Spotlight on Success
Q & A with Dr. Carol Weesner
Owner and Founder of Motion 4 Life Fitness
HOW IS MOTION 4 LIFE FITNESS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER GYMS? I believe there are several ways we are different, but perhaps one of the most significant is we are the leader, if not the only gym in the country providing specialized personal training to aging adults. This is our specialty, and we are proud of our members’ results. The average age of our members is 65 years old, although we have members in their forties, one at 92 and one at 93!
DO OTHER GYMS WORK WITH OLDER ADULTS? Of course. However, I created M4L specifically for aging adults. When we looked at why older adults weren’t exercising, often it was due to music, smell, not feeling welcomed or not getting the specialized attention they desired. From what our members tell us, we’ve met and exceeded these expectations.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO AT MOTION 4 LIFE FITNESS? You may have heard of the terms “Functional Fitness,” “Functional Movement” and “Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).” In short, these mean exercises which help you move better, so you can remain active and independent. Let me explain further:
“Functional Fitness” The exercises which strengthen our body to perform functional movements.
“Functional Movements” The motions we must complete to perform the task, such as pushing, pulling and lunging.
“Activities of Daily Living” The tasks we perform each day such as pushing yourself up from a chair, pulling out a garden hose, or even picking up items from the floor.
WRAPPING UP, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS FINDING IT HARD TO START? Making exercise a priority can be difficult! At M4L, we help you balance expectations and support you when the going gets tough - and it will be at times. I encourage you to take advantage of our free, two-week trial including an assessment and personal training sessions. This way, you can try M4L and see if it is a good fit. We don’t ask you to join, so you can relax, experience our community, and be proud of yourself for taking the first step.
July 29, 2025 Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com
WFD to charge for some residential care calls
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield Fire Department has a new tool at its disposal to address an abundance of nonemergency calls that have been made to the department from local residential care facilities.
SAFETY
The Westfield City Council approved an ordinance July 15 to allow WFD to charge fees to residential care facilities for nonemergent calls to 911, such as lift assists with no injuries and facility transports. The ordinance is believed to be the first of its kind in Indiana.
he said. “To call us to transport them to a hospital to make a doctor’s appointment, we feel, is not the best use of our services. We’re an emergency response agency. We respond to 911 calls (and) once 911 is called, we don’t have the opportunity to say no. The issue is, 1,700 times last year, we had overlapping calls. If we’re spending one-third of our time at a residential care facility for nonemergency-type calls, there’s a high probability that we are missing a high-aquity run taking place somewhere else in the city.”
hling said several facilities have already made adaptations on their response to slip and fall situations, and the fee could potentially motivate others to do the same.
The fees will only be applied to residential care facilities, not private residences.
“Most families don’t have care givers educated or even physically able to move a loved one back into bed,” Mehling said. “They should contact 911 if they need assistance. We have found at times there are people who should be calling us but don’t because they don’t want to be a ‘bother.’
WFD Chief Rob Gaylor said in the first half of 2025, the WFD responded to 1,651 EMS runs. More than 500 of the calls came from residential care facilities, and one-third of those calls were deemed nonemergent.
“We’re an emergency response unit. We love to help people the best that we can. However, sometimes we feel like we’re being taken advantage of,” he said.
Gaylor said at times, the WFD has been asked to transport patients for scheduled appointments, tying up personnel and apparatus on nonemergency cases.
“They are in a care facility. These are places that care for these people when they’re in these types of conditions,”
Wheeler appointed to Department of Justice role — Thomas E. Wheeler II of Indianapolis was recently sworn in as Interim United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana by United States District Court Judge James R. Sweeney. A Pike High School graduate, Wheeler earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington and his juris doctor from IU’s Maurer School of Law. Throughout his 36-year career as a practicing attorney, Mr. Wheeler has been a partner at several Indianapolis-based law firms including Bose McKinney & Evans LLP and Frost Brown Todd. He is a two-time recipient of the Indiana State Bar Association’s Benjamin Harrison Writing Award and a Burton Award for Legal Achievement winner for his work on cyberbullying and hate crimes. He recently served as the acting general counsel for the U.S. Department of Education and acting assistant attorney
Fees will be invoiced to the facilities — not the patients — and will escalate based on frequency of misuse. A $500 fee will be assessed for the first three nonemergency calls, increasing to $1,000 for additional calls.
Gaylor said the fee will help mitigate the high volume of calls, similar to fees placed on facilities for an abundance of errant alarms.
“This is a way for us to identify and work better with those facilities on patient care,” he said.
The WFD began an education campaign with care facilities in 2024. The Mobile Integrated Health division educates the facilities on lift procedures. According to the department, facilities now have motivation to adapt their operations and procedures.
WFD Public Information Officer John Me-
DISPATCHES
general for civil rights for the U.S. Department of Justice. His appointment was effective July 14.
Medical debt workshops available —
The Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute recently announced virtual “Medical Debt Know Your Rights” training workshops will be held from 10 a.m. to noon July 30 and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 7. According to the institute, medical debt is a top barrier to financial well-being for Hoosiers. The state legislature recently announced that lawmakers will be studying medical debt in this year’s interim study session. Policy efforts will be complemented by the virtual workshops, conducted as part of a grant from Health Foundation of La Porte, which will focus on patents rights and step-by-step strategies Hoosiers can take to potentially reduce their medical bills, ways they can respond to
We want people without resources to contact us. It may provide an opportunity for education on the resources available to prevent falls. We want everyone to be taken care of.”
Mayor Scott Willis, without mentioning any facilities, said in some cases residents in care facilities have been left on the ground while awaiting help.
“I think the reason why they’re not being picked up is that they don’t have the staff or the resources or it is fear of making a mistake,” he said. “This is a problem that goes beyond (the resident) falling that really needs some light shed on it. I think this is a starting point for, hopefully, that to happen.”
The ordinance includes an appeals process. Fees will go into effect in October 2025 to allow facilities time to increase staffing, adjust protocols or establish contracts with private transport services.
medical bills and debt as well as additional tools to assist them with addressing their healthcare costs. Registration for the July 30 workshop is available at tinyurl.com/ JulyMedDebtKYR. Registration for Aug. 7 is at tinyurl.com/AugustMedDebtKYR.
Census workers needed — Field workers are needed to help conduct a special census in the City of Westfield. The special census is because of growth since the 2020 census was completed. The special census will help capture population-related tax dollars. The special census will require temporary field representatives to collect data. Applicants must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years old. The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting the hiring process, and onboarding is expected to begin in late summer or early fall. The application deadline is Aug. 8. Application links are available at westfieldin.gov/jobs.
About us
Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVIII, No. 26
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Gaylor
Deceased Westfield man implicated in sports memorabilia hoax
By Leila Kheiry and Ann Marie Shambaugh Leila@youarecurrent.com, AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
A Westfield man allegedly implicated in a national multimillion-dollar sports memorabilia hoax apparently killed himself the day after Westfield Police Department officers executed a search warrant July 15 at his business on South Park Drive.
INVESTIGATION
According to a news release from the City of Westfield, the search warrants were related to the alleged counterfeit sports memorabilia scheme. On July 16, a second search took place at a location in the 300 block of Hoover Street, and upon arrival officers found the man, later identified by the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office as Brett Lemieux, 45, deceased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
holograms to collectors, surpassing $350 million in sales over the past 20 years.
Lemieux wrote that those items were fraudulently authenticated using auto pens that can digitally mimic signatures and bootlegged technology. He wrote that there was between $500 and $700 million worth of merchandise in the building when police executed the search warrant.
The Westfield Police Department is leading the investigation and declined to disclose any information beyond a brief statement released July 16.
Lemieux posted a lengthy statement on the Facebook group Autographs 101 the day of the first search warrant. The post has since been deleted, but screenshots are still circulating.
In the statement, Lemieux wrote that through the company Mister Mancave, he — along with others he named — had sold more than 4 million counterfeit stickers and
“There will be photos of this bust, I’m sure of it,” he wrote. “If it was fanatics, they may try to bury it all, but the Westfield Police Department came today at 9 a.m. with semitrucks. I hope no one tries to hide this. I want to expose it all and how big of an operation — you all knew (it) was going on but grasp how big it was. I wish I could write a book about this.”
In the post, Lemieux claimed that Dominique Ball of Carmel played a major role in the scheme. Ball, who operated the Authentic Sports Collectibles shop at Carmel City Center from 2012 to 2014, was the “sole person” who put 100,000 items into the market with counterfeit Tom Brady signatures on them, the post states.
Current attempted to reach Ball for comment but did not receive a response. WPD and the FBI declined to comment on whether Ball or others are also being investigated.
The scope of the scheme has stunned collectors and dealers of sports memorabilia, but the numbers cited by Lemieux in the post have been disputed by some.
According to a report in The Athletic, Florida-based
sports platform Fanatics was aware of Lemieux and the alleged counterfeiting scheme for several years and assisted law enforcement in the investigation. Zohar Ravid, Fanatics president of specialty business and new ventures, told The Athletic he does not believe Lemieux and his associates counterfeited “millions upon millions” of items, as Lemieux’s Facebook post claimed.
“If the numbers were real, we wouldn’t have waited years to put that much pressure on,” Ravid said. “These aren’t the numbers. It’s grossly exaggerated to make a statement. The problem is real. The extent and the scale of it is less than what is being presented, but it is symbolic of what is happening in the industry.”
Fanatics did not make Ravid or anyone else available for an interview with Current, but the company issued a statement about the incident.
“Unfortunately, bad actors exist in every consumer industry,” the statement reads. “In this case, the best way for collectors to know that they are buying officially licensed, 100% authenticated memorabilia, especially online, is to buy from a reputable primary source.”
This is not the first time Lemieux’s business ventures have been investigated. In 2013, the then-Attorney General Greg Zoeller filed a lawsuit against Ultimate Sports Connection after the business failed to fulfill customers’ orders. A Hamilton County judge ordered Lemieux to pay restitution to the victims, who reported losses of $13 to $450, according to news reports.
Lemieux
Sign of the times
CITY NEWS news@youarecurrent.com
The City of Westfield recently unveiled a new system for public notice signage in an effort to improve overall transparency on what is happening in local government and give residents and business owners information on upcoming public hearings and proposed developments. By state statute, municipalities are required to announce public hearings on various projects with a sign at the site being considered. The new system is color- and letter-coded to provide a quick, at-a-glance way to understand what kind of development is being proposed in the area.
New signs include navy/P for plat hearings before the Plat Committee; blue/V for variance hearings before the Board of Zoning Appeals; and green/Z for zoning hearings before the Advisory Plan Commission. Signs are posted as new applications come in. Besides a specific color and letter combination, signs include a QR code and web address that leads to detailed information about the project, meeting schedules and agenda documents.
New signs for public meetings in Westfield are color- and letter-coded. (Image courtesy City of Westfield)
“These new public notice signs are about more than just compliance,” Mayor Scott Willis stated. “They’re about making government more accessible. We want residents and business owners to know what’s happening in their neighborhoods, and this signage system is a clear and user-friendly way to help them stay engaged.”
Agendas for each meeting are posted online the Thursday prior to the scheduled date. A full list of upcoming meeting dates and notices can be found on the City of Westfield’s website, westfieldin.gov/notice.
Baud named principal at Washington Woods
news@youarecurrent.com
Libby Baud, an educator with 20 years’ experience in Westfield Washington Schools, was appointed principal of Washington Woods Elementary School by the WWS Board of Education July 14. Baud has served as assistant principal at Maple Glen Elementary for nine years. District officials said she was chosen for her calm, collaborative leadership style; deep knowledge of curriculum and instruction; and commitment to student-centered growth.
“I am incredibly thankful for the past nine years at Maple Glen,” Baud stated. “It has been an honor to serve such a dedicated staff and wonderful community. I am proud of every student I’ve worked with, and I will always carry the spirit of Maple Glen with me. I’m truly excited to step into this new role. I look forward to building relationships with the Woods students, staff and families, and continuing the strong traditions that make this school such a special place to learn and grow.”
Baud and her husband, Gregg Baud — a teacher at Westfield Intermediate School — are longtime Westfield residents. They have two children in Westfield Washington Schools.
Baud has a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from IUPUI and a master’s in education administration and supervision from Ball State University.
Showcase and Taste of Westfield — The Westfield Chamber of Commerce will host the 3rd annual Showcase & Taste of Westfield from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Grand Park. The networking event, open to the public, is an opportunity for local businesses to connect with potential customers. Exhibitors include restaurants; service and healthcare providers; legal professionals; entertainment venues; and food providers. Learn more at westfieldchamberindy.com.
Baud
Business park coming to Ind. 32
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A planned unit development plan for a business park on Ind. 32 between Ditch and Spring Mill roads was unanimously approved by the Westfield City Council July 14.
DEVELOPMENT
Matt Skelton with Church Church Hittle + Antrim, representing site developer i3 Investors and speaking before the Westfield Advisory Plan Commission July 7, said the final proposal includes two changes since it was introduced to the Westfield City Council May 27.
The first is a maximum building height limitation of 35 feet.
The second is the removal of golf cart parking from the plan.
“We’ve removed those site renderings (and) the PUD materials and instead, they’ve been incorporated into a commitment that runs to the city,” Skelton said. “If the city does determine that it wants to utilize golf cart vehicles on the Midland Trace Trail, then we are obligating ourselves to provide golf cart parking in that event.”
The initial plan to provide golf cart parking was an issue for APC member Victor
McCarty, who also is a member of the Westfield City Council.
“I’ll just thank the petitioner for removing the golf cart parking, because that’s kind of a sticking point for me that factually, today, it’s not permitted,” he said. “We can have the commitment come (to the) council, but it just makes sense to remove that.”
Golf carts are permitted on the Midland Trace Trail between Carey Road and Grand Junction Plaza but are not allowed on western portions of the trial. If a proposed ordinance to allow golf carts on all trails in the city passes, the commitment means i3 Investors would allow that parking area.
The business park will include four buildings to accommodate multiple new business occupants. The design includes trailside buffering and enhancements.
The PUD received a favorable recommendation from the Westfield Advisory Plan Commission before approval by the Westfield City Council.
The council also approved a declaratory resolution for the creation of the Eagletown economic revitalization area and a seven-year real property tax abatement for i3 Investors. The abatement will apply only to the site developers, not individual businesses within the park.
DISPATCH
Dinner Party on Union tickets available — Reservations are available for the 8th annual Dinner Party on Union from 6 to 11 p.m. Sept. 13, hosted by the Downtown Westfield Association. Tickets are $400 per couple; $1,600 per eight-person table; and $2,000 per 10-person table. Tickets include a cocktail reception; dinner from Prime 47; and assorted desserts. Live entertainment, a live auction and a silent auction round out the evening. Proceeds from the event support the association’s mission of endowing, enhancing and enriching downtown Westfield. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at tinyurl.com/wbch5r6a.
Trailside a four-unit business park planned unit development on Ind. 32 between Ditch adn Spring Mill roads. (Image courtesy of City of Westfield)
Westfield City Council approves Jersey 32 project
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The latest development plan for downtown Westfield was approved July 14 by the Westfield City Council. The Jersey 32 planned unit development at the southeast corner of Ind. 32 and Poplar Street will include multifamily and retail space; art and retail plazas; and a 500-plus space parking garage.
DEVELOPMENT
The garage portion of the development will be funded by a $14.4 million developer-backed bond and a maximum $8.45 million commitment from the City of Westfield. The bond will be funded by tax increment financing. The city’s contribution will be paid for by funds budgeted in the 2025 Capital Fund. Mayor Scott Willis said although 100 percent of the TIF will go toward the garage construction, the city will still collect an average of $1.4 million in other taxes from the project, including food and beverage, hotel, local income and motor vehicle taxes. Willis said over 30 years, the revenue generated will total approximately $42.6 million.
“I think it’s important that we put this in the public sphere, so they have a chance to understand the vision and how their taxpayer dollars are being spent,” he said. “This is a good project. It certainly brings value today and in the future to our community. Yes, the city is making an investment of taxpayer dollars into this project, but contributing in return a $42 million return on that investment (is) pretty good.”
Willis also said data collected by the city’s economic development department shows a deficit of 321 parking spaces downtown during the peak 8 p.m. peri-
Jersey 32 is a mixed-use development that will be built on the southeast corner of Ind. 32 and Poplar Street. (Image courtesy of City of Westfield)
od. He said the Jersey Street garage will provide a surplus of downtown parking — when combined with parking available at Westfield Washington Library and upon completion of The Union, Park and Poplar and Grand Millennium developments — of 552 spaces in the 8 p.m. time period.
“That should give everybody comfort that we have a plan and when the downtown is built out we will have plenty of parking to accommodate current and future businesses,” Willis said.
Brian Simons with Skinder Construction said an architectural tie-in to the city’s
historical connection to the Underground Railway is still in development.
“(For) the plaza itself, we’ve had discussions with both parks and the city relative to the historic art plaza. We have a placeholder for that,” he said. “Relative to the facade, we’ve gotten back with our architect, and we are in the planning stages of looking at that south facade to (have) that as more of the walkable connection along Jersey Street.”
Willis said the city is working with Indianapolis-based creative advocacy agency GANG GANG on concept and design for the plaza.
“I expect that won’t happen for a few years before it’s actually put up,” he said. “We’ll wait until the project’s completed before we would move forward with the monument construction.”
A sidewalk that was close to the neighboring property was removed at the property owner’s request and replaced with a tree buffer. An allowable use for the development — day care and child care use — was also added.
The Westfield City Council approved the PUD unanimously.
The sudden, shooting pain he experienced was caused by a life-threatening ruptured aneurysm. The expert team at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital responded with skill and compassion. Exactly the kind of care that makes a difference.
Hamilton County named a 2025 Digital Counties Survey winner Hamilton County acquires Sheridan airport
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners recently acquired the Sheridan Airport in Adams Township, 3 miles north of Sheridan.
AVIATION
The transfer of ownership became effective July 14.
Hamilton County Communications Director Tammy Sander said the public-use airport opened in 1948. It features a 3,760foot paved runway and a hangar capable of housing multiple aircraft. It is the second airport under county ownership, joining Indianapolis Executive Airport in Zionsville.
Hamilton County Councilor Brad Beaver said the acquisition is a strategic investment in the county’s future.
“Indianapolis Executive Airport continues to see an increase in business jet traffic,” Beaver stated. “By contrast, Sheridan Airport will serve piston-engine aircraft. It gives us the flexibility and space we need to support growth across
all sectors — commercial, private and recreational.”
Sander said the acquisition is part of the county’s efforts to meet the increasing aviation needs of the public and private sectors.
“Hamilton County currently sees more than 41,000 aircraft movements annually, a number expected to grow with the county’s continued population and economic expansion,” Sander stated. “With close proximity to the U.S. 31 corridor, the Sheridan Airport will help increase aircraft storage and ease congestion at other nearby facilities.”
news@currentnoblesville.com
Hamilton County was recently named one of the top digital counties in the nation by the Center for Digital Government and Government Technology magazine as part of the 2025 Digital Counties Survey, conducted in partnership with the National Association of Counties.
COUNTY NEWS
Hamilton County Communications Director Tammy Sander said the county ranked sixth nationwide among counties with populations between 250,000 and 499,999 for its leadership in innovation, cybersecurity and resident-focused digital services.
“This award is a reflection of our team’s commitment to building smarter, more secure and more responsive digital government services,” stated Chris Mertens, director of information systems services for Hamilton County. “We’re proud to be part of a county that values innovation and puts technology to work for its
residents.”
Mertens accepted the award at the NACo conference in Philadelphia earlier this month.
Sander said the annual survey honors counties that align digital tools with strategic priorities, modernize their systems and adopt emerging technologies — including AI — to serve their communities better.
“Hamilton County is proud to be recognized among the most forward-thinking counties in the country,” Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt stated. “This award highlights the proactive investments we’ve made in technology to improve service delivery and protect our systems and data.”
Sander said the survey also highlighted key trends driving county innovation in 2025, including cybersecurity, AI, customer experience, data transparency and long-term IT workforce development.
To see the complete list of winners, visit govtech.com/digitalcounties2025.
Aerial view of the Sheridan Airport. (Photo courtesy of Tammy Sander)
WESTFIELD AUGUST EVENTS CALENDAR
ROCK THE BLOCK
Westfield Washington Schools kick off the return of school with “Rock the Block” from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1. The event brings together students, families, staff, local businesses and community organizations for an evening of games, activities and engagement. Booths from WWS departments and programs; school clubs and athletic teams; local businesses and vendors; nonprofits and service organizations; and community health and resource providers will be available.
LIV GOLF IN WESTFIELD
The LIV Golf season-finale tournament is at The Club at Chatham Hills Aug. 15-17. The City of Westfield will host a mini-golf hole-in-one competition at Rock the Block, 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at Westfield High School and at the Westfield Farmers Market, 5 to 8 p.m. at Grand Junction Plaza Aug. 7. Winners will receive four tickets to the tournament. Concert headliners during the tournament are country music star Riley Green Aug. 15 and multiplatinum singer Jason Derulo Aug. 16. Learn more at westfieldin.gov/LIV.
BIRD HIKES AT MACGREGOR PARK
Westfield Washington Township and birder Brian Haskett will host hiking events in July and August at MacGregor Park for birdwatchers of all levels. Participants should bring binoculars and download the Merlin Bird ID app to follow along. Hikes are Aug. 5, 16, 19 and 30. All hikes begin at 9 a.m. The event is free but registration is required. Register at westfieldwashingtontwp.us under the OWWN Guide tab.
JAMS AT THE JUNCTION
Westfield hosts a summer outdoor concert series at Grand Junction Plaza. The lineup for August includes The Flying Toasters Aug. 8 and Fleetwood Gold Aug. 15. Food trucks and shuttle service will be available.
WYAP PLANS FUN RUN
Westfield Youth Assistance Program
will sponsor “The Double,” a 2-mile family-friendly walk/run at Cool Creek Park Aug. 9. Individuals, families and businesses are invited to participate and fundraise for the organization. WYAP was formed in 2009 to serve as an early intervention ad-
vocate for Westfield youth ages 3-17 who are facing challenging life circumstances. WYAP provides professional, family-centered coordination of services to students and families of the Westfield Washington School District. Learn more and register at westfieldyap.org.
SENSORY-FRIENDLY FAMILY FUN DAY
Bierman Autism Centers will host a sensory-friendly celebration for children ages 2-9 with Autism from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 16 at the Westfield location, 16414 Southpark Dr. Families can enjoy a backyard-style event with inflatable games; a bean bag toss; balloon animals; face painting; refreshments; and a sensory-friendly comfort zone. The event will be free of loud sounds and flashing lights and will provide space to roam. The event is free but registration is requested. Register at tinyurl.com/yhyp9je5.
HAMILTON COUNTY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GOLF OUTING
The Westfield Young Professionals Council, a council of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce that connects young professionals with a network of peers, mentors and re-
gional business and civic leaders, will host its 3rd annual golf outing Aug. 27 at Wood Wind Golf Course in Westfield. The outing is exclusively for young professionals aged 40 and under who live and/or work in Hamilton County. Tickets include 18-holes and access to the range; two golf carts per foursome; a Bloody Mary Bar; a box lunch; and entry to the 19th Hole Reception. Register at tinyurl.com/4d7dd9ka.
MOVIE IN THE PLAZA
Westfield’s final family-friendly movie on the Great Lawn at Grand Junction Plaza for summer is “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Aug. 27. The movie begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and lawnchairs.
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
The Westfield City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of each month unless otherwise noted at Westfield City Hall, 130 Penn St. Meetings are open to the public. August meetings take place Aug. 11 and Aug. 25. Agendas are available online at westfield.in.gov under the agendas tab. Meetings can be viewed online at youtube.com/@WestfieldIndiana.
BENEFIT FOR FOLDS OF HONOR
COMMUNITY
DISPATCHES
State of the Campus — Ivy Tech Community College Hamilton County will host its inaugural State of the Campus event from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 3 at The Bridgewater Club in Westfield. Chancellor Rachel Kartz and other campus leaders will share accomplishments, growth milestones and the vision for the future of Ivy Tech’s Hamilton County campus. Ivy Tech students also will share their personal experiences and the impact the college has had on their educational and career journeys. The event includes a breakfast buffet and opportunities for networking. Tickets are $30 through Aug. 29 and $45 after. Proceeds
will benefit Ivy Tech Hamilton County students through the Ivy Tech Foundation. For more, visit link.ivytech.edu/IVY2025.
Information at your fingertips – Did you know you can view various project proposals currently undergoing required approval processes in Westfield? The city’s official website provides residents with a quick glance at proposed projects that are slated to come before the city for various stages of planning through the Community Development tab. To view items, log on to www.westfield.in.gov and click on Government.
OBITUARY
Linda Louise Snyder, a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, cherished sister, and lifelong educator, passed away on July 18, 2025, at the age of 75. After a life marked by service, faith, and compassion, she entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born on April 27, 1950, in Indianapolis, Linda graduated from Pike High School and earned her degree from Ball State University. She went on to obtain two Master of Education degrees from Butler University, reflecting her unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of education.
belonged to her family, for whom she was a constant source of encouragement and unconditional love. Along with the countless individuals Linda considered part of her extended family, she is survived by her husband, Charles; son, Matthew with whom she shared a deep and special bond; daughter-in-law, Ashlee Anderson Snyder; sister, Shayne Hare; brother, Jay Bradley; and her grandchildren, Charlie (7) and Benjamin (6), who brought a sparkle to her world and immense joy to her life.
Linda’s faith was a guiding force throughout her life. Growing up in the Methodist Church, she later embraced Catholicism alongside her beloved husband of nearly 50 years. Together, they worshiped at St. Thomas Aquinas before making Our Lady of Mount Carmel their spiritual home in the 1980s.
For 42 years, Linda served the Westfield Washington School District as a dedicated fifth-grade teacher. Her passion for childhood development and education led to an exceptional career and earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Indiana Teacher of the Year award presented by then-Governor Evan Bayh. Beyond the classroom, she was an unwavering advocate for children, volunteering countless hours to support youth education and mentoring countless individuals, many of whom considered her a second mother and lifelong counselor.
Linda was a woman of boundless generosity, always offering her time, wisdom, and care to those around her. Linda’s heart
When she wasn’t with her family, Linda could often be found with a book in hand, always learning, constantly growing.
Through her quiet strength, deep compassion, and resolute faith, she left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.
Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, the students she inspired, and the family she loved so dearly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or the Westfield Washington Education Foundation.
Visitation was held Monday, July 28, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Following visitation, the Mass of Christian Burial was at 11:00 am. The committal services was held at Carmel Cemetery, after which all joined the family for a memorial meal at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Arrangements entrusted to Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home of Carmel. Friends may leave a message of condolence for the family by visiting https://www.arnmortuary.com/obituaries/linda-snyder
Roadmap to trust funding, Medicaid protection
Commentary by Christine Stolle
When planning for your future, it’s important to understand the roles of a Revocable Living Trust (RLT) and a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT). An RLT helps avoid probate and ensures your assets transfer smoothly to your heirs but does not protect assets from long-term care costs or Medicaid eligibility rules. In contrast, a MAPT is designed to shield your assets from Medicaid spend-down requirements after a five-year look-back period, preserving wealth for your loved ones.
Why funding your trust matters
A trust — whether revocable or irrevocable — only works if it’s properly funded. If assets aren’t retitled into the trust, they remain vulnerable to probate, creditors, or Medicaid spend-down. Funding your trust is simply the process of transferring assets into the trust’s name, ensuring they receive the intended protections. What is a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust?
A MAPT is an irrevocable trust that protects assets from long-term care costs while helping you qualify for Medicaid. While you give up direct ownership, you appoint a trustee—often a trusted family member or professional—who manages the assets. You retain the right to live in your home and can receive income from trust assets. Upon your death, the assets pass to your beneficiaries outside of probate.
Key benefits of a MAPT:
• Avoid probate: Assets in the MAPT bypass probate, saving time, money, and stress for your loved ones.
• Protect privacy: Unlike wills, trusts are private documents.
• Preserve out-of-state property: Avoids probate in multiple states.
• Protect against scams: Assets aren’t in your direct control, reducing vulnerability to fraud or undue influence.
• Medicaid eligibility: Assets in the MAPT (after five years) are not counted for Medicaid, helping preserve your estate.
• Safeguard your home: Protect your home from Medicaid estate recov-
ery after death if it’s been in the trust for five years.
• Maintain control: While the trust owns the assets, your trustee manages them according to your wishes.
• Protect family wealth: Ensures assets go to your heirs rather than being spent on long-term care costs. The five-year look-back rule Medicaid reviews financial transfers over the five years before applying. Any transfers to a MAPT during this period can result in a penalty. The five-year clock starts when you fund the trust— not when you sign it. Early planning is essential.
What does “funding the trust” mean?
Funding means retitling assets into the trust’s name, including:
• Real estate
• Bank and investment accounts
• Life insurance policies
• Personal property
• Business interests (case by case) Assets not properly transferred remain exposed to probate and Medicaid spend-down.
Retirement accounts and MAPTs To protect your retirement assets, strategic planning is essential when utilizing a MAPT – it is important to work closely with your financial advisor and CPA. This collaboration ensures you can strategically withdraw funds (“harvesting”) to minimize taxes and safeguard your assets.
Final thoughts
In Indiana, funding your trust correctly and early is key to protecting your assets and starting the Medicaid five-year look-back clock. Our team at Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law collaborates with your financial and tax professionals to ensure your plan stays current and effective. Reach out to us anytime — we’re here to help secure your future and give you peace of mind.
For more, visit dillman-owen.com.
Christine Stolle is an attorney at Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law.
Summer wellness tips for seniors
Commentary by David Stordy
After an Indiana winter, summer sunshine feels like a gift. But when the heat kicks in, it’s more than just uncomfortable -- it can pose real risks to your health.
As we age, our bodies don’t regulate temperature as well. You might not feel thirsty even when you’re dehydrated. Conditions like heart disease or diabetes, or medications that affect circulation, can make it harder to stay cool.
A few smart summer habits
• Drink water often – even if you don’t feel thirsty. Keep a bottle nearby and aim to sip throughout the day.
• Keep your home cool
– Use air conditioning or fans and close the blinds during the hottest part of the day.
Conditions like heart disease or diabetes, or medications that affect circulation, can make it harder to stay cool.
• Eat light, cool meals – Avoid using the oven when it’s especially hot. Salads, fruit, and pre-cooked proteins are great options.
• Watch for signs of heat stress – Dizziness, fatigue, swelling, or muscle cramps are all signs to slow down and cool off.
Need a Little Extra Support?
If everyday tasks start to feel more tiring this time of year, you’re not alone. BrightStar Care offers in-home help on your terms—whether it’s assistance with meals, companionship, or personal care. Our team is here to help you stay safe and independent all summer long. You’ve earned the right to enjoy the season — comfortably and confidently.
David Stordy is the directorowner of BrightStar Care. To learn more about home care or schedule an assessment, call BrightStar Care at 317-706-0799 or visit brightstarcare.com.
Medical use of psychedelic mushrooms might have benefits
Commentary by Dr. Carol Weesner
Boomers, blue meanies and Silly
Putty — perhaps the names take you back to the 1960s, elementary school bullies, or playing years ago with some wonder substance you had fun playing with until your mother found it stuck under the kitchen table. But alas, none of this is the case in this article. All the above terms are slang for magic mushrooms, or medically speaking, psychedelic mushrooms. Interestingly, after all the years of bad press and parental distress, they may turn out to be quite beneficial, in the appropriate doses and setting, of course.
Johns Hopkins University, among other universities domestic and foreign, has published several studies on psychedelic mushrooms in the treatment of depression, adding credibility to the idea. I don’t imagine they had any trouble finding volunteers for the control group, or for those who struggle mightily with depression and haven’t found a lasting solution. For those who haven’t had depression, count your blessings, because no one can truly
understand its depths and effects on daily life unless you’ve been so touched. The ingredient of note is psilocybin, which can cause alterations in perception, mood and thought processes. It is thought to act on serotonin receptors
in the brain (the same receptors targeted by drugs such as Prozac) that affect depression and anxiety. One of the most exciting findings is that one or two psilocybin treatments have been found to have rapid and persistent positive
effects, sometimes lasting up to a year. Research has shown the treatment to be safe in supervised settings, but temporary side effects such as nausea, headaches and anxiety may be seen. It is not recommended yet for schizophrenia or severe psychosis.
Those affected by Parkinson’s disease should take note as well. The University of California San Francisco has found that individuals with mild to moderate disease showed improvements in mood, cognition and motor function. Again, the improvements in these symptoms lasted weeks to months. Psilocybin has also been studied and shown promise in the treatment of various addictions. It is very exciting and promising that something so long maligned may benefit so many. Bell bottoms, short basketball shorts and Chuck Taylor shoes are back in vogue, too, so what’s next?
Whether you’re greeting attendees, assisting with rides, or making new friends, your involvement makes a meaningful impact. Volunteer with us to help create a stronger, more welcoming community. There's a volunteer opportunity for anyone looking to make a di erence!
westfieldin.gov/volunteer or scan the QR code to find out how you can get started.
Dr. Carol Weesner is the founder and medical director of Motion 4 Life Fitness in Carmel. For more, visit motion4lifefitness.com/ about-us/.
Jean-Marc Mayu leads dance crew at Motion 4 Life Fitness. (Photo courtesy of Tom Weesner)
Eskenazi doctor’s aging brain care program grows
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Dr. Malaz Boustani’s research on dementia care has expanded in the last year.
Boustani’s research led Eskenazi Health Aging Brain Center in Indianapolis to be established in 2008. The center combines research and clinical care, resulting in the rapid translation of research discoveries into clinical practice. The center works closely with the patient’s primary care provider and the multidisciplinary care team, consisting of physicians, nurses, psychologists, care coordinator assistants and social workers and develops a personal treatment plan for each patient. The plan includes medications as well as nondrug treatments to improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers.
also the family member or caregiver. So, when we developed the program, we wanted to improve the quality of life of the patients living with dementia and also the quality of caregivers and keep them in their homes and their communities as long as possible.”
A Carmel resident, Boustani said his team evaluated the program in a controlled trial and found that it worked.
“This program focuses on brain health,” Boustani said. “The brain is the only organ in the body you can’t transplant. The dementia syndrome is one of the most common problems to make you lose your brain, starting with affecting your memory and language. It starts affecting your emotion and then finally starts affecting your ability to function. Unfortunately, certain patients end up leaving their home and live the rest of their lives in an institutional setting. This doesn’t just cause a problem for the person that has dementia, but
“That led us to publish in the highly prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association,” he said. “I wanted to make sure my work didn’t stay on the bookshelf, so I converted it into a clinical program. This clinical program has been able to do exactly what we did in the original research study and was able to keep people at home much longer than other programs without jeopardizing the quality of life of the patient and the quality of life of their care partner.”
In 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center announced a new dementia care and payment model. It was developed, in part, by Boustani and providers at Eskenazi Health, who were part of the team that helped guide the payment model of care. Eskenazi Health became one of the first health systems to utilize the new care model. Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience is the first model established by the Innovation Center that directly ad-
dresses the needs of unpaid caregivers of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. The model aims to provide comprehensive support and resources for caregivers intended to help reduce caregiver strain and to keep patients in their homes.
“This month, this program or a prototype of it is now available across the entire nation and is delivered across 400 organizations,” Boustani said.
The GUIDE model became available on July 1, 2024, with Eskenazi Health being one of the first to implement it.
“Between 2008 and 2024, I worked with colleagues across the country and with the Alzheimer’s Association to make sure the program is available to every American,” he said. “The benefit of this program is it’s a win-win for everybody. If you are a patient living with dementia, it improves your quality of life. It prevents you from worsening your functional decline and your behavior and depression. It also prevents the stress and depression of your care partner. It reduces your need to go to the hospital inappropriately by almost 50 percent. It keeps you at home longer by at least 24 months. It reduces the cost of care substantially.”
Boustani said reducing insurance cost is why the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services support the model.
Continued on Page 7
Boustani
Meridian Audiology: Built on trusting relationships and improving communication
Meridian Audiology LLC, a private Audiology practice, was founded by Dr. Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira VonBlon, M.S., after working together 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.
In stark contrast to the medical audiology world where patients are in and out in quick succession, private practice allows Ali and Kira to spend whatever time their patients need from them for their individual hearing healthcare situation.
sandwich from their hometown in Ohio.”
The Meridian Audiology Audiologists pride themselves on keeping up with and offering the top-of-theline newest technology in hearing aids, tinnitus and auditory processing disorder.
“The number of patient referrals, along with referrals from area Consierge and Internal Medicine Physicians speaks volumes to us,” VonBlon said. “We have the trust of our patients and many area physicians. They tell their friends and their patients about us, and we cannot buy that kind of loyalty and referral!” She goes on to say “We’ve also had many of our previous patients find and follow us to Meridian Audiology and that is a testament to our relationships we build with them. I even went on vacation this year and made a special stop along the way to bring a longtime patient back their favorite
W We are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing and hearing loss Dr. Wyss states, “We’ve done many presentations to community clubs in the area and the participants always appreciate our time in giving them information about hearing loss, cognitive decline and tinnitus as well as answering their questions.”
Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email, or online and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are 9am-4pm MondayFriday by appointment only. T They are located at 911 E 86th Street, Suite 035. Phone 317-731-5386. Email info@ meridianaudiology com Website: meridianaudiology com
Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Parkinson Foundation program director Addie Cunningham views pickleball is as the sport that draws a wide range of interest.
“We wanted to create a fun, active and inclusive way for our community to come together in support of individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease,” Cunningham said. “Pickleball is a sport that brings people of all ages and abilities together, and it perfectly aligns with our mission to promote movement, connection and hope.”
So the nonprofit is using Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s as a fundraiser. The oneday tournament, set for Nov. 15 at The Picklr, 9847 Cumberland Pointe Blvd., Noblesville, features women’s doubles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles. Players compete in skill levels ranging from 3.0 to 4.0-plus, divided into two age divisions, 50 and older and 50 and under, Cunningham said. All proceeds benefit the Indiana Parkinson Foundation and their mission to support individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s disease.
“The idea grew from recognizing how powerful physical activity and community engagement can be in improving the
lives of those impacted by Parkinson’s.
The Noblesville resident said several people with Parkinson’s will participate in the tournament while others will volunteer or be a part of the event through cheering on the participants. All funds raised through Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s will support the vital programs and services we offer across Indiana, providing exercise, encouragement and education to those affected by Parkinson’s and their families.”
Noblesville-based Indiana Parkinson Foundation has CLIMB, an evidence-based exercise class developed for living with Parkinson disease.
“Our CLIMB classes incorporate many of the same types of exercises that pickleball encourages, but we haven’t included actual pickleball in the classes out of consideration for safety,” Cunningham said. “Pickleball isn’t a good fit for everyone with Parkinson’s.”
Registration for nonmembers of The Picklr is $65 per player. The first event is included in the registration cost, each additional event is $20. The Picklr members’ registration is $50 per player. The first event is included in the registration cost, each additional event is $10.
For information about sponsorship, volunteering or to register to play, visit indianaparkinson.org/p4p/.
VonBlon
Wyss
Indiana Parkinson Foundation program director Addie Cunnignham and her husband, Eric Cunningham, will participate in the third annual Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s. (Photo courtesy of Addie Cunningham)
Resident enjoys several Sycamore Reserve activities
By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com
Better late than never. That’s how Sycamore Reserve resident Terry Klemann probably felt after moving into the facility in February.
A native of St. Louis, Klemann, 71, was content living in an apartment complex when she was having conversations with her two adult children about moving into a facility that was more elderly friendly.
Balking at first, Klemann decided to look at a couple of facilities, with Sycamore Reserve in Indianapolis being one of them.
“I really didn’t want to move,” Klemann said. “But my kids asked me to reconsider, and I said I’d take a look.”
After checking out Sycamore, Klemann fell in love with it and ruled out all other options.
“There was really no comparison between the (the other options),” Klemann said. “They are super, and they treat you really well.”
Klemann enjoys the food and service she receives, plus it’s pet friendly, something very important to Klemann because she has a Lhasa Apso named Lady.
Klemann, who has been single for nearly 30 years, also appreciates the social opportunities at Sycamore Reserve.
“(Sycamore Reserve employees) take you to the bank, pharmacy, the grocery
“There are also a lot of outings. You get a weekly agenda so you know what’s going on be it bingo, happy hour, live entertainment.”
— Terry Klemann
store — really, anything you need,” Klemann said. “There are also a lot of outings. You get a weekly agenda, so you know what’s going on, be it bingo, happy hour, live entertainment.”
Klemann moved to Indianapolis several years ago to be near a younger sibling who had an illness. Prior to that, she lived in Illinois and Upstate New York. She has a son in Arkansas and a daughter in New York.
Klemann also worked at Macy’s for nearly three years, but after her brother died, she thought of moving but chose to stay in Indianapolis because of friends. That’s when she moved into an apartment until her children brought up the topic of a senior facility with things to do.
“I can go swimming in the beautiful swimming pool and there’s a nice garden with pool parties and so many other things,” Klemann said. “If you’re bored here, it’s your own fault.”
Continued from Page 5 program functions under the Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation.
“No one wants to live in a nursing home,” he said. “No one wants to go to the hospital for just the sake of it and no one wants to burden their loved one. Everyone wants to optimize their quality of life, and this program fits all of that.”
Boustani said he and his wife each have family members who lived with dementia. Unfortunately, Boustani said the program did not expand quickly enough for his wife’s parents in Kentucky and his father and mother in Syria to take advantage of it.
The Eskenazi Health Aging Brain Care
“Through decades of research in brain health, we have learned that by reorganizing care, we can obtain better outcomes at lower costs,” Boustani said.
The team that helped develop the innovative model includes Boustani; Dr. Christopher Callahan, chief research and development officer of Eskenazi Health; Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation; the Regenstrief Institute; and the Indiana University School of Medicine.
Klemann
TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?
By: Dr. Leonard Buller, orthopedic surgeon and medical director of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at IU Health Fishers
Total joint replacement surgery is a common and highly effective procedure for individuals experiencing chronic joint pain, limited mobility and reduced quality of life due to joint damage. Most often involving the hip or knee, these surgeries are typically recommended when non-surgical treatments—such as medications, physical therapy and lifestyle changes—fail to provide adequate relief. At IU Health, total joint replacement is a cornerstone of orthopedic care, with expert surgeons performing thousands of these procedures each year. The surgery aims to replace damaged joint surfaces with artificial components, reducing pain and restoring function so that patients can return to the activities they enjoy.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT?
Candidates for joint replacement are evaluated based on the severity of their symptoms, overall health and personal goals. Patients considering joint replacement are encouraged to attend a convenient virtual educational seminar, which helps them understand their condition, treatment options and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Our team works directly with patients to create a personalized care plan for their needs.
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR SURGERY?
Preparation for joint replacement begins well before the day of surgery. IU Health provides comprehensive pre-surgery educational resources and has team members dedicated to ensuring patients and their support partners have all their questions answered throughout the journey. Patients undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure. This includes reviewing medications, conducting blood tests and assessing cardiovascular and pulmonary function. Preparing the home for recovery is also important—this may involve removing trip hazards, installing safety equipment like grab bars, and arranging for help with daily tasks during the first few weeks post-surgery.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT ON THE DAY OF SURGERY?
The surgery itself typically lasts one to two hours and is performed under spinal or general anesthesia. Immediately after the procedure, patients begin a carefully guided recovery process that includes pain management and early mobilization. At IU Health, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals—including nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and case managers—works closely with each patient to ensure a smooth and safe transition from surgery to recovery. Most patients begin walking with assistance the same day or the day after surgery.
WHAT DOES RECOVERY LOOK LIKE?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the individual and the specific joint replaced. Rehabilitation begins in the hospital and continues at home or in an outpatient setting, with physical therapy playing a key role in regaining strength, flexibility and independence. Patients gradually transition from using assistive devices such as walkers or crutches to walking unassisted. While many people begin to feel significantly better
within a few weeks, full recovery and return to normal activities often take several months.
ARE THERE RISKS?
As with any major surgery, total joint replacement carries some risks. However, when performed at high-volume centers like IU Health, the risks are low, and outcomes are generally exceptional. Most artificial joints function well for 20 years or longer, allowing patients to enjoy longterm mobility and quality of life improvements.
IU Health is recognized nationally for its comprehensive joint replacement program, offering patients access to advanced surgical techniques, innovative research and coordinated care throughout the entire journey. With a strong focus on patient education and individualized treatment plans, IU Health helps patients navigate the joint replacement process with confidence. By choosing a trusted healthcare partner and preparing thoroughly for the experience, patients can look forward to life with less pain, better function, and a renewed sense of independence. Learn more about Indiana’s most preferred destination for total joint care at iuhealth.org/orthopedics.
Dr. Leonard Buller
Author mixes
love of books and horse racing
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Catherine Besaw was able to marry her love of books and horse racing.
At 76, the Carmel resident wrote her first book, “Worth Fighting For — a Bluegrass Romance,” which was published in April.
“My 7-year-old granddaughter wants to be an artist,” Besaw said. “I tell her, ‘Don’t wait to be in your 70s like me.’”
Besaw said the original format for the book started more than 30 years ago, but she never quite completed it.
“It was just something fun to do,” said Besaw, who also owns small shares in horses for fun. “When COVID hit, I moved into a new home on the day everything shut down (in March 2020). There was nothing much to do and I pulled out the old book, which was dated in so many formats, and I just started to write.”
During that time, Besaw met Noblesville resident Myra Levine, who has published two books. Levine also is a writing coach.
“She convinced me that I could actually write a book, that I could publish, and she would help me every step of the way, and she did.” Besaw said. “When I look at the first draft now, it was so amateurish. It just grew and developed. Myra helped me proofread and get it published through Amazon.”
Besaw said the first draft sat dormant for years,
“I was a working mother,” she said. “I didn’t honestly think that people would be interested in what I have to say and just needed something.”
Besaw said the book focuses on two things she loves — Kentucky and horse racing.
Besaw, who moved to Carmel in 1991, lived in Lexington, Ky., for seven years. She previously lived in Lake County in Indiana in the 1970s and worked for a man who owned horses and was half-owner of a farm in Lexington. Besaw’s husband, Gary, enjoyed horse racing, so they developed a friendship.
“I would work with his partner and do the secretarial work and he and my husband would go
Continued on Page 11
Catherine Besaw with thoroughbred Seize the Grey in January. (Photo courtesy of Catherine Besaw)
to the races,” she said. “We fell in love with Lexington and moved there and I worked for a man named Robert Clay.”
Clay owned Three Chimneys Farm before selling it in 2013.
The book’s plot centers on a couple, Brett and Perry, who have a bitter argument and are separated. Perry has a thoroughbred horse farm.
“The only purpose of throwing in when Perry sees a murder is to put them back together because Brett is a police detective,” Besaw said. “I had to get them back to living in the same house and that was for protection.”
She is working on a second book, “Worth Believing In,” that develops other characters in the first book. She said she wants to finish it by the end of the year.
“I like romance. I love happy endings,” she said. “I like mysteries. I lead a book club through the Newcomers Club of Carmel.”
After retiring from her work in office, Besaw worked in two scrapbook shops that both closed, and then worked parttime at Carmel Clay Public Library but had to quit because of her back issues.
“There’s a lot of bending to put books on the shelf,” she said.
SEIZING THE MOMENT
Catherine Besaw became involved with MyRacehorse, where people can own micro-shares of horses.
At first, Besaw was skeptical when her husband told her about it, but then she did more research.
“I said, ‘You know we are never going to own a racehorse on our own, so let’s do it,’” she said. “He bought a couple shares in horses and so did I.”
Besaw has shares in eight horses.
She said no horse compares to 2024 Continued from Page 10
Preakness winner Seize the Grey. They now have shares in the breeding rights for Seize the Grey.
They bought the racing shares when the horse was 1 year old. Seize the Grey has more than 2,000 owners.
“That’s typically when you are going to buy your share when they are 1 year old,” she said. “You don’t do it for profit.”
There are perks, such as special trips to Keeneland in Lexington or Saratoga (N.Y), and if your horse wins, you get to go into the winner’s circle. That happened July 5 when a horse she has shares in, Elite Heat, won a maiden race at Horseshoe Indianapolis on the day of the Indiana Derby. She also visited Seize the Grey at Gainesway farm in January.
“It’s a hobby and you don’t make money off a hobby,” she said.
“Worth Fighting For” is Catherine Besaw’s debut novel. (Photo courtesy of Catherine Besaw)
Stratford resident Terry devoted to helping others
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Sharon Terry has survived two heart attacks and two bouts of cancer but is still going strong at 87.
The Statford resident has led a life devoted to volunteering.
Terry has lived at The Stratford for four years. The longtime Carmel resident worked at The Stratford when it opened in 2008 as a part-time concierge.
“I was there the very first night it opened,” she said. “I lived in the Village of WestClay and I knew the person that was building The Stratford because she lived in the village.”
She previously worked in the Village of WestClay, starting in 2000. She and her husband moved to the Village of WestClay in 2004.
“I knew the marketing director and I was there two weeks after it opened,” Terry said. “There were 200 people in there because everyone wanted to see it. I said, ‘You need some help.’”
So, the marketing director asked if Terry wanted to work there.
“I had never worked other than being a nurse,” she said.
But after talking with her husband, she decided she did want to work in The Village of WestClay Information Center. She helped start Breakfast with Santa, an ice cream social and a croquet tournament.
Before working at The Village of WestClay, her only job was being a nurse.
Terry has four sons, who she said all have successful careers
Her son, David Broecker, was the quarterback on Carmel High School’s first state championship football team in 1978. He played football at Wabash College and then went on for postgraduate work at MIT and University of Chicago.
Her second son, Tom Broecker, attended Yale University and is head costume designer for “Saturday Night Live.”
“As my husband said, we went 11 years without a new car because they
were all in these private colleges,” Terry said.
Her third son, Ed Broecker, is a lawyer and Zionsville resident. After a divorce, she had a fourth son, John Terry, who came from her second marriage to Steve Terry. A lawyer, Steve died at age 96 in 2019.
“Steve adored the boys and they adored him,” Terry said. “We had a rule in our house that if you don’t make the honor roll, you can’t play sports. We never had any trouble.”
David. Ed and John played football and Tom played tennis at CHS.
Terry was a nurse at St. Vincent but quit after her second son was born. She got divorced when her first three sons were young and moved back to the Indianapolis area after living in New York.
She worked as a nurse for an ear, nose and throat doctor. She and Steve moved to Carmel in 1971 after getting married. All four sons graduated from CHS.
Terry served two terms on the Carmel Clay Schools Board of Trustees. She also helped start Coxhall Guild to support Coxhall Gardens and Mansion.
The only thing that has slowed Terry recently was a second hip replacement. Her femur broke when she was moved
Sharon Terry’s book “Oh My! What a Life!” was published in 2010. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)
Terry
Continued from Page 5
to the operating table. She developed lymphedema, which occurs when lymph fluids build up, which sometimes causes swelling.
“When I had the first cancer, they took out all the lymph nodes in my groin,” she said.
The first cancer was metastatic squamous cell, a type of skin cancer, and the second cancer occured three years later. It was metastatic ovarian cancer.
“I had radiation, chemotherapy and never had another cancer,” she said.
Sharing memories
For her eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Sharon Terry decided to write a book, so they would have her memories.
“Oh My! What a Life!” was published in 2010.
“One of my sons gave me a book on how to write a book on your life story,” she said. “I would write one or two pages when I went to Florida, but then my grandson, who was 11 then, said, ‘I didn’t know you were poor growing up.’ After that, I decided I had to get busy (writing).”
The book follows Terry growing up in poverty as the youngest of seven children. Her father died when she was 9 years old.
Her mother remarried when Terry began high school and then moved from Washington to Poseyville. She graduated from Poseyville High School with 29 students in her graduating class.
After her second marriage, Terry began volunteering. She volunteered at Saint Elizabeth Seaton Catholic Church and at Carmel Middle School.
“They didn’t have a paid nurse, so I volunteered as a school nurse,” she said.
“I did that for a couple of years and then spent 13 years on the PTO. Then they gave me a plaque for 13 years of devotion to Carmel Middle School.”
Terry then became president of the CHS PTO and an elementary school PTO. In 1984, her husband suggested she run for school board.
She has continued volunteering at The Stratford. She is an elected member of the resident advisory council, serving on dining, activities and welcoming committees.
“I love to stay busy, and I enjoy people,” she said.
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Addressing pickleball injuries
Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf
ickleball, a game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has rapidly gained popularity among older adults, particularly those 55 and older. Its social and physical benefits make it an appealing choice for maintaining an active lifestyle. However, like any sport, pickleball comes with its risks, especially concerning foot, ankle and calf injuries. Understanding these injuries and seeking professional treatment can help players stay active and healthy.
Common injuries in pickleball Ankle sprains: One of the most frequent injuries in pickleball, ankle sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to sudden movements or awkward landings. Older adults are more susceptible to these injuries due to decreased ligament elasticity and balance issues.
• Achilles tendinitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel. Overuse during dynamic movements common in pickleball can lead to pain and stiffness, particularly in players who may not have engaged in regular physical activity prior to starting the sport.
Plantar fasciitis: Many pickleball players report heel pain related to plantar fasciitis, a condition resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It can arise from the repetitive impact associated with pickleball and wearing inadequate footwear.
Calf strains: This injury involves a tear in the calf muscles and often occurs during explosive movements such as sprinting or sudden stops, which are common in the fastpaced nature of pickleball.
Risk factors for older adults
Players older than 55 face unique risk factors that can increase the likelihood of foot, ankle and calf injuries. These include:
• Decreased flexibility: Aging often
results in reduced flexibility, which can limit range of motion and contribute to injuries.
• Reduced muscle strength: As we age, muscle mass and strength tend to decline, making older adults more vulnerable to strains and sprains.
• Balance issues: Impaired balance can lead to falls and increased risk of ankle injuries.
Importance of professional treatment
Proper treatment and management of foot, ankle and calf injuries are crucial for older pickleball players. Consulting a podiatrist can provide several benefits:
• Expert diagnosis: Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating foot-related issues, ensuring you receive the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Customized treatment plans: They can create tailored rehabilitation programs that consider individual health needs and activity levels.
• Preventive advice: Podiatrists can recommend appropriate footwear, orthotics and stretching exercises to prevent future injuries. Encouraging active lifestyles Staying active is vital for overall health, especially in older adults. Although injuries can be daunting, understanding the potential risks and prioritizing foot and ankle health will help players enjoy pickleball safely. By seeking the expertise of a podiatrist, older adults can address any concerns, get back on the court faster and continue playing the sport they love.
In conclusion, it’s essential for pickleball enthusiasts aged 55 and older to remain vigilant about their foot health. With the right knowledge and support, they can minimize their risk of injury and enjoy the many benefits that this fun sport offers. Remember, prioritizing your foot care is a crucial step in maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.
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Carmel resident’s book features comical country song titles
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Aretired newspaper columnist, Carmel resident Garret Mathews finds a way to stay busy.
Mathews, 75, has written several books and plays since retiring in 2011 after 24 years of being the metro columnist for the Evansville Courier & Press. Prior to that, he wrote columns and features for the Bluefield (W.Va.) Daily Telegraph.
“I like to think of it as a toy. It’s just fun for me,” he said of writing books and plays.
His latest book, released in June, is “Fractured Country Song Titles,” a series of humorous country song titles with illustrations. He doesn’t expect to make a lot of money from it but said he would be happy to get his book in Cracker Barrel, a Branson, Mo., gift store or get some country and western radio stations to discuss it.
“It would be nice to have some success,” he said. “It’s something to play around with. I’m a writer, not a book salesman.”
His first humor book was “From My Funny Bone (hopefully) To Yours,” a collection of 46 humor columns, in 2024.
“In 1971, what I really wanted to do was to write humor columns,” said Mathews, who graduated from Virginia Tech that year.
Mathews had hopes of writing a humor column for a metro paper. He sent samples but got a job as a reporter with the Bluefield Daily Telegraph.
“After a while, I got a once-a-week humor column there,” he said.
At the Evansville Courier, he wrote a mix of columns, some based on interviews, some on opinion and some humor.
“To me, the hardest writing to do is humor because it’s (the beat) of a song,” he said. “If your punchline is out of whack (the humor doesn’t work). With these (song) capsules, it’s the same thing. If you have one or two too many words, it’s not as funny.”
Mathews said it was fun to come up with the song captions.
“I started with the idea of doing 20 or 30, and then I got the idea to do 80 to 100 in the book,’” he said. “The
idea came in the 1970s and ‘80s when I occasionally wrote a column of silly country and western song titles. I wrote a couple columns like that in Bluefield and two or three in Evansville.”
After writing some more, he found a talented illustrator in Tim Eterno.
Some of the song titles include “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed,” “You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly,” “May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose,” “She’s Acting Single, I’m Drinking Doubles” and “Beer Never Broke My Heart.”
His theatrical play about the Civil Rights Movement, “Jubilee in the Rear View Mirror,” has been performed three times.
His books include “Swing Batta,” which was published by Michigan State University Press, is about coaching 10-year-old baseball players.
When not writing, Mathews enjoys spending time with his three grandchildren.
By his own admission, Mathews gets bored easily. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, he practiced juggling a 16-pound shot put and bean bags.
For more, visit pluggerpublishing.com and garretmathews.com
Garret Mathews has writen several books and plays. (Photo courtesy of Garret Mathews)
ENHANCED RESPONSE
Study completed to
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield Fire Department has its eye on the future.
WFD Chief Rob Gaylor said a study was recently completed by the International Association of Firefighters at the request of WFD and Local 4416. It is an assessment of the department’s response times, station coverage and future growth and plays a crucial role in the creation of the department’s capital plan, according to Gaylor.
The WFD’s coverage area is 56.8 square miles of Westfield Washington Township — the largest township in Hamilton County. Unlike the Westfield Police Department, which primarily patrols only within city limits, the WFD covers the City of Westfield and unincorporated portions of the township.
The 127-person department operates out of four stations, with Station 84 and Station 85 expected to come online in 2026.
Gaylor said the department answers approximately 5,000 calls annually. With population expected to rise to 90,000 or more residents by 2030, planning for the future is vital. Gaylor said the highest density of population is southeast of Ind. 32, but growth is expected throughout the district.
“This (study) gives us real data points that we can actually put our finger on,” he said. “It’s tangible, instead of just going on what ifs or whims. With our incident and call volumes, we’re trending up (with) 5,000-plus calls annually. In 2019, we responded or had a unit respond over 7,000 times. In 2024 (we had) almost 11,000 apparatus responses.”
Gaylor said compared to Westfield, Carmel operates six stations and responds to approximately 9,500 calls annually; Fishers has seven stations and responds to an average of 7,800 calls annually; and Noblesville has seven stations and answers more than 8,000 calls each year.
“We have the potential to be one of the largest municipalities in the county without annexing another township or doing anything like that,” he said. “So, we are today the same size that Noblesville was six years ago. When we start putting things like that in perspective, it kind of changes
assess current, future needs of Westfield Fire Department
that dynamic altogether. By 2030, we’re going to be above Noblesville. We’re going to be right there at Carmel and Fishers, or right on their heels. So if we don’t prepare, take the information and at least consider it, we’re going to be further behind the eight ball than we are today.
Gaylor said the national standard for
response is four minutes for first units. He said current station and staffing numbers provide four-minute coverage 34.2 percent of the time. With the additions of Station 84 and Station 85, that number is expected to increase to 51 percent.
“It’s a huge gain and jump on where we are today versus where we’re going to be
SAFETY MATTERS
Westfield Fire Department Chief Rob
Gaylor said the WFD’s Insurance Services Office score is a 2 on a scale of 1 to 10.
ISO ratings are used by insurance companies to help determine homeowners’ insurance rates.
“The only way we can improve upon that is adding staffing and locations,” he said. “Most of what is graded is out of our control — water, dispatch center, things like that. The only things that we can control that affect our rating (are) staffing, the amount of training hours that we do, station locations and the apparatus that we have. In the city
where there are hydrants, it’s a 2. Outside of (the hydrant limits) we’re a 2X. So, (we’re) one of the best in the country, but the only way for us to achieve (a 1) is to add more stations and more staff. Believe it or not, the ISO rating does affect the insurance premiums that you folks pay on your homes. So, the better rating your fire department has, the lesser insurance premiums you’re expected to pay.”
Besides the fire service itself, ISO ratings are determined based on emergency communication systems, water supply and community risk reduction programming.
here shortly, and so I’m greatly appreciative of that,” he said. “One of the things that we did is we’ve taken our historical data and plotted it on the map and took a look — if history repeats itself, these are the areas of concentration that fall within that four-minute response time. I am happy to say that with our medic units and our ALS providing a paramedic on scene within the first eight minutes right now (is at) 92.7 percent of the time.”
Gaylor said the study showed coverage gaps south of Station 81 on Ditch Road; east of Station 82 on 151st Street; and around Station 83 on Grassy Branch Road. Although those areas are not specifically targeted for additional fire stations, Gaylor said adding service could result in up to a 70 percent increase in response times.
Short-term recommendations of the study include staffing of apparatus at a minimum of four firefighters and moving a medical unit to Station 84 once complete. Long-term recommendations include maintaining four-person staffing; ongoing assessments of workloads, growth, hazards and risks; and consideration of new facilities to fill coverage gaps.
Gaylor said the WFD’s latest recruit class, which graduates in November, will help the department achieve the recommendations.
“Compliance reduces liability and improves outcomes,” he said. “The survival rate for cardiac arrest increases from 4.6 percent to almost 34.3 percent by having that four-person ALS crew.”
Mayor Scott Willis said the city needs to crunch numbers to staff additional fire service facilities, but said it’s doable.
“We’re using data to make decisions,” he said. “We’re being very thoughtful in what we do. We have a plan and we will figure this out. Our firefighters are paid very low compared to their peers across the state of Indiana. We have some work to do there as well. It’s not just about staffing these fire stations but staffing them with the best talent.”
ON THE COVER: Westfield Fire Department Headquarters and Station 81 on Ditch Road. (File photo)
Westfield Fire Department Station 84 is under construction on 191st Street. (Image courtesy of City of Westfield)
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The Farmers Bank appoints vice president
news@youarecurrent.com
The Farmers Bank recently announced the promotion of Steve Latour of Westfield to vice president of community and customer experience officer.
FINANCE
The newly created position will play a vital role in advancing business development, increasing deposit growth and enhancing the overall customer and community experience, according to the bank.
our mission makes him the perfect fit to lead this new role,” The Farmers Bank President & CEO Chris Cook stated.
Latour’s position will serve as a catalyst for enhancing the bank’s visibility, value and relevance in the communities it serves.
Latour joined The Farmers Bank in 2023. He led the opening of The Farmers Bank Westfield Financial Center. In his expanded leadership role, he will oversee a cross-functional department focused on strategic growth initiatives, business relationship management, community partnerships, sponsorship alignment and marketing and communications strategies.
“His ability to connect with people, lead with empathy and bring creative energy to
“I’m honored to step into this new leadership role,” Latour stated. “The Farmers Bank has a strong tradition of relationship-driven banking, and I’m excited to build on that legacy by helping our teams connect even more deeply with our customers, our communities, and each other.”
Latour will continue to be based at the Westfield Financial Center and will work closely with retail teams across the bank’s three-county footprint in Hamilton, Boone and Clinton counties.
The Farmers Bank is headquartered in Frankfort. Learn more at thefarmersbank. com.
Fusion 9 restaurant brings spicy flavors to Carmel
By Sara Palmer news@youarecurrent.com
Blending bold flavors and cultural influences, Fusion 9 is the latest addition to Carmel’s Legacy River District, offering a menu that spans Indian, Asian, and American cuisines.
FOOD
The restaurant, located at 14560 River Rd., held a soft launch in June and is preparing to celebrate its official grand opening Aug. 9.
Founding Partner Prakash Alluri said the location was selected “at the heart of Hamilton County, where Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and Westfield converge,” with the goal of becoming “an integral part of the vibrant, growing community.”
The menu includes dishes intended to appeal to a variety of preferences.
“We believe families shouldn’t have to choose just one cuisine to make everyone happy,” Alluri said. “Whether someone craves Indian spices, classic Chinese
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flavors, or American favorites, our menu blends the best of all worlds.”
Menu items include Peri Peri Wings, Dynamite Momos, Mango Kebab and Blazing Shrimp Bombs. Entrées range from Hakka Noodles to Butter Chicken, served with garlic naan and a selection of Indian and local draft beers.
The restaurant also has a full-service bar with cocktails such as a Spicy Margarita and an Old Fashioned with Indian-inspired elements. It also plans to introduce live music in the coming months.
The name Fusion 9 refers to those nine spices and the restaurant’s goal of combining culinary traditions. The space includes a bar, large screen for sports viewing, and areas suited for both small and large groups.
Alluri said customer response since opening has been strong. “Everyone who’s dined with us so far has shared incredible feedback, and the support from our local community has truly inspired us,” he said. For more, visit thefusion9.com.
Latour
Legendary Guess Who vocalist to perform hits, new songs
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Burton Cummings, these words are music to his ears.
“People are saying, ‘Burton, you still sound like the guy on the records,’ and that aways makes me proud and happy,” he said. “That is something every singer wants to hear.”
Cummings, famous for being the lead singer of The Guess Who, will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
The tour is named for his most recent album, “A Few Good Moments.”
“It’s a tremendous band I have,” he said. “It’s the best band I’ve ever had around me. Some of these guys I’ve been with now for 20 years. We do the big songs. We understand why people are coming to see us.”
Cummings said the band performs the signature Guess Who hits, such as “American Woman,” “No Time,” “Laughing,” “Share the Land,” “Undun,” “No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature” and “These Eyes.” After leaving The Guess Who, Cummings started a solo career in 1976. One of his biggest hits is “Stand Tall.”
“We do a lot of my solo stuff,” he said. “So, it’s a two-hour show. It’s pretty high energy and a lot of recognizable songs, that’s the main thing. We’re feeling this great welcome back feeling to the states, so it’s terrific right now.”
Cummings, 77, has plans to return in 2026 with former Guess Who bandmate and fellow Canadian Randy Bachman. Cummings and Bachman co-wrote nearly all of The Guess Who’s biggest hits.
However, Cummings’ focus now is the current U.S. tour.
“It’s basically the same show every night, although we do change it around a little bit from time to time,” he said. “But I love being on stage, and so do the guys in the band, and we plan to do this for
quite a while yet.”
Cummings said he spends time talking about the past.
“I talk to the audience and they find out things they might not already know,” he said. “Overall, we try to send the audience home happy. That’s our main goal.”
Cummings was glad to return to performing after the COVID-19 shutdowns in March 2020. He had to cancel a North American tour with Bachman in 2020 and there were tight restrictions when touring resumed. Cummings said he did get COVID-19 during that time.
“I was very sick,” he said.
But he is back feeling great and had several touring dates in the U.S. in 2024.
“One of the things that makes me the proudest is that the songs have never gone away,” he said.
Cummings said his favorite Guess Who recording is “No Time.”
“I think it has lasted well,” he said. “It still sounds like a rock ‘n’ roll song. I’m very happy with that. As far as my solo
stuff, my new album is my favorite in a long time. I think the songs are strong and my vocals are good. We are doing several songs from the album on the tour now and the reaction is tremendous.”
Cummings said it took about four months to record the album.
“Some of the songs were older than I had written before,” he said.
Cummings still enjoys the recording process.
“I’ve been making records for 60 years,” he said. “It’s one of the most important things to me.”
With so many different ways people listen to new music, Cummings said he and his band do whatever they can to promote it, in addition to live performances.
“We come at promoting it from different angles,” he said. “I’m very happy with the critics’ response. Everybody’s saying it’s a terrific record.”
For more, visit burtoncummings. com. Tickets are available at thecenterpresents.org.
‘WAITRESS’
“Waitress” runs through Aug. 31 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Now that’s Funny Comedy Night is set for July 31, followed by Divas of the Songbook Aug. 1 and Murder Mystery Night Aug. 2 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
TOMMY DECARLO
Tommy DeCarlo, lead singer of Boston since 2008, and former Chicago lead singer Jason Scheff will perform at 7 p.m. July 31 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘MAN ON THE MOON’
Fritz and the Tantrums will perform its “Man on the Moon” tour at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCHES
Center Presents tickets on sale Aug. 1 — Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Aug. 1 for individual events in the 2025-26 Center Presents performance season at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets will be available online at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 317-843-3800 or through the Fifth Third Bank Box Office at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, Carmel.
Concert to feature political folk songs — Carmel singer-songwriter and former U.S. government educator Mike Culver will perform at 8 p.m. at the Turntable at Indianapolis. The evening will feature a set of political folk songs addressing critical issues facing the U.S. Opening for Culver will be his daughter, Abigail Jane, a Carmel High School graduate and music technology student at IU Indianapolis. For more, visit turntableIndy.com. Tickets are $10 for ages 18-21, $18 for ages 21 and older.
Burton Cummings will perform Aug. 10 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Burton Cummings)
SELLERS MARKET
Head and Heart show set
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
A little more than 15 years after starting as a small indie band from Seattle, The Head and The Heart is touring in support of its sixth studio album, “Aperture,” and will perform Aug. 6 at Everwise Ampitheater in Indianapolis.
CONCERT
Co-founded in 2009 by lead vocalist Jonathan Russell and former vocalist Josiah Johnson, the band consists of Russell, violinist Charity Rose Thielen, bassist Chris Zasche, pianist Kenny Hensley, drummer Tyler Williams and guitarist Matt Gervais.
“When I first moved to Seattle, I was (waiting) tables in an Irish restaurant,” Russell said. “At some point, the band started doing little shows on the weekends. I don’t know if I ever really could have envisioned where we’re at now.”
After self-producing its first two albums, the band then signed with Warner Bros. They left the label after their fifth studio album, “Every Shade of Blue,” in 2022. Being free agents under new management, they had no deadlines and decided to take back the creative decisions
within their own band.
“We realized when making ‘Aperture’ we were ready to self-produce again,” Russell said. “We learned that we can do it on our own and it feels even more like ourselves. This band is capable of playing all types of music, but I think it’s most interesting when we don’t have an outside producer putting their touch on it.”
On the second leg of the ‘Aperture’ tour, Russell feels as if this tour is a “rebirth” for the band.
The Head and The Heart will be joined by opening bands Marfa and Wild Rivers. For more, visit whiteriverstatepark.org/event/ the-head-and-the-heart-aperture-tour/.
Center’s children’s
concert
series returns
news@currentincarmel.com
Families can introduce young children to the joy of live performance through Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts’ monthly Peanut Butter & Jam series, which begins a new season Sept. 27.
PERFORMANCES
With fun and informal sessions designed specifically for ages 1-7, PB&J is typically presented one Saturday each month from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Studio Theater in Carmel
The season begins with MARS the Melody Maker at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 27
“American Idol” veteran Marrialle Sellars, aka MARS, will sing, dance and groove with live guitar music and interactive songs.
Tickets for sessions are $10 per child, which includes free admission for two accompanying adults. Tickets and more information are available at TheCenterPresents.org/PBJ, 317-843-3800 and the
Payne & Mencias Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office.
The rest of the season’s events include:
• Grupo Bembé: Latin Rhythm, Melody & Movement
10:30 a.m. Oct. 11
• Silly Safaris: Animals of the North Pole
10:30 a.m. Nov. 22
• Melchior Marionettes: Holiday Cabaret on Strings
10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Dec. 13
• Move & Groove with The Call 10:30 a.m. Jan. 17, 2026
• Traveler’s Dream: Musical Journey to Early America 10:30 a.m. Feb. 21
• Bobcat Opossum 10:30 a.m. March 7
• Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre 10:30 a.m. April 4
• Todd Williams Trio: All Aboard the Short Track Shuffle 10:30 a.m. May 23
The Head and The Heart is set to perform at Everwise Amphitheater Aug. 6. (Photo courtesy of The Head and The Heart)
No point in hiding
Commentary by Terry Anker
Any one of us who has spent much time with contemporary television, film or fiction can point to our current obsession with the dystopian. We imagine our end of times not in a welcoming all-white, pearly-gate manner, but with vampires and zombies and each of us struggling to hang on to a life barely worth living. To be honest, the “Mad Max,” post-apocalyptic genre has been around for a long time. Some might suggest that even the Bible’s Genesis leans into the style. In short, they might hold, “The end is coming, and it is going to be terrible, so get ready!”
ESSAY
Still, we live in a modern age of exceptional marvel. In many cases, we have fully mastered disease. And our manipulation of our own physical limitations has been able to extend our lives despite our increasingly self-destructive exercise and eating habits. So, what makes us so bleak in our outlook? Why do we assume the worst?
For those of us who have made a few
trips around the sun, we remember the threat of a global extinction event. While Wikipedia defines it as “a widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth,” we all thought it would happen when the Russians sent nuclear warheads our way, en masse. Even as children, we all somehow knew that we would not survive by hiding under the desks in our elementary school classrooms. But just as we imagined that the solution was exaggerated, we believed the threat was real. It left us with a sense that even as the paranoia was justified, that hope was not.
Do the next COVID-19, countless global conflicts and economic meltdowns lead to constant panic? Is our extinction relentlessly looming? Yet if the desk cannot protect us, why would we go under it? What’s the point?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
See and be seen on rural roads this summer
Commentary by Janis Highley
We all know the adage “corn is knee high by the Fourth of July,” but most farmers know that nowadays, thanks to technological advancements, corn is actually much taller than your knee by mid-summer. By late-July, corn should really be more like “head high,” or even towering over you at about 7- to 8-feet tall. But with taller corn comes safety precautions that Hoosier farmers must remember.
SAFETY
Many of us know the importance of road safety during planting and harvest season. Accidents involving tractors and other agricultural machinery occur every year. However, fewer people may realize that road safety is critical during the growing season too, specifically at intersections. I farm corn and soybeans with my family in northeast Indiana. Our corn is well beyond “head high” now, so I understand firsthand the importance of visibility on our rural roads. When you are driving you need to make sure you can see and be seen because it could be a matter of life and death.
Intersections along rural county roads often have crops that are so tall and close to the road that they obscure the views of drivers and farmers in their equipment, leading to potential deadly collisions. Hoosier farmers should keep this in mind when they are planting corn close to road corners in the spring and consider planting their crops farther back. We should also remain vigilant about cutting back corn from intersections, so the crop doesn’t obstruct drivers’ line of sight. It takes just a few moments to trim back growth and could ultimately save lives.
As second vice president of Indiana Farm Bureau, I also have the privilege of
“Many of us know the importance of road safety during
planting and harvest season. Accidents involving tractors and other agricultural
machinery occur every year. However, fewer people may realize that road safety is critical during the growing season too, specifically at intersections.”
– JANIS HIGHLEY, INDIANA FARM BUREAU SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
chairing the Indiana Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee. The committee is dedicated to keeping Indiana farmers safe by raising awareness of different aspects of farm safety, from precautions to take when applying chemicals or working in grain bins, to tips and resources for rural road safety — not just during planting and harvest season — but all year round. Don’t forget that everyone — both farmers driving equipment and motorists going to and from work — should slow down when driving. We are all neighbors, so let’s remember to be alert, be patient, watch out for each other, and we will all get home safely.
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.
Janis Highley is the second vice president of the Indiana Farm Bureau. Learn more about the bureau at infarmbureau.org.
LIFESTYLE
Poem
___ Brothers Band
Zilch
If a Hoosier is
victim of a crime, who do they call?
42. British noble
43. Grammar subject
44. Words of denial
45. Light brown
46. Kitchen utensil
47. Scatter
51. Banks or Young, briefly
53. Miracle-___ (plant food)
54. What’s the best thing about living in the rural parts of the Hoosier state (and why you keep doing the Current crossword)?
59. Guesstimate phrase
60. Days gone by 61. Spanish pal 64. Hoosier Park harness part
65. Heroic tale
66. IndyGo passenger
67. Bingo relative 68. Colts ticket
specification
69. Pollster’s find Down
1. Unhappy
2. “Green” prefix
3. Spot for a driver’s drink
4. Hoosier National Forest growth
5. Miss Hamilton County accessory
6. Butler frat letter
7. Request at a Chinese restaurant
8. Word processor command
9. Cain’s brother
10. Sun-dried brick
11. Submarine detector
12. Slays 13. Fashion sense 21. Possess
22. Cain’s mother
23. Bovaconti Coffee order 24. Hawaiian greeting
28. Inbox filler
29. Author Rand
30. Ivy League school in Philly
31. 401(k) kin
33. Indy Zoo roarer
34. Seine contents
35. Lymph ___
36. Next to
37. divvy patron
38. Start to physics or logical
40. Genetic letters
41. Domino dot
45. A couple
46. Music’s Yoko
47. Baby bird?
48. A trio
49. Pine’s sticky secretion
50. Budget, in brand names
51. Mideast nation
52. Throw out
55. Shapiro’s Deli loaves
56. Slangy refusal 57. Go-___ (small racer) 58. Muslim ruler 62. ___-Xer 63. Chicago airport code Answers on Page 23
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