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.
S ATURD AY, DECEM B ER 6
JO IN U S F R OM 3–6 P.M .
G R A N D J U N CTIO N PLA Z A
225 S . UNION S T.
TR EE L IG H T I NG CE R EMONY B EG IN S AT 6 P.M . ON T H E MA IN STAGE !
Pr esente d b y The Farmers Ban k
- Free to attend
- Food and retail vendors
- Live performances
- Frost y the Snowman
- Carnival games
- Llamas
- And more!
To le arn more, scan the QR code below or visit westfieldin .gov/westfieldinlights
COMMUNITY
Joyous day, but challenges ahead for family with medical denial
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Wesley Nelson, a 4-year-old Westfield resident who suffers from Hunter syndrome, a rare and terminal genetic disorder, was honored with a Make-AWish parade in Westfield Nov. 22. That included a helicopter visit and the gift of a golf cart painted like a school bus, one of Wesley’s favorite things.
“The day was incredible, definitely above and beyond what I had imagined,” said Wesley’s mother, Katarina. “I know that he is never going to get off of his school bus golf cart once he gets on it.”
The community support was appreciated by Katarina and her husband, Brian. Wesley’s parents, but it was bittersweet. The parade was planned before Indiana Medicaid benefits for Wesley were recently denied. No reason was provided to the Nelsons.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Hunter syndrome is detected in one of every 100,000 to 150,000 male births. Those afflicted typically have a short life expectancy as the disease progressively worsens, with death typically occuring by age 15.
“Essentially, his body does not produce enough of a certain enzyme,” Brian said. “When you don’t have that enzyme, cellular waste builds up. If it builds up in your joints, it essentially inflames them, and it stiffens your joints, so your mobility is limited. If it builds up in your brain tissues, it damages your brain tissue. It impacts your cognitive development, which is why (Wesley) has developmental delays.”
The level of care needed to treat Hunter syndrome is significant.
“It requires him to see an occupational therapist, speech therapists, physical therapists, and to be followed by specialists because the condition impacts
essentially all of the systems at some point,” Brian said.
The Nelsons gave up their careers to care for Wesley. They moved from Florida to Westfield because of Medicaid access, which varies by state as each state administers its own program. Indiana’s program was better for the Nelsons and allows parents to be paid caregivers.
“How can you take something from him that he needs? We have to have Medicaid. This boy has so many doctors and specialists that it’s unreal. The timing was really, was really awful,” Katarina said.
Wesley can make some temporary cognitive improvements. For example, he can say a few more words at 4 than
DISPATCH
he could at 3. He attends Westfield Early Learning Center and eventually will attend Monon Trail Elementary. He recently had to go on oxygen.
The Nelsons, who have set up a GoFundMe, intend to appeal the Medicaid denial with input from doctors about the progression of the disease.
“I am kind of at a loss. I don’t really know what the next step is,” Brian said.
“This kind of blindsided me, because I just assumed there’s no way that if he qualified before, how could he possibly be off of Medicaid in the future when he’s only getting worse?”
To donate to the GoFundMe, visit gofundme.com/f/give-wesley-the-medical-care-he-deserves
About us
Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVIII, No. 43
Copyright 2025 Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved. 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444
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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. The Planning Department announced that this activity is fraudulent and emphasized that it does not use third-party companies, wire transfers, or outside payment services to collect fees. Officials advise residents to be skeptical of unusual payment requests. Official communications regarding fees will only come from specific county email addresses or by phone. Residents who are in doubt should contact the Planning Department directly at 317-776-8490 to verify requests.
Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Westfield are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Wesley Nelson, 4, at the Make-A-Wish parade held in his honor in Westfield Nov. 22. He suffers from Hunter syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. (Photo submitted by Make-A-Wish)
Intersection safety upgrades coming
By Marney Simon news@youarecurrent.com
The City of Westfield will install a raised crosswalk at 151st Street and American Lotus Drive in the Harmony subdivision, addressing concerns recently made about speed and pedestrian safety at the intersection.
The Westfield Board of Public Works and Safety approved signing authority Nov. 19 for Executive Chief of Operations John Nail to approve the final contract with Midwest Concrete.
“It’s similar to what you see in a lot of the roundabouts in Carmel,” City Engineer Michael Pearce said. “They have what is almost like a speed table — it’s a different color concrete. It draws attention to the pedestrian crossing and controls motorists’ speeds through that intersection.”
Pearce said the engineer’s estimate for the crossing is $170,000.
“(It) does sound high, kind of at an initial glance, but we did check with Carmel on what they typically see on the cost per install basis, and this was very much in line with what they saw.”
A timeline for installation will be announced.
The board also approved a measure granting signing authority to Nail for a new stoplight at Grand Park Boulevard and Tournament Trail, just north of Ind. 32. Nail said the city is wrapping up final design on the project, but the signal poles can take up to 20 weeks for delivery.
The approval will allow Nail signing authority to approve the lowest responsible quote — not to exceed $300,000 — so
work can begin as soon as the poles are installed. He said although the city prefers roundabouts for traffic control, the signal is needed at the intersection.
“For this one, a signal was pretty clearly the best option for a couple reasons,” he said. “There are right-of-way constraints around this intersection. We have some built-up developments, both a gas station on the southwest corner and a pharmacy on the southeast corner.
Roundabout footprints are much, much larger. There are entrances to the south already that we didn’t want to disturb. Basically, the footprint of this intersection really limited itself to a signal, first and foremost. Secondly, it’s pretty important with how close the intersection is to Ind. 32 that signals that communicate with each other and can move traffic efficiently.”
Nail said installation is expected in the spring.
No Gimmicks, Just Growth
The City of Westfield will add a raised crosswalk at 151st Street and American Lotus Drive in the Harmony subdivision. (Image via Google Maps)
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Riverview Health, Parkview Health enter agreement
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Last month, Riverview Health and Parkview Health finalized a managed services agreement designed to further strengthen Riverview Health’s commitment to delivering care in Hamilton County.
Parkview Health is a nonprofit health system serving central and northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. Dr. Greg Johnson, chief physician executive of growth and emerging markets for Parkview Health, said Parkview has been working with Riverview through Epic Systems — the largest vendor of electronic health record software in the United States.
live with Epic in February of 2026, so that’s how the conversations originated,” Johnson said. “Riverview is an excellent health system, and when Parkview partners with a hospital or health system, we have to have aligned missions, and that occurred.”
Johnson said most community members won’t notice any changes.
“Patients that seek care at Riverview will notice very little difference, except for the fact that, over time, they could definitely see the expansion of services,” Johnson said. “Having access to Parkview Health and its resources allows Riverview to invest in and access family practices or specialty services that we can bring to Hamilton County.”
“Epic only allows larger hospitals and health systems to purchase and use their product,” Johnson said. “That being said, when you are an Epic shop, you are allowed to almost be the parent and offer Epic to smaller hospitals and health systems.”
The two have been working through Epic Community Connect, where large health systems extend their Epic Systems electronic health record system to external practices or hospitals. He said that led to further discussions, and Parkview and Riverview began functioning under an interim managed services agreement in July.
“The process of putting in Epic is a 12-month process, and Riverview goes
One of the first things Parkview and Riverview collaborated on is the opening of Parkview Physicians Group — Noblesville Diabetes and Endocrinology on the Riverview Health Noblesville campus.
“It (was) based on community need,” Johnson said. “Ten to 12 percent of Americans or Hoosiers have diabetes, and another 15-plus percent have what’s called prediabetes. Being able to assist with delivering more endocrinology care in Hamilton County is one of the needs of the community that Parkview is helping Riverview accomplish.”
For more, visit parkview.com or riverview.org.
DISPATCHES
Westfield in Lights returns to Grand Junction Plaza — The City of Westfield kicks off the holiday season from 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 6 with Westfield in Lights at Grand Junction Plaza. The event includes live performances, retail and gift vendors, hot chocolate, food and beer for purchase, free carnival games and live animals. The tree lighting ceremony is at 6 p.m.
Jingle and Mingle Holiday Luncheon and Style Show – The Jingle and Mingle Holiday Luncheon and Style Show, hosted by the Assistance League of Indianapolis, will take place Dec. 4 at the Ritz Charles in Carmel. Doors open at 10
a.m. and the fundraiser concludes at 1 p.m. Fashions from Tangerine Cards and Gifts will be included. There will be raffles including a gift card wreath, PurseA-Palooza; gently used purses for sale, each with bonus surprises inside and a 50-50 raffle. Vendors include Zionsville Olive Oil, Kits and Kaboodle Classic Toys and Tangerine Cards and Gifts. There will also be a silent auction. Proceeds from this event will benefit Operation School Bell which includes three divisions: Apparel, Shoes and Beyond the Bell; ALI Bears; ALI Friends; Reading Buddies; and Assault Survivor Kits. Visit alindy. org/holiday-luncheon.html for more information.
The views expressed in this column are that of Dr. Lindsay Moore and FreedomDoc.
Johnson
Wreaths Across America to take place Dec. 13
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Westfield’s Osborne Trails Veterans Organization will host its first Wreaths Across America ceremony at 11 a.m. Dec. 13 inside the Prairie Waters Event Center at Hamilton Memorial Park, 4180 Westfield Rd.
Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit founded in 1992 by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester, who owned Worcester Wreath Co., to lay donated wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery.
Joe Revell, a member of the organization and a retired U.S. Army officer, helped organize Westfield’s participation.
“Our veterans group at Osborne Trails was looking for something to do for our community. I suggested that we ought to try Wreaths Across America,” said Revell, who attended a Wreaths Across America in Lapel a decade ago.
Revell said Osborne Trails wanted to try to have a ceremony in 2024 but didn’t have sponsors lined up.
“We wanted to do it right. We started in earnest in May and solicited funds from corporate donors and individuals,” said Revell, who noted that the contributions helped pay for wreaths for approximately 300 veterans at Hamilton Memorial Park.
According to Revell, each wreath
costs $17 and is paid for via donations. Wreaths for the ceremony were obtained through direct donations to Wreaths Across America as well as corporate sponsorship and individual donations.
Revell said the ceremony inside the Prairie Waters Event Center will last about 45 minutes and those who want to stay and place the wreaths on graves can do so.
“It means a lot that somebody remembers you after you’re gone. Us doing it now is like paying it forward. Maybe someday somebody will put a wreath on my grave?” Revell said.
Those interested in volunteering for Wreaths Across America or sponsoring a wreath for Hamilton Memorial Park can visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/ IN0224.
DISPATCHES
Food drive — The Westfield Fire Department, Westfield Washington Township Trustees Office and Trustee Jamie Goetz Mills will conduct a food drive to support food pantry Open Doors of Westfield. Residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items at the following drop-off locations.
• Westfield Fire Station 381 — 17001 Ditch Rd.
• Westfield Fire Station 382 – 1920 E 151st St.
• Westfield Fire Station 383 – 17944 Grassy Branch Rd.
• Westfield Washington Township Trustees Office, 17400 Westfield Blvd. The drive will continue through the end of January.
Re-Wilding Indiana’s Hibernation Ball — The Indiana Historical Society’s Re-Wilding Indiana’s Hibernation Ball will take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Indiana Historical Society during its Festival of Trees. The 21-and-over fundraiser gives injured and orphaned animals a second chance. Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, a bar, raffles, and a live program featuring Mark Booth and the raptors of Take Flight! Wildlife Education. Tickets and tables are $65 for individuals, $350 for a table for six and $750 for a corporate table. Tickets can be purchased at rewildingindiana.org or by check payable to Re-Wilding Indiana, 9330 Waldemar Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268
SArtist Lisa J. Macha of Westfield displays one of her pieces of art. Macha will be the featured artist in February 2026 for the Michael and Karen Heaton Art Gallery Wall at the Westfield Washington Public Library. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Library Foundation)
Library wall artists set for 2026
By Current Publishing news@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield Library Foundation announced its 2026 Art Wall artists for the Michael and Karen Heaton Art Gallery Wall at the Westfield Washington Public Library. The wall artists are:
• January: Chris Winberg, Westfield (acrylic)
• February: Lisa J. Macha, Westfield (oil and acrylic)
• March: Westfield Washington Schools (mixed media)
• April: Bill Howell, Noblesville (photography) and late Mike Sams, Sheridan (photography)
• May: Mary Pham, Westfield (oil) and Donghui Lim, Westfield (watercolor, oil and pastel)
• September: Hispanic Heritage Month (artists to be chosen later)
• October: Elaine C. Wolfe, Westfield (watercolor)
• November: Heather Ray Boelke, Westfield (watercolor, mixed media)
• December: Peter Konshak, Indianapolis (photography) and Joe Akers, Westfield (photography). The exhibits are displayed during regular library hours at the Westfield Washington Public Library. For more, visit westfieldlibraryfoundation.com.
New economic development area approved
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield Redevelopment Commission has approved a proposal to create a new economic development area north of Ind. 38.
The new Hamilton Crossroads Economic Development Area is bounded by Ind. 38 to the south, 216th Street to the north and U.S. 31 to the east. The Westfield city limits are on the west side of the area inside what is now a field.
It is the only land west of U.S. 31 and north of Ind. 38 that has been annexed by the City of Westfield. According to publicly available data, the three parcels that comprise Hamilton Crossroads is approximately 63 acres.
All the land is owned by Shear WF, LLC, an Indianapolis-based limited liability company.
An economic plan was part of the submission Nov. 17 to the Redevelopment Commission. The goal of the area is to promote employment opportunities in Westfield. The plan does not contemplate the acquisition of property by the commission as a part of the economic development strategy.
The land is unserved by utilities.
“For development to happen on this group of parcels, there would need to be some public input into infrastructure development to serve this area,” said Jenell Fairman, Westfield’s executive chief of community and economic development.
“So, that is the reason that we would be coming to you in the future with some sort of incentive. We don’t know what that package looks like yet, but we’ve been working with (a) developer for quite some time on concepts.”
According to Fairman, Westfield’s director of economic development, approval of Hamilton Crossroads by the Redevelopment Commission is the first of a four-step process. The area will next go to the Plan Commission, followed by the city council, followed by a return to the Redevelopment Commission for a public hearing.
The next Plan Commission meeting was scheduled for Dec. 1.
WPD announces promotions
Westfield Police Department Chief Shawn Keen has announced the promotion of nine officers.
The Police Merit Commission approved the following:
• Capt. Josh Harrell has been appointed to lead Special Services. With more than 19 years of service, Harrell steps into his new role after serving as patrol lieutenant.
• Lt. Jackie Carter has been promoted after serving Westfield since 2002 and has 25 years of law enforcement experience. She most recently served as a sergeant in the patrol division.
• Lt. Broc Larrison has been promoted after serving Westfield for 17 ½ years and has a total of 18 ½ years of law enforcement experience. Most recently, Larrison was a sergeant on Night Shift B.
• Lt. Mike Wheeler has been promoted after serving Westfield for 25 years, following two years with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. He has been a K-9 handler,
field training officer, traffic enforcement officer, school resource officer and most recently served four years as a sergeant.
• Sgt. LeeAnn Carter has been promoted after 10 years of law enforcement experience, including eight with Westfield.
• Sgt. Kaeden Gebhart has been promoted after serving Westfield for six years and is assigned to Days B as a patrol officer.
• Sgt. Lisa Ottenweller has 5 ½ years with Westfield and eight years of total law enforcement experience.
• Sgt. William Ottenweller has been promoted after serving Westfield for 5 ½ years and has eight years of law enforcement experience, including time with IU Police and Bloomington PD.
• Sgt. Adam Zosso has served Westfield for nine years and has 21 years of total law enforcement experience. He is currently assigned to Investigations as a violent crimes detective and has previously served as an FTO and fire investigator.
Willis reshapes leaders
news@youarecurrent.com
Westfield Mayor Scott Willis has restructured the CIty of Westfield’s leadership team.
The new structure creates three chiefs that will have expanded roles with the city.
• Danielle Carey-Tolan was named executive chief of staff. Her former title was chief of staff.
• Jenell Fairman was named executive chief of community and economic development. Her former title was director of economic development.
John in these roles, Westfield will be well-positioned to manage our growth and continue enhancing quality of life for our community.”
• John Nail was named executive chief of operations. His former title was director of public works.
“This new leadership structure reflects the evolving needs of our growing city,” Willis stated in a news release. “With Danielle, Jenell, and
According to the news release, the new structure will “help streamline operations and ensure that projects and programs continue to run smoothly and effectively.”
“The structure we had worked well for the city two years ago and I’m ecstatic about our momentum so far. As I enter year three of my term, we have several active projects, with many more on the horizon as we transition to a Class 2 city in 2028,” Willis stated.
“This restructuring is designed to distribute management responsibilities effectively so we can continue delivering exceptional service to our residents, businesses, and potential businesses while adapting to upcoming changes.”
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
Carey-Tolan Fairman
Nail
County awards $175,820 to local organizations
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 committee, 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
• Hamilton County Problem Solving Courts – $25,000
• Ignite Transform – $20,000
• Parent Project – $20,000
• Juvenile Detention Program – $20,000
• The Cooper House – $20,000
• Sheridan Youth Assistance Program – $10,000
• Hamilton Heights Youth Assistance Program – $10,000
• Ben’s Ranch Foundation – $10,000
• Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville – $8,820
• Suburban North Club – $7,000
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Legacie, 10 months
Sheridan installs soft interview room for victims
By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com
The Town of Sheridan installed a soft interview room for victims of domestic violence in October at its Town Hall.
The room was named after the woman who inspired the room, Jamie. Today; a sign reading “Jamie’s Room” hangs in the new safe space.
A soft interview room is a comfortable, non-threatening room often utilized by victims of sexual assault or domestic violence.
In September, Jamie was a victim who alleged sexual assault and sought help at a local hospital before following up at the Sheridan Police Department out of fear for her and her children’s safety. The town’s police chief Michael Nielsen realized the department didn’t have a soft interview room for domestic violence victims.
“I happened to be walking down the hall, and I saw the chief of police, and it looked like he was frantically looking for something,” said Michelle Junkins, director of administration for the Town of Sheridan. “I asked him, “Can I help you with something?” and he said that they had a rape victim and he was trying to find a nice place to interview her.”
Junkins later obtained approval from the town council president to convert a room at the department into a soft interview room. It was ready within two weeks of Jamie’s interview with the
police chief.
“I got the fire department to tear out the carpet for us, public works hauled out all the old furniture, and then I had it painted and refurbished,” Junkins said. “It’s going to be a nice thing for the future. You hope that you don’t have to use it for that kind of stuff, but I think just the small amount of time it took to create that room, what a difference it’s already made in some lives.”
The room has soft lighting with blue tones for calmness.
“We’ll never forget what Jamie went through and all of those folks that go through those traumatic events, whether it’s domestic violence or sexual abuse,” Nielsen said. “We wanted to give her the ability to feel like it really means something to her. It takes strength to come out and, number one, report that the incident occurred, but number two, to go public with something like that, takes a lot of inner strength, and she has that.”
Most recently, the room was used by a mother and her children after a car accident as they waited for their father to pick them up.
“Unfortunately, traumatic events happen, and I’ve got a lot of respect for Jamie, and we just wanted to pay that forward by creating this room,” Nielsen said. “Being able to recognize her for that dedication of bringing that out, and we just know that it’s going to be a room that’s heavily utilized in the future.”
Toy Drive — Local Menards stores are serving as Toy Drive drop-off sites through Dec. 15. Each store has a drop box near the exit door to collect new and unwrapped presents.
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.
EXPERT SPINE CARE NOW IN
“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.”
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After the death of her beloved pet, Westfield resident Jennifer Huston Schaeffer channeled her grief into writing.
“Mommy’s Boy,” her memoir published in March by White Dog Books, shares her journey with Benny, her dog and best friend who helped her find love, courage and connection.
“I wanted to write something that other pet parents could relate to, the joys and hardships of loving an animal, because unfortunately, our time with them is limited,” Schaeffer said.
Schaeffer adopted Benny from a rescue group after seeing his picture and profile on a website.
“From the moment I walked in, he looked at me and put his little paws on my knee. I was kneeling down, and he put his paw on my knees and looked up at me like, ‘Hey, you’re going to be my mommy,’ and it was love at first sight,” Schaeffer said.
Schaeffer’s grief led her down the path to write the book.
Jennifer Schaeffer and her dog, Benny. When Benny died, Schaeffer was inspired to write “Mommy’s Boy.” (Photo submitted by Jennifer Schaeffer)
“Writing has always been sort of a therapy for me, but I’ve never been able to consistently keep a journal,” Schaeffer said. “So, a few weeks after he passed away, I just started jotting down memories of him, like silly things he did and the adventures we had together, just so I wouldn’t forget them. After a while, I realized that I had an outline for a book, and I just couldn’t think of a better way to honor him.”
The book is available on Amazon. For more on upcoming book signings and events, visit whitedogeditorial.com/ white-dog-books/events.
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Salary contract approved for teachers
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Westfield Washington Schools Board of Trustees unanimously approved Nov. 11 a master contract with the Westfield Classroom Teachers Association for the 2025-26 school year.
The one-year agreement keeps the current reimbursement scale in place with a base pay of $46,000 for new fulltime teachers. Teachers who have been with WWS will move up one step on the salary scale to the existing pay scale at a 2.7 percent increase per step.
A 21st year was added to the pay scale for teachers with Bachelor’s degrees. The scale previously peaked at 20 years.
In addition, sick and personal time was combined into a paid-time-off system. The contract calls for 15 days of PTO for teachers.
“They did a great job, making out what’s best for everybody as far as the kids, the teachers and keeping everybody as happy as we can,” WWS Board President Mike Steele said of the agreement. “I know I’ve got a lot of friends that teach in other districts, and they’ve already applied over here, so we’re in a good place.”
Chris Sluder, representing the Westfield Classroom Teachers Association, spoke to the board after the agreement was reached. With Senate Enrolled Act 1, the state’s new property tax law, impacting the finances of school districts across the state, Sluder was pleased the outcome.
“We realized that the financial times are harder across the state because of what the (General assembly) has done over the last couple of years. In spite of that, we’ve come up with a good settlement that I think is good for our teachers,” Sluder said.
Nominations open for Lantern Awards — The Westfield Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 42nd annual Lantern Awards. The cocktail reception and awards ceremony is from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 29, 2026 at Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield. Submit nominations by Dec. 19 at tinyurl. com/24yt8yph.
DISPATCHES
Ice Ribbon Returns to Grand Junction Plaza — The Ice Ribbon at Grand Junction Plaza will open Nov. 22 and will be available until Jan. 3, 2026. The synthetic ice, also known as Glice, lets guests skate in any weather. Each 90-minute skating session must be reserved online in advance. Tickets are $12 for ages 11 and older, and $10 for ages 10 and younger. Each ticket fee includes skate rental and optional skate aids for beginners (processing fees apply). ADA accessible sleds are also available at no cost on a first-come, firstserved basis. The Ice Ribbon is located at the north end of Grand Junction Plaza at 225 N. Union St. All skaters must checkin for their session at the Grand Junction Café Pavilion building. Parking is available west of Park Street and Poplar Boulevard on designated on-street spots (Jersey, Mill, and Park Streets), and in The Union parking garage, which is accessible via Mill Street.
Indiana Grown holiday box available — The 2025 Indiana Grown Holiday Gift Box is available through an Indiana State Department of Agriculture program offer-
ing 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 Davids 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.
WWS job fair — Westfield Washington Schools will conduct a job fair at 5 p.m. Jan. 15 at 333 W. Hoover Rd. in Westfield. WWS will be seeking to hire instructional assistants, food service workers, substitute teachers, bus drivers and bus aides and Early Learning Center workers.
DOWNTOWN VISION
Mayor presents plan for city’s aesthetic, economic futures
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Westfield Mayor Scott Willis presented his vision for the future of downtown Westfield as he unveiled his Downtown Development Plan Nov. 19. His vision for downtown Westfield includes double-row trees along wide sidewalks along Ind. 32; walkable space along what is now an undeveloped creek; and a lively business district.
The plan has been two years in the making with Indianapolis architecture firm Browning Day in a consulting role.
Willis hopes the vision will be added to Westfield’s Comprehensive Plan. None of the proposed projects has a start date or a developer identified.
“One of the most important reasons I ran for mayor was the downtown area,” Willis said. “I’ve seen things happening all through Hamilton and Boone counties. I’ve seen vibrant downtowns. I’ve seen nothing, really, over the last decade in Westfield other than us tearing buildings down and declining population in our downtown area. I wanted to bring a new vision to the downtown area.”
Willis presented three central tenets of downtown redevelopment. One is a walkable community that connects memorable places. The second is a downtown that will, capitalize on green investments and amenities. The third is to shift the center of development to create identity, place and experiences.
Willis said all those principles can help Westfield stand out among neighboring communities.
“We don’t want to be Carmel. We don’t want to be Fishers. We don’t want to be Zionsville,” Willis said. “I want something that is uniquely Westfield, and we have some pieces in our community that nobody else has.”
Willis said the plan lays out several developments that would make Westfield unique.
The Main Street area east of Union Street along Ind. 32 is targeted for major transformation. The guiding principle is “charming Midwest retail streets.” Willis said two- to-three story
structures with shops and businesses on the main level and apartments above are part of the plan
Willis said Grassy Branch, a tributary of Cool Creek that runs through southeastern downtown, would be
redeveloped into a walkable greenspace featuring a walking bridge as well as what Willis called the “iconic building”, the largest building included the renderings.
“We want multilevel outdoor seating
BROWNING DAY’S ROLE
Westfield Mayor Scott Willis’ Downtown Development Plan was a team approach with the city and the Indianapolis architecture firm Browning Day.
“We are a mechanism for them to get their vision out,” said Paul Wolfe, a senior design architect at Browning Day.
“We start the process by discovery. We learn and we listen to not only city officials, but community members, historic society, we listen to all of the needs and wants.”
Willis said he wanted to make sure downtown Westfield’s historic buildings were protected. He also wanted the
Grassy Branch flood plain to be a part of the downtown vision.
“We take the combination of the feedback and come up with a combination of ideas until we hit on the arrangement of spaces, both open space and building space that provides a kind of character they’re looking for,” said Christie Pearson, associate principal and director of quality management at Browning Day.
The contract with Browning Day was approved in October 2024 by the Board of Public Works and Safety for $365,740.
areas, platforms, balconies and it will be more of a mixed-use type of environment,” Willis said of the building. “You want people living there. It would be a highly desirable place to be right there on the creek way, but you’ll also have businesses and shops facing that greenspace … It will have its own parking, so it’ll be a pretty massive structure. We envision that it would probably be the biggest building in the downtown (area).”
Another part of the plan is a historical walk that would include iconic buildings such as the Carnegie Library. Willis presented an art strategy he called “gateways, bookends and monuments.” Among the features would be four pieces of community-scaled art installed at the borders of the downtown area to designate the district. Willis also proposed an expanded downtown trail system.
Continued on Page 21
A map of Westfield’s Downtown Redevelopment Plan. (Photos by Todd Golden)
Westfield Mayor Scott Willis delivers his Downtown Redevelopment Plan presentation Nov. 19 at Westfield Washington Library.
Continued from Page 20
SELLERS MARKET
The next step for the Downtown Redevelopment Plan is to include it in Westfield’s Comprehensive Plan, which requires approval from city council and the plan commission. Willis said the city would not buy land for the project and would not pressure property owners to sell.
“Don’t get angry, don’t get nervous. We’re not pushing you out of your home. We’re happy for you to stay exactly where you’re at in the house you’re in right now,” Willis said.
But Willis said he would not stand
in the way of developers who bring the downtown vision closer to reality.
“If there ever comes the time when you want to sell or you want to find the cash out on that property — land prices downtown are skyrocketing fast — this is the vision that we will support,” Willis said.
ON THE COVER: An
of
soloist Bruno Sandes
Bruno Sandes
The Palladium
Friday, December 19 at 8 PM Saturday, December 20 at 3 PM Sunday, December 21 at 3 PM
Schrott Center for the Arts Monday, December 22 at 7:30 PM
aerial rendering
what Westfield’s downtown could look like in the Downtown Redevelopment Plan presented Nov. 19. (Photo by Todd Golden)
A history-oriented walking trail was part of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan presentation. (Photo by Todd Golden)
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
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.
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.
Lawson
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.
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.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Show Dates
Upcoming Show Dates
December 20, 2025 January 18, 2026 February 15, 2026
15, 2026 April 19, 2026 May 17, 2026
James performed at Feinstein’s cabaret at Carmel’s Hotel Carmichael in 2023.
Morgan James will perform with Jon McLaughlin Dec. 5 in Carmel.
(Photo courtesy of Grace Stockdale)
ENTERTAINMENT
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.
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
Anthony Nunziata
Nunziata
The Carnegie Hall Headliner dubbed “America’s New Romantic Singing Sensation!” Featuring Ashley Nicole Soprano.
COMMUNITY VOICES
‘No Tech’ in
schools
Editor,
As a long-time 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.
David Hardesty, Carmel
Holiday Donation Drive
Donate new, unopened items to bring joy to kids spending their holidays in the hospital Thank you for supporting local children
Requested Items:
Crayola pencils/markers (10–12 ct)
Uno card decks
Small puzzles (24–48 pcs)
Play-Doh tubs
A case of repeated identity
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
This is about a medical concern I had last summer. I’m fine, but this is my only chance to write funny stuff about a lung biopsy. I hope.
When I arrived at the hospital, I asked the RN, Jill, if the doctor assigned to me was accomplished. Jill confirmed he was “the best we have here.” I admire nurses, but I don’t think they are as forthcoming as waitresses. Example:
very unlikely event I said something amusing, he’d note it on my chart.
“This is my only chance to write funny stuff about a lung biopsy. I hope.”
– DICK WOLFSIE
The staff constantly asked my name and date of birth, confirming that I was the right person getting the correct procedure, and also to see if the meds they had administered were affecting my ability to recall information. Sometimes, the same people asked me this question over and over again, so I started to worry about their memories.
“How’s the tilapia tonight, Tina?”
“Not so good — it’s a little fishy. I’d try something else.”
You don’t get this kind of honesty from your average nurse. Example:
“Is this Dr. Jones a good radiologist?”
“He’s no Dr. Smith, but I’m sure you’ll will be OK. Maybe you should try someone else.”
After the procedure, Jill explained that I would not be allowed out of bed for any reason for two hours.
“So, I am going to encourage you to go to the bathroom now,” she said.
“How are you going to do that?”
The nurse seemed confused by my attempt at being funny, but my wife became absolutely hysterical at this remark. There was even some talk of sedating her.
I wanted to know if I was the physician’s first patient that morning, because the needle probe requires really good aim and I was hoping he had a chance to warm up on someone else first. The doctor informed me that we’d be talking to each other during the biopsy, but I would have no memory of what I said. He promised me that in the
When the staff brought me lunch, I had to confirm my name and date of birth still again. This time, it was because the hospital will not buy you a meal if you’re just having a $69 heart scan. When I was digging in, the wrist port for my IV got clogged with mashed potatoes. The nurse said she was required to note it on my medical records. Technically, it was a blockage.
My wife Mary Ellen came back into the recovery room. Jill came in and asked my name and date of birth for the 15th time. I responded appropriately, but just to throw her off, I asked her who the strange woman was sitting next to me.
I told the nurses how nice everyone had been. She informed me that the staff treats everyone the same way — no matter who they are. But just to be sure, I told her, anyway: Richard Wolfsie, March 5, 1947.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent. com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
15. ___ Angeles
16. Did major repairs of SR 32
17. Westfield’s 400-acre sports complex
19. O’Connor’s replace-
ment on the US Supreme Court
20. Fa follower
21. Dog food brand
22. PC key combo
23. Colt’s Florida foe,
briefly
24. IND gate info
26. Had oysters at Noah Grant’s
27. Deep divides
31. Worked the soil
34. Promote
35. “Green Gables” girl
37. Tailoring job
41. Events Center sponsor at 17-Across
44. How some bonds are sold
45. Drive-___ window
46. Really annoy
47. Business news channel
49. Give authority
51. ___ out (do nothing)
54. Boone Power resistance unit
56. “Wow!”
57. Victory Field game segment
60. Musical piece
62. Ship initials
65. Worship
66. New naming rights partner at 17-Across
68. Carmel HS prom transports
69. Good to go
70. Lessen
71. Arterial implant
72. Noblesville-to-Ft. Wayne dir.
73. “Ghostbusters” goo DOWN
1. Luggage identifiers
2. Deli sandwich
3. List ending abbr.
4. Brown County lodging
5. Half a diameter
6. Rock music genre
7. Hamilton County reservoir
8. Sound of disapproval
9. October birthstone
10. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream treat
11. “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” musical
12. Annoy
13. Sun-dried brick
18. Classic arcade game
22. Hubbub
23. Golden Arches buy
25. Word often confused with 1-Across
27. Pet welfare org.
28. Solidify
29. Camel feature
30. Tattletale
32. Before, to a bard
33. Sweetie
36. Ultimate degree
38. Move like a moth
39. “___ never work!”
40. You, in the Bible
42. Caterer’s coffee dispenser
43. Finished a phone call
48. Swamp
50. Some electric cars
51. Lab bottles
52. Stop a relationship
53. Folklore dwarf
55. Nitwit
58. Pebble Brook golf club
59. Hoosier National Forest home
61. Prod
62. Citrus fruit
63. Bogus
64. Eyelid problem
66. “Don’t @ Me” host Dakich
67. Ind. neighbor ANSWERS ON PAGE 31
WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES
Guitar Lessons
With Baker Scott Beginners thru Advanced All styles
C&H TREE SERVICE
FIREWOOD SALE
Topping – Removal
Deadwooding – Landscaping
Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning
INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES CALL STEVE 317-932-2115
appliances, yard waste, small trees, construction debris, shed & deck removal, miscellaneous junk, and small moves. Firefighter Owned 317-460-4586
PUZZLE ANSWERS
Electric-Acoustic-Bass Private Lessons Parent-Child Lessons I teach improvisation for all instruments. Gift Certificates Available Read my LinkedIn bio/About near Carey Road & 146th Carmel 317-910-6990
INDY WORK LANDSCAPING LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING Locally Owned and Operated
part-time trainer with the possibility of moving to full-time. Clients are provided, so there is NO SELLING. BA/BS 4-year or greater degree in exercise related field required. If you have a passion for changing the lives of older adults, you will want to be part of our welcoming environment. Send resume and cover letter to info@motion4lifefitness.com
PASTOR
f/t; perform religious worship & spiritual function; ThB, BDiv or equiv+5yr related exp OR ThM, Mdiv; Worksite: Zionsville, IN; Resume: Lake Region Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists @ 19860 S La Grange Rd, Mokena, IL 60448
Sublease apartment available in Carmel until June 2026; current leaser will not be returning to apartment. Very nice, unfurnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath with fireplace and sunroom within walking distance to Carter Green and Midtown. Base rent is $2100 (not including other fees). If interested, please contact mariatinah889@gmail.com.
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.
