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School board approves fees and temporary tournament policy variance

The Brownsburg Community School Corp. Board of School Trustees celebrated a historic state sports title, navigated severe state-mandated funding losses and approved new student fees and temporary campus policy exemptions at its June 8 meeting.

The school board will hold an executive session July 13 for job performance evaluation of individual employees at the school corporation central office.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The school board presented a Certificate of Commendation to the Brownsburg girls lacrosse team for winning the 2026 state championship.

 WHAT IT MEANS: This marks the first state title in the history of the girls lacrosse program. Coach Caitlin Lawson highlighted that the milestone was achieved in their very first year as an official varsity club sport, driven by a cultural shift toward positivity and team bonding.

 WHAT HAPPENED: Assistant Superintendent Shane Hacker delivered a comprehensive summer facilities report detailing corporatewide maintenance, playground renovations, and classroom upgrades.

 WHAT IT MEANS: Major in-house summer renovations are underway at the Alpha building, including layout modifications and new furniture.

Asphalt and paving safety repairs are being executed at White Lick, Eagle and Reagan schools. At the high school, demolition is underway on the final two older art classrooms; by the end of the summer, every single classroom in the high school will have been officially updated. Meanwhile, Reagan’s playground is undergoing a surface refurbishment, while Lincoln’s playground update is deferred

to next summer because of budget limitations. White Lick’s playground upgrades are on hold pending a future bus parking lot expansion.

What happened: The board reviewed the annual circuit breaker tax cap report, outlining a severe 59 percent funding reduction to the district’s operations fund.

 WHAT IT MEANS: Brownsburg remains the hardest-hit school corporation per student in Hendricks County. Out of an $18 million certified maximum levy, the district lost $2.5 million to the new Senate Enrolled Act 1 supplemental homestead credit and an additional $8 million to circuit breaker tax caps, leaving a net operations fund of just $7.5 million. To avoid a public referendum, the district successfully partnered with the town board (a one-year TIF funding commitment) and local townships (a three-year commitment) to temporarily offset the deficit.

 WHAT’S NEXT: While state transition rules allow the district to reallocate $1.8 million from debt service to operations to survive 2026, this structural flexibility legally ends in 2027. The administration is actively preparing for deeper budget cuts for the 2027–28 school year and intends to aggressively lobby state legislators during the 2027 General Assembly session to address the structural inequality.

 WHAT HAPPENED: Following the statewide elimination of structural curricular material fees, the board approved a new schedule of K-12 supplemental fees for the 2026–27 school year.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The newly authorized fees will directly offset the cost

of classroom and laboratory supplies so teachers do not have to purchase them out of pocket. Elementary fees will range from $22.68 to $32.26 depending on grade level; middle school fees will sit between $20.00 and $27.00; and high school fees will span from $5.00 (covering basic student IDs and lanyards) up to $53.00 for advanced science courses utilizing heavy lab equipment.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The board approved a resolution authorizing a temporary, hyperlocalized exemption to Policy 3310 to permit alcohol sales on school grounds.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The variance strictly accommodates the upcoming ATP Challenger 75 tennis tournament being hosted at the school’s new tennis facility this August. An outside vendor will be permitted to sell beer, wine and a specialty drink strictly within the confines of the tennis complex during tournament dates. The event is projected to bring notable facility rental revenue to both the school corporation and the tennis program.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The board heard the first reading of the 2026–27 student handbooks and introduced heavily revised student governance policies, including a strict upcoming cell phone ban.

 WHAT IT MEANS: Handbooks are being updated to cleanly align with district policies on attendance, behavior consequences and high school drug testing. Notably, the district will introduce a highly restrictive cell phone policy at the high school level to replicate the “no-phone/phones in lockers” system that has already proven successful in the middle schools.

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OPCO-Indiana Health Care Centers

HCCF partners with groups on county child care crisis

news@youarecurrent.com

Hendricks County is facing a critical deficit of more than 1,100 licensed child care seats, a shortage that has prompted local leaders to step in with a targeted, multiyear funding offensive.

To combat the gap, the Hendricks County Community Foundation has entered a collaborative partnership with the Community Foundation of Boone County and the Blue River Community Foundation in Shelby County. Together, the three organizations are pooling resources to fund Child Care Answers, a regional early childhood resource and referral agency, to scale services and resources across county lines.

the growing need for child care resources across the county. As state support has decreased, this partnership ensures that high-quality services remain available when they are needed most.”

Although HCCF’s primary focus remains on Hendricks County, the regional approach allows all three foundations to leverage shared data and coordinate strategies to lower costs for families.

The investment comes at a vital juncture for Hendricks County families. While local demand for licensed early childhood education continues to rise, providers have struggled against a backdrop of declining public funding and rising operational barriers.

In Hendricks County, HCCF will align its new funding with the Hendricks County Workforce Coalition and its Child Care Task Force, focusing on structural solutions to bridge the gap between working parents and available classroom slots.

“Part of HCCF’s mission is to understand the needs of our community and align resources to meet them,” stated William Rhodehamel, president and CEO of the Hendricks County Community Foundation. “Since 2020, we have invested in Child Care Answers to meet

The surrounding counties face similar, though distinct, struggles. In neighboring Boone County, nearly 700 children currently lack access to licensed childcare, with approximately 67 percent of children under age 6 requiring care because both parents work. In Shelby County, local coordinators report that high-quality early learning opportunities remain financially out of reach for a majority of families.

“Access to quality, affordable child care is essential to the strength of our communities,” stated Julie Reagan, CEO of the Community Foundation of Boone County. “This partnership allows us to align resources and work alongside our neighboring counties to support families, strengthen our workforce, and create lasting impact across the region.”

Over the next several years, the joint initiative will fund hands-on guidance and technical support directly to Hendricks County child care providers. Organizers hope the sustained investment will stabilize the local provider network, helping to ensure that area parents are not forced to exit the workforce due to a lack of safe, affordable early education options.

DISPATCHES

 Bulldogs relay team wins — The Brownsburg High School 400-meter relay team of juniors Kingston Thompson, Jaxson Pierson, sophomore Emmanuel Armstrong and freshman Jordan Redmon took first place in the IHSAA boys track and field state finals June 6 at at North Central High School. Redmon placed third in the 200 meters. Armstrong took seventh in the 100 meters. The Bulldogs finished fourth with 27 points in the team standings.

 Local artist wanted — The Indiana Fever is searching for a central Indiana artist to design and hand-paint a mural on the interior wall of the player parking garage at the new Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center, currently under construction. Applications are due by July 5, and an artist will be selected by July 31. The mural will be painted in early 2027, ahead of the facility’s opening. Interested applicants can attend a virtual workshop June 15 to learn more about the project. Apply online at indyarts.grantplatform.com.

Rhodehamel

Repairs begin on sign at Williams Park

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Crews were to begin refurbishing the Blast Off Playground entry monument sign at Williams Park June 15, according to Brownsburg town officials. The project is expected to take one week, depending on weather

Crews will install safety snow fencing around the monument sign while work is underway. Parks officials urge visitors to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from the work zone during construction.

The Blast Off Playground entrance sign at Williams Park will undergo a one-week refurbishment beginning June 15. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Brownsburg)

SAFETY, MEET STYLE

Brownsburg pair heads to Transplant Games

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Two Brownsburg residents will travel to Denver this month to represent Team Indiana at the 2026 Transplant Games of America, scheduled for June 18-23.

Ashley Zavela and Todd Zortman are among a statewide delegation heading to the event. Zavela will compete in basketball, bowling and volleyball, while Zortman is slated to compete in tennis, pickleball, basketball, cycling, golf and trivia.

The Transplant Games began 33 years ago and bring together individuals whose lives have been touched by organ donation and transplantation. Organ, eye and tissue recipients are joined by living donors, donor families, patients awaiting transplant and professionals from the medical community. The multisport event includes more than 20 competitions for recipients and living donors, alongside more than 60 special events, including educational lectures and workshops.

In addition to the Brownsburg athletes, several other Hamilton and Marion County residents will represent the region on Team Indiana:

• Fishers: Abigail Beckman (swimming) and Kira Newkirk (bowling, cornhole).

• Noblesville: Jill Nicolich (5K race/ walk, bowling) and Bret Schmutte (cycling, 5K race/walk, memorial fitness challenge).

• Westfield: Jacquin Gallagher (5K race/walk, swimming, track and field) and Kaitlyn St. Vincent (5K race/walk).

For more information, visit transplantgamesofamerica.org and indianadonornetwork.org.

DISPATCH

COMMUNITY

Hendricks Live! fall lineup

news@youarecurrent.com

Hendricks Live! has added eight performances to its fall schedule, expanding the downtown Plainfield venue’s 2026 season.

The new bookings span classic rock tribute acts, comedy and gospel music. General public ticket sales for the newly announced shows went on sale June 12.

The newly scheduled performances join the ongoing 2026 season, which is presented by Hendricks County Bank and Trust and supported by Hendricks Regional Health.

The added performances include:

• Cabaret Latino: Songs of the Americas (Oct. 3): A bilingual musical performance exploring Latin American musical influences through rancheras, boleros and modern hits.

• Men in the Fire Gospel Quartet (Oct. 9): An Indianapolis-based gospel and soul ensemble backed by a live band, led by keyboardist Rodney Stepp.

• The Ultimate Doors (Oct. 10): A tribute performance replicating the

live concert experience of the 1960s rock band The Doors.

• Anthony Nunziata: Broadway to Italy (Oct. 23): A classical-crossover concert featuring interpretations of jazz standards, Broadway tunes and Italian arias.

• Foreigner’s Journey (Oct. 25): A tribute show featuring classic rock hits from Foreigner and Journey, fronted by former American Idol contestant Keith Semple.

• Dave Matthews Tribute Band (Nov. 7): A retrospective performance dedicated to the 1990s hits of the Dave Matthews Band.

• Hannibal Buress (Nov. 13): A standup comedy performance by the actor and writer known for his roles on “Broad City” and Adult Swim’s “The Eric Andre Show”.

• The Smithereens (Nov. 20): An performance by the veteran New Jersey-formed alternative rock band known for their late-1980s power pop radio hits.

More details and ticket purchases are available online at hendrickslive.org/ events.

Everwise Credit Union offers local families a local solution for major home improvements.

Spring is a good time to start tackling summer home improvement projects.

Whether you’re dreaming of a brand-new deck to host cookouts or to finally install that heated pool in the backyard, Everwise Credit Union helps you navigate the costs of major upgrades by putting your home’s equity to work for your family.

Everwise can help homeowners turn their home improvement dreams into reality with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Unlike a traditional loan, HELOCs work like a revolving line of credit based on your home’s value (typically up to 80% minus your mortgage balance).

Why HELOCs are a smart choice:

• Pay for what you use: Homeowners only borrow what they need, when they need it, helping them stay in control of their budget.

• Significant interest savings: Rather than putting large expenses on high-interest credit cards, a HELOC offers a lower interest rate, making it a powerful tool for paying down high-interest debt.

• Flexibility and confidence: HELOCs provide flexibility and confidence by providing a simplified payment structure, making it easier to budget and reduce the chance of missed payments. This is especially beneficial when planning value-adding projects like kitchens, bathrooms, or energyefficiency upgrades that build long-term home value.

Don’t let financing be the hurdle between you and your dream home. This spring, let your home’s equity do the heavy lifting.

Turn your dream home into your reality. Find a branch near you or start your Home Equity application at everwisecu.com.

Brownsburg High School holds 127th commencement

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Brownsburg High School celebrated its 127th annual commencement June 6, awarding diplomas to 841 members of the class of 2026.

A significant portion of the class achieved academic distinction under the school’s Distinguished Graduate recognition system. The Latin honors framework, approved by the Brownsburg Community School Corp. Board of School Trustees, is determined by cumulative grade point averages at the end of each student’s seventh semester. Forty-six students graduated summa cum laude with a cumulative GPA of 4.20 or higher. Another 99 graduated magna cum laude for maintaining a cumulative GPA between 4.00 and 4.1999, while 124 earned cum laude distinction with a GPA ranging from 3.80 to 3.999. Latin honors qualifiers wore commemorative medals with purple and white ribbons during the ceremony.

Beyond the Latin honors system, 578 graduates earned Academic Honors diplomas, and 31 received Core 40 with Technical Honors designations. The National Honor Society included 578 graduates.

The ceremony featured addresses by senior class president Faith Omojojuola Opafola and National Honor Society president Toluwanimi Emmanuel Ajewole following an opening welcome from student council president Rosebir Kaur Bhullar. Opafola later led her peers in the traditional turning of the tassels to

conclude the ceremony.

Principal Thomas Balitewicz provided the official introductions and presented the class, while Assistant Principal Demetrius Dowler delivered the administrator address.

Seniors toss their caps at the end of the 2026 commencement ceremony. (Photo courtesy of the Brownsburg School Corp.

WHAT’S IT WORTH?

Antiques Roadshow tour stops at Newfields, attracts area residents

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

After a 10-year absence, the popular PBS Antiques Roadshow returned to Indianapolis on June 1, attracting people from Chicago, Cincinnati and even Texas, in addition to area residents, such as Diane Turner.

She was among the approximately 2,000 people attending the event, during which participants bring a maximum of two antiques or collectible items to be appraised by experts.

“I am bringing my husband’s greatgreat grandfather’s pocket watch, that is currently not working,” Turner said before heading into the Newfields Museum garden, where appraisal tents had been set up. “He thinks it’s just a spring. It’s very old, obviously. It was given to his father and then it was given to him.”

She said her husband was told that his ancestor had carried it during the Civil War.

Her second item was a decorative cameo made with marble and brass, stamped “Made in France” on the back. Turner said it had belonged to her stepmother. She wasn’t sure what the value was of either item and was eager to learn more about both.

The people in line at Newfields waited cheerfully to get into the event, chatting as they carried totes and pulled carts filled with potential treasures from home. Among them were Chuck and Sandy Cowan, who drove the previous night from Chicago. Sandy said they brought her uncle Jack’s “junk,” which now counts as antiques — matching vases with stylized dragons wrapped around the bases.

“They’re antique dragon vases from Japan, I understand, because they’re three-toed,” she said. “And Uncle Jack used to have them on the mantle. He smoked Pall Mall, and (when I was) a kid he’d go behind to take a puff and blow it behind the dragons, and it looked like they were breathing fire and smoke.”

The Cowans said they were big fans of Antiques Roadshow, and coming to an event in person was a bucket-list item. That was the case for many attendees,

who signed up for a lottery-stye drawing to get free tickets. About 20,000 people put their names into the drawing for only 2,000 available spots.

Gail and Steve Castle of Carmel were in front of Turner waiting for the watch

expert to look at their vintage Gruen wristwatch. They’d already had their horse lithograph appraised, learning it could fetch about $900. It was made by artist George Ford Morris, known for his horse paintings.

Their watch was from the 1930s and had belonged to Steve Castle’s father.

“I’m going to guess that he purchased it probably in the 1930s and it’s been repaired and cleaned and stuff through the years,” he said. “I have no idea what it’s really worth. I’ve looked them up online, but it’s really hard to tell. So, I thought, OK, let’s bring that to the roadshow and see what they say.”

Both have been longtime fans of the show and in the past tried unsuccessfully to get tickets to a live event. This time, though, they got in.

When the expert looked at Turner’s silver pocketwatch, he confirmed it was a Civil War-era model, so the backstory could be accurate. If it were properly restored, he said, the watch could be worth up to about $900, but finding someone with the parts and expertise would be challenging and expensive. As is, he told Turner is was worth between

$150 and $200.

Another expert told Turner that her cameo, likely from the 1930s, was a fairly common souvenir from that time frame and wasn’t worth much to collectors.

Turner said the overall experience was delightful.

“I think this is fascinating. It’s very, very well done,” she said. “I didn’t come with any expectation to, you know, have a windfall out of anything. I just really wanted some more information about it. I’m really glad to know (more) about my husband’s great-great grandfather’s watch.”

The Antiques Roadshow 2026 tour has a total of three stops, according to the website. It kicked off its 31st season May 19 in Arizona. Indianapolis was the second stop and the tour concludes June 17 in Mumford, New York.

For more, visit pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow.

HOW IT WORKS

Although 2,000 people received tickets to the Antiques Roadshow event at Newfields, they didn’t all arrive at the same time. Tickets included staggered entry times, with some people arriving as early as 7:30 a.m. and the last group allowed in at 4:30 p.m.

The process started at a “triage” area, where each person’s items had an initial review and were categorized by type — glassware, ceramics, paintings, watches, etc. A volunteer then directed participants to the correct tables, where experts in those categories assessed the items, gave some history and estimated a price if the item were up for auction.

People who brought items those experts deemed extra special were sent to the show’s producers for potential filming.

ON THE COVER: The PBS Antiques Roadshow 2026 tour stopped at Newfields in Indianapolis June 1. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

Diane Turner has an antique pocket watch appraised during the PBS Antiques Roadshow event at Newfields in Indianapolis. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)

Gail and Steve Castle brought a rare print and an old wristwatch to be appraised at the June 1 Antiques Roadshow event at Newfields in Indianapolis.

Good Omen has Italian cuisine

By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville’s Good Omen is a small restaurant known for its wine selection and Italian-based menu.

Nicholas Gattone, the executive chef and co-owner, opened the family-owned restaurant with his mother almost three years ago after they felt the Midwest needed more inviting restaurants with unique menus.

“Restaurants in this country have increasingly gone more corporate,” Gattone said. “We really want people to come in and feel like they’re going to someone’s home, so my mom more or less knows everyone’s name who comes in.”

Gattone began his career in the food industry as a wine director and curates Good Omen’s drink menu. The restaurant offers 16 wines by the glass, approximately 210 wines by the bottle, three beers on draft, 21 canned or bottled beers, six cocktails, five sodas and four coffee-based beverages.

The menu features modern takes on traditional Italian recipes and changes seasonally to incorporate ingredients from local farms.

“Our signature soup, ‘jota,’ comes from Friuli along the Slovenian border,” Gattone said. “There is only one other restaurant in the U.S. that serves jota, so (Good Omen) is kind of a unique place to try something that maybe you aren’t going to try anywhere else.”

Good Omen is at 65 Boone Village Rd. and is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 3 to 10 p.m. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or through its website for larger parties at goodomenindy.com.

Nicholas Gattone is the executive chef and co-owner of Good Omen at 65 Boone Village Rd. (Photo by Piper Bailey)

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Clark set for concert

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Brandy Clark had trouble believing a New York Times panel had named her one of the 30 greatest living American songwriters.

“It was a surprise to me then, and I actually thought when they called me they were calling to interview me about someone else,” she said. “I didn’t believe I was on the list for a bit. I had my publicist double-check because it’s such a weighty list. I think the great thing about it for me is I want to spend the rest of my life proving that I deserve to be on it because it is a big honor.”

Clark will perform at 7:30 p.m. June 21 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. Indianapolis singer-songwriter Kara Cole will open for Clark.

Clark won a Grammy Award for Best Americana Performance for her song “Dear Insecurity,” which featured Brandi Carlile. “Dear Insecurity” won the Song of the Year from Americana Honors & Awards.

Carlile produced Clark’s self-titled album in 2023.

“I won my first Grammy on that record,” Clark said. “It was so fun to work with her and it taught me a lot. It did get me back to my roots, not just to the (Pacific) Northwest, but just of songwriting, and reminded me of why we all write songs to begin with. It got me back to that sort of place.”

When she was young, Clark’s parents enjoyed the country music of that era while her grandmother favored older country artists.

“There are a couple songs on that new album that tip their hat to that old-school country sound,” she said. “Then there are more progressive songs.”

Clark, 50, was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Country Album for her 2013 debut album “12 Stories.” She had already been writing songs for

artists such as Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker for several years.

Clark’s next album will come out in late July, but the first single, “American Roots,” was released June 5.

Clark will perform new songs and some favorites, such as “She Smoked in the House.”

“I love that people always want to hear that song, and ‘Hold My Hand’ is one that always has to get played,” she said.

“Get High” and “Dear Insecurity” are other popular songs.

Clark grew up next door to her maternal grandparents.

“I feel like my influences go back further than most people my age because of my grandparents,” she said. “My parents were definitely listening to the country that was on commercial radio at that time. I’ve always felt fortunate for those influencers like Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. There were artists like Kenny Rogers on the radio when I was a kid, so it was a good hodgepodge of music to grow up in.”

McEntire recently asked her to write a song called “Trailblazer” for McEntire, Miranda Lambert and Laney Wilson.

“That was incredible because those

are three female singers and songwriters that I absolutely love,” Clark said. “So, getting to collaborate with them was such a big deal. I’m always proud when someone covers my songs. I know what it’s like to make records. I know how few songs you get to choose, so the fact someone would choose your song is a pretty big deal.”

Clark was joined by collaborators Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne on the Times list. She and McAnally created a pop-country score for a Broadway musical called “Shucked” in 2022.

“Shane is one of the greatest collaborations of my life,” she said. “He’s a best friend, so the work we’ve done together means a lot more because of that. We’ve gone through a lot. We’ve written hits. We’ve had misses and we wrote a musical together. We’re turning that into a movie, so we are writing potential new songs for a musical movie.”

Clark said she and McAnally wrote a couple of songs together for the new album. She said she and McAnally, 51, are about the same age and see the world similarly.

“Shane’s always been my biggest cheerleader and I’ve been his,” she said. “It goes beyond songwriting. We’re musical soulmates in a way.”

For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

‘CINDERELLA’

“Cinderella” runs through July 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

CHRISTOPHER CROSS

Christoper Cross will perform at 7:30 p.m. June 21 at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘REVUE’

Young Artists Program’s “Revue” is set for 6 and 8 p.m. at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘DESCENDANTS’

The Carmel Community Players Rising Star production of Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical” runs through June 21 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘THE GERMAN TROPICS’

“The German Tropics” runs through June 21 at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

DISPATCHES

 Karaoke Night set for Palladium – Inspired by the success of its annual all-ages World Voice Day celebration, Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts is offering a new opportunity for local residents 21 and older to share their talents on stage. Adults of all abilities are invited to join in the inaugural Karaoke Night, set for 8-10 p.m. June 18, at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. Tickets are pay-what-you-can with a $10 minimum, on sale now at thecenterpresents.org or 317-843-3800. All proceeds benefit Allied Solutions Center’s arts and educational programming. Registration to sing starts at 8 p.m. on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Brandy Clark will perform June 21 at Hendricks Live! (Photo courtesy of Pamela Springsteen)

Having a ‘Shrek’ of a time

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Quincy Carman, this is a perfect way to start her summer.

Carman is performing as Fiona in Civic Theatre’s Junior Civic’s musical version of “Shrek Jr.” June 19-24 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“Ever since I was little I have loved the show, so it’s very cool that I get to play one of my dream characters,” said Carman, who will be an eighth-grader at Carmel’s Creekside Middle School in the 2026-27 school year. “I think all the music is very fun and creates a good match. The message is it’s OK to be weird, be yourself, don’t judge a book by a cover. Those are the main ones.”

Carman said “I Know It’s Today” and “I Think I Got You Beat” are her two favorite songs in the show. She saw Junior Civic perform it in 2019. This is the largest role she has had.

“Memorizing is very tricky but I’m trying my hardest,” she said;

Evan Cohen, who will be a freshman at Carmel High School in August, plays

Shrek.

“Before I auditioned, I liked listening to Shrek’s solos and music from the main version,” he said. “Some songs are cut in the junior version, but I think the music is really good and pulled me into really wanting the role.”

It’s the biggest role Cohen has had, too.

Cohen will be painted green before each performance. Carman also has to be painted green for part of the performance. Ari Yuckman, who plays the Donkey, will be a freshman at CHS. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

From left, Quincy Carman, Evan Cohen and Ari Yuckman appear in Junior Civic’s “Shrek Jr.” (Photo by Joshua Hasty)

Sob story about lost fobs

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

“I want my key back,” I told my wife. Of course, I didn’t mean my house key. I meant my car key — the way they used to make them. I haven’t had a real car key in about 20 years. I miss them. When I lost one, I would simply get my spare key, take it to the hardware store and have a copy made. Problem solved. Three bucks, tops.

Now, we have fobs, also called keyless entry devices. Instead of carrying a thin, easily replaced piece of metal, they now give you a mini electronic device that costs 500 bucks to replace. I know that because I’ve lost mine twice.

So, how do you manage to lose a fob? It must be in your house somewhere, or how did you get home? Misplacing a fob is very difficult. But I have a very high IQ, so I figured out how to do it multiple times. Here’s my method: When I go somewhere, usually the gym, I take my athletic bag, to which I have attached one of my fobs. But I also absentmindedly stick the extra fob in my pocket, and then … Do I really have to explain how to lose a fob? This is not something you want to learn.

Once, when I thought I had lost my fob, the car still started, even though I had left the duplicate on the kitchen table. I searched every nook and cranny like a

Thomas’ English Muffin engineer, but I could not find it. I went to the dealer …

“What’s the problem?” he asked.

“The car starts,” I told him.

“Dick, that is the oddest complaint I have ever heard. The fob has to be in your car.”

Later, my wife Mary Ellen helped me search for it in the vehicle …

“Dick, why not just call it?”

“Mary Ellen, it’s a fob, not a cellphone.”

“Why can’t they track a fob like a cellphone? They do stuff like that on ‘Law & Order’ all the time, and we’re watching episodes that are 35 years old.”

The term “fob” comes from 17th-century Germanic roots meaning “pocket,” and it originally referred to a small pocket sewn into clothing. I’m not sure why I told you that. You can Google as well as I can. Truth is, I really do like the old-time keys.

“Dad, can I have the fob to the car tonight?” does not have a nostalgic ring to it.

CUE, POCKET, RACK; Oceans: ARCTIC, ATLANTIC, INDIAN, PACIFIC; Fixtures: COOP, PEN, STABLE; Stations: WTTV, WXIN; Anagram: CALMER

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

. On the up and up

Whitcomb

“before”

. Sushi fish

23. System of connected PCs

24. Indy Zoo primates

26. Cardinal ___ HS

30. Start of a conclusion 32. Fri. follower

34. Filly’s father

35. Clever humor

38. A bean 41. Home site

42. Inscription, Part 2 46. Put on WRTV 47. Fizzy drink

48. IU chem class 49. Barn door fastener 51. Breakfast fare

53. Cold-shoulder

57. Islands off Portugal

60. Currency of 57-Across

. Crazy Eights kin

. Weaponry

66. Charged particle

. Plainfield HS team color

68. End of inscription

. Hourly pay

. Starbucks order

. Otherwise

. Smell

77. Deuce toppers 78. Garden nuisance DOWN 1. Shoe repair

2. Angela Buchman weather line 3. Casino activity 4. Take to Hendricks County Court 5. Impolite dinner sound 6. Sioux dwellings 7. Twain: “The Gilded ___” 8. Goodyear product

9. Early anesthetic

10. Some sausages

11. Lennon’s widow

12. Words of praise

13. Spanish couple?

18. Last word of “America, the Beautiful”

19. Col. Lilly

. Recover a wreck

. IMA mosaic piece

. Greek love god

. No longer working (Abbr.) 31. Hold title to

. 20-20, e.g.