Geist resident, World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday Page 12
HSE identifies more than $7M in budget cuts
Page 2
Page 3
City may allow ADUs in Village Center Zoning District
Page 4
Bikers assist FPD in child solicitation investigation
Page 7
2 HSE students receive county service awards
Allisonville, 116th construction work to pick up June 1 Page 9
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Founded Jan. 25, 2011, Fishers, IN Vol. XVI, No. 19
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HSE identifies more than $7M in budget cuts
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Facing another year of deficit spending and a potential November referendum, Hamilton Southeastern School District’s budget task force has been working on ways to cut spending and has identified approximately $7.7 million — primarily from personnel.
The HSE Board of Trustees heard an update on the task force’s work during its May 13 meeting.
Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown told the board that in 2025, the district had a deficit of about $8 million, covered through the district’s reserve funds — and this year’s budget shows additional deficit spending.
“And so, saying this in a slightly different way, you cannot continue to spend your savings account,” he said. “We eventually run out of money.”
Brown said the task force’s goal was to cut a minimum of $5 million from the upcoming year’s budget. Although the task force was able to exceed that goal, there will still be a deficit in the coming year and more cuts for the task force to find.
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“This is a continuous process — analysis, refining recommendations — and probably the new norm for quite some time,” he said. “And I’m not saying (just) cutting positions. I’m simply saying every opportunity we have to analyze opportunities, we’re going (to take).”
Recommendations from the task force for the coming year include restructuring bus routes to reduce the number of routes and drivers needed; charging students for consumable materials such
as workbooks and art supplies; charging athletic and performing arts participation fees; optimizing heating and air conditioning units to reduce electricity costs and reducing the amount of printed materials. The largest cost to the district is personnel, and that’s where most of the identified cost savings come from. Brown said that in the Central Office, six vacancies will not be filled, saving about $730,000. Among the technology, transportation and support staff, the task force identified about $1.4 million in salary and benefits savings. Teachers, as the largest group of employees, felt the biggest cuts — about $4.8 million from a combination of retirements, resignations and reductions-in-force.
Identified savings from personnel costs totaled about $6.7 million.
resignations moving forward, continue to go to that list … and continue to ask people to come back,” he said. “Stay tuned, because it sometimes changes literally by the hour.”
Board members thanked Brown and the task force for their work.
“We have fewer students, we have fewer funds and we’re doing the best we can,” Board Member Ben Orr said.
“But I know a lot of people were touched directly by some of these cuts … and it’s tough, but at the same time, we sit up here with the job to do, as you and your staff do.”
Brown also presented the district’s new finance website. The page has links explaining school finances, revenue, various district funds, legislation affecting school funding and a FAQ. It also has a financial summary that will be updated mid-month throughout the year.
Board Member Suzanne Thomas said she was happy to see the information online and easily accessible to the public.
“I know that several board members … have often and frequently asked for this work,” she said. “I commend (Board President Tiffany) Pascoe, working and dealing with your team and the administration’s team for putting this all together. I know we’ve all requested this over time and to see it come to fruition, I am blown away.”
Superintendent Matt Kegley noted that among the 18 teachers who received RIF notices the previous week, six have been called back following resignations or retirements.
“We will … as we get retirements and
The website can be viewed at hseschools.org/community/finances.
The next HSE Board of Trustees meeting is a work session to discuss plans for a new referendum, set for 6 p.m. May 27 at the district’s administrative building, 13485 Cumberland Rd.
Brown
Orr
Kegley
Thomas
A Hamilton Southeastern School District task force has identified approximately $7.7 million in budget cuts, mostly from personnel. (File photo)
COMMUNITY
Traffic pattern shifts June 1
news@currentinfishers.com
Road construction at the intersection of Allisonville Road and 116th Street will pick up starting June 1, with work crews expected to begin the first major phase that week, weather permitting.
According to an announcement from the City of Fishers, the first phase will include some lane restrictions.
Drivers should expect:
• Inside lanes at 116th Street and Allisonville Road will be restricted
• All business access will remain open as right-in/right-out only
• Access to River Glen via River Glen Drive will be right-in/right-out only
• Drivers should expect lane shifts, restrictions and slower travel through the area
The construction phase is expected to continue through mid-July, weather permitting. Work schedules could change due to field conditions or material availability.
“As a reminder, this project focuses on lane and roadway improvements to enhance traffic flow and safety at
the intersection only, and is not being constructed as a roundabout,” the announcement stated.
A roundabout was originally planned for that intersection, but that concept changed following an updated traffic study that showed improvements could be made with extended turn lanes and updated infrastructure.
Preliminary work at the intersection started in mid-April, with completion expected in October.
For updates, visit FishersIN.gov/ RoadConstruction.
Students win numbers games
news@currentinfishers.com
High school and elementary students at Hamilton Southeastern Schools recently earned statewide recognition for their math skills.
A team from HSE High School was the first to win the IU Indy Math Contest team title four years in a row. It marked the school’s fifth team title in the last six years.
According to the school district, about 40 HSE students entered the competition, with individuals earning honorable mention, third-place and second-place awards. Together, the group brought home more than $100,000 in scholarships and $1,700 in cash awards from the April 24 awards ceremony.
The district also announced that 23 third-graders have been nominated for recognition through a new partnership between the Indiana Department of Education and the nonprofit organization National Math Stars.
The nominated elementary students and their schools are:
• Deer Creek — Alexander Dodd, Bryce Nieten, Elijah Taylor
• Fall Creek — Andrew Chang, Josephine Sturm
• Geist — Leo Lambert, Parker Law
• Harrison Parkway — Theodore Hampshire, Jahlan Morgan
• Hoosier Road — Quincy Adams, Bali Jyoti
• Lantern Road — Angelo Tippmann, Isaac Caskey
• New Britton — Harvey Lancaster
• Sand Creek — Marli Perry
• Southeastern — Mukhil Johnson, Grant Wall, Mark Lindaur, Oliver Pott, Taylor Lanwehr
• Thorpe Creek — Violet Ivanson, Nolan Renick, Margaret Reschly
Construction at the 116th Street and Allisonville Road intersection is expected to last through October. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)
A team from HSE High School was the first school team to win the IU Indy Math Contest team title four years in a row. (Photo courtesy of HSE Schools)
Proposal would allow ADUs
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Fishers is considering an amendment to city code that would allow accessory dwelling units within the Village Center Zoning District, a residential area close to the city’s downtown core.
Zoning Administrator Lucas Smith introduced the proposal to the Fishers City Council May 18 for a first reading.
ADUs are additional living quarters on the same site as a primary single-family dwelling. The proposed amendment would allow one ADU up to 800 square feet that provides “complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. It may take various forms: a detached unit; a unit that is part of an accessory structure, such as a detached garage; or a unit that is part of an expanded or remodeled dwelling,” according to the ordinance.
Smith said the amendment requires property owners to live either in the primary dwelling or in the ADU.
“So, this amendment will not open an avenue for rental property investors or commercial properties,” he said. “The goal of this amendment is to diversify housing options and increase density in the city’s downtown area.”
He added that property owners throughout the city have asked for ADUs, but the Village Center area makes the most sense. Because much of the area already has been developed as apartments or town homes, the new rule would primarily apply to an area between South Street and Fishers Point Boulevard, south of 116th street.
Smith said the city will host a virtual town hall in June for residents to learn more about the proposal, which likely will go before the plan commission for a
public hearing in July. He anticipated it would come back to the council for final approval on July 20.
E-BIKE REGULATIONS APPROVED
In other matters, the council unanimously approved a new set of regulations for various types of e-bikes — with a focus on e-motos.
The ordinance, introduced last month, was in response to complaints about unsafe use of e-bikes, motorized scooters and e-motos, which are similar to dirt bikes.
The original proposal called for restrictions for Class-3 e-bikes that didn’t apply to other e-bikes. Following feedback from community members, those restrictions were removed. The approved ordinance focuses primarily on restricting e-motos, which are powered exclusively by a motor and can reach speeds up to 70 mph.
The amendment prohibits all e-motos, regardless of top speed, from operating on greenway trails, multi-use trails, sidewalks and bicycle lanes. They can be used on roadways only and must ride near the right edge of the roadway unless passing another vehicle or preparing for a left turn.
The approved ordinance also prohibits e-scooters from greenway trails and roadways.
During public comment at the end of the meeting, some residents expressed concern about the e-moto restrictions.
“I’m not asking the council to ignore safety concerns. I’m asking for fair treatment, a balanced approach, so that younger riders who are acting responsibly are not broadly excluded,” Jason Johnson said, adding that the rules should consider device speed rather than whether it has pedals.
Fishers police seize 200 lbs of marijuana
news@currentinfishers.com
Following an investigation that started in March, the Fishers Police Department announced May 13 that officers had arrested two people and seized more than 200 pounds of marijuana, along with other THC products.
Ian Heath of Freedom and Brenden Grubb of Spencer each face a preliminary felony charge of dealing in marijuana and a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession.
According to FPD, a detective assigned to the Hamilton/Boone County Drug Task Force initiated a narcotics investigation in March after observing a Snapchat profile advertising the sale of marijuana and THC products.
“During the investigation, the detective identified suspects Ian Heath and Brenden Grubb, along with a vehicle believed to be involved in the distribution of narcotics,” the announcement
A Fishers Police Department K-9 with seized marijuana. (Photo courtesy of the Fishers Police Department)
stated. “The detective shared that information with the Fishers Police Department’s Crime Reduction Unit.”
CRU detectives later located the suspect vehicle traveling on I-69. Detectives allegedly observed the vehicle commit multiple traffic infractions and conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, an FPD K-9 officer conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle, and the K-9 positively alerted to the presence of narcotics.
Heath and Grubb were detained while detectives conducted a search of the vehicle, allegedly finding approximately 211 pounds of marijuana, five pounds of pre-rolled marijuana products, 3,696 THC cartridges and a firearm.
Heath and Grubb have had their initial appearances in Hamilton County Court. They are not in custody, according to Hamilton County Jail online records.
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Kira and Ali are available to evaluate your hearing and walk through your many options if you are a hearing aid candidate. They will spend the time explaining the differences in hearing aids, the best options for the hearing concerns you have, and will even have their billing company call to verify if you have a benefit or discount plan for hearing aids through your insurance. We believe we can make the difference in you feeling comfortable and confident with your individual hearing loss action plan.
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Meridian Audiology is proud to host our next Hearing Aids and then some program 6/11/26 from 1:30-3pm in the conference room next to our office Cost is $45 for 2 people to attend, and we encourage the hearing aid user to bring their communication partner with them to the class! We will talk about how hearing aids are only one piece of the communication puzzle and help you find solutions and talk through challenges you have with your current situations. Please RSVP by calling 317-731-5386 or email info@meridianaudiology.com.
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CHILDHOOD
The Lawrence Township community has demonstrated a commitment to traditional public education, evidenced by the 17,000 students who attend school daily and the 2,500 employees who have made the district their professional home. We strive to be the District of Destination, where excellence empowers everyone to reach their full potential.
The school district has a history of academic excellence and a reputation as a leader in K-12 education, boasting comprehensive programming which includes:
• Nationally recognized Dual Language Education
• Nationally recognized Career and Technical Education at McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology
• STEM for All programming in partnership with Project Lead the Way and VEX Robotics
• 4 NAEYC accredited Early Learning Centers
• Programming for exceptional learners
• Robust AP/IB/Dual Credit Offerings
• Six elementary magnet themes
• K-12 High Ability Programming
COMMUNITY
Bikers help in arrest
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
With help from a group called Bikers Against Predators, Fishers Police Department officers arrested Dennis Scholl, a 56-year-old Fishers man, who is charged with felony child solicitation and misdemeanor resisting arrest.
According to a probable cause affidavit, police were called to Home 2 Suites in early February for a report of suspicious activity.
stated in a fake profile that he was “looking for playdates for my daughter.” The biker told police that Scholl reached out through the app and later via text message, asking for specifics and about Gabby’s age. The biker told Scholl that Gabby was 13.
“Upon arrival, officers made contact with (three people) and Dennis Scholl. (The three people) were later determined to be part of the group Bikers Against Predators,” the affidavit stated. “(One of them) advised officers that Scholl was at the hotel to meet ‘Gabby’ … and her ‘mother’ for sexual activity. Scholl believed that ‘Gabby’ was a teenager in the eighth grade.”
One of the bikers told police that he posed online as Gabby’s mother and
The bikers provided screenshots of their communication with Scholl and told police that they arranged to meet him at the hotel. They recorded their interactions with him at the hotel and recorded phone calls between him, “Gabby” and her “mother.”
Goldstein wrote that officers seized cell phones for analysis and to confirm information provided by the bikers.
A warrant for Scholl’s arrest was issued May 14.
According to a separate probable cause affidavit, Scholl resisted as officers placed him in handcuffs, leading to the misdemeanor charge.
Scholl remained in custody at the Hamilton County Jail as of May 20 with bond set at $52,500.
4 accused of battery
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Four women face felony and misdemeanor battery charges for allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman May 17 at the Qdoba in Fishers.
Aniyah Gooch is charged with felony battery with a deadly weapon and felony battery resulting in injury of a pregnant woman, along with a misdemeanor battery charge and misdemeanor possession of marijuana. She’s in custody in the Hamilton County Jail with bond set at $50,000.
Dajah Gooch, also held on $50,000 bail, was charged with felony battery with a deadly weapon, felony battery resulting in injury of a pregnant woman and misdemeanor battery.
Darrique Jackson is charged with felony battery resulting in injury of a pregnant woman and misdemeanor battery. She is in custody on $10,000 bail.
Armoniah Malone’s bail was set at
$7,500 and she faces one misdemeanor battery charge.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the victim told police that the four women entered the restaurant at about 8:30 p.m. and assaulted her behind the counter.
“(The victim) stated that Aniyah Gooch and Dajah Gooch pulled out small knives and tried to stab her in the stomach,” McPherson wrote.
“(The victim) stated that they failed to stab her in her stomach, but she sustained a cut to her left hand. (The victim) stated that during the assault she was hit in the face multiple times, causing injury. (She) stated that Aniyah Gooch and Dajah Gooch then kicked her in the stomach before fleeing.”
The victim told police that she is one month pregnant and that after the assault, Aniyah Gooch posted on social media that “the baby is dead.”
An attorney representing the accused women declined to comment.
Scholl
Aniyah Gooch
Jackson
Dajah Gooch
Malone
Mt. Vernon junior has impact in first HS baseball season
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Mt. Vernon High School junior Parker Althoff is getting his first taste of high school baseball and he loves it.
Althoff was homeschooled until this year.
Mt. Vernon coach Brad King said Althoff has been a nice addition to the program.
“Parker came in during fall workouts and immediately made an impression on our coaching staff,” King said. “He was present at each workout, brought the same work ethic each day and is receptive to coaching. Parker is athletic, versatile and brings a skill set not a lot of high school players have. Parker has played middle infield, outfield and is now in our pitching rotation. Offensively, he has hit throughout the lineup and been consistent at the plate and runs the bases very well.”
Through May 16, Althoff had a .279 batting average with three doubles and one home run. The right-hander
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
MEET PARKER ALTHOFF
Favorite athlete: Ken Griffey Jr.
Favorite movie: “Interstellar”
Favorite subject: Math
Favorite genre of music: Country
Favorite vacation spot: Panama City Beach, Fla.
has a 1-0 record with a 3.36 earned run average.
He will play for the Central Indiana Arabians during the travel season. He previously played for USA Prime.
“I’ve always kind of wanted to play high school baseball and go to high school, but it hasn’t always been the best decision in my parents’ eyes, so we decided to start off with home school.
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Then over the years, I slowly convinced them to let me go to high school, and a big part of that was the high school baseball program and how that would help set me up for the future.”
Althoff said the goal is to be a pitcher in college.
“At the start of the year, it was a little bit more pressure starting off for the high school team because it was my first time seeing that level of competition, because I’ve been homeschooled since middle school,” he said.
Althoff, who mostly plays second base when not pitching, said there was some added pressure, as he wanted to start varsity and the coaches didn’t know him well. He had known a few teammates from travel baseball.
“I’d say I’ve made the most improvement on the mound, honestly,” he said. His favorite pitch is curveball, and his fastball has been clocked at 87 mph. At 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds, he is hoping to get bigger and stronger. Baseball is the only sport he has ever played.
“My dad played baseball and my mother played softball in high school,” Althoff said.
WORLD CLASS SPINE CARE RIGHT HERE
IN FISHERS
Mt. Vernon High School junior Parker Althoff is playing his first season of high school baseball. (Photo courtesy of Parker Althoff)
Althoff
2 HSE students recognized
news@currentinfishers.com
The 34th annual Hamilton County Youth Service Awards ceremony took place May 11 at the Hamilton County Government & Judicial Center in Noblesville.
This year’s recipient of the top $1,000 scholarship was Allison Shen of Carmel High School. All other nominees recognized during the ceremony were awarded $300 scholarships, including Josslyn Lee of Fishers High School and Mason McDonald of Hamilton Southeastern High School.
Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger presented the award to Lee. He said Lee serves as a student board member for the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation and works with Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank.
“Jocelyn has established herself as a prominent leader and advocate within her school and broader Hamilton County community,” he said.
Commissioner Christine Altman presented McDonald’s award. She said McDonald, like Lee, has chosen a drug- and
alcohol-free life. He also is a worship leader at his church.
“Mason’s authentic compassion and patience in his role have made a remarkable impact on his fellow students and program as a whole,” she said.
The ceremony is sponsored by the Hamilton County Commissioners and the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs.
Other nominees were Melanee Forrester of Hamilton Heights High School, Norah Stites of Sheridan High School and Katelyn Bolduc of Westfield High School.
INTERIOR DESIGNER TRADE
Hamilton County councilors and commissioners join area students with their Hamilton County Youth Service Awards plaques. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County)
The MSD of Lawrence Township Schools Congratulates
• $56 Million in Awarded Scholarships • 510 Academic & Technical Honors Diplomas • • 36 IB Candidates • 54 College Core Diplomas • 56 Spanish Immersion Grads •
COMMUNITY
FISHERS JUNE EVENTS
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONS
Hamilton Southeastern Schools Corp. senior commencement ceremonies are scheduled for early June at the Fishers Event Center. Fishers High School’s graduation is set for 7 p.m. June 3 and HSE High School’s is 7 p.m. June 4.
FREE CONCERTS
Fishers Parks’ annual Free Tuesdays at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater kicks off at 7 p.m. June 2 with a concert by Sushi Roll. Additional concerts in June are Living Proof (June 9), Blue Water Kings (June 16), Toy Factory (June 23) and Karma (June 30). For more, visit fishersparks.com/summer-activities-events/ free-tuesday-concerts.
JUNE ART EXHIBIT
The Fishers Arts Council’s June exhibit, “Individual Views: FAC Artist Member Showcase” is on display at the Art Gallery at City Hall, 1 Municipal Drive. A Second Friday reception is set for 6 to 8 p.m. June 12 for the public to meet artists and view the artwork. Light refreshments and music will be provided. For more, visit FishersArtsCouncil.org.
JUNETEENTH
Fishers Arts Council and Fishers High School’s Future Black Leaders club will present the Juneteenth Jubilee from 5 to 8 p.m. June 19 at Conner Prairie.
NEWCOMERS CLUB
Fishers Newcomers Club meets at 3 p.m. the third Thursday of each month. The June meeting will be at the Fishers Community Center. Starting in July, meetings will be at the Delaware Township Community Center, 9090 E. 131 St.
SPARK!FISHERS
The annual Spark!Fishers community festival is set for June 26 and 27 in downtown Fishers. Activities include live music, the Spark!Fishers Car + Art Show, concerts and other entertainment, a drone show, fireworks show, and the Spark!Fishers Street Festival and parade. For more, visit fishersparks.com/ summer-activities-events/sparkfishers.
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
The following Fishers government meetings are scheduled:
• Plat Committee — 4 p.m. June 3 Fishers Municipal Center
• Planned Unit Development — 5 p.m. June 3, Fishers Municipal Center
• Plan Commission - 6 p.m. June 3, Fishers Municipal Center
• Town Hall Building Corporation — 4 p.m. June 8, Fishers Municipal Center
• Board of Public Works & Safety — 9 a.m. June 9 and 23, Fishers Municipal Center
• Finance Committee — 5 p.m. June 10, Fishers Municipal Center
• City Council — 7 p.m. June 15, Fishers Municipal Center
• Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals — 6 p.m. June 24, Fishers Municipal Center
• Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees — 6 p.m. June 10, 13485 Cumberland Rd.
• Nickel Plate Review Committee — 5 p.m. June 24, Fishers Municipal Center
• Fall Creek Board of Zoning Appeals — 6 p.m. June 25, Fishers Municipal Center
DISPATCHES
Correction — In the May 12 edition of Current in Fishers, the Community Spotlight feature misstated where Niharika Gopinath traveled from to visit medical specialists. Her family was in the U.S. and traveled throughout the nation for treatment.
Fishers ranks high — U.S. News & World Report recently named the City of Fishers one of the 2026-2027 Best Places to Live in the nation. Fishers ranked No. 2 in the nation, out of 250 places that were ranked, and No. 2 in Indiana.
Local artist wanted — The Indiana Fever is searching for a central Indiana artist to design and paint a mural on the interior wall of the player parking garage at the new Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center, now under construction. Applications are due July 5 and an artist will be selected by July 31. The mural will be painted in early 2027, ahead of the facility’s opening. Interested applicants can attend a virtual workshop June 15 to learn more about the project. Apply online at indyarts.grantplatform.com.
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A CENTURY OF MEMORIES
Geist resident, World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
When asked his secret to a long life, Geist-area resident Merle Ritter smiled and pointed to his wife, Dolly.
Ritter, a World War II veteran, recently marked his 100th birthday with a combination family reunion and birthday party at the Lawrence Township Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 261. A day before the big celebration, family members who arrived early gathered May 8 — his actual birthday — at Westminster Village North retirement community in Lawrence, where Ritter and his wife have lived for many years.
The centenarian was born and raised in Vermillion County, where his father sold cars and later worked as a railroad engineer.
“When I was 18 years old, my dad says, ‘You’re big enough to go to work, get in the car,’” he said. “This was during the war. So, I went to work on the railroad until I got drafted.”
Ritter went through boot camp, was picked to join the U.S. Navy and eventually was assigned to the USS Ostara, an attack cargo ship commissioned in 1945. He boarded in Newport, Rhode Island, and sailed down to the Panama Canal.
“That’s an experience going through the Panama Canal,” Ritter recalled. “One ocean’s higher than the other, so whichever one (you’re in), you get in there and they raise you up or lower you down. Then there was a freshwater lake that you got to cross … and it’s 10 miles across. But you have to go through locks. Then you can get off on the Pacific Ocean. And that’s how I got out to the South Pacific.”
Ritter and the rest of his crew served in the South Pacific throughout the war, sailing to the Philippines, China and Japan. He later helped take U.S. Army troops to serve in the post-war occupation of Japan and recalled his experience in that nation.
“They treated us real nice,” he said of the people he met in Japan. “I remember the Japanese invited us over to their houses for dinner. They fed us, and they cooked for us — and they do it a little different.”
He remembered taking his shoes off
(Below) Geist-area resident Merle Ritter received an Outstanding Veteran Recognition from the Veterans of Foreign Wars in honor of his 100th birthday May 8. (Photo
at the door and sitting on the floor to eat from low tables. He said the food was delicious and his hosts offered American service members forks to use in place of the traditional chopsticks.
Ritter worked on a mine sweeper for
a while — the USS Enhance — carefully scooping up and removing mines from the ocean without detonating them.
After his overseas service, Ritter continued to serve with the U.S. Navy, working at a top-secret nuclear weap-
PRESIDENTIAL RECOGNITION
100-year-old Geist-area resident Merle Ritter, who served in the Pacific with the U.S. Navy during World War II, has a closet full of medals, plaques and recognition for his service.
On the occasion of his 100th birthday May 8, he also now has a congratulatory letter from President
Trump.
In the letter, the president wished Ritter a happy birthday and expressed gratitude for his service to the nation.
“The grit, tenacity and extraordinary bravery you have displayed throughout your life continue to inspire generations of Americans,” the letter stated.
ons storage location in Hawaii and later at the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, D.C. After 20 years with the Navy, Ritter retired and returned to Indiana. He started a new career, working another 20 years for the U.S. Postal Service office in Greenfield.
Following his second retirement, Ritter moved to Westminster Village North with his late wife, taking advantage of the community’s veteran placement priority. His current wife, Dolly, and her late husband had been friends with the Ritters for many years, and both of their spouses died the same year. She said she helped him after his former wife passed away.
“I actually knew her family and addresses, phone numbers and all that sort of thing better than Merle did,” Dolly, 91, said. “So I helped him call people and all that, and we’d been friends anyway, the two couples — we made trips together. We just kind of drifted together.”
While Merle credits her as his secret to good health, Dolly pointed out that he makes sure to stay active.
“He goes down and exercises almost every day in the basement,” she said. “They have all the equipment there, and he is faithful about going. And then in nice weather, he walks the premises (outside).”
Patti Wallace, Ritter’s niece, said Ritter was a great role model when she was growing up.
“He is the most solid person I’ve ever known, always doing the right thing,” she said. “He was a good organizer. He was always involved in the community. Very active person. We had a lot of good memories from childhood because of him. I would not have gone to college had it not been for Uncle Merle. He was very encouraging of education … and he was fun. We would go to his house on the weekend and he would actually play with us. He would get out the croquet set or a volleyball net. He had a pool, so we’d all be in the pool, and we had a lot of fun.”
ON THE COVER: 100-year-old Geist-area resident Merle Ritter served in the Pacific with the U.S. Navy during World War II. (Photo by
Donald
Leila Kheiry)
(Above) Merle Ritter was drafted when he turned 18 to serve during World War II. He served 20 years with the U.S. Navy. (Photo courtesy of Cathy Dutt)
by Leila Kheiry)
Commentary by Larry Greene
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BUSINESS GUIDE
Carmel and Fishers comprise one of the top commerce areas in all of Indiana. With no end in sight for growth and development, the cities represent the present and future of enterprise to our more than 1,300 members and tens of thousands of consumers in our midst. Business Guide will publish June 30. It will be distributed to 65,713 households in our two cities. It, again, will be a magazine-style publication and will include a complete chamber membership directory and stories on key topics that drive commerce in our cities as well as a look at the future. Directory listings are free of charge to members.
Space reservations due: Ad content due: June 5, 2026 June 8, 2026
Non-chamber members may participate in these guides. Simply add $385 to your buy and OneZone Chamber of Commerce will process your membership.
For more, contact Your Ad Representative by email at ads@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444
New Center Presents season set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The 2026-27 Center Presents season will include two new series, some favorite repeat artists and first-time performers at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
A May 18 season announcement party at the Payne & Mencias Palladium revealed 71 shows for the season.
“It’s as robust as we’ve ever had at the beginning of the season,” Allied Solutions Center President/CEO Jeffrey C. McDermott said. “We’ll typically add a few shows during the season as well. We’re defining two new shows as well as part of the season.”
The two new series are the Spotlight Series and Tribute Series.
“We’ve done tribute shows in the past, and what we’ve tried to do is package them into one series,” he said. “We know there are a lot of people out there who enjoy a tribute show. We don’t go out and get any tribute artists and do these, we go out and make sure we get the top ones we can find.”
The tribute shows include Fleetwood Mac Tribute, Sept. 27; Billy Joel Oct. 8; Michael Jackson, Oct. 16; Paul McCartney, Jan. 30, 2027; The Beach Boys, March 5; and Steely Dan, April 2.
The Pop/Rock shows include first time appearances by Lou Gramm, who was Foreigner’s original lead singer, on Sept. 26 and Mavis Staples on Nov. 12. Staples is the only surviving member of The Staple Singers.
“Mavis has had a legendary career and we’re very excited to have her,” McDermott said. “She’s 86 and still performing and still putting new music out.”
Some other new performers include The War And Treaty, a new husband and wife soul duo, Oct. 28; Arrested Development, hip hop group, Feb. 5, 2027; and Marcus Miller, jazz bassist/ bandleader, Feb. 26.
Broadway legend Bernadette Peters returns Nov. 13. Among the returnees in the 2027 portion of the schedule are Mickey Dolenz with his 60 Years of the
Lou Gramm, the original voice of Foreigner, is set to debut Sept. 26 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)
Monkees Feb. 27 and Dionne Warwick March 20.
McDermott said the Spotlight Series are primarily non-music events,
“It doesn’t have to be music to be art,” he said. “The spoken word is an art form. We are bringing in comic actress and writer Amy Sedaris (Nov. 7), who is funny and brilliant. Something we’re doing is a screening of the movie ‘Hoosiers’ (Nov. 15) on its 40th anniversary of the release. We’ll have the actor who played Buddy and the actor who played Jimmy Chitwood and the writer and director to answer questions about the making of the movie.”
The Police drummer Stewart Copeland will bring his “Have I Said Too Much” show Aug. 2 to The Tarkington. The series includes cabaret and TV star Alan Cumming, from “The Traitors” Jan. 28, 2027.
McDermott said the two new series will likely draw fresh audiences.
“Our data shows when somebody comes here for the first time, there is an 80 percent chance they will return,” he said.
The artists enjoy returning as well.
“There’s a good reason for that is they like being here,” McDermott said. “Bringing (artists) back isn’t always easy because you have to get schedules to line up, but I think we’ve become a venue of preference.”
No one has appeared more than Michael Feinstein, naturally, since he is the Allied Solutions Center artistic director.
Instead of his usual concert in the spring near the end of the season, Feinstein will perform a Dec. 4 holiday concert.
“Michael is usually doing holiday shows in New York City, and this year we have asked him to do a holiday show here,” McDermott said.
Singer-songwriter Jon McLaughlin will return with his holiday show Dec. 11, followed by saxophonist Dave Koz the following day. Koz & Friends are scheduled to make a 13th appearance overall and 12th with the holiday show in Carmel.
Two comedians, Michael Blaustein (Sept. 24) and Becky Robinson (Oct. 9) will make their Carmel debuts.
“We love doing comedy here. Every time we bring a comedian here it brings in a new audience,” McDermott said.
One of the new concerts McDermott is excited about in the Classical Series is actor John Malkovich and the Vienna Academy Orchestra March 18, 2027.
“I think that is going to be a very interesting, unusual and a really entertaining performance,” McDermott said.
Violinist Itzhak Perlman will return to the Payne & Mencias Palladium April 8, 2027.
Following the Songbook Academy concert to open the season July 18, Harry Connick Jr. will perform July 20.
The Encore Series opens with Art Garfunkel July 24, followed by Gladys Knight, Aug. 8; Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Oct. 11: Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Nov. 21 and Ben Folds with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, May 7, 2027.
For a full list of shows, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘CINDERELLA’
“Cinderella” is set for May 28 to July 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards. com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Now That’s Funny, Headlining Maggie Hughes DePalo” is set for May 28, followed by “All The Way Frank, A Sinatra Tribute” May 29 and “Thank You for the Music! An Abba Party” May 30 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
’THE ADDAMS FAMILY’
The Drama Department will present the school edition of “The Addams Family” May 29-31 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more visit thecat.biz.
‘SECRET GARDEN’
Main Street Productions will present “The Secret Garden” from May 28 to June 7 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
New Works show set — Four Indiana performing artists and one visual artist have been selected to receive cash awards and public premiere opportunities through Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts’ annual New Works commission project, now in its fifth season. The 2026 New Works Premiere Performances will take place at 7 p.m. May 30 at The Tarkington and will be livestreamed on Allied Solutions Center’s website and social media accounts. Free tickets are available at TheCenterPresents.org and 1-317-843-3800. The event also will include the unveiling of this year’s winning visual artwork. Each winning proposal receives a $2,500 cash award and technical support in adapting the piece for the stage.
Mavis Staples is set to perform Nov. 12 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth DeLaPiedra)
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
| 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 | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
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
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. BONEY
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Cleopatra’ back at GHDT
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
“Antony and Cleopatra” will have a fresh look when it returns to the stage.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre first presented the piece in 2022.
“I am adding four characters that represent different Egyptian gods,”
GHDT Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock said. “These gods appear throughout the concert in human form and interact with the characters adding to the concept that we as humans may not always be in control of our fate.”
GHDT will present “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.
Hancock wrote the performance to be gender fluid with company dancer Thomas Mason returning in the role of Cleopatra.
“The roles are designed so that any dancer can play them, as their character attributes and purpose for the storyline are more important than their sexual identity,” Hancock said “This allows audience members to connect with and see themself in any character, which assists in them melting into and becoming engaged in the storyline.”
Abbie Lessaris revives her role as Octavia. The role of Marc Antony is being danced by Isaac Jones, formerly of the Dayton Ballet.
Hancock said the other returning dancers are in different roles.
“This allows the dancers to stretch their wings and dig into a new character,” he said. “We also have new dancers in the company now as several dancers have retired since the original 2022 production. So, there are a lot of fresh faces. The current company dancers have been together now for a full season, and they are moving as a dynamic team bringing new heights of artistry and technique to the stage.”
Hancock and composer Cory Gabel collaborated on the piece and also have worked together on “The Casket Girls.”
“Working with Gregory is always a lot of fun, because he brings such a strong visual and emotional imagination to everything he does,” Gabel said. “At this point there’s also a real level of trust between us creatively, which makes it exciting to keep building these productions together and pushing them into new territory.”
Gabel said he hasn’t made any dramatic tweaks to the music.
“The score remains very true to the original production, but we’ve revisited portions of the mix and mastering to give the music even more depth and clarity for this staging,” Gabel said.
Gabel said the music recently has been released on Spotify. Hancock said it’s always great to work with Gabel.
“I think it’s a beautiful story, and in classic Shakespearean style, it is packed in tragedy, betrayal and death,” Hancock said.
For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
- 2/20
The Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre performers, from left, are Camden Kruse, Thomas Mason and Hannah Brown from the 2022 production. (Photo courtesy of Lydia Moody)
‘Jagged Little pill’ to open Civic’s 2026-27 season
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Civic Theatre’s 2026-27 schedule will include some blasts from the past, some new shows and a surprise to be named later.
The 112th season opens with “Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill, The Musical” Oct. 2 to 17 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. All but one of the five shows will be at The Tarkington.
“White Christmas” in recent years.
“We’re struggling to get the rights to one of the three shows we have in the rotation,” Lasley said. “We talked for a number of years about ‘Annie’ being the obvious holiday alternative. It’s a family-oriented show and it ends with a Christmas scene. It certainly fits our brand.”
The musical is inspired by Morissette’s groundbreaking album and is about a modern family navigating love, identity, addiction and healing in an increasingly complicated world. The Tony Award-winning show features iconic songs including “You Oughta Know,” “Hand in My Pocket” and “Ironic.”
“The first show has become for us where we are doing the edgier, socially relevant or something like ‘Something Rotten,’ which is newer and was just a fresher piece than some of the things we do,” Civic Theatre Executive Artistic Director Michael J. Lasley said. “This is definitely relevant. It hits home for a lot of people about mental health and addiction and belonging and fitting into families and mixed feelings.”
The show is based on Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” album.
“There are not many albums like it that had so many hit singles,” Lasley said. “As jukebox musicals go, I think it does a better job of integrating songs into the narrative, not performing the songs the way they were written. There is a lot of choral work written into them.”
Filling the holiday spot is “Annie” from Dec. 4 to 26. Civic has been rotating “Elf,” “A Christmas Story” and
The last time Civic presented “Annie” was in 2017. Brent Marty, Civic Theatre director of music and education, said it also has the benefit of having children in the musical, which helps with Civic’s younger performers.
The 2027 portion will open with what Lasley described as a fun, new comedy Feb. 5 to 20. Lasley said the title announcement will come out in mid-October because of contractual issues.
“Steel Magnolias,” a story about deep friendships between six women in Louisiana and heartbreaks, is set for March 3 to 27 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center. Civic Theatre last performed the play in 2014. The off-Broadway play was turned into a 1989 movie, which featured Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah and Olympia Dukakis.
The season will close with “Mean Girls” from April 30 to May 15. This is the first main stage showing by Civic, however, Civic’s Young Artists Program presented it in 2023.
“It’s a great, fun piece of theater,” Lasley said. “The musical has not been around that long, but the movie came out more than 20 years ago.”
Subscriptions will be available beginning May 27 and single tickets July 23. Tickets can be purchased at civictheatre.org or by calling or emailing the Box Office of the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts at 317-8433800 or tickets@thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCH
IWS names Cox executive director —The Indiana Wind Symphony has named Tim Cox as its new executive director. Cox brings professional administrative experience in education, nonprofits, arts and mission-driven organizations, most recently serving the Indiana Wind Symphony as 2025-26 board president and performing in the ensemble on percussion. He serves as director of educational outreach for Music for All and as director of operations of the Indiana Arts Education Network. Cox replaces executive director Nicole Keller, who will continue to support the organization as media specialist.
Lasley
ENTERTAINMENT
Actor returns in new role
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Danny Kingston will take a turn in a different role in “Cinderella” for Beef & Boards.
After appearing as the Steward in 2011, Kingston will play the Herald from May 28 to July 12 at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis.
“(It’s) a really fun role,” he said. “I get to open the show with the song, ‘The Prince is Giving a Ball.’ I also get to be silly and dance with the stepsisters.”
small standout moment and to dance in the sweeping waltz scenes.”
While it’s just the second time he has acted in “Cinderella,” he choreographed a production of the classic musical for Carmel Community Players in 2007.
Kingston, a 2006 Westfield High School graduate who lives in downtown Indianapolis, was a recent college graduate for the last “Cinderella” performance.
“I enjoyed being able to further my experience in professional theater,” said Kingston, whose legal last name is Keivel. “I was much younger and still learning all I could about performing. Playing the role of the Steward back gave me the opportunity to have a
Kingston has performed in more than 20 Beef & Boards shows through the years.
“I’ll never forget my first show back in 2009, ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,’” he said. “I had just graduated from the American Musical and Dramatics Academy (in New York City) and I was ready to start my career as a professional performer.”
Kingston said he has happy memories from performing in many of the Pyramid Players productions for children. Highlights include Joe in “Blues Clues” and Peter in “Pinkilicous.”
Kingston is a member of Indianapolis Men’s Chorus and works part time in the Beef & Boards box office. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
Kingston
The whole truth about organic grocery stores
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My wife says I’m not a spiritual person. The most spiritual thing I do is occasionally shop at Whole Foods, a place for people who seek organic, pure, chemical-free food. Personally, I prefer food that has preservatives. At almost 80 years old, I can use them, and they are cheaper than a facelift.
My wife loves Whole Foods. But for
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By: Chris McConnell, City of Westfield
a long time, I wasn’t a fan. Whenever I was in that area of town, I always stopped by just to pass the big window in the front of the store and laugh at people eating tofu pizza. After all, it’s all about the journey, isn’t it? See, I’m getting more spiritual, already.
“Personally, I prefer food that has preservatives. At almost 80 years old, I can use them, and they are cheaper than a facelift.”
I don’t like buying food at places where you can also buy a hammer, a microwave oven or an unassembled bed. So, I avoid shopping at Super Target, Walmart and Meijer. These are not whole-food stores; they are half-food stores. At Whole Foods, most everything on the shelves is edible. Except for those things that are fat-free, sugar-free and gluten-free, which it seems is pretty much everything.
Last week, I was intrigued by a display touting a new organic product. I picked up the shrink-wrapped bar and
tossed it into my basket. The next morning, after I showered, I told Mary Ellen I didn’t think the soap lathered well. “Of course not,” she said. “That wasn’t a bar of organic soap; it was a bar of organic cheese.” I must have smelled pretty good, because when I went out for a jog, several mice followed me around the block.
Mary Ellen is very health-conscious. She buys almond milk, skinless chicken, salmon, broccoli and granola. When I shop, I smuggle in hard salami, white bread and my favorite, creamed spinach. Creamed spinach might sound healthy, but a serving contains 27 grams of fat. Not something even Popeye would recommend. When we go to Kroger, Mary Ellen insists on accompanying me. I am always on a very short leash. Sometimes I want a treat. I’ll even beg for it. Once, I rolled
– DICK WOLFSIE
Indy’s biggest 4th of July celebration! FOR INFO AND APPLICATIONS VISIT WWW.CARMELFEST.NET
JULY 3 & 4
DOWNTOWN CARMEL Carter Green & Civic Square
over in aisle 3, hoping to score a bag of chips. Mary Ellen said no, but I did get a great belly rub from a very nice older woman. I sure wish Mary Ellen treated me more like a dog.
Whole Foods has an interesting display of magazines. One selection featured the headline: THE ROAD TO RENEWAL. That intrigued me until I realized it was just an ad to get you to sign up for another year of the subscription.
My favorite was another new age magazine with the headline: WHAT TO TAKE ON YOUR JOURNEY.
I was finally starting to feel spiritual. What would be on this list? Self-reflection, a measure of introspection and a positive attitude?
No, it was sandals, a swimsuit, underwear and plenty of sunscreen.
Congrats to Viking Cruises for a wellplaced ad!
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
15. Preserve, in a way
16. GPS reading 17. Mind-bending puzzle
19. “___ alive!”
20. Indiana locale of the “Limestone Capital of the World”
21. Ball State bigwig
23. Squeeze (out)
24. O. Henry: “The Gift of the ___”
26. 007 portrayer Roger
27. Unlit
29. Adam’s grandson
32. Flat Fork Creek Park winter coaster
33. Kimono sash
36. Poet’s “soon”
38. Current revenue source
39. Indiana locale of the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World”
42. Salt & Light Wellness
44. Move, in Realtor lingo
45. Hawaiian garland
46. Difficult
48. BBs, e.g.
50. Some jeans
54. Computer key
56. Playground comeback
59. ___ Fridays
60. Hamilton County Court officer
63. Indiana locale of the “RV Capital of the World”
65. Notre Dame sports
org.
66. Neighborhood shopping sites
68. Blues group, for short
69. Polar covering
70. “The Simpsons” girl 71. “Golly!”
72. Abhor
73. Right on an Indiana map DOWN
1. Went up and down 2. “Aha!”
3. Stock exchange worker
4. “In your dreams!”
5. Jordan tourist attraction
6. Anxious
7. Hoosier Dome sponsor
8. Brewer’s oven
9. Addict
10. Antitoxin
11. Doritos company
12. Spoken
13. Plants anew
18. ___ de plume
22. Distress signal
25. Out for days
28. Campground letters
30. Lennon’s love
31. Spirit
34. “Turn up the heat!”
35. Fishers furniture chain
37. Opposite of SSW
39. Proton or electron
40. Hoosier National Forest tree
41. Up to, briefly
42. The whole ___
43. Pizazz
47. NJ neighbor
49. Some Swiss watches
51. Latin list ender
52. Way out
53. Occupies, as a table
55. Unyielding
57. Caught some Zs
58. Approves
61. Confront
62. Guitar ridge
64. In good shape
67. Top card
ANSWERS ON PAGE 23
WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES
FIRST IMPRESSIONS LLC
Your Home. Your Yard. Your Peace of Mind. Let Me Help You With That Services Offered: Mowing, Edging & Trimming Pressure Washing General Home Maintenance Painting & Drywall Repair
Privacy Fence & Deck Cleaning/Staining Window Cleaning Full Home Cleaning Furniture Assembly
• Interacting and assisting customers in a furniture retail sales environment.
• 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.
Automotive Window Tinter Pay Negotiable.
Work available 7 days a week
Apply via email: dan@dansdetail.com
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
