there was quite a bit of publicity on local races,” said Richardson. “It concerns me it is such a low turnout. I wish I knew the ways to make people go to the polls … a local mayor or council can affect your daily life more than a president can.”

Since Cicero and Carmel did not hold an election in November the areas saved money.

Richardson said Carmel had 50 percent of the total county turnout in May’s primary election and thus paid 50 percent of the remaining amount – approximately $56,640. Other

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Life Centers adds compassion to Westfield

By Lindsay Eckert Lindsay@youarecurrent.com A Westfield nonprofit organization is helping women face crises with compassion. Life Centers has a full-faceted approach to helping women who ask for Cindy Randolph, director of Westfield Life help. They provide donated items, free Centers; Brian Boone, president and CEO of pregnancy tests and help women take the Life Centers,; Volunter Vicki Shoemaker and first steps to prepare for the unexpected.

Julie Rupprecht, director of communications.

The volunteers and directors also are on hand to listen and be non-judgmental ears Photo by Lindsay Eckert to women. have the opportunity to be here and serve my Cindy Randolph, director of Westfield whole life in counseling.

Life Centers, said the organization’s program, Life Centers closed its Westfield location in G.R.A.C.E Post-Abortion Recovery, provides 2008 and opened its new location to the comhealing to women who have had an abortion. munity earlier this year. Although this is the “Whether the abortion was recent or in the only Life Centers in Hamilton County, Life past at some point there will be emotions about Centers director and president, Brian Boone, it,” Randolph said. “The program gives women said the new location is ideal. true healing.”

“It’s strategically located in Hamilton County, Life Centers’ Westfield location, 140 S. an area with a growing population and close to Cherry St., is a comfortable and private home of younger people, it’s a foundation to provide the counseling. free services people need,” Boone said.

Randolph said listening to women in crisis Randolph said Life Centers’ and Center for gives her the chance to share her journey. She Women’s Ministries’ partnership, volunteers and said her own experience allows women to talk the women in need work together to help one with someone who truly understands their situanother. ations and feelings.

“We are all the same heart,” Randolph said.

“I was adopted, I had an abortion and I’ve You can contact Life Centers’ client line at had the healing of Christ. I can speak knowing 896-1425. Life Centers is open Mondays and I’ve sat in the seats these women are sitting in,” Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more Randolph said. “I sometimes pinch myself to information visit, www.lifecenters.com

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WWS progam connects high school students with elementary students

By Lindsay Eckert Lindsay@youarecurrent.com Westfield High School students are brightening the future of Westfield elementary students by helping them with homework.

Whether it’s multiplication or metaphors, the high school students are doing more than teaching. They’re filling the gap of neglect with love and one-on-one attention for their respective “buddies”.

Mark Ewing, a social studies teacher at WHS, established Helping Hands two years ago and built a similar outreach concept as Westfield Youth Assistance program, which provides mentors to at-risk youth.

Ewing said he wanted to start a program that Mark Ewing allows kids to help their elementary counterparts make the right decisions in life before they are faced a road of consequences for doing otherwise.

“This is a program that helps kids (second- through fourthgrade students) before they’re at-risk kids,” Ewing said. “It’s not necessarily all about helping them with homework. They need someone to relate to, someone to be their friend for 45 minutes every week, which is more than some may get at home. “ The success of Helping Hands stems from Ewing’s passion for a career he didn’t expect to be in. Ewing majored in sociology at Purdue University. Ewing said his wife, Staci Ewing, a fourth grade teacher at Oak Trace Elementary School, inspired him to earn his teaching license at Indiana Wesleyan University.

“I never thought I’d be a teacher. I didn’t see it coming. But, the wisdom of my wife helped me see this is my calling. This is why I was put here. It’s a dream job,” Ewing said.

Helping Hands coordinator and Ewing’s wife, Staci, said watching her husband, who she met through mutual friends, develop Helping Hands confirms he made the right career choice.

“His passion is history and kids so I thought teaching would be a good fit. He tried it out and it worked,” Mrs. Ewing said.

Staci Ewing said working with her husband for Staci Ewing a program that helps the community is an extension of their own family of three children.

“This is what I’ve always wanted: To live here in our community. The community is part of our family,” said Staci Ewing, who has been teaching for 15 years. “We live here, we work here and our kids go to school here. Our relationships are here.”

Staci Ewing said teaching at Oak Trace gives her the opportunity to see students involved with Helping Hands throughout the day and see their excitement firsthand for Wednesdays.

“I’ll see kids in the hall and they’re all excited and they say, ‘See you Wednesday,’ One student put on his wish list at school, ‘I wish Helping Hands was every day,’” Staci Ewing said. “Wednesday is a day they’re always at school because they look forward to it so much.”

S said watching the bonds building between the high school and elementary students are picturesque.

“I’ll tell other teachers, ‘You’ve gotta come check this out. It’s the neatest thing to watch,’” Staci Ewing said.

WHS student Brittany Stark helps Skyler Pham draw a snowman to learn about shapes.

The elementary students aren’t the only students who look forward to Wednesdays.

WHS senior Rose Scott, who wants to be a pediatric nurse, said she’s always loved kids and Helping Hands has confirmed that a career in pediatrics fits her. Scott said watching the kids grow and get more involved every week is special.

“I have a child-like excitement to see my buddy every week,” Scott, who is also a student translator, said. “It’s amazing to see their personalities come out as they get to know you.”

Scott’s buddy, fourth-grader Mackenzie Hargrove, said she believes the same.

“I like working with my buddy. She’s really nice and helps me with my homework,” Hargrove said.

WHS senior volunteer Katrina Shoemaker said the program has been more than she could have ever expected.

“I didn’t know what the kids would be like to work with, if they’d be stubborn or uninterested. But, they’re so sweet and adorable you can’t help but love them,” Shoemaker, a Key Club member, said. “It’s awesome: I’m helping a child succeed and understand the need for education later in life.”

Shoemaker said caring for her buddy lasts far past the 45 minutes she spends with her every week.

“After our session I walk away feeling accomplished, but all week I’m hoping they do well on their spelling test I helped them with,” Shoemaker said.

Mark Ewing said he’s amazed how many high school students want to be a part of Helping Hands and have helped the program reach three elementary schools in its two years. Ewing said he’s planning for the organization to be in all six WWS elementary schools by the end of the year.

“It’s fantastic to see high school students step in my office asking to be a part of Helping Hands and the fact the program has

Photo by Lindsay Eckert

grown to 52 high school volunteers by just word of mouth,” he said. “These kids have incredibly busy schedules. They’re playing sports, they’re in clubs, they’re studying and going to school all day and doing homework, but they want to be a part of it.”

Tricia Akers, Westfield Youth Assistance Program director, said seeing students of all ages, teachers and even families working together is amazing.

“To see a husband and wife who are teachers agreeing to do this for kids … talk about dedication,” Akers said.

Akers said programs such as YAP and Helping Hands are truly needed in Hamilton County; no matter how affluent a city looks on the outside, there are still people struggling.

“You’ll see a class picture of kids and they’re the kindest, sweetest, most loving kids and you have no idea what’s going on in their lives and the issues they have to face at home,” Akers said. “Hamilton County needs this. We have issues but they are masked.”

Akers said the program is a valuable activity to write about on college applications, but she said the students are there to serve the community and to give back in a fun way.

“This is the heart of giving,” she said. “I wish we could all look to how these high school kids are contributing to their community.”

To become involved…

If you’re not a high school student you still can be a mentor. Contact Tricia Akers, Westfield Youth Assistance Program director, at tricia.akers@hamiltoncounty.in.gov.

Helping Hands is looking for volunteers to expand at Shamrock Springs, Monon Trail and Maple Glen elementary schools.

Helping Hands currently is at Washington Woods, Oak Trace and Carey Ridge elementary schools.

“They’re giving the kids something to look forward to, these kids just need a hug and someone to talk to them, as sad as it may be some don’t get that at home. They look up to the big kids so much, they get so excited to see them it’s like the high school students are Santa, they’re more than tutors they’re mentors to the kids.” www.youarecurrent.com

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Westfield Mayor Andy Cook presents an honorary plaque to outgoing council members Tom Smith and Ken Kingshill.

Photo by Lindsay Eckert

Westfield’s outgoing council members honored at City Council meeting

By Lindsay Eckert Lindsay@youarecurrent.com The last city council meeting of 2011 also marked the last meeting for council members Tom Smith and Ken Kingshill. Smith and Kingshill were among the first council members elected when Westfield became a city in 2007.

The former deputy mayor, Bruce Hauk, attended last Monday’s City Council meeting to remember a new beginning and honor an ending. Before Hauk handed out plaques to all council members he shared how the council and its outgoing members, have impacted Westfield in the last four years.

“I want to recognize the first City Council

and mayor of our community,” Hauk said.

“They have turned this town into a city. They have embarked on a transition to transform our community in many ways.”

Mayor Andy Cook extended his hand in congratulating Smith and Kingshill. Cook gave them a plaque inscribed with a message fellow council members wrote.

“Smith and Kingshill have done a great job, and told me they want to continue being involved in their city going forward. That speaks a lot about their character,” Cook said.

New council members Tom Ake and Cindy Spoljaric will be inaugurated Jan. 9 at City Hall Assembly Room, 130 Penn St. at 7 p.m.

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Happy Holidays!

THANKS FOR ANOTHER GREAT YEAR! Traig McPhail Introduces himself and his troop to Mayor Andy Cook and City Council members at last Monday’s City Council meeting. From left: Jonah Santellana, Traig McPhail and Sean Ford. Also in attendance not pictured were Austin Barker, Luke Perry and Logan Todd Photo by Lindsay Eckert

He’s ON TOP of the Market!

Boy Scouts learn about legislation editorial@youarecurrent.com Boy Scout troop 107 and den leader Rich McPhail attended last week’s City Council meeting as part of their activities to earn a citizenship badge. The boys’ field trip with their elementary school, Carey Ridge, to the state

house and the governor’s mansion earlier this year also counted toward the badge.

McPhail said the fourth grade scouts also wrote a paper about a president to earn the patch. McPhail said their next goal is to earn the geology patch.

FILING – TAKING THE FIRST STEP Divorce is often cited as the second most stressful event in an individual’s life, only behind the loss of a close family member. If you have to go through a divorce, however, being educated on how the dissolution process works can help you through this difficult time. When you know what to expect during your divorce, you can begin to take control of your future. At HOLLINGSWORTH & ZIVITZ, P.C., we pride ourselves in providing our clients the knowledge and tools to cope with the process of a divorce. We would like to provide you with the same opportunity by introducing you to part one of an eleven part series entitled “Divorce – What to Expect.” Over the next year, we will discuss various aspects of the divorce process, including the following topics: What Happens Immediately After Filing, Child Custody and Parenting Time, Child Support, Property Division, Maintenance/Alimony, Options to Resolve Your Case Prior to Trial, Going to Court, Modification of Custody, Modification of Child Support, and How Much Will My Case Cost.

We begin our series with “Filing.” Filing a Verified Petition for Dissolution is the first step in the legal process of getting a divorce. The filing fee – the cost paid to the county to open a divorce case – is approximately $150.00 depending upon the county.

The Petition includes the name of the parties, when they were married, if there were children born of the marriage, and other basic information. In the Petition, the reason for the dissolution is often cited as the

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All data based volume from FRAMES Associate Statistics report from 1/1/2005 - 12/31/2010

marriage has been “irretrievably broken and should be dissolved.” The Petition typically does not contain a listing of complaints or specific allegations concerning the non-filing spouse. The filing party must have resided in Indiana for six months and the county where the Petition is to be filed for three months prior to the filing of the dissolution proceeding. Upon filing, the case is assigned a “cause number” and all future proceedings will take place in the same court, with limited exceptions.

After the Petition has been filed, the next step is to “serve” the non-filing spouse, which means providing formal notification that the Petition has been filed. This can be completed via Sheriff, certified mail, or a voluntary acknowledgment by the non-filing spouse.

Once service has been completed, it is customary to establish the “ground rules” which will govern certain aspects of the parties’ conduct during the pendency of the divorce, such as custody of children, parenting time, possession of the marital residence and payment of marital expenses. These issues are referred to as “provisional Issues” and will be the subject of our next column. At HOLLINGSWORTH & ZIVITZ, P.C., our team has the experience, the understanding, and the compassion to assist with your family law needs. If you have questions or concerns regarding divorce, custody, support, or any other family law concerns contact our firm at 317.569.2200 or hzlegal.com Stay tuned for the next installment of “Divorce-What to Expect” by HOLLINGSWORTH & ZIVITZ, P.C.

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Maple Glen student author featured at Family Literacy Night editorial@youarecurrent.com Maple Glen Elementary brought reading and families together last week for its “Gift of Reading” Family Literacy Night.

The featured author was 10-year-old Maple Glen student Grace McClelland. The fourth grader was born with a “special” hand, she said. She wrote a book about her journey to help other kids, “The Gift of Grace.”

She shared her story and signed books at the event where her story was presented as an iMovie in Maple Glen auditorium followed by a question and answer session.

Families lined up to buy her book and get a signature from McClelland. The book sales from the event will be given to her “favorite” nonprofit, Hands to Love, which supports children with upper limb differences, and their families.

Students were also able to participate in games and activities such as a book walk, guess your teachers’ favorite books, and could participate in puppet shows and create Gift of Grace – gift boxes students to write messages to share with someone special.

Didn’t see your picture in the paper? Check out www.currentinwestfield.com for a complete photo gallery of Maple Glen’s Family Literacy Night.

The activity room at Family Literacy night was filled with craft stations, activities and a puppet show. Kyle Emgenbroich, Ava Lee, Allison Emgenbroich and Landon Podgorny take center stage at the puppet show.

Grace and her twin brother, Patrick, who was featured in her book.

First grade student Victor Zandona gets a hug from Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Grace McClelland signs books as eager friends and fans wait in line.

Fifth grade and first grade brothers, Griffin and Hayden Pope, read their books of choice while waiting in line with their dad, Greg Pope at the book fair.

Photos by Lindsay Eckert

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Generic greetings to you!

GRAMMAR

By Brandie Bohney I recently read a blog post by a Christian blogger who was fed up with Christians who insist that, “Happy Holidays,” and, “Season’s Greetings,” are inadequate expressions of the holiday season. And while her post was insightful and funny, that’s not why I’m bringing it up.

I’m bringing it up because while I enjoyed the post, I was distracted by my own awareness that people who use these generic greetings (which I am in no way opposed to, by the way) are sometimes blissfully unaware of the grammatical havoc they are wreaking upon the world.

Take “Happy Holidays,” for example. At least a half dozen times since Halloween, I have seen this lovely multi-holiday-encompassing greeting written with an apostrophe: Happy Holiday’s.

Igh. Holidays is plural in the greeting, not possessive. Therefore, no apostrophe is necessary. Please, please, please don’t apostrophize your holidays – unless, of course, your holidays own something.

The bigger offender, though, is in “Season’s Greetings.” This time, the apostrophe is necessary (as they are the greetings of the season), but sadly, it is often left out. And it’s a very common omission. I’ve even gotten commercially printed Christmas cards adorned with a glaringly apostrophe-less

“Seasons Greetings.” It irks me. I mean, I love getting greetings in every season, but that isn’t the intention of the sentiment in this case, now is it?

Specific Christmas greetings tend to have fewer problems, unless you count spelling. And crazily enough, I see the merry part of “Merry Christmas” spelled incorrectly more often than the Christmas part. It seems that some people would really like to celebrate Mary Christmas. Sheesh.

I will say, though, that one holiday greeting where it seems hard to go wrong is Hanukkah.

Now, I’m not Jewish, but I do know that there are several acceptable spellings of Chanukah.

The reason that you can spell Hanukah several ways is in the origin of the word: it’s a Hebrew word. It doesn’t have a precise English translation, so several spellings are considered acceptable. So Chanukkah, which begins today, is one specific holiday you can feel a little less concerned about screwing up. Well, at least in screwing up the spelling, anyhow.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

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

Elementary clothing drive helps 275 people editorial@youarecurrent.com Washington Woods Elementary helped more than 275 people stay warm during the winter months at its 11th annual clothing drive. Brian Sawa, Washington Woods Elementary counselor, who established the event 11 years ago, said crowds stayed longer than usual as they shopped and took clothes home for their families.

“We collected $107 in donations for the Amanda Strong Foundation, Inc.,” Sawa said.

“We had a lot of stuff, probably two-thirds of it left on Saturday. The rest of it was donated to

Third Phase in Noblesville.”

Lots of groups joined together to help sort, fold and organize the clothing for the giveaway: Washington Woods Before and After Care children, Washington Woods Student Council, Many Washington Woods classrooms, Sodexo Support Services, Westfield Chamber of Commerce, City of Westfield employees, Westfield Lions Club, Westfield High School Leo Club, CrossRoads at Westfield Church, Westfield Rotary Club, and 4-H Harey Hoppers Rabbit Club.

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Meet the teacher: Mary McCartney Grade/Subject at what school: Preschool Teacher, Monon Trail Elementary Number of years teaching: 16 Background/Schooling (college & high school): George C. Marshall H.S., Falls Church, Va.; B.S. Developmental Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Va.; M.A. Education, Marymount University, Arlington,Va. Why did you become a teacher? I have always enjoyed working with children and knew I wanted a career that would allow me to do so. I fell in love with teaching during a graduate class and never looked back.

What goals do you have for your students? For my students to be lifelong lovers of learning and to always believe in themselves and their abilities.

What do you encourage parents to do at home

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to help their children strengthen particular skills? It starts with involvement. I encourage parents to be active participants in their child’s education. Parents should have an open line of communication with their child’s teacher so that they have a better understanding of the issue at hand and how best they can help their child at home. Students can really benefit from having parents that sit and work with them each and every day and whom provide a safe and nurturing environment in which learning is celebrated.

Name your favorite movie. “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” Name your favorite musician or band. I don’t have a favorite musician or band. I love a wide variety of music, but particularly music I can get up and dance to.

What’s something your students might not know about you? I climbed to the top of Mt. Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain.

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DISPATCHES » Travelers beware: strange foreign laws – 1. Over-the-counter medicines in the U.S. are sometimes illegal in Japan, and that includes some Vicks and Sudafed products and anything else containing pseudoephedrine.

If authorities at customs catch you with such products, they may detain you. 2. Singapore puts a great deal of effort into keeping its public toilets (along with many other things) pristine. And visitors are expected to help keep them gleaming. Failure to flush may result in fines. 3. Traveling by scooter in many major cities of the Philippines has its challenges: You can get ticketed for driving in sandals or bare feet.

-www.travelkit.msnbc.com » Houseplant tips – 1. As houseplants are growing more slowly in December light, cut down on watering by half until active growth resumes. Hold off on fertilizing as well. 2.

Group houseplants near each other to form a support group to cope with the low humidity of most winter homes. 3. When watering your houseplants, avoid using cold water because it may shock the plants; use tepid water.

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» Artichokes hate wine – Artichokes can ruin a wine pairing. They have a compound called cynarin in them that basically makes wine taste awful. If you’re dead set on eating artichokes and drinking wine with them, the best option is a light-bodied, unoaked white wine like a Grüner Veltliner from Austria. But you’d be best off with beer: A nice brown ale ought to work just fine.

-Food & Wine » Cruise reports released – CruiseComplete has released its Cruise Index and Cruise Trends reports for December 2011. The index was 148, a 1.4 percent increase from November, and up 2.5 percent from December 2010.

The index is calculated based on the average daily per-passenger (double occupancy) cost for the lowest-priced oceanview cabin category on a seven-night cruise on the six largest North American cruise lines. The Cruise Trends report showed that Carnival, Cunard and Viking were the most popular lines in their respective categories of premium, luxury and river cruises.

Today – Continue a family tradition and take a hayride to the field to choose and cut your own Christmas tree during Stonycreek Farm’s Country Christmas, 11366 Ind. 38 East, Noblesville.

You will also find a wide selection of freshly cut trees, fresh wreaths and garland at the greenhouse. Sip hot cider and browse through the gift shop featuring custom-made wreaths and other unique items. For more information, call 7733344 or visit www.stonycreekfarm.net.

Now to Jan. 7, 2012 – Grab your golden ticket as Civic Theatre presents Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” at The Tarkington, 3 Center Green, Carmel. Performances are 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday with no shows on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Join Charlie Bucket and his quirky cohorts on a tantalizing tour of the mysterious candy-maker’s fantastical factory. For more information, call 8433800 or visit www.civictheatre.org.

Now to Dec. 31 – Tempt your taste buds as you stroll through a wonderland of gingerbread creations in all shapes and sizes at Gingerbread Village at Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. Guests can visit the Science Lab for some gingerbread-themed experiments. Gingerbread village will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call 776-6006 or visit www.connerprairie.org.

Dec. 31 – Start your New Year’s resolution to get in shape with “Race to the New Year” at Cool Creek Park, 2000-1 151st St., Westfield. The Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with Washington Township Anytime Fitness Parks and Recreation and Westfield Parks and Recreation for this 5th Annual 5K walk and run.

Awards will be given in seven age groups. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. with the race starting at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 574-9450.

LIVE MUSIC Mickey’s Irish Pub, 13644 N. Meridian St. For more information call 573-9746.

Friday – Toy Factory Saturday – None Mo’s Irish Pub, 13193 Levinson Lane in the Hamilton Town Center, Noblesville. For more

14 | December 20, 2011

information, call 770-9020.

Friday – 3:1 Saturday – None Moon Dog Tavern, 825 E 96th St., Indianapolis, 46240. Call 575-6364 for more information.

Thursday – The Flying Toasters Friday – Blonde Sonja

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The Roost The Scoop: Do you have a taste for breakfast food, even when it’s not breakfast time? Then you will definitely want to check out the Roost. A traditional-style diner with a modern flair, the Roost serves up breakfast all day, seven days a week. However, it’s not just about breakfast. The Roost also serves lunch and dinner. All recipes are made from scratch, and have that home-cooking flavor. The Roost features carryout items.

Type of food: Chicken and burgers Price of entrees: $6.99 to $10.99 Specialties: Breakfast Reservations: Not accepted Smoking: Not permitted Dress: Casual

Sean Stoffle, owner and manager of Wise Guys Pizza Where do you like to dine?

Muldoon’s of Carmel What do you like to eat there?

They have really great salads and sandwiches.

What do you like about Muldoon’s? My wife and I like to go on Sundays (in good weather). That’s when they have outdoor music.

Muldoon’s is at 111 W. Main St., Suite 100 in Carmel. For more information: 571-1116 and www. muldoons.net.

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PB and Tomato Hummus Side Dish Last week (part two) I gave you the tip to use a disposable grill so you could cook tailgate food, even though you had to fly to a bowl game. Then I explained that cotton work gloves (wetted in an ice bucket) were good for turning meats on the grill. Now it’s time to talk about seating and side dishes. If you think about it, hotels have folding chairs that they set up for meetings and banquets all the time. Just look into one of the side rooms or an employee

hallway and you’ll see a stack of them. Tip FourThese can be borrowed (with or without hotel permission) and used with your rental vehicle as a complete tailgate setting. Tip Five-Use your vehicle hood or trunk for a serving table. Your last job will be to go to a party store and buy colorful disposable table cloths and napkins in school colors. Now you are set for a memorable bowl game tailgating experience.

Ingredients: • Small 16 oz. container natural peanut butter • 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley • 4 oz. diced sun dried tomatoes • 16 oz. portion of plain hummus from the deli • Pita chips (or baked tortilla chips) Directions: 1. Purchase hummus from a grocery deli and have them place it in a container larger than 16 oz. so that you can use the con-

tainer to mix the ingredients.

2. Mix in approximately 1/2 cup of the peanut butter and sun dried tomatoes.

3. Sprinkle parsley over all.

4. Serve with the chips.

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Joe Drozda is a Carmel resident and an author about sports and food.

You may contact him at drozda@ tailgatershandbook.com or visit www.tailgatershandbook.com.

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Christmas recipes

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Smoky Potato Rounds

Brie Cherry Pastry Cups INGREDIENTS: • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed • 1/2 cup cherry preserves • 4 ounces Brie cheese, cut into 1/2inch cubes • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts • 2 tablespoons minced chives DIRECTIONS: Unfold puff pastry; cut into 36 squares. Gently press squares onto the bottoms of 36 greased miniature muffin cups. Bake at 375° for 10 minutes. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make a 1/2-in.-deep indentation in the center of each. Bake 6-8 minutes longer or until golden brown. With spoon handle, press squares down again. Spoon a rounded 1/2 teaspoonful of preserves into each cup. Top with cheese; sprinkle with nuts and chives. Bake for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Yield: 3 dozen.

INGREDIENTS: • 2 large baking potatoes • 1/3 cup barbecue sauce • 1/2 cup shredded cheese • 6 bacon strips • 1/2 cup sour cream • 3 green onions, thinly sliced DIRECTIONS: Scrub and pierce potatoes. Bake at 375° for 45 minutes or until almost tender. When cool enough to handle, cut each potato widthwise into 1/2-in. slices. Place on a greased baking sheet. Brush with barbecue sauce; sprinkle with cheese and bacon.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted. Top with sour cream and onions. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.

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Mozzarella Tomato Tartlets INGREDIENTS: • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1-1/2 cups seeded chopped tomatoes • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil • 24 frozen miniature phyllo tart shells • 6 pitted ripe olives • Grated Parmesan cheese DIRECTIONS: In a small skillet, saute garlic in oil for 1 minute.

Add the tomatoes; cook until liquid has evaporated. Remove from the heat; stir in the mozzarella cheese, basil and pepper. Spoon 1 teaspoonful into each tart shell. Top each with an olive piece; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 450° for 5-8 minutes or until bubbly. Yield: 2 dozen.

- Bob Walters

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16 | December 20, 2011

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DISPATCHES » New medical director named – Indiana University Health announced last week that Don Selzer will assume the position of medical director of IU Health Bariatric & Medical Weight Loss. Effective Jan. 1, Selzer will oversee the Selzer bariatric program and direct the medical care policies and procedures associated with the care of bariatric patients.

Selzer has been a surgeon in the program since its inception in 2004. » ADHD drugs don’t up risks – Drugs used to treat ADHD in adults do not increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes or sudden death, U.S. researchers said last week. The team looked to see whether the patients taking ADHD drugs had higher rates of heart attack, sudden cardiac death and stroke than those who did not take these drugs. Among users, they also looked to see whether the risk of having heart trouble was higher when they were using the drug or after they had stopped using them. “We didn’t see any evidence that these medications increased the risk of any of these events,” one researcher said.

-Reuters

» Snack fact or fiction? – Is it fact or fiction that the best snack bars contain at least 4 grams of fiber? Answer: Fact. The best product has more than 4 grams of fiber and no more than 200 calories, if it’s a snack. Keep an eye on sugar too—aim for 10 grams or less.

-www.health.com » Indiana among ‘Filthy 15’ – Indiana is among the 15 worst states, “The Filthy 15,” when it comes to power plant air pollution, according to a new report from the Environmental Integrity Project. In fact, based on overall rankings for the toxic pollutants reviewed in the EIP report, Indiana was ranked as the thirdworst state, primarily for its amounts of toxic pollutants chromium and nickel. » Bone drug boosts cancer survival? – Doctors were mostly hoping to prevent complications and relapses when they gave young women a medicine to keep their bones strong during breast cancer treatment.

Seven years later, they found it improved survival, as much as many chemotherapies do. The study found a 37 percent lower risk of death among women who received the bone drug, Zometa. In absolute terms, it meant that 4 to 5 more women out of every 100 were alive seven years later.

-www.miamiherald.com

Just live with it

HEALTH

By Dr. Roger Spahr How many times have you or someone you know been faced with that four-word phrase?

Whether spoken by yourself, a relative, a friend or even your well intentioned health care provider, it is a phrase that gnaws at the very fabric of my professional life.

Just what does it mean? Do we decide, in the face of poor health with pain, discomfort, disability, and disease, to give up on attempts to assist with improvement of our condition?

Recently, a well-known sports figure in Indianapolis decided that he would seek additional expertise in healing to prolong his career and reduce the risk of long term permanent pain. By all accounts, it appears as if it was a worthwhile decision.

Over the past three decades of working in the field of medicine I have found that the worst thing one can do is give up on finding solutions.

A young man came to me with a ten-year history of severe tennis elbow in both arms. After a decade of well-trained doctors and therapists, he was worse than ever before. He was unable to hold a quart of milk. He had severe Vitamin D deficiency. After one week of proper therapy, 80 percent of his pain was gone, and it was 100 percent resolved in one month. He exclaimed, “I am

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also no longer allergic to my girlfriend’s cat!” Yes, Vitamin D affects the immune system too.

Several years ago the family of a 15-year-old with weight loss, nausea and chronic vomiting spanning 18 months sought care. Despite invasive procedures, medications, and even psychiatric evaluations by caring providers, her Mexico trip got missed. Additionally, a stool analysis by an inadequately equipped local lab facility missed her parasite. New techniques including DNA analysis picked up her problem and she was normal in a week.

Not all things are so dramatic. However, it has been our experience that there are typically several ways to modify an illness, whether it’s low libido, irritable bowel, chronic pain, allergy and immune compromises, neurotransmitter struggles, chronic fatigue or even fibromyalgia.

The key is the evaluation of root causes using advanced physiology and bio-chemistry techniques called bio-medicine.

Not seeking other solutions means you may have just missed out on living a better life.

Dr. Roger Spahr is a board certified physician in family medicine who practices Functional Medicine with Ailanto Group. To reach Roger, write him at webmaster@ailanto.com.

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DISPATCHES » Big jump for Verizon? – Verizon is planning to launch a streaming service that doesn’t require an existing cable connection, catering to the needs of about 85 million households. If Verizon manages to draw enough subscribers to its streaming service, this will help it brand and market its wireless services, possibly in a quad-play bundle that will also include its FiOS TV service. Verizon would take a hit on its margins in the initial few years, but Forbes estimates the stock could hit $43.50, which is about percent above market price.

-www.forbes.com

» New products too quickly? – In a new survey, nearly half of consumers (48 percent) “feel high-tech manufacturers bring new products to market faster than people need them.” In a new study from Underwriters Laboratories, 89 percent of manufacturers say they are “at or ahead of the curve” when it comes to innovation.

But two-thirds of those surveyed also “feel manufacturers do not conduct thorough testing before launching new products.”

Consumers aren’t anti-innovation. They’re against unnecessary and poorly thoughtout innovation.

-www.moneyland.time.com

Another year, another wish COMMENTARY

By David Cain I had a birthday last week. It was 11 a.m. before anyone had wished me a happy birthday in person. It started, however, at midnight with a “happy birthday” text. By the morning of my birthday, I had more texts and a bunch of posts to my Facebook wall. I came downstairs and was greeted by handmade cards from my kids. Still no phone calls or in-person birthday wishes. At 11 a.m. someone in the office mentioned it.

It’s a testament to how communications have changed. What 15 years ago would have been phone calls all day long from friends and family is now texts, e-mails, and the more popular Facebook posts.

It’s easy to be reminded of someone’s birthday and to drop an electronic note via Facebook, text or e-mail. When I checked out my Facebook wall and saw my mother, nearly twice my age, had posted a birthday wish, I immediately checked my phone to see I had no missed calls.

What happened mom, forget my number? My wife didn’t even bother to post on my wall,

she posted on her own Facebook wall, “Happy birthday to my husband” and had about 20 people “like” her post. Way to steal my birthday cheer by moving the party to her wall.

I called it the depersonalization of birthdays, but I’m reconsidering that characterization. The convenience of an electronic message has actually expanded my birthday’s reach. My Facebook wall included messages from people that I haven’t seen in years. I only got one card in the mail and, at the end of the day, only one phone call from my dad. The rest of my greetings were in electronic forms. Maybe communication hasn’t fundamentally changed, what has changed is how we communicate. Maybe it’s not less personal but just more practical. Maybe it’s a sign of the growing importance of social networks and how those networks play a part in our lives.

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.

Insurance concerns for snow birds

can start to lose coverage if your home is unINSURANCE Q&A occupied for a certain period of time. The big

By Jamie Ianigro Question from Bryan H. from Noblesville: two that usually drop off would be coverage My parents go to Florida after the holidays and for vandalism and coverage for losses caused by a plumbing failure like freezing pipes. they’re house pretty much sits empty until These claims can both be costly, so it is very spring. Is their house OK from an insurance important to know and standpoint? understand your policy Response from Coming back from a winter provisions if you’re a Jamie Ianigro: vacation to a ruined house can be snow bird. Coming A couple of factors made a lot worse by finding out back from a winter vacome into play when we talk about unocyour insurance carrier is denying cation to a ruined house cupied homes and inall or major parts of your claim. can be made a lot worse by finding out your insurance. Notice that I surance carrier is denydidn’t say vacant homes. ing all or major parts of your claim.

Unoccupied homes are different because peo The important takeaway here is to make sure ple are obviously still living there and should you understand your insurance policy before be home shortly. you fly south for the winter. Your independent Insurance carriers will not insure an unocinsurance agent will be glad to go over it with cupied home and a vacant home at the same you and clear up any confusion you may have. price or coverage levels. A vacant dwelling requires a special policy and is much more costly than a common homeowners’ policy. Your Jmie Ianigro is with Shepherd independent insurance agent can help you Insurance & Finanacial Services.

Have an insurance question find a vacant home policy or elaborate further you need answered? Send it to if you think your home might be vacant. asktheadvisor@shepherdins.com.

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS from the staff at Current Publishing

Emerging markets stocks for 2012 Potash Corporation (POT) - The world’s population is expected to grow by 44 percent through 2100, which means an additional 3 billion mouths to feed. That math works in favor of Potash Corporation, the world’s largest supplier of the potassium compounds commonly called potash. Potash is produced in only 12 countries globally, and a new potash mine costs about $4 billion to build. But despite the company’s dominance, its stock trades at 10 times its expected earnings for 2012, well under its 10-year average of 34. Many investors doubt that PotashCorp can get bigger or more profitable than it already is. But the long-term trajectory for potash consumption is undisputedly upward.

To prosper, emerging markets need to increase the productivity of their land; farmland in parts of the developing world yields just half as much as U.S. cropland. China and India, already the world’s biggest fertilizer consumers, each ac-

18 | December 20, 2011

count for 7 percent of PotashCorp’s revenue -- shares that analysts expect will grow.

Cnooc (CEO) - In recent years, China’s ravenous appetite for resources has powered the global economy. Now there’s much speculation about whether that hunger has begun to wane; but even if it has, many analysts say, that’s unlikely to hurt the prospects of China National Offshore Oil Corp., China’s largest producer of crude oil and natural gas. Cnooc is majority owned by the Chinese government and enjoys a sweet deal with foreign oil companies exploring off China’s shores. Cnooc shares in the profits when they find oil but bears no financial risk when they fail.

And Cnooc’s low cost structure means it generates a lot of cash (and profit), even when oil prices are depressed. Still, the stock trades at just nine times 2012’s expected earnings, making it a bargain in the eyes of many pros.

-www.smartmoney.com

Top (from left): Kevin Kane (Carmel managing editor), Dennis O’Malia (senior advertising sales executive), Zachary Ross (art director), Steve Greenberg (vice president/general manager).

Current in Westfield

Middle (from left): Brian Kelly (president/publisher), Andrea Nickas (graphic artist).

Front (from left): Heather Cole (office manager), Lara Acton (advertising traffic manager), Lindsay Eckert (Westfield managing editor), Hollie Gossett (advertising sales executive).

Not pictured: Jordan Fischer (Fishers managing editor); Robert Herrington (Noblesville managing editor).

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Refreshed for the holidays COMMENTARY

By David Decker Homes tend to look their absolute best during the holiday season.

Decorations celebrating a spectrum of religious, cultural and family traditions not only add sparkle and pizzazz, they intensify the unique personality of both the home and the people living in it. This is the season of ultimate “homeyness.”

Home improvement professionals also consider this time of year as the season of the fresh look … when many homeowners gauge just how comfortable they are in their homes.

The typical work we are busy with just ahead of the holidays is a lot of updating – counters, flooring, little things that help “spiff” homes for entertaining. Let’s face it … it’s not the best timing to have a major kitchen overhaul project finishing up as you approach holiday preparations.

Weather, to a degree – no pun intended – also governs our work load. December in Indiana can be a festival of surprising weather. If holiday deadlines are important – such as, “We have a houseful of people arriving two days before Christmas” – and harsh weather has delayed work or deliveries … it’s a risky time to be washing dishes in the bathtub.

Still though, this is the season of the fresh

“big” look when homeowners start thinking seriously about major projects they’d like to accomplish with their homes in the coming New Year. Holiday experiences often inform a homeowner’s desires and decisions for major home improvements and redesign.

There are plenty of custom home improvement projects that can be pulled off in the winter months, but there are also plenty of projects that are more survivable in, say, mild spring rain rather than frigid winter snow and ice.

This is a wonderful week to enjoy the home you’re in, and the ideal season to think, investigate, explore, visit and plan those happy home projects for the New Year.

David Decker is president of the Affordable Companies which includes Affordable Kitchens and Bathrooms and most recently “Affordable Custom Flooring” based in Carmel (317-5959540, www.the-affordablecompanies. com). Email home improvement questions to him at david.decker@ the-affordablecompanies.com.

An attitude of gratitude COMMENTARY

By Randy Sorrell Gratitude prevailed at several recent holiday parities. They were actually Christmas parties but corporate speak prompted politically correct language on the invitations. Once there, human speak prevailed and I was relieved at the level of gratitude. Of course, ‘tis the season when spasms of thankfulness fill our hearts, but these were not spasms of thankfulness people. They are people we have the great joy of knowing and doing business with whose hearts are often gushing with a sense of deep gratitude. Why is that?

Gratitude, Cicero noted a few thousand years ago, is often referred to as “the parent of all virtues”. It’s an emotion that many people feel frequently and is a central theme to most religions as we offer thanks. Motivation guru Zig Zigler is famous for saying that we need to “have an attitude of gratitude”…to which my youngest daughter Sydney and I added “a space for grace and room to bloom”. Get it?

Back to the party! What startled me was that despite the most difficult economic times since the great depression, a HUGE sense of gratitude filled the celebrations. Ever notice how fun it is to be around grateful people? Their genuine warmth energizes others. Need examples of insanely grateful people? Try Steve and Brian at Current, Lisa at the Carmel Chamber, Krista Davis with Safe Families, Michael Kile at alpahgraphics, Todd at

www.youarecurrent.com

Fat Atom and Heidi Platusic at n2publishing.

Would you like to be more grateful? It’s really pretty simple and the benefits are true.

Studies show that grateful people are easier to get along with, have a generous portfolio of friends, are happier more and depressed less, are healthier, likely to be voted most successful by their high school class and get shiny new cars under their Christmas tree.

Here’s how to start. Not a fan of journaling, I would call this a gratitude list. Daily, take a few minutes and pencil the things you are thankful for. Start shallow and determine to stretch yourself. Most at the Christmas parties were simply happy to still be in business. Many felt thankful for health, although a few could have complained. Family, faith and fortune were other common denominators. WARNING...expect your list to grow and life to improve.

Emerson said it best: For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food and love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.

Have a blessed Christmas and a grateful life!

M-F 8 - 4

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Furnace or Heat Pump Tune Up

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Randy Sorrell is president of SURROUNDINGS by NatureWorks+, a Carmel home improvement firm.

He may be reached at 317-679-2565, randy@choosesurroundings.com or www.choosesurroundings.com.

Current in Westfield

December 20, 2011 | 19

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A year of laughter…

LAUGHS

By Dick Wolfsie This is the time of year when I acknowledge all the people who made my job as a humorist a little bit easier. Every column I write – there has never been an exception – is based on truth, something that really happened to me or someone I know, or a story in the news. So here’s a big thank you to…

The company that spammed me with 20 e-mail ads a day for a month trying to get me to buy something called a Wonderbra. The ad claimed it would make all the men in my life stare at me. For once, I decided to call a bluff, so I bought one and wore it while playing racquetball. Darn, if they weren’t right.

Christina, my social media instructor, who patiently took hours and hours to teach me the basics about Facebook and Twitter. After she left, I sent her a private message requesting she keep it between us just how dense I had been about the simplest of procedures. I trust she will keep that promise, but I don’t know about the other 400 of my “friends” to whom I accidentally sent the same message.

The people who manufacture those costly high-tech earbuds. I thought I was the only one who couldn’t get those little suckers to stay in my ears. Then I read there’s a common disorder called Cartilage Deficiency Syndrome. For every 20 ears (approximately 10 people), four of

20 | December 20, 2011

those ears are having a heck of a time holding their own. My wife does not have this problem.

She is cartilaginously well-endowed and, I am proud to say, it is all natural.

The inventors of a “sandwich in a can,” known as a Canwich. Inside the container is an oblong bun wrapped in cellophane. Next to it is a squeezable packet of jelly and one of peanut butter. Dispensing ketchup and mustard this way has always been a hassle, so they tried it again with the world’s two slowest-moving foods. What should they can next? How ’bout the whole concept?

My long lost relative, Ed Rappaport from Florida, who discovered that he and I had the same great-great-grandparents. Ed has tracked down all the Wolfsie descendants back to 1840 in Russia. According to the document he sent me, I have 1,600 relatives somewhere in the U.S. who don’t even know I exist. With the Superbowl taking place in Indy in February, I think I’ll keep it that way.

Finally, a tip of the hat – and the scales – to Dan Gorske for eating his 25,000th Big Mac, a world record. Dan claims that he has never been sick a day in his life, except to his stomach. Dan also hopes to consume his 50,000th Big Mac by the time he’s 90. “I think I can accomplish this as long as I stay healthy,” he told the local newspaper. I repeated that in my column because it’s funnier than anything I could have written.

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Views | Community | Cover Story | Education | Diversions | Anti-Aging | Dough | Inside & Out | Laughs | Puzzles | Classifieds Across 1. Butler building flora 4. AAA Hoosier Motor Club handout 7. IndyCar tire pressure meas.

10. Pacers former leag.

13. Prairie View Golf Club prop 14. James Whitcomb Riley’s words of praise 15. “___ the ramparts...”

16. Use the Monon Center track 17. Carmel HS pitcher’s stat.

18. Brenner Luggage leather suitcase material 20. Young newt 21. Gift of the Magi 23. Olympic Games chant 24. Patachou or Uptown, e.g.

25. Financial gravy train (2 wds.)

29. Lead-in to pool or pit 32. Many millennia at the Indiana Geological Survey 33. Geist angler’s haul 37. Like sushi at Kona Grill 38. Practice for the Indiana Golden Gloves 39. In need of company 40. In the past 41. Brown truck co.

42. Mel Simon’s former California home: ___ Air 43. Prefix for hazard 44. Type of hat or old disk 46. First name in jeans at Macy’s 47. Before, to bards 48. Victory Field conical dwelling 49. Pigeon’s home 50. Defunct WTHR show: “___ Factor” 51. Eiteljorg Museum Store artifact 54. Pull one’s leg 57. Indianapolis Zoo beast 58. Circle measurements 62. “Yecch!”

63. Indiana fish hawks 66. Bob-Tom go-between 67. Hirosaki Restaurant ornamental fish 68. Had a burrito at Queso Blanco 69. “A Bridge ___ Far” 70. Ray Skillman’s multipurpose truck, briefly 71. Psychic power 72. Harrison Paving goo 73. Attila, for one 74. Feathery wrap at Broad Ripple Vintage Down 1. The Current news bit 2. Part of VIP 3. “Junior” or “Senior” at Fishers HS 4. Cool Creek Coffee shop order 5. Commotion 6. First United Methodist Church seat 7. Speedway Pest Control option 8. Alternative to a convertible at Tom Wood Ford 9. Intense anger 10. Rugs By Design calculation 11. Like a Gold’s Gym bodybuilder 12. Hoosier Park Casino buy-in 19. Morty’s Comedy Joint business 22. Hi-___ monitor 24. Shade of blue at Kinko’s 26. Overly sentimental 27. City Council pro votes 28. Dangerous bacteria 29. Ceramics or macrame 30. Two under par at Crooked Stick 31. Hawk’s dive 34. Little laugh 35. Santa ___, Calif.

36. Abnormally active 38. Indy’s upcoming Bowl 39. Flood embankment 42. Congregation ___-El Zedeck 45. Kind of moss

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W 146th St Ke

ANY LAB TEST NOW ® provides thousands of standard lab tests

Roher Rd

James C. Hoppel, J.D., MBA

Spring Mill Rd

James J. Schneider, J.D., CPA

Smokey Row Rd

ThePilatesBarr “Pilates with a Personalized Touch”

Laura A. Barr

Certified Pilates Instructor, Owner

• All mat classes $10 • By appointment only 14074 Trade Center Drive, Suite 212, Fishers, IN | 317.345.4669

Laura@PilatesBarr.com | www.ThePilatesBarr.com

The Easy Way to Sell

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8280 East 96th Street Fishers, IN 46037 Phone: (317) 578-0800 In front of Fishers Walmart

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15% off Gutter Cleaning

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Views | Community | Cover Story | Education | Diversions | Anti-Aging | Dough | Inside & Out | Laughs | Puzzles | Classifieds Interest Rates are at all time lows...

SO ACT NOW! If you are interested in refinancing or purchasing a home, the following rates apply:

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(317) 846-4166 (317) 509-3943 bsiebert@indy.rr.com

For loans of $100,000 to $300,000* • 30 yr fixed 4.125%, APR. 4.25% • 15 yr fixed 3.375%, APR. 3.5%

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In home applications are available for your convenience.

Contact us TODAY for a quick assessment to determine if you should refinance.

chris@mortgagespecialistofindiana.com • 317-507-0908 *$350 appraisal + $1500 closing costs **$350 appraisal & no other closing costs

Classifieds

VISA, MasterCard accepted Reach 91,350 homes weekly

Services

Services

Drive way snowplowing call today to get on our route Shady Days 710-7903

Plumbing by Grant

317-485-5449 317-728-9698 Licensed Bonded Insured

Guitar Lessons

Wth recording artist Duke Tumatoe Learn from professional and have fun All levels - in Carmel duke@duketumatoe.com or 317-201-5856

Seasoned Firewood $60 Rk 2 Rk. Minimum No delivery charge Complete tree and snow removal 317-626-5604

Puzzle Answers Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Cities: BOSTON, BUFFALO, CHICAGO, CLEVELAND, MADISON, SEATTLE; Reindeer: COMET, CUPID, DANCER, DASHER, VIXEN; Words: INDIANA METROPOLITAN, POLICE, DEPARTMENT; Films: BREAKING AWAY, HOOSIERS, RUDY; Cities: CORK, DUBLIN; Coach: VOGEL

I T E M

V E R Y

C R A F T

E A G L E

J U K E

E G O S

Y E A R R E S S W O O P P E A S T H I P

M O C H A S U P E R O A T

A P D E O W H U S Y M A E O P A R P S Y L C O R O W A P E S P R T E A R

Services

P O I S O N

S E D A N

I R E

E C L O B E L E V I T E H E A R E Y S T O O H U N

A R E C A Y A T N E H E F E D A D A U B

B U F F

A N T E

C L A R A

H Y P E R

I N T O

I D E A

Services

Hypnotic Gastric Band www,FishersGuidedImagery.com (317)403-7379

Happy Pets In-Home Pet Care

A less stressful and economical alternative to boarding with loving care for your pets in the comfort of your home.

Experience in Exotics.

Insured/Bonded Member of Pet Sitters Associates LLC happypetsitter@gmail.com 317-645-6043 References available

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Guitar Lessons With Baker Scott

Beginners thru Advanced All styles Electric-Acoustic-Bass Private Lessons Parent-Child Lessons near Carey Road & 146th Carmel 317-

910-6990

.com

In-Home Tutoring

Master’s Degree Instructors SAT/ACT Test Prep, Math, English, Study skills, and all subjects Corporate Training & Education Programs Available Call 317 776 7615

“A MAN FOR ODD JOBS” handyman , repairs hauling, painting call Tom - 847-3753

Now Hiring Customer Service Reps $10/hr For The First 90 Days!

Years Experience Experience 139Years

317-802-6565 317-432-1627

“The Safe and Reliable Alternative to Boarding” Insured/Bonded Serving Carmel & Westfield pawptrl@aol.com References Available

Nails by Hilliary 317-730-2544

To your door nail services.

Great for moms, or anyone in a nursing or assisted living facilities. Buy a Spa pedicure get a manicure for FREE!! *Ask about my frequent customer discount *We do Spa parties for any occasion.

“Let me take care of you”

489.4444 ext. 202 Now HIring Now Hiring: Line Cook Full time/Part time Dooley O’Tooles 160 E Carmel Drive 843-9900

Now Hiring

• Avg. pay $11/hr after training plus bonus opportunities • Full time employment • Medical, dental, & 401K • Paid time-off

Local computer center seeking qualified tech for computer work. send resume to info@ctcarmel.com

Paralegal position with local Carmel firm. Contact David at 317-506-4394

Apply in person at 2828 Enterprise Drive Anderson, IN 46013

CASH FOR CARS

Apply online at https://acs-inc.evolvondemand.net/offline/4011 or call 765-778-6209

$$ Cash for Cars Indianapolis $$

EOE/AA

©2011 Xerox Corporation and Affiliated Computer Services Inc. All rights reserved. ACS® and the ACS design are trademarks of ACS Marketing LP in the United States and/or other countries. XEROX® and XEROX and Design® are trademarks of the Xerox Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

NOW HRING

Part-time building maintenance position is available at a church in Carmel. Must have flexible schedule and building maintenance experience required. If interested, submit resume to prospectivecarmelemployer@gmail.com.

Maintenance Technicians

Pet & House Sitting Service

Now HIring

NNLS 267466

Hunt Pacific Management seeks Full Time employees; will pay $16 up to $18 with benefits. Must be HVAC Certified; experienced with plumbing, electrical, and carpentry Interested candidates should apply in person-no calls please Sand Creek Woods Apartments in Fishers Or Woodland Springs Apartments in Carmel EOE

FOR SALE Associates Needed at MCL!

We are looking for hospitality-driven, dependable associates to work part-time as a catering/banquet delivery representative/ driver. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and able to work independently Our staff enjoy the following benefits: • Flexible schedules • Weekly pay check • Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays off • 401k with company match (after 1 year of employment) & more Apply directly to our Carmel location: Merchant’s Square, 1390 Keystone Way Dr. E, Carmel Indiana, 317-844-9217.

HELP WANTED

The Leader in senior Home Care services is Looking For

men and women who want to make a difference in the lives of seniors. Join our team of non-medical caregivers today!

We are anxious to meet you and discuss how you can assist us serving North Indy and Hamilton County.

Call Today! 317-252-4472

Current in Westfield

Top Dollar for Junk and Running Vehicles CALL 317-869-9498

Full- time receptionist wanted for Pediatric office. Please call 872-0400 between the hours of 8am – 5pm

AIR QUALITY TESTING SPECIALISTS NEEDED

$15.00+/HR Due to booming business we have 17 positions available! No.Exp.needed Company training, must have great communication skills and own vehicle.

Call for immiediate interview Mon-Fri. 9am-5pm 317-564-4958

FOR SALE:

Cedrus Sauna (FSI 3000): seats 2-3 people. Always been indoors. Barely used. JVC AM/FM CD Stereo system, halogen accent lights for mood or reading. Wireless remote control. 61’”42”x75”.

Immediate FREE delivery Indianapolis area $995 317.439.6502

FURNITURE

Executive conference table. Nearly new.

Mahogany with 8 matching leather swivel chairs. Too large for our new space. Value approx. $9,300. Will sell for $3,000 OBO. Call 847.5022.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? CALL DENNIS O’MALIA 489.4444 ext. 202 December 20, 2011 | 23

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