June 10, 2025 — Noblesville

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THE HIXON

5 Piece Set: sofa, 2 swivel chairs, coffee table, nesting side table

THE BAINBRIDGE

3 Piece Set: sofa, 2 swivel gliders

LEEWARD SECTIONAL

7 Piece Set: 1 Sectional (4 pcs), 1 Swivel Chair, 1 End Table, 1 Cocktail Table

WATCH A MESSAGE FROM KAREN:

About us

Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVI, No. 33

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Southwest corner of 116th & I-69

THANKS D D

Beneficiaries named for annual mayoral event

Several local organizations will benefit from Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen’s annual Summer Soirée at 6 p.m. July 11 at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville.

MISSION

The Noblesville Community Foundation, founded in 2020 by Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen and his wife, Julie Jensen, presents the annual event to benefit local nonprofits. Each year, new beneficiaries are selected, along with three legacy beneficiaries. To date, the event has raised more than $625,000.

This year, the theme is “Vest Fest” — a nod to the mayor, who has more than 40 vests in his closet.

“Each year, Julie and I want to highlight some organizations doing impactful work in Noblesville,” Jensen said. “We’re excited to feature great beneficiaries this year at our annual soirée and encourage everyone to pitch in and support them.”

The 2025 beneficiaries are Ben’s Ranch Foundation, Same As U and Ignite Transform. The legacy beneficiaries are the Noblesville Youth Sports Alliance, the Noblesville Fire Department and the Noblesville Police Department.

Ben’s Ranch Foundation, which operates Koteewi Stable & Trails in Noblesville, offers programs to connect teens who have mental health challenges to jobs on farms, at stables and at equine therapy facilities.

“We are excited and grateful,” Ben’s Ranch Founder and Executive Director Brose McVey stated in a press release. “We know how many terrific charities serve this community, so to be selected is truly an honor. As we work overtime to expand our impact through our work with area schools and the Koteewi Stable & Trails facility, the financial support this represents will be very timely and helpful.”

Same As U is a nonprofit that supports young adults with developmental disabilities as they transition into adulthood.

Jennifer Sell, executive director of Same As U, said the organization is humbled by

the opportunity, being a relatively new nonprofit.

“Along with receiving a generous financial donation, this event offers us a unique platform to spread the word about our college-style programming — ensuring that more adults can benefit from the supportive and enriching environment we provide,” Sell said. “

Ignite Transform is a nonprofit that offers women a holistic approach to mental, physical and spiritual wellness. It has a yearlong program that integrates professional mental health counseling, spiritual development and physical fitness training.

Ignite Transform Community Partners Coordinator Sally Bauer said the organization is honored to be selected as a beneficiary.

“This event is not only a celebration of our vibrant and generous community, but also a powerful opportunity to shine a

light on the importance of mental health and the transformative work happening every day at IGNITE Transform,” Bauer said.

“Support from this event will help us continue providing mental health counseling, physical wellness programs and spiritual growth opportunities to women in need without the barrier of cost.”

Funds received through the event annually support the NFD’s Christmas Food & Toy Drive, which provides food and toys to approximately 100 families in need during the holiday season, the NPD’s Shop with a Cop program, which provides underprivileged children with holiday gifts and the NYSA, a nonprofit committed to promoting and enhancing youth sports in the Noblesville community.

To purchase tickets to the event or become a sponsor, visit tinyurl.com/ d3uu6k68.

From left, Tina Dillard, Katy Rogers, Julie Jensen and Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen attend the 2024 Summer Soirée. (Photo courtesy of the City of Noblesville)

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

Miller Ambassadors — The Miller Ambassadors program is a yearlong learning experience for select Noblesville community leaders and school district parents to enjoy a deeper understanding of Noblesville Schools. Applications are open now for the 2025-26 class and due by June 30. Learn more about the program at noblesvilleschools.org/community/ miller-ambassadors.

Funds — The Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank is requesting monetary support for “Meating the Need,” a joint project with Hamilton County 4-H to help provide local protein to local food pantries. You can donate today by mailing a check payable to “Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank” to Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank, P.O. Box 881, Noblesville, IN 46061. You can also donate anytime online at hchfoodbank.org/ donate. All donations of $250 and above received by June 15 will be included on this year’s banner at the 4-H Fair. To learn more, contact stonycreekangus@gmail. com.

Diaper Drive — The Hamilton County Democratic Party invites community members to support local families in need by participating in its Diaper Drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 28 at EPIC Coffee in Carmel, 7249 E. 146th St. The community collection event offers residents an opportunity to bring a case of diapers to donate while enjoying a cup of coffee and connecting with neighbors. All donations will benefit the Indiana Diaper Bank, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential diapering supplies to families across the state. Anyone who is unable to attend in person can contribute directly through the Indiana Diaper Bank’s online donation platform at givebutter.com/HamCoDemsDiaperDrive.

Matching campaign — The Humane Society for Hamilton County has announced its annual Matching Campaign. From now through June 30, every donation made to the shelter is matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the community’s impact when you contribute to help animals in need. During the Matching Campaign, HSHC’s donors will match donations up to $115,000. They aim to raise $230,000 to provide essential care, medical treatment and shelter for the 4,000 animals that rely on the Humane Society for Hamilton County each year. Visit HamiltonHumane.com/Matching to make an online donation.

NOBLESVILLE

SCHOOLS CELEBRATES CLASS OF 2025

Noblesville Schools celebrates the graduation of the Noblesville High School Class of 2025, it’s 150th graduating class, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds June 3. The Class of 2025 had 836 graduates, with 45 percent of students graduating with academic honors of a 3.5 GPA or above, and more than $5 million in combined scholarships. (Photos courtesy of Marnie Cooke)

NOBLESVILLE SCHOOLS CELEBRATES CLASS OF 2025

Free lunch — This year, Noblesville Schools is offering a free summer lunch program for all children in the Noblesville community under the age of 18. No registration is needed, and meals must be enjoyed on site. The program runs from now through July 17 from 11:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday at Stony Creek Elementary School, 1350 Greenfield Pike. For more, visit noblesvilleschools.org/departments/food-services/p-ebt-information.

Noblesville resident to host Indianapolis Pizza Festival

Noblesville resident Tommy Barrett, known on Instagram as @startswithaquestion, has created a festival for pizza lovers.

EVENT

Barrett, 30, will present the inaugural Indianapolis Pizza Festival, in conjunction with GEMCO Constructors, from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 9 on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis.

been open for so long and allow them to showcase themselves when they may not have an opportunity or budget to do so.”

Several vendors offering various styles of pizza will provide samples for attendees, such as Greek’s Pizzeria, Magoo’s Pizza and Goodfellas Pizzeria, among others. There also will be opportunities to try local beer and cocktails and live entertainment from Jai Baker and other local bands.

Barrett started his Instagram account, which has more than 7,000 followers, in 2020 to reconnect with people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I would ask people, normally an athlete or well-known celebrity, one question because I feel like every good conversation starts with a question,” Barrett said. “As time went on, I didn’t get the personal value out of it anymore. So, I transitioned to what I think is my true passion in life — food.”

Because pizza is Barrett’s favorite food, he was inspired to establish the festival to spotlight different pizza spots in Indiana.

“I feel like there’s a lot of pizza places that don’t get the credit they deserve for how good their pizza is,” Barrett said. “In Indiana, we’re not known for pizza, so I want to highlight some places that have

Tickets are $30, with children’s and VIP options available. A portion of proceeds benefit the United Way of Central Indiana.

“The winner who is voted as having the best pizza will win a $5,000 cash prize,” Barrett said. “Every person who is in attendance and buys a ticket will be able to vote on who has the best pizza.”

Barrett hopes the event showcases what Indiana has to offer, especially to those who don’t live in the state.

“I think it’s important to highlight how good this state is,” Barrett said. “Indiana does an excellent job of putting on events and backing ideas, and I don’t think we receive the credit we deserve outside of Indiana. It is super important to me to highlight the businesses that are made here in Indiana.”

For tickets, visit indypizzafest.com.

New home permits increase

REAL ESTATE news@youarecurrent.com

The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis recently reported a 12 percent year-over-year increase in new home construction permits in central Indiana for April 2025, indicating a rebound in residential building activity.

According to the BAGI home permit report, 1,043 permits were issued across the nine-county Indianapolis region in April 2025, compared to 933 permits in April 2024. According to BAGI, the uptick reflects strong demand. Builders have noted success in selling move-in ready inventory despite interest rate uncertainty and policy changes.

In Hamilton County, the City of Westfield has issued the most new-home permits

in 2025, with 95 issued in April and 495 issued since January.

In Boone County, the Town of Whitestown issued 90 new-home permits in April and 208 since the start of the year.

Permits issued from January through April include 152 in Noblesville; 144 in Fishers; 84 in Carmel; 67 in Zionsville; 28 in Lawrence; and 508 in Indianapolis.

“April’s permit growth highlights the resilience of Central Indiana’s housing market,” stated Chris Hancock, CEO of BAGI. “Builders are strategically responding to economic signals and buyer needs, ensuring alignment with market trends. This region remains highly attractive and we anticipate sustained demand through 2025.”

View the permit breakdown report at BAGI.com/Permits.

Barrett

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Feel good inside.

Digestive issues can cause pain and disrupt daily life. Our board-certified gastroenterologists provide expert care, from screenings to advanced treatment. Beyond treating diseases, we focus on prevention—helping you avoid serious conditions like colorectal cancer and liver disease through screenings, lifestyle guidance, and early intervention.

To schedule an appointment scan the QR code, call 317.214.5468 or visit riverview.org/digestivehealth

County reorganizes emergency services

Hamilton County recently reorganized the management structure of its emergency services.

COUNTY NEWS

As part of the process,

the Hamilton County Commissioners promoted two public safety leaders — Mike Hubbs and Chad Knecht — to create a more collaborative emergency operations department.

Hubbs, who was previously executive director of communications and director of the Hamilton County 911 Center, became the county’s new director of administration May 30. He replaces Lee Buckingham, who retired after more than three decades of service.

Knecht, who was previously the executive director of emergency management, assumed oversight of both EMA and the 911 center. The county will appoint new directors for each department as the reorganization progresses.

“Mike’s leadership has always been centered on people,” Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt stated in a press release. “Emergency dispatch is a stressful environment to work in, but the way Mike supports his staff and the level of service they deliver is top-notch.”

“This transition marks a new era for how we manage emergency services in Hamilton County,” Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman stated. “We are creating a more unified emergency operations department, and we’re fortunate to have strong leaders in place to guide that transition.”

Hubbs previously served as director of the Marion County 911 Center in Indianapolis, a commander with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, an Indiana State Trooper and a U.S. Secret Service agent. He said he is humbled to take Buckingham’s position.

“Huge work (is) ahead of me, and I know that, and I am very committed,” Hubbs said. “Hamilton County is the best county in the United States to live in, no doubt. I look forward to taking (Lee’s) torch and trying to make it an even better place.”

County launches website for people in crisis

news@currentnoblesville.com

Hamilton County officials unveiled a new online tool last month at the Hamilton County Judicial Center.

RESOURCES

The tool, NavigateHC, connects people in crisis with local services. It directs users to mental health support, substance use disorder treatment, food pantries, veteran services and foster care, among other resources.

The website was unveiled during a live demonstration for community leaders, partner agencies and first responders.

“The website was designed to quickly direct community members to behavioral health and wellness resources,” stated Monica Greer, executive director of the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs. “Users simply enter their

ZIP code and select the services they need. The website then populates a list of free support services — quickly and anonymously.”

NavigateHC also allows users to request a local navigator — a real person knowledgeable about available resources — who can guide them through the process.

“This app serves as a central clearinghouse of information — not just for individuals in need, but also for service providers, caregivers and local organizations,” Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt stated. “We’re proud to invest in a solution that will serve all corners of our community.”

The NavigateHC website cost $67,800 to develop and launch and was funded through opioid settlement dollars. For more, visit navigatehc.org.

Hubbs
Knecht

HATCH Fest returns June 14

Noblesville Creates, a nonprofit that cul tivates arts resources in the community, will present its annual HATCH Fest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 14 on the downtown square in Noblesville.

EVENT

Noblesville Creates Executive Director Ailithir McGill expects it to be a record year for participating vendors.

“This year, we’ll be closing the Logan Street bridge to give us more space for vendors,” McGill said. “We’re also going to be filling the courthouse square with vendors and exhibitors who have lots of fun things to share. It shows how much interest there is, both in the creative community for this opportunity and from the wider community network of folks who want to support local creative entrepreneurs and local businesses.”

HATCH stands for Hamilton County Arts, Technology, Craft and Heritage. The free festival will feature more than 100 artisans and makers, local nonprofits and businesses and a range of activities, demonstrations and performances.

The event coincides with the St. Michael’s Episcopal Church’s Strawberry Festival, and there will be a Juneteenth celebration with a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation.

“One year, we tried a pop-up art sale, and it happened to coincide on the same day as the Strawberry Festival. Organizers at the Strawberry Festival thought that went super well, and since they liked it so much and the artists had a good time, we decid ed to have it land on that day.”

Purchase a David Weekley home in the Indianapolis area between May 30 and July 20, 2025, and enjoy a 7% home discount* a David Weekley home in the Indianapolis area.

For the first time, children aged 5-17 can participate as vendors.

Learn more by contacting 317-983-2063

McGill said the festival grows each year.

“We started trying to hold a Nickel Plate Arts Festival in 2012, and we tried several different iterations of that,” McGill said.

“A group of kid entrepreneurs who are part of the Children’s Entrepreneur Network will be showcasing the things they have made,” McGill said. “Hamilton County is such an entrepreneurial place, we want to celebrate the fact that we have entrepreneurs of all ages building businesses and creating cool things from an early age. They are the future of our creative community, and we are so excited about the energy and the innovation that they’re bringing.”

For more, visit noblesvillecreates.org/ hatchfest.

Scan to view homes

BEST Fund recipients named

GRANTS news@currentnoblesville.com

Hamilton County Tourism recently selected its first round of recipients to receive investment dollars from the Business of Entertainment, Sport and Tourism Fund.

Gabby Blauert, HCT communications manager, said the BEST Fund was established in 2024 to support transformative, tourism-related projects that generate new visitation, foster business growth and enhance community vitality.

Following an assessment by the BEST Review Committee, the Hamilton County Tourism Commission awarded grants to four projects:

ence Center: Funds will support the renovation of the museum and the installation of a permanent exhibit by The Curious Life — the only one in the Midwest.

• Koteewi Run Tubing Hill Expansion: Funds will help improve snow-making equipment and support the installation of a people-mover system.

• Fishers Event Center: Funds will support the new event center in Fishers, which opened in November 2024.

Base Price offer only valid for Homebuyers who purchase a David Weekley home in the Indianapolis area between May 30, 2025, and June 20, 2025. *Maximum discount not to exceed $50,000. David Weekley Homes reserves the right to terminate program or change rules at any time. No cash will be given outside of closing. David Weekley Homes reserves the right to terminate program or change rules at any time. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, or availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Copyright © 2025 David Weekley Homes – All Rights Reserved. Indianapolis, IN (IND-25-002397)

• Conner Prairie Museum Experi-

• The Arena at Innovation Mile: Funds will support the new event center in Noblesville, which is slated to open this summer.

For more, visit VisitHamiltonCounty.com/ Grants/Best-Investment.

See a David Weekley Homes be presented to Sales Consultant Not valid with any other offer or on previously written contracts. 7% home only valid for Homebuyers who purchase a David Weekley home in the Indianapolis

Vendors sell goods at a previous HATCH Fest. (Photo courtesy of Noblesville

Helping Lives Bloom fundraiser returns June 12

Janus Developmental Services, a Noblesville nonprofit that offers education, employment training and independent living opportunities for people with disabilities, will conduct its fifth annual Helping Lives Bloom fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 12 at Mustard Seed Gardens in Noblesville, 77 Metsker Lane.

EVENT

Janus Development and Communications Senior Director Jerry Jamison said the fundraiser is in partnership with the organization’s volunteer guild, For the Love of Janus, which seeks ideas and experiences to enhance, encourage and support Janus participants.

The event includes a silent auction featuring at least 20 baskets of items, along with a wine pull, appetizers and drinks.

“We will have a 15-minute program where we thank all of our sponsors, and then we will interview a couple of participants about their experience with Janus so attendees can know what impact Janus has on individuals,” Jamison said.

Jamison’s goal is for the fundraiser to help Janus continue to offer more opportunities and serve more people.

“Everybody has different levels of how they can function, and we want to be able to open the door for everybody,” Jamison said. “We want to help people get a job in the community, do volunteer work or just be able to get out and about and have a fulfilled life like their parents and their brothers and sisters do.”

Admission tickets are $50. For more, visit tinyurl.com/23sve7pn.

Silent auction baskets at the 2024 Helping Lives Bloom event. (Photo courtesy of Janus Developmental Services)

Guerin boys win 1A lacrosse title

Join us to celebrate summer, connect with friends, and make new memories in the heart of the historic

Featuring live singers, dancing, an open bar, and a delicious lobster and/or beef tenderloin dinner, this fun-filled summer event will be an evening to remember!

The Guerin Catholic High School boys lacrosse team took some bumps and bruises playing a very tough schedule.

SPORTS

“I think the tables turned following spring break,” Golden Eagles coach Charlie Barry said. “We were 2-5 going into the break, and since the break, we were 10-3. We had a team meeting prior to break on expectations and on what it means to play and be together. We cracked off a five-game win streak right after break with a lot of buy-in. I think that tough schedule really set us up for success in the second half of the season.”

Freshman Luke Shrift scored six goals to lead Guerin to a 14-5 victory over Evansville Memorial May 31 in the Indiana High School Lacrosse Association Class 1A state championship game at Hamilton Southeastern High School. The Golden Eagles also won the state title in 2021.

Barry said the student leaders took tremendous ownership of the team.

“Our captains and seniors held players accountable when it came to the details,” Barry said. “A lot of times, the captains were correcting teammates and coaching teammates before the coaches had to get involved.”

Guerin senior John Stordy had three goals and three assists in the final. Senior Dominic Elliott delivered two goals and one assist. Others scoring single goals for Guerin were sophomore Gavin Soucie and juniors Vincent Elliott and JB Ford.

Shrift finished with a team-high 67 goals and 18 assists for the season, followed by Soucie with 62 goals and 25 assists. Elliott had 38 goals and 34 assists. Other goal leaders were Stordy with 31, Dominic

Elliott with 25 goals and Ford with 20.

Barry said senior goalie Elias Niccum, who plans to play football at Wabash College, had a 68 percent save rate in the final.

“Elias made a lot of saves,” Barry said. “He has been pretty solid for us all year.” The Golden Eagles lose seven seniors, including four starters, to graduation.

GUERIN GIRLS PLACE 2ND

Carmel topped Guerin Catholic’s girls team 10-6 May 31 in the Indiana Girls Lacrosse Association 2A state championship at Noblesville High School.

Sophomore Caroline Ford led the Golden Eagles with two goals in the final.  It was the fourth consecutive year Guerin played Carmel in the state championship. Carmel repeated as state champion while the Golden Eagles won in 2022 and 2023.

Senior Gabby Deer, who will play at Siena (N.Y.) College, led the Golden Eagles (182) with 75 goals and 25 assists. Ford was next with 58 goals and 25 assists. Senior Jane Cline scored 56 goals and sophomore Claire Flannagan scored 34 goals.

The Guerin Catholic High School lacrosse team captured the Indiana High School Lacrosse Association Class 1A state championship. (Photo courtesy of Live Action Sports)

COMMUNITY

RECOGNITION

Community First Bank of Indiana, which has a branch at 17661 Village Center Dr. in Noblesville, was recently named a recipient of the Indiana Bankers Association’s Commitment to Community Award, which recognizes outstanding community service and outreach by Indiana banks.

The C2C Award, presented at last month’s IBA Mega Conference in Indianapolis, honors banks that spearhead service initiatives that can improve the lives of Hoosiers. The award recognized CFB’s 2024 community service efforts that include ongoing projects that originated in prior years.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive the IBA’s Commitment to Community Award,” CFB Vice President and Director of Marketing Lainey Schroer stated. “This award is meaningful to us because it reflects the heart of who we are — people who care deeply about serving our neighbors, supporting local causes, and investing in the well-being of the communities we call home.”

In 2024, Community First Bank donated more than $174,000 through a collaborative effort with more than 100 nonprofits. CFB also launched a nonprofit learning series to build long-term capacity for local leaders. CFB employees volunteered more than 2,000 hours to community projects.

The bank was selected for the award by a panel of independent judges who evaluated nominees based on the impact, innovation and sustainability of their community service programs.

Community First Bank CEO Robb Blume, right, accepts the Commitment to Community Award from Indiana Bankers Association CEO Amber Van Til. (Photo courtesy of Community First Bank)

Noblesville mom operates food stand

Noblesville resident Danielle Carley-Parker has worked diligently to expand her small business, HadBro Co. Carley-Parker started HadBro Co., an at-home bakery, in 2022. Within the last year, she has expanded her offerings with the creation of a food stand, where she sells products outside her home at 24695 Henry Gunn Rd. Products include sourdough bread, cinnamon rolls, pies, sugar cookies, carrot cake and farm-fresh eggs.

BAKERY

“I homeschool my kids, so baking is my outlet and helps me make a little extra money,” Carley-Parker said. “I have always enjoyed baking, and I did cake decorating with my grandma in 4-H. I use cake-decorating tools to decorate cookies because cakes are a lot to take on. I mostly do cookie cakes and sugar cookies.”

Carley-Parker, who has two children, said she got the idea for the cart from an Instagram post.

“I sent (the post) to my carpenter, and he built one for me,” Carley-Parker said. “We

started last summer by putting some produce on it from (our) garden, and now we do baked goods in addition to farm-fresh items. It’s made it easier to spread the word about my small business, and people like to come look every week at what is out there.”

Carley-Parker said the stand is an extension of her small business.

“Some weeks, it’s great,” Carley-Parker said. “I shared a post on Noblesville Chatter last week, and there were 71 reactions.

However, sometimes there’s nothing. I think it’s dependent on the weather, and the holiday weekends are always busier.”

Carley-Parker is preparing for Father’s Day and the Fourth of July. She takes orders through social media and will have holiday offerings available this summer at the food stand.

“I do a lot of orders for sugar cookies and cookie cakes, and as I get orders throughout the week, I try to double recipes so that I have extra stuff to put on the cart,” Carley-Parker said. “I will have Father’s Day and Fourth of July cookies and cookie cakes.”

Carley-Parker envisions the possibility of future expansion, although she doesn’t have immediate plans to do so.

“I like being a home-based vendor because I like the flexibility of being able to do stuff at home with my kids around,” Carley-Parker said. “But when they grow up, I’d love to have a bakery someday. It’s not in the cards for a little while, so I hope to grow where I am by stocking the cart with more and more stuff each week.”

For more, visit facebook.com/ HadBroFarms.

DISPATCHES

NFD names deputy fire marshal — The Noblesville Fire Department has announced Capt. Luke Turner’s promotion to deputy fire marshal. Turner is a 20year veteran of the department who previously served as a lieutenant at Station 71 and, upon promotion to captain, moved to the inspections division. In 2024, Turner joined the division in preparation for the anticipated retirement of Deputy Fire Marshal Brian Lott.

Imagery hub — Hamilton County has launched its new Imagery Hub, a centralized platform designed to provide access to the county’s newest and historic high-resolution aerial imagery and geospatial datasets. The initiative underscores the county’s commitment to transparency, innovation and community engagement by sharing its authoritative geospatial data across county and city government agencies, with development professionals and citizens to provide the information they need to make informed, data-driven decisions. For more, visit geohub.hamiltoncounty.in.gov.

Noblesville resident Danielle Carley-Parker’s food stand at 24695 Henry Gunn Rd. (Photo courtesy of Hailey King Photo)

COVER STORY

GIVING BACK

SERVE Week to offer volunteer opportunities

A week of volunteer opportunities returns to Noblesville this month.

SERVE Noblesville, a nonprofit that brings businesses, churches, nonprofits and residents together to volunteer in the community, will kick off its annual SERVE Week from 6 to 8 p.m. June 24 at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St.

SERVE Executive Director Patrick Propst said SERVE Week runs from June 24 through June 28. The week is dedicated to mobilizing the community to participate in service projects throughout the county in collaboration with neighborhood partners.

“We’ve been doing SERVE Week since 2008,” Propst said. “When the (Indianapolis) organization Faith, Hope and Love handed it over to us in 2012, we called it SERVE Noblesville because that’s all we did from 2012 through 2018. In 2019, we added additional programming, and that’s when it officially became SERVE week.”

Propst said many projects take place annually in addition to new opportunities.

“We put a request out to the community in the spring for projects,” Propst said. “We then go through and assess them and see what we can do, which is usually most of them, and then we set up our week.”

Between businesses and organizations that submit projects, Propst said between 50 and 60 organizations are involved, and volunteers fill the gaps. Returning activities include a community giveaway June 28, meal packing and cleaning the historic Noblesville sidewalks.

“The community giveaway is always the Saturday of SERVE Week,” Propst said. “We collect items from the community throughout the week, and the team organizes items in the two gymnasiums at the Boys & Girls Club in Noblesville. Anybody can come and take advantage of that — whatever they can haul away, they’re welcome to have for free.”

SERVE Noblesville partners with International Disaster Emergency Services in Noblesville to pack meals.

“Meal packing is great for any age, so we get a lot of teen and youth groups who choose to volunteer for that together,” Propst said. “They pack meals, and those meals get shipped internationally to communities that benefit from them. We also have partnered to build some sheds because IDES provides support throughout the country when natural disasters hit an area or region.”

This year, SERVE Noblesville is partnering with the Hamilton County Parks Department to clear invasive species. All other projects come from community submissions.

“We’ll occasionally get paired up with some clients from Shepherd’s Center Hamilton County, where we’ll go out

and help do some lawn work, and we’ll do some mural paintings as we activate the alleys in downtown historic Noblesville,” Propst said. “We’re doing several projects at Teter Retreat and Organic Farm, and we’re working with First United Methodist to make bundles that provide necessities for the homeless.”

Katy Rogers, director of operations for the nonprofit Teter Retreat and Organic Farm, said having extra volun-

teers helps the nonprofit tackle larger projects.

“Volunteers will be revitalizing our retreat cabin and outdoor meeting space, as well as transplanting and cleaning,” Rogers said. “SERVE Week provides us connections in the community and allows us to spend time working with other people who care about serving in our area. In turn, they’re helping a nonprofit that is feeding the community, providing greenspace and offering environmental and educational labor.

Propst said the week of service is essential because it provides an opportunity to bring the community together and make a tangible difference.

“Volunteers get a chance to meet some neighbors and learn about projects that are happening in the community and the impact that they’re having,” Propst said. “It creates a space that people become proud of, but also creates a nice, relational fabric across the community for people to feel like they belong and are involved in the community they live in.”

He said SERVE Week also is a valuable mental health tool.

“From a mental health perspective, taking a chance to pause and give back to someone else is beneficial,” Propst said. “It’s good physically, and it’s good mentally.”

Registration is open online through June 22 at impactnoblesville.com. To participate, create a profile and find available SERVE Noblesville projects. For more, visit servenoblesville.com/

GETTING TEENS INVOLVED

SERVE Executive Director Patrick Propst said several organizations, businesses, nonprofits and individuals have participated in SERVE Week for several years. One group that continues to participate is the Hamilton Heights High School girls soccer team.

“The girls soccer team will be coming out for their 11th year of continued engagement with SERVE Week this year,” Propst said. “They bring anywhere between 20 to 30 athletes from the team, and they do amazing work. The head coach, Travis Kauffman, has done a fantastic job of creating not only great athletes but great, civic-minded leaders.”

Former player Elizabeth “Lizzy” Smith, who graduated this year, was awarded the 2025 SERVE Noblesville Scholarship for her engagement with SERVE Noblesville over the last four years. Propst said the scholarship

provides Smith, who is attending the University of Kentucky to study Pharmaceutical Sciences, $500 per year for up to four years.

“Lizzy has done our annual SERVE project, and she volunteers with the soccer team and was our student body president at the high school,” Kauffman said. “She has a giving personality and a put others first mentality.”

Kauffman reiterated the importance of involving teens in community service projects.

“I would encourage teens and schools to get involved,” Kauffman said. “SERVE Noblesville has done such a fantastic job of providing resources, and they’ve done everything to set it up to make it easy to step in and make even a small impact to helping improve the community we live in.”

ON THE COVER: SERVE Executive Director Patrick Propst, left, and Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen at the 2024 SERVE Week kick off event. (Photo courtesy of SERVE Noblesville)
Volunteers clear trash and debris during SERVE Week. (Photo courtesy of SERVE Noblesville)

County resident wins national weight-loss contest

there and readjusting how you buy groceries and prepare food. It was educational for me.”

WELLNESS

Barbara Campbell, a Carmel resident, recently won a national contest sponsored by Medi-Weightloss, a weight-loss program developed by physicians, registered dietitians and health professionals, after losing more than 70 pounds.

As the winner of the national Medi-Weightloss Transformation Vacation Getaway, Campbell, 60, won a trip for two to Tampa, Fla., that includes airfare, hotel, spending money and a professional photo shoot at the Medi-Weightloss headquarters.

Campbell worked with a team at the Medi-Weightloss location in Noblesville and was able to reverse being obese, elevated triglycerides, pre-diabetes symptoms and metabolic syndrome.

Campbell said she began her weight-loss journey in September 2022 with a mission of hitting her goal weight by her daughter’s wedding last month.

“I was very self-conscious about how I looked,” Campbell said. “I had tried every program under the sun before Medi-Weightloss and never had any success.”

Campbell said the process started slowly as she adjusted to changes in her diet and activity levels.

“It took me a year and a half to reach my goal weight before my daughter’s wedding, and I learned a lot,” Campbell said. “It truly is a mindset. It’s not just about being on a diet but rather about mentally getting

The team at the Noblesville/Fishers Medi-Weightloss clinic asked Campbell to participate in the contest, where members from the 108 Medi-Weightloss locations throughout the U.S. shared weight-loss stories through Medi-Weightloss. Followers on social media voted between 10 semifinalists. Campbell was the winner.

“It was a village that helped me get those votes, and I’m very appreciative of every single one of them,” Campbell said. Weight loss was not an easy journey by any means. It required a great deal of dedication and support from friends and family.”

Campbell encourages residents to take care of their health.

“The one thing that people need to take to heart is that they are seen and not just a number,” Campbell said. “I think the big thing is you’ve got to be ready in your mind to make changes.”

Campbell has maintained her weight loss and continues to lose weight. Recent lab work revealed her triglycerides are normal and she is no longer pre-diabetic.

“I’m hoping that everything I’ve done will contribute to extending my life because that’s the main goal — to live as long and as healthy as I possibly can,” Campbell said.

For more, visit mediweightloss.com/ weight-loss-clinic/noblesville-fishers.

From left, Noblesville Mayor’s Youth Council members Lizzy Eger, Danielle Leininger, Elizabeth Norris, Marin Axsom and Mia Feigel with Tags to Tap products. (Photos courtesy of Danielle Leininger and Steve Witta)

Mayor’s Youth Council creates mental health tool

The Mayor’s Youth Council, comprised of local high school students who advise Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen on issues relevant to youth, learn about municipal government and educate peers on council initiatives, has created a mental health tool for all ages.

WELL-BEING

The product, Tags to Tap, integrates Near Field Communication tags — small devices that utilize technology to transmit data wirelessly over short distances — into everyday products, such as keychains, bookmarks, rings and bracelets. When someone taps the product with their phone, they are taken to an interactive website where they can learn more about mental health and receive encouraging tips and quotes.

The products can now be purchased at Noblesville business Go & Do and Chapter Book Lounge and range in price from $3 to $5. Proceeds from Tags to Tap purchases benefit the Ben’s Ranch Foundation, which empowers youth with mental health challenges by connecting them to employment opportunities in farm, ranch and equine environments.

Noblesville High School senior Danielle Leininger has been part of the Mayor’s Youth Council since her freshman year of high school and most recently led the program’s mental health committee. She will serve as the council chair in the 2025-26 school year.

“In my junior year, we started to kick off projects,” Leininger said. “My committee helped our mentor, Steve Witta, create the Tags to Tap products. We design the art for the products, help create posters and organize where we’ll be handing them out.”

Witta connected with the Mayor’s Youth Council while working with the Hamilton County Community Foundation on a community action plan. Last year, Witta — who designs interactive websites connected to the products — said he came up with the idea of using NFC tags.

Bring Change to Mind, a national organization dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding mental illness, recently reached out to Witta about Tags to Tap products.

“I don’t know exactly where it’s going, but right now, they have 40 middle schools, and they’re talking about including Tags to Tap in mental health kits,” Witta said.

Witta looks forward to advancing the products in the 2025-26 school year.

“We’ve had a lot of people reach out to us,” Witta said. “We’ve had social workers and teachers who have met with us. Students have hinted at going into the classrooms in the middle school and creating products geared toward them. We are also looking at launching Love Taps, where you can personalize texts to your loved ones through tags. We have discussed Christmas ornaments with the tags. The possibilities are endless.”

Leininger said she wants to continue to spread the importance of mental health awareness during her last year of high school.

“I just hope more people hear about it,” Leininger said. “I think this is a really cool project, and Mr. Witta put his heart and soul into it. This project is important because we’re always on our phones, so using a Tags to Tap product for mental health advice and encouragement is a great way to reset and check in with yourself and also learn more about mental health.”

For more, visit tagstotap.com.

Blueprint for Improvement: Carmel bath gets complete makeover

This Carmel primary bathroom transformation shows how strategic design choices can create a stunning, spa-like retreat.

THE BLUEPRINT

The renovation replaced outdated beige walls with crisp white cabinetry and elegant Cambria quartz countertops. A spacious zero-threshold glass shower with geometric tile work became the centerpiece, while dual vanities with black-framed mirrors added

Glazed porcelain flooring extends seamlessly into the shower for a

Modern lighting fixtures and sleek hardware complete the contemporary aesthetic, transforming this master suite into a hotel-worthy sanctuary.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

Before After

Get Ready with Girl Scouts!

Girls entering kindergarten or rst grade can join Girl Scouts through this limited-time offer! You’ll get:

• A summer Girl Scout experience, PLUS next year’s troop experience

• An opportunity to meet new friends before school starts

• Free activity books and Girl Scout Daisy patch Register by 6/30! Financial assistance is available.

currentnightandday.com

Civic Theatre presents ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ concert

Carmel resident Ephraim Owens views the opportunity to play Jesus as a dream role for a great cause.

Owens sings the role of Jesus of Nazareth as Civic in Concert presents “Jesus Christ Superstar” at 7 p.m. June 14 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center in Carmel. A resident company of Allied Solutions Center, this is Civic Theatre’s debut performance in the Palladium, which opened in 2011.

“I’m excited about being able to do a fantastic show and doing it with fantastic people is always a plus,” Owens said. “But the huge aspect of this is it is a fundraiser to give back and build the programming and opportunities for all the educational sides of Civic Theatre. So, to be able to do something local in the town that I live in that gets to contribute back to the arts is always going to be a win and a major win.”

Civic Theatre Executive Artistic Director Michael J. Lasley is directing the concert and playing the part of Caiaphas.

But for Owens, the Civic concert is an even bigger thrill.

“Since the show doesn’t have any dialogue, we are singing the entire show,” Lasley said. “It’s not choreographed and for the most part not staged. There will be light staging (but) no scenery.”

The rock opera was created by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice.

“We’re presenting the score as you would have listening in your living room in 1971,” said Brent E. Marty, the musical director.

Owens drew attention with his appearance as a contestant on “The Voice” on NBC in 2023.

Owens did double duty May 25 by performing “America The Beautiful” at the Indianapolis 500 and the national anthem at the Indiana Pacers home playoff game.

“Ted Neeley’s (original) version and John Legend’s version (on a TV special) are very different,” he said. “One is very focused on the music primarily (and) one is very theatrical. Ted Neeley’s version is a monster vocally, but his angle and approach is very much as an actor. So, that opportunity is not something that I get to do as often as I would like.”

Ephraim Owens, who sings the role of Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Civic Theatre June 14, performs the national anthem at the May 25 Indiana Pacers playoff game. (Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)

There are 36 performers in the concert. Marty portrays King Herrod and conducts.

“This is a dream,” Marty said. “I’ve always wanted to do this role. Herrod only has one song, so that works out for me to conduct the rest of the show.”

Lasley said except for productions during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, this is the first time he has performed since acting in the role of Caiaphas in Bobdirex’s 2015 production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

The role fits Lasley’s bass voice.

Owens said his songs as Jesus show a wide range.

“I love that, because it pushes me on both sides,’ said Owens, who had Legend as his coach on “The Voice.”

Owens said the song “Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)” is dynamic and shows the emotional journey.

“If you could take one song to describe what the whole production is about, it is that song,” the Lawrence Central High School graduate said. “My desire is to draw more from (the) Ted Neeley (version) and do it well so that someone can close their eyes and put themselves in those same emotions. That’s when I felt like we would have killed it.”

“It’s a role I’ve dreamed of since I was a child,” he said.

Lasley said he didn’t realize when he heard the album for the first time as a child that it was written by a Jewish composer.

“He doesn’t acknowledge there is a resurrection,” he said. “This show isn’t about the deity of Christ. It’s about the humanity of Christ.”

The production features a full orchestra.

“The idea is to make this an annual fundraiser and putting a big Broadway musical on stage in a concert format,” Marty said.

For tickets, visit civictheatre.org.

‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’

“The Little Mermaid” runs through July 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

John Lloyd Young will perform June 12-13, and the Magic of David Ranalli is set for June 14 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

CARMEL PLAYERS

Carmel Players’ Rising Star production of “This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing” runs June 13-22 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

CIVIC IN CONCERT

Civic in Concert: “Jesus Christ Superstar” is at 7 p.m. June 14 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘LEADING LADIES’

Red Barn Summer Theatre will present “Leading Ladies” June 11-15 and 18-22 at the Frankfort venue. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

RICK SPRINGFIELD

Rick Springfield headlines “I Want My ‘80s Tour” at 7:30 p.m. June 17 at Fishers Event Center. The tour includes Wang Chung, Paul Young and John Waite. For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com.

DISPATCH

The Wallflowers open Rock the Ruins season — The Rock the Ruins season opens with The Wallflowers at 7 p.m. June 14 at Holliday Park in Indianapolis. The Wallflowers are fronted by Jakob Dylan, son of Bob Dylan, who is the band’s singer, songwriter and guitarist. The Wild Flowers are the opening act. Gates open at 5 p.m. For more, visit rocktheruins.com.

MUSIC
Lasley
Marty

Lume celebrates Indigenous Australian art

A kaleidoscope of images and music transports visitors to The Lume at Newfields to the world and culture of Indigenous Australians through the museum’s new immersive exhibit, “Connection: Land, Water, Sky,” featuring work by contemporary visual and audio artists who celebrate their history, but with a modern take.

EXHIBIT

Entering The Lume can be a dizzying experience, especially at first. Images shift on large screens on the floor and walls throughout the large space, providing the immersive sensory experience that it’s known for.

The exhibit opened mid-May and remains on display through February 2026. Belinda Tate, the Melvin & Bren Simon director of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, noted that Indigenous Australian cultures are the oldest continuous civilizations.

“These cultures date their history back 65,000 years, and that is really reflected in their stories, their way of life, their approach to being and the way that they can interact with each other and the world,” she said. “‘Connection’ explores the concept of country, revealing the deep ties between land, water, sky.”

Kate Constantine, one of the artists featured in the exhibit, was on hand for its opening weekend. In addition to contributing to the main exhibit, Constantine helped design the adjacent interactive activity space, in which children — and the young at heart — can color pictures of native Australian animals — kookaburras, platypuses and kangaroos — and then scan the images

into a digital animation that plays on large screens in the room.

The backdrop for the animation display features the three elements — land, water and sky — that Constantine said are key to the Indigenous cultures of Australia. It’s all connected, she said.

“It’s about reciprocity and it’s about living in a circular fashion,” she said. “Traditionally, we don’t believe in linear time. We don’t believe in the past, the present and the future. We believe in everywhere … What this does is it gives us a reciprocal relationship with our kin, with our families, and means that we are constantly responsible for ourselves and each other. So, respect doesn’t finish when you die and the respect is as great for an ancestor as it is for a newborn baby. It’s a really different philosophy to a Western society, which is why a lot of First Nations cultures are generally quite misunderstood.”

The exhibit also includes some Indigenous Australian artwork from Newfield’s collection that hasn’t previously been displayed.

For more, visit discovernewfields.org/ lume.

Visitors to Newfields experience The Lume’s new immersive exhibit, “Connection: Land, Water, Sky.” (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

ISO returns to Palladium

As the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s vice president of artistic operations, Edward Parsons knows the organization has many patrons who live in the northern suburbs, including Carmel.

CONCERT

“Maybe there are some who haven’t visited us at Hilbert Circle Theatre (in Indianapolis), and this is a way to bring us to them,” he said.

should be at the Palladium for one of our most popular programs.”

The ISO has not performed a show at the Palladium since before the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. It will return to the Palladium Oct. 30 with Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons Rediscovered” with conductor Jeannette Sorrell.

“We’re looking to see what we want to bring there in future seasons for annual visits besides the ‘Messiah,’” Parsons said.

The ISO will present “Peace on Earth: Beethoven’s 9th Symphony” at 3 p.m. June 22 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center in Carmel. There also will be performances at 7 p.m. June 20 and 5:30 p.m. June 21 at Hilbert Circle Theatre.

The ISO has been presenting Handel’s “Messiah” around Christmas at the Palladium annually while the “Yuletide Celebration” is at Hilbert Circle Theatre.

“Years ago, we had a series at the Palladium, and that went away,” Parsons said. “I’ve had the idea that once a year we

Parsons said the ISO wanted to celebrate the culmination of Jun Märkl’s inaugural season as music director with one of the most popular pieces of orchestral music, “Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.”

Parsons said since Ludwig van Beethoven’s piece is 65 minutes long, it’s always a challenge for programmers to find a piece to pair with it, but he said the ISO has found a good fit. The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir opens the program with Arnold Schoenberg’s plea for world harmony, “Peace on Earth.”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org and indianapolissymphony.org.

Five CHS students get Songbook Academy invite

Forty of the nation’s most talented high school vocalists, representing 13 states and 31 cities, including 12 from Indiana, have been chosen to participate in the 2025 season of The Songbook Academy. The annual weeklong summer intensive, which starts July 12, immerses young performers in America’s musical heritage and helps them develop as artists under the guidance of Broadway stars, entertainment professionals and music educators.

This year’s group of vocalists will be joined by a lineup of special guests including Broadway star Nikki Renée Daniels and Michael Feinstein, founder of the Great American Songbook Foundation and fivetime Grammy nominee.

Five Carmel High School students are among the 12 selected from Indiana. They are Sadie Cohen, Aarthi Eswaran, Grady Griffin, Isaiah Henderson and Krishaa Motycka.

There are two from Zionsville Community High School, Claire Kauffman and Phoebe Sidebottom, and two from Noblesville, Soren McLaughlin (Noblesville High School) and Thomas Whitten (homeschooled).

Park Tudor School’s Mia Rettig and Westfield High School’s Journee Woodley also are participating.

The 2025 Songbook Academy will take place July 12-19 at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The program includes workshops, masterclasses, and performance opportunities.

Tickets for two of the public performances at the Payne & Mencias Palladium are already on sale. The first is a Songbook Showcase at 7 p.m. July 17. All 40 participants will perform solos. The evening also includes special performances by Feinstein and Daniels.

That is followed by the Songbook Academy in Concert at 7 p.m. July 19.

Tickets are available at TheSongbook. org, by phone at 317-843-3800 or toll free at 877-909-2787.

JuNe 20 & 21

Parsons

Embracing the paradox

Famed Ohioan Jennifer Crusie once opined, “if you can’t be a good example, then be a terrible warning.” Aside from her exceptional work in advancing strong female protagonists in her books, she framed the reality of most of our lives. Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, we are either modeling good behavior or demonstrating bad. The standard is binary. We cannot claim to hold neutrality because it does not exist. There is no point of zero.

ESSAY

Others are always watching. Many have specific expectations and biases to confirm, or disprove, with every communication, verbal or otherwise. We don’t choose by whom, when or what context we are being observed. Politicians, celebrities and religious leaders work hard to curate what we, the public, are allowed to see. Most hire professional manipulators at marketing and public relations firms, in their words, to “control the narrative” of our thought.

Then-NBA star Charles Barkley cashed

in on the tension that we want to be watched without being judged in his 1993 Nike commercial where he chastised us with, “I am not a role model. I’m not paid to be a role model.” So what? Does this make him less culpable for his actions? Likewise, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, notoriously demands privacy while pandering for attention, so much so that the television comedy “South Park” dedicated a special to satirizing him and his American wife.

We can follow those exemplars, or we can learn from the flaws of those who are not. And in our own lives, do we see ourselves as only one or the other? If we can be both a “good example” and a “terrible warning” on any given day, how do we reconcile our weaknesses? Barkley and the Duke deny them. Crusie embraces the paradox.

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

The naked truth about locking myself out

This happened many years ago. I’m revisiting it this week because once again, I locked myself out of the house.  This time, it was in broad daylight, and I had all my clothes on, a distinct improvement from 20 years ago. It’s worth retelling the story.

HUMOR

I had just arrived home from a dinner, pulled into the garage about 11 p.m. and entered the house through the door inside the garage. My wife Mary Ellen was asleep upstairs. I quietly went into the bedroom and undressed, but before putting on my sleeping shorts, I decided to run downstairs and grab a small bottle of fruit juice from the garage fridge. I retrieved the drink and turned the knob to reenter the house. The knob refused to budge. “No way,” I said to myself. And no clothes, either. I was locked out. Buck naked.

I banged on the door with both fists, bellowing Mary Ellen’s name. No response. The bedroom door was probably closed and the ceiling fan was whirring. On a scale from 1 to 10 to be heard, I would need to make a disturbance that was a seven on the Richter scale. Mary Ellen can sleep through anything. Except for my snoring.

I called Mary Ellen’s cellphone. It went to voicemail. Out of habit, I left a message: “Hello, Mary Ellen. If you get this, I’m in the garage with no clothes on. When you have a moment, could you come downstairs and let me in?”

I didn’t imagine she would check for messages at 11:30 p.m. Now, what was I going to do? I remembered that sometimes I leave the back door of the house unlocked. All I had to do was sneak around and go through the entrance on the deck. Still without a stitch.

I now needed to give some serious con-

“I remembered that sometimes I leave the back door

of the

house unlocked. All I had to do was sneak around and go through the entrance on the deck. Still without a stitch.”

sideration to my wardrobe. But what was appropriate for this occasion? I had two choices: A lovely 40-gallon black garbage bag or the 34-gallon clear plastic bags. I look terrible in black, but the other option seemed, well, redundant. Instead, I just opened the garage door and made my way along the side of the house. Then, as I neared the backyard, I bolted toward the deck, up the steps and into the living room. The next morning, I decided not to tell Mary Ellen what happened. I wasn’t in the mood to be made fun of. But I had forgotten about that voicemail. She called me from work later that day.

“Dick, I just listened to the oddest message. Last night, about the time you were supposed to get home, there was a naked man in our garage. Now, who in heaven’s name could that have possibly been?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea, Mary Ellen.”  I figured she’d never find out. I didn’t leave my name on that voicemail.

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

LIFESTYLE

1. Indiana Senate student “staffer”

5. “___ and Circumstance”

9. Texter’s “Just sayin’”

13. Bushy ‘do

14. Underway, to Sherlock

16. Salmon variety

17. Cayuga event with 4-H projects and livestock shows

19. Hoosier cornfield bird

20. Before, poetically

21. Braying beast

22. Neither’s partner

24. Vinyl albums, for short 25. “Take it easy!”

27. Go to

29. North Judson event with a pet parade and cooking demos

34. Sore

37. “Dear ___ or Madam”

38. Indy Zoo horned beast

39. Nashville-based awards org.

40. Draw upon 43. USN rank

44. Indiana flag feature 46. IV measures

47. Sharp blow

48. Eiteljorg Museum event with art, music and dance

52. Promised Land, in the Bible

53. Occupy the throne

57. Sellout inits.

59. Green prefix

60. Frequently, in verse

62. Book jacket bit 63. Like permed hair

65. Connersville event with music and tie-dye T-shirts

68. District

69. Wicker material

70. Back muscles, briefly 71. Exec’s benefit 72. Rx items

73. Playground comeback Down

1. Tyrese Haliburton, e.g.

2. Previously, previously 3. Food for Oliver Twist

4. Ages and ages

5. Ponies up

6. Slays, mob-style

7. Kiwi’s extinct cousin

8. Ballet Studio of Carmel position on tiptoe

9. WRTV monitor

10. Global perception of society

11. Fishers breakfast chain

12. Amazes

15. Hoosier Park gaits

18. Uber alternative

23. Old, but new again

26. Notre Dame grad on the US Supreme Court: ___ Coney Barrett

27. Egyptian or Ethiopian

28. Medical research org.

30. 45-Down kin

31. Helpful hint

32. Tolstoy’s Karenina

33. Misplaced

34. Start of a Main Street

Productions play

35. “Let’s go!”

36. Book type

40. Macbeth, for one 41. Big name in ATMs

42. Chiding sound

45. See 30-Down

47. Sault ___ Marie

49. Victory Field concessions bite

50. “Little Red Book” ideology

51. Art Deco artist

54. Letter-shaped girder

55. Main points

56. Words of denial

57. Trade

58. St. Elmo steak order

60. Current think piece

to its Tariff No. 46, Metered Signal Service to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative

procedures and guidelines. This revision to Tariff No. 46 clarifies the charges for unmetered traffic and flasher signals using this tariff. Tariff No. 46 is available to any agency legally authorized to own, operate and maintain traffic or flasher signals. This revision to Tariff No. 46 is expected to be approved approximately thirty days from the date of filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or Randall C. Helmen with the Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission 101 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 317-232-2703

61. Some Christmas trees 64. Chatter

State where the Colts go to play the Jaguars (Abbr.) Answers on Page 23

executives

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