I’m taking this opportunity to share some of the things you may not know about the Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC). Did you know that HSHC fully funds and facilitates nationally recognized programs like the Survivor Program and Pets Healing Vets ? From pairing Hoosier veterans with emotional support pets, to our Youth Education and Scout Programs, HSHC’s impact and mission goes far beyond pet adoption.
Even though HSHC has served as both the Humane Society and Animal Control Facility for more than 20 years, I often meet Hamilton County residents who have no idea that:
• HSHC is one of the only open-admission, municipal shelters in the nation that embraces a no-kill philosophy of giving every animal a chance regardless of age, breed, disability, special medical needs, time or space.
• As such, we receive the hardest-to-save-and-place animals imaginable from Hamilton County residents and our law enforcement agencies.
• HSHC saves the lives of nearly 4,000 animals each year, including hundreds of Marion County animals found at risk of starvation, hypothermia, or unthinkable abuse.
• It’s important to understand that “no-kill” is not literal. There are animals who succumb to lifethreatening injuries and illnesses, as well as dogs who are deemed unsafe for adoption.
• Still, approximately 98% of the animals who arrive each year have been adopted or rescued since 2014.
Whatever it takes.
Animals arrive 24-7 from our local law enforcement agencies, and both strays and owned pets are surrendered by their families 365 days a year. It takes 81 full-time employees and nearly 1,000 volunteers to provide general care, enrichment, and life-saving medical care to between 450 to 650 animals on a daily basis.
The people who work here are cut from a resilient and compassionate cloth. The emotional toll it takes on our team to see the growing number of surrendered, abandoned, and neglected animals arriving faster than we can find open cages, kennels, or offices is crushing. Our marketing and fundraising efforts literally never stop to ensure our $5.6 million annual operating budget is met. Taxpayer dollars fund 21% of that budget through our contract to also serve as the animal control facility for the county and each of its municipalities. The remaining 79% is funded by individual donations, special events, corporate support and grants in that order.
The rest is up to you.
While our team certainly does whatever it takes every day, and we believe this is one of the best shelters on the planet, it’s not a home. Dog adoptions began to decline in 2022, reaching all-time lows since then. The length of stay for dogs has increased to an average of 96 days, with some waiting well more than one year for a family to love.
While many cite COVID as the culprit, the truth is that the business of breeding and pet store puppies is booming. U.S. consumers are adding pets to their families at a rate that would empty out most shelters if only a small percentage were adopted instead.
COMMUNITY
Fishers council reviews rezone for new memory care home
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Story Cottage, a planned group home on Brooks School Road for people who need memory care services, is moving forward after the Fishers City Council approved a first reading Nov 17 of a rezone for the property.
The proposed rezone for 1.3 acres at 10982 Brooks School Rd. from R2 Residential to C-Low Commercial, Low Impact would allow the 7,500-squarefoot facility to operate as planned. The project still needs to be reviewed by the Fishers Plan Commission, with a public hearing set for Dec. 3, before the matter returns to the council Dec. 15 for a vote.
Fredric Lawrence of Nelson & Frankenberger, representing Story Custom Development LLC, told the council that the facility would accommodate a maximum of 12 residents.
“Story Cottage offers a boutique memory care concept to senior residents where compassion meets luxury,” he said. “Story Cottage is dedicated to providing a unique and personalized approach in a safe home-like environment, including individual bedrooms (and) tailored activities to assist its residents in feeling purposeful engagement.”
The developers have a similar facility in Carmel and other group homes in the Greater Indianapolis area. Site plans include a small parking lot for staff and visitors, and an enclosed outdoor space for residents, along with community spaces and a kitchen.
“Story Cottage will be … a custom designed home that will accommodate the needs of residents by providing thoughtful support in smaller, more comfortable and predictable settings that will blend well into the surround-
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
ing residential area,” Lawrence said, adding that developers have reached out to neighbors who so far have supported the proposal.
Mayor Scott Fadness said the proposed group home is a good use of “orphan” properties that are not suitable for other kinds of developments.
“This is a low-impact development that fits right into the landscape,” he said. “We look forward to working with these guys through the process, and hopefully not just this product, but additional ones as needs arise.”
12.02.25
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Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XV, No. 46
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Fishers Rotary annual gala — The Rotary Club of Fishers will host its 15th annual Water Is Life Charity Ball holiday gala Dec. 5 in a new venue — a decorated, heated, clear-span tent outside the Fishers Municipal Center, 1 Municipal Dr. Since 2008, WaterIsLife has funded more than 200 wells in the West African country of Sierra Leone, helping more than 500,000 people gain access to water. The Rotary Club of Fishers hopes to raise more than $200,000 to build 25 to 30 new wells. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit fisherswaterislife. com/charity-ball.
Night Lights kicks off Jingle Bell Junction — The City of Fishers annual holiday festival kicks off at 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater with holiday light displays, live reindeer, candy cane miniature golf, fire pits, ice
carving, live music and more. The official tree lighting ceremony with Santa and Mayor Scott Fadness is set for 6:30 p.m. The City of Fishers Parks Department has scheduled a series of holiday events for all ages during December, including a DIY wrapping paper class Dec. 9, a holiday workshop to create handmade items Dec. 10, “Reindeer Games” Dec. 11 with bingo and karaoke, a jazz workshop Dec. 12, and Cookies with Characters Dec. 13 and 14 (registration required). For more, visit fishersparks.com/winter-activities-events/ jingle-bell-junction.
St. Nick’s Lodge — Harry & Izzy’s Northside, 4050 E. 82nd St., has opened St. Nick’s Lodge, an adults-only holiday experience offering cocktails and nostalgic cheer. Every Thursday-Sunday through Dec. 21, the experience will be
open in the restaurant’s enclosed, heated terrace.
Hot chocolate with Santa — Kilwins Fishers will host “Hot Chocolate with Santa” this month. Families can stop in for a free visit and photo with Santa and enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate. The events are from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11; 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 14; and 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 18.
Letters to Santa — Fishers residents can drop off letters to Santa through Dec. 15 in special mailboxes at Fishers City Hall, 1 Municipal Dr., or the Fishers Parks headquarters, 8100 E. 106th St. Letter writers will receive a letter in return from Santa, as long as a return address is included. Letters also can be sent via email through Dec. 12 at santa@ fishersin.gov.
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A new group home for people who need memory care is planned on Brooks School Road in Fishers. (Image courtesy of the City of Fishers)
One brick at a time
HSE, LEGO partner for new elective
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A new elective for Hamilton Southeastern Schools’ seventh- and eighth-graders blends new-age robotics technology with old-school building blocks — LEGOs, to be specific.
A new partnership between the district and LEGO Education was presented to the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees during its Nov. 12 meeting. Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools Jason Urban told the board that the elective is now offered at all the district’s junior high schools.
“This hands-on course allows students to dive deeply into engineering, coding, design thinking — using LEGO Spike Prime kits, which are so much fun and cool,” he said. “This would not be possible without some impressive professional collaboration and creativity from our teachers. They attended
a summer institute together and have completed specialized training through LEGO Education to really ensure that we have high quality instruction aligned to academic standards.”
The teachers are Theodore Villanyi, Fishers Junior High; Seth Zook, Fall Creek Junior High; Christopher Hamon, Riverside Junior High; and Eric Brown, HSE Intermediate and Junior High.
Urban said that through the elective, students collaborate, build and program robot models that perform real-world tasks.
“They develop technical skills, and these skills connect directly with future careers — careers in advanced manufacturing, engineering and computer science,” he said.
According to a statement from the district, the program also supports HSE’s Journey of a Student vision by “providing engaging, relevant learning experiences that prepare students to think critically, create confidently and shape the future.”
DISPATCHES
Applications open for Hamilton County scholarships — The Hamilton County Community Foundation is accepting scholarship applications for the 2025-26 academic year for local students who want to pursue education beyond high school, whether at a four-year university, a two-year program or through technical and career training. Awards range from $1,000 to full tuition and are open to high school seniors, current college students and adults returning to school. Students can apply for multiple scholarships through a single application at hamiltoncountycf.org/scholarships. The application deadline is Feb 1, 2026, with select scholarships having different timelines.
Hamilton Southeastern Schools is offering a LEGO robotics class for seventh- and eighth-graders. (Photo courtesy of HSE Schools)
Lawrence announces new Fort Ben development
news@currentinfishers.com
A new $25 million mixed-use development is planned in Lawrence’s Fort Ben area following the Fort Ben Reuse Authority’s Nov. 17 approval of an agreement with development partners Rebar Construction of Fishers and TRG Development of Muncie.
According to an announcement from the City of Lawrence, plans for the four-story Overlook at Fort Ben at 5649 Lee Rd. call for 102 luxury apartment homes and 2,400 square feet of retail space on the ground floor.
“This development aims to continue the City of Lawrence’s vision for smart, sustainable growth by attracting residents seeking high-end living within a connected, walkable neighborhood,” Mayor Deb Whitfield stated. “The project combines contemporary architecture with thoughtful urban design to complement Fort Harrison’s unique historic character while supporting continued economic development of the area.”
Draft plans for The Overlook include a pool, pickleball courts, outdoor green spaces, a club room, a fitness center and a rooftop lounge. Construction on the first phase is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2026, with completion anticipated by late 2027.
“We are excited to partner with the City of Lawrence, the FHRA and the Ridge Group to bring an impactful community to the Fort,” Rebar Companies CEO Tom Dickey stated. “This development continues the FHRA’s and the city’s vision for smart, sustainable growth by attracting residents seeking convenient, luxurious living.”
For more about Rebar, visit rebardev.com. For more about TRG, visit ridgecorporation.com.
JINGLE BELL JUNCTION
The Overlook at Fort Ben will be built at 5649 Lee Rd. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES
FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES
FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES
Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch
FAMILY DENTISTRY
Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch
Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch
Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive Fishers, Indiana 46038 317.577.1911 | Fax 317.576.8070
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. Molly E. Dwenger, D.D.S. info@fishersdentalcare.com
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. Molly E. Dwenger, D.D.S. info@fishersdentalcare.com
Email: kwarddds@fishersdentalcare.com
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038
Back Nine to offer indoor golf in Fishers
A new indoor golf facility in Fishers will offer a place for golf enthusiasts to get out of the weather and still practice their swings with simulator technology.
The Back Nine Golf Fishers, 11680 Commercial Dr., will celebrate the grand opening of its new Fishers location with an open house, set for 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 13. The event will include free practice games, giveaways and an opportunity to meet PGA Professional Mike Zedrick III, who is the facility’s PGA-certified teaching pro.
According to a news release, Zedrick has 25 years of coaching experience and has been recognized by Golf Digest as
Sharon Kay Boyd, 70, of Noblesville, Indiana, passed away on November 20, 2025. She was born on July 31, 1955, in Logansport, Indiana, to parents, Charles Evan McQuinn and Joy Ann (Mitchell) McQuinn.
A memorial service for Sharon will be at 10am on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Flanner Buchanan –Hamilton Memorial Park (Prairie Waters) – 4180 Westfield Rd., Westfield,
one of the top instructors in Indiana. He will offer private lessons, swing evaluations, player development programs and advanced coaching at The Back Nine Golf Fishers throughout the winter season.
“Mike’s track record as a teacher and his longstanding reputation in Indiana golf make him an incredible addition for players who are truly committed to leveling up,” owner Coleman Gerstner stated. “Our goal is simple: help golfers get better with data-driven feedback, year-round reps and top-tier instruction. We’ve got the data and the practice covered — Mike brings the expert coaching that ties it all together.”
The Back Nine Golf also operates an indoor golf facility in Carmel.
IN 46062, with a memorial gathering immediately following until 12:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to be made in her name to Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation at 13485 Cumberland Road, Fishers, IN 46038.
For the full obituary and online guestbook, visit www.flannerbuchanan.com OBITUARY
The Back Nine Golf in Fishers opens Dec. 13 with an open house, featuring teaching pro Mike Zendrick III. (Photo courtesy of Coleman Gerstner)
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Glimmer Lights at Piney Acres — Piney Acres Farm’s Glimmer Lights is open Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 21 at the Fortville Christmas tree farm. Guests can view the expanded light display via the Piney Acres Express trackless train or the Holly Jolly Tractor and visit with Santa. For more, visit pineyacresfarm.com/events. The farm has added a synthetic ice rink this year — The Pond at Piney Acres Farm — with twinkle lights and igloos surrounding it. For more about the ice rink, visit thepondskating. com.
Christmas lights at the fairgrounds
— The Indianapolis State Fairgrounds present the Christmas Nights of Lights through Dec. 31, a drive-thru holiday light show with a synchronized music radio broadcast. For more, visit christmasnightsoflights.com.
Winter Art Markets — The Fishers Arts Council is bringing back its Winter Art Markets at a new location, Peace Water Winery, 11547 Yard St., Suite 830. The markets are set for 6 to 9 p.m. Dec.
4, 11 and 18, coinciding with the Fishers District Holiday Open Houses with Santa.
Holiday drive for Riley Cheer Guild — Worthington Design & Remodeling is collecting new, unwrapped donations for the Riley Cheer Guild at Riley Children’s Hospital. Donations of small toys, art supplies and games for all ages are accepted through Dec. 12 at the Worthington showroom, 99 E. Carmel Dr., Suite 100, Carmel, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Full guidelines are at RileyCheerGuild.org.
YMCA toy drive — In the last 24 years, more than 63,000 children throughout the greater Indianapolis area have received gifts from the Holiday Toy Drive hosted by Avondale Meadows YMCA, part of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. Donations of new, unwrapped toys for children ages newborn to 15 can be dropped off at any Indianapolis-area YMCA, Tom Wood or First Merchants Bank through Dec. 18. For more, visit indymca.org/events/toydrive.
SFishers author publishes children’s book about cancer
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
After losing her mother to ovarian cancer in September 2023, Fishers resident Jessica Robinson was inspired to pen her first children’s book, “Mommy’s Important Messages.” The book is available as a storybook and coloring book. Both versions center on the experiences Robinson, 29, had as her mother, Cindy, went through treatment.
One of those experiences was when her mother lost her hair, and Robinson had to give her a haircut — something she had always wanted to do.
“I make sure (these experiences) are in the book, because for a kid, I think it turns something scary into something kind of lighthearted,” Robinson said. “A big thing is that (the book) has the symptoms of ovarian cancer in its journey, but for a little kid, there’s the underlying message of, ‘When your body is telling you something, listen to it.’”
There are no screening tests for ovarian cancer, and it is often diagnosed after patients report symptoms.
“A lot of people think that a pap smear shows if they have ovarian cancer, and that’s not true,” Robinson said. “Sometimes, it goes under the radar and it’s not caught in time, so I think it’s really important from that standpoint.”
Robinson wanted to spread awareness because of the cancer’s silent-killing nature. She also is a volunteer with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition in Fishers. Through her work with the organization, she has participated in health fairs and plans to attend as many as possible in 2026 and hand out copies of the coloring book version of “Mommy’s Important Messages.”
Robinson’s book is available on Amazon, with 50 percent of proceeds donated to ovarian cancer initiatives.
Robinson
Fox Hollow remains ID’d
news@youarecurrent.com
The Hamilton County Coroner announced Nov. 4 that human remains discovered 30 years ago at the Westfield home of suspected serial killer Herb Baumeister have been identified as those of Roger Goodlet.
Goodlet is believed to be one of Baumeister’s victims. Goodlet was reported missing from Indianapolis in 1994.
“Today’s confirmation provides an opportunity for continued closure to the family and loved ones of Roger Goodlet,” Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison. “While this case has affected our community for decades, advancements in forensic science has finally allowed us to restore names to the victims.”
initial identification made in 1996 via dental records.
More than 10,000 remains were discovered at Baumeister’s Fox Hollow estate on 156th Street in 1996, shortly after a criminal investigation was launched. Baumeister died by suicide in 1996 after an investigation by law enforcement and an excavation of the wooded area behind his Fox Hollow estate performed by the University of Indianapolis Anthropology and Archaeology Department revealed the remains on his property, ranging from long bones to fragments as small as fingernails.
After the discovery, eight victims were identified. All the original victims went missing after leaving gay bars in downtown Indianapolis.
According to the coroner’s office, the identification was confirmed through advanced forensic and DNA analysis conducted by the University of Texas Center for Human Identification. It is part of the ongoing review of evidence recovered from Fox Hollow Farm. The DNA confirmation supports an
After the excavation of remains at Fox Hollow, the case was shelved until Jellison reopened the investigation in 2022 at the request of one of the victim’s family members. Since 2022, six new victim profiles have been discovered. Two of those victims have been positively identified.
communities! Join us in Grantham to take your photo with Santa, and meet live reindeer in The Lakes at Grantham, all while enjoying sweet holiday treats and exploring our beautiful model homes.
Baumeister
Butler-bound guard wants to finish strong for Millers
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville High School senior guard Baron Walker wants to make sure he appreciates all the final memories of his high school basketball career.
“I’m just excited with it being my last high school season to take in all the memories and experiences with the teammates each and every game,” said Walker, who has signed to play for Butler University for the 2026-27 season.
“(I’m) not taking it for granted knowing how priceless it is to play the game of basketball for my city that I’ve been born and raised in. Hopefully, we can win as much as we can, be successful and show growth as a team.”
Walker said he wants to focus on leadership.
“Helping the guys and just setting the standard, not only just for this year, but for next season,” he said. “Everyone has the end goal of making it to the state championship, and that’s one of my goals.’
Millers coach Scott McClelland said Walker’s leadership is essential.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
BARON WALKER
Favorite athlete: LeBron James
Favorite TV show: “Starting 5”
Favorite movie: “Remember the Titans”
Favorite musician: Drake
Favorite subject: English
“He’s got to provide solid, sound leadership every day in practice and games,” McClelland said. “Then we are going to need him to play well and he’s going to play in multiple positions. He’s going to be called on to guard, if not the other team’s best players, one of their two best players.”
The 6-foot-3 Walker averaged 15.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per
Noblesville High School senior guard
Baron Walker has signed to play for Butler next season. (Photo courtesy of Millers Sports Media)
game last season. He shot 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from the 3-point line.
Walker moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore after a teammate was injured.
“While it was unfortunate how I got the starting spot, it did help my confidence and I was able to embrace a bigger role,” he said.
Walker said each year he’s worked on getting stronger and improving his speed.
“He had a really good junior year and really came into his own last spring and summer in AAU,” McClelland said.
“People have been keeping an eye on him through his junior high school season, and he got named (a) Junior AllStar. Then in the summer, he played on a really good team (Grand Park Premier) that played really well and he’s benefited from that.”
When Butler coach Thad Matta offered a scholarship in late summer, Walker quickly accepted.
“In talking with my parents, it was too good an opportunity to pass up,” he said. “It’s one of the great basketball places to play in the state of Indiana. Some even call it the basketball cathedral of Indiana. It’s just very historic from a basketball perspective, and from a school perspective, I can go there and get a great education and set myself up after because basketball has to stop one day.”
Not surprisingly, Walker said there is the perk of being 30 minutes from home, so family can watch him play.
“Playing in the Big East (Conference) is going to be awesome,” he said. “It’s some place where I see myself being able to exceed my maximum potential on and off the court.”
Treatment of back and neck
• Cutting edge, minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery and less post-operative pain
U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz recently announced local high school seniors who have been nominated to attend United States Military Academies.
“It is a true honor to nominate these exceptional students. They represent the best and brightest of our district, demonstrating the talent, drive and commitment to service that our district and our nation holds dear,” Spartz stated.
The academies and local nominees are:
• U.S. Air Force Academy: Brennan Baker, Hamilton Southeastern High School; Helena Gibson, Carmel High School; Izabelle Kammers, CHS; Marcus LaCroix HSE; Noah Lorincz, Westfield High School; Joshua Orahood, CHS; Connor Pugh, HSE; and Taylor Zhang, CHS
• U.S. Naval Academy: Brennan Baker, HSE; Courtney Bassi, Guerin Catholic High School; Helena Gibson, CHS; Quentin Klee, Guerin; Ada Mertes, Guerin; Anna Ososki, Guerin; Connor Pugh, HSE; Robert Shaw, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School; and Taylor Zhang, CHS
• U.S. Military Academy at West Point: Brennan Baker, HSE; Caleb Haney, Westfield; Quentin Klee, Guerin; Noah Lorincz, Westfield; Anna Ososki, Guerin; Connor Pugh, HSE; Dylan Todd, Westfield; and Taylor Zhang, CHS
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: Brennan Baker, HSE; Marcus LaCroix, HSE; and Connor Pugh, HSE
Centra Credit Union announces local grants — Five local nonprofits will receive grants from Centra Credit Union after they were nominated by Centra employees: Family Promise of Hamilton County; Boone County Cancer Society; YMCA of Greater Indianapolis; Coburn Place Safe Haven; and Riverview Health – Women of Vision Giving Club. A complete list can be found at Centra.org
Indiana Grown holiday box available — The 2025 Indiana Grown Holiday Gift Box is available through an Indiana State Department of Agriculture program offering unique Indiana-made products. Each box includes Cinnamon Roll Protein Bars from Timbar in Zionsville; Tuxedo Twist Popcorn from Do Goodies in Valparaiso; Bison Jerky from Eel River Bison Ranch in South Whitley; Fresco Spice Seasoning Blends from Fort Wayne; Peppered Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce from JohnTom’s Barbeque Sauce in Muncie; Sea Salt Caramels from Nashville Fudge Kitchen in Nashville; Handmade Artisan Soap from Ollie Lue Soap Co. in New Castle; Sugar Cream Pie Filling Mix from Rolling Pin Bakehouse in Roanoke; Christmas Cookie Scented Candle from Middle Da-
vids Artisan Candles in Franklin; and Bourbon Barrel Honey from Bastin Honey Bee Farm in Knightstown. Boxes are limited to 400 and can be ordered at bit. ly/3LSkNX6.
Go All IN Day set — United Way of Central Indiana has set a date for its sixth annual Go All IN Day, an organized day of volunteerism across the region. The event will be April 24, 2026, across United Way’s seven-county service area: Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties. As the day approaches, a variety of indoor and outdoor projects will be available for individual volunteers, groups and families to select and sign up. Interested volunteers can learn more
at goallinday.com. During the last Go All IN Day in April, more than 1,250 volunteers helped about 80 nonprofits and community organizations across the region.
Neighborhood vibrancy grant applications open — The City of Fishers is accepting applications for the 2026 Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant Program. The 80/20 matching grant program for HOAs and neighborhood groups provides up to $25,000 in matching funds, with the grant recipient paying 20 percent of a project’s cost. The city has allocated $400,000 from the 2026 budget to support the program. For more, visit FishersIN.gov/Grants. Applications close Jan. 23, 2026.
Every pregnancy is unique — and when questions arise, getting answers quickly can bring peace of mind. At Ascension St. Vincent Women and Infants Hospital, our experienced maternal-fetal medicine specialists are ready to see you sooner, combining advanced imaging technology with compassionate support. Because you deserve to feel confident about your care — and your baby’s future.
Find a specialist at ascension.org/IndianaMFM or scan the QR code to learn more.
Legacie, 34 weeks
Legacie, 10 months
Ivy Tech Foundation names new president
news@currentnoblesville.com
Ivy Tech Community College has named Stephannie Bailey president of the Ivy Tech Foundation and senior vice president of development for the college.
As leader of the foundation, Bailey will partner with donors to invest in Ivy Tech Community College students, faculty and programs.
“Stephannie is a leader in strengthening workforce development through philanthropic initiatives and community partnerships,” stated Marty Pollio, president of Ivy Tech Community College. “Her expertise in fundraising, strategic industry partnerships and pipeline develop-
ment will be a significant benefit to our students, our partners and the state.”
Bailey is CEO of the Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation, where she has led fundraising and donor engagement and partnered with school leaders, corporations and organizations to direct resources toward programs supporting college and career readiness and workforce development initiatives.
“Ivy Tech has long been known for making education accessible for Hoosiers,” Bailey stated. “I am thrilled to be able to support an institution whose mission and vision aligns with my passion for expanding educational access, strengthening communities and advancing Hoosiers’ futures.”
Hamilton County Planning Department warns of scam — The Hamilton County Planning Department has issued a scam alert after reports surfaced of an individual impersonating the department to collect fees for a supposed variance request. Officials advise residents to be skeptical of unusual payment requests. Residents who are in doubt should contact the Planning Department directly at 317-776-8490 to verify requests.
This Week’s Market Magic!
The Market will be open December 3-7 this week, with holiday fun the whole family can enjoy. Free to attend, free parking, no tickets required.
Werkstatt (Workshop)
Meet our German artisans while they work!
• Dec. 3-7, Falk & Katrin Zapf — from the historic glassblowing community of Lauscha
Kinderecke (Kids Corner)
Enjoy crafts for all ages!
• Dec. 3, Cookie Decorating
• Dec. 6, 4-8 p.m., Sankt Nikolaustag Boot
• Dec. 7, Lucky Horseshoe
Spielhaus (Play House)
Meet-and-greets and magical shows.
• Dec. 3, 4-9 p.m., Story Time with Santa
• Dec. 4, 4-6 p.m. & Dec. 5, 3-5 p.m., Story Teller Deb
• Dec. 4, 6-9 p.m., Copper Z Creative Wellness
Winter Pavilion
Experience authentic German entertainment.
• Dec. 4, 7-9 p.m., Duke Tumatoe & the Power Trio
• Dec. 5 & 6, 7-9 p.m., Johnny Koenig Band
Special Events
• Dec. 3, 4:30-9 p.m., Christkind Choralfest
• Dec. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sankt Nikolaustag
November 22 - December 24
Gift a unique experience to the Carmel Salt Caves & Spa where all services are ONLY $45!
BIRTHDAYS - CORPORATE EVENTS
ANNIVERSARIES - FRIENDS & FAMILY - BRIDAL SHOWERS
Recipients Can Choose Their Service!
Foot Detox — Detox your body with our popular ionic soak.
2 Salt Caves — Relax in our 22-ton Himalayan salt caves.
Red Light Therapy — Boost energy with over 41,000 lights.
Get ready “Halo Pet Spa for Pets and Their People” launches soon!
Local prevention program awarded grants
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs, in partnership with the Hamilton County Commissioners, has announced the fourth and final round of HOPE for Hamilton County opioid settlement funding, awarding more than $175,000 to local organizations focused on prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction.
The settlement dollars come from the National Opioid Settlement reached with distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen, as well as manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and its parent company Johnson & Johnson. The funds have supported local efforts to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic through evidence-based programming and community partnerships.
In the past year, the HCCOAOD has distributed $500,000 in opioid settlement dollars to local programs throughout Hamilton County. The HCCOAOD and its nine-member board of directors served as the review commit-
tee, while the Hamilton County Commissioners oversaw the community grant award process.
The following programs were approved for funding:
• Indiana Association Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Jail-Based Program – $25,000: Assists inmates with recovery and provides employment skill development to improve their marketability upon release.
• Hamilton County Problem Solving Courts – $25,000: Funds skill-building, positive reward incentives and training opportunities for participants in recovery-based court programs.
• Ignite Transform – $20,000: Provides fitness and mental health therapy for women incarcerated at the Hamilton County Jail.
• Parent Project – $20,000: Offers parenting skills development alongside substance use recovery programming for incarcerated parents.
• Juvenile Detention Program –$20,000: Provides coordination and
supplies for prevention programs for youth residing at the Hamilton County Juvenile Services Center.
• The Cooper House – $20,000: Provides supplies for reunification and recovery programs that strengthen families impacted by substance use.
• Hamilton Heights Youth Assistance Program – $10,000: Supports evidence-based prevention programs for at-risk youth.
• Ben’s Ranch Foundation – $10,000: Supports coordination and supplies for prevention programming.
• Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville –$8,820: Supports SMART Moves (Skills Mastery and Resilience Training), an evidence-based program addressing drug and alcohol use among youth.
• Suburban North Club – $7,000: Provides recovery materials and literature for local recovery community members.
COMMUNITY
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Hamilton County Community Foundation focuses support on nonprofits, services
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
It’s challenging to serve an area like Hamilton County, with busy, growing cities on one end and smaller, rural communities on the other. To address those very different needs as well as the changing needs of the county overall, Hamilton County Community Foundation launched a new strategic plan early in 2025, and its implementation is starting to bear fruit.
HCCF President and CEO Danielle Stiles-Polk said the previous strategic plan was six or more years old — preCOVID-19 and pre-so many other changes — and it was time to rebrand.
“The world was totally different when that strategic plan had launched, and it was based on focus areas,” she said. “It looked a little bit more needs focused. I think the reality that set in, and a lot of our conversations were like, ‘The Community Foundation is not going to singlehandedly solve (for example) food insecurity in Hamilton County.’”
So, she said, they flipped the script and went back to the roots of what community foundations do best — make connections, bring people together and support nonprofit organizations through grants and education.
The new strategic plan is the result of a lengthy process, funded through the Lilly Endowment Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow initiative, that involved a community-needs assessment, listening sessions and some driving.
“We spent time out in the community, just really trying to understand what Hamilton County needs,” she said. “I think it suffers — that might be a little bit of a strong word — but there’s always that, ‘It’s Hamilton County and everything is golden’ perception.”
But, she said, there are a lot of people who are struggling for various reasons. Some might face food insecurity. Others might lack access to child care, and still others might be on the edge of losing their home.
“We really tried to better understand what that looked like for the county as a whole, and really drill down, even into specific locations within the county,”
she said. “It’s hard to look at data broadly, because you’re looking at everything from Carmel to Arcadia.”
Through numerous conversations, HCCF honed its new strategic plan to focus on four key areas — affordable housing, education and training, social services and childcare solutions. StilesPolk noted that Hamilton County has many nonprofits that address those concerns.
“Hamilton County has, I think, one
Hamilton County Community Foundation President and CEO
Danielle Stiles-Polk, center, during an HCCF outreach event. (Photo courtesy of HCCF)
of the strongest nonprofit ecosystems of probably anywhere,” she said. “I would hold it up to any other county in the state, because it’s a group of people who are running organizations and ensuring that there’s not a ton of duplicative services, but there are supports in every different area (and) all of the organizations work really well together.”
That means HCCF can focus on supporting those nonprofits in their missions through direct grants and through
A REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP
Many years ago, the Indianapolis Foundation and the Hamilton County Community Foundation recognized they could be more effective if they worked together, so they pooled some resources and in 1997 created the Central Indiana Community Foundation to provide support services for the two foundations.
Since then, CICF has grown and evolved, but marketing director Kelsey Singh said it still supports the entities through the CICF Collaborative, which now also includes the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana and other philanthropic organizations.
Community foundations work to benefit their communities in different ways, Singh said. For example, community members can have donor-advised philanthropy accounts through a foun-
dation, which works with the individual to better focus where an account’s funds are distributed.
“The community foundation knows the community really, really well, so they can give guidance to the community member,” she said. “They can talk to them about, like, ‘What are your values? What are your interests? What are you hoping to accomplish?” And then they can kind of match them with organizations that have a need and that are doing good work.”
Community foundations also can provide grants to community organizations, with funding from different sources such as direct donations, endowments and service fees from individual philanthropy funds.
For more, visit cicf.org.
finding the best fit for its donor-advised funds. Foundation officials also made a point of diversifying where its grants go.
“We made a strategic-plan goal to increase the number of awards that we made to nonprofits that either had never received a grant before or who hadn’t received an award for the last five years,” Stiles-Polk said. “We set the metric at 10 percent, just to start … and I think we got to, like, 15 percent this year.”
Besides those grants, she said HCCF is gearing up to offer new services to further help nonprofits, including shared services — marketing, bookkeeping, etc. — and training programs to help nonprofit officials be more effective.
HCCF also opened its space in Fishers for other organizations to meet, is working with food pantries and other organizations focused on improving food resources, is the fund holder for the county’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, and supported the county Behavioral Health Collaborative as it worked toward opening the Rely Center in Noblesville.
“We have helped fund those collaboratives, as well as have been participants in the work they’re doing,” Stiles-Polk said. “As we kind of grow and evolve our strategies and where they’re going, those may shift some over time, but I think the model of trying to bring people together to solve systems-level issues for the county specifically will continue.”
Stiles-Polk credited the foundation’s staff and board for HCCF’s accomplishments.
“We have a team of rockstars who are working every day to ensure that we are present in the community and focused in the same direction,” she said.
For more, visit hamiltoncountycf.org.
ON
THE COVER: Hamilton County Community Foundation board members, staff and fund holders take a bus tour of organizations in Hamilton County, part of HCCF’s annual retreat. The group visited Trinity Free Clinic, Grace Care Center, Family Promise of Hamilton County and Sheridan Schools/Sheridan Youth Assistance. (Photo courtesy of HCCF)
Prevent need for glasses
Commentary by Dr. Katherine Schuetz
The past decade has seen an unprecedented rise in myopia — nearsightedness — for children worldwide.
Myopia has increased at such a high rate, it cannot be explained by genetics alone. There is an environmental/ behavioral reason as well. It’s easy to point to the increased use of technology as the culprit, but while increased time spent on screens is certainly a significant factor, it’s not the only issue.
Researchers believe that too much near work, along with less outdoor time and long-distance viewing, is the main reason for the huge jump in myopia for this generation of children. Simply put, kids don’t spend enough time outside for normal eye growth and spend too much time indoors, often using a device.
In our office, we measure the axial length of the eye, which is the distance from the front of the eyeball to the retina. In kids that are farsighted or have no prescription, axial length is growing throughout childhood, but at a much slower pace than our nearsighted pa-
soloist Bruno Sandes
Palladium Friday, December 19 at 8 PM Saturday, December 20 at 3 PM
December 21 at 3 PM Schrott Center for the Arts
December 22 at 7:30 PM
tients. We have tools now to slow the rate of growth for nearsighted kids, but even better is for kids not to develop myopia at all.
I give my patients three recommendations to help keep their eyes independent of glasses.
• Go outside for two hours a day.
• Near work, whether a book or a device, needs to be at least bellybutton or elbow distance from your eyes. The eye stretches to meet the near focal point, so the closer an object is, the more the eye elongates, which makes it prone to stay that way and actually become myopic.
• Take a five-minute break for every 20 minutes of near work. Kids’ eyes need a five-minute break while looking at things far away to get back to the resting state.
Dave Koz & Friends continue holiday tradition at Palladium
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Saxophonist Dave Koz has the distinction of being the concert performer with the second-most appearances at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Koz, 62, has performed at the Palladium 12 times, including 11 times with his holiday show. The only performer with more appearances at the Palladium, which opened in 2011, is Michael Feinstein, the Allied Solutions Center’s artistic director.
The Koz & Friends holiday show will make its 12th appearance at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Palladium.
“This is our 28th annual holiday show, and it’s nice to know that we’ve been at the Palladium for a good chunk of those 28 at the Palladium,” Koz said. “I love playing there. It’s one of the most beautiful venues in the country.”
Singer-songwriter Jonathan Butler returns with Koz as one of the friends.
“He’s kind of my right-hand guy,” Koz said. “We’ve been doing this as partners for probably 15 of those 28 years. He’s just full of heart and soul. When he opens his mouth to sing, it’s the truth. It’s very authentic.”
Koz said it’s special when they are side by side on stage.
“We come from such different backgrounds and life experiences, and yet we’re doing this music and united in the cause of bringing people together,” Koz said. “A few years ago, we started an initiative to introduce new artists. So, this year we have three younger artists.”
Those artists are pianist Kayla Waters, whose father is saxophonist Kim Waters; bass-vocalist Casey Abrams; and vocalist Haley Reinhart.
“Haley is easily the most famous person on the stage if you go by Spotify metrics,” Koz said. “Her version of Elvis (Presley’s) song ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ has over a half-billion streams.”
Reinhart placed third and Abrams sixth on “American Idol” in 2011.
“The five of us know each other very well,” Koz said. “But we’ve never done a tour together, so it should be really fun and very inspiring for the audience because you’re going to see a lot of incredible music from beautiful artists.”
Koz said holiday songs are meaningful to the audience, citing Butler’s version of ‘O Holy Night’ as an example.
“I guarantee people come to the Palladium every year just to hear that song,” Koz said. “Then there are some people who come just to hear me play the Hanukkah song (‘Eight Candles’). So, there are certain tent poles that we have to continue to do because they’re nostalgic and people have got very attached to them. At the same time as musicians, we want to push the enve-
lope a little bit and try new things.”
One non-Christmas song Koz will perform is “New Hope” from his album with Bob James, “Just Us,” which has been nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
Koz said many people have had a difficult year with the economic realities.
“We want to put together an evening that takes people on a beautiful, heartfelt journey of bringing people together whatever way we can,” Koz said. “I’m continually humbled by the power of music to bring people together to find bridges, even if it’s just for one song.”
Koz said he never expected the tradition of holiday shows to last so long.
“It’s been such a magic carpet ride,” he said. “It started out humbly with probably six or seven shows.”
The idea was born when pianist David Benoit and Koz were doing a radio interview.
“We had both lost a parent within two weeks of each other,” Koz said. “This was in the spring and David said, ‘Why don’t we go out this holiday season and make some music for our folks?’ Neither of us thought it would be going on this long. The DNA of this tour is about family.”
Benoit rejoined the tour for the 25th anniversary.
“If we get to the 30th anniversary, I hope to have the original cast members back, David Benoit, Rick Braun and Peter White, along with Jonathan Butler and myself,” Koz said.
Butler wasn’t an original cast member but has been with Koz for about half the years.
“I think if we make it to 30, that will be our final Christmas tour,” he said. “Let someone else do it for a while. We had an amazing run, so these last few years we are going to make it as special as we can.”
For tickets, visit thecenterpresents. org.
‘A BEEF & BOARDS CHRISTMAS!’
“A Beef & Boards Christmas!” runs through Dec. 31 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt and XNC will perform at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and “A Sinatra Christmas” is set for 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘MERRY MOVIE NIGHTS’
Heartland International Film Festival will hold “Merry Movie Nights” Dec. 4-7 and Dec. 11 with six festive films in The Basile Event Center at the Heartland Film HQ and the Fishers City Hall Theater. Tickets start at $7. For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.
‘JINGLE & SWING’
The Fishers Community Chorus and Mudsock Jazz Combo will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Fishers Art Center Theater. For more, visit fisherschorus. org.
‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’
Civic Theatre’s “A Christmas Story: The Musical” is set for Dec. 5 to 27 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org
‘BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT’
Carmel Apprentice Theatre’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!” runs through Dec. 7 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
‘SLEIGH BELLS AND SNOWFLAKES’
Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Sleigh Bells and Snowflakes” concert is set for 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
The Dave Koz & Friends concert is set for Dec. 12 in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Colin Peck Photography)
Butler
ENTERTAINMENT
CIDE presents ‘Nutcracker’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Natalie Keyser, this is the ultimate role.
The Noblesville resident and Carmel Latin School senior will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s presentation of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 12-14 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center at Zionsville Community High School.
“It has been my dream ever since I first started dancing,” said Keyser, who has been with CIDE since age 3. “My favorite part about ‘Nutcracker’ is getting to watch all of the scenes come together after all of the months of hard work and preparation. I can’t wait to perform with my friends for the final time, most of whom I have danced with for my whole life.”
“I love being given the opportunity to both practice and perform pas de deux in the roles of Snow Queen and Arabian because it is not something that I usually get to perform,” Fuhrmann said.
Fuhrmann has been with CIDE since age 2.
Clarke
Keyser will also perform as Lead Marzipan and a Snowflake.
Katie Fuhrmann, a Park Tudor School junior and Carmel resident, plays the Snow Queen, Snow Maiden and Arabian.
Fishers High School senior
Molly Clarke plays the Lead Russian and Spanish Corps roles.
“I really like the choreography of both roles,” Clarke said.
“They are really fun and high energy. I love getting to dance with my friends and there are no bad parts of ‘Nutcracker,’ so I always get to dance and enjoy it.”
Caroline Ringenberg, a Carmel resident and sophomore at Connections Academy online school, performs as Snow Queen, Snow Maiden and Arabian.
“I love these roles because they are each so fun and challenging in their own ways,” she said. “I also have enjoyed getting to partner for the first time, as it has challenged me and helped me grow as a dancer.”
For more, visit cidedance.org.
IWS holiday concert set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Wind Symphony Music
Director Jay Gephart figures the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts campus is the perfect setting for a holiday concert.
“It’s a win-win for everybody,” Gephart said. “Everybody can experience the holidays with the music, the Christkindlmarkt, the ice-skating rink and the beautiful redecorations that are part of that whole area of Carmel.”
“It’s meant to be a family concert, so it’s for kids young and old,” Gephart said. “We will close the program with a Christmas singalong and a very traditional holiday favorite called ’Sleigh Bells’ by Leroy Anderson.”
Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Sleigh Bells and Snowflakes” concert is set for 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center.
The guest vocalist is Cherresa Lawson, who will be featured on “O Holy Night.” Lawson, who performed with IWS last year, is the director of choirs at Kokomo High School; is the lead vocalist for the Caribbean Consort Steele Band; and frequently is the featured vocalist with the Kokomo Park Band.
The singalong will be a medley of tunes with lyrics printed in the program.
There will be a visit by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, played by Gephart’s wife Jana.
“We’re doing a medley of light holiday tunes that the kids will enjoy, and the arranger is the great jazz arranger Sammy Nestico, who is famous for doing a lot of original compositions for the Count Basie band,” Gephart said.
Gephart said a new piece to the holiday repertoire is Ennio Morricone’s “Gabriel’s Oboe.” Another piece is Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Sleepers Awake.”
Gephart said he enjoys mixing up the set list.
For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
Lawson
Nunziata concert set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Jazz-pop vocalist Anthony Nunziata enjoys sharing music that brings people together.
“There’s something about holiday concerts that just feel different,” Nunziata said. “I love celebrating with people and creating moments they’ll hopefully remember long after I sing my final note.”
Nunziata will be joined by Ashley Nicole Soprano, an Actors Theatre of Indiana trio and the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus in a concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at Broadway United Methodist Church, 609 E. 29th St., Indianapolis.
he always loves to include, such as “O Holy Night” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of Year.”
“I also enjoy sharing some of my own holiday originals,” he said. “I like to mix the traditional songs with ones that maybe people haven’t heard before. It keeps the concert feeling fresh and joyful.”
Nunziata hasn’t previously performed with Actors Theatre of Indiana members.
Nunziata has built a big following in recent years performing at Feinstein’s cabaret in Carmel.
“I’ve been so lucky to connect with audiences in Indianapolis and Carmel over the years,” he said. “Every time I come back, it feels like I’m visiting friends and family.”
Nunziata said there are a few classics
ATI Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald leads the trio.
“I’ll be performing with my fellow co-founder and partner-incrime, Cynthia Collins, along with the incredible Terry Woods on the 88s (piano),” Fitzgerald said. “It will be just the three of us for a fun number in the first act and a lovely holiday carol mash-up in the second.”
Fitzgerald said the organizations benefiting from the evening of holiday classics are ATI, Kids Dance Outreach and the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus.
For more, visit brownpapertickets. com/event/6612656.
Nunziata
Vocalist joins holiday show
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Morgan James has not previously performed with Jon McLaughlin, but they share the same manager.
James, a former Broadway performer, will be one of the guest vocalists for the “Jon McLaughlin and Friends: Home for the Holidays” concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“I’m just a big fan and I’m so excited to be joining him,” James said. “I love touring during the holidays, and to let somebody else do the heavy lifting sounds fun to me. We’re going to two or three songs each and we’re going to join him on some songs. Jon, in addition to being so talented, he’s so charming. He’s a great storyteller and he just puts on a great show.”
James, who is based in New York City, is a self-described “Christmas music freak.”
“I’m going to be performing a couple of my favorite songs and Jon was nice enough to let me choose,” she said.
James performed at Feinstein’s cabaret at Carmel’s Hotel Carmichael in 2023.
Earlier this year, she released her sixth album, “Soul Remains the Same,” a soul and R&B with covers of classic rock songs from the 1980s and 1990s.
“I put them through a soul lens, and the way I like to describe it is if Aretha Franklin got in the studio with AC/DC,” she said.
James said the album has been especially well-received.
For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.
Dates
Upcoming Show Dates
December 20, 2025
January 18, 2026 February 15, 2026
March 15, 2026 April 19, 2026 May 17, 2026
Fishers American Legion Post #470 9091 E. 126th Street, Fishers IN 46038 Jeff Meyrose • 317-504-8110
www.Instagram.com/jjallstarsportscards
Morgan James will perform with Jon McLaughlin Dec. 5 in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Grace Stockdale)
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Time for ‘No Tech’ in schools
Editor,
As a longtime school teacher, administrator and counselor, I have to respond to your Nov. 4 article on tech use in schools. It supports what many of us have been saying for years: screen time is a major factor in children’s shortened attention spans, lack of comprehension and retention when reading more than a paragraph or two, and a variety of social pathologies including self-esteem issues, bullying and loneliness. And just why would a school want to hand distracting devices to their students anyway, knowing the dopamine hit they give a kid can never be replicated by a book or in-class discussion?
At my current school we have a “No Tech” policy covering everything from laptops to phones to smartwatches. The students carry on meaningful conversations with teachers and one another, ignore fads and treat each other well. When they don’t we can deal with the problem face to face rather than hoping it’s not continuing all over the internet at midnight. “No Tech” works.
The leadership at the E91 Counseling Center (no affiliation) in Indianapolis has observed the effects of increased screen time for many years and urges parents to strictly limit children’s access at all ages and not allow personal phones until the mid-teens. In this way parents can teach youngsters the essentials of navigating the internet and how to use programs while curating content and protecting them from the harmful aspects of free exploration and overdependence.
What the experts advocate in your article is great but does not go far enough: “No Tech” is an idea whose time has come.
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Simply put, not enough people are choosing to adopt first. So why?
“Shelters only have pit bulls.” Pit bull is a generic, catch-all term created to describe dogs with similar physical traits—big, boxy heads, muscular bodies and often cropped ears. The reality is that these dogs, referred to as “bully breeds,” actually are American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, Boxers, Bull Mastiffs, Boston Terriers, to name a few, plus mixes therein. And yes, there are more bully breeds in shelters than any other dog. It’s not because they’re bad or have committed crimes. It’s because backyard breeders are out of control. It’s because of breed restrictions that often prevent good owners who want these dogs from having these dogs. It’s decades of misperception perpetuated by skewed media reports and bogus bite statistics websites. So, these dogs wait longer than any others for homes, which leads to their disproportionate representation in animal shelters.
“Shelters don’t have puppies or small breed dogs”. Wrong-a-mundo! While they may get adopted quickly, small-breed dogs, puppies, and even small-breed puppies like Nino have become commonplace at the shelter.
Our hope is that if you’re considering a new pet, you will visit HSHC first. There is an animal in this building that would give anything to love you, and that’s a kind of love you simply can’t buy.
With hope,
President & CEO
HSHC PROGRAMS
Our Pets Healing Vets program pairs shelter dogs and cats with qualifying Hoosier veterans suffering from PTSD or traumatic brain injury at no cost to the veteran for the life of the pet. This program, fully funded and facilitated by HSHC, currently serves 41 Hoosier veterans.
For more information, please visit: petshealingvets.com.
The Survivor Program funds all life-saving medical care for thousands of animals each year. From emergency surgeries and hospitalization, to every medication we provide, the Survivor Program makes it possible. This program is 100 percent funded by your generous donations. To help us save lives, please visit: hamiltonhumane.com/survivor
How can you help?
They're counting on us. So we're counting on you.
1. CASH DONATIONS
Single gifts and monthly recurring donations set up as an automatic deduction are the primary funding sources for our daily operation. Without your generous, taxdeductible donations– there are no second chances. Please donate online at www.HamiltonHumane.com or scan the QR Code below!
2. GIFTS OF STOCK
Avoid capital gains through a gift of highly appreciated stock while taking a full value deduction on your tax return.
3. IRA DIRECT ROLLOVER GIFTS
Individuals age 70 1/2 and older may make a contribution up to $108,000 (or up to $216,000 for married couples with separate IRAs) directly to HSHC, tax-free. The contribution also counts toward your applicable required minimum distribution.
4. EMPLOYER MATCHED GIFTS
Some employers match a percentage, and sometimes 100 percent or more, of their employees' charitable contributions. This is a fantastic way to maximize your impact! Check with your HR Department to see if this is an option, and contact accounting@hamiltonhumane.com to process any required paperwork on our end.
5. LEAVE A LEGACY
We are honored anytime someone includes us in their estate plan. As the only humane society and animal control facility supporting Hamilton County's animals, we depend greatly on the generous bequests received each year to save lives. Remembering HSHC in your will not only helps sustain our daily operation, but it also makes all the difference in securing our future as Indiana's only openadmission, truly no-kill shelter.
6. ADOPT
Right now, hundreds of dogs and cats of all ages, breeds, and sizes are waiting for someone like you. Animals adopted from HSHC are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and temperament tested. See our adoptable pets at www.HamiltonHumane.com.
7. VOLUNTEER
HSHC relies on its volunteers to help with everything from laundry, dishes and general cleaning to dog walking, kitty loving, and marketing event support.
8. FOSTER
Because the shelter is always operating at capacity, and we have no areas in our facility for the frightened, injured or seriously ill to recover in peace, foster homes are critical. Foster homes also are the only chance for us to save highly adoptable animals from outside our county who are at risk for euthanasia. There is no cost to foster a shelter animal, and the time commitment depends on the situation.
9. SUPPORT OUR EVENTS
Wine, Wags & Whiskers, Woofstock, Tinsel & Tails and more! Whether you attend, become a sponsor, or both, you will always leave our events with a full cup. To learn more, please contact Jennifer Dant at eventsmanager@hamiltonhumane.com.
10. PICK US
Consider making HSHC the beneficiary of your company’s annual charitable fundraising events or campaigns. We know there are so many incredible organization who need support, so we hope you’ll consider us for that critical support. To collaborate with us on a corporate/employee-driven fundraiser, please contact Emma Nobbe at 317- 647-0645 or communityengagement@hamiltonhumane.com.
