May 13, 2025 — Fishers & Geist by Current Publishing

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Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XV, No. 17

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Opinions

The views of the columnists in Current in Fishers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

HEALTH CARE

Doctors at Riverview Health, an independent community-based health system, are focused on the future of overall health in Hamilton County.

Riverview President/CEO Dave Hyatt spoke at the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce’s State of Health luncheon April 23 at Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville to discuss how Riverview continues to expand its services as the county’s population grows.

Hyatt said Riverview Health’s mission focuses on three values: compassion, belonging and excellence. He said Riverview Health has 1,750 team members — nearly 400 more than it had four years ago. Five hundred medical staff members represent 35 specialties, two hospitals, five emergency departments and 26 locations.

“As we grow as an organization, we have recently codified our values on what’s important to us as we go forward,” Hyatt said. “If we don’t protect our culture, we’re at risk of losing it.”

The World Health Organization estimates that 80 percent of health outcomes are driven by social determinants of health rather than access to care, according to Hyatt.

“That’s where we come in,” Hyatt said. “Hamilton County leads the U.S. in social determinants of health, and that’s a lot of credit to many different partners that have worked countless hours, days and years to make Hamilton County so special. We still have a lot of work to do. It takes everybody in the community working together to drive those health outcomes.”

Hyatt said the challenge for staff at Riverview Health is maintaining access to care for residents as the county grows. He said Hamilton County needs 34.5 more primary care providers to meet community demand.

“In Noblesville, the estimated population

Riverview Health doctors work to grow, expand medical care

by 2045 (is) 140,000,” Hyatt said. “When people talk about competition in health care, I’m not too worried about it because the volume is coming, and it’s going to take all of us working together to take care of these folks. We consider primary care (as) the quarterback of our patient’s journey in health care to help them figure out what specialists they need to go to.”

Dr. Timothy Imler, a gastroenterologist, said he launched a specialty GI program at Riverview Health in September 2023.

“If anybody has ever tried to see a gastroenterologist for any reason, it’s usually a four-to six-month wait to get into any kind of subspecialty appointment,” Imler said. “We’ve been able to cut this down to get people in within two weeks just by opening up access to service and having a small system that can navigate these (services) better.”

Imler said the GI practice is at Riverview Health’s Westfield facility on the fifth floor, and the sixth floor is being renovated to be a full-service endoscopy center.

“We are still in expansion mode,” Imler said. “Gastroenterologists are a huge need, and with the (predicted) growth in Hamilton County, we’re going to get a huge deficit.”

Dr. John Martin, a general surgeon, is working to expand digestive health care at Riverview with the help of robot-assisted surgery.

“As the population is getting bigger, all of the health problems that come with having more people around are also coming as well,” Martin said. “We operate on a lot of things, (like) gallbladders (and) appendices, and a lot of times it is silent, surgical issues that affect people’s ability to do their jobs, to go about their life and to eat the foods they want to eat. We have the ability to treat these things and we do it with technology.”

Martin uses a DaVinci Robot at Riverview. The DaVinci device is a surgical system used for minimally invasive surgery that allows surgeons to perform procedures with precision.

“I can (move) around inside without having to have a big, traditional surgery where I cut from stem to stern,” Martin said. “I sit at (a) console on the side, and then the robot articulates my movements inside the patient. People recover so much faster from the operations that we are doing. We can do these surgeries, and people are going home the same day or the next day.”

With more advanced technology, Martin said area residents now have more surgical options close to home.

Riverview Health will continue to expand its services with a new medical facility scheduled to open later this year or early 2026 in Westfield. For more, visit riverview. org.

Riverview Health at 395 Westfield Rd. in Noblesville. (Photo by Jessica Todd)

DISPATCHES

Literacy grants awarded — United Way of Central Indiana recently awarded $502,500 to 33 child care providers, schools and community organizations for literacy initiatives through its Literacy Fund, which provides grants of $10,000 to $50,000 to support literacy projects for children from birth to age 8. Grants went to child care facilities in Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Putnam and Morgan counties. For more, visit uwci.org.

Area senior communities recognized for quality care — American Senior Communities has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for outstanding performance in several categories. American Village Lincoln Lodge and Rosegate Commons in Indianapolis were recognized as best independent and assisted living communities; Allisonville meadows in Fishers and Bethany Village in Indianapolis were recognized as best assisted living communities; and Fairway Village in Indianapolis was recognized as a best memory care community. For more about American Senior Communities, visit. ASCCare.com.

Triathlon debuting at Geist Waterfront Park — Fishers Area Swimming Tigers is holding its first Fishers Sprint Triathlon May 17 at Geist Waterfront Park, featuring a sprint triathlon, duathlon, aquabike and two- to three-person team triathlon relay. The event, which starts at 8 a.m., is in conjunction with the City of Fishers’ health initiative. Drivers are asked to watch for runners and bikers during the event. For more, visit fasttigers.com/fisherssprinttriathlon.

Spark! and Geist race registrations open — Registration for the 2025 Spark!Fishers 5K and the Geist Half Marathon, 10K and 5K is open. Participants who register for one race can get a $5 off promo code for the other. The Spark!Fishers race is June 25 and the Geist Half is set for Sept. 13. Register at SparkFishers.com and GeistHalf.com.

Forever Young Club meets in Lawrence — The City of Lawrence is hosting a weekly event with games, fun and fellowship geared toward active older adults, set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays at Lawrence Community Center, 5301 N. Franklin Rd. On the second Friday of each month, Kandyce Dorsey of KYT Fitness also will lead a free chair-based aerobics class for all fitness levels from 11 a.m. to noon at the community center.

Driver detained for fatal March 1 crash

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office announced May 5 that it had filed a delinquency petition in connection with the fatal March 1 car accident in Fishers that resulted in the death of former Hamilton Southeastern High School student-athlete Mason Alexander.

CRIME

The petition alleges that the driver of the vehicle in which Alexander was a passenger committed the following offenses: reckless homicide, a felony; reckless driving, a misdemeanor; and carrying false government identification, a misdemeanor.

Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Kocher also announced that he has formally requested that the case be waived to adult court. The driver was 17 at the time of the fatal crash. He turned 18 April 28 but will remain unnamed until he is charged as an adult.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mason Alexander,” Kocher stated. “This is an unimaginable loss and we extend our deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved him. As prosecutors, we are committed to seeking justice in a way that honors Mason’s life and respects the seriousness of this tragedy.”

Kocher added that the driver was “held in secure detention.”

At deadline for this report, a hearing had not been held.

Alexander’s family announced May 1 on social media that the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office had informed them that a juvenile was in custody and had been taken to the juvenile detention center.

In a Facebook Live video on May 1, Alexander’s cousin Sharice Patterson said the family wasn’t happy that the driver had been charged as a juvenile and would continue fighting for justice.

Alexander’s family and friends have repeatedly asked for answers about the accident that ended the life of their loved one. They recently gathered for a demonstration outside the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Of-

fice, expressing frustration with the length of the investigation.

The sheriff’s office said at the time that it can take several months for this type of investigation to be resolved.

“There are established policies and procedures that guide investigations and adherence to them is essential,” the sheriff’s office said in an April 21 statement. “Any deviation could compromise the integrity of the case, risk overlooking critical evidence and, ultimately, would not be fair to the Alexander family or anyone else involved.”

Alexander graduated from HSE early and enrolled in January as a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a cornerback on the football team. He was home for a visit and was the passenger in a white 2016 BMW 340 driven by the then-17year-old male.

According to a March 2 announcement from the sheriff’s office, the BMW was traveling south on Florida Road from 113th Street. At the same time, a silver 2015 Toyota RAV-4 was headed north on Florida Road near Geist Park. The BMW tried to pass a southbound car in front of it by entering the oncoming lane just before a hill crest.

“Upon coming over the hill, the (driver of the) BMW saw the Toyota traveling north and realized a crash was imminent,” the announcement stated. “The BMW pulled to the right to avoid the Toyota and then overcorrected.”

The BMW went off the east side of the roadway, slid through the grass and hit a tree. Alexander was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver sustained some injuries in the crash.

School of Rock concert — School of Rock Fishers students will perform at the Irving Theater noon on May 17 and 18. Six student bands will perform over the weekend with show themes like Michael Jackson vs. Prince, Taylor Swift, Southern Rock, Garage Rock, 21st Century Indie Rock and Heart. This event is free, but donations are accepted. For more, email fishers@schoolofrock.com or call 317-284-1148.

Mason Alexander’s family gathers April 21 at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

HSE appoints new administrators

news@currentinfishers.com

Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees met in special session April 29 and unanimously approved the appointment of new administrators at Hamilton Southeastern High School, Deer Creek Elementary School and Hamilton Southeastern Fishers Academy.

EDUCATION

Craig McCaffrey will be the new Hamilton Southeastern High School principal. He has 20 years of experience and most recently served as principal at Noblesville High School.

“Dr. McCaffrey is an exceptional instructional leader who places student success at the heart of everything he does,” Superintendent Pat Mapes stated in an announcement. “His collaborative approach and proven track record in academic achievement and community engagement will help HSE continue its proud tradition of excellence.”

Danielle Chastain, a longtime educator at HSE Schools, will step into the role of principal at Deer Creek Elementary School. She has more than 30 years of experience, including instructional coach at DCE, principal at Southeastern Elementary and Riverside Intermediate Schools and interim Director of Elementary Education.

McCaffrey begins his new role July 1. He takes over from Reggie Simmons, who is departing at the end of the 2024-25 school year.

“I am thrilled to have Danielle Chastain lead Deer Creek Elementary,” Mapes stated. “Her deep connection to our district, passion for academic excellence and commitment to student wellbeing make her an ideal leader.”

Chastain begins her new role July 1. She succeeds Principal Linda Ededuwa, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

Nawla Williams will be the new director of Hamilton Southeastern Fishers Academy. Williams has served as Senior Academic Dean and most recently as Dean of Students at Fishers High School. She will take over the position from Brandon Cloud, who is transitioning to the district’s Director of Career and Technical Education position.

MSDLT names new tech officer

news@currentinfishers.com

The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township School Board voted April 28 to appoint Andrew Harsha as the district’s new chief technology officer.

EDUCATION

According to an announcement from the district, Harsha will transition to this new role on July 1. He has been serving as director of secondary education for MSDLT since 2022. Harsha previously served as the principal at Belzer Middle School and spent his entire professional career in the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township “I look forward to transitioning to this new role of chief technolo-

Harsha

gy officer and will continue efforts to support teaching and learning in our schools, ensuring the best possible educational experience for our students,” Harsha stated. “I have had the privilege of serving in the MSD of Lawrence Township since 2001 as a coach, teacher, teacher leader, assistant principal, principal and director at the secondary Level. I have learned from each one of those roles and have been proud to serve in each one.”

Superintendent Shawn Smith stated that the district is proud to promote Harsha to the new position.

Harsha earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in English from Ball State University in 2000. He earned his Master in Educational Administration from Nova Southeastern University and did administrative coursework at IUPUI.

Williams

McCaffrey

Chastain

Martin University picks Fishers resident as new CFO

news@currentinfishers.com

Martin University recently announced that Fishers resident Kenneth Mayfield has been hired as its new chief financial officer.

EDUCATION

Mayfield has more than 20 years of experience in public sector finance, strategy and operations, according to the announcement, and most recently was CFO of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. In his new role, he will manage all financial functions of the university, including budgeting, financial planning and analysis, compliance and internal controls.

integrity of the organizations he has served,” Martin University President Sean Huddleston stated. “We welcome him as a valued member of our executive team and know he will make an immediate impact.”

Mayfield has a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in accounting from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Bachelor of Science in public financial management from Indiana University. He is active in the professional finance community and most recently served as president of the Central Indiana Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants.

“Kenneth has built a reputation for bringing clarity to complex financial environments and strengthening the fiscal

Founded in 1977, the private nonprofit Martin University in Indianapolis is the state’s only predominantly Black institution of higher education.

FYI seeks new executive director — Fishers Youth Initiative, formerly the Youth Mentoring Initiative and Fishers Youth Assistance Program, is looking for a new executive director following the resignation of Brittany Rayburn, The position posting can be found at ymionline.org/news. Interested candidates can email schoenrock@memoryventures.com.

David Weekley Homeowners Jacques & Deanna Paul-Blanc

Mayfield

Fishers announces site of new AgriPark

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The City of Fishers has chosen the location for a second Fishers AgriPark, announcing on its website that the new agricultural park will be built at 106th Street and Allisonville Road, near Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Plans call for the new park to celebrate its first plantings in spring 2026.

Mayor Scott Fadness announced preliminary plans for the second AgriPark during his Feb. 5 State of the City presentation, along with plans to improve services at the existing 33-acre AgriPark on Florida Road.

“This one’s near and dear to my heart — I’m a farm boy from North Dakota,” he said. “Our AgriPark last year saw 30,000 visitors. It produced 150,000 pounds of produce, and we’re going to put a country store at the Fishers AgriPark. This country store will be a consignment for farmers who want to sell their goods .. year round. It also will be a place for classrooms, because if you remember, every second-grader in the City of

Fishers visits the AgriPark multiple times a year to learn about science and agriculture. This project has been so popular that I’m excited to say today that there will be an AgriPark 2.0.”

The first AgriPark, 11171 Florida Rd., had its grand opening in July 2020. While popular, it is a long drive for Fishers residents who live on the west side of the community. To better serve those residents, city officials explored potential locations and eventually chose the undeveloped site at the corner of 106th and Allisonville for the Fishers AgriPark West.

According to the city’s website, the new park will include cultivated fields where residents can pick fresh produce and sunflowers, farm animals and pasture areas, wildflower and native plant fields, and a trail.

The city has completed brush clearing and soil sampling, according to the website. A preliminary design has been created and additional design work is ongoing. Development at the park is expected to begin this fall.

For more, visit fishersagripark.com/ agriparkwest.

Mudsock Youth Athletics plans KICK Challenge – Mudsock Youth Athletics has announced the return of the KICK Corporate Challenge, set for Sept. 19 at Billericay Park in Fishers. Registration is open for area businesses to compete in a day of kickball, camaraderie and community impact. Proceeds help fund youth program scholarships for Fishers families in need, coach training and background checks, and field maintenance, benefiting more than 11,000 young athletes in the community. To register, visit myathletics.com/kick.

Walk-in Orthopedic Care for Sudden Injuries

When sudden injuries happen, OrthoIndy Urgent Care is here to provide fast, specialized care with several advantages over an ER including:

• Shorter wait times

• On-site, highly trained orthopedic providers

• Specialized imaging for a faster diagnosis

• On-site splinting

• Immediate treatment plan

A second Fishers AgriPark is planned at 106th Street and Allisonville Road. (Image courtesy of the City of Fishers)

Communication board

installed at Cool Creek Park

news@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton County Parks and Recreation recently announced the installation of a communication board at Cool Creek Park.

INCLUSION

The communication board is in the playground area near the park’s entrance at 151st Street on the Westfield/Carmel border. The installation is designed to assist individuals who are nonverbal or have speech impairments. The board allows the user to express their needs, feelings and ideas by pointing to words or symbols.

Park officials said the communication board is a simple but powerful tool that assists those who face communication barriers and offers the opportunity for children to engage with their peers and communicate in a meaningful way.

“Playgrounds should be spaces where everyone feels welcome and included. The communication board is a resource that helps break down communication barriers and ensures that everyone can fully participate and connect with others,” Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Director Chris

Stice stated.

The board was installed with support from Channing’s Joy Foundation, a national nonprofit organization established in 2022 dedicated to promoting inclusion and acceptance of autism and all individuals with special needs.

The installation is part of HCPR’s effort to improve accessibility and promote inclusion across its parks and public spaces. Learn more at hamiltoncounty.in.gov under the government tab.

DISPATCHES

Children’s health webinars planned

— The Hamilton County Health Department will host a series of free webinars focused on children’s health. The webinars, each starting at 6 p.m., will provide information and resources to parents and caregivers in the community on a range of topics. Register at tinyurl.com/ childrens-health-webinars. The scheduled webinars are:

• June 4: CPR instruction for children

• June 18: Internet safety class for parents

• Aug. 20: Back to school immunizations

Walk 4 Hearing set — The Hearing Loss Association of America, which has an Indianapolis chapter, is hosting its annual Walk 4 Hearing fundraiser, set for June 14 at the JW Marriott, 10 S. West St. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. with the walk starting at 9:45 a.m. For more, visit walk4hearing.org. For more about the HLAA Indianapolis chapter, visit hlaa-indianapolis.org.

JCC, YMCA announce holiday agreement — JCC Indianapolis and YMCA of Greater Indianapolis have established a holiday reciprocity agreement, which means that on religious holidays when one organization has limited hours or is closed, but the other is fully open, members of the affected center can visit the other free of charge. Schedules can be viewed at JCCindy.org/ schedules and indymca.org/schedules.

Coroner’s office program planned —The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office is participating in the My Heart Your Heart pacemaker donation program, an initiative that provides cardiac devices to underserved populations worldwide. The program collects, sterilizes and reuses pacemakers to help patients in need across the globe.

Report potholes in Fishers — The Fishers Department of Public Works team filled 4,286 potholes across Fishers in 2024. Residents can report potholes at fishersin.gov/services-resources/city-services/ fishers-connect.

A communication board was recently installed at the playground at Cool Creek Park. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation)

Local officials get look at new 4-H buildings

RENOVATIONS news@currentnoblesville.com

Local leaders and community members received a first look at the newly renovated 4-H Exhibition Building and Llama Barn at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds April 28. The project marks the first major upgrade to the site in more than 25 years.

Hamilton County Director of Communications Tammy Sander said the improvements are part of Phase 1 of a three-phase redevelopment plan designed to modernize and expand the 40-acre campus. The newly renovated buildings will open to the public June 1.

“These improvements will provide accessible public space for more community events, support the Hamilton County Extension, agricultural and life science industries, provide world-class learning space and act as a catalyst for economic development for the City of Noblesville and Hamilton County,” Purdue Extension Hamilton County Director Susan Peterson stated.

Sander said Indianapolis construction

The expanded interior of the Llama Barn at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds at 2003 Pleasant St. in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County)

firm Skender oversaw renovations to the 24,000-square-foot Exhibition Center, which features a new roof, new flooring, new restrooms and improved audio/visual capabilities. Hagerman Construction oversaw the Llama Barn renovation, which features 2,117 square feet of additional space, new restrooms, a catering prep

area, large air fans, heating and cooling upgrades, and improved audio/visual capabilities.

The Hamilton County Council and Commissioners committed $15 million toward the first phase, according to Sander.

“The county understood the need for a long overdue investment in this vital community asset,” Hamilton County Council President Sue Maki stated. “We saw this as an opportunity to not only support 4-H but to create a high-impact venue that brings lasting value to Hamilton County residents.”

Sander said one signature piece of Phase 1 is a new Bicentennial Pavilion, set to open in time for the Hamilton County 4-H Fair, July 17–21. The Pavilion replaces the O.V. Winks and Annex Buildings, which had to be removed for the Pleasant Street expansion. The county will soon announce a date for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Additional phases of the project are contingent on additional funding but could include the construction of a 20,000-square-foot Show Arena, two silos marking the entrance and the replacement of aging outdoor structures.

DISPATCHES

Fishers Community Center membership pre-sales— The Fishers Community Center, set to open in November, has launched membership pre-sales. The center has four membership options, along with discounts for seniors, veterans, teachers and Fishers residents. The center will offer some features free to everyone, including an indoor walking track, indoor playground, Sahm’s Community Café and gathering spaces. Members will have access to amenities such as the aquatic facility, fitness center, sports courts and sauna. A separate membership for the 2-acre dog park will be available this spring. For more, visit FishersCommunityCenter.com.

Summer camp registration opens — Registration for 2025 Fishers Parks Summer Camps has opened for Fishers residents. Fishers Parks offers camps for children ages 5 and older. Register at PlayFishers.com/SummerCamp. Fishers Parks has switched to a new registration software. Learn more about setting up a new account at FishersParks.com.

‘RUFF’ & READY

Fishers therapy dog brings unconditional love to elementary students

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Reggie the poo-ton has quickly become a favorite at Lantern Road Elementary School as he greets students getting off their buses, walks through the hallways with owner and resource teacher Jill Early and listens patiently as students read out loud to him.

Reggie is a trained therapy dog and has been for most of his seven years. He only recently has been able to accompany Early to school, though, after she got permission from Hamilton Southeastern Schools administration for the dog to make weekly visits and interact with students.

Early said she always wanted to be able to bring her dog to school and when she got Reggie as a puppy seven years ago, she started training him as soon as possible. Although it took a long time before she was able to bring him to work with her, he’s had plenty of therapy-dog experience in other locations, such as hospitals, nursing homes and adult day cares.

“And then, I finally got the OK (to bring him to schoo) l,” she said. “He comes on Fridays with me … and the kids ask every day, ‘Where’s Reggie? Why isn’t Reggie here?’ ‘He’s coming on Friday.’ ‘Which day is Friday?’ So, a couple kids yesterday were like, ‘Tomorrow’s Friday. Reggie comes tomorrow. Tomorrow’s a Reggie day.’ He has definitely quickly become the star of the building.”

She said when she brings Reggie to school, they like to greet the kids first thing in the morning.

“Right now it’s a lot of learning for the kids,” she said. ”They all want to gather (around him) and I’m like, ‘OK, you pet him and keep going. Pet him and keep going.’”

Early noted that parents were informed before Reggie started accompanying her to school, in case students had allergies or were afraid of dogs. She keeps Reggie away from a classroom where one student has severe allergies, she said, and other kids with mild allergies know to not pet him.

Reggie’s breed is a mix of poodle and Coton de Tulear. The latter breed is described by the American Kennel Club website as an “immensely charming dog” bred

for companionship. Poodles are known for their intelligence and both breeds are low or non-shedding, which Early said was important because her own daughter has allergies.

Early works primarily with students who have learning disabilities or are neurodivergent. She said Reggie’s presence can

help those students when they’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

“We have some classrooms in the building that I’m not responsible for the kids, but they’re the more severe kids and have some bigger behaviors and big emotions,” she said. “He will walk in and they will just calm.”

TRAINING A THERAPY DOG

To be a good therapy dog, the primary skill is obedience. Jill Early said she took her dog, Reggie, to First Friends K-9 for training when he was still a young pup.

“We took the puppy class, then there was a beginners class, then a novice class,” she said. “They’re eight-week classes, where you go once a week. I would work with him (at home) every day on the skills — just the basic commands of down, stay, sit, leave it, walk, heeling.”

While obedience training is extremely important, temperament also is a key ingredient for good therapy dogs.

“He has the right temperament, and I did not know that when he was a puppy,” Early said. “I was just hoping. I have

a daughter who has very high anxiety. She’s in college now, but he has been fabulous through her anxiety. He can just read people — he can read when someone just needs to sit by him, and he will just go sit with you.”

Although not necessary for his therapy dog work, Early added in agility and scent training, just for fun. Despite all that schooling, though, Reggie still has his stubborn moments.

“It’s funny, because when he’s at home and in the yard, he does not listen to a word you say,” she said. “When he’s on his turf in the yard, you can call his name and he will not listen to a word you say, which makes my husband very, very upset.”

Reggie also is a good, nonjudgmental listener and students who are hesitant to read in other situations are willing to read out loud to him. A few students came into the classroom for a quick session with Early, and they all started with a quick card game that encourages reading skills. As they played the game, students reached out to pet Reggie while he sat quietly next to Early.

A short time later, a couple of students took turns reading out loud to the dog, carefully working through words on the page while Reggie listened and, at one point, took a quick nap.

Early said Reggie helps the kids in other ways, too.

“I have one student who is very hesitant to come to school every day and we met her at the door this morning and walked her in,” Early said. “I said, ‘Here, help me hold the leash.’ And she holds one end of the leash, I hold a part of the leash, and we walked to class. So, just things like that. It makes the kids happy and he makes them want to be here.”

ON THE COVER: A student at Lantern Road Elementary School reads out loud to Reggie, a trained therapy dog. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

Lantern Road Elementary resource teacher Jill Early and several students play a card game that promotes reading skills while her trained therapy dog Reggie watches. (Photos by Leila Kheiry

Lantern Road Elementary resource teacher Jill Early brings her trained therapy dog Reggie to school every Friday to interact with students.

Filigree opens new shop

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Even when she was a little girl, Laura Lachowecki loved to bake and “vetted” her own babysitters to make sure they would bake with her.

It’s no wonder she ended up baking professionally and — after a few years selling her popular baked goods at the Broad Ripple Farmers Market — Lachowecki has opened her own shop, Filigree Bakery, 6331 Carrollton Ave., off College Avenue in Broad Ripple.

Lachowecki said after culinary school and a few years bouncing around various jobs, she needed something with better hours because she’d had her first child. The COVID-19 pandemic led her on that new path.

“I was like, ‘Hey, you know, I haven’t made (macarons) in a really long time. I miss making them, so how about I just make a batch,’ and I posted them online,” she said. “People were like, ‘Hey, I really want some of those. Those are great. Are they for sale?’ And then all of my friends started porch pickups and it really just kind of snowballed very organically.”

A representative from the Broad Ripple Farmers Market invited her to sell baked goods there, she said, and the business expanded from the occasional pop-up to a full-time gig.

“Each year, we’ve just grown and grown and grown and I’m like, ‘I need to get everything out of my house,’” she said, adding that every available space was filled

with bakery “stuff.”

Laura Lachowecki, owner of Filigree Bakery, recently opened her first brick-and-mortar shop. (Photo courtesy of Laura Lachowecki)

It took time to find the perfect spot — Lachowecki wanted a shop close to home — and they eventually landed on the small building on Carrollton. The new shop opened for business in mid-April with limited hours. Lachowecki said they’ve now expanded those hours and are open for business Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lachowecki said she still plans to participate in the weekly farmers market.

“If it wasn’t for the farmers market, I wouldn’t have the store,” she said. “We just have such a strong following at the farmers market. It’s just a great community with all the other vendors, too.”

Lachowecki is known for her macarons, but Filigree Bakery also offers cakes, brownies, breads and more. She said the business is introducing ice cream sandwiches and she’d like to eventually add cheesecakes and other sweet treats.

For more, visit filigreebakery.com or visit its Instagram, @filigree.bakery, or Facebook, facebook.com/filigreebakery.

DISPATCHES

State chamber names Best Places to Work — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce recently announced the companies ranked as the Best Places to Work in Indiana, based on employer reports and anonymous employee surveys. The top companies in five categories were: Safety Resources, Inc., Indianapolis, won the small-business category; Ultimate Technologies Group, Fishers, won the small-medium category; United Consulting, Indianapolis, won the medium category; McGohan Brabender, Indianapolis, won the large category; and ARCO Design/Build, a national firm with a location in Indianapolis, won the major category. For more, visit indianachamber.com/news-resources/ press-releases.

CPCU board announced — The Central Indiana Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society Chapter has announced its Board of Directors for 2025. Serving through Dec. 31 are: President Tyson Vaughn, Gregory & Appel Insurance; Vice President David Paul, Astra Insurance Group; Secretary Rebekah Moore, FCCI Insurance Group; Treasurer Michael Schliesmann, Protective Insurance; Immediate Past President Melissa Droste, Cincinnati Specialty Underwriters; and directors Aaron Dubas, Liberty Mutual Insurance; Amy Howell, Travelers Insurance; John Newlin, FCCI Insurance Group; Seth Payton, Arlington/Roe Insurance; Alicia Peetz, Pekin Insurance; Eric Richmond, Hanover Insurance; Melissa Rightley, Erie Insurance; and Craig Sanford,Church Mutual Insurance.

BIRDIES FORE THE BLIND

One is good, two may be better

Commentary by Dr. Amy Iddins

In our fast-paced world, visual demands are more varied than ever. From reading tiny text on our phones to focusing on distant presentations, our eyes juggle a multitude of tasks that often require different types of vision.

VISION

For many, a single pair of glasses simply isn’t enough. As we navigate work, leisure and everything in between, having multiple pairs tailored to specific situations can enhance comfort, clarity and productivity.

Today’s eyewear options are extensive. Technology has advanced, offering everything from single vision glasses to progressive lenses and anti-fatigue designs. For those younger than 40, one pair may suffice. However, increased screen time and social media use can lead to eye strain and fatigue. For these patients, anti-fatigue lenses with blue light-blocking coatings can help keep their eyes relaxed and comfortable.

As we age, our focusing ability changes. By our mid-50s, many find they need reading prescriptions to focus on near objects. Bifocals or progressive lenses can provide clear vision at all distances, but they often fall short at the computer distance. A secondary pair of computer glasses can great-

ly improve comfort for those spending long hours at a desk, eliminating the need to tilt the head back to see clearly.

Sunglasses with UV protection are essential for people of all ages, whether driving or enjoying the outdoors. For those wearing glasses full time, prescription sunglasses are one recommendation I never hesitate to make, and patients find them incredibly beneficial.

Many patients also choose to invest in specialty glasses for hobbies and unique work environments — whether for golfing, biking, shooting or safety needs. Having lenses tailored to their activities can be a true game changer. Lastly, many people prefer casual glasses for daily wear and dressier options for nights out. Eyewear can be a fun fashion accessory and a great way to express one’s sense of style.

Although some may feel multiple pairs of glasses are unnecessary, the versatility they provide ensures that you always have the right eyewear for any situation, improving overall quality of life and functionality.

During Indy Ignite’s final home game of the season May 1, Meijer Team Gives, in partnership with Indy Ignite, presented a $9,100 donation check to Riley Children’s Foundation to help fund programs supporting children’s health and wellbeing. Meijer Store Director Shaina Auld, second from left, presented a replica check on behalf of the Meijer Team Gives program to Riley Children’s Foundation representatives Alane Helmer, left, and Samanatha Burke. (Photo courtesy of Meijer)

Dr. Amy Iddins is an optometrist at RevolutionEYES and Little Eyes in Fishers.

CCP sets 2025-26 schedule

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel Community Players’ 202526 season schedule offers a mix of plays, including comedies and dramas, from different points in history.

PERFORMANCES

Star production for younger performers of “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical” is schedule for June 12-21. The season then closes with “Native Gardens” Aug. 7-16.

“Despite exploring different time periods, each show feels current and relevant in their own way,” CCP Artistic Director Hannah Janowicz said. “We are thrilled for the privilege to open the season with ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ as the book will soon celebrate its 65th anniversary.”

Janowicz

“I’m especially eager for ‘Native Gardens,’” Janowicz said. “The script is delightfully funny, honest and a breath of fresh air — pun intended,” she said. “‘Men on Boats’ will be one to look out for as well --history with a twist, and ironic as the cast is meant to be composed of anyone but actual men.”

“To Kill a Mockingbird” is set for Sept. 12-21 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. That will be followed by “Four Weddings and an Elvis” Nov. 14-23 at The Cat.

The 2026 portion of the schedule opens with “The Spitfire Grill” Feb. 27 to March 8 at The Switch Theatre in Fishers. The last three productions are at The Cat. “Men on Boats” is set for April 27-26. The Rising

One thing new this season is that Carmel Community Players is replacing one of the Saturday evening performances with a Saturday matinee. The second weekend will have a 2:30 p.m. performance instead of a 7:30 p.m.

“We’ve had fantastic ticket sales with our Sunday matinee performances in the past couple of seasons,” Janowicz said. “We’re hoping the addition of a Saturday matinee expands viewing options and can accommodate those unable to attend evening performances.”

For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

New dinner theater opens

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel resident Paul Parnell figures there is nothing better than a dinner and a show in the same venue.

MUSICAL

The Downtown Dinner Theatre opened May 2 with “Imagination,” which runs through May 18 at the Murat Shrine Center in Indianapolis. The Dinner Theatre is a partnership between the Murat Shrine of Indiana and On-Stage LIVE! Entertainment.

beautiful theater with a lot of seating and a lot of space. Dinner is included in the price of the ticket with soft drinks and meal. Then you take the elevator upstairs to the Arabian Room.”

Parnell

The two nonprofits will host a season of six shows at the 250-seat theater.

“It’s pretty exciting because we had been in a place in Greenwood for a while, which was not a good fit for what we’re doing,” said Parnell, who serves as a music director with On-Stage Live!. “A good portion of the people attending our shows were from Indianapolis and the Carmel/ Westfield area. This is much more convenient and it’s in a historical building that is just beautiful. (Murat Shrine Center) spent over $100,000 in renovating. It’s a

Parnell said the only other dinner theater in the area is Beef & Boards on the north side of Indianapolis.

Parnell has composed two songs for “Imagination” and is performing in the show.

“I was not in the original cast, but one of our original members had a commitment and had to drop out,” he said. “So, I scrambled to learn lines and songs. (The musical’s story) is to remind people we started with a full imagination as a child, but as we get older and situations don’t always go the way we imagined they would, we kind of lose our imagination. If I can think about it and work out a plan, I can make this happen.”

Parnell has produced On-Stage Live! shows in the past.

“The Christmas show we do every year is all original Christmas music,” he said. For more, visit downtowndt.com.

NIGHT & DAY

IWS features Latin pieces

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jay S. Gephart’s first season as Indiana Wind Symphony’s music director ends with a Latin flourish.

The IWS presents “Noches Calientes!” at 4 p.m. May 18 at the Payne and Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“It’s a wide range of Latin music. It’s not the same style over and over again with different pieces,” said Gephart, who replaced founder Charles Conrad, who retired after the 2023-24 season. “We start off with a very standard Latin (fast-paced march) called ‘Amparito Rose,’ a very standard march played throughout the country by concert bands.”

“When Sheldon wrote it, it was at the request of a district in Florida where this individual was living,” Gephart said.

Gabriel Musella’s “Don Ricardo” is another Latin march set for the first half of the program. It was written to honor band director Richard Crain from Spring, Texas.

“(Crain is) one of the big names of the band world. He was the president of Midwest Clinic for a number of years,” Gephart said.

The first half closes with Arturo Maquez’s “Danzon No. 2.” The second half opens with “Tex Mex on the Riverwalk” from “San Antonio Dances” by Frank Ticheli. That is followed by Henry Mancini’s “It Had Better Be Tonight” from “The Pink Panther.”

The second half also includes “Mambo Greats,” a medley of four familiar mambos.

The next piece is “Fete-Dieu A Seville” from a suite from “Iberia” by Isaac Albeniz. Another featured piece is “Danzas Cubanas,” which was written by Robert Sheldon to honor Latin band director Ubaldo Montesino, who lived in Florida.

The concert closes with “En Cafecito’ by University of Oregon band director Dennis Llinas, whose parents were Cuban and Colombian. The title refers to a small coffee drink, which Gephart said is similar to an expresso loaded with sugar.

For more, visit indianawindsymphony. org.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Central Indiana Dance Ensemble Artistic Director Ashley Jacobs found the perfect fit to close its season.

CIDE will present “Beauty and the Beast” for the first time May 17-18 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The performances are 7:30 p.m. May 17, and 1 and 4 p.m. May 18.

“As we planned our 25th anniversary season, we knew we wanted to add a fresh storybook ballet to our repertoire — something timeless, magical and new,” Jacobs said.

Audrey Robbins plays the role of Belle.

scenes to dance are the two pas de deux (dance duet). The only problem that I have encountered is probably the pantomime, because it is new to me.”

Carmel High School junior Stella Roudebush plays Mrs. Potts.

“I am really looking forward to dancing with all of my friends and interacting with them as their characters,”

“I’m most looking forward to being able to bring the character of Belle to life on stage,” said Robbins, a homeschooled high school junior from Carmel. “While I love the entire ballet, my favorite

Roudebush said. “I love the scene when Belle comes to the castle for the first time because it represents every character’s personality so well. There is a lot of acting in this ballet and I have been challenging myself to make the character come to life.”

Along with handling choreography, Paul Tillman plays the role of the Beast.

“I’ve had tons of fun creating this ballet,” said Tillman, a Westfield resident. “Starting from scratch allows you to have some creative liberties with the telling of the story. For more, visit cidedance.org.

Gephart

Robbins Roudebush

Tillman

LIFESTYLE

Across

Small fluid holders 5. UIndy instructor 9. Detest 13. IU sports org.

14. *Principal/base metal?

15. Gray Eagle Golf Club club

16. Mud Creek Players play parts

17. Not for 18. Bugle call

19. *Show/a gift?

21. *Unite/a farm machine?

24. “Days of ___ Lives”

25. Service charge

26. Scoundrel

27. White River angler’s aid

28. “___ be an honor”

29. Element with the shortest name

30. Former Notre Dame coach Parseghian

31. Magic, on a Pacers

scoreboard

33. Tic-tac-toe winner

34. Small valley

35. One of two words spelled the same, but pronounced differently...and a hint to the starred clues

39. Designer Chanel

42. Luau instrument, briefly

43. ___-friendly

45. Indy Film Fest mo.

46. Eiteljorg Museum tribe

47. Ryder Cup side

49. Lingerie item

52. “You ___ worry...”

54. WFYI network

55. ___ for tat

56. *Null and void/shut-in

58. *Guide/a behavior

60. Take the bait

61. Norway’s capital

63. Tennis great Arthur

athletes

65. *Rip/an eye drop?

66. Wranglers alternatives

67. Great American Ball Park team

68. Some Colts linemen

69. Prefix for “while” Down

1. Fasten with a click

20. Pay taxes online 2

64. University of Evansville

2. Build up, as interest

3. Provide special treatment for

4. Back talk

5. Mars or Mercury

6. Leased

7. Hoosier Park feedbag morsel

8. Banking initials

9. Hired assassin

10. Spirited horses

11. Newsworthy

12. Trap

LEGAL NOTICE DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC AND INDIANAPOLIS

POWER & LIGHT COMPANY D/B/A AES INDIANA NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE CHANGE

IN BOUNDARY LINES

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) and Indianapolis Power & Light Company d/b/a AES Indiana (“AES Indiana”) hereby give notice that on April 30, 2025, a Joint Petition was filed with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission for approval to modify service area boundaries between Duke Energy Indiana and AES Indiana associated with an area along the north side of East 96th Street between the White River and River Place Drive in Fishers, Indiana located on U.S.G.S. Facet Map P-16-1 in Hamilton County, Indiana pursuant to Ind. Code § 8-1-2.3-6.

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC By: Stan Pinegar, President

22. Hunter constellation

Panache

In addition

32. Butler frat letter

33. Wash. neighbor

34. Letters on some Ed Martin trucks

36. ___-frutti

37. Barely make

38. Crave

39. “Pretty please?”

40. Wedding reception amenity