Cardiac arrest survivor shares story to raise awareness for CPR training
Page 15
Concerns raised about unmarked graves
APC receives comprehensive plan training Page 2
Page 5
WWS conducts air-quality study at two schools
Page 9
Westfield Pride festival moving to Grand Park
Page 13
Page 14 Westfield resident earns teaching honor
About us
Founded Jan. 29, 2008, Noblesville, IN
Vol. XIX, No. 19
Copyright 2026
Current Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved.
525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032
317.489.4444
Contact the editor
Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share?
Contact Managing Editor
Todd Golden at todd@ youarecurrent.com or submit it at youarecurrent. com/newstips. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.
Delivery questions
To request, update or cancel your home delivery, scan the code below or visit: youarecurrent.com/subscribe
Advertise your business
If you’re interested in reaching the Westfield market (16,019 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Westfield advertising) or by calling 317.847.5022.
Obituaries & Legals
To place an obituary or legal notice, visit: youarecurrent.com/classifieds
Share your thoughts
Send letters (300 words max) to letters@ youarecurrent.com. Include your city and phone number for verification. We reserve the right to refuse submissions.
Follow us
Find us on the social media platforms below @youarecurrent
Opinions
Columnist views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of this newspaper.
Under $10 Lunch Special
Unmarked graves raise amendment concerns
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
An amendment to the Northpoint PUD for a proposed building was challenged because of unmarked graves dating to Westfield’s Underground Railroad era during the May 26 Westfield City Council meeting.
The amendment relates to the northwest portion of the Northpoint PUD on the south side of 202nd Street between U.S. 31 and East Street.
The amendment is to remove a berm requirement, reduce the west side tree buffer from 40 feet to 20 feet and reduce the north side buffer from 40 feet to 30 feet. The north side would have enhanced tree buffering. The intent is to build a 138,000 square foot building within the Northpoint PUD.
Ballard/Pleasant View Quaker Cemetery, a pioneer era cemetery, is adjacent to the area. It was established in 1851 according to Washington Township records. Washington Township maintains the cemetery, which is no longer active.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Devon Wilkins, who owns the land on the north side of 202nd Street, opposed the amendment because of the cemetery and possible unmarked graves on the perimeter.
Wilkins’ family has owned the land since the 1960s.
His former neighbor, Joe Sumter,
owned the land currently within the Northpoint PUD area.
“(Sumter) would speak about the Underground Railroad and a small cemetery (Ballard/Pleasant View) that adjoins their ground,” Wilkins said. “He would say that they would bring the slaves up and some of them would pass away. There was no place to bury them. They would bury them on the outskirts of the cemetery. There were no headstones, no markers, no nothing.”
Wilkins said state law mandates that ground cannot be disturbed within 100 feet of a burial ground.
When the PUD amendment was later brought to the council for its first reading, Russell Brown, a land use attorney with Indianapolis law firm Clark, Quinn, Moses, Scott & Grahn, said the state law that governs burial grounds mandates
Ballard/Pleasant View Cemetery is a pioneer cemetery located on 202nd Street in Westfield. With development encroaching on its boundaries, there are concerns about unmarked graves around the cemetery, which opened in 1851 and is currently maintained by Washington Township.
that ground cannot be disturbed within 100 feet of a burial ground without going through a permit process, which the reading before the council was a part of.
Brown also said the Indiana Department of Natural Resources assumes jurisdiction if unmarked graves are discovered, and the DNR would create a plan of action if that were to occur. Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said issue of unmarked graves would be handled carefully.
“Historically speaking, crazy things happened back in the 1800s,” Willis said. “It was not uncommon to see bodies or people buried on the outskirts of a cemetery without marking, so it’s a crapshoot. We could uncover a mess or there may be nothing.”
The amendment does not come up for consideration until August.
West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd
(Photo by Todd Golden)
Grand Junction Plaza
225 S. Union St. | 7–9 p.m.
May 29 | Dave & Rae
June 26 | Stella Luna & The Satellites
July 17 | The Why Store
August 7 | Groovesmash
August 21 | Midnight RedEye Band
August 28 | Jai Baker Trio
FEELING EXCITED YET? VISIT WESTFIELDIN.GOV/PROGRAMS TO LEARN MORE!
Grand Junction Plaza
225 S. Union St. | 7:30 p.m.
May 27 | Lilo & Stitch (2025)
June 10 | Ghostbusters (1984)
June 24 | Kicking & Screaming
July 22 | Brave
August 15 | Star Wars - The Last Jedi
COMMUNITY
APC receives plan training and legal guidance
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
The City of Westfield’s comprehensive plan was approved in March, and now the city council and advisory plan commission are navigating their roles in it.
During its May 18 workshop session, the APC was given comprehensive plan training by Cynthia Bowen, a partner and director of planning at Rundell Ernstberger Associates. REA consulted the city throughout the planning and approval process.
The goal of the training was to inform the APC how to apply the comprehensive plan, particularly with regard to state law that requires adherence to a comprehensive plan in cities where zoning standards are applied, as they are in Westfield.
“Rezoning and plat decisions must be consistent with the comprehensive plan. That is the No. 1 item under the five criteria of Indiana law that you have to be consistent,” Bowen said. “The plan forms the legal basis for your findings and (how) you’re voting.”
Bowen said consistency is defined by professional judgement, whether a proposal generally aligns with the plan’s goals, and that findings must be stated on the record. It was noted that motions should be specific when offered.
Bowen said courts consider whether decisions align with the adopted plan in legal challenges. She said well-reasoned findings will be protected by courts, but
arbitrary APC decisions can be overturned in court.
Bowen said the 18 place types in the city’s comprehensive plan dictate development patterns — where residential, commercial, industrial and mixed uses should go; areas designed for protection and conservation; transition between different uses; priority growth areas; and infill opportunities and corridors with specific development expectations
Bowen noted that the comprehensive plan cannot be treated as a wish list. State law mandates that APC votes must be consistent with the adopted plan. She also said comprehensive plans cannot be ignored or overridden by political pressure from residents or developers.
“The plan represents the community’s collective voice from public engagement,” Bowen said. “We had 10 percent of the community engage in this plan while we created it. I think five times more than what was in the last plan, so the decisions must be based on findings and not on pressure.”
Victor McCarty, who voted against the plan, reacted to that comment.
“This is exactly why I voted no, because northwest residents (felt) completely ignored with how the final result was (reached),” McCarty said. “(This) puts myself in an incredibly difficult position, because in the past I have been a stickler of following the rule of law, but when the residents (are) just feeling completely ignored, it’s difficult to navigate that.”
DISPATCHES
Hamilton County Tourism honored — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce named Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. on its Best Places to Work in Indiana list for the seventh year. Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. placed seventh out of 28 in the overall rankings for the Small Company category, which was announced at the 2026 Best Places to Work in Indiana Awards Dinner May 13. “This recognition is a reflection of a team that genuinely believes in our organization’s mission and the impact it’s making on the community and the visitor experience,” Hamilton County Tourism President and Chief Executive Officer Karen Radcliff stated. “When the team is engaged, that energy shows up in the work they do, and ultimately, in the destination itself. I couldn’t be prouder of the people who show up every day and make this organization what it is.” Attributes that have elevated Hamilton County Tourism in the surveys through the years include its professional development opportunities, a collaborative team environment and the feeling of purpose-driven work.
Bowen McCarty
SAFETY, MEET STYLE
Indianapolis Capitols inaugural football season punted to 2027
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
The Indianapolis Capitols professional football team will kick off its inaugural season a year later than expected.
The Continental Football League announced May 19 that the Capitols have been “placed on hiatus,” meaning their first season is now set for 2027. The team will still play its home games at Westfield’s Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus.
“The decision follows a comprehensive review of ownership structure, market readiness and operational planning considerations and is intended to strengthen the long-term position of the Capitols within the league,” the league stated in a press release.
The league also stated that it is seeking stable local ownership to build “a stronger, more sustainable foundation for the club’s long-term future.”
The Continental League is a revival of a 1960s professional league that included the original Indianapolis Capitols franchise.
“The Capitols hold an important place in league history, and Indianapolis remains a strong football city,” Contintenal League Commissioner Mike Kelly stated. “By pausing operations for the 2026 season, the league is taking a deliberate and standards-based approach to ensure that the Capitols return with the right ownership, infrastructure and competitive foundation.”
Grand Park Sports & Entertainment announced March 24 that it would serve as the home of the Capitols. Grand Park will serve as the team’s’ venue for roster selection, training, fan engagement and home game competition.
Grand Park is committed to the Capitols in 2027.
“Droplight Grand Park is excited to welcome the Indianapolis Capitols as our summer professional football tenant beginning in 2027,” stated Brad Hauter, vice president of marketing and communications for Grand Park Sports & Entertainment.
WWS sets device policy
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Westfield Washington Schools published its new wireless communication device policy in its May 21 newsletter. A recently passed state law, Indiana Senate Bill 78, mandates a “bell to bell” ban on personal electronic devices in all schools.
“Generally, no student may use a wireless communication device during the school day, pursuant to Indiana law,” WWS policy states. “Further, if students bring a wireless communication device to school, it must be stored away, powered off, and inaccessible throughout the school day.”
The policy covers all portable wireless devices that can provide voice, messaging or other data communication between two or more parties, including cellphones, tablet computers, laptops computers, gaming devices, or smart watches.
A school day is defined by the entirety of the time a student is on school property during the instructional day.
A “school sanctioned wireless communication device” can be used if it is approved by WWS for instructional use, required or permitted for classroom instruction, subject to WWS-managed network controls and is not a cellphone, gaming device or smartwatch. Permitted uses for other devices are only allowable in the event of an emergency, as necessary for the management of a medical condition, as permitted by an Individualized Education Program, or is necessary for language transition for multilingual learners.
During the May 12 WWS Advisory School Board meeting, WWS Superintendent John Atha noted the hurdles in creating policy because of the differences in how and where elementary school, middle school and high school students can store their devices.
“It’s almost something that we’re going to have to learn by doing,” Atha said. “We have to communicate to parents what this means and ask for their help and partnership as we try to implement the state law.”
WWS announces retirements
news@youarecurrent.com
Westfield Washington Schools announced that 23 staff members retired at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Among the retirees is Robb Hedges, who worked for WWS for 30 years as an administrator at Maple Glen Elementary, Westfield Intermediate School and Shamrock Springs Elementary School. He was given the Dr. Joe Montalone Award for his lasting influence on students, staff and families.
The other retirees are:
• Donna Benedict: Office staff/instructional assistant at Early Learning Center, 16 years
• Mark Capin: Teacher at Westfield Middle School, 40 years
• Ken Crist: Bus Driver, 22 years
• Marci Derado: Administration at ELC, 37 years
• John French: Maintenance/Facilities, 34 years
• Catherine Gray: Office staff/instructional assistant at Shamrock Springs, 17 years
• Dirk Harris: Security at Westfield High School, 16 years
• Jami Harris: Instructional Assistant at Oak Trace Elementary, 19 years
• Rhonda Johnson: Teacher at Westfield Middle School, 20 years
• Nawal Kahoush: Food Service at WMS, 20 years
• Dawn Knight: Teacher at WHS, 32 years
• Laurie Lawry: Teacher at Shamrock Springs, 29 years
• Jennifer Norton: Teacher at Monon Trail Elementary, 24 years
• Elaine Oldham: Teacher at Washington Woods Elementary, 9 years
• Anne Petersen: Teacher at Monon Trail, 19 years
• Pam Pickett: Teacher at Carey Ridge Elementary, 40 years
• Stephanie Rokop: Teacher at WHS, 16 years
• Tara-Lynne Sinicki: Teacher at Shamrock Springs, 18 years
• Christy Ulsas: Counselor at WHS, 17 years
• Ray Wagner: Bus driver, 13 years
• Tammy Wilcox: Bus driver, 29 years
• Frank Woten: Maintenance/Facilities, 41 years
Atha
An air monitor used at Westfield Intermediate School to test air quality. (Screenshot from WWS meeting)
WWS conducts air-quality study at two schools
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Westfield Washington Schools recently conducted an air-quality study at two of its schools. Findings were shared at the May 12 school board meeting.
Tony Havics, the owner of Avonbased PH2 LLC, an environmental services company, conducted the weeklong tests at Oak Trace Elementary and Westfield Intermediate School from March 25-April 3. Westfield Intermediate, which will be converted to Cool Creek Elementary next school year, is adjacent to U.S. 31.
WWS Superintendent John Atha said the tests were conducted out of an abundance of caution.
“We thought it would be worthwhile to do our due diligence and have Tony come test the outdoor air as his company specializes in environmental health
and safety,” Atha said.
Havics placed air-quality monitors under protective tents at both schools.
The study concluded that air quality was good at both schools.
“If my kids were going to that school, I wouldn’t have any problem with them going to that school and feeling safe,” Havics said. “I am not worried about the kids (at these schools).”
Havics noted caveats about the findings. The study was only conducted over the course of a week, whereby a typical study has a yearlong evaluation period. He also noted that it was windy during the week of the study, which can have an effect on the results.
When asked by Atha what the district could do to ensure air-quality safety, Havics said WWS could install a cheaper, EPA-approved air-quality meter that would provide real-time data and better seasonal and annual air-quality data.
GO FRAMELESS
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Westfield resident Joey Chestnut has been sentenced to probation after he was charged with a misdemeanor battery count after a March incident at a Westfield bar and grill.
Chestnut, a nationally-renowned competitive eater, pleaded guilty to the charge in April. He is serving 180 days of probation after a plea agreement was reached.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Chestnut was at Joe’s Grille, at 16156 Spring Mill Rd. in the early morning hours of March 21.
During a conversation with the victim, who recognized Chestnut, Chestnut reached out with his left hand to shake hands. After a brief handshake, the victim said Chestnut slapped him on the left side of his face. The victim and a friend left the bar and later called the Westfield Police Department.
WPD accessed video of the incident
WPD later confronted Chestnut about the incident and Chestnut seemed unaware that it had happened. He told investigators that he walked home from Joe’s Grille after it closed, and was “pretty drunk and didn’t remember.”
When shown video of the incident, Chestnut did not recall it. The accused stated “that did not look nice” and also mentioned that “there was something he said, but that reaction doesn’t seem right.” The investigation determined that Chestnut’s offense was worthy of a misdemeanor charge of battery.
Westfield resident Joey Chestnut was sentenced to probation after he was charged with a misdemeanor battery count after a March incident at a Westfield bar and grill. (File photo)
COMMUNITY
DISPATCHES
Ichabod is name of Simon Park crane
— The Simon Moon Park crane will be named Ichabod. The name was chosen after nearly 300 submissions. The City of Westfield said the winning entry was turned in by the Summerfield family. The public and the Summerfield family will take part in a Simon Moon Park ribbon cutting at a date still to be determined this summer.
WWS National Math Stars qualifiers
— Twenty second and third grade students at Westfield Washington Schools have qualified for the National Math Stars program. The Indiana Department of Education has partnered with National Math Stars to formally recognize exceptional mathematical talent across Indiana. ILEARN assessment data reports that these students scored within the top two percent of third grade math learners. Qualifiers are:
• Owen Bennet
• Flynn Menke
• Kailash Narne
• Paige Wilson
• Shamshuddeen Shaik
• Adelaide Serrahn
• Andrew Kemp
• Oluwafolahanmi Abayomi
• Preston Rydzinski
• Grant Huntwork
• Sophia Feest
• Elijah Johnston
WWS did not want to publicize which school each child attended.
WWS 2026-27 calendar changes — Westfield Washington Schools revised part of its 2026-27 calendar. The Aug. 15 school day will now be moved to Nov. 6 which will also be the last day of the first trimester. Nov. 6 was originally scheduled as a Teacher Work Day. Nov. 7 will remain a Teacher Work Day (grades 7-12) and a Parent Conference Day (grades K-6). Sept. 24 will be an Asynchronous eLearning Day for students and a PD Collaboration Day for Teachers.
HASSLE-FREE HOME OWNERSHIP
Finally, SO YOU CAN ENJOY LIFE
Now is your time to connect with the people, places and things you enjoy most. Learn more about the Village Cooperative of Westfield – a new community designed specifically for Active Adults (62+)!
See below for details about our upcoming free informational seminar or to learn more…
Are you ready to change things up and on your terms? If you’ve thought about simplifying your life and having some fun along the way, the V Village Cooperative of Westfield is for you. Have more time to enjoy the things you love without the worries of home maintenance and expensive repair bills. Never before has home ownership been so easy and affordable for active adults 62+. Whether you are working or retired, don’t miss out!
With housing prices still up, don’t wait on this opportunity to cash out of your house and move in to a worry-free lifestyle. Join us for a free Informational Seminar to learn
Ichabod was chosen as the name of the Simon Park Park crane in a contest held by the City of Westfield. (Courtesy City of Westfield)
City honors fallen heroes
By Brittney Dial Testin news@youarecurrent.com
The City of Westfield paid tribute to those who gave their lives in service to their country during the Fallen Heroes Memorial ceremony May 20 at the Fallen Heroes Memorial at 401 N. Union St. Approximately 75 people attended.
“It’s an honor to stand before you today, not just as the mayor but also as a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the grandson of a World War II hero who gave his life in service to this great nation,” Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said. “At its core, Memorial Day is about unity. It’s about pushing everything that may divide us to the side and honoring those that believed in something greater than themselves,”
The Westfield Community Choir and Scout Troop 107 performed music and contributed a tribute of flowers. A gun salute was provided by VFW Post 10003 Carmel with presentation of the colors by a Marine Honor Guard.
Don Finnegan, director of Honor and Remember of Indiana, an organization devoted to military lives lost, told the history of the Honor and Remember Flag, which was present at the ceremony. The flag dates to 2005 when Cpl. Tony Lutz II was killed by sniper fire in Iraq in 2005. His father, George Lutz, created the flag to support Gold Star
families.
“The families wanted to know two things, that their son or daughter did not die in vain, and they would not be forgotten,” Finnegan said. “That put (George Lutz) on a mission, looking for a specific symbol. Not finding any, he launched the Honor and Remember flag as a national symbol of gratitude.”
State Rep. and Gold Star father David Abbott, who represents House District 18 near Fort Wayne, paid tribute to his late son, Nicholas, an Army soldier who was killed in combat in Iraq in 2007.
“To those who didn’t know Nicholas, who never got a chance to shake his hand or hear his laugh or see the smile of his, I ask you to remember him and all those that have paid the ultimate price,” Abbott said.
Jams at the Junction back
news@youarecurrent.com
Jams at the Junction, a free concert series presented by the Westfield Parks and Recreation Department, will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on select Fridays on the Great Lawn at the plaza. The 2026 lineup includes:
• June 26: Stella Luna & The Satellites
• July 17: The Why Store
• August 7: Groovesmash
• August 21: Midnight RedEye Band
• August 28: Jai Baker Trio Food vendors will be available onsite, and attendees are encouraged to explore nearby local restaurants before or during the event. Grand Junction Plaza is within the Grand Junction DORA District, allowing guests ages 21 and older to enjoy alcoholic beverages purchased from participating vendors
within designated areas. Visit westfieldin.gov/DORA for details.
A free shuttle will be available from the Westfield Washington Public Library to and from Grand Junction Plaza from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on concert days. The first three hours of garage parking are free.
For more information about Jams at the Junction, visit westfieldin.gov/jams.
A U.S. Marine Corps honor guard participates in the City of Westfield’s Fallen Heroes Memorial ceremony May 20 at the Fallen Heroes Memorial at 401 N. Union St. (Photo by Brittney Dial Testin)
Jams at the Junction returns to Grand Junction Plaza this summer. (Photo from City of Westfield)
Westfield Pride festival moving to Grand Park
news@youarecurrent.com
Westfield Pride has announced that its annual festival will move to Grand Park this year.
The festival will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 26 in Fields 23 and 24 near Parking Lot E.
“Moving to Grand Park gives us the space to welcome more neighbors and offer new experiences while keeping the festival rooted in community and celebration,” Westfield Pride President Alisha Hunter stated. “We’re excited to
continue with our family service project in the youth zone and (will provide) controlled offering of adult beverages to enhance the day for our adult attendees.”
The festival previously took place at Asa Bales Park.
The event will feature live entertainment, food vendors, community resource booths, a dedicated youth zone and more. Pat Yo Weave will serve as this year’s MC, and DJ PushPause will provide entertainment throughout the afternoon.
For more, visit westfieldinpride.org.
DISPATCH
Kids Summer Series — The City of Westfield’s Kids Summer Series will take place on select Tuesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. at Grand Junction Plaza through July 28. Each week will feature alternating appearances by balloon twisters and airbrush tattoo artists, and Kona Ice will be at every event. Featured performers are:
• June 2 — Ruditoonz
• June 9 — Mr. Dan the Music Man
• June 16 — Jump and Hop!
• June 23 — Hedgehog Hannah
• June 30 — Bongo Boy
• July 7 — Mr. Dan the Music Man
• July 14 — Ruditoonz
• July 21 — Jump and Hop!
• July 28 — Magic Man Rusty
Certified Past Life Regressionist
Areas of Expertise
Eisberg earns teaching honor
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Although Kourtney Eisberg is only in her first year as a teacher, it’s pretty clear she has a knack for it.
Last month, the fourth-grade teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School in Carmel was named the Indiana Teachers of Tomorrow Teacher of the Year. Indiana Teachers of Tomorrow is an approved Transition to Teaching provider. Eisberg was nominated by her principal, Tim Fletcher.
ed. “In her fourth-grade classroom, learning is not just something students do, it is something they love. She has a remarkable ability to connect with each child, making them feel known, valued and capable of success.”
“I thought that was really sweet and such an honor to be nominated by my principal,” Eisberg said. “It felt very reassuring, and then I put it out of my mind. When I received the phone call and email that I won for the state of Indiana, I was very pleasantly surprised.”
Eisberg teaches fourth-grade math, science, reading, social studies and religion.
“Kourtney Eisberg is the kind of teacher every school hopes for and every student deserves,” Fletcher stat-
The 39-year-old Westfield resident worked as an administrative assistant for three years at OLMC while she was working on her transition to teaching certification.
Eisberg graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in marketing.
“It’s been a slow burning process for me throughout my whole life,” Eisberg said of her desire to be a teacher. “My mom was a teacher’s aide for 25 years in a public school, so I got to witness firsthand her dedication and the patience she had with students and how impactful she could be in our daily life.”
Her mother’s career introduced Eisberg to Teach for America, a nonprofit that places educators in under-resourced classrooms. Through the program, Eisberg worked in a kindergarten classroom for two years while finishing her college degree.
“I loved working with the students,” she said. “But it wasn’t until halfway through my senior year that I decided what I think I wanted to do.”
She said she learned working with the children wasn’t simply about academics.
“It was about being a positive role model,” she said. “I decided I wanted to be that person. However, I was about three months from graduating with a marketing degree. I decided to go into the business world and see how it would work out for me. I quickly realized it was not the environment I wanted to be in.”
At that point, Eisberg decided to stay at home until her two children were in school full time.
“That’s when I decided to take the plunge and go into teaching,” said Eisberg, who worked several years for Cargill, an agribusiness company.
Eisberg will receive $500 to support classroom needs, along with free professional development through SimpleK12.
“As a first-year teacher you don’t know how you are doing, and this is great affirmation to know I am doing the right things and making a positive impact on the students,” Eisberg said.
Eisberg
COMMUNITY
LIFESAVING ACTION
Cardiac arrest survivor shares story to raise awareness for CPR training
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
For Westfield resident Bob Schriner, the evening of Aug. 22, 2025, was shaping up to be like any other summer Friday.
“My wife (Maureen) told me the Greek Fest was going on,” Schriner said. “I like gyros and I like beer, so I was excited and I jumped on my bike,”
Schriner pedaled toward Westfield’s Cool Creek Park. Meanwhile, Carmel resident Barbara Will and her husband Simon Conway were at the same park walking their new dog.
Fate would bring Schriner and Will together. Schriner suffered cardiac arrest while riding his bike and came to rest near Will, who had taken CPR training as part of her job as a senior caregiver.
“(My employer) said, ‘We’d like to give you CPR training.’ I agreed thinking I’d never use it,” said Will, a native of England who has lived in the Westfield area for 30 years.
Will performed CPR on Schriner before first responders arrived. Their combined efforts saved Schriner’s life.
Now, Will, Schriner and the Westfield Fire Department want to use their story to raise awareness of the importance of CPR training as part of National CPR and AED Awareness Week, which runs June 1-7.
In recalling the incident Schriner, 59, said he began to ascend a hill in a wooded part of the park when he felt something he’d never felt before.
“I was probably 90 percent of the way up that hill … and it was just like a Mike Tyson punch in the chest,” Schriner said. “It almost knocked me off the bike. I just became, like, 20 times heavier.” Schriner was determined to make it over the hill because he felt if he didn’t, he could have died without being discovered in the woods. He barely crested the hill to a grass clearing, where he laid down.
Will saw Schriner lie down and throw his helmet. She initially thought he was angry about something but then became concerned something else was
responders on the scene.
Westfield EMS Division Chief Patrick Hutchison encourages residents to take a hands-only CPR course and be prepared to assist, if necessary.
wrong.
“The first thing out of his mouth was, ‘Call 911’, so I did,” Will said.
Will was assisted by another passerby, Steven DeReu, who assisted Will during the call with EMS dispatcher Taylor Duke, who told Will to immediately begin CPR.
“I heard her say something like, ‘What’s wrong with you?’” Schriner said. “And I said, ‘It’s my heart.’ And that was it. She was on me (performing CPR compressions). She broke my ribs
and my sternum, and I love that woman for it.”
First responders arrived as Will was administering CPR. Paramedics are accustomed to the fact most patients in similar situations don’t survive, so raising awareness for CPR training is an important topic for them.
“We always see the 99 percent that don’t make it. So, when you get that 1 percent who do make it, it feels good,” said Westfield Field Resource Paramedic Josh Sloma, who was one of the first
HAPPY REUNION
After first responders took over Bob Schriner’s care from Barbara Will during his Aug. 22, 2025, heart attack, Will naturally wanted to know what became of the stranger she had helped in Cool Creek Park.
“I knew nothing about him,” Will said. “I just wanted to know if he was alive or not.”
But she was unable to find out because of HIPAA laws that prevent
caregivers from giving people medical information without their consent.
Westfield EMS worked as an intermediary to allow Will to meet Schriner without violating contact laws.
“It was wonderful to see him and obviously we hugged,” Will said. “It was his wife (Maureen) that got to me. I could just see in her face, and I just thought, my goodness, yes, this is real, you know?”
“Typically, you want to get a defibrillator to the person within four minutes and then advanced care within eight minutes,” Hutchison said.
Westfield continues to add mobile defibrillators, or AEDs, in public spaces. But person-to-person CPR intervention also is important.
“Early CPR and early defibrillation are what it’s all about,” Hutchison said. “You just have to have the person that’s willing to step up and do that.”
Schriner wants to share his story to help others.
“I think I got a superpower in this whole deal,” said Schriner, who noted that he and his wife have since taken CPR training. “If we can save one person by just getting the word out, I’ll do it a million times. That’s a grand slam for me.”
ON THE COVER: From left, Maureen Schriner, Simon Conway, Steven DeReu, Barbara Will, Bob Schriner are joined by Westfield Fire and EMS first responders during a reunion of those involved in saving Schriner’s life after he suffered cardiac arrest at Westfield’s Cool Creek Park in August 2025. The reunion took place at Westfield Fire Station No. 82. (Courtesy Westfield
Fire Department)
From left, Simon Conway, Barbara Will, Bob Schriner and Steven DeReu were present when Will performed CPR on Schriner after he suffered cardiac arrest in August 2025. (Photos courtesy of Westfield Fire Department)
Bob Schriner (foreground) shakes the hand of Steven DeReu while Maureen Schriner (left) and Barbara Will hug during a reunion of those involved in saving Schriner’s life after he suffered cardiac arrest at Westfield’s Cool Creek Park. The reunion took place at Westfield Fire Station No. 82.
Carmel Comedy Club to open at The Cat
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Debbie Hughes has a vision of regular comedy shows in Carmel.
She founded Carmel Comedy Club, which will open at 7 p.m. June 27, at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way. Dobie Maxwell is the headliner while Hughes, known as “Lady Wisecrack,” and Indianapolis comedian Chris Cline will be the opening acts.
Cline, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was the 2023 recipient of the NFL Salute To Service Award. He helped veterans work through trauma through the power of comedy. He will perform at 7 p.m. when the club opens.
Vocalist Sadie Cohen, who will be a senior at Carmel High School this fall, will close the show with Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile” and “Happy Days Are Here Again.”
Hughes, a Carmel resident, connected with Maxwell through a Facebook group and they formed a friendship. Maxwell originally wanted to play professional baseball, but the left-handed pitcher chased another dream after being cut from a Kansas City Royals tryout.
“I went to a comedy open mic, and I thought, ‘These guys are terrible, I can do this,’” he said. “I got up and was worse than both of them, but I learned that’s what I wanted to do. I worked towns and I worked my way up to headliner. Then I had a car accident when I was 30, flipped my convertible over, almost died. I had to learn to walk again, broke my sternum and (had) my jaw wired shut. I was asked at a continuing education place in Milwaukee if I wanted to teach a comedy class. I said, ‘You can’t teach comedy. You either have (it) or you don’t.’ They said, ‘We’d be willing to pay you a few bucks.’ I said, ‘Tuesday at 7 o’clock we’re having a comedy class.’”
Since then, he has taught approximately 3,000 students from around the world at Zanies Comedy Club classes in Chicago.
(Below) Debbie Hughes is the founder of Carmel Comedy Club. (Graphic courtesy of Debbie Hughes)
“I was their exclusive teacher for 25 years until COVID came and shut down the world,” he said.
Maxwell has performed in 49 states and was a morning radio host in several cities, including Chicago’s 97.9 FM called “The Loop.”
“I think I really like teaching as much as performing,” he said.
Maxwell, who had a Dry Bar comedy special in 2025, performs a clean comedy act with profanity. He also avoids politics, figuring a comedian risks angering half the crowd.
Maxwell is the booking agent, comedic educator of the Stand-Up Comedy course set to start in September at The Cat. He said Hughes is an expert on the business part.
“I needed someone like her for many, many years,” said Maxwell, who now lives in Kenosha, Wis.
Hughes graduated from Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts’ four-week comedy class in February. She headlined the final show and takes remote and in-person lessons at Second City in Chicago.
Maxwell will return as headliner for the July 11 performance at The Cat. Comedian Todd Hunt will present “The Making of I Love Lucy” July 25 and 31 at The Cat. Hunt is a nostalgic
humorist and Lucille Ball historian.
“He’ll be telling all the behind-thescenes that nobody knows on how they prepared to make the shows,” Hughes said.
Video clips of classic episodes of “I Love Lucy” will be shown.
For more, visit carmelcitycomedyclub.com.
DUGAN RETURNS
Longtime Carmel comedian Dave Dugan, who has made more than 200 appearances on the “Bob and Tom” radio show, will perform his “Busting Out with Laughs!” shows at 7:30 p.m. June 5-6 at The Cat. Dugan has performed comedy nights at The Cat over the past several years.
Dugan also specializes in clean comedy and has performed a Dry Bar Comedy special.
Carmel Comedy Club booking agent Dobie Maxwell said Dugan is Indiana comedy royalty and can work with or for the club anyway he chooses to participate.
“We welcome him with an open microphone,” Maxwell said.
For more, visit thecat.biz.
‘CINDERELLA’
“Cinderella” runs through July 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“The Beach Boys Tribute Featuring Pet Sounds Live” is set for June 4, followed by “Tribute to Huey Lewis and the News” June 6 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc. com.
’ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA’
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents “Antony and Cleopatra” at 7 p.m. June 5 and 5 p.m. June 6 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
’SECRET GARDEN’
Main Street Productions presents “The Secret Garden” through June 7 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
Carmel PorchFest sets schedule — Carmel PorchFest Inc. will host four events in 2026, including three Late Night on Main in the Arts & Design District. Carmel PorchFest will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 20. Late Night on Main returns to Carmel’s Main Street on the third Saturday of each summer month. The street party begins at 6 p.m. Beverage vendors will be available. Guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs. The Late Night on Main are Jai Baker Trio, a high energy country band, June 20; Blair Clark and The Fun Factor Band, July 18 and DUDE!, a five-member dance pop band from Indianapolis, Aug. 15. For more, visit carmelporchfest.org.
(Above) Dobie Maxwell will be headliner for the Carmel Comedy Club opening show June 27 at The Cat in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Dobie Maxwell)
THE SONGBOOK ACADEMY® IN CONCERT
7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
HARRY CONNICK, JR.
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ART GARFUNKEL: WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD CELEBRATION CONCERTS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BRIAN SIMPSON, JACKIEM JOYNER AND JESSY J 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
STEWART COPELAND: HAVE I SAID
TOO MUCH
7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON
GLADYS KNIGHT
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
“PSYCHIC” COMEDIAN PETER ANTONIOU
7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON
THE CENTER CELEBRATION 2026
FEATURING THE BACON BROTHERS
5PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MICHAEL BLAUSTEIN: THE TASTE ME TOUR THE FINAL LEG 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
LOU GRAMM: THE ORIGINAL VOICE OF FOREIGNER
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
RUMOURS ATL: A FLEETWOOD
MAC TRIBUTE
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DEMOLA LIVE!
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE & PABLO CRUISE
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
THE BILLY JOEL LEGACY: CELEBRATING THE PIANO MAN
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BECKY ROBINSON: THE BEASTS IN ME TOUR
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BRUCE HORNSBY & THE NOISEMAKERS: INDIGO PARK TOUR
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
THE WAR AND TREATY
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
THE SIXTIES SHOW
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
INVINCIBLE: A GLORIOUS TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DANIEL EMMET: THIS THING CALLED LOVE
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
NILADRI KUMAAR: THE SPACE BETWEEN THE NOTES – HONORING ZAKIR HUSSAIN
7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MICHAEL CARBONARO: WONDERBOY
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
THE SHARPE FAMILY SINGERS: THE BEST OF BROADWAY 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
HASTA LA MUERTE
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BLKBOK
7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON
YEFIM BRONFMAN, PIANO
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
RYAN AHLWARDT: CRYING IN THE CANYON RELEASE PARTY
8PM | THE TARKINGTON
THE FOUR PHANTOMS IN CONCERT
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BONEY JAMES
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
A CONVERSATION WITH AMY SEDARIS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SIMPLY THREE
7PM | THE TARKINGTON
MAVIS STAPLES
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH BERNADETTE PETERS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
HOOSIERS 40TH ANNIVERSARY
SCREENING WITH Q&A
3PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PUNCH BROTHERS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND: LEDBETTER HEIGHTS 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
GRAVITY & OTHER MYTHS: TEN THOUSAND HOURS
7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY’S WILD & SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
LESLIE ODOM, JR. THE CHRISTMAS TOUR 2026
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN IN COMING HOME: THE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
HOLIDAYS IN HARMONY WITH GIRL NAMED TOM
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ALAN CUMMING: UNCUT
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
LIVE AND LET DIE: THE MUSIC OF PAUL MCCARTNEY FEATURING TONY KISHMAN
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BIG BANG BOOM 3PM |
THE MONTEVERDI CHOIR AND ORCHESTRAS PERFORM BACH’S ST MATTHEW PASSION WITH MASAAKI SUZUKI
7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MARCUS MILLER
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MICKEY DOLENZ: 60 YEARS OF THE MONKEES
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO DE AMALIA HERNÁNDEZ
7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS WITH CONRAD TAO
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
THE MUSIC OF THE BEACH BOYS FEATURING PET SOUNDS LIVE 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
PAVLO AND BAND IN CONCERT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
VICTORIA CLARK: IMPROBABLE INGENUE
MUSIC DIRECTOR, TED SPERLING
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
VITALY: AN EVENING OF WONDERS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JOHN MALKOVICH AND THE VIENNA
ACADEMY ORCHESTRA: ROLL
OVER BEETHOVEN
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SPYRO GYRA WITH SPECIAL GUEST STANLEY JORDAN 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
KRUGER BROTHERS 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
DIONNE WARWICK: OVER AND OUT A FAREWELL TOUR 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BROOKLYN CHARMERS: A TRIBUTE TO STEELY DAN 8PM | THE
CATS’
ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AMY SEDARIS
MARCUS MILLER
BERNADETTE PETERS
ALAN CUMMING
HASTA LA MUERTE
GLADYS KNIGHT
LESLIE ODOM, JR.
Intro To Card Play - FREE
Red Barn set for premiere
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Michael Taylor is ready to see his play make its true premiere.
Taylor, Red Barn Theatre’s artistic director, will direct “The German Tropics” June 10-14 and June 17-21 at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort.
“It’s the latest version of this script,” said Taylor, Frankfort High School’s director of theater. “I did it for the high school 10 or 11 years ago. We did a trial run of it, but since then it’s been back in the workshop, trying to scale it down so it can be done in a slightly smaller theater at a cheaper cost. It’s a very different show from when it was on its feet before. It is very new and people seeing this will be seeing it for the first time.”
“He shouldn’t be dating her because she is the boss’ daughter, and the boss has a strict no-dating anyone at the office policy,” Taylor said.
Taylor said the couple are going to the German Tropics resort on an island. The boss has a weekend business meeting at the same time.
“Through mistaken identities, slamming doors and the usual farce fare, the craziness ensues,” Taylor said. “I’m very free with the actors. I like them to create the characters themselves. I always say the script is just words on the page, it’s up to them to bring them to life. What was done before is in the past, and I just want to erase that. I want to see this version brought to life.”
The original set had 11 entrances and exits and was two stories high, but the new version is scaled down.
The play was previously called “Trouble in the Tropics.” Taylor said the plot centers on a young man who wants to go on vacation with his girlfriend.
Taylor will play Mike Talman in “Wait Until Dark,” which is set for June 24-28 and July 1-5 (except July 4). Associate Artistic Director Luke McLaughlin will direct that show.
Taylor then returns to direct “Something Rotten,” the third and final play of the season, set for July 9-12 and July 15-19.
For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
ENTERTAINMENT
Civic in Concert features ‘Chess’ music
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Michael Krauter admitted he knew nothing about “Chess” when he heard Civic Theatre was staging a concert with songs from the musical.
“Everyone said, ‘(What about) ‘One Night in Bangkok?’ I never heard that song before in my life,” Krauter said. “And now I’m all too familiar with the music. There are like five different versions of the music and recordings of the show. The music is incredible.”
Civic in Concert will present “Chess” at 7 p.m. June 13 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The evening is a fundraiser for Civic.
The music was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA. The lyrics are by Tim Rice.
Krauter plays a Russian grandmaster chess player named Anatoly Sergievsky during the Cold War era.
Krauter’s character has two main songs, including “Where I Want to Be,” which is about his chess-playing ability and how he’s being pulled in different directions. The other song is “Anthem.”
“It’s about his loyalty to his country, to his family, to his relationships and to the game,” he said. “So, it’s a really moving song at the end of the first act.”
Following that song, Sergievsky defects to the U.S.
“He feels he’s being used, which he very much is,” Krauter said.
Krauter, who grew up in Carmel, said it’s a new thing for him being in character but also not a full showcase.
Mackenzie Foulks plays Florence Vassy, the American chess player Freddie Trumper’s assistant who falls in love with the Soviet Union defector.
“She is divided on her allegiances and her ambitions,” said Foulks, who lives on the northeast side of Indianapolis. “Her heart is getting pulled in every which way.”
Brent E. Marty, director of music and education for Civic Theatre, is the music director while Civic Executive Artistic
Director Michael J. Lasley will direct.
Marty and Lasley were fans of the music from the musical, which was released in 1984 before “Chess” made its debut in 1986.
“It came out when we were in high school and college. The CD, I wore that thing out,” Marty said. “The music is so beautiful and so catchy in places, and I was already an ABBA fan. Tim Rice’s lyrics are brilliant. To have that piece of theater to listen to when we were study-
ing theater was really awesome. Nobody ever does it, so I’ve never gotten to work on this show. Now, I get to do it in a really majestic and cool way.”
Lasley said there are four distinct versions of the show. Civic is performing the London version of the music.
Matt Branic, a 1997 Carmel High School graduate, plays
Trumper, the American chess player who likely was modeled after Bobby Fischer.
“There’s so many things about his character that I find interesting,” he said. “The big thing is being a child prodigy and he comes from a broken household.”
For more, visit civictheatre.org/ civic-in-concert-chess.
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed proposals for Freedom Trail Park Improvements will be received by the City of Westfield, Indiana, at the Westfield Public Works Building, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, Indiana, 46074 until 2:00 p.m., local time, on Friday, July 10, 2026. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bids received later than the above time and date will be returned unopened. No conditional bids will be considered.
Project generally includes construction of a park restroom building, pickleball courts, court fencing, sidewalks, asphalt and aggregate trails, signage, electric service, planting, and other site improvements, amenities, and furnishings. Bids shall be properly and completely executed on the Proposal Form obtainable at the office of the Owner. Each bid shall be accompanied by Form 96 Contractor's Bid for Public Works, including Non-Collusion Affidavit as prescribed by the State Board of Accounts, completely filled out, signed, and notarized as required by the statutes of the State of Indiana, Section III of Part II of Form 96 titled "Contractor's Financial Statement," and acceptable bid security. The bid security shall be a certified check made payable to the Owner or satisfactory bond by an incorporated surety company in good standing and qualified to do business in the State of Indiana in an amount equal to 5% of the bid, said deposit being for the purpose of ensuring the execution of the contract for which bid is made. Any bid not accompanied by the above required items shall be deemed to be a non-responsive bid by the Owner.
No consideration for escalation on prices can be considered; therefore, contractors are advised to not include any such escalation clauses in their proposal for this project.
The Contractors to whom work is awarded shall be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, and they shall be acceptable to the City of Westfield, Indiana. No bidder may withdraw their proposal within a period of 60 days following the date set for receiving bids. The City of Westfield, Indiana reserves the right to retain the three lowest bid proposals for a period of not more than 90 days, and said proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said time.
The City of Westfield, Indiana further reserves the right to waive informalities and to award the contract to the lowest and most responsible bidder or bidders, all to the advantage of the City of Westfield, Indiana, or to reject all Proposals.
The Contract Documents and drawings will be available to all interested parties from: Repro Graphix, 437 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or at eplanroom.reprographix.com.
A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at the Westfield Department of Public Works, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, IN 46074 on Monday, June 15th at 2:00 p.m
Please direct all questions regarding this project to Chris McConnell, City of Westfield, Department of Public Works, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, IN 46074, (317) 473-2917, cmcconnell@westfield.in.gov
By: Chris McConnell, City of Westfield
Book & Lyrics by Nick Blaemire Music by Matthew Tishler
Directed by Tanya Haas
Tickets: $15 all shows
Krauter
Foulks
Branic
Commanday returns to CSO
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s new music director is certainly no stranger.
David Commanday will return to the CSO as music director for the 2026-27 season. He previously served as music director for the 2023-24 season, but an agreement couldn’t be reached for the next season. The CSO has used guest conductors the past two seasons. By mutual agreement with the CSO board, Anne Marie Chastain resigned as executive director in May 2025.
Charleston, Ill.
Commanday will lead the CSO July 4 at CarmelFest. The CSO will have four masterworks concerts, starting Oct. 10, and the Holiday Pops concert. Commanday will conduct the masterworks concerts but is unavailable for the Holiday Pops.
“I was invited to consult in shaping this coming season and that evolved into a discussion of me returning as music director,” he said.
Commanday said he made a lot of friends in his initial CSO stint.
“I feel great about coming back,” Commanday said. “I had a great time working with the orchestra and the board. The city is spectacular and the (concert) hall can’t be beat.”
Commanday, 71, said it is a threeyear appointment. He is based in Peoria, Ill., where he is the artistic director for the Heartland Festival Orchestra. He will continue to conduct and teach at Eastern Illinois University in
“It seems the simple way to look at it is that it appeared things were aligned for more than one season and then it turned out, in terms of vision, they were not,” he said. “The timing is great now.”
Commanday was pleased to help shape the coming season.
“I look forward to planning the next couple of seasons because longer term planning is tremendous for an orchestra in helping to connect with the community and support from the community,” he said.
Commanday
16. Bit of brainwork
17. Pains in the rear of the Hamilton County Council?
20. Squabble
21. Young one in an Indi-
ana State Fair barn
22. Patches
23. McCormick’s Creek
State Park’s county
25. Earth-friendly prefix
27. Annoying
30. Distinguishing fea-
tures of the County Council?
35. CCA Gallery display
36. Just say no
39. Victory Field pitcher’s mound surface
40. Cellphone strength indicators
42. Botched
43. Colts play starter
44. Remain
45. Precisely correct
47. AQI monitor
48. Local government building of the County Council?
50. Credit side item
52. ___ or nothing
53. Desire
55. Modern-day hieroglyphics
59. Chest muscle, for short
60. Start of an Off-Main Street Players play
64. November event of the County Council?
68. 36,418 square miles, for Indiana
69. Prejudice
70. Shots on a Crooked Stick green
71. Butler bigwig
72. Adam’s third son
73. Thus far DOWN
1. Taxis
2. Ballet Studio of Carmel
jump
3. Ocean predator
4. Video-sharing app
5. “For ___ a jolly good fellow...”
6. Wood pattern
7. No longer working (Abbr.)
8. Indianapolis airport code
9. Neither’s partner
10. Bee abode
11. Bible’s garden
12. Geek
13. Get lippy
18. Scratch (out)
19. “Don’t worry about me!”
24. Mont. neighbor
25. Subsided
26. Words to live by
27. Blue Ribbon brewer
28. Poet’s muse
29. Scarecrow filling
30. Kind of support
31. TSA checkpoint needs
32. Dressed to the ___
33. Vineyard fruit
34. Mar. 17 figure
37. Bike part
38. Green shampoo brand
41. Dictionary abbr.
46. A Bobbsey twin
49. Scalp stuff
51. Social standing
53. Cardiff natives
54. High card
55. Drat!
56. Just
57. ___ Day vitamins
58. Type of jacket
59. Bog product
61. Indiana map dot
62. Carry
63. Rose-Hulman, e.g. (Abbr.)
65. Sit-up targets, briefly
66. Recline
67. Katz, Sapper & Miller pro
ANSWERS ON PAGE 23
WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES
John Kirk Furniture
JOB TITLE: Furniture Sales Person DUTIES:
• Interacting and assisting customers in a furniture retail sales environment.
Verista, Inc. seeks Validation Engineer 2 (Reports to: Fishers, IN) to independently understand client’s quality standards, cGMP’s & regulatory standards to support team in compliance of validation effort. (i) BA in Mech. Eng. or rltd. field or foreign degree equiv. & 5 yrs. exp. in position involving validation eng. or (ii) MS in Mech. Eng. or rltd. field or foreign degree equiv. & 2 yrs. exp. in position involving validation eng. Reports to Verista, Inc. HQ in Fishers, IN. Telecommuting permissible from home office anywhere in U.S. Long term placement at unanticipated client sites in U.S. possible. Salary: $95,389/yr. – $153,504/yr. Benefits summary: https://verista.com/careers/. Resumes to: HR Team HR@verista.com.
• Determining needs and advising customers on their purchases.
REQUIREMENTS:
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in sales. PAY: Competitive Disccused at interview.
LOCATION: Carmel Indiana
CONTACT:
Call 317-846-2535 ask for Nick.
Carmel area law firm needing Legal Assistant experienced in personal injury & medical malpractice.
5+ years of experience preferred. Must be reliable, have a positive attitude, understand legal & medical terminology, and can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Salary at top of scale commensurate with experience, 401k with matching, fully paid health, dental, and vision benefits. Send resume to cyount@hovdelaw.com.
No phone calls or walk-ins accepted.
Full-time receptionist needed for busy law firm located in Carmel. $20+/hour depending on experience. Previous experience working in the legal field required. Health, dental, vision, and 401k available. Send resume to cyount@hovdelaw.com. No phone calls or walk-ins accepted.
Seasonal Landscaping and maintenance position. Two available. Location: 146th St & Towne Rd. in Carmel
• Perform general landscaping duties including mowing, edging, trimming, and blowing
• Maintain lawns and garden beds by mowing grass to specified heights and ensuring a neat, professional appearance
• Operate and maintain landscaping equipment such as lawn mowers, string trimmers, edgers, and leaf blowers
• Assist with seasonal tasks including mulching, weeding, pruning shrubs, and debris removal
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team in various weather conditions
• Ensure job sites are left clean and customer-ready after each visit with an emphasis on quality over quantity. $15/hr, flexible hours with adequate notice. Email resumes to: kreg.fisher@gmail.com
