July 28, 2026 — Current in Westfield by Current Publishing

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West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd

Mayor gives update on road projects

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Westfield residents heard an update about various ongoing and planned road projects during Mayor Scott Willis’ quarterly town hall meeting July 16 at the Westfield Washington Public Library.

“Because nobody cares about our roads,” Willis joked. “There’s nothing that gets people wound up more than infrastructure, and I don’t blame you.”

Willis noted that the roundabout at 181st Street and Grand Park Boulevard is now complete.

A road-widening project at 191st Street from Tomlinson Road to Grand Park Boulevard will start soon and includes another roundabout at Grand Park and a pedestrian bridge over 191st Street for people using the Monon Trail. Willis said getting that project started has been complicated.

“This is probably the first project that I’ve worked on when I became mayor, and it’s just now coming to fruition, folks,” he said. “This is how long it takes for major road projects. We’re taking a two-lane country road … to a four-lane boulevard with additional roundabouts.”

He said preparation work involved moving utilities before roadwork could begin. Willis added that future phases of the widening project will continue to Spring Mill Road, including additional roundabouts along the way — with an estimated 2028 completion.

He said the pedestrian bridge at 191st Street is a needed safety measure.

“It’s going to take the Monon Trail users over 191st Street,” he said. “It’s probably not our most dangerous interaction with the Monon right now, but it’s real close. What makes it just a little bit more (needed) from my perspective, is all the tourists that come into our community that don’t understand roundabouts, they don’t understand trails. We got to get that interaction between pedestrians and vehicles

eliminated.”

Willis said the pedestrian bridge is due for completion in 2027.

Another Monon Trail safety project is a pedestrian tunnel under 161st Street. Willis said that project was a priority for him when he became mayor.

“Nobody likes to do this — it’s $8 million to put in a tunnel under a road like that,” he said. “It’s not cheap, but it’s important. I truly believe that our trail system, especially the Monon, is probably our greatest asset from an infrastructure standpoint, and you’ve got to protect that. And it is a very dangerous interaction between the trail users and the road.”

Willis said the project is a little behind schedule, but should be done by late fall.

He told residents at the town hall that Ind. 32 construction in Westfield is making progress, albeit slowly.

“If you’re like me, you probably thought that was never going to end,” he said. “I still wonder if it’ll ever end. Especially during the early summer months — I drove by it every day and didn’t see a soul out there working, and

my blood just kept boiling and boiling, thinking, ‘Is this project going to last my first term? Because (if so), I probably won’t get a second.’”

Willis said a lot of the delays were related to “surprise” underground utility issues. He said the project should be mostly complete by the end of the year, with minor work such as landscaping bleeding into 2027.

City officials have been working on establishing consistent school zone speed limits throughout the community. Willis said that is partly in response to a fatal accident involving a child on Tomlinson Road, close to a school.

“We are getting ready to release a new vision for our school districts,” he said. “It’s going to require a pretty substantial investment. Just for (the Tomlinson Road) area alone — it’s going to be about $100,000. What it’s basically going to do is, it’s going to create a light sensor crosswalk with a relief island in the middle of the road where kids and parents can cross inside the school zone where the speed limits are reduced.”

For more about road construction projects in Westfield, visit westfieldin. gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/185.

Current in Westfield (ISSN: 3143-0686)

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Columnist views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of this newspaper.

Westfield Mayor Scott Willis speaks during his quarterly town hall meeting July 16.

(Photo by Leila Kheiry)

LUNCH + BEER

Wood Wind grant OK’d

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

After exceeding its performance goals since becoming a subsidiary of the Downtown Westfield Community Development Corp., Wood Wind Golf Course plans to expand and make some capital improvements, with funding from a $2.65 million grant approved July 20 by the Westfield Redevelopment Commission.

Before the unanimous vote, Economic and Community Development Director Jenell Fairman told commissioners that Wood Wind, 2302 W. 161st St., exceeded all performance expectations in 2025.

“Including a record revenue collection, record rounds played of 39,400 and total memberships of 403,” she said, adding that it appeared 2026 will be another record year for the public golf course.

The appropriation was approved in mid-June by the Westfield City Council. It comes from unspent 2025 capital projects funding.

Fairman said the improvement plans call for purchasing about 5.6 acres east

of the golf course.

“We will also be completing some safety improvements and repairs to the existing golf course, including the repair of three bridges, some cart path repairs, restroom renovations at the clubhouse and pavilion, bunker and ditch restoration and repair, drainage improvements and a new pump house roof,” she said. “Additionally, there will be upgrades that will also have some opportunities for revenue generation at Wood Wind. There will be a new golf course restroom added, a golf course simulator lounge and a reach-in deli cooler.”

The next Westfield Redevelopment Commission meeting is 6 p.m. Aug. 17 in the City Hall assembly room.

FBI raids home, business of Westfield developer

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Indianapolis agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigations raided the home and business of Westfield resident and developer James Andrew “Andy” Card July 16.

Card, 62, founded Card & Associates Athletic Facilities, LLC., which developed the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, Finch Creek Fieldhouse in Noblesville and the Mishawaka Fieldhouse, among other projects

FBI Indianapolis spokesperson Chris Bavender confirmed the investigation action in a July 17 email to Current.

“The FBI conducted court authorized law enforcement activity at that location on July 16,” she stated. “We have no additional details to provide at this time.”

Card released an email statement July 18.

“Nothing is more important than the

health and happiness of my family,” he stated. “I am, however, temporarily relinquishing control of the development division at Card and Associates and will manage operations (as CEO) for current facilities only. My professional reputation is paramount to me. I am hopeful I will be fully vindicated.”

Card & Associates was one of the firms under consideration in 2023 for operation and management of Grand Park, but was not selected. In 2022, Card also expressed interest in purchasing Grand Park.

The company also submitted a proposal in 2023 to develop a Noblesville event center and parking garage, losing out to Patch Development. That project became The Arena at Innovation Mile.

The Card & Associates website and social media were no longer active July 17. This story will be updated online when more information is available.

Capital improvements are planned at Westfield’s Wood Wind Golf Course. (File photo)

COMMUNITY

WESTFIELD AUGUST EVENTS

INTERNHC KICKOFF

The Hamilton County Intern Collaborative will host a kickoff event from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 4 at Shamrock Station, 333 W Hoover St., Westfield. INternHC was created to help recent high school graduates and current college interns build connections. To register, visit bit.ly/4faR0ne.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Westfield Chamber will host a State of Nonprofits Luncheon at 11 a.m. Aug. 6 at The Club at Chatham Hills. The discussion will be moderated by Danielle StilesPolk, president of the Hamilton County Community Foundation. To register, visit https://bit.ly/4fasTFu.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

The Westfield Police Department will join more than 17,000 communities across the country in observing National Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 4 at Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S. Union St. For more, visit westfieldin.gov/nationalnightout.

AUTHOR TALKS

Westfield Washington Public Library will host author Jacqueline Friedland at 1 p.m. Aug. 12. Friedland will discuss her newest novel, “Breathing Under Water.” Author Craig Fehrman will give a presentation at 6 p.m. Aug. 25, focusing on his new book, “This Vast Enterprise: A New History of Lewis & Clark.” Registration is encouraged but not required. For more, visit wwpl.lib. in.us/author-events-light-up-wwpl-summer-calendar

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

The following Westfield government meetings are scheduled:

• Plan Commission — 7 p.m. Aug. 3, City Hall assembly room

• Plat Committee — 11 a.m. Aug. 10 and 24, 2728 E. 171st St., main meeting room

• City Council — 7 p.m. Aug. 10 and 24, City Hall assembly room

• Redevelopment Commission — 6 p.m. Aug. 17, City Hall assembly room

• Plan Commission workshop — 7 p.m. Aug. 17, 2728 E. 171st St., main meeting room

• Westfield Washington Schools Board of Trustees — 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11 and 6 p.m. Aug. 25 at the WWS Administration Center, 19500 Tomlinson Rd., Suite B.

Embattled Life Church pastor returns to pulpit

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Life Church Lead Pastor Nathan Peternel returned to public ministry July 5, more than four months after announcing he would temporarily step away to undergo a “structured restorative process” guided by the Assemblies of God Indiana District leadership.

The pastor’s leave occurred after multiple videos of him and his wife engaged in sexual acts were found in his son’s possession during a police investigation.

Peternel’s son, Jonathan Peternel, is in prison after pleading guilty in February to possession of child sexual abuse material. Police discovered the videos of the elder Peternels while investigating Jonathan Peternel’s case.

Life Church, which has campuses in Fishers, Noblesville, Pendleton and Indianapolis, is part of the Assemblies of God denomination. It is also a member of the Association of Related Churches.

In a Feb. 20 letter to congregants announcing his upcoming leave, Peternel stated that the Assemblies of God Indiana District Executive Presbytery “concluded that certain personal behaviors related to my use and retention of private digital content involving my spouse fell short of the standards expected of a credentialed minister and were determined to be unbecoming of ministerial leadership.”

Before giving a July 5 sermon, Nathan Peternel described the situation as the “hardest season” he and his wife have ever experienced.

“The enemy has attacked us,” he said. “While we’re wrestling not against brothers and sisters, we also know that the enemy can sometimes use the people that we love and their voices and the words and all of that, and it hurts.”

Nathan Peternel also thanked congregants for their support and encouragement during the last several months. He did not directly mention his son’s arrest or the reason for his leave, but he said the experience transformed him.

“Our dependence on the Lord during this time is going to help us to be better leaders and better pastors than before we went through this,” he said. “I don’t think you go through the fire unchanged.”

The service fell on the same weekend the U.S. celebrated 250 years of independence. In his sermon, Nathan Peternel compared U.S. President George Washington’s farewell address to speeches given by biblical figures during leadership transitions.

Current contacted Life Church to request comment from Nathan Peternel or other church leaders and did not receive a response. The church posted a statement regarding his return on its website.

“After a season of rest and renewal, Pastor Nathan and Christina are preparing to return to ministry, and we’re looking toward the first week of July as that time draws near,” the statement reads. “We’re grateful for this restorative season and for the ways the Lord has been strengthening them physically, spiritually, and emotionally. As they step back into the life of our church, we invite you to do two things: keep them in prayer during this time of transition, and reach out with words of love and encouragement. A note, a card, or a kind word means more than you know.”

The Assemblies of God Indiana District Leadership did not respond to a request for comment.

Life Church Lead Pastor Nathan Peternel returns to the pulpit July 5 after stepping away for more than four months following a police investigation involving his family. (Screen capture via YouTube/Life Church)

Former members of the Westfield Girls Cross Country team organized a July 11 reunion for runners who competed during coach Scott Lidskin’s 30-year tenure. Nearly 50 former and current

WESTFIELD GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY REUNION GIVING

Rotary Club of Westfield President Jim Ake, right, presents a replica check for $490 to Robbie’s Hope Club of Westfield representatives Whitney Bontrager, left, and Meg Bontrager. Robbie’s Hope members work to end the stigma around mental health. Westfield Rotary raises funds to support community nonprofits by selling bratwursts and hot dogs during Cool Creek Park concerts, and through raffle drawings and other events. During its July 14 meeting, the Rotary club welcomed four new members. For more, visit westfieldrotaryin.com. (Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Westfield)

 Organization workshops set — Cindy Garloch, a professional home organizer based in Westfield, will lead a free session on tackling household clutter and maintaining order from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Westfield Washington Public Library, 17400 Westfield Blvd. Seating is limited. To register, visit www. wwpl.lib.in.us.

 Beekeepers club — North Central Beekeepers Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Cool Creek Nature Center in Westfield, 2000 E. 151st St. Meetings are free for all levels of beekeepers north of Indianapolis. Those interested in becoming beekeepers are welcome. Learn more at facebook.com/groups/ncbclub.

runners attended alongside Lidskin and several assistant coaches from across the years. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Bower)

Westfield woman charged with defrauding school

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

A Westfield woman and former Heritage Christian School employee has been charged in Marion County with two felony counts of fraud and theft for allegedly using her school-issued credit card to purchase about $96,000 worth of personal items and services.

Angela Ruiz-Pearce was the school’s academic director, according to the probable cause affidavit filed by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigators. In that position, she was in charge of curriculum and professional development, including the purchase of textbooks and instruction materials, and paying for training fees and other expenses.

Ruiz-Pearce was issued a corporate Visa card for school-related expenses. According to the PCA, she was terminated in February after which school officials allegedly discovered recent illegitimate transactions totaling about $34,000, including purchases from Amazon, Etsy, JEM MedSpa and Albert’s Diamond Jewelers. The school then conducted a full review of the card’s transaction history.

The review allegedly showed purchases from those four businesses totaling about $205,000. The criminal charges reflect a lower amount because identifying illegitimate Amazon purchases was complicated — there were legitimate purchases mingled with the

order history.

For the medspa charges, Ruiz-Pearce allegedly wrote in the “Purchase Notes” that they were for training and STEM Kits.

“(The school chief operating officer) stated that Ms. Ruiz-Pearce had submitted several expense reports … from (Project Lead The Way), a legitimate supplier of school curriculum,” the PCA stated. “Ms. Ruiz-Pearce documented the costs under ‘JEM-MED training,’ with JEM-MED being Junior Explorers of Math, Medicine, Engineering and Discovery. (The COO) stated these were not legitimate and Ms. Ruiz-Pearce falsified these to disguise her transactions at JEM MedSpa.”

Investigators obtained records from the medspa to confirm that RuizPearce had made the purchases.

“Services included several skin treatments, Botox injections and laser treatments,” the PCA stated. “The invoices listed Ms. Ruiz-Pearce’s name and her home address.”

IMPD also received a transaction history from the jewelry store and allegedly confirmed that the card was used to purchase gold, diamond and pearl jewelry. Etsy purchases included jewelry, home decor and clothing.

According to online court records, Ruiz-Pearce was charged July 16 with fraud where the loss is between $50,000 and $100,000; and theft of items valued between $750 and $50,000.

DISPATCHES

 Movies in the Plaza — The final Movies In The Plaza event is set for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at Grand Junction Plaza, with a screening of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”

 Mental health program set — Mental health therapist Will Hughes will lead a free program that covers a variety of mental health topics at 6 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Westfield Washington Public Library.

 New Fox Hollow documentary episode — A new episode has dropped in the popular 2025 Hulu series “The Fox Hollow Murders,” a documentary detailing the deaths at Fox Hollow Farms in Westfield. The new episode, titled

“Return to Fox Hollow,” debuted July 8. It’s a follow up to the streaming channel’s four-episode docuseries that went online last year. According to Hulu’s website, the episode “deepens the investigation with new evidence and explosive revelations.”

 Advancing Westfield grants open — Advancing Westfield Foundation grant applications are open through July 31. The foundation funds nonprofit organizations within Westfield, supporting services for youth, adults, seniors, veterans and disabled community members. Grant requests may be made for up to $50,000. For more, visit advancingwestfieldfoundation.org.

School nurse manager receives national award

news@currentinwestfield.com

Westfield Washington Schools’ nurse manager Teresa Layton has been recognized with an Excellence in School Nursing Award, representing Indiana at the national level after she was nominated by the Indiana Association of School Nurses.

Layton received the award at the National Association of School Nurses annual conference June 29 through July 2. During the conference, one school nurse and one school nurse administrator from each state is recognized for making a significant impact throughout the previous school year, according to a news release. Layton also will be honored this fall at the Indiana Association of School Nurses conference.

Ryan Hoover, WWS assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, stated that the recognition reflects the impact Layton has across the district.

“Teresa is a dynamic leader not only for the WWS nursing staff but for the entire district,” Hoover stated. “She blends the perfect amount of knowledge and skill with collaboration and support. She oversees and mentors our health professionals while providing ongoing support for our schools, students, and parents. She is an exemplary leader and very deserving of this award.”

Layton stated that the award is a reflection of the WWS nursing team and its shared commitment to providing exceptional care.

“I just feel like it demonstrates a high level of training for the school

nurses because we really try to be front and center and make sure we’re using research-based information,” Layton stated.

Every WWS school nurse is a registered nurse who participates in professional development to stay current.

“Medicine is changing all the time,” Layton stated. “Making sure we’re on the forefront of that information, that we’re trained and know how to use it, is really important.”

Layton recognized Riverview Health for providing district nurses through its partnership with WWS.

DISPATCHES

 Jams at the Junction — Jams at the Junction, a free concert series presented by the Westfield Parks and Recreation Department, is set for 7 to 9 p.m. on select Fridays on the Great Lawn at Grand Junction Plaza, which is within the Grand Junction DORA, allowing guests ages 21 and older to have alcoholic beverages purchased from participating vendors within designated areas. The 2026 concert lineup includes: Aug. 7 — Groovesmash; Aug. 21 — Midnight RedEye Band; and Aug. 28 — Jai Baker Trio. For more, visit westfieldin.gov/jams.

 Special Olympics plane pull set for Aug. 8 — Special Olympics Indiana will have its 25th annual Plane Pull Challenge Aug. 8 at the Fedex Express World Hub at Indianapolis Airport. The fundraiser for Special Olympics has teams of up to 15 people move an 82-ton Boeing 575. The Kids Pull features children ages 12 and younger who try to pull the airplane along the 12-foot runway. For more, visit soindiana.org/plane-pull.

Westfield Washington Schools’ nurse manager Teresa Layton with her 2026 Excellence in School Nursing Award. (Photo courtesy of WWS)

CDBG priorities reviewed

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County Commissioners reviewed priorities for the county’s Community Development Block Grant program at their July 13 meeting.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the CDBG program provides resources to local governments to expand economic opportunities, build public facilities and develop affordable housing.

The total funding available for 2026 is just more than $2.54 million, combining a new 2026 allocation of $1,179,216 with remaining funds from previous years.

In Year 3 of Hamilton County’s CDBG five-year consolidated plan, Michelle Westermeier, community development program manager, said priorities are expanding and sustaining affordable housing development across the region.

A key element includes partnering with a local continuum of care agency to offer immediate and long-term supportive housing for vulnerable populations, including domestic violence survivors, at-risk veterans and individuals

facing mental health challenges.

During the public comment period, Fishers resident Andrea Davis, executive director of Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development, stressed the importance of support for the development of affordable housing in the county and raised concerns about continuum of care.

“When you’re talking about these folks in need of housing, I just wanted to make sure you understand that it’s very possible, if not probable, that as housing needs are prioritized, the folks who are chosen to live in whatever housing gets created here will not necessarily be residents of Hamilton County,” she said.

The plan is to continue the county’s owner-occupied home repair program to preserve existing housing. The initiative also funds new utility connections for residents in the northern portion of the county.

Westermeier said the county’s four participating cities — Carmel, Westfield, Fishers and Noblesville — will focus on infrastructure improvements that directly benefit low-income areas.

WHS well represented at IFCA All-Stars

news@currentinwestfield.com

Four members of the Westfield High School football team participated in the July 10 Indiana Football Coaches Association All-Stars Game.

Representing WHS at the North/ South game were players Alex Aramboles and Ja’Deon Smith, coach Ryan Sosinski and team manager Emme Burtron.

All four were chosen for the South Team, which won 23-9.

“Smith earned his spot as a defensive lineman after an outstanding career with the Shamrocks,” the news release stated. “This fall, he will continue his football career at Saginaw Valley State University, where he plans to study sports psychology.”

Aramboles was selected as a linebacker and was one of four South Team captains. He will continue his football career at Grand Valley State (Mich.) University, where he plans to study exercise science.

Burtron will attend Indiana Wesleyan University this fall, and was the third member of the Burtron family to participate in the Indiana North/South AllStar Game. She was preceded by Zane Burtron, who served as WHS’s head offensive line coach in 2014, and Wade Burtron, Class of 2012, who played quarterback and is now a detective with Westfield Police Department.

ALASKA 2027 TRAVELOGUE

AUGUST 13, 2026 AT 1:00pm

Join Ambassadair to learn more about these exciting new adventures coming in 2027!

Alaskan Adventure | June 9 - 18, 2027

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Alaska’s Northern Lights and Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race®

Space is limited, please RSVP at ambassadair.com/upcoming-travelogues/alaska27/ or call our office at 317-581-1122

From left, Ja’Deon Smith, Emme Burtron, Ryan Sosinski and Alex Aramboles were part of the winning South Team during the annual Indiana Football Coaches Association All-Stars game. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Washington Schools)

New senior community officially breaks ground

By Hannah VanLandingham hannah@youarecurrent.com

Gracewell Senior Living broke ground on a new assisted living and memory care community July 10 in Westfield.

The community, 17302 Lillian St., will include two single-story homes, designed to house 16 residents each. Gracewell will offer private suites, shared living spaces and memory care programming.

“We really believe that (people requiring assistive care) deserve more than a facility, they deserve a home,” founder Scott Ries said. “This home is where people are going to be known specifically by their name. We’re going to know what their favorite meal is. Our staff will care for them, celebrate birthdays and (residents will) have social engagement (and) visitors.”

Ries and his wife Becky Ries started the development to improve the experience of those in assisted living.

“We’re just thinking, ‘There has to be a better way,’” Ries said. So, (for) the last few years, I’ve been watching this part of residential assisted living, residential memory care — and out of that, we decided to step forward and create this better way.”

Ries invited Pastor Will Huberty of Trader’s Point Christian Church to offer words of wisdom and a prayer for the future of the development.

“Scott and I share a famous theologian we both love, and he has an incredible perspective on old age,” Huberty said. “(Influential 19th-century preacher) Charles Spurgeon called old age the choicest season, where although youthful energy may wane, the fire of earnest feeling remains. He advised elderly believers to not allow their zeal to diminish with age … I pray Gracewell is marked with those characteristics of earnest feeling, youthful zeal and persistent joy

that permeates all the generations that walk through these doors.”

Ries expressed gratitude for the support the development has received and said he looks forward to the future of Gracewell. The project does not have an estimated completion date.

“We view this as more than just a construction site. We view this as a promise that we shape,” Ries said. “This truly is a labor of love for us.”

Founder Scott Ries, center, with his wife Becky Ries, left center, and project investors officially break ground on Gracewell Senior Living’s new assisted living and memory care community. (Photo by Hannah VanLandingham)

WESTFIELD LIONS CLUB SUPPORTS FIRST RESPONDERS

Westfield Lions Club members received CPR training from Westfield Fire Department EMTs during a special event July 12. From left are Rob Ginder, Craig Cooley, Bill Nesbitt,John Wardlow, Gary Smith, EMT Walter Rippy, Tracy Rogers, Mark Albright, Jerry Hochgesang, Cheryl Hochgesang and EMT Thida Donel. Westfield Lions Foundation plans to sponsor future CPR classes for the public. Lions Club members also hosted a cookout the day before, supporting Westfield Police Department. For more, visit westfieldlions.org. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Larrison)

 World Food Championships tickets on sale — The world’s largest live cooking competition will take place Oct. 15 to 18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Three hundred international chefs, home cooks, pitmasters and culinary teams will compete live across 10 championship categories. The Indianapolis Pizza Festival will take place Oct. 17 in concurrence with the event. A special combo ticket will grant visitors access to both events. For more, visit worldfoodchampionships.com.

GIVING BACK

complete Bronze Award project

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Members of Troop 1785 in Westfield have completed their Girl Scout Bronze Award project, which included installing a new Little Free Library outside of Wright’s Gymnastics.

The Bronze Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can earn before moving up to the next Girl Scout level. Troop leader Jocelyn Piechocki said the troop chose the Little Free Library after discussing projects that would give back to the community.

“We were just kind of giving examples of what the girls like, and reading is and was a big thing they all like,” she said. “One of the big things that we see all around is the free little libraries. They mentioned that idea and they were very excited about doing that, because they all seem to utilize those around the community or ones that are near them.”

Girl Scout Olivia Guillaume, 11, said she liked the idea in part because she has exchanged books with friends in the past and the Little Free Library box is a book exchange for everyone. She and fellow troop member Ella Poisson, also 11, helped paint and install the library.

“I liked the idea of the little library, because some people may not have free books or … go to the library,” Poisson said. “And so I thought it was a good idea to have free little books that they can just, like, look through.”

The Little Free Library was the last step in a series of projects, Piechocki said.

“One of the things that we also had to do was do a Take Action project, and one of the things that involves is giving back to the community — something that’s sustainable after we leave,” she said. “We built bat boxes, and so those, we dropped off when we went to Camp Gallahue, which is in Monroe County.”

Piechocki said the troop built two bat boxes and got them stained for camp rangers to install around camp. The girls later went around to all the estab-

lished Little Free Library boxes in the community to fill them up with donated books.

“During the summer, they get kind of bare, so we had to go around and fill that up,” she said.

The troop also organized an animal food drive during the winter, but — despite their best efforts — that didn’t work out. The day of the drive was pretty much a blizzard.

“The intention was there, but so was the snow,” Piechocki said. “So, it didn’t go very well. I think the girls did a good job of getting the word out about it, but it was a strong disappointment on trying to help animals. But, they put the flyers together, and because one of our girls, she has a gecko, and she’s like, ‘I don’t want just the cats and dogs to get taken care of.’ And so, the girls made it a point to include all animals that could

BRONZE AWARD STEPS

Girl Scout Juniors can earn their Bronze Award when they:

• Are in fourth or fifth grade

• Are a registered Girl Scout Junior

• Have completed one of the prerequisite options: Junior Aide, True North Award or Take Action/Global Action Award

Bronze Award projects are completed by a Girl Scout Junior team who explore their community to discover how they

can make a positive change. Together, team members choose a project, make a plan for how to accomplish their project goals and then put that plan into action.

Part of the plan is spreading the word about their project and sharing their story. The Bronze Award is a step in the process of eventually earning a Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouts. For more, visit bit.ly/4fr6qUM.

be in need of food.”

The girls also organized a bake sale to raise money for the Little Free Library materials — which cost about $300. Olivia said she first made peanut butter no-bake cookies, but couldn’t take them because they had nuts in them.

“I tried to make these chocolate ones.“ she said. “They didn’t work because they didn’t have time to set.”

About an hour before the bake sale, Olivia successfully made some sugar cookies to sell. Ella Poisson’s contribution was a batch of snickerdoodles.

“The girls put in a lot of effort,” Piechocki said. “I think we made, like, $500 on that day, so it definitely took care of … the cost of the library.”

She added that Wrights Gymnastics’ owner was excited to have the Little Free Library outside the business, 360 E. 186th St. The girls — with the help of a few parents — installed the box in early July.

“My dad did most of the digging and put in the post,” Ella said. “But we put the top on, and he screwed it on, too. But we helped a little.”

The girls will officially receive their Bronze Awards Aug 16.

COVER:

Westfield Girl Scouts install Little Free Library to

THE

From left, members of Girl Scout Troop 1785 Olivia Guillaume, Ella Poisson, Hannah Krukenberg, Aubrey Bowers, Noelle McLaughlin and Laney Serrahn with the Little Free Library that they installed as part of their Bronze Award project. (Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Piechocki)

Girl Scout Ella Poisson puts books into the Little Free Library that she and other Troop 1785 members installed. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Poisson)

Girl Scout Troop 1785 members each painted a portion of the new Little Free Library. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Poisson)

How to boost natural GLP-1

Commentary by Farah Myers

Did you know that simple, everyday habits can naturally boost your body’s own GLP-1 with no prescription required? Primarily produced in the lower intestine, GLP-1 helps control mealtime blood sugars, slows digestion and signals fullness to your brain.

One of the simplest strategies I encourage with patients is to slow down at mealtimes. When you stretch a meal to 20 to 30 minutes, nutrients enter your digestive system gradually instead of all at once. This longer exposure stimulates more natural GLP-1 release and leads to longer-lasting fullness. Habit changes we focus on include eating meals with companions, avoiding screens and even taking time to appreciate your food.

Closely related is chewing food thoroughly. Chewing doesn’t just have a mechanical purpose. It sends signals to your brain and gut to prime the hormone release before food even reaches your stomach. Uniformly chewed food tells the gut that “nutrient dense food

is here” so it slows down digestion, further increasing natural GLP-1 release. Another powerful habit is enjoying carbs at the end of your meal. Starting with fiber and protein slows digestion to allow more nutrients to reach the lower intestine, where GLP-1 is primarily produced. This simple change reduces blood sugar spikes up to 42 percent, all without reducing the overall amount you eat.

Although GLP-1 meds work by mimicking and amplifying GLP-1, they are costly and not for everyone. However, these simple habits tap into the same biological pathways with clear evidence to back it up. Most importantly, they are accessible, sustainable and powerful tools to improve your metabolic health, starting with your very next meal.

West Nile found in county

news@currentnoblesville.com

The Hamilton County Health Department Vector Control Program has confirmed one mosquito sample has tested positive for West Nile Virus from Founder’s Park in Carmel.

According to the health department, the detection of WNV activity is evidence the disease, a mosquito-borne illness that spreads to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, is present in Hamilton County.

Although most infected people remain asymptomatic, it can cause flu-like symptoms or, in severe cases, life-threatening neurological diseases like encephalitis or meningitis. For optimum protection, the health department recommends individuals:

• Wear long sleeves, pants, socks and shoes when outdoors.

• Apply U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to any exposed skin.

• Keep mosquitoes outside by keeping doors and windows closed or

making sure screens are in good repair.

• Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active.

In addition, all Hamilton County residents are asked to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their home by:

• Removing containers that hold water like tires, cans, bottles, buckets, jars, drums and trash.

• Dumping and inverting wheelbarrows and kiddie/toddler pools when not in use.

• Changing water in birdbaths and pet bowls weekly.

• Inspecting water in flowerpots and plant containers weekly.

• Cleaning rain gutters.

• Draining and filling tire ruts, stagnant pools and puddles.

• Placing tight covers over cisterns, cesspools, septic tanks, tubs and rain barrels where water is stored.

• Keeping the margins of ponds clear of vegetation and stock ornamental ponds with top-feeding minnows. For more, visit hamiltoncounty. in.gov/323/Mosquito-Control.

GREEN MOUNTAIN

YOSHINO CHERRY

Farah Myers is a double board-certified nurse practitioner at Cool Creek Family Health in Carmel. Call or text 317-663-9932 to learn more.

WHAT’S YOUR HOME WORTH?

Midwest Shirt Co. moves out of the basement

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Midwest Shirt Co. owner Steven Williams didn’t intend to start a screen printing business, but eight years after buying his first equipment and three years after working from his Westfield basement, the former professor of graphic design has moved into his own shop.

Williams , who taught at Herron School of Art and Ball State University, used to live in Indianapolis, which is where he first started screen printing — inspired by a visiting lecturer.

“We just moved into a new house in Broad Ripple and we had this basement space that was not being used,” he said. “I was like, ‘Hey, I can do this in here.’ And so I bought, like, $1,500 worth of stuff … and started to learn how to use it. And then, my wife’s like, ‘You know, you’ve got to make this money back, right?’”

He looked into starting a company and initially named his business Burnish & Press, but his wife again gave him some valuable input. He decided to go with a simpler name and Midwest Shirt Co. was born.

For a few years, the screen printing business was a side gig as Williams continued to teach. They had since moved to Westfield, and when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he started offering custom Westfield masks. They were a big hit and he sold about 5,000, launched a website and started taking more orders.

When he didn’t get a tenure position at Ball State, Williams said he decided the commute wasn’t worth it and he could make as much, if not more, from the printing business.

“So, I retired from teaching and went into the business full time and really started pushing it, and ended up doubling revenue the next year and the year after that,” he said.

He hired an employee to help, he said, but it was a little awkward when they had to work late while the family was upstairs eating dinner or getting ready to bed. He said his wife gave him a deadline of 2 ½ years to move out of the basement. He missed the deadline, but not by a lot — it took three years.

Williams said he had started looking for a separate shop and a friend had

bought a house off Ind. 32 that was zoned commercial/residential. It was in rough shape, but the friend agreed to renovate and Williams was able to move in this spring to the new shop at 4006 Westfield Rd.

T-shirts are his bread-and-butter, but Williams said he does more than shirts.

“We do signage as well — like vinyl banners and retractable banners and yard signs,” he said. “And we can do vehicle graphics and stuff like that, as well.”

Williams can incorporate logos into various designs, and can help customers with custom graphics. He works with some nonprofit organizations, like Kelli’s Kegs ’N Eggs, which raises money for brain cancer research. Williams also is a member of the Westfield Rocks Referrals Group, an organization of business owners that provides networking opportunities and community support through blood drives and clothing or food donations.

Williams said having a separate shop has been great, especially for his press operator, who has a day job and works the press at night. It’s also better for his customers, who no longer have to visit him in a basement.

For more, visit midwestshirtco.com.

Steven Williams of Midwest Shirt Co. recently moved his printing business from his basement to a standalone shop. (Photo courtesy of Midwest Shirt Co.)

Styx joins Chicago on co-headlining tour

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

To Styx vocalist-keyboard player Lawrence Gowan, the band’s “Windy Cities Tour” has been a long time coming.

Styx and Chicago, which both started in the City of Chicago, will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 2 at Noblesville’s Ruoff Music Center. Gowan answered the following questions for Current.

Discuss having the first co-headlining tour with Chicago?

“I’ve been hoping for this to happen for years, quite honestly, because I’m a huge Chicago fan. I’m listening to them every night and I’m just loving it because I saw them way back in the early ‘70s. I saw them three times in the ‘70s, and those are huge concert experiences that I had growing up that I still really love. To me it’s very understandable why their music has lasted so long. It’s just it’s so well put together, and the idea of having two bands that emanated from Chicago, that are such preeminent groups as Styx and Chicago, it seemed like inevitably it was going to happen, but I was just beginning to wonder when. So now that it’s underway, audiences are just eating it up.”

Are you alternating who opens and who plays second?

“Yes, we are, but it seems a little bit easier when they close because there’s so many guys in their band. I think there’s 10 or 11 guys. I keep losing count. So, just the way the stage setup goes, it’s a little bit easier, I think, for the crew to have them close the show. But at the same time, you know, I know we have to close, for example, in Toronto. That’s my hometown. I think we’ll close about a third of them. It doesn’t make any difference at all. It’s just a double-billed concert, and both bands play the same length of time. Personally, I like going on first because we go on in daylight and we go into the darkness. So, I’m really digging that.”

Looks like you play “Build and Destroy” from the 2025 album and “Our Wonder-

ful Lives” from the 2021 album, “Crash of the Crown” in 2021. You also put out an album in 2017, so is it important to include the newer songs?

“The previous record ‘Crash of the Crown’ got to No. 1 on the Billboard’s Rock album chart, so we realized there’s a lot of people out there that want to hear new Styx music, and particularly the people — I’ll pick an arbitrary number — like people that are under 40 and weren’t even born when the classic rock era was putting out the biggest records at that time. But they’ve embraced classic rock as being basically the central music in their lives. It’s nice for them to get something that’s concurrent with the lineup that we’ve had for the last 27 years that I’ve been in the band now. They (younger fans) seem to really embrace it really quickly, and they want to hear at least something represented from those records. It’s a tough setlist to crack because there’s so many, as JY (James Young) will say it’s an ‘embarrassment of riches’ when it comes to really great Styx songs to play in a concert.”

It looks like (bassist and founding

member) Chuck Panozzo has been healthy enough to join you for the last three songs each night on this tour. Is it great for the band to have his presence?

“Is it ever. It’s great. He’s done all the shows so far on the tour, and if his health keeps up the way it is at the moment, and he seems to be in full vigor, then you know he’ll play as many shows on the tour as he possibly can.”

You’re one of the younger members of the band at 69, but the band does so many dates every year. Have you ever thought about cutting back that number?

“Whenever the gods of rock say it’s time to bring the curtain down, that’s when we’ll stop. Until that happens, we have no intention of slowing down. We love doing this and we want to keep doing it. Look when you get to end your day with thousands of people on their feet, arms in the air, big smiles on their faces, it’s like such an overwhelmingly joyous feeling. Why would you want to move away from that? I want to have music in my life every single day and playing in front of audiences the way we do is just a fabulous way to live. Quite honestly, I recommend it for anyone.”

‘THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’ “The Play That Goes Wrong” runs through Aug. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Tim Wright and Steel Petals is set for July 30, followed by “The Magic of David Ranalli’ July 31 and “All the Way Frank: A Sinatra Tribute” with Don Farrell Aug. 1 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘ANASTASIA’

Hendricks Civic Theatre will present “Anastasia” from July 31 to Aug. 9 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

CARMEL COMEDY CLUB

Carmel Comedy Club will feature comedians Andrew Irving, John Fangman and Duncan Kissinger at 7 p.m. July 31, followed by Dave Dugan and Jeff Jena at 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

‘HAVE I SAID TOO MUCH’

Stewart Copeland, former drummer for The Police, will share stories on his “Have I Said Too Much” tour at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

BRIAN SIMPSON

Brian Simpson, Jackiem Joyner and Jessy Jay perform at 8 p.m. July 31 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more,, visit thecenterpresents.org.

JESSE

WELLES

Jesse Welles with special guest Steph Strings will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park In Indianapolis. For more, visit rocktheruins.com.

From left, Styx members Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion), Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboards), Chuck Panozzo (bass, vocals), James “JY” Young (lead vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars), Terry Gowan (bass, vocals) and Will Evankovich (mandolin, guitars). (Photo courtesy of Jason Powell)

Jazz pianist set for Tarkington

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Brian Simpson has built his career on strong collaborations.

The contemporary jazz pianist will be joined by saxophonists Jessy J and Jackiem Joyner in an 8 p.m. concert July 31 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“We work together quite a bit and we’re all old friends,” Simpson said. “It’s always special to do a package show like this. Most of my shows are on my own but it’s always fun to play other people’s music and we play on each other’s songs. It’s really a collaboration.”

Even during shows with his band, Simpson said he always has a featured saxophone player.

“But what’s fun about having Jessy and Jackiem both is I’ll have doubling on a lot of my melodies,” he said. “So, it’s kind of like having a horn section, which is a luxury.”

Simpson, who grew up in northern Illinois, said being back in the Midwest is always fun.

Simpson will feature songs from his most recent album, “Midnight Groove.”

“It’s almost more than I want,” he said.

Simpson is based in Los Angeles but is getting another place near Chicago.

“Just another secondary outpost. It’s a little easier to work out in the East Coast when I’m staying in the Chicago area,” he said. “Going coast-to-coast on a weekly basis is pretty tough. That gets old fast.”

Simpson said Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Chicago are cities where he frequently performs smooth jazz.

“We’ll mix it up,” he said. “You get that recognition as soon as they hear a song they know. You want to do the ones they know and then, hopefully, they like the new ones. My biggest hit off radio was ‘It’s All Good,’ and there is ‘Saturday Cool,” (which was) probably my second-biggest hit. Then I do a medley from some older albums. It’s a nice mix of old and new from all of us, but they’ll definitely get the hits.”

Simpson said he performs more than 40 shows on his own each year.

“I find myself working with all kinds of interesting configurations, and it’s kind of been my specialty to make it work,” he said. “At first, I was under the tutelage of the late great George Duke, and I watched him put together these shows with diverse artists. I had a front-row seat to watching him work in that capacity, which I think prepared me well when I became music director for the Smooth Jazz Cruise back in 2005 or so. That was an amazing opportunity to work with 16 different artists on every cruise from David Sanborn to Marcus Miller to just about anyone you can name. The other part is knowing the side men because part of the work is putting the artist with the band that I would put together. These guys are my friends. At one time, I was one of them touring in support of another artist.”

Simpson said he tells people he has no patience for mediocre singers because he’s worked with Anita Baker, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne and the late James Ingram.

Simpson has been the Rehoboth Beach (Del.) Jazz Festival music director for the last 15 years.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org and bsimpsonmusic.com.

From left, Brian Simpson, Jessy J and Jackiem Joyner will perform at 8 p.m. July 31 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)

ENTERTAINMENT

SONGBOOK ACADEMY FEATURES AREA VOCALISTS

The Songbook Academy, a weeklong summer intensive vocal program, concluded July 18 with a concert at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The 40 national finalists included seven from Carmel High School and one each from Westfield High School, Zionsville Community High School and Noblesville High School. (Photos courtesy of Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts)

Sadie Cohen, who will be a senior at Carmel High School, performs during a Songbook concert at the Payne & Mencias Palladium.

Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts Artistic Director Michael Feinstein works with incoming Westfield High School senior Jacob Cintron during a Songbook performance.

Grady Griffin, a 2026 Carmel High School graduate, performs during a Songbook concert.

Evolution of characteristics

Commentary by Terry Anker

Beer, fast food, insurance, automobile and telecommunications companies flood media with messaging. Some are funny. Others are poignant. All are intended to capture our attention and grab a little mental space, opening us to the idea of buying their product. It is not so terrible. We might need a competitive quote on our homeowners’ rates. But why is it when, on the rare occasion that we find enjoyment or amusement in some advertisement sales pitch, that it is most frequently replaced by one that is far less satisfying? The brand managers out there tell us that the public, all of us, demand freshness in marketing. Could it be that advertising agencies get bored with a campaign faster than we do? After all, they’ve been working on the project for months or years before we ever see it.

Insurance giant Liberty Mutual struck consumer gold with a series of commercials starring Canadian actor Tanner Novlan as “Bad Actor” who found himself unable to read the cue

cards, famously uttering “Liberty Bibberty” when Mutual should have been said. The phrase has become iconic. Now, the company has introduced a neon-yellow, furry, soccer-ball-sized puppet called, you guessed it, Liberty Biberty. Like an elementary school child who gets attention by doing something naturally funny and then attempts to repeat it by pretending their silliness to be accidental overand-again, the moment has passed.

Even as we work to become our best selves, how we appear to the world is everchanging. A look, career, attitude or habit that was once cool, if not at least entirely acceptable, has now found itself outdated or, worse, offensive. Which of our many characteristics are perennial and which need a refresh?

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

Cash in on visages

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I recently saw that a woman claimed to have seen an image of the Virgin Mary in her grilled cheese sandwich. She posted her find on eBay for $28,000. She claimed the “miracle” was on whole wheat, but I figure it had to be Wonder Bread.

I started paddling through my wife’s beef stew, hoping for a similar experience with my meal, but with little success. Then I bought a package of frozen vegetables at Kroger, and when I opened it up, I thought, for a brief moment, that I saw Helio Castroneves in the carrot, cauliflower and green bean medley. Once the glob started to thaw, it honestly could have been any racecar driver. So, I just ate it.

potato chips with Pringles from one of the dollar stores. I hate to rob members of a famous snack family of their individuality, but don’t they all look alike?

“It’s one thing to look into the clouds as I do and see Donald Duck or a polar bear, but it’s quite another to tell people you saw Caitlin Clark in your eggplant parmesan.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

People looking for a quick buck on eBay will start imagining these culinary apparitions. It’s one thing to look into the clouds as I do and see Donald Duck or a polar bear, but it’s quite another to tell people you saw Caitlin Clark in your eggplant parmesan.

For many years, the late Myrtle Young of Fort Wayne had amassed a collection of potato chips that she thought resembled celebrities such as Snoopy, George Bush and Yogi Bear. She even appeared on the Johnny Carson show, where he pretended to eat one (it’s on YouTube).

At one point, she complained that she’d been having a heck of a time finding new additions to her cavalcade of stars. Her daughter, who supplied her with chips, had been substituting Lay’s

One woman saw an image of Moses and the Ten Commandments in something called Marmite, an English delicacy that Brits either love or hate. I read that it was also a big hit with vegetarians. That pretty much put an end to any potential food fest or late-night gorging. Maybe if I read up on how Marmite is made, that would endear me to this nutritious treat. Here’s what I found: “Salt is added to a suspension of yeasts, allowing the cells to shrivel. The yeast then self-destructs. Then the dying cells are heated, at which point the thick hull walls must be sieved out.” Yuk. This makes the processing of Polish sausage look good— even to vegans.

I do believe you can find celebrity images in Jell-O. I recently thought I saw Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White in the cherry-flavored variety, but it was just my reflection, with my wife standing behind me— laughing.

Well, that’s it for this column. I ordered pizza with all the toppings for dinner, and it was just delivered. I’m not really hungry, but it’s fun to open the box and see new people.

at wolfsie@aol.com.

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

PUZZLES

1. Spider’s

15. SR 32 sealer

16. Showed disrespect to

the Boilermakers’ foe

17. Took notice

18. Carmel mayor

20. Not family-friendly, moviewise

21. Had scallops at 9th

Street Bistro

22. Country

24. Electrical letters

26. Black-and-white stinkers

28. Certain guy “ISO”

someone

31. Corn core

32. High card

33. “The Song of Hiawatha” tribe

36. Bygone airline

37. “___ Fly Now” (“Rocky” theme)

40. Receding

41. Fishers mayor

44. Miniature racer

46. Tibet’s capital

47. Ind. National Guard rank

50. Subdue by dazzling

52. ___ Perignon

champagne

53. Mongrel

54. Hoosier Park feedbag morsel

55. “The ___ Cometh”

58. “Goodness gracious!”

59. Ant group

61. Indy Zoo beast

62. Necessitate

65. Zionsville mayor

70. Aquafina alternative

71. Starts the bidding

72. Took a seat

73. Flubs a golf shot

74. Saudi Arabia neighbor

75. Lamb’s mom DOWN

1. Oz. and lb.

2. ___ de cologne

3. The Midwest, agriculturally speaking

4. Off-Broadway award

5. Father’s boy

6. Hunky-dory

7. Actor Reeves

8. TV’s Don Draper, for one

9. Noblesville mayor

10. Aviation prefix

11. Nasty

12. Indy’s summer hrs.

13. Ironwood Golf Course

peg

14. Not even

19. Consumer protection org.

23. Bout ender, for short

24. Perform in a play at

The Switch Theatre

25. Indiana State Fair

Dairy Cattle Show critter

26. Westfield mayor

27. Superman’s alter ego

28. Sandwich’s ham partner with holes

29. Pale

30. Flavor enhancer letters

32. Greek marketplace

34. Letter-shaped con-

struction piece

35. Air rifle ammo

38. Colts’ org.

39. Ooh and ___

42. Indy 500 entrant

43. Arp art

44. Thick, messy gunk

45. Lab eggs

48. Wrigley product

49. Attempt

51. Green prefix

56. “Have fun!”

57. Nearsighted one

58. Choose

59. James of “The Godfather”

60. Pig sound

61. Part of NBA (Abbr.)

62. Current staffers, briefly

63. Slangy negative

64. IND screening org.

66. Clothing line

67. Opp. of SSW

68. “Hee ___”

69. GPS suggestion

ANSWERS ON PAGE 23

WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES

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Part-Time Tax Preparation Position

If you are a CPA or seasoned EA, recently retired, near-retirement and/or are seeking part-time work, please read on. We are a friendly, growing professional company with a five-star reputation that provides accounting, tax and business advisory services, searching for a qualified professional that wishes to work part-time preparing business and individual tax returns. This is a new position to help meet increased demand. For more information & qualifications or to submit a resume email position4newperson@gmail.com.

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Talent Acquisition, 11555 N. Meridian St., Ste 300, Carmel, IN 46032.

Joe Green, The Stratford’s director of dining, dresses up as a knight for A Royals of the Realm Signature Experience. (Photo courtesy of

Living like royalty at The Stratford

Commentary by Ashely Bohlin

At The Stratford in Carmel, every Signature Experience is designed to spark curiosity, create meaningful connections, and bring a sense of adventure to everyday life. In July, our members stepped into a storybook as we celebrated our Royals of the Realm Signature Experience. It was a day filled with medieval fun, fascinating discoveries and a feast fit for kings and queens.

Our royal adventure began with a visit to the Indy Fencing Club, where members learned about the rich history of fencing and how it evolved into the Olympic sport we know today. Watching demonstrations, discovering the techniques behind the sport, and hearing stories about its centuries-old origins made for an engaging and educational experience.

The excitement continued with a visit from marine biologists Cynde McInnis and Bailey Ulrich and their famous Whalemobile, a life-size inflatable humpback whale. Members enjoyed an interactive presentation featuring real whale artifacts before stepping inside the whale itself to explore its skeleton, muscles and internal organs. Guided by expert marine educators, everyone left with a deeper appreciation for these majestic creatures.

After a day of adventure and discovery, members gathered for a medieval-inspired feast featuring warm soup served in bread bowls, hearty giant turkey legs and Chef Laura’s famous bread pudding. Crowns, laughter and great company made this royal celebration one to remember. For more, visit stratford-living.com.

An Expansion Designed to Highlight What You Love

We’re expanding the Marque e experience with one goal in mind: illuminating the possibilities for your next chapter! Our upcoming independent living expansion will include...

• e Flats: two unique oor plans and personal garage parking

• Terraces II: sophisticated one- and two-bedroom + den residences

• e Commons: a community hub featuring pickleball courts and a covered waterfront patio Reserve your future home and start planning for a rewarding retirement today!

To schedule a tour or learn more now, visit marque eseniorliving.org/expansion or scan the QR code.

Ashely Bohlin)

It’s our 5th birthday - and we’re giving you

Meridian Audiology LLC is a private Audiology practice, founded by Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira VonBlon, M.S. in 2001 after working together as Audiologists in an ENT setting for more than 12 years. The seasoned Audiologists strive to consistently provide premier care to patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders as well as those who want to protect their hearing from damage. Kira and Ali are available to evaluate your hearing and walk through your many options if you are a hearing aid candidate. They will spend the time explaining the differences in hearing aids, the best options for the hearing concerns you have, and will even have their billing company call to verify if you have a benefit or discount plan for hearing aids through your insurance. We believe we can make the difference in you feeling comfortable and confident with your individual hearing loss action plan.

H Happy Birthday to Meridian Audiology! For August and September 2026, we’ll give 10% off a set of new hearing aids OR a bluetooth accessory! New purchases only and cannot be not combined with any other discounts

Your hearing is more important than you may realize: Research is consistently showing us that hearing loss is related to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune diseases and arthritis…and untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, loneliness, anxiety, falls and a quicker rate of cognitive decline in those predisposed to dementia. Hearing loss is an easily treated piece of your total health puzzle. Let us help you find your solution!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SEPTEMBER 15, 2026: Our next Auditory Rehabilitation Class This class is perfect for those who still have frustrations and communication issues that exist beyond their hearing aids $45 charge for 2 attendees CALL TO RSVP

OCTOBER 6, 2026: Lunch and Learn with ReSound hearing aid company and opportunity for you to try hearing aids in a dynamic environment for no charge! Meridian Audiology is located in Nora and is open 9am-4pm Monday-Friday by appointment only. We accept most major insurances, offer convenient scheduling via phone or email and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals.

911 E. 86th Street, Suite 035 *317731-5386

info@meridianaudiology.com meridianaudiology.com

Realtor helps seniors along downsizing journey

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Lee Ann Balta’s specialty is assisting seniors during their downsizing journey.

Balta is a certified senior housing professional for Century 21 Scheetz. She partners with Betzy Bautista to lead the team. Balta has worked with Bautista since 2010. Bautista was Balta’s administrative assistant until two years ago, when Bautista obtained a real estate license and they became partners.

“We are better together, for sure,” said Balta, who works out of the Century 21 Scheetz office in Zionsville.

Balta presents free Silver Journey Senior Living Series seminars at 2 p.m. on the second Monday each month at Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library in Zionsville. The Adult Children Series is held at 4:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at HusseyMayfield. They are 90-minute sessions and aren’t used as marketing tools.

“We’re not there to sell them anything,” she said.

Balta said approximately 70 percent of the population wants to age in place and live independently.

“Some people look at a 55-and-over community as kind of a resort with activities and amenities,” she said.

She said her clients are not always buying a smaller house or condominium; they are often moving into senior living communities.

“I’m 59, so most of my clients are around my age,” she said. “Everybody knows five or six Realtors. You end up using the one you know, like and trust or the one you feel will advocate for you the most or the one you feel safe with.”

Balta said there is a longer process of building a relationship with those in the process of downsizing.

“Just the consideration of what the next chapter looks like is just so much more than the real estate piece,” she said. “The real estate piece is just the last piece of what tends to be a bigger puzzle. It’s just a journey that I enjoy taking with people, building relationships years before they’re ready to actually make that step.”

Balta said she helps clients process the steps and provides a support system.

“It’s talking about the market and the mental process of what’s going and what’s staying,” she said. “How do we remove all the unwanted items or wanted items that can’t necessarily go with them? A lot of people get stuck on what to do with this household of stuff.” Balta said she often introduces clients to others who have gone through the process of downsizing or who are going through it at the same time.

“I try to have them focus on what’s next,” she said. “They’re downsizing, so what do they really want to take with them? If we can just focus on that, that starts to help them move in that direction. I often say don’t worry about the stuff that’s left behind, I’ll take care of that. That’s what my team does. It’s real estate, but it’s not real estate in the traditional sense of, ‘Call me when you’re ready to sell.’ That’s way too late in the process.”

Balta starts with a consultation to see what the clients’ support team is like as far as family members and close friends.

Continued on Page 17

VonBlon Wyss

Betzy Bautista, left, and Lee Ann Balta hold educational seminars on the process of downsizing. (Photo courtesy of Lee Ann Balta)

Solution for toenail fungus

Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf

If you have been struggling with stubborn toenail fungus, there is finally a revolutionary, non-invasive solution that delivers impressive results without the need for oral medications or potential burning from a laser. ToeFX, the advanced, FDA-cleared light therapy treatment, is transforming the way podiatrists address fungal infections.

ToeFX offers a sophisticated, safe and completely painless approach to restoring nail health. Unlike traditional treatments that can come with systemic side effects or require long, complicated daily regimens, ToeFX utilizes a highly effective photodisinfection process. By applying a specialized topical serum that binds to fungal organisms and activating it with precise red LED light, the treatment selectively disrupts the fungus while leaving your healthy tissue completely untouched.

The convenience of ToeFX is unmatched. Dr. David Sullivan states that patients “love that the treatment is per-

formed in-clinic, with each session lasting less than 20 minutes.” The protocol is simple and efficient, typically involving a series of visits every two weeks. This streamlined approach makes it easy to integrate into your busy schedule, and because it is non-invasive, there is absolutely no downtime following your appointment.

The clinical results are truly encouraging. Many patients report visible improvement in the appearance of their nails after just a few sessions, with continued progress as the new, healthy nail grows out. Studies reveal success rates of 73 percent, 81 percent in clinical observations. Dr. Kenneth Stumpf said it is “a preferred choice for those seeking a reliable, modern, and drug-free alternative to clear their nails effectively.”

Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf are boardcertified foot surgeons at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact them at appt@westfieldfoot.com or 317-896-6655.

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Volunteers set for final Colts camp at Grand Park

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Lois Craig knows she is going to miss volunteering at Indianapolis Colts training camp.

Craig is the volunteer coordinator for transportation for Colts players and families to and from the field at Grand Park. The 73-year-old Westfield resident has been in the role since the first Colts camp in Westfield in 2018. The Colts have announced this year’s training camp, which begins July 29, will be the final one at Grand Park.

“I thoroughly enjoy it,” said Craig, a retired City of Carmel employee. “They’ve been a great group of guys. Our Colts are awesome. They are thankful and respectful. They ask us our name. They want to know about us when we’re driving them to and from the field. That’s the majority of them. There are few you know to leave

alone because they don’t want to be bothered. The families are friendly. They want to know about you, too. They’ve been great and we’re all going to miss them. We were all sad they weren’t coming back.”

Craig’s husband, Mark, also volunteers.

Westfield resident Bill Kirsch, 76, and his wife, Sandy, are volunteers in ride assistance for the players. There

Sandy and Bill Kirsch, assist in transporting players to the field.

(Photo courtesy of Bill Kirsch)

was no camp in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, there was no contact with the players at camp, so Kirsch took tickets and took fans back and forth from the parking lot that year.

“I’ve enjoyed pretty much everything, except the heat,” Kirsch said. “You don’t realize how big these guys are until they sit down next to you. Most of them are pretty talkative, pretty good guys.”

His most memorable experience was when his wife drove a full load of offensive linemen to the field.

“I was in the cart behind her,” Kirsch said. “She didn’t get far before you saw the tire going down in the back. She did a good job driving it on three wheels. But by the time she got there, the tire was almost on fire and it was smoking. The guys in my cart started laughing, pointing to the cart.”

Kirsch said they learned later after a new tire was put on that there was a weight limit of 1,000 pounds.

“The five guys on the cart were over 300 pounds,” he said.

Kirsch said they are supposed to get special new volunteer shirts this year.

“It’s like the final frontier,” he said Ron Metzig, a 79-year-old Westfield resident, will volunteer for the third time. He helps

Continued on Page 8

Craig

Metzig

SAFETY MEETS STYLE

Continued from Page 6

seat fans in the grandstand.

“The best parts of volunteering at Colts Camp have been helping fans find the best spot to sit for each practice for the best fan experience, showing the kids where to stand for the best autographs after practice and guiding the handicap fans to our special seating areas,” Metzig said. “I think that the best memories come from helping the kids get their footballs, jerseys or football memorabilia autographed after each practice and the expression on their faces when they are right up front on the rail along the field.”

Metzig said he will miss the fan contact experience and making each person feel welcome.

“We get the chance to meet people from all over the area as you strive to find them the best seat in the house each day, even engaging in a quick conversation with them and the huge fan support here at Grand Park,” he said.

Mark Samuels has volunteered every year since 2018. Samuels, who lived in Fishers before a recent move to Evansville to be closer to his wife’s aging parents, plans to do four volunteer shifts in August.

“I started doing ride assistance for fans and then after a couple of years I met the Colts Player and Family and Friends golf cart drivers and I switched to working with them for the last several years,” Samuels said. “I enjoy helping the families out, and this position allows you to see a lot of the behind-thescenes parts of camp.”

Samuels, 66, said he’ll miss the routine of getting to camp each day, working behind the scenes, and camaraderie he built with the other long-term drivers.

Samuels retired in October 2023 after more than 30 years at Lilly as an IT project manager.

“I tried working as a dog walker and new car delivery driver but was kind of bored, so I went back to work full time as an IT project manager as a contractor for Lilly,” Samuels said. “I like to be busy and work with people so I also worked at the Fishers Event Center when it opened up until moving down to Evansville.”

Samuels

Balance: More than standing on one foot

Commentary by Dan Scripter

When I ask people how they feel about their balance, the first thing they tell me is that they can stand on one foot for a length of time. While standing on one foot is a tool — and one I use regularly to assess a person’s balance — it is a small piece of the overall picture of balance. Balance affects each of us as we stand, move, and perform activities of daily living (ADL).

Understanding balance, and how it changes as we age, is important to prevent accidents and injuries. There are two types of balance: static and dynamic.

Static balance (maintaining position) is the ability to keep your center of gravity within the base of support (BOS). An individual’s center of gravity is typically a few inches below the navel, and it shifts with gender, body shape, body size, muscle distribution, and age. Imagine for a moment, standing on a two-foot square. When you are balanced, your feet are in a relaxed stance, directly under you or slightly wider even if the square starts to shrink in size. Dynamic balance is the ability to move beyond the BOS while maintaining postural control. An example would be leaning forward to place a plate on a table without stepping forward. This skill often declines in older adults due to age-related changes, cognitive decline, reduced lower leg strength and endurance, limited range of motion, and neurological issues such as numbness in the feet or legs.

There are a few things that you can do at home to help prolong your ability to maintain your balance. We use the movements below, along with others, with our clients at Motion 4 Life Fitness. They focus on ankle range of motion (ROM), core strength, and training for the feet.

Ankle ROM and lower leg strength:

• Toe Raises: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Keep your heels planted while lifting your toes toward your shins, then lower them back down. Perform the movement with one foot or both. Begin with two sets of eight reps, resting 30 seconds between sets, and prog-

Motion 4 Life Fitness member Leon Walker works on his balance.

(Photo courtesy of Motion 4 Life Fitness)

ress over the next few weeks to three sets of 15 reps.

• Heel Raises: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Press through your toes to lift your heels until you’re on your tiptoes, then lower your heels back to the floor. Perform the exercise with one foot or both. Start with 2 sets of 8 reps, resting 30 seconds between sets, and progress over the next few weeks to 3 sets of 15 reps.

• Standing Heel to Toe Rocks: Stand upright, tummy pulled toward your spine, with a hand on an object for balance, such as a counter or table. Put your right foot forward and left leg behind about hip-width apart. Raise the toes of the front foot with the back foot on the floor. Rock forward until the front foot is fully on the ground, pushing through the front big toe for balance, and the back heel is off the ground. Rock backward until you return to the starting position. Do two sets of 12 repetitions then switch sides, rest 30 seconds between sets. If you feel any dizziness, or notice anything that feels wrong, see your doctor immediately. If you want to work more on your balance, see your doctor for a program near you, or find a gym and work with a certified personal trainer who specializes in working with older adults.

Dan Scripter is a certified personal trainer at Motion 4 Life Fitness in Carmel.

JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY:

IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

By Dr. Kevin Sonn, orthopedic surgeon at IU Health Fishers

For many adults over 55, joint pain can slowly take away the activities they love, whether it’s walking the neighborhood, gardening or keeping up with grandchildren. When pain becomes chronic and begins to affect quality of life, joint replacement surgery may become part of the conversation. But how do you know if it’s the right choice for you?

UNDERSTANDING JOINT REPLACEMENT

Joint replacement surgery is a common and effective procedure used to treat damaged joints, most often the hip, knee or shoulder. The surgery involves replacing worn or damaged parts of the joint with artificial components to reduce pain and restore movement.

At IU Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Fishers, specialists offer a full range of joint replacement options, including hip, knee and shoulder procedures, depending on your needs.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?

Joint replacement is not the first step in treatment. Most patients are initially treated with non-surgical approaches such as medication, physical therapy or lifestyle changes.

You may be a good candidate for joint replacement if:

• You have persistent joint pain that limits your daily activities

• You experience reduced mobility or difficulty walking or climbing stairs

• Your symptoms have not improved with nonsurgical treatments

• Joint damage is impacting your overall quality of life

At IU Health, care teams evaluate each patient individually, considering the severity of symptoms, overall health and personal goals before recommending surgery.

CONSIDERING NEXT STEPS

If you’re experiencing joint pain but aren’t sure if you’re ready to consider surgery, there are helpful ways to learn more. Your first step is typically a

consultation with an orthopedic specialist. During this visit, your care team will review your diagnosis and explain treatment options so you can make an informed decision.

IU Health also offers joint replacement seminars designed to help patients better understand their condition, available treatments and what to expect throughout the process. These sessions can be especially valuable if you’re weighing your options and want to feel more confident in your next step.

WHEN IT’S TIME FOR SURGERY

If non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, your care team may recommend joint replacement as the best option to relieve pain and improve function.

Preparation begins well before surgery. Patients undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure. This may include reviewing medications, completing lab tests and assessing heart and lung health. You’ll also receive guidance on how to prepare your home for recovery, such as arranging help with daily tasks and minimizing fall risks.

Joint replacement surgery typically takes one to

two hours and is performed under anesthesia. After surgery, your care team will guide you through recovery, focusing on pain management and helping you begin moving safely.

Patients begin walking with assistance the same day of surgery. Recovery is supported by a multidisciplinary team that may include physical therapists, occupational therapists and care coordinators, all working together to help you regain strength and mobility.

MOVING FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE

Choosing joint replacement surgery is a personal decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. With expert evaluation, personalized care plans and educational resources, IU Health helps patients understand their options and feel confident in their next step.

If joint pain is keeping you from living life to the fullest, it may be time to explore your options. Learning more can help you determine whether joint replacement is the right path toward moving more comfortably and staying active in the years ahead. For more information, visit iuhealth.org/ joints.

Dr. Kevin Sonn

Carmel resident finds niche as investment banker

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Bob Zoccola found another niche in his second career.

After 26 years as a trial attorney, Zoccola decided to make the move into investment banking after learning more about the work.

“One of my clients was in international business, and she gave me the opportunity to get into international business, which I jumped at,” he said. “When I learned what (investment bankers) did, I thought I could do this, and this would be fun.”

It’s so much fun that the 83-year-old is still doing it nearly 30 years later.

That client who gave him the opportunity was the late Christel DeHaan, who owned Resorts Condominiums International before selling it.

At the time he shifted careers, Zoccola was based in London working with partners in a firm.

“They were investment bankers, and that’s who taught me that career move,” he said. “I’ve been blessed with a wonderful, loving and supporting family. I’ve been blessed with opportunities to meet interesting, successful people that showed me ideas and exposed me to ventures that I never would have seen without their help.”

After the firm was sold, he had another client who owned and operated a family office in Jackson Hole, Wyo. He joined the team, where wealthy people would make funds available.

“We used their funds to do other ventures,” he said.

Now, Zoccola has his own company.

“I partner with other people who are either in the space or they recommend something to me,” he said. “Most of what comes our way now is word of mouth because they know what we do and they refer people to us.”

Zoccola moved to Carmel in 1972.

When he was with the firm, he conducted business in 152 nations.

Zoccola said he developed new skills when he became an investment banker.

“But a lot of the skills I developed as a trial lawyer and a licensed mediator (was) because a mediator is basically an arbitrator or a judge who makes a decision,” he said. “A mediator just gets the parties to talk and see if they can’t identify common ground.”

He now owns a company, Zolutions, LLC.

“It’s part time, although there are moments when you know you got the deal inside the 1-yard line where you have to be ready to close the deal and make that a priority,” he said. “I try not to have too many things on my plate at one time, so that I’m able to give the right attention to any customer that I’m working with.”

Zoccola moved to Indianapolis in 1960 to attend Butler University. He majored in mathematics and then attended the University of Minnesota’s law school.

“I met the love of my life at Butler, and after law school, she brought me back here because she was a Hoosier and didn’t want to live in Minnesota,” he said.

His wife, Ann, died in 2019. He has 59-year-old twin sons, Boyd and Jim, and five grandchildren.

His sons and grandchildren all graduated from Carmel High School.

STAYING ACTIVE

Bob Zoccola moved to The Stratford in October 2024.

“I’m the chair of Lifelong Learning, where I find speakers that I think would be interesting for our residents to hear about and learn from,” he said. “I ask

the residents to give topics that they would like to hear about and then I go find the speaker. Once a week, I lead a group that meditates here.”

Zoccola has kept a gratitude journal for more than 25 years.

“I write things that I’m grateful for that day, and what I found is the more you do it, the more things you’ll notice in the world to be grateful for,” he said. “To me, it transforms the way you see the world.”

Zoccola said it’s an activity that he encourages everyone to try.

He said he gets involved in as many activities as he can at The Stratford.

“There are so many interesting people here,” he said. “When you hear their stories, you just go, ‘Wow.’ I mean intelligent, interesting people, and to hear their stories is special.”

Bob Zoccola, middle, with his sons Jim, left, and Boyd, on right. (Photo courtesy of Bob Zoccola)

Real estate agent helps seniors downsize

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Justin Steill and his team have developed a forte in helping older adults downsize their homes.

“Downsizing has always been a service we offer but it has become increasingly a larger part of our business over the past five years,” Steill said. “We help a lot of people downsize into smaller homes. Then the next step is senior living communities.”

Steill is the owner and team leader of Homes With Steill Real Estate Group with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty. The office is in Carmel and Steill lives in Westfield.

“We serve a lot of clients in the Hamilton County area but also work in Indy Metro from Greenwood to Avon,” Steill said.

Steill holds open houses on weekends, usually Sunday afternoons.

Steill has a 12-person team. The team was established in 2013 and has been a part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices since 2019.

Steill has helped lead a team that has served more than 1,000 families and closed more than $600 million in real estate. It is among the 20 largest teams in the Berkshire Hathaway network nationwide.

“I am passionate about building relationships, fostering connections and serving as a trusted resource for all your real estate needs,” Steill said. “Whether buying, selling or investing, our proven process ensures exceptional results. We are committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients.”

For more, visit justinsteill.bhhsindianarealty.com.

“I am passionate about building relationships, fostering connections and serving as a trusted resource for all your real estate needs.”

Steill

Aging in Place: What you need to know before a crisis happens

Commentary by Christine Stolle advance.

For many older adults, there’s no place they’d rather be than home. Aging in place offers familiarity, independence and comfort. But remaining safely at home isn’t simply a matter of wanting to stay there. It requires thoughtful legal, financial, and practical planning long before a health crisis occurs.

Here’s what every family should know. Start with the legal foundation

One of the most important steps in aging in place has nothing to do with your house. It starts with your legal documents.

Every adult should have a health care power of attorney, durable power of attorney, living will and medical release of information (HIPAA). These documents allow you to choose the people who can make decisions on your behalf if you’re ever unable to do so yourself.

Without them, your loved ones may have to petition the court for guardianship, a process that can be expensive, time consuming, public and emotionally draining. More important, it means someone else may end up making decisions that you would have preferred to make yourself.

Before making major financial decisions, explore available funding options such as home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), reverse mortgages, VA benefits or Medicaid programs that may help offset costs. And be cautious about gifting money or property, as doing so could affect Medicaid eligibility because of the program’s five-year look-back period.

Know when more help is needed

One of the most difficult conversations families face is recognizing when living independently is no longer realistic.

Conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease or recovery from a stroke often require more than occasional assistance. They may require skilled care that goes beyond what a spouse or adult child can safely provide.

Families should openly and honestly discuss activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring and mobility. Understanding when additional support is needed before burnout occurs can make all the difference for both the individual needing care and the family members providing it.

Aging in place doesn’t mean staying in the same house forever

Many people assume the only choices are remaining in their current home or moving directly into assisted living. Fortunately, there are many options in between.

A paid-off house still has expenses

Owning your home outright doesn’t mean living there is free.

It’s also important to review how your home is titled and ensure you have an up-to-date will or trust. Proper planning can help avoid probate while also preserving future long-term care planning options.

Property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, utilities, repairs and ongoing maintenance continue regardless of whether you have a mortgage. Many families underestimate these recurring expenses when planning for retirement.

In addition, staying in your home safely may require modifications such as:

• Installing grab bars

• Building wheelchair ramps

• Replacing tubs with walk-in showers

• Widening doorways

• Improving lighting and accessibility

These upgrades can become costly, especially if they’re made during an emergency rather than planned in

Communities designed for older adults, such as 55-plus neighborhoods, maintenance-free villas, condominiums and independent living communities, can significantly reduce the burden of home maintenance while allowing individuals to maintain their independence and active lifestyles.

Sometimes aging in place simply means finding a home that’s better suited for the next stage of life.

Understanding the cost of long-term care

Long-term care is one of the largest financial challenges many families will ever face.

Although Medicare plays an important role, it generally covers only short-

Continued on Page 15

Continued from Page 14

term skilled care following a hospitalization. It does not pay for ongoing custodial care, which is the type of assistance many older adults eventually need.

Depending on your circumstances, long-term care may be funded through:

• Personal savings

• Home equity

• Long-term care insurance

• Veterans benefits

• Medicaid

Planning ahead is critical. Estate planning tools such as Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts and Veteran Asset Protection Trusts can help protect assets while preserving eligibility for benefits, but they must be established well before care is needed. Waiting until a crisis occurs often eliminates many of the available planning opportunities.

Even the most devoted caregivers can experience burnout, lost income, declining health, and strained relationships.

Building a successful aging-in-place plan means recognizing that family support has limits. Adult day programs, respite care, in-home caregivers, and formal family caregiver agreements can provide valuable support while helping loved ones maintain healthy boundaries.

Plan for life after the loss of a spouse

The death of a spouse can dramatically change someone’s ability to remain at home.

A surviving spouse may suddenly face reduced household income, the loss of a primary caregiver or unexpected ownership and title issues involving the home.

Planning ahead can help ensure that a surviving spouse has both the legal authority and financial resources needed to continue living safely and comfortably.

Aging in place is absolutely achievable for many families, but successful aging in place rarely happens by accident.

It requires thoughtful legal planning, realistic financial preparation, honest family conversations and a willingness to plan before a crisis forces difficult decisions.

The earlier you begin, the more options you’ll have.

Christine Stolle is an attorney at Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law. For more, visit dillman-owen.com.

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Long-Term Care Planning

Commentary by Margaret Gooley Vice President and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Reify Wealth Advisors

For some individuals, long-term care planning is less about whether you can afford care and more about how you want to pay for it, in addition to what opportunity costs you are willing to accept. Long-term care includes services like in-home assistance, assisted living, or skilled nursing care. In the state of Indiana, the costs of these services can vary significantly depending on the location and level of care. The expenses can sometimes go on for years and create meaningful financial and emotional stress if not planned for in advance.

The goal of planning ahead isn’t just to cover the costs, it’s to do so efficiently, without disrupting your broader financial and legacy plan. The core decision often comes down to two approaches: purchasing insurance or self-funding care using your own assets. The time to make this decision is typically between the ages of 55 and 65.

The self-funding method means setting aside a portion of your own portfolio specifically for future care needs. For those that have the ability to pursue this method, it provides full control and flexibility related to the money. Assets can be invested how you choose and used for any other purpose (including inheritance) if not needed for care.

In addition, this method provides simplicity because there is no underwriting, no policy terms to be concerned with and no claims process to manage. On the other hand, self-funding means taking on all of the risk related to an unknown prolonged care situation, which can erode even a substantial portfolio. The money earmarked for care also takes on the opportunity cost of not being used for other expenses in retirement and significant care expenses could reduce what you pass on to heirs or charitable organizations.

Some clients choose this approach if they have sufficient liquidity and are comfortable absorbing a potential high-cost scenario without affecting their lifestyle or other longterm goals.

Another option to pay for longterm care is an insurance policy. In most cases, these policies are issued using a hybrid product where life insurance or an annuity is combined with long-term care coverage. If care is needed, the policy provides benefits. If not, there is typically a death benefit paid to beneficiaries. Unlike a traditional long-term care insurance policy, which is a “use it or lose it” benefit, there is typically value in a hybrid policy even if care is never needed.

In addition, if started early enough, a lump sum or series of premiums can be turned into a larger pool of future benefits. Many of these hybrid policies offer fixed premiums, reducing uncertainty and they can help preserve other assets intended for your heirs.

However, long-term care insurance policies do often have upfront costs, can be complex with various benefit triggers or riders and lower flexibility since the funds are less accessible. Hybrid policies can be appealing for individuals who want to transfer some of the financial risk related to long-term care while still maintaining a predictable outcome for their estate.

Further, some clients will choose a middle ground approach where a dedicated portion of their investment portfolio is earmarked specifically for long-term care and balance some of the risk with a smaller insurance policy for catastrophic scenarios.

Some of the key questions to ask as you navigate this decision include: How important is protecting your estate? Are you comfortable with the uncertainty of potential care costs? Would large healthcare expenses change your lifestyle plans? Do you prefer control or risk transfer? How is your health and would you qualify for coverage?

The bottom line is, there is no one-size fits all solution. Instead, the decision comes down to aligning your financial capacity with your personal preferences. Self-funding emphasizes flexibility and control. Long-term care insurance offers leverage and protection. The key is to make the decision proactively, while you have the most options available.

Sycamore resident enjoys new home

By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com

It’s never easy leaving your home state or your home, but it’s something that Mary Buchanan did — and she’s thriving.

Buchanan, who turns 82 next month, is a new resident of the Sycamore Reserve Senior Living in Indianapolis. She moved there in May and has enjoyed Sycamore immensely since her daughter Shelly did a search on where Buchanan could live.

“(My daughter) took care of everything for me,” Buchanan said. “That was a big help.”

Buchanan described the search experience as a major reason for wanting to live there and she has not had any regrets.

“In my time here, I’ve liked it so much,” Buchanan said. “I can be myself with all my friends I’ve accumulated. They have been great and wonderful and it’s been that (Sycamore).”

Buchanan, who lived in Indianapolis with her daughter prior to her move, is a native of Charles City, Iowa. She also lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Buchanan, who attended business school in Minnesota, worked for many years with the LeFebure Co. of Cedar Rapids, a major manufacturer of bank security equipment, safes and vault doors.

A widow, Buchanan has two daughters, Shelly and Tracy. Tracy lives in Iowa City, Iowa.

Buchanan is a big fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team and of fellow

Continued from Page 4 Whatever you are planning to do this Summer, do it without leg pain.

“These are all tasks that need to be done, and we’re starting to build a plan to delegate those tasks,” Balta said. “If they’re rich with people and a support system, then there may not be costs associated with the move, except for maybe at the very end when we’re selling the real estate. If they don’t have people, then we may need to hire a packer and a mover. I’m looking for those movers and packers that specialize in serving seniors because they know to be gentle, caring and respectful.”

Jeffery P. Schoonover, MD RPVI, DABVLM Chief Medical Officer, Fellow, American Vein & Lymphatic Society

Schedule a consult today!

Are swollen ankles, leg heaviness, and muscle cramping keeping you from your daily routine? Call Indiana Vein & Lymphatic today and get on the road to better health.

IN-OFFICE EVALUATION AND TREATMENT FOR:

• Varicose Veins/Chronic Venous Insufficiency

• Spider Veins

317.348.3020

1.888.LEG.VEIN (534.8346) info@indyveins.com

Hawkeye and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, She said she also enjoys working with her hands and lists quilting, knitting and crocheting as her hobbies.

“Idle hands are the devil’s work,” Buchanan said, laughing. “I miss my daughter in Iowa and I miss Iowa, but I’ve been loving my life here and it’s been more than fun.”

Online auctions can help with items not being moved.

“I’m a huge trash-to-treasure girl, so I love online auctions because people aren’t traipsing through the house,” she said.

At Balta’s most recent auction from a 3,500-square-foot home, the auctioneer sold all but three items. The funds made from the auction could help with moving costs.

“We help people find joy in this and in going through the next process,” she said. “Every person’s journey is different and it’s so customized.”

For more, visit yoursilverjourney.com.

• Lymphatic Physical Therapy

www.indyveins.com indyveins

“PrimeLife is such an asset to Carmel and Hamilton County! Everything they do makes our lives easier.”

Kathy C. - Member

Programs and services that help adults age 55+ lead more active and connected lives.

More than 50 clubs and activities plus 45 fitness classes weekly

• Basic Membership: All activities plus indoor track and weight room *

• Enhanced Membership: All Basic plus Fitness and Aquatic Classes *

*Insurance benefits like Silver Sneakers & Renew Active cover cost of Basic Membership

The following services are FREE to anyone age 55+ (no membership needed):

• Daily hot lunches

• Wednesday Lunch & Learn Sessions

• SHIP (Medicare) Counseling

• CICOA Community Health Worker Assistance

• AARP Senior Planet (technology) lectures & workshops

• Transportation for Hamilton County residents to essential services

Mary Buchanan resides at the Sycamore Reserve Senior Living community. (Photo courtesy of Sycamore Reseve)

Fishers resident passionate about senior care

By Hannah Vandlandingham hannah@youarecurrent.com

After working for several years in the corporate world, Stacey Williams has made a significant career shift. As she looked to transition into a more specialized and local position, she came across Seniors Helping Seniors and took the opportunity to open a location of her own.

“As I started thinking about leaving corporate and doing something more local, I wanted to focus on seniors or kids,” Williams said. “Seniors Helping Seniors was an opportunity that I saw, and it just speaks to my heart.”

Seniors Helping Seniors is an in-home care service designed to connect seniors with caregivers their own age. The similarity in age aims to promote understanding, connection and relatability between seniors and their caregivers.

Williams said she is passionate about fostering connections between seniors and caregivers because of her personal experience with her grandmother and her caretaker.

“My grandmother had suffered a stroke and lived for about 10 years after that, but had really significant health challenges. My family was very, very

seeking care.

“The majority of older people want to age in place in their homes, because that’s what they know, and that’s where they’re comfortable,” Williams said. “(For us) it’s about creating the environment where they can do that safely (while) getting the help that they need.” Williams finds hiring caregivers to be especially rewarding, enjoying the conversations with those who are passionate about the job.

“When you get somebody who’s in it for the right reasons; (when) you get a caregiver who comes in and they’re telling you stories about who they’ve given care to, and they get really emotional… that just warms my heart,” she said.

Williams’ Seniors Helping Seniors coverage areas are Hamilton and Hancock counties and eastern Marion County.

“I really want to be the local resource that people think of when they think of needing care,” Williams said. “I’m hoping Seniors Helping Seniors creates that brand awareness that people know automatically the high quality of care that we provide, and that we will be the go-to resource. I just want us to be that community resource in my territory… but I’m certainly starting here in Hamilton County.”

For more, visit seniorshelpingseniors.

Stacey Williams has opened a Seniors Helping Seniors center in Hamilton County. (Photo courtesy of Stacey Williams)

Marquette retirement community plans major expansion

editorial@youarecurrent.com

Marquette, a nonprofit continuing care retirement community senior living destination in Indianapolis known for its exceptional lifestyle offerings and personalized care, broke ground on Part I of a significant expansion featuring the highly anticipated Terraces II development, a new residential option called The Flats. Construction began June 16 on the first phase, which includes The Commons, an amenities enhancement featuring indoor multiuse sports court and waterfront lounge spaces. The ambitious multiphase project, a $102 million investment, will add 69 luxury apartment homes, 25 innovative stacked flats and a major expansion of the community’s central gathering space, representing the second most comprehensive development in the community’s history.

Anticipated opening in 2029, Terraces II will feature the same striking façade with glass wall corner units and sophisticated architectural design mirroring the popular Terraces I building, comple-

mented by a welcoming dining venue and convenient underground parking facilities. The development also introduces an innovative housing concept with 25 hybrid homes they are calling The Flats – a unique residential option that combines the privacy of independent homes with thoughtfully designed, single level flats, spacious layouts and generous outdoor enjoyment.

“This expansion represents our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of today’s discerning seniors who seek both luxury and an active, engaging lifestyle,” stated Jake Cox, executive director of Marquette. “The Terraces II, The Flats and amenities development will set a new standard for senior living, combining our residents’ love for recreational activities like pickleball with sophisticated dining and living spaces that foster community connection.”

Key Features of the development: Luxury apartment homes (69 units)

• Spacious, well-appointed residences full of natural light and premium finishes

• Multiple floor plan options to suit

diverse lifestyle preferences

• Exceptional comforts such as fireplaces, modern amenities and accessibility features innovative stacked flats (25 units)

• Unique living concept combining privacy, convenience and connectivity.

• Thoughtfully designed for optimal comfort and functionality

• Covered parking and private outdoor spaces

• Premium Amenities

• Exclusive on-site dining venues featuring chef-prepared cuisine

• Secure underground or at grade covered parking with direct building access

• Seamless integration with existing community amenities and services: The Marquette Athletic Club, natatorium, resident garden, chapel, Township Tavern and creative arts spaces.

KAREN SIGMAN AGENCY LLC

THE DIFFERENCE IN MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS OR ADVANTAGE PLANS/HMO/PPO, WHAT IS THE NEW BIRTHDAY RULE FOR SUPPLEMENT PLANS? CAN I SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE OR MEDICAID PLANS NOW OR DO I HAVE TO WAIT? WHAT DO I DO TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE WHEN LEAVING AN EMPLOYER PLAN BEFORE 65 AND AFTER? SHOULD I STAY ON THE EMPLOYER PLAN UNTIL LATER IN LIFE?

I AM A VETERAN AND I WANT MORE MEDICARE BENEFITS WITH AN ADVANTAGE PLAN? DOES IT GIVE MONEY BACK FOR MEDICARE PART B PREMIUM? CAN I GET DENTAL, VISION, SILVER SNEAKERS, OVER THE COUNTER, OR GROCERY BENEFITS TOO?

SCHEDULE A GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENT AT HOME OR OFFICE WITH A LICENSED AGENT NO OBLIGATION TO ENROLL