December 19, 2023 — Westfield

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December 19, 2023

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Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVI, No. 43 Copyright 2023 Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved.

30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

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Westfield High Shool singers from Limited Edition, Illumination and Signature Sound join the Wind Symphony for a holiday sing-along at the end of the show. (Photo by Amy Adams)

Westfield students ring in the season with song

By Amy Adams amy@youarecurrent.com The annual Westfield High School Performing Arts Festival Dec. 8 and 9 featured approximately 120 MUSIC band and choir students.

Fine arts teacher Andrew Muth conducted the WHS concert band, symphonic band, wind symphony and percussion ensemble. The band was joined by singers from Illumination, Limited Edition and Signature Sound.

The Westfield Middle School bands played a concert Dec. 7 under the direction of band directors Sarah Rivers and James Howard. WHS Senior Charlie Epstein, who has been interning in WMS band classes, conducted one song for the jazz band and displayed his trumpet solo skills with the audience.

Approximately 50 third- and fourthgrade students from Carey Ridge Elementary School who are members of the extracurricular choir gathered in Emerald Pine neighborhood for the 25th year of Caroling and Cocoa, conducted by music teacher Kim Stalter. When WHS seniors share their favorite memories at the senior breakfast at Carey Ridge every spring, the event is always mentioned among their favorite school memories.

Students from Oak Trace Elementary School’s Treble Choir opened the show for Westfield in Lights Dec. 2 and just five days prior sang the national anthem at the Pacers game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Music teacher Jennifer Paul is directing 82 thirdand fourth-graders in the extra-curricular Treble Choir this year.

Westfield Middle School band teacher James Howard conducts the concert band. (Photo by Amy Adams)

WHS singers from Limited Edition sing a medley of Irving Berlin’s Christmas songs. (Photo by Amy Adams)

Third- and fourth-graders from music teacher Kim Stalter’s choir from Carey Ridge Elementary School gathered in Emerald Pines neighborhood for the 25th Cocoa and Caroling event.

Oak Trace Elementary School Treble Choir sings at Westfield in Lights Dec 2. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Paul)

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Scam Warning — The Westfield Police Department issued an alert regarding fraudulent calls from numbers matching those of the WPD and from individuals claiming to be affiliated with the WPD. The WPD wants citizens to know that its employees do not call individuals to threaten them and will not try to collect fines over the phone.

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Share the Love Diaper Drive — The Indiana Diaper Bank drive, which runs through the end of December, is collecting all sizes of diapers and pullups, plus new packages of wipes and diaper rash creams to fill the vast need and to provide diapers for families who are currently on a waiting list. To learn more or to donate, go to givebutter. com/ShareTheLove2023.

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Teen Internet Safety Guidelines — According to the Westfield Police Department, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and proactive about online activities in today’s digital age. The WPD encourages parents, guardians and caregivers to talk to young people about the potential dangers of online interactions and ensure they understand the importance of responsible internet use. The WPD offers this advice: remind them to never share personal information and stress the importance of keeping personal details private, caution them not to befriend unknown individuals online and to never agree to meet in person while unsupervised, and encourage them to share any concerns or experiences with a trusted adult.

Travel Advisory — According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, data shows there are more motor vehicle traffic crash fatalities during holiday periods due to increased travel time, more alcohol usage and excessive driving speed. Officers will be on the roads on high alert for impaired drivers. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead to get home safely by designating a sober driver or by using public transportation or a ride service like Uber or Lyft. Never drive impaired or let friends get behind the wheel if they have been drinking. To learn more about the Hamilton County Traffic Safety Partnership, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/502/Traffic-Safety.

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December 19, 2023

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December 19, 2023

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Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com

YMCA expands in Westfield

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com On Dec.6, Westfield city officials and leaders of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis broke ground at 874 DEVELOPMENT Virginia Rose Ave. in Westfield on the Ascension St. Vincent YMCA, which will be connected to the Westfield Aquatic Center.

Shannon Russell, executive director of YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, said the Westfield Aquatic Center was a collaboration between WWS and YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. The facility offers YMCA programs but the natatorium belongs to the WWS. The 54,000-square-foot space will include standard YMCA amenities, such as a wellness center, indoor pool, gymnasium, youth programs and classes for adults.

Mitch Frazier, chair of the Ascension St. Vincent YMCA in Westfield steering committee, said the new YMCA will distinguish itself from other facilities by providing space for a university center.

“About 35,000 residents of Hamilton County have started college, but never finished,” Frazier said.

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From left, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis executives Tony Wise, Shannon Russell and Gregg Hiland. (Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater Indianapolis)

According to Joshua Andrews, WWS director of communications, WWS is starting a Master of Business Administration program. Before the Westfield YMCA is built, classes will take place at WWS’ central office. Classes will be conducted in the new facility when it is built, but the program will be operated through WWS in partnership with universities. WWS is considering what universities, classes and programs will be conducted in the facility.

Construction of the building is projected to be completed by January 2025.

For more, visit indymca.org/ ymca-westfield.

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December 19, 2023

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Cook receives governor’s award

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At a surprise luncheon for Westfield Mayor Andy Cook Dec. 8 at the Grand Park Events Center, representatives HONOR from Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s office awarded Cook the Sagamore of the Wabash award before nearly 200 guests.

General Counsel Joe Heerens and Director of Scheduling Sam Frain presented the award to Cook at the luncheon, which was held to honor Cook as he concludes his fourth and final term as mayor of Westfield.

“I was shocked,” Cook said. “I never expected something like that. As somewhat of a student of Indiana history and politics, I know the kind of people who have received the award. To be a recipient is just an honor.”

The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created during the term of Indiana Gov. Ralph Gates, who served from 1945 to 1949.

The term “sagamore” was used by Native American tribes of the northeastern United States to describe a lesser chief or a great man among the tribe to whom the true

Mayor Andy Cook with his Sagamore of the Wabash award. (Photos courtesy of the City of Westfield)

chief would look for wisdom and advice.

The award represents the highest honor the governor of Indiana can bestow and stands as a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered distinguished service to the state or to the governor.

Among those who have received the Sagamore award are President George H. W. Bush, astronaut Gus Grissom, comedian David Letterman and musician Willie Nelson.

Holcomb has awarded approximately 25 Sagamore honors since taking office in 2017.

December 19, 2023

COMMUNITY

Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com

7

Council OKs management plan Compiled by Amy Adams • amy@youarecurrent.com The Westfield City Council met Dec. 11 and voted to take over management of certain city-owned properties in downtown Westfield; passed the 2024 fee schedule ordinance; and discussed and voted on other business.

What happened? The council voted unanimously to approve a resolution to dissolve an agreement made in 2010 with the Downtown Westfield Neighborhood Association.

It approved a resolution by a vote of 4-3, with council members Scott Frei, Jake Gilbert and Cindy Spoljaric voting no, to amend a commercial lease agreement with the currently named Downtown Westfield Association.

What it means? The Downtown Westfield Association agreed to the dissolution of the 2010 agreement. Two of the properties involved no longer exist. The new agreement allows the Downtown Westfield Association to manage properties until the new administration can arrange to take over the management of those properties. Mayor-elect Scott Willis said a person will be in place in January to manage the properties.

What happened? The council voted unanimously to approve the 2024 fee schedule ordinance as it was originally presented to the council Nov. 27.

What it means? The ordinance sets fees for community development and public works, as well as for the police, fire and parks departments.

What happened? District 5 Councilmember/President Mike Johns commended the council for their efforts over the past two years and listed out some of the actions they have undertaken, saying, “I think we are going to leave the city in better shape than we found it.”

What’s next? The final city council meeting of 2023, and the final meeting for the current council, will be held Dec. 27 at Town Hall at 130 Penn St.

School expansion moves forward

By Amy Adams amy@youarecurrent.com The Westfield Washington School Board met Dec. 12 and held a second public hearing for Destination EDUCATION Westfield, the WWS plan for expansion, and voted unanimously to move forward with six building projects over the next five years.

It also appproved eight classrooms in the new YMCA building and heard public comment about the library policy under consideration.

Brian Tomamichel, WWS assistant superintendent for business and operations, presented a brief overview of Destination Westfield plans. Matt Shoemaker, Indianapolis director of Stifel Public Finance, spoke about the financial ramifications of the plans. He said that WWS is undertaking the campaign without a referendum because it doesn’t want to increase taxes for area homeowners.

WWS has gained more than 500 students

this year and more than 1,200 in the past three years. However, this will be the first building construction in the school district since the completion of Monon Trail Elementary School in 2009.

Four people spoke during the public hearing portion of the meeting, three in support of plans, including Mayor-elect Scott Willis and Westfield Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Steve Rupp.

“This is a momentous resolution,” Board President Bill Anderson said of the three Destination Westfield resolutions.

The board also voted unanimously to move forward with the building of eight WWS-owned and operated classrooms in the new YMCA building at 874 Virginia Rose Ave. A use agreement with the YMCA is still in the works and will be presented to the board for vote at a later time.

The board heard a short explanation and public comment on the state-mandated library policy that will be up for vote at the next school board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9, 2024, at 19500 Tomlinson Rd., Suite B.

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December 19, 2023

COMMUNITY

Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com

Junior girls basketball player makes scoring splash for HSE

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Hamilton Southeastern High School junior basketball player Maya Makalusky knew it would be an adjustment playing without her “Splash Sister.”

Her sister, Riley Makalusky, graduated from HSE last spring and is a freshman basketball player for Butler University.

Maya Makalusky, who has committed to play for Indiana University, needed to step up her scoring and is delivering. Prior to a Dec. 16 game at Fishers High School, the 6-foot-4 forward was averaging 28.2 points for the Royals (10-1). She averaged 15.4 points as a sophomore and 13.4 points as a freshman.

Makalusky is the only returning starter for the Royals, who finished 21-3 last season and lost to Fishers in the sectional final.

“It was definitely a big adjustment having all those girls leaving,” Makalusky said.

“Stepping up to a leadership role looks different in a lot of ways, not only scoring but being more vocal and stepping up in all these little aspects. It looks like we fill those gaps pretty well. We need to get bet-

MEET MAYA MAKALUSKY

Favorite athletes: Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink Favorite subject: Science Favorite TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy” ter and better.”

Makalusky said it helped to watch how her sister served as a leader.

“I saw how positive she was,” Makalusky said. “She made it fun and really connected with everyone. She helped direct everyone on the court.”

Makalusky said being vocal comes naturally.

“I think it comes with being social,” she said.

Hamilton Southeastern High School junior basketball player Maya Makalusky has committed to Indiana University. (Photo courtesy of Maya Makalusky)

Royals coach Brian Satterfield said Makalusky’s approach to improving her game was taken to another level.

“During the offseason, she was always in the gym trying to improve her game,” Satterfield said. “She has added

different dimensions to her game each year. Her freshman year she was basically a shooter. Sophomore year, she became better attacking off the dribble and adding a post-up game by the end of the year. This year, Maya has improved her first step to attack off the dribble, has added a pull-up jumper and sees the floor better to find her teammates.

“As a coach, it has been fun to watch her game grow and see how versatile she is as a player.”

Makalusky said if the team continues to work on defense and rebounding, it will all come together by sectional time.

“We have great screeners, we have passers and we have shooters,” she said.

“We have defenders and rebounders. We just have to see how we fit these pieces to eventually win sectionals, win state, all these great things we want to achieve.”

Makalusky is shooting 52 percent from the field and 38 percent from 3-point range.

“I’ve added more mid-range shots to my game,” she said. “Overall, I’m going to the gym and getting shots up to stay consistent. It’s just making sure when you get to the game, it’s muscle memory at that point.”

December 19, 2023

COMMUNITY

Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com

WHS defensive lineman honored

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Westfield High School defensive lineman William Goodvine III got a much welcome surprise.

DEVELOPMENT The 6-foot-2, 255-pound Goodvine was named the Mr. Indiana Football position winner for defensive line.

“I didn’t expect it, so it was a blessing,” Goodvine said.

Goodvine, who has committed to Miami (Ohio) University, had 51 tackles, including six tackles for a loss and two sacks for the Shamrocks (10-2), who lost to Crown Point in double overtime in a Class 6A semistate.

“I think he’s improved the most as a pass rusher,” Westfield coach Jake Gilbert said.

“He has really good hands. He’s always been a great run defender. He maintains good leverage and doesn’t get driven out of his gap.”

Gilbert told Goodvine before the season that he could possibly win the award if he had a strong season.

Goodvine, an edge rusher, said individually he believed his junior year was better.

N E W Y E A R , N E W H OM E

Westfield High School defensive lineman William Goodvine III with his mother Adrienne Moore. (Photo of Marci Yochum Photography)

“But we went a lot farther in the playoffs,” he said. “I enjoyed this year a lot more. It was definitely the most fun year I had because of the young guys and culture on the team.”

For his career, the two-year starter and three-time letter winner racked up 137 tackles, including 12 for loss, 3.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.

“I improved on my run blocking, working my hands more and using my feet more,” Goodvine said. “I feel like my pass rush got better.”

Goodvine said he plans to add weight and is focused on gaining strength and speed.

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December 19, 2023

COMMUNITY

Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com

Art teacher’s dreams grow

By Amy Adams amy@youarecurrent.com Stacy Miceli always wanted to be an art teacher. She earned her art degree from Franklin College, but she chose ARTS what she thought would be a more practical path and taught high school and middle school English. After 16 years, she decided to take her love for art in a different direction and started Broads & Brushes Paint Parties.

“I am teaching art. It just looks different,” Miceli said. “I tell people I teach fun art, not fine art.”

Miceli supplies all the paint and materials that guests need to make and take home their own paintings.

“I bring everything, and they leave with a painting,” she said. “There’s no experience necessary. When people leave and they are happy and smiling, that just makes me feel so good, and that’s why I do it.”

The next Broads & Brushes Paint Party will be at Spencer Farm Winery at 7015 E. 161st St. in Noblesville from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 20. Guests can choose to paint a sled or a canvas. For more, visit the lookbook online at broadbrush.art and click on the link to Facebook for registration.

MAKE MORE From left, Vanessa and Debra Benbam display their paintings. (Photo courtesy of Stacy Miceli)

Good Luck 20 SEPTEMBER

The Wandering Peacock at 227 Jersey St. offers personalized pottery classes for wheel throwing, as well as handbuilding. To schedule a time for an individual or group session, go to thewanderingpeacock.com.

Livelovepaint Studio has canvas paint kits for children and adults as well as edible cookie painting kits. For more, go to livelovepaintstudio.com.

The Gnome Gal has kits with all you need to create stuffed holiday gnomes.

For more, visit @thegnomegal on Facebook and message with questions.

December 19, 2023

COVER STORY

Current in Westfield

11

HE’S MAKING A LIST currentinwestfield.com

A Q&A with ‘Santa Claus’

By Amy Adams amy@youarecurrent.com

HAVE YOU EVER ACTUALLY GIVEN SOMEONE COAL IN THEIR STOCKING? “I’d rather not disclose that. Hopefully, if they ever got coal, they became a nice person.”

Santa is busy this time of year. Current in Westfield caught up with him at the Barker Cabin to learn more about what it means to wear that famous red suit. It must also be noted that to maintain anonymity, Santa Claus goes by the name Terry Carrithers.

WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE FOR PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? “I like helping people — I really do.”

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS GIFT WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD?

ON THE COVER: Santa Claus, sometimes secretly known as

“I grew up in Los Angeles. My dad worked for North American Rockwell building engines for the Saturn V rockets.

One year, my family wasn’t doing particularly well. My dad bought some used bikes, and he completely redid them and repainted them. And the bicycle he gave me that year was the best gift I ever got.”

SANTA THROUGH THE YEARS

Terry Carrithers, dropped by Barker Cabin Dec. 9 to have his picture taken with kids of all ages. (Photo by Amy Adams)

WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED TO BE SANTA CLAUSE? “I served in the Air Force for 20 years. I wasn’t a pilot. I worked in communications and security. I worked on a mobile radar site in Germany from 1976 to 1978. Then I worked at the Autodin Switching Center in England where we controlled one-third of the U.S. military and NATO communications in Europe from 1982 to 1985. I also installed the first computer system inside Cheyenne Mountain* in Colorado in 1989. But more than all of that, to be Santa you have to have a love of kids and families.”

DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME YOU SAW A CHILD’S EYES LIGHT UP WHEN SEEING YOU IN YOUR RED SUIT? “Nearly 25 years ago, I traveled hours away to visit my best friend’s 6-year-old daughter. It took her another six years to figure out who I was. That little girl is now 32 and is about to enter the Air Force Officer’s Training School.”

WHERE DID YOU MEET MRS. CLAUS? “After retiring from the Air Force, I worked in IT for the Indianapolis schools. There, I met Becky Allen at Francis W. Parker School 56. She was a school library assistant. She’s from Westfield, graduated from Westfield High School in 1969. After a year, I proposed to her in the principal’s office.

We have lived in Westfield for nearly 20 years. Between us, we have a son and two daughters — and (my wife’s graduating class from WHS) has adopted me as one of their own.”

WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS? “We go to our daughter’s house on Christmas Eve. All the grandkids and great grandkids will be there this year. My wife loves to create massive stockings. They’re so big they’re in bags, but she calls them stockings. And a lot of it is stuff the kids can use throughout the year.

Watching them open those stockings is my favorite part of Christmas.”

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT BEING SANTA? “The kids. It’s no question. The look on their faces. The

Santa talks with Melanie Williams of Westfield about what’s on her Christmas wish list. (Photos by Amy Adams)

questions they ask. I love it when people bring their babies.

I love holding the babies.”

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU AREN’T DOING THE JOB OF SANTA? As far as hobbies go, I like to tinker with my 3D printer and CNC machine. I’m working on a sign right now that’s kind of a surprise. I guess you could say I have an in-home workshop.”

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN A CHILD CRIES OR SEEMS SCARED OF YOU? “I try to calm them down. If the mom insists, I will hold a screaming child, but I dislike stressing them out. I try to think of the child more than the parent. A lot of times I’ll invite one of the parents to come sit on a bench next to me and hold the child.”

WHAT DO YOU SAY WHEN A CHILD ASKS YOU IF YOU ARE REAL? “I usually ask a question in return: ‘Do you think I’m real?’

Once, I had a boy ask me why my beard was so short? I told him, ‘The closer it gets to Christmas, the longer it gets.’”

SPEAKING OF BEARDS, HOW DO YOU CARE FOR YOURS? “I wash it. I use a special beard shampoo that makes it nice and soft and fluffy, and I comb it out every day, and that’s about it.”

• 1823 — “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” known today as “The Night Before Christmas,” by Clement Clarke Moore, was published in the “Sentinel” in Troy, New York.

• 1863 — American cartoonist and caricaturist Thomas Nast immortalized a modern Santa Claus in “Harper’s Weekly.”

• 1902 — Beloved author of “The Wizard of Oz,” Frank L. Baum published “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus.”

• 1924 — Although his appearances in department stores go back even earlier, Santa Claus brought a grand finale to the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

• 1931 — While other advertisements date back to 1915, the first and perhaps most well-known ad campaign featuring Santa was drawn by artist Haddon Sundblom for Coca-Cola.

• 1932 — A “Silly Symphonies” short brought the debut of Santa as an animated character in “Santa’s Workshop” produced by none other than Walt Disney.

• 1934 — Ferdinand Munier holds the place as the first actor to appear as Santa Claus in a full-length feature film, the Laurel and Hardy classic “Babes in Toyland.”

• 1964 — “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” created

by Rankin/Bass, was the first of what would become annual Christmas specials in which Santa shows up, voiced by Stan Francis.

*Cheyenne Mountain is home to North American Aerospace Defence Command, which began tracking Santa’s flight in 1955. NORAD still tracks Santa’s Christmas Eve journey, and kids and their parents can follow along at NoradSanta.org.

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December 19, 2023

VIEWS

Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com

What’s in a name?

Commentary by Terry Anker Naming a child carries significant importance in most cultures. There are strict rules about how the labels ESSAY are affixed and passed from one generation to the next. In some places, a person’s name includes information about parentage, point of origin and even expected profession. In the most proscriptive of these systems, parents have little choice and are greatly restrained in their creativity. For others, unique and uncommon nomenclature is valued and expected. Where one system would name a son after the father with a middle name being the surname of the mother, other communities would insist that a name be of no relationship to the progenitors in how it is spelled, relational or otherwise. Some assume the designation of a famed athlete, actor or politician. Others hope to be entirely distinctive.

Still, even with an abundance of thought and intention, the name game is fraught with incumbent risk. In naming their child after their grandfather, now deceased,

how could the parents have known in 1950 that James Bond would haunt the kid for the rest of his life? Now, there must be countless Karens populating our fair planet who do not live lives consistent with the current pop-culture definition. And there are likely a few Adolfs, Stewies, Madonnas and Rihannas who bear little resemblance, or interest, in their more famed counterparts.

No doubt, they have spent a good deal of their lives helping folks to understand the difference.

So, how do we separate the Karens from the Karens? Do we pay as much attention as we should to the person and maybe just a little less to the label? The all-powerful Oz of AI tells us that she “is a middle-class white woman who is perceived as entitled or demanding.” But what of the “middle-class white woman” who is not?

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

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December 19, 2023

VIEWS

Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com

Age-old holiday laments Commentary by Danielle Wilson Friends, nothing says, “You’re old!” like a colonoscopy and a shingles vaccine. Happy holidays to me!

I haven’t actually had either HUMOR yet, but at my recent wellness check, my PCP said it was time. Apparently, the Cologuard “defecate-in-a-box” test isn’t a great baseline measure and, per Dr. Millennial, “You really don’t want to get shingles.”

Geez, why not throw in a complimentary AARP membership and make this a package deal? ‘Tis the season, after all.

But wait, there’s more! How about a new pair of cheaters? That’s right, at my optometrist exam last week, I also learned that the reason I can’t read at night is because I can’t, in reality, see. My eyes have mutinied in the past 12 months and now require a 2.25+. Cheers, granny!

And the gifts just keep on coming. I’ve developed tennis elbow in my left arm, even though I’m right-handed and I don’t play tennis (or pickleball, because it’s stupid).

Rolling out of bed each morning is potentially a torn hammy in the making. And if I sit too long with my legs folded under me,

“I’ve developed tennis elbow in my left arm, even though I’m right-handed and I don’t play tennis (or pickleball, because it’s stupid).”

– DANIELLE WILSON I can’t get up gracefully, quietly or sometimes, independently. Bah! Humbug!

Look, it’s one thing to feel the annoying aches and pains of aging. I can live with those. Everyone deals with creaky knees and sore backs and, yes, if we’re all honest, occasional incontinence while laughing, sneezing and jogging. But it’s quite another to have a relative stranger, albeit a licensed physician, essentially assert, “The end is near.”

So, what will I be contemplating as 2023 rolls into 2024? My mortality, it seems. Happy holidays to me, indeed. Peace out.

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

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LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC ELECTRIC VEHICLE FAST CHARGE (EVFC) RATE DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around December 28, 2023, Duke Energy Indiana, in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10, will submit a request to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (Commission) to update its Electric Vehicle Fast Charge (EVFC) tariff, Rider 28, under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. The tariff revision will be an update to the EVFC rate based on the revised statewide average, as of November 2023, for EVFC charging offered by individual fast charge stations in Indiana that charge a consumption-based fee, are greater than 50KW in charging capacity and are available 24 hours a day. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or Randall C. Helmen with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers: Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission - PNC Center 101 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 Telephone: 317-232-2703 Duke Energy Indiana, LLC

Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor - PNC Center 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204 Telephone: 317-232-2494 By: Stan Pinegar, President

Open through December 24 – last week to visit!

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Special hours: Open Dec. 19-21, 4-9 p.m.; open Dec. 22-23, 12-9 p.m.; open Dec. 24, 12-4 p.m.; closed for the season starting Dec. 25 A Gathering of Faiths: Dec. 22, 5-6 p.m.

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Activities (during normal Market hours) Werkstatt: Woodworker Joachim Seitfudem, Dec. 20 & 22-24 Kinderecke: Last-minute presents (cards, ornaments, etc.), Dec. 21-24; centerpieces with clay, Dec. 22, 12-3 p.m.; string art (ages 5+), Dec. 23, 12-3 p.m.

Spielhaus: Christkind visits, Stevens Puppets, Roz Puppets, princess visits, and more Entertainment

Duke Tumatoe & The Power Trio: Dec. 22, 7 p.m.

Jay Fox & The Jammin’ Germans: Dec. 23, 7 p.m.

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December 19, 2023

Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com

currentnightandday.com

Commanday embraces new role as CSO music director

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com David Commanday got a good idea of what it would be like to work with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra MUSIC during three stints as a guest conductor this fall.

“From the first moments of working with the Carmel Symphony, it felt right and natural,” Commanday said. “I found the musicians to be very capable and very responsive musically and technically. It was a great pleasure to be working with them.”

The Carmel Symphony Orchestra named Commanday Dec. 12 as its music director.

Commanday, 69, had served as guest conductor after Janna Hymes resigned her position after six years in October to concentrate on her new role with the Sedona (Ariz.) Symphony.

“The musicians of the CSO fell in love with Maestro Commanday at their first rehearsal, and the results of this positive engagement have resonated at our Palladium performances,” CSO Executive Director Anne Marie Chastain stated. “Audiences are responding, and we can’t wait to see how the Carmel Symphony Orchestra evolves under Maestro Commanday’s leadership.”

Commanday’s term begins immediately, and the initial appointment will continue through the 2024-25 season.

“This will give us enough lead time to plan an entire season,” Commanday said.

“There are going to be a few changes in the schedule repertoire for this season.

We’ll start diving into planning for next season.”

Commanday serves as artistic director/ conductor of the Peoria-based Heartland Festival Orchestra, an innovative ensemble celebrating its 15th season, as well as director of orchestral activities and Instructor of cello at Eastern Illinois University.

Commanday came to Peoria in 1999 to lead the Peoria Symphony Orchestra.

“I led that for 10 years and then we

‘WHITE CHRISTMAS” Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents “White Christmas” through Dec. 31 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘ELF THE MUSICAL’ Civic Theatre presents “Elf The Musical” through Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

“HANDEL’S MESSIAH” Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presents “Handel’s Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S Feinstein’s will feature Jenn Maurer at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Eleanor Wilson & Friends at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and Dan Farrell’s “A Sinatra Christmas at 2 p.m. Dec. 23 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

DISPATCHES

David Commanday conducts with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. (Photo courtesy of CSO)

founded the other orchestra,” he said.

Commanday said he has an amazing partner and visionary in Chastain.

“I think she has a marvelous concept of the Carmel Symphony, which is based on musical experience and musical excellence,” Commanday said. “That resonates with my every instinct of what an orchestra needs to do and be. We are there to bring the music alive in every possible sense of the word for the audience as it happens.”

Commanday is also a fan of the Palladium.

“It’s a marvelous space,” he said. “Everyone should know how expertly it was designed from an acoustical standpoint for symphonic performance. I found that to be true and I found the staff of the Palladium to be responsive as well.”

Commanday said the acoustic ceiling clouds have different settings.

“One setting is fully amplified performance,” Commanday said. “But for an acoustic performance like the orchestra, there is an orchesteral setting. The purpose of the clouds is to move the sound around the concert stage.”

The staff adjusted the clouds for the Masterworks concert in November.

Commanday said he has also enjoyed meeting the board members.

Commanday said Carmel is a charming city.

“There are all kinds of attractions, musically, interpersonal and the culture of the city,” he said. “I think there is great potential there. I’m planning to spend as much time in Carmel as I can.”

For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

Grammy winner Jones to appear at Palladium — Rickie Lee Jones will perform at 8 p.m. March 8, at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Jones is a singer/songwriter, storyteller and two-time Grammy winner. Jones released her Grammy-nominated album “Pieces of Treasure” in 2023, reuniting with Russ Titelman, who produced her first two records. Tickets are now on sale at thecenterpresents.org.

The Cat’s stage named for actor/supporter — At the Dec. 18 performance of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” The Cat and Carmel Apprentice Theatre renamed its stage The Duane Leatherman Stage at The Cat. “Duane is a living legend in theater arts in Indiana,” CAT founding artistic director Will Wood said. “That he continues to support the Carmel Apprentice Theatre is very special to our little theatre.” Leatherman has participated in Carmel Apprentice Theatre’s productions in “Annie” (FDR), “Annie Warbucks” (FDR), “Disney’s Descendants” (Maurice), and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (Grandpa Potts).

December 19, 2023

NIGHT & DAY

Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com

Elton John tribute artist returns

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

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OLD MAJOR’s

LEARN TO MAKE SAUSAGE

Craig A. Meyer is returning to Feinstein’s in his hometown of Carmel for New Year’s Eve. But this time, PERFORMANCES Meyer will perform his “Remember When Rock Was Young … The Elton John Experience.” On Dec. 31, 2022, Meyer performed two solo shows recounting his journey to become a top Elton John tribute artist.

“It’s sparkles, sequins, feathers, glasses and (everything) that comes with the fun Elton John,” the 1981 Carmel High School graduate said.

Meyer will perform 75-minute shows at 7:30 and 10:45 p.m. Dec. 31 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael.

“The 75-minute show that we usually do for casinos is just basically hit after hit after hit,” he said. “Within the first four notes, everyone knows the song we are doing, which is great. The familiarity brings up the nostalgia and the feelings when you first heard those songs, remembering where you were and what was going on in your life.”

Joining pianist Meyer will be performers

HANDS ON SAUSAGE MAKING INSTRUCTION

Craig A. Meyer is set to perform his Elton John tribute show at Feinstein’s. (Photo courtesy of Craig A. Meyer)

on bass, guitar and drums. There will be some support from tracks because of the smaller stage at Feinstein’s.

“It’s still my band. They just won’t be there in person,” Meyer said.

Meyer said he was asked if he could return this year. “(Feinstein’s officials) said, ‘We’d love to have you back but we want the big show this time,’” said Meyer, who performed his full Elton John show in March 2022 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

For more, visit feinsteinshc.com and almosteltonjohn.com.

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December 19, 2023

LIFESTYLE

Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com

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Call me to see what your home Rotunda of the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. (Photos by Don Knebel) is worth! www.KeithsHomes.com

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Visiting the Indiana Statehouse Commentary by Don Knebel As we continue our visits to sites in and around Indianapolis, we come to the Indiana Statehouse, along WashTRAVEL ington Street in downtown Indianapolis.

After the capital of Indiana moved from Corydon to Indianapolis in 1824, the legislature authorized a building to house the governor, the Supreme Court and the legislature near the present Statehouse.

That building, based on the design of the Parthenon in Athens, was completed in 1835 but soon began to crumble and was condemned in 1877.

In 1878, the legislature authorized construction of a new capitol facing the National Road, designed to endure but costing no more than $2 million (about $61.5 million today). Indianapolis architect Edwin May designed the building, loosely inspired by PUBLIC NOTICE. The City of Westfield, Indiana is requesting Statements of Proposals/Qualifications from interested parties for the purchase and development of a parcel of real property owned by the City and located at 201 Mill Street, Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana (“Real Estate”). In accordance with IC 36-1-11-4.2, the City invites any and all qualified parties to submit Statements of Proposals/Qualifications to purchase the Real Estate at the minimum bid of $460,500.00. An electronic PDF of the Statement of Proposal/ Qualifications should be emailed to Jeremy Lollar (jlollar@westfield.in.gov), by 11:59 p.m. on January 8, 2024 in order to be considered. The public offering and a document outlining submittal requirements will be posted online on the City’s website.

the U.S. Capitol, in the shape of a cross, with a center dome rising 235 feet above the ground supported on eight marble columns. The 10-ton Indiana limestone cornerstone was laid Sept. 28, 1880, and the building was completed in 1888, at a cost of $1,980,969.

The exterior of the four-story building is fashioned from Indiana limestone. Stone carvings about the south portico show Native Americans being forced west and European settlers entering from the east.

The interior features marble colonnaded corridors and Indiana oak, maple and walnut woodwork. A stained-glass ceiling 90 feet from the floor covers the large rotunda.

Eight marble statues carved by Alexander Doyle encircle the rotunda at the third-floor level, representing law, oratory, agriculture, commerce, justice, liberty, history and art.

Located throughout the building are statues of important Hoosiers and other Americans, including Abraham Lincoln, whose body lay in state in the rotunda on April 30, 1865.

The Indiana Statehouse still includes the offices of the Indiana governor and chambers for the Indiana legislature and Supreme Court, one of the few state capitols still housing all three branches of government.

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

You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

December 19, 2023

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4. Disfigure 5. French wine region 6. “Maybe later” 7. Asthma sufferers’ needs 8. Preceder of beauty?

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39. City Barbeque order 42. Fireplace debris 43. On time 44. It may get smashed at a party 46. Frightened 47. Fine wool 50. Pick up the tab 51. Colts passing stat 53. “Darn it!”

55. Org. 57. Ernst & Young tax pro, initially 58. Angry 59. Sun King Brewery beverage 60. ___ Jones Expressway

Answers on Page 19

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NOW HIRING

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NOW HIRING

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STAFF CONSULTANT-CIVIL ENGINEER-LAND DEVELOPMENT CEC (Indianapolis, IN) to be rspnsbl for creating cmmrcl, institutional, & resdntl land dvlpmnt plns; dsgnng site layouts, gradng plns, strm wtr mngmnt facilities, wtr qlty mngmnt prctcs & utilities; intrctng w/ clnts, cntrctrs, local gov’t offcls; impctng whole prjct, from conceptual/ design phses to opening. Must have BSc in civil eng or rel field. Must hold EIT or FE cert. Must know (thru acad training or wrk exp) AutoCAD/Civil 3D. Send resumes to sheirendt@cecinc.com

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