Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XVI, No. 7
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The views of the columnists in Current in Fishers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Council OKs memory care home
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A $2.5 million memory care home on Brooks School Road is moving forward after the Fishers City Council voted Feb. 23 in favor of a planned unit development allowing that use for the residentially zoned double lot.
The motion passed with seven yes votes, one no and one abstention. Councilor Cecilia Coble cast the only dissenting vote, explaining that she agreed with some of the neighbors who expressed concern about traffic safety, in part because of a “dip” in the road that can hinder the line of sight for people pulling out of the planned facility’s driveway.
Story Cottage, built by Story Custom Development, will be the first of the company’s facilities in Fishers. It has similar group homes in Carmel and Indianapolis. The PUD allows a maximum 7,500-square-foot building with no more than 12 residents.
David Leazenby of Story Custom Development spoke to the council before the vote and said the group home fills a community need while remaining resi-
dential in scale and character.
“It’s a boutique memory care home, designed and operated as an alternative to large facilities, where people can live in proximity to their former homes and near their current loved ones,” he said. “Story College is a local company. This would be the sixth location. Each home is intentionally designed to be residential in nature, one story, custom home materials, extensive landscaping, no signage and no institutional appearance. There are two to three care caregivers present at all times. It’s all private-pay — approximately $11,000 per month — and families remain close-
ly involved.”
Leazenby said a residential, homelike environment improves the quality of life for people with memory loss. He noted that neighborhoods surrounding other Story Cottage homes have not seen any loss in home value and the city’s traffic engineer has determined that the facility would not increase rush-hour traffic.
“There is no site lighting, there’s no exterior alarms, there’s no outdoor events,” he said. “There’s no striped parking lot.”
There was no public hearing during the Feb. 23 council meeting, although Council President John DeLucia noted that numerous comments were received via email before the meetings. Some neighbors have expressed support for the memory care home, with a significant number of nearby residents strongly opposing it.
Concerns include increased traffic, including more need for emergency vehicles; the potential effect on home values, opening the door to commercial businesses in a residential area and the potential for group home residents to wander away.
Redevelopment report highlights success
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Fishers Redevelopment Commission recently released its annual report for 2025, highlighting activities throughout the decades and what those activities have meant for the local economy.
The FRDC, first formed in 1989, reviews and authorizes redevelopment in the community, such as acquiring property for development, issuing bonds for redevelopment districts and exploring ways to address redevelopment needs. The five-member commission also reviews authorization of Tax Increment Financing districts, a process that directs tax revenue within each district toward those areas. According to the report, TIF revenue in 2025 totaled about $22.3 million. Those funds went toward debt service, rent, economic development bonds and contractual services, among other expenses, leaving about $7.8 million in the TIF Fund at the end of the year.
The annual report also included a list of project highlights going back to 2007, such as the Shops at Geist Pointe, redevelopment of Fishers’ downtown; and development of Launch Fishers, IKEA, Four Day Ray, Fishers District, Hub & Spoke, Round Room and Andretti Autosport headquarters, among many others.
For 2025, one highlight mentioned was the Stevanato Group, which increased its original commitment in the Fishers Life Science & Innovation Park
by 186 new jobs and $257 million. The expansion will support the production of EZ-fill vials and syringes.
The second 2025 highlight was the recently announced $180 million Phase 3 expansion of INCOG BioPharma, which will add three additional sterile injectable filling lines to help meet global demand. The company’s new 80,000-square-foot building will help accommodate its projected 1,000 total employees by 2030.
According to the FRDC report, the average salary of new jobs created between 2019 and 2025 is about $83,000. The report also stated that the city has seen a development investment of $524 million in that same time frame.
Gross assessed value in the community has pretty much doubled in the last decade, according to the report. In 2015, the GAV was $8.75 million and in 2025, it had grown to nearly $17 million.
For more, visit fishersin. gov/boards-commissions/ redevelopment-commission.
Story Cottage in Fishers is moving forward. (Image courtesy of the City of Fishers)
INCOG BioPharma will expand its Fishers-based manufacturing operations. (Photo courtesy of INCOG)
Peternel to serve 4 years
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A Pendleton man was sentenced to serve six years, with two suspended, during a Feb. 13 Madison County Circuit Court hearing after pleading guilty in January to four felonies related to possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
Jonathan Wesley Peternel also was ordered to register as a lifetime sex offender, according to court documents.
He was arrested in October following an investigation by the Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which had received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about Snapchat files of suspected child sexual abuse material connected to Peternel. Fishers Police Department is a member of the task force, which also
includes Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Anderson and Greenfield police departments; Hamilton and Madison county sheriffs; and Homeland Security. According to information released by law enforcement following his arrest, Peternel possessed more than 2,300 files of sexual abuse material.
The four charges Peternel pleaded guilty to are child exploitation, a Level 4 felony; two counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, Level 5 felonies; and one count of possession of child sex abuse material, a Level 6 felony. The court ordered him to serve his time with the Indiana Department of Correction.
Peternel’s father, Nathan Peternel of Pendleton, has served as lead pastor at Life Church, which has campuses in Noblesville and Fishers, as well as Pendleton and Eagle Creek.
DISPATCHES
Festival Princesses announced — The 500 Festival recently announced that 33 Indiana women selected to serve as 500 Festival Princesses throughout the 2026 season. The Princesses represent 19 Indiana colleges and universities, 21 cities across the state, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.75. Four Princesses are graduates of Noblesville High School: Megan Broviak, Jackie Lawrence, Emma Pearce and McKinley Underhill. There are three Princesses from Westfield: Melanie Gutierrez, Cameron Noe and Hannah Pensyl. Noe and Pensyl are Westfield High School graduates while Gutierrez is a graduate of Early College High School at Midland College. Brownsburg High School graduate Sruthika Gangisetty and Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School graduate Paola Perillo Parra, an Indianapolis resident, also were selected.
Brebeuf, Guerin to change conferences — Hoosier Heritage Conference recently announced the addition of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School and Guerin Catholic High School. Their full participation in the HHC begins in 2027-28, forming an eight-team conference with Greenfield-Central, Lebanon, Mt. Vernon, New Palestine, Pendleton
Heights and Yorktown. Brebeuf Jesuit and Guerin Catholic, currently members of the Circle City Conference, have a similar enrollment to existing HHC schools.
Hamilton County warns of scam targeting veterans — Hamilton County officials issued a warning about a text message scam circulating across the state that falsely claims to be from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, asking veterans to “update their information.” The messages include a link to what appears to be a legitimate website, prompting recipients to enter sensitive personal information. Veterans should be cautious of messages requesting personal information, financial details or immediate payment.
Community Center accepting ‘SilverSneakers’ — The Fishers Community Center is now accepting insurance-based memberships, such as SilverSneakers, Renew Active, Silver&Fit and Active&Fit. Insurance-based memberships provide the same access as regular memberships, but fees are processed directly through the member’s insurance. For more, visit fisherscommunitycenter.com/insurance.
Peternel
Paris Bahn Mi ‘coming soon’ to Fishers
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A national Vietnamese sandwich and coffee shop chain is opening its first Indiana restaurant in Fishers District, with the website for Paris Bahn Mi Fishers stating that it is “opening soon” at 11594 Whistle Dr.
The original Paris Bahn Mi was founded in Orlando by Hien Tran, who grew up in Paris, France, and Doan Nguyen, who owned a chain of bakery shops in Saigon, Vietnam. Since then, the chain has spread throughout the United States, from the south to the Midwest and as far west as California. According to the company’s website, it specializes in the unique bánh mi sandwiches.
“The French baguette was introduced to Vietnam in the mid-19th century when Vietnam was part of French Indochina and became a food staple by the early 20th century,” the website states. “During the 1950s, a unique Vietnamese style of sandwich developed in Saigon, becoming a dominant part of the population’s diet also known as ‘bánh mì.’”
In addition to bánh mi options, the restaurants offer pho, baguettes, Korean corn dogs, croissants and specialty drinks.
For updates, visit parisbanhmi.com/ locations/paris-banh-mi-fishers-in#.
A new Paris Bahn Mi franchise is opening in Fishers District. (Photo by Ben Weir)
HSE students compete in culinary challenge
Hamilton Southeastern Schools student chefs are participating in a series of district-run culinary challenges this school year, with students of all grade levels invited to compete within their age group to showcase their cooking skills.
On Feb. 18, a select group of thirdand fourth-graders made their best breakfast recipes for a panel of judges. The winners were Angela Li Joseph, first place (tropical acai power bowl); Jack Allen, second (Bearvocado toast); and Pranya Prabu, third (veggie omelette avocado tortilla roll).
To make it to the competition, students first submitted a recipe that serves 20 and contains a whole grain. They got bonus points if the recipe included avocado, cottage cheese or seeds.
The competition for HSE’s two high schools is coming up. Interested students have already submitted their recipes for the ultimate burger/sandwich using a Ford’s Garage burger patty base.
Five finalists each from Fishers High School and Hamilton Southeastern
High School will then compete March 18 at HSE High School; and one finalist from each school will move on to the final round, set for April 14 at Ford’s Garage, where they will work directly with the restaurant’s chef.
Samples of the students’ recipes will be distributed among restaurant guests, who will use a QR code to vote for their favorite. The winner will have their picture displayed at the restaurant. For more, visit hseschools. org/departments/food-services/ culinary-challenge.
LN wrestler wins state title
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Lawrence North High School senior wrestler Michael White almost let what looked like an easy victory slip away.
White was ahead 16-2 in the second period before Boonville junior Sam Howard rallied. White managed to hold on for an 18-15 win in the 190-pound championship match Feb. 21 in the IHSAA state finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. White finished with a 47-0 record.
White, who will wrestle next season for Oklahoma State University, said he was in a zone early in the final.
“Nerves were my downfall,” White said of losing a big lead. “That was the difference between a technical fall and (just getting) a win. I think that was my biggest weakness last year, too. I watched (the 2025 state final) and I was touching my hips and not looking like I was the man. (This year) I was the man.”
White finished runner-up at 190 last year and sixth at 175 in 2024.
“I felt a lot of momentum,” he said. “I just need to work on being in front of bigger crowds. Once I get that going, I’ll be hard to stop. I didn’t wrestle my best, but once I get to Oklahoma State, I’m going to get that (nervousness) figured out. Actually, I’m going to get that figured out (sooner), so I’ll be ready to go.” White said his “will to win” helped him hold on.
White was ranked No. 1 at 190 pounds in the boys high school wrestling rankings heading into the finals.
Fishers senior Julian Burgett finished with a 43-4 record, winning by forfeit over Perry Meridian’s Seer Goodwise in the third-place match at 215 pounds.
Burgett lost to Crown Point’s Caesar Salas 10-1 in the semifinals. Salas won the state title.
Winners of the Feb. 18 elementary culinary challenge were, front from left, Jack Allen, second place; Angela Li Joseph, first place; and Pranya Prabu, third place. (Photo courtesy of HSE Schools)
White
FHS grad’s film on YouTube
By Jennifer A. Haire news@youarecurrent.com
Filmmaker Vince Dixon took mental health education into his own hands.
To process the grief of losing his sister to addiction, Dixon, a 2016 Fishers High School graduate, put his mass media education into action. Now, two years after he decided to tell his story, his short film “Sometimes I Imagine Your Funeral” will make its public debut March 6 on YouTube.
2025 Indy Film Fest; and the Anchorage International Film Festival — winning notable awards in Los Angeles and throughout Indiana.
Dixon has collaborated with mental health and health advocacy organizations across the nation, and locally, he shared the film and spoke with students from Noblesville and Fishers High Schools.
The film explores his relationship with his sister growing up, as he tries to discover clues that led to her overdose death in 2021.
His goal is to create more awareness about addiction as a disease. He said encouraging young people to talk about it can better prepare those adjacent to addiction to find ways to support their loved ones going through it.
The film has reached audiences worldwide, screening at more than 20 film festivals including the Settimo Short Film Festival in Milan, Italy; the
Through the screening presentations, Dixon said he discovered that audiences related to the subject matter and were inspired to share their personal stories.
He now is developing a 10-part educational video series based on memories of his sister’s use of drugs and alcohol as a teenager, with the intent for it to be used in school curriculums. The series is titled “Chloe & Max” and will address topics of grief, self-efficacy, progressions of addiction and the specific dangers of substances including vapes, opioids and alcohol. Dixon plans to film the series later this year in Hamilton County.
DISPATCHES
College fair set — Area high school students can attend the Greater Indianapolis Northside College Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. March 11 at the Carmel High School Greyhound Activity Center, 2400 E. Smoky Row. The free event will provide college information with more than 100 colleges and universities represented. Students are encouraged to register in advance at StriveFair.com. Registered students will receive a barcode to more easily share information with admission reps.
AARP grants application open — AARP Indiana is accepting applications through March 6 from nonprofits and governments for its 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. Grant amounts range from $2,500 to $25,000 and fund projects that make communities more livable. Projects will be considered if they serve the needs of people 50 and older, improve public places, transportation, walkability and pedestrian safety, among other criteria. For more, visit aarp.org/livable-communities/ community-challenge.
Dr. Susan Leedy Helsel Primary Care
Laurel S. Patient
Dixon
Fishers to celebrate Disability Awareness Month
The City of Fishers and the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability will host a month-long celebration throughout March of National Disability Awareness Month, highlighting individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities with the goal of fostering more understanding and awareness.
Activities will include sporting events, art showcases, educational workshops and family-friendly activities that spotlight inclusivity in Fishers.
“Fishers has grown and evolved since we first launched our local celebration of March Disability Awareness Month a decade ago,” stated Fishers City Councilor Cecilia Coble, co-chair of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability. “Our committee is committed to advocating for disability awareness and inclusion and making a difference in Fishers and beyond.”
The March Disability Awareness Month celebration kicked off March 2 with the annual accessibility and inclusion awards ceremony, featuring guest speaker Jessica Minor of the accessABILITY Center for Independent Living.
Additional events include:
• Fishers Arts Council’s March Disability Awareness Exhibit — A Second Friday reception is set for 6-9 p.m. March 13 at the Fishers Art Center Gallery, 1 Municipal Dr. Learn more at FishersArtsCouncil. org.
• Indy Ignite vs. Columbus Fury — A special game night for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing starts at 8 p.m. March 19 at the Fishers Event Center, 11000 Stockdale St. Tickets required.
• “Opening Doors to Employment” breakfast — Hiring managers and employers will hear success stories and learn how to support employees with disabilities and about inclusive hiring during the 7:30-9:30 a.m. breakfast March 24 at Fishers Municipal Center. Registration is required.
• Power Soccer Exhibition — Members of the U.S. National Power Soccer Team will play a live scrimmage, followed by remarks from team members, a Q&A session and an opportunity to meet the athletes. The free event is 5-6:30 p.m. March 28 at Fishers Community Center.
• Adaptive swim lessons — The Fishers Community Center has adaptive swimming lessons for children ages 5 to 12 with physical, cognitive, sensory or behavioral disabilities. Register at FishersCommunityCenter.com.
• Hamilton East Public Library — The library’s Fishers Branch, 5 Municipal Dr., has a variety of free workshops and programs throughout the month. Full details are at HamiltonEastPL.org.
To register for events and for more information, visit FishersIN.gov/ DisabilityAwareness.
The Fishers Community Center has adaptive swim lessons for children ages 5 to 12 with physical, cognitive, sensory or behavioral disabilities. (Image courtesy of Fishers Community Center)
Taking a ‘pause’
By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com
Christine Craig and Kim Slimak believe more women need to be talking about perimenopause.
The multiyear transition to menopause is marked by shifting hormones and often includes irregular periods, hot flashes and mood changes. But the two friends were baffled by the lack of resources on the topic or discussions to help women prepare.
“One of the things that I was so shocked about is no one talks about it,” Craig said. “I asked my mom about it, I said, ‘Is this completely taboo?’ and she said, ‘Oh, we weren’t allowed to speak about it.’ My mom’s in her 80s.”
Craig, a Carmel resident, and Slimak, who lives in Fishers, decided to do something about it. So, they created a nonprofit, Women in the Pause, to shed light on what to expect and how to handle perimenopause and menopause. The organization offers educational resources, support and community for women experiencing the changes.
“I want to encourage women to talk
to not just their best friends, but experts, science-backed information, and provide a venue to do that in a fun way,” Craig said.
The nonprofit’s first event, “How to Prepare for Perimenopause,” is set for 6:30 p.m. March 5 at The Club Coworking | Crosspoint Center, 9800 Crosspoint Blvd. in Indianapolis. It will feature keynote speakers Dr. Staci Blume, a chiropractor and wellness expert, and Elizabeth Mitchko, a certified nurse practitioner. They will share how to prepare for perimenopause with confidence and ease.
Learn more at womeninthepause.org.
Christine Craig, left, and Kim Slimak founded the nonprofit Women in the Pause.
(Photo courtesy of Christine Craig)
Eagles junior develops into two-sport standout
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Community High School junior Camden Moore is better known for his production on the diamond, but this season, he is making an impact on the basketball court, too.
Moore, who has committed to the University of Notre Dame to play baseball, averaged 13 points per game on 49 percent shooting for the Eagles (13-10) heading into the March 3 Class 4A sectional opener against host Noblesville. The 6-foot-5 forward also averaged 4.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
“Cam has made a big jump over the last year,” Eagles coach J.R. Howell said. “He has become a more consistent scorer, ball handler and leader. His ability to drive the ball and finish around the basket as well as the ability to step back and knock down a deep three make him hard to guard. Also, with his size, he can be a difficult matchup for other teams because of his ability to play around the perimeter.”
Moore said he’s made the most im-
APPROACH
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
MEET CAMDEN MOORE
Favorite athlete: Jayden Daniels
Favorite subject: Math
Favorite TV show: “Outer Banks”
Favorite musician: Morgan Wallen
provement this season as a scorer.
“The biggest thing for me is my scoring ability,” he said. “I didn’t really expect to be as much of a scorer as I have been so far. My shooting, my finishing (drives) and just kind of hoping to kind of control the offense are my biggest strides since last season.”
Moore started the 2024-25 season on junior varsity but moved into the starting lineup on varsity by the end of the season.
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“I would shoot it a little bit, play good defense and help to rebound,” said Moore, who averaged 2.4 ppg last sea-
son. “I didn’t really score too much or have a huge impact on the offense. This year has been completely different.”
Moore has needed to score more as the Eagles graduated many of their top scorers from the 2024-25 season.
“We play well as a team and have definitely surprised some people,” he said.
Moore’s father, Quinn Moore, played baseball and basketball at the University of South Alabama. He then transferred to Indiana University, where he played baseball in 2000-01. Moore is coached in baseball by his father in the Indiana Bulls system. He gave up AAU basketball in 2025.
Although his future is in baseball, Moore said he loves both sports.
“If I had the opportunity to play both sports in college, I would definitely do it, but I don’t think it’s going to happen,” he said.
The right-handed Moore, who pitches and plays third base, didn’t pitch much last season because of arm trouble.
“I plan to pitch a pretty good amount this season,” said Moore, who batted .291 for the Eagles. “My arm feels good right now.”
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Zionsville Community High School junior Camden Moore is the team’s leading scorer. (Photo courtesy of Gus Martin Photography)
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Fishers Event Center club honors Tom Wood
Tom Wood Group has been named a founding partner of the Tom Wood Legacy Club, a premium guest space at the Fishers Event Center.
The Tom Wood Legacy Club honors the late Tom Wood, founder of Tom Wood Group, and features images and stories from Tom Wood’s early years.
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“Tom would have been so touched by this,” stated Julie Wood, Tom’s wife. “Seeing the images and memories represented in the Legacy Club makes me feel incredibly nostalgic — and deeply grateful. It’s a beautiful reminder of the early days, the people who helped build this company and the legacy that continues through our family and the team at Tom Wood Group.”
Tom’s son, Jeff Wood, stated that the partnership is personal to him.
“My dad built this company on relationships — treating people the right way, showing up for our community and taking pride in doing things with integrity,” he stated. “To see his story and the images that capture those early days shared in a place where our community will gather for years to come is truly meaningful.”
Tom Wood Group, an automotive business, was founded about 60 years ago. For more, visit TomWood.com.
In this 1967 photo on display at the Fishers Event Center, Tom Wood, center, signs the papers for his first Indianapolis dealership, Tom Wood Pontiac on East Washington Street. (Photo courtesy of Tom Wood Group)
Local companies named ‘Best Place to Work’
news@currentnoblesville.com
The 2026 Best Places to Work in Indiana list features 150 standout employers from across the state in more than 20 industries.
Several Hamilton County employers are featured in the list. Small companies include Advisa in Carmel; Hamilton County Tourism in Carmel; iRiS Recruiting Solutions in Carmel; Leaf Software Solutions in Carmel; TMG Construction Management Inc. in Noblesville; and Ultimate Technologies Group in Fishers.
Small-medium companies include CleanSlate Technology Group in Carmel; Gradex, Inc. in Carmel; Interactive Digital Solutions, LLC in Noblesville; KBSO Consulting LLC in Carmel; Mesh Systems in Carmel; and Miebach Consulting in Fishers.
Medium company winners include BSA in Carmel; J.C. Hart, Inc. in Carmel; Koola Logistics in Carmel; Meyer Najem in Fishers; Nexxt Spine, LLC in Noblesville; Robert Dietrick Co., Inc. in Fishers; Software Engineering Professionals, Inc. in Carmel; and The Annex Group in Fishers.
Large company winners include Blue & Co., LLC in Carmel; FORUM Credit Union in Fishers; Ryan Fireprotection, Inc. in Noblesville; Shepherd Insurance in Carmel; Skender in Westfield; and Zotec Partners in Carmel and North-
west Bank in Fishers.
Now in its 21st year, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce program will culminate with company rankings revealed across five size categories at a May 13 awards dinner at the Indiana Convention Center.
“An enjoyable workplace remains one of the strongest magnets for top talent,” stated Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders.
“Organizations that cultivate a healthy culture tend to perform better overall, boosting productivity and long-term success. We applaud this year’s honorees for their dedication to implementing standout workplace practices that help them attract and keep exceptional employees.”
The top companies in the state were determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys. The winners were selected from five categories: small companies of between 15 and 34 U.S. employees; small-medium companies of between 35 and 74 U.S. employees; medium companies of between 75 and 249 U.S. employees; large companies of between 250 and 999 U.S. employees; and major companies with 1,000 or more U.S. employees.
The 21st Annual Best Places to Work in Indiana Awards Dinner will be open to the public. Individual tickets and tables of 10 are available at indianachamber.com/conferences.
DISPATCHES
County awarded road improvement funds — Hamilton County has been awarded $6,755,200 in federal transportation funding from the Indiana Department of Transportation to improve 281st Street from Rulon Road to Ind. 213. Project construction is expected to begin in 2030.
Election worker portal — Hamilton County has launched a new election worker portal to streamline the application process, keep information secure and up to date, improve communication and training, and ensure efficient staffing on election day. For more, visit in.elect-integra.com/sochExternal/ SGFtaWx0b24gQ291bnR5.
Scholarships available for future law enforcement officers — The Fishers Police Corps has announced that it is offering a $1,500 scholarship for a Fishers student interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. For more and to apply, visit fisherspolicecorps.org/scholarship. htm. Applications are due by March 31.
ILADD seminar — Independent Living for Adults With Disabilities will host an Information Seminar in the Ascension St. Vincent Community Room 207 at the Zionsville Town Hall from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 5. Those interested in attending can reach out to Program Director Erika Thomison at ethomison@iladdinc.org or visit iladdinc.org.
Ivy Tech Hamilton County keeps education innovative
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Ivy Tech Hamilton County Chancellor Rachel Kartz wants to enhance the college experience in Hamilton County.
When she became chancellor three years ago, rapid growth inspired her to become more innovative with programming. Between fall of 2021 and fall of 2025, enrollment grew from about 1,000 students to 9,800 students.
A recent innovation at the college is an AI chatbot, a live chat feature for 24/7 student support.
“It is a first point of communication the students have that allows our team to individualize attention,” Kartz said. “If a student says (they’re) feeling nervous, our academic support (can) reach out to the student individually. If they mention they’re facing financial trouble or worried about being able to meet needs outside of school, we can connect them to (resources). We’ve been able to do some pretty neat things that we maybe wouldn’t have been thinking about if we (weren’t growing quickly).”
As the campus grows, Kartz wants to bring in more programs that align with Hamilton County job opportunities, such as programs in the health care, manufacturing and engineering fields.
“These are all industries in Hamilton County that are continuing to have job openings,” Kartz said. “We currently have to send students to other Ivy Tech (campuses) because we don’t have those
“We definitely don’t work in a silo, and we’re very appreciative of those who work alongside us.”
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programs yet.”
Kartz also is working to implement more elements of traditional college. With the average age range of students being 20 to 30, she wants to implement resources for an older population, like mental health support services.
“Students have said to us time and time again that they come to campus because we’re in their community, and they stay at the campus because of our staff,” Kartz said. “But if it weren’t for those two things, they would go somewhere else because of the unfortunate experiences they have on campus in terms of our facility. Our students are looking for an on-campus environment where they can do more than study or take classes.”
She said innovation on a campus requires community support.
“We’re able to do what we do so well because we have strong community support, and we have a lot of partners in the community,” Kartz said. “We definitely don’t work in a silo, and we’re very appreciative of those who work alongside us.”
For more, visit ivytech.edu/ locations/hamilton-county.
MANN NAMED NEW LAWRENCE CENTRAL FOOTBALL COACH
DISPATCHES
Awards nominations open — The Indiana Manufacturers Association is accepting nominations through April 30 for the 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Awards, which honor Indiana companies and individuals for outstanding work, exceptional contributions and impact on the future of manufacturing in Indiana. The awards are open to all manufacturers in Indiana. For more, visit indianamfg.com/2026-manufacturing-excellence-awards.
performance opportunities for solo, duet, and trios throughout the year. For more, visit FishersArtsCouncil.org/blog.
Menards hosting food drive — Local Menards home improvement stores are hosting drop boxes for food pantries through March. Donations of nonperishable food items, from boxes of cereal to cans of soup, can be placed in large collection boxes near store exit doors, with donations going to nearby food pantries.
Calls for art — The Fishers Arts Council is seeking submissions for its April exhibit, “Spring Blooms with Poetry – Tiny Art.” The exhibit will focus on 2D and 3D works that are no larger than 8 inches square, along with poetry. Fishers Arts Council will print and frame accepted poems. Visual art and poetry submissions are encouraged to focus on the joy of art, nature, poetry and beauty. The deadline to apply is March 16. Musicians are also needed for the 2026 Season of Art which offers paid
Summer camp registration opens — Registration is open for Fishers residents to sign up for summer camp, which will be hosted at the recently opened Fishers Community Center. Programs now include offerings for children as young as 3. Half and full-day camps are available, with expanded before and after-care options for fullday camps from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more, visit fisherscommunitycenter. com/Camps.
Kartz
Russell Mann, center, has been hired as the new head football coach for Lawrence Central High School. He has held several Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference head coaching positions in his 23-year career and won four Class 6A state titles. He is a 2003 graduate of Butler University and has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. MSDLT Superintendent Shawn Smith stated that the community is ready to get Lawrence Central back to state-champion status, and he is confident that Mann can take the Bears to the next level. Mann is seen with Athletic Director Mosi Barnes, left, and Lawrence Central Principal Franklyn Bush. (Photo courtesy of MSDLT)
NET GAINS
President-GM helps guide Fishers-based Indy Ignite to success
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Mary Kay Huse has combined her athletic, tech and business passions into a new challenge.
Huse, who goes by MK, was hired as Indy Ignite’s president and general manager in January 2024. The Fishers Event Center-based Major League Volleyball team is in its second season.
Although a former athlete, Huse came from a tech and entrepreneurial background.
“I like to tell my family I’m unpredictable, which I think I’ve done a good job of,” Huse said. “I was able to have an incredible run with ExactTarget here in Indy, then in London and San Francisco after the Salesforce acquisition. Tech was an industry I was in and had passion for, but I also learned my passion for just building things from scratch. I ultimately knew I wanted to start my own business.”
She did that with a music tech company called Mandolin, a livestream concert platform company that closed in 2023 after three years.
“That was really my bridge into sports and entertainment while also building technology,” the Zionsville resident said.
The Ignite opportunity was serendipitous, Huse said.
“I had a chance to meet (co-owner) Jim Schumacher just through networking,” she said. “(The owners) knew they wanted to have a professional volleyball franchise in Indy and they knew they needed somebody to run it. We really hit it off quickly. It was a fast decision, where it was really just a combination of a lot of factors I have a passion for, so obviously it’s building something from scratch, but it’s doing it here in my hometown. I had moved back about five years ago after being gone for a decade. I wanted to give back to the communities that were important to me.”
The 1998 Lebanon High School graduate played volleyball, basketball and tennis in high school and played tennis at DePauw University.
“Sports has always been part of my DNA, part of who I am,” Huse said. “Part of my success in business, I can attribute to playing sports and being on a team.”
Huse said she learned from people in other organizations.
“Luckily, we have an incredible community that was so supportive of us and continues to be,” she said. “I joke that for the first 18 months, I woke up and kind of learned the 10 new things I realized we needed to figure out and I didn’t know the day before. You get very comfortable being uncomfortable. Then you have the satisfaction from seeing that all come together in a meaningful way. Sports are so much more tangible
than software for me.”
Huse said the first season wasn’t perfect but the Ignite managed to reach the championship before losing to Orlando in Las Vegas in May 2025. This season, as of Feb. 23, the Ignite have a league-best 10-2 record.
IGNITE SET FOR WOMEN’S DAY PANEL
Mary Kay Huse, Indy Ignite’s president and general manager, will host an International Women’s Day Panel at 3:30 p.m. March 8 at Fishers Event Center prior to the Ignite’s 6 p.m. match against Grand Rapids.
The panelists include Mel Raines, Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO; Melina Kennedy, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership; and Amy Schumacher, Heritage Group CEO. Amy is married to Ignite co-owner Jim Schumacher.
A ticket to the game includes the pre-game panel.
“We’re excited to showcase some women in business and just talk about leadership,” Huse said. “All of them have their own unique relationship with sports as part of that. Some jump off the page more than others, but continuing to tell the story of how sports has an impact on the court and, equally important, off the court (is important).”
For more, visit provolleyball.com/teams/indy-ignite.
Don Hutchinson, the Ignite’s other co-owner, has played and coached volleyball for 25 years. Schumacher’s older daughter, Bella, played at Colby College. His younger daughter Lola, a sophomore, played for UCLA last season after transferring from the University of Wisconsin.
“Don and I were looking for several months for who would be the right person to help build this,” said Schumacher, a Carmel resident. “We talked to a lot of people, but it wasn’t clicking. Then I had a 3-1/2hour breakfast interview meeting, and I was able to sell her on the vision. What attracted me most to MK was her background in tech. That’s a big deal to me. I know enough about that field that if you succeed and excel and succeed in a place like ExactTarget and then Salesforce, you have the chops. You have talent and, more important, work ethic and you’re a strong leader.”
Schumacher said it was important that Huse was part of a startup and that she loves sports.
“MK is doing an amazing job,” he said. “For Don and I, she’s like a partner not only with execution but also with the vision.”
Indy Ignite’s President and General Manager MK Huse smiles during an Indy Ignite game at Fishers Event Center.
(Photo by Maddison Holubik)
ON THE COVER: Mary Kay Huse, Indy Ignite’s president and general manager, watches a recent Ignite game. (Photo by Maddison Holubik)
Commentary by Larry Greene
This basement transformation in Carmel turned previously open and underutilized space into a stunning custom wine room designed for both storage and experience. The new addition blends architectural detail with functional design, creating a refined destination within the home.
THE BLUEPRINT
• The enclosed wine room converts underutilized square footage into a dedicated space for collecting and entertaining.
• Custom wood racking provides organized bottle storage while creating a balanced design.
• A barrel-vault wood ceiling adds warmth and craftsmanship, enhancing the classic cellar look.
• An arched glass door offers a striking focal point while keeping the room visually connected to the basement.
• Updated lighting and finishes elevate the surrounding area, turning a once plain basement into a sophisticated retreat.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
Puppet comes to life in ‘Scarlet Letter’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Civic Theatre is taking a unique approach to its production of “The Scarlet Letter.”
Instead of using a child performer, Noblesville resident Emily Bohannon uses a puppet to play Pearl, a 4-yearold child. The play runs March 13 through March 28 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“The Scarlet Letter” is based on the historical novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 17th-century Boston. Hester Prynne is publicly shamed for adultery by being forced to wear a Scarlet “A.” Pearl is Prynne’s child from the affair.
“Pearl and I are kind of one and the same,” Bohannon said. “I’m moving her around, but I will not be hidden for the production. I will be saying her lines and she is an extension of me. The goal is to have all the other actors not look at me and just focus their energy and their attention on the puppet.”
Bohannon said she has performed some puppet improv but nothing with a whole-body puppet.
“I’m on my knees most of the time,” said Bohannon, who has already gone through several knee pads during rehearsals. “It’s very physical. I’m coming up with creative ways to move her around in the most realistic way I can.”
Bohannon said she has settled on a light and airy voice for Pearl.
“It’s kind of childlike and innocent, but with a direct tone of voice,” Bohannin said. “I think it feels very real.”
Pearl is on stage nearly 75 percent of the time.
“Emily has made my life very (easy),” said Emily Tzucker, the play’s director. “She is so creative with coming up with great solutions and acting choices for the puppet.”
Tzucker, who is directing “The Scarlet Letter” for the first time, said the puppet is a Japanese-style Bunraku puppet.
“I’ve directed quite a few produc-
tions of books that have been adapted into plays or what we call classic theater when you think of Shakespeare or that sort of thing,” she said. “So, I feel like I’m still at home directing this kind of piece.”
Tzucker said the cast of six is a perfect fit for the Studio Theater. Civic Theatre typically presents one show a year in the smaller Studio Theater, and the rest are in The Tarkington.
“Since it’s a brand-new adaptation that’s very modern, it’s only 90 minutes,” she said. “It’s very fast-paced and a lot more conversational. It almost feels like a thriller and romance in a way.”
The cast wears period costumes in Kate Hamill’s adaptation. Prynne is played by Indianapolis resident Brittany Magee.
Indianapolis resident Evangeline
Puppeteer Emily Bohannon, left, and Brittany Magee examine Pearl, a puppet. Magee plays the role of her Pearl’s mother, Hester Prynne in “The Scarlet Letter.”
(Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)
Bouw performed in Civic Theatre’s “The Great Gatsby” in February while making the puppet. The puppet is made from vinyl, plywood, upholstery and insulation foam made from elastic and wooden balls. Bouw said it took approximately 60 to 70 hours to create.
“I’ve done a lot of different kinds of puppets, but this is the first style of this type of puppet I’ve done,” she said. “My background is in theater and sculpture. I love 3D art, so anytime I can get to do this sort of work, I love it. It’s such a blessing and wonderful.”
Bouw said the puppet has a handle on the head, torso and arms.
“That creates a juggling act for (Bohannon) to create when and where those handles are grabbed,” Bouw said. “She is making the inanimate object come alive.”
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Feinstein’s cabaret presents “All the Way Frank: A Sinatra Tribute” March 5, followed by Dueling Pianos March 6 and singer/songwriter Andie Case March 7 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE SPITFIRE GRILL’
Carmel Community Players’ production of “The Spitfire Grill” runs through March 8 at Switch Theatre at Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy in Fishers. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
‘VANITIES’
The Belfry Theatre presents “Vanities” March 6 through March 15 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
CHRIS BOTTI
Trumpeter Chris Botti will perform at 8 p.m. March 6 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
JEROME COLLINS
Jerome Collins will perform his “Journey to Motown and Beyond” show at 8 p.m. March 7 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘CHANSON FRANCAISE’
Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Chanson Francaise” concert is set for 7 p.m. March 7 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
MIXED REP
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble presents “Mixed Rep” at 4 p.m. March 8 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit cidedance.org.
Actress heads backstage
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Shelley Young will experience an entirely different side of theater.
The Brownsburg resident, who is accustomed to being on stage, will be a crew member for the first time on the production of “Funny Girl” March 6-22 at Footlite Musicals at Hedback Theatre in Indianapolis.
“I believe I have been in approximately 24 musical productions within California, Utah and Indiana — seven of them at Footlite,” Young said. “I know how integral the crew is to the success and flow of a great production and Footlite is a wonderful community. My role on the crew for ‘Funny Girl’ will initially be learning about the behind-the-scenes running of the curtain, scene changes, stage setup and assisting cast members with quick changes.”
“I’m very excited to assist and support in this way,”
Katie van den Heuvel, who lives on the north side of Indianapolis, is the choreographer and an ensemble performer for the production, which is loosely based on the life of comedian-singer Fanny Brice.
“It has definitely been a learning experience for me to choreograph this amount of ensemble,” said van den Heuvel, who grew up in Noblesville and was homeschooled. “It has especially been fun and satisfying to see the tap number come together since several of the ensemble had little to no tap history before.”
Beth Swayze, a north Indianapolis resident, is the producer. She typically produces one or two shows per year for Footlite Musicals. This is her first time being involved with “Funny Girl.”
Young will assist the stage manager.
“I have experienced the magic of putting together a musical only from the cast side of things up to now,” she said.
“I do love the show, especially the music, but I really enjoy the opportunity to engage with the many facets that bring a show to life,” Swayze said. For more, visit footlite.org.
Young
Mixed Rep showcases range of local dancers
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
University High School senior Sophia Cahn is ready for her final Mixed Rep with Central Indiana Dance Ensemble.
CIDE will present Mixed Rep at 4 p.m. March 8 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“I am most looking forward to spending my last Mixed Rep with the people I love so much and embracing our time on stage,” the Carmel resident said. “I love that the repertoire this year is so diverse while still maintaining classical elements. It spans from neoclassical ballet to ‘Swan Lake.’”
Cahn said her favorite piece is “No. 4 Saint James Place.”
“I love this piece for the beautiful piano music, and most importantly, the connection I feel with my friends while dancing it,” she said. “This piece can be challenging because of its length and the stamina needed for the end section.”
Cahn is the choreographer for “Flite.”
“I have always wanted to choreograph, and when the opportunity arose to do an emerging piece, I was very excited,” she said. “One challenge that I faced was my fear of failure. This was my first time choreographing and so there was a lot of room for mistakes. But with that (came) growth. I am overall very happy with my piece.”
Park Tudor School junior Katie Fuhrmann, a Carmel resident, said her favorite role is as Odette in the excerpt from
“Swan Lake.”
“This role is extremely challenging as it requires a lot of control, strength, stamina and gracefulness,” Fuhrmann said. “But being able to perform it on stage is truly a dream come true. So many preprofessional dancers never get the variety and range of performance opportunities that CIDE gives us, and I’m very grateful for that.”
Fuhrmann said she is eager for the countless hours of rehearsals to pay off on stage.
Carmel Latin School senior Natalie Keyser, a Noblesville resident, said her favorite piece is “Big Swans Variation” from the “Swan Lake” excerpt.
“I love the waltz music and the classical, elegant quality of the choreography,” she said. “The biggest challenges for me in this piece are matching my partner, Sophia Cahn, with the correct timing and positions, as well as building enough stamina to perform well.”
Keyser choreographed “Life and Death” for Mixed Rep.
“I have always wanted to choreograph my own piece and I was really inspired by the music that I chose,” she said.
“The biggest challenge for me was being able to actually create choreography based on the steps that I envisioned with the music.”
Keyser looks forward to performing in her last Mixed Rep as a “Big Swan.”
“Especially since (the seniors) performed this same excerpt in my first year of Mixed Rep (in 2019),” she said.
For more, visit cidedance.org.
This spring, we are offering themed 6-week sessions for students grades 1-8. Each session will focus on developing creative skills while using songs and other materials related to the theme.
Cahn Keyser
Trent foundation plans concert
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
It took Tony Trent’s one visit to Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tenn., to realize he wanted to mirror that experience for a fundraiser.
“The owner of the Bluebird Cafe invited me down there to experience it,” Trent said. “We learned how it’s done and the owner helped us to get two songwriters to come.”
Award-winning songwriters Wendell Mobley and Lee Thomas Miller will perform March 14 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.
The “Stories Behind the Songs” concert will benefit the Tyler Trent Foundation. The dinner is set for 6:30 p.m. with the concert set at 7:30 p.m.
Tyler, a Purdue University sports superfan from Carmel, drew national attention for his support of Purdue and courage while battling a rare bone cancer. He died Jan. 1, 2019, at age 20.
The Tyler Trent Foundation is dedicated to continuing Tyler’s mission to support cancer research and improve the lives of others.
Mobley has written No. 1 songs for Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney and Rascal Flatts. His work is credited with shaping the modern country sound blending storytelling with popular radio melodies. Miller has written No. 1 songs for Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw and Trace Adkins. His songs are widely recognized for vivid imagery, authenticity and lasting emotional impact.
“They sit in the middle of the stage and tell the stories of how they came up with these amazing songs and talk about their lives and the people they’ve entertained with,” Trent said.
In addition, the event will be the debut of a song Tony Trent wrote about his son’s impact.
“There is a gentleman from my church who is coming to sing it for me,” Trent said. “I’ve been working and thinking for a long time. When Tyler was sick, I had the idea for creating a song called ‘A Son and a Savior.’ So, I’m going to tell my story of how I came up with the song.”
For more, visit tylertrentfoundation. com.
DISPATCHES
Cross to perform at Palladium — Known for timeless hits like “Sailing” and “Ride Like the Wind,” singer-songwriter-guitarist Christopher Cross will make his debut at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in June. The performance is set for 7:30 p.m. June 21 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 317-843-3800 or in person at the Payne & Mencias Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office. The concert is part of the “Printing Partners Encore Series” and the 2025-26 Center Presents Season sponsored by Allied Solutions. In 1980, Cross released his self-titled debut album, which featured the No. 2 single “Ride Like the Wind,” and won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist as well as Record of the Year and Song of the Year for the No. 1 single “Sailing.” He co-wrote “Arthur’s Theme” for the movie “Arthur,” another No. 1 hit that won the Academy Award for Best Song.
IWS concert set for March 7 — The Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Chanson Française” concert is set for 7 p.m. March 7 at Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The first movement begins with a slow introduction followed by an allegretto in sonata form. The second movement highlights the addition of a solo flute. The scherzo that follows is based on a hunting theme and leads into a lively finale in the fourth movement to close the symphony. Charles Gounod composed “Little Symphony for Winds” in 1885. Commissioned by his friend Paul Taffanel — flute professor at the Paris Conservatoire — Gounod wrote the piece for a wind octet plus an added flute part in honor of Taffanel. The work draws inspiration from Mozart’s wind serenades and stands as a hallmark of French Romantic wind repertoire. The concert also will feature chamber ensembles performing additional works by French composers and music from the same period. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org
Trent
VIEWS
Listen to survivors to protect children
Commentary by Jessica Evans
In the towns and neighborhoods surrounding Indianapolis, community still means something. We show up for Friday night games. We rally around families in crisis. We take pride in knowing our neighbors and caring for one another’s children.
That’s why Hailey Buzbee’s story feels so close to home.
At Allies, we provide one-to-one mentorship for young girls in central Indiana who have survived trafficking and sexual exploitation. Hailey was never part of our program. But when her story broke, our mentees saw themselves in her.
Several of them were groomed online, just as she was.
They remember the messages that seemed harmless at first. The compliments. The attention. The slow erosion of boundaries. They know how quickly a conversation can turn into manipulation, coercion and control. And they know how difficult it can be for adults to spot the warning signs.
When Hailey’s story made headlines, something powerful happened inside our community. Our mentees began checking in on one another. They shared resources. They asked what they could do. They wanted to protect other kids from walking the same path.
We are following their lead.
Too often, adults speak “about” survivors. This moment has reminded us to listen to them instead. They are the experts on how grooming happens. They are the experts on how easily it can begin online. And when they say this is
urgent, we should believe them.
This is not a distant problem reserved for big cities. All it requires is a device, an internet connection and access to a young person who is looking for belonging.
That means prevention starts with us.
Supporting Hailey’s Law by signing the petition is one tangible step. But it cannot be the only one. We must also educate ourselves about online safety. We must talk openly with the children in our lives about digital boundaries, privacy settings, gaming platforms and social media messaging. We must resist the temptation to assume, “That would never happen here.”
Because our mentees know differently.
They are bravely using their voices to say: Pay attention. Ask questions. Learn the warning signs. Protect the kids in your own backyard.
In close-knit communities, we know how to stand together when something matters. This matters.
If survivors in our own neighborhoods are telling us that online grooming is real, present and preventable, then the most loving response is not panic – it is action.
Listen to them. Learn from them.
And let’s make sure no more children from our communities have to tell this story.
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Jessica Evans is the founder and executive director of Allies, a central Indiana nonprofit.
Shift in communication
Commentary by Terry Anker
A central figure of 19th-century American literature, Nathaniel Hawthorne is a known descendent of a judge in the Salem Witch Trials of the late 1600s, when 200 were accused, many imprisoned and more than 25 executed for “witchcraft.” Formed by that legacy, Hawthrone carried a shame that led him to alter the spelling of his name and, more important, to write often with themes of sin, guilt and moral ambiguity. His mastery of language afforded him the skill to enlighten the dark corners of our own righteous failure. In his 1857 notebook, he commented, “Words — so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary — how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.”
As we mature, the potency of language becomes clearer. In fact, language development is one of the few areas of intellect in humans that seems to build throughout our lifetimes, peaking later than almost all
others. It is up to us to show restraint and command over those words, but certainly, we know what they mean and how they can affect others. Alas, like so many levers of power, there are some who hope to possess them to their own ends. If words are bereft of meaning, or that meaning is intentionally blurred, how do we hope to communicate? Are we held captive from making our point?
To the Roman Army, “decimate” was to kill 1 in 10. Today, it is to destroy all. In early dictionaries, “awful” was inspiring, even majestic. Now, it is terrible. Trauma, gay, justice, amoral, great, literally and phobia are a few more that have shifted, to some degree, in definition. Is there hope that we can communicate when we are speaking the same language in entirely different ways?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.
This story’s for the birds
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
When we returned from our vacation in Costa Rica, the travel company asked us to rate our guide who accompanied us during the weeklong tour. My wife Mary Ellen and I agreed he was “for the birds.” Guillermo knew everything about birds. He knew each bird’s phylum, order, genus and species, and he could explain these details in four languages. As we walked through rainforests or cloud forests, he would point out a bird in a tree and give us full details about its lifestyle, diet and mating habits. He was truly a birdbrain, although he’d probably prefer to be called an avian biologist. I never had that choice.
Another notable quality of Guillermo was that, given the United States’ partisan climate, he was careful to avoid any references to controversial issues. When he discussed certain birds making their yearly trip to a new climate, he always used the phrase “making their annual sojourn.” The word migration was avoided. But with birds, anyway, he was definitely an advocate.
Our bus driver’s name was Manuel. He was excellent at the wheel, handling every turn and maneuvering through tight spots. I asked Guillermo if he thought there would ever be a driverless coach. “No,” he said. “We prefer manual driving.” Manuel didn’t get the joke because he didn’t speak much English. Just as well. I didn’t want Guillermo to have the best one-liner on the trip.
But now, let’s return to our travels. We also took a catamaran into crocodile-infested waters. There was one sighting where we were within 6 feet
of a 1,600-pound croc the locals called Captain Hook, a clear reference to J.M. Barrie’s story Peter Pan, where the crocodile bites off Captain Hook’s hand and develops a taste for him. The creature is named The Tick-Tock Croc because it also swallowed a ticking clock that warns Hook of its presence. Could the monster we faced swallow a clock? Yes, even a grandfather clock. Although this giant did not actually swallow a clock, we knew exactly what time it was when he moved closer to us and opened his jaws. Time to get out of there.
On our last day, Guillermo accompanied us to the airport. I asked him how far we were from the U.S. coast. He said about 1,500 miles, “as the crow flies.” Then he added, “Also 1,500 miles for the keel-billed toucan, the collared aracari, the scarlet macaw, the red-lored parrot, the crimson-fronted parakeet, the violet sabrewing, the golden-hooded tanager, the three-wattled bellbird, the emerald toucanet, the slaty-throated redstart, the ruddy triune …
Guillermo never ran out of birds, but we ran out of time because we had a plane to catch.
We headed for the airport. I’m sure Guillermo watched us take off. He seldom misses anything in flight.
Thanks, Guillermo and Manuel, you were the best guides we’ve ever had. I can’t wait to tweet about it.
at wolfsie@aol.com.
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Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him
Rose-Hulman Institute
16. Blown away
17. Pal
18. Clarifying words
19. Chris Wright winter weather prediction
20. Indiana town and county separated by 145 miles ($10)
22. Legendary sharpshooter Annie
24. Amend a Current
article
25. IU Health workers
26. Corporate shake-up, for short
29. Peanut butter choice
33. Rock back and forth
36. Yours and mine
38. “Enough already!”
39. Bucks, on a Pacers scoreboard
40. Lacking a time stamp
42. Colts QB mistake
43. Unwritten tests
45. Oklahoma city
46. Fastener
47. Mensa material
49. “In God we ___”
51. Snooze
52. Hen pen
54. New Year’s eave decoration?
57. Johnson County city ($100)
61. Doofus
62. White River wader
64. “Piece of cake!”
65. Stellantis car brand
66. Old witch
67. Religious ceremony
68. Connery, who played Indiana Jones’ father
69. ___ in on (neared)
70. Spoiled kid DOWN
1. Ind. neighbor
2. Workplace safety org.
3. Decorative feather
4. Like some Easley wines
5. Tobacco chewer’s target
6. Carmel HS prom rental
7. Yemen’s capital
8. Indiana State Fair barn sound
9. Church councils
10. Seymour’s county ($20)
11. Delinquent GI
12. PC key
13. Whirlpool
21. Falsehood
23. Combat-ready
27. Ill-mannered
28. Marion’s county ($50)
30. Norse god
31. Actress Fey
32. URL starter
33. Urban haze
34. Telegram
35. Country singer
Jackson
37. Cookbook direction
40. Customary
41. Like Purdue graduates
44. State park in Spencer County ($5)
46. Fire tenders, in a way
48. Indiana House floor address
50. Stephen, to Herb Simon
53. Unadorned
54. Wedding exchange
55. Manage
56. Mental flash
57. Gift tag word
58. Artist Magritte
59. Ratio words
60. Putin’s refusal
63. Miracle-___ ANSWERS ON PAGE 23
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