December 2, 2014

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Rams visit to Carmel / P3

Mayor helps on environmental task force / P7

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Tuesday, December 2, 2014

2 December 2, 2014Current in Carmelwww.currentincarmel.com

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3December 2, 2014Current in Carmelwww.currentincarmel.comCOMMUNITY

Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, INVol. VIX, No. 7

Copyright 2013. Current Publishing, LLC

All Rights Reserved.30 South Range Line Road

Carmel, IN 46032317.489.4444

[email protected]

The views of the columnists in Current in Carmel are their own and do not necessarily

reflect the positions of this newspaper.

Want to advertise?Current in Carmel reaches 100 percent of the households in 46032 and 46033 by U.S. Postal Service every Tuesday. For more information about how to reach that audience, call Dennis OMalia at 370.0749 or e-mail him at [email protected].

On the coverMayor Jim Brainard and clerk-treasurer Diana Cordray. (Illustration by Andrea Nickas)

Join our communitywww.facebook.com/currentincarmelwww.twitter.com/CI_Carmel

Wanna write us a letter? E-mailing it to news@currentincarmel-com is the quickest and easiest. Keep letters to 200 words max (we may make exceptions), and be sure to include your home ZIP code and a daytime number for verification.

Contact the EditorHave a news tip? Want to submit a cal-endar event? Have a photograph to share? Call Sophie Pappas at 489.4444 ext. 208 or e-mail her at [email protected]. You may also submit information on our website, currentin-carmel.com. You can find the Contact Us form under About Us in the upper-left corner. Remember our news deadline is typically eight days prior to publication.

Current gov-ernment and city reporter Adam Aasen is now blogging on Current in Carmels web-site, under the CityBeat blog tab. To read his thoughts on what is hap-pening around the city, visit www.currentin-carmel.com.

BY ADAM AASEN

Harvey joins Ruoff Residential mortgage lender Ruoff Home Mortgage has an-nounced the addition of Joe Harvey, senior loan officer, to their Carmel office. Harvey was previously employed for three years at PrimeLending as a loan originator. He started in the mortgage industry in 1994 and is an affiliate member of MIBOR (Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors). The Carmel office is located at 11711 N. Meridian St., Suite 130.

#GivingTuesday campaign Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development, along with several other non-profits in Hamilton County, has launched a year-end fundraising campaign in connection with #Giving Tuesday. #GivingTuesday is a national cam-paign that uses the power of social media to bring awareness to charities and inspire companies and individuals to give back to their community. Every-one who donates on or before Dec. 2 will be entered into a raffle for a prize.Those that make a donation of $50 or more will receive an insulated tumbler.For more information, visit www.facebook.com/HANDin-corporated or Twitter at @HAND_inc.

Rotary Club meetings The Rotary Club of Carmel meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. most Fridays at the Mansion at Oak Hill, 5801 E. 116th St. Upcoming programs include: Dec 5 club assembly at Conner Prairie; Dec. 12 program TBD, location returns to Oak Hill; Dec. 19 Rotary fun day. No meetings Dec. 26 or Jan. 2. Cost is $12 and includes a buffet lunch. For more information, visit www.carmelrotary.com.

Local student makes college team Carmel resi-dent Maria Bischoff is one of 26 women who suited up for the Goshen College soccer team in 2014. The womens soccer team, under the direction of first-year head coach Joel Gonzalez, finished 4-14 and received ninth place in the Crossroads League. Bischoff is a junior majoring in broadcasting.

Christmas musicals The public is invited to two musical shows on Dec. 14 at St. Marks United Meth-odist Church, 126th Street and Gray Road. The annual Christmas cantata, Joy Has Come, will be pre-sented by the churchs Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir and the St. Marks Orchestra during the 8:15 and 11:00 a.m. worship services. The childrens Christmas musical, titled Room for Christmas, will begin at 2 p.m. As part of the program, audience members are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate for area children in need. For more information call 846-4912 or visit www.stmarkscarmel.org.

DISPATCHES

Roundabouts, romantic get-aways and more... All of this can be found in Carmel, accord-ing to the producers of Savor Indiana, a locally produced show that highlights towns and cities around the state.On Nov. 21, the show aired the first installment of its Quintes-sential Carmel piece. To see the show or check the listings of when it will air next, visit www.currentincarmel.com.

Quintessential Carmel

On Nov. 25 construction areas reopened on the federal highway. The process of opening US 31 spanned several hours, and took extra time as crews finished the sec-tions of US 31 between Old Meridian and 136th. To see an updated map of the completed road-work, visit www.cur-rentincarmel.com.

US 31 is open

By Mark Ambrogi [email protected]

Even during the height of his professional tennis career, James Blake always placed a high priority

on charity tennis exhibitions.I always took the matches I did

the end of the year as the most important ones, said Blake, who participated in Carmel pro Rajeev Rams EntouRaj for Kids on Nov. 21 at Carmel Racquet Club. The matches during the season are pressure-filled and you are earn-ing your real living doing it. Those are the ones you play so you have the opportunity to play the ones in the off-season when you have a chance to make a difference where you can help kids go to college like Raj is doing. For me, its helping people fight cancer.

Now retired from the ATP Tour, Blake competes on the PowerShares Series Tour, for former cham-pions. Blake turns 35 on Dec. 28.

Its a lot of fun to dust off the rackets and play with a good friend like Rajeev, Blake said. When you get to do it for a good cause, its special.

Blake, once ranked as high as No. 4 in the world, has fond memories of Indianapolis. Blake won one of his 10 tour singles titles at the now-demolished Indianapolis Tennis Center, beating Andy Roddick in three sets in the 2006 RCA Championships final.

That match was a fun one and the whole week was great, Blake said. I had some success in Indy. I know Raj is the hometown kid but I still felt some love from the crowd.

Ram, a former state singles champion from Car-mel High School, learned Blake could still play as Blake won the one-set exhibition.

He obviously can still play at high level. Thank goodness, hes not playing on the tour anymore, said Ram, laughing.

WTA Tour pro Alison Riske and UCLA tennis player Jennifer Brady competed in the event. Brady subbed for Melanie Oudin, who had to withdraw to have a heart procedure because of an accelerated heartbeat earlier in November.

Adding the girls in there was great, Ram said. The mixed doubles was a lot of fun. We had a great crowd and great support.

The event drew about 350 tennis fans that at-tended the exhibition, which included auctioned autographed rackets and lessons by the pros. Approximately $40,000 was raised for the charity after expenses, according to event organizers.

Tennis is such an individual sport but it turns into a community where everybody helps every-one, Blake said. You cant do these events on your own. You need help.

Blake lends hand to Rams event

CHArITY

ON THE WEB

Carmel High School girls and boys tennis coach Mike Bostic gets his picture taken with James Blake hold-ing a picture taken of the two of them when Bostic ran into Blake while attending the U.S. Open in New York. Blake earlier autographed the picture. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

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Carmel resident leads Thrive360By Mark Ambrogi [email protected]

Kids Against Hunger of Central Indiana has a new name and expanded mission. Carmel resi-

dent Jill Madinger, who joined the nonprofit as executive director in September,

was brought on to help make that tran-sition go smoothly.

The fourth annual Million Meal Mara-thon was held at Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 18 as more than 4,000 volunteers packed one million meals in one day. The organization used the opportunity of media coverage to announce the name change to Thrive360 and explain the expanded mission.

Its always been a dual mission to provide emergency humanitarian hunger relief and to offer opportunities for volunteerism, said Madinger, a 1980 Carmel High School graduate. The opportunities for volunteerism have always been the packaging of the meals. The meal pack-aging volunteers work is open to kids as young as age six and adults are as old as 96.

Madinger said the mission of Thrive360 will include the creation of partnerships with other nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations to address the needs of the communities it serves.

We dont just want to be an organization that delivers food, whether it be locally or in-ternationally, to a community and then walks

away, Madinger said. We want to find out what that community needs to help it thrive and be sustainable, whether that is education, farming, medical needs housing.

The organization has fed 23 million hungry families in Indiana and throughout the world since Carmel residents Dan and Nancy Hintz founded it in 2007.

They recognized early on that they wanted their children to have an op-portunity to participate in volunteer activities but there just werent that many things for children to volunteer, Madinger said.

When they found out about Kids Against Hunger, Dan and Nancy Hintz decided to start an affiliate in Central Indiana.

Using the meal packing opportunity has created opportunities for thousands of people throughout Central Indiana to participate in these packing events, Madinger said. So we hold these packing events at corporate offices, churches and civic organizations. It brings to-gether people of different cultures and from all walks of life with the common denominator of wanting to give back.

The organizations website is thrive3sixty.org. The 360 degrees comes from the idea that

the people who we are providing service today will become volunteers tomorrow and be able to give back to their own community, Madinger said.

Madinger

CHArITY

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The White House released a report last week detailing ways that federal and local govern-

ments can work together to deal with the effects of climate change.

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard was one of only four Republicans to serve on the 26-member climate change task force.

The State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience made its recommendations on Nov. 17 after months of meetings discussing the issue.

Climate change is a global challenge, said presidential counselor John Podesta in a state-ment. But the impact of climate change is very local and very personal.

Although some Republicans might criticize Brainard for serving on a Democratic presidents committee, Brainard said he believes caring for the environment shouldnt be politicized. In fact, he points to several Republicans going back as far as Teddy Roosevelt who championed this cause. He even notes that the term conserva-tive has the root word of conserve.

This should be a nonpartisan issue, he said. If anything this should be a Republican issue.

Brainard said he learned a lot from his experi-ence on the task force and has plenty of ideas about urban sprawl and city planning that he is excited to share with Carmel leaders.

Although coastal towns are often seen as most affected by climate change due to hur-ricanes, erosion and rising waters, Brainard said extreme weather can hit anywhere, even in the landlocked Midwest. Just look at the severe tor-nadoes that Hoosiers have seen in recent years.

And even if you dont believe in the science behind climate change, Brainard said the issues the task force dealt with are still important. It doesnt matter what causes a tornado or hur-ricane when you are discussing better ways to deal with disaster preparedness and improving communication between local governments and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Mayor helps climate task force

A map of the U.S. shows rising temperatures of various states since 2012. (Submitted image)

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After seven years, a female pit bull named Princess has finally found her prince.

The dog set a record for the longest stay at the Humane Society of Hamil-ton County, but now thats all over.

Cpt. Justin Growden of Fishers returned home after being deployed and inquired about finding a match through the Pets Healing Vets program.

The announcement was made at the shelters annual fundraiser, Tinsel and Tails, on Nov. 20 to cheers from the crowd.

They do amazing things and have hearts of pure gold. I cant say thank you enough to the workers and volunteers that have helped, Growden said. If you know of a veteran that may benefit from a companion animal, please pass this along to them.

Rebecca Stevens, the shelters executive director, said they were so excited to finally find a home for Princess. The shelter had even launched a Facebook page and campaign to spe-cifically find this dog a family.

Stevens said she hopes Princess can help Growden a veteran who served in the Marine Corps cope with post-traumatic stress disorder and a brain injury.

No two souls have ever needed each other more, the Human Society wrote on Facebook. While Princess waited way too long ... we have no doubt that her wait was worth it. Fairy tales

Shelter dog finally finds a home

Princess and Cpt. Justin Growden. (Submitted pho-tos courtesy of the Hamilton Co. Humane Society)

do come true.There was also talk at the fundraiser about

land becoming available for a new, larger home for the animal shelter, but Stevens said an an-nouncement isnt ready on that just yet. Tinsel and Tails grossed a record $192,435 for the shel-ter. In 2013 the event raised about $110,000.

To see more photos from the Tinsel and Tails fundraiser, visit www.currentincarmel.com. For more information about animals available for adoption, visit www.hamiltonhumane.com.

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Bickford of Carmel is the regions newest comprehensive Assisted Living and Memory Care Branch. The Branch features fty-eight private apartments, family areas, courtyard,

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caregivers providing personalized care, individualized service assessments and plans, and medication management. Mary Bs Neighborhood, a special part of the Branch reserved for

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The Indiana chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America held an organizational

meeting in Carmel last month for Hamilton and Boone county.

Moms and other interested citizens met at St. Christophers Episcopal Church.

Its exciting to see such a great turnout for our first meeting of the Hamilton/Boone County

Group, Indiana chapter leader Nicki McNally said. Moms Demand Action began with one concerned mother and has grown to hundreds of thousands of members across the country, advocating for stronger, safer, gun laws in our nation.

The group will hold their next meeting at noon on Dec. 15 at St. Christophers Episcopal Church. More information about Moms Demand Action is available at momsdemandaction.org or at www.facebook.com/MomsDemandActionIN.

Snapshot: Moms Demand Action

POlITICS

The Indiana chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America held an organizational meeting for a Hamilton/Boone County group Monday at St. Christophers Episcopal Church. Row one, left to right, Beth Sprunger of Carmel, Jennifer Fyffe of Zionsville, Peg Paulson of Carmel, Nicki McNally of Carmel. Row two, left to right, Bruce Russell-Jayne of Carmel, Laura Walls of Zionsville, Jenny Coplan of Carmel, Monica Can-nally of Carmel, Stephanie Mannon Grabow of Carmel, Kim Seelig of Carmel. (Submitted photo)


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It previously was revealed that the Carmel Redevelopment Commission might have a buyer

for the vacant Party Time Rental property on the northwest forner

of South Range Line Road and West Carmel Drive. Now, it appears that the project will be a full-fledged redevelopment, complete with tax money used to fund improvements.

Anderson Birkla, a real estate devel-opment company, is planning to buy the property and build a Tavern On The Green-type brewery-style restaurant with outdoor dining and an open green space, however a management company for the restaurant has not been released.

Connectivity will be improved by adding an entrance from South Range Line Road, possibly one that goes directly into underground park-ing, although everything is still in the planning stages.

Either way, public improvements have to be made, which means tax increment financing would be utilized.

TIF has been the topic of much conversation lately in Carmel. Its a mechanism to use increas-es in property tax values to fund public projects. Critics believe that TIFs are sometimes optimisti-cally projected and when property tax values dont increase as much then theres not enough money to pay off the debt incurred.

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard didnt provide a number but confirmed to Current that the costs shouldnt be too high for this project. The CRC will make money by selling the property, which was valued at more than $4 million in 2013. The CRC could decide to sell the building for less if the developer agrees to take on the responsibility of making the infrastruc-ture improvements or the CRC could

sell the building for the full price and pay for the improvements using TIF.

City councilors have seen architectural sketches for the proposed development at the former Party Time site. One plan involves moving the nearby Arbys and constructing a roundabout at Carmel Drive and South Range Line Road. City councilor Luci Snyder said she opposes that idea, especially after a majority of the Carmel City Council voted down the idea of that roundabout.

Tax money to redevelop Party Time site?

DEvElOPMENT

Snyder

14 December 2, 2014Current in Carmelwww.currentincarmel.com COMMUNITY

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Ex-Carmel chiefs: Where are they now?By Mark Robinson [email protected]

The city of Carmel has seen explosive growth in all areas the last 25 years. Population alone

has swelled from around 25,000 in 1990 to more than 80,000 residents today.

Keeping pace with that rapid expansion is difficult for any of the citys services, not the least of which is the Carmel Police Department. In this, the final segment of a three-part Current in Carmel series talking with the men who have served as chief of police since Carmel became a city in the mid-1970s, the last three chiefs dis-cussed their leadership terms.

Roger Conn served as chief under Mayor Ted Johnson from 1992-1995. On his watch, Carmel PD earned its first national accreditation. Now, the Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation analyzes the police depart-ment every three years to see that it maintains the best standards and practices. Conn is also proud of the efforts Carmel PD made in community outreach.

We implemented neighborhood crime watch-es throughout the city, said Conn, a 19-year Carmel PD member who left the department in 2002 but still lives here and works for Coleman & Associates, a retirement plan benefits manager.

We founded a Boy Scout Explorer post and de-veloped the first agreement between the local school administration and the police department to share certain criminal activity reports in an effort to form a working relationship between the two organizations. We enhanced the piloted D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) pro-gram and, with the assistance of theschool board, introduced itin all city schools.

Mike Fogarty came in with the new adminis-tration of Mayor Jim Brainard in January 1996 and remained chief for 15 years longer than anyone else. Fog-arty had served 27 years with the Indianapolis Police Depart-ment, retiring there as com-mander of the South District before Brainard asked him to take the helm at Carmel PD.

I think some of my experi-ence and being involved at various leadership positions was certainly helpful when I came to Carmel, Fogarty said.

During his tenure, Carmels population more than doubled from around 35,000 to 79,000 in the 2010 census. Keeping up with that growth in people, patrol areas and manpower was Fogar-tys greatest challenge, he admitted, adding that the police department received excellent support from Brainard and the city council.

Like Conn, Fogarty continued the emphasis on positive community outreach efforts. Among

them, he pointed to huge growth in neighbor-hood crime watch groups, development of a citizens police academy and teen academy and expansion of the departments chaplaincy pro-gram. He also said the school resource officer program, which has six or eight Carmel PD of-ficers assigned fulltime to Carmel Clay schools, reaps unseen rewards.

Those officers are there every day and the kids know them as people, not as police neces-sarily, he said. That has given us tremendous dividends as a community.

Its all part of the philosophy Fogarty now 77 and retired near Jacksonville, Fla. followed in his 40-plus years in law enforcement: Be courte-ous, be professional and respectful in our inter-actions with the people that we deal with.

Conn

Fogarty

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As Carmel residents begin filling the Arts & Design District in search of great holiday gifts,

local galleries are hoping art can be an option.

Decembers Gallery Walk a monthly second Saturday event will feature 100 Art Works Under $100.

Its part of city arts advisor Jerry Points plan to increase sales for all galleries during the holidays.

In December, many of our customers shop at the larger retail centers and sometimes forget that they can purchase a unique, one of a kind work of art from our Carmel Galleries, said Points, who also owns Eye on Art gallery. This showing of artistic works in a variety of media will be available throughout the month of December.

Some participating galleries include ArtSplash, Eye on Art, French Bleu, Inspire Gallery, Soori Gal-lery, Magdalena Gallery and Mary Johnston Studio and Gallery.

Saturday Dec. 13 is also the same day as the annual Holiday in the Arts District event. From 3 to 6 p.m., attendees can visit with Santa Claus, get their faces painted and enjoy music from school choirs.

Theres a Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt with prizes. Merchants in the district will decorate the gingerbread houses which can be seen in each

Gallery walk is Dec. 13

ArT

The December Gallery Walk is from 3 to 6 p.m., Dec. 13. (Submitted photo)

of their windows and an award will be given based on votes for a Peoples Choice award. The hunt begins at Teabuds with prizes collected at Auntie Ems or the Simply Sweet Shoppe.

Free carriage rides will be offered down Main Street. Theres cookie decorating with Rascias Creative Cakes. And patrons can drop off a Let-ter to Santa at a mailbox on Main Street and receive a personalized response sent back to them.

For more information, visit http://www.carmel-artsanddesign.com/FEATURES/holiday/.


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By Jillian Albrecht [email protected]

Its been well over a month since the Peko family of Carmel made tiny, terrier-mix, and Par-

vovirus survivor, Jasmine, part of their family. The rescue that placed Jasmine in a loving foster

home before she found her furever home is Helping Paws.

Helping Paws Rescue specializes in rescuing animals in dire straits, and they frequently need expensive, emergency medical care. Luckily for families looking to adopt, the medical care is not included in the adoption fee.

Helping Paws happily takes care of that bill, but sometimes the non-profit needs extra help. The founder, Sydney Banch, and many volunteers helped to put together the fundraising event that was Nov. 15 at the Moon Dog Tavern.

The people at Moon Dog were happy to help and an incredible amount of other businesses

pitched in, as well, donating items. Jewelry from Barrington Jewels, Aronstam, Reis Nichols, Hof-meister and Jareds was donated for the auction. Gift baskets, certificates, services, experiences and autographed pictures any sport fan would be proud of were also generously donated.

After paying all of the event expenses, Helping Paws raised $4,800 to help pay for Jasmines medical bills. With just a small fraction of the bill left, the rescue can be very proud of what they accomplished.

I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who donated items, purchased items or came to the Helping Paws event yesterday at Moondog, said Helping Paws volunteer, Christa Petzke, who brought in a huge number of the donated items herself.

For more information about helping pay for vet bills or volunteering with Helping Paws, visit helpingpawsonline.com.

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Event at-tendees from left to right: Steve Wigley, Amy Jordan, An-gie Lawson, and Jason Bowers. (Submitted photo)



A proposal to issue municipally backed bonds to pay for a new parking garage to jump start Pedcors City Center Phase II is currently sitting

in committee for the Car-mel City Council.

But the Carmel Redevel-opment Commission wants to move the process along as quickly as possible, so a public hearing was held on Nov. 26 to give anyone a chance to speak about the project.

Many on the city council have expressed skepticism about the proposal but at this meeting only excited proponents voiced their thoughts. Not a single person spoke against the development.

Michael Drewry, managing partner of Drewry, Simmons, Vornehm, a law firm at the City Center, said theres a unity of the entire project and the quality of the work doesnt appear to be expensive to him compared to other commercial projects. Drewry cites his background in con-struction law as his credentials.

Kind of like with halftime of a ball game, you get out there and finish the game, he said. Phase I was finished and Phase II needs to be finished.

Justin Moffett, of Old Town Design Group, said the development of the City Center was integral in his decision to announce his $100 million-plus redevelopment of Carmels Midtown area.

We would not have had to have the courage or desire to move forward with those grounds if it was not for the efforts done with the Carmel City Center, Moffett said.

Representatives from City Center businesses such as Pure Concepts, Bath Junkie and Matt the Millers Tavern all spoke in favor of the deal.

In other news, CRC officials announced that the tax increment finance district for Parkwood has paid off its debt and now any revenue gen-erated will mean money for a reserve account for the CRC.

The CRC also discussed two competing bids for land for sale near the Midtown area. Barrett & Stokley bid $2.5 million and Old Town Design Group bid $1.72 million for land situated west of the Monon Trail, south of 2nd Avenue SW and east of 3rd Avenue/4th Avenue SW.

CRC officials said they would consider all pros and cons and not just the highest bid. As a re-sult, the commission voted to reject both offers because it allows them a chance to move on to negotiating with both parties in order to try to fine tune either bid before selecting one of them.

CRC holds public hearing on City Center bonds

gOvErNMENT


Last month, student performers from Carmels School of Rock traveled to Ohio to perform in Cleveland at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The School of Rock is at 626 S. Range Line Rd. in Carmel and offers music workshops for kids of all ages.

Kyle Curtis in the front row; kids on stage are from the Cleveland House Band. (Submitted photo)

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The Carmel Marching Greyhounds warming up at Lucas Oil Stadium in prep for the Bands of America Grand National Championships last month. (Photos by Sue Eckl)

Jack Denger, Drum Major, steps off the podium to juggle crystal balls in part of Carmel Marching "In the Cards" show during the Bands of America Grand National Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday.

Carmel Marching Band color guard member Emily Eckl spins a flag during the show, "In the Cards" at the Bands of America Grand National Championships this past Saturday.

In Indiana, a majority of parents with existing Court ordered custody and parenting time arrangements stipulate and agree to abide by the terms of the holiday parenting time schedule as put forth in the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, (IPTG). In any family law matter, however, the parties need not staunchly follow the IPTG holiday schedule and can agree to a schedule that best suits their familys needs. That individualized schedule can be incorporated into the Courts Order. For example, if there are longstanding holiday traditions that the parties wish to keep intact for the children subsequent to their separation, parents will often agree to such specic provisions and/or request the same from the Court when litigating the issue.

The holiday parenting time schedule provided for in the IPTG equalizes the holiday parenting time for Mom and Dad over a two year period by alternating half of the holidays each year. The IPTG were recently amended. One specic amendment was to the implementation of holiday parenting time. Under the former IPTG, holiday parenting time took precedence over the regular parenting time schedule. This often resulted in one parent forfeiting weekend parenting time as it was the other partys holiday parenting time. In such instances, the former IPTG required that the parties modify the annual schedule to ensure that due to that holiday time, no party received three consecutive weekends of parenting time. Under the

amended IPTG, holiday parenting time continues to take precedence over regular parenting time, however, parties are no longer required to modify the regular schedule for the remainder of the year should either party receive three consecutive weekends of parenting time. Instead, one party may now receive three consecutive weekends. The purpose of this modication was to avoid additional modications throughout the year and recognizing that over time, the time would equalize.

Be aware, however, that if you have a current order for parenting time, the provisions of the IPTG that were in effect at the time the order was issued is still in force. The amendments do not automatically apply to orders or agreements that were entered beforehand, so the specic version of the IPTG that applies to your situation is important to recognize.Included in the holiday schedule are Special Days such as parents birthdays, childrens birthday, Mothers and Fathers day.

At Hollingsworth & Zivitz, P.C., our team has the experience, the understanding, and the compassion to assist with your family law needs. If you have questions or concerns regarding divorce, custody, support, or any other family law concerns contact our rm at 317.DIVORCE or visit our website at www.hzlegal.com.

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On Nov. 21, Current Publishing, 3Ds Pub and Caf in Carmel, Dwight Lightning and the Conch City All-Stars and Main Event Sound and Lighting banded to-gether in an effort to raise money for Operation Send Connor and Danny to College, which was started as a way to help two Hamilton Co. boys, ages 10 and 8, after their mother Shannon OMalia Hall was killed in July by her then ex-husband. Maternal grandparents Danny and Rita OMalia along with Shannons sister have taken over caring for the boys since the tragedy. As of press time, more than $7,000 was raised to send Connor and Danny to college.

OMalia family and friends join to support Connor and Danny. Pictured from left to right are: Lo Ellen Dascoli, Laura Lo Schneider, Sharon Pettygrove, Rita OMalia, Colleen Stine and Janet Andriole. (Photos by Cindy Goyer)

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As Dan Dakich was packing up his office at Indiana University after his term as interim

head basketball coach ended in 2008, he made a call that would change the

course of his life.I didnt want to get back into coach-

ing, said Dakich, who had previously been Bowling Greens head coach for 10 seasons. At that point Id had enough. I didnt want to move around the country.

He made a call to Kent Sterling, who had suggested Dakich get into the media busi-ness when he was finished coaching. It proved perfect timing because Sterling, then WFNI-1070 AM programing director and now a sports talk show host on 1430 AM, was looking for a local radio show to replace Colin Cowherds nationally syndicated show on WFNI in Indianapolis. Dakich did some trial runs and soon got the show.

From there, the 52-year-old Zionsville resi-dents broadcasting career has skyrocketed. Not only does he have his successful three-hour ra-dio show, but he is a top color commentator on ESPN college basketball games.

Ive gotten so lucky, said Dakich, whose

son Andrew played basketball at Zionsville High School and is now a sophomore walk-on guard at Michigan. Maybe thats why it happened. Kent told me to be yourself and things will fall in place. I never imagined this going to where this is. I have some pretty wild dreams but they dont

involve radio or TV.Dakich, a former IU basketball player,

auditioned for a Big Ten Network job in the 2008-09 season, but didnt get it. He was hired to be a Big Ten Network stu-dio basketball analyst the next season. He began working at ESPN in the 2010-11 season.

Dakich is known to occasionally break out in song, sometimes hell give relation-ship advice or seek dining tips during his radio talk show.

Occasionally, Dakich gets combative with call-ers, e-mailers or tweeters who are critical of his views. He said he has been more tolerant of late and plans to avoid Twitter arguments.

Even my mother has said, Youve been so good lately. Youre nicer than you were, Dakich said.

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Commentary by Jeff Worrell

Back in the day, for a town of just over 30,000 people, it should not surprise anyone that the

Carmelites were think-ing big. Although they had been discouraged

by even the likes of the Federal Government, this group of people was sure the trip would be worth it. After all, it had been just a few months earlier that officials from Carmel, Indiana and Kawachi-Nagano, Japan had signed a formal agreement to become Sister Cities and expand student cultural exchanges to include an economic development focus as well. So in 1995, with the new Carmel Mayor bearing products unique to Carmel, In-diana, the first Carmel Trade Fair was held in Kawachi-Nagano.

David Russell was one of those early big think-ers and almost 20 years later reminisced about the success of the program and the dedication of many individuals who worked so hard to make the program come to life. People like Barb Moshier, Charlie Scott, Kumiko Brunson, Daniel Swart, Larry Ingraham, Jim Burrell, Martin Hynes, Joyce Woz-niak, Euna Pittman, Fran Shoup, Kaz Sakiyama, TJ Walter and Michael Godfrey.

Carmel Sister Cities, Inc. as it is known today grew out of relationship started and managed by Charlie Scott and Barb Moshier from Carmel Middle School dating back to 1988. Every other year, stu-dents from Carmel would travel to Kawachi-Na-

gano and then in the off year, Japanese students would come to Carmel. In 1993, there was a push to expand the program to include an economic development component, which resulted in the 1996 Trade Fair.

The regular trips between communities continued through the years, nurturing lasting friendships and strengthening the long distance connection. As it became more difficult to make the trip after 9/11, Joyce and Al Wozniak started working on an idea to bring a piece of Japan to Carmel.

Joyce is an expert gardener and she started a planned gardening exchange. That idea took hold and grew into a full-fledged Japanese garden located on the Southside of City Hall. With the help of Kumiko Brunson, the two ensure visitors to the garden can stroll along the acre pond to watch the Koi Fish or sit quietly on a bench. The entrance to the garden is adorned with a wooden gate handcrafted by artisans from Japan who actually travelled to Carmel to install it.

The program continues today and is ready for the next generation of big thinkers.

Good day, Carmel.

Carmels twin city

vOlUNTEErISM

Jeff Worrell is a member of the Carmel Redevlopment Commis-sion.He recognizes volunteers on Connecting with Carmel on cable channel 16. Contact him at [email protected]

Images of Excellence awards The Carmel Chamber will hold its annual Images of Excel-lence Awards during its Dec. luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Ritz Charles, 12156 N. Meridian St. Awards are presented in seven categories: Applause Business of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Look-New Construction, Look-Renovation, Carmel Green, Most Valuable Volunteer and Lifetime Achievement. Cost is $20 for members; $25 for non-members. Reserva-tions are required by Dec. 8. Reserve online at www.carmelchamber.com or call 846-1049.

Chamber events The Carmel Chamber has several upcoming events. Arrows Young Profes-sionals After Hours Network will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at The Warehouse, 254 1st Ave. SW. Free for young professionals under 40. Reserva-tions are requested. A legislative breakfast to preview the 2015 session will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Dec. 12 at the Mansion at Oak Hill. Cost is $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers. Res-ervations for both events can be made at www.carmelchamber.com or 846-1049.

Walk through Bethlehem Visitors are invited to travel back in time 2,000 years, through the streets of Bethlehem in this free re-creation of the Nativity experience held from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 126th Street and Gray Road. All ages will travel in the company of Roman guards, encounter shep-herds, tax collectors and prophets before arriv-ing at the manger to behold a newborn babe. A donation of canned goods is requested. For more information, visit www.stmarkscarmel.org/holy-walk or call 846-4912.

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Susana Suarez, a Zionsville town councilor, be-came the first - and for now the only - candidate

to file for HD 24 replacing State Rep. Steve Braun.

I believe education is the great equalizer and have devoted a big part

of my time on the Indiana Higher Education Com-mission to ensuring student success, said Su-arez. Fixing the school funding formula, as well as equipping our municipalities with the right tools for economic development, will be my top priorities if Im successful.

The caucus to replace Braun is scheduled for Dec. 9.

Suarez throws her hat in the ring

gOvErNMENT

Suarez filing for HD24. (Submitted photo)


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Brian G. Poindexter, Judge of Carmel City Court, has announced that he will seek re-election as

Judge of Carmel City Court in 2015. Judge Poindexter has served

as the Judge of Carmel City Court since Governor Mitch Daniels appointed him to the bench in 2008 and following his re-election in 2011.

According to a statement from Poin-dexter, he has worked to provide the citizens of Carmel with a court where each individual litigant is assured that they will be treated fairly, impartially and that all proceed-

ings are conducted in a respectful and dignified manner. Judge Poindexter is committed to con-tinue serving the citizens of Carmel.

Judge Poindexter has been an active member of the City of Carmel community for more than 20 years. Poindexter serves on the board of directors for the Rotary Club of Carmel, Janus Developmental Services and The United Way of Hamil-ton County. Poindexter lives in Carmel with his wife, Anne Hensley Poindexter, who is an attorney and a partner with the law firm Campbell Kyle Proffitt. Their daughter is a recent graduate of Carmel

High School and is a freshman at the University of Kentucky.

Poindexter files for city judge

Poindexter

POlITICS

whitesacehardware.com731 South Range Line RoadCarmel, IN 317-846-2475

DECORATE FOR LESS

AT WHITES!

Finally, the moment you all have been waiting for:Fresh, live greens have arrived at Whites Ace Hardware and Garden Center! Now would be a perfect time to stop by and look at our fresh cut, never painted, Frasier Fir trees.

Not ready for a tree just yet? Its never too early to put up a festive holiday wreath or drape some garland around the door. The woodsy smell of our mixed greens wreaths and garland are perfect for getting you in the holiday spirit!

With a variety of different sizes and styles to choose from youre sure to find a fresh, green tree, wreath, or rope of garland to fit your holiday dcor.

DISPATCHES

Red Bird donation tree The Red Bird Tree of Lights at St. Marks United Methodist Church is an ideal way to recognize someone special in your life this holiday season. Make a financial gift in honor of, appreciation of, or in memory of someone special. Minimum donation is $3 per honoree. All money collected during this cam-paign will be donated to the Red Bird Missionary Conference, located in southeastern Kentucky to help meet the needs of the Appalachian commu-nity. Donations can be made at www.stmarks-carmel.org/lights or mailed to St. Marks United Methodist Church, 4780 E. 126th St., Carmel. For more information, call St. Marks at 846-4912.

New small-group studies You are invited to attend a new small group discussion that will highlight the Advent season in a new way at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 4780 E. 126th St. Not A Silent Night by United Methodist Pastor Adam Hamilton will run on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 26 through Dec. 17. This discussion will be drawn from Marys point of view. Expectant, Dangerous, Jealous & Faithful will meet on Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 5 through 19. Prepare your heart for the Advent season by exploring these words used in the Old Testament to describe God. Book cost is $9 for either study. Register for these small groups at www.st-markscarmel.org/grow or call the church at 846-4912.



Even though their offices are right next to each other, Car-mels mayor and clerk-treasurer couldnt be further apart.

Lately Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard and clerk-treasurer Diana Cordray have had a number of run-ins. Attacks have been

leveled in the media and a lawsuit was even filed recently.City Councilor Rick Sharp said everyone has noticed the

battle. I was working out at the Monon Center and everyone kept

coming up to me saying, Whats going on? Why cant people just sit down and talk anymore? Sharp said.

LAwSuIt ovER SNow REmovAL?Cordray has said on numerous occasions that she thinks

Brainards administration hasnt been 100 percent transpar-ent when it comes to city finances.

In the most recent battle, Brainard said Cordray was play-ing politics by refusing to sign a purchase order for snow removal on sidewalks. The city filed a lawsuit against her on Nov. 21.

Cordray claimed her staff simply had a question about if it was proper to use the motor vehicle highway funds to pay for this work. She said she never refused to approve it.

It wasnt until reading each others comments in news-papers did the miscommunication get cleared up and the lawsuit was dropped on Nov. 25.

After ending their legal battle, both sides claimed victory.

Although it took legal action on my part, the City of Carmel can now sign the contract for snow removal in the Arts & Design District and at The Palladium, ensuring safety for pe-destrians in the event of snow, Brainard stated.

Cordray said: We feel our office has been vindicated.Sharp said he thinks it was unnecessary to jump to a

lawsuit when other means could have been used to resolve this issue.

I think its completely politically motivated, he said. Its obvious that the clerk-treasurers office was working co-operatively. I think this is nothing more than an attempt to sabotage the reputation of the clerk-treasurer.

Furthermore, Sharp said there was no snow emergency and business owners are already legally required to shovel their own sidewalks.

But Brainard said that fact doesnt matter. He said it was approved by the council and its a legal use of funds. Brain-ard said its not the clerk-treasurers role to make funding decisions.

As CEO of the city, thats one of the things I get to decide as long as the money is available, he said. Her job isnt to say yes or no to that. Her job is to make sure the money is available.

mEDIA wARSBrainard and Cordray have both accused the other of going

directly to the media with complaints or concerns instead of just talking to each other.

Mike Shaver, president of Wabash Scientific and consultant to Cordray, said Brainard took legal action just a day after he met with Carmels Street Dept. to clear everything up.

We talked for an hour, he said. I even brought donuts.He was surprised to see a lawsuit the next day with a news

release quickly sent to newspapers with a statement from Brainard asking for the clerk-treasurer to fulfill her duties.

On the other hand, Brainard said Cordray secretly went straight to the media to express the concerns about the special benefits tax instead of discussing the issue.

When someone does that, it is clear that this conversa-tion is focused more on embarrassing this administration and casting doubt on our redevelopment projects rather than what we should be focusing on, which is working to-gether to ensure successful projects for Carmel so that we can continue our positive growth and attracting economic development, Brainard said. I am disappointed in this action because it suggests her motives are not to find answers, but stir up controversy.

GEttING RID of tHE cLERk-tREASuRERBrainard has suggested that Carmel should become a sec-

ond-class city, meaning the clerk-treasurers elected position would be replaced by a mayor-appointed financial expert.

Theres also talk of running a Brainard-friendly candidate against Cordray in the next election. Sources say a candidate has been identified but that personwill wait until after the holidays to make an announcement.

Shaver said that the clerk-treasurers office doesnt dictate policy, but that questions need to be asked in the name of transparency. He said its important to highlight Cordrays transparency, even when she is being sued.

Cordrays staff feels the tensions. Shaver was admiring seven plaques on Cordrays wall for certificates of Achieve-ment for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

One staff member, frustrated at the criticism, said, If you talk to Ron Carter, [councilor and an ally of Brainard] hed say you might as well throw those out.

To read more about this. visit www.currentincarmel.com.

HIS AND HERS After dropped lawsuit, mayor, clerk-treasurer still have divergent views

Q: Could Carmel become a second-class city and re-move the position of a clerk-treasurer?A: Yes. Second-class refers to Indiana cities with a popu-lation size of 35,000 to 599,999. Carmel has more than 85,000 residents. If Carmel opted for this, then the city council would gain two additional members, and the position of clerk-trea-surer could be eliminated or split between a treasurer and a mayor-appointed controller. Nearby Fishers is one example of this type of city, and will officially become second-class in January.

Source: Indiana Association of Towns and Cities

For an extended look at what happened in the citys lawsuit against the clerk-treasurer, read Adam Aasens City Beat blog at www.currentincarmel.com.

COvEr STOrY

26 December 2, 2014Current in Carmelwww.currentincarmel.com vIEWS

cepted as fact the Sunday work day. Retailers that provide the day for observation of religious beliefs (or the NFL) are now imagined to be quaint or even as right-wing zealots. In a world where labor is already heavily regulated, does more intervention benefit anyone?

Our collective memories of over the river and through the woods to commune with family on this day custom designed for the purpose may simply be echoes of another time. But has our nostalgia distorted our recall? For me, memories include Thanksgiving starting especially early to get in chores before starting the work of prepar-ing the big meal. Perhaps Lesser should have required that the animals skip a day of feed or that the weather always remain temperate or arrest the farmers themselves. We could have used a few extra hours of sleep.

Q U O T E O f T H E W E E K

f r O M T H EB A C K S H O P

Commentary by Terry Anker

Black Friday almost has become a holiday in itself. It is easier to find a parking spot at church on Easter Sunday than one at Target during the shopping season. Retailers register the vast majority of their sales during the period; and many credit it with their very survival. Media routinely report on the travails of our consumer-ism with many hosting live remotes designed to fuel the frenzy.

Connecticut Democrat State Rep. Matt Lesser again this year is advancing legislation in his state to require that retailers be closed on Thanksgiving Day emulating existing laws in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Maine. One can find the story wedged between reports of where to buy the hottest toys and electronics. Lesser waxes poetic about the plight of employed retail-ers who are expected to be at their posts early. His empathy does not extend to those of us in health care, public safety, entertainment, filling station, or other infrastructure roles.

As social mores evolve, we have slowly ac-

Demanding demands

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may e-mail him at [email protected].

Brian Kelly, publisher, and Steve Greenberg,

general manager, are co-owners of

Current Publishing, LLC. Write them at [email protected].

Just as we were talking about how the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles had improved tremendously even transforming itself into a friendly, easy-to-use outlet came the news last week that some drivers have been asked to return some of the dough they were refund-ed when being overcharged on excise taxes. Oops! A BMV spokesman said it was human error that led to a temporary $60,000 windfall among 254 registered drivers license holders. The money will be returned or recaptured. We all make mistakes and its not the end of the world, but after years of improvements under the governorship of Mitch Daniels, glitches have surfaced, including this latest one. The BMV has said it overcharged approximately $29 million in excise taxes. And then there was a class-action lawsuit that claimed the BMV dinged drivers by $30 million to the minus side. Just less than five million Hoosier driv-ers were refunded $3.50 to $15 apiece in a settlement. Were in that group, although the check has yet to arrive. It will. Whats most important is that the mess be cleaned up and in an expedient way. Maybe there needs to be a new set of tighter controls. Remember, that money doesnt belong to state government; it belongs to all of us. True enough, it is distrib-uted to municipalities across the state annu-ally, but errors are errors and they should be contained, if not eliminated, at all costs as it is our dough. So, whats the process, whats the system? The leadership at the BMV and on up the ladder might want to ask that question.

As much as we truly love the season, it has

been humorous, really even laughable with respect to the unsolicited national retailer e-mails we have been getting. They almost all seem to tout the deal of the holidays, it wont get better than this, the lowest price of the year, etc. And we know well enough that those e-mails will repeat several times right up to Dec. 24. For now, well just remain amused.

Is it a glitch orjust error creep?

Moral courage is the most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men.

Gen. George Patton

B E l I E v E I T !Our nation has all sorts of arcane, nonsensical laws on the books. Each week, well share one with you. In North Dakota beer and pretzels cant be served at the same time in any bar or restaurant.

Source: dumblaws.com

Winter look not so hot

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

As I waited for my dermatologist in nothing but a mauve paper gown and my undergar-ments, I realized Id sunk to a new low in personal hygiene. Dirt under my fingernails, braid-able leg hair, sandpaper-like knee caps and remnants of two-month-old coral polish on my toes screamed I dont give a schtick! What was wrong with me? Sure it was a Saturday morning and Id already completed several errands by the time I arrived, but even for a busy mom, this was a new low.

Its not like I didnt know Id be practically naked in front of a veritable stranger; I was there for my annual ginger-skin check-up to make sure I hadnt acquired the cancer during the last year of desperately trying to achieve a tan while diligently wearing 30 SPF or higher sunscreen. As a red-head with green eyes and a family history of melanoma, I take skin care very seriously. But I found it weird that I had totally ignored my pre-sentation, as I normally spend at least a half-day primping and prepping for my ob/gyn visit.

I was so embarrassed by my state of non-pulled-togetherness that the first thing I blurt-ed out when she began her examination was an apology: Im so sorry youre seeing me like this! At least I showered! And to her credit, her reply was almost believable: No worries. It doesnt bother me in the slightest.

Maybe not, but afterward, still smarting from the shot of liquid nitrogen to the schnoz (she did find one small actinic keratosis, which can develop into cancer if not treated . . . curse you, daywalker skin!), I couldnt help but consider my total lack of effort prior to this appoint-ment. And then it hit me, sure as the 18-degree temperature had when Id first walked outside earlier. It wasnt that Im self-confident enough to not care what she thinks, nor that I hadnt had the time to make amends. It was simply this: Winter had arrived!

Thats why I hadnt touched a razor since Halloween, why I am shedding skin faster than our anole lizard, and most definitely why Ive not paid close attention to my nails in months. If Im wearing jeans and wool socks and boots 24/7, theres simply no need to keep things in summer shape. In fact, I find that a little extra hair on the leg acts much like the down feath-ers on a duck!

Still, cold weather is no excuse for letting my appearance go the way of my snow-birding in-laws. (Thats south, people!) For the sake of my children, my husband and my kind-hearted dermatologist, I must, at the very least, mois-turize and shave. Peace out.

Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may e-mail her at [email protected].


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vIEWS

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist, and speaker. Contact him at [email protected].

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

My wife and I have learned that when it comes to deciding what movies to see, we can-

not depend on the opinions of newspaper and online movie crit-ics. These are disgruntled people

who are looking to criticize even the most enjoy-able films no doubt unhappy that they cant write off the $12 tub of popcorn as a business expense.

I once suggested to Mary Ellen that we go to the theater and hang around outside, then listen in on people as they exited the movie to see what they were saying about it. My wife was against this just like the time I advocated the same idea for picking a restaurant. Mary Ellen felt that standing out in the cold in front of Red Lobster to eavesdrop on the patrons seemed desperate. And it might look a bit fishy.

The other night we headed out to see a movie, certain wed enjoy our selection since it was get-ting great reviews. But just to be sure, I lingered outside the entrance to see what I could over-hear as people exited.

That was awesome.Best time I have had in a theater.To hear such universal raves is uncommon, so

I decided to question one of the patrons. Was the film really that good? I asked.

No, it was just mediocre, but those new seats? Wow! Never had such a great evening,

In a seat of powersaid one lady.

My wife and I were eager to see what all the talk was about. We walked inside and there they were: The Regal King-Size Recliners. Yes, movie theater seats with a La-Z-Boy feel.

The seats were twice the size of the previous ones nice and leathery with a remote but-ton that lets you adjust the recliner wa-a-a-a-y down, making your back almost parallel to the floor, assuming you want to look at the ceiling.

We watched the movie. The name of it was ? It was about ? The lead actor was ? Actually, I remember nothing about the movie. My wife, by the way, liked the new seats, but there was a problem. Well. Thats the last time we go to that theater, she said.

Why? Name one thing you didnt like.Your snoring. Look, Mary Ellen, you cant put a guy like me

in a reclining position and expect me to stay awake.

Oh, and by the way, the cup holders are huge. They can even hold a small bag of popcorn, which is a great idea. I dont like going to sleep on an empty stomach.

HUMOr


As soon as the Herdmans arrive for Christmas pageant rehearsal, they cause a scene and commotion in front of the other children and director Grace Brad-ley (Nikki McConnell). (Photos by Robert Herrington)

December 2, 2014 currentnightandday.com

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Holy Walk through Bethlehem Visitors are invited to travel back in time 2,000

years, through the streets of Bethlehem in this liv-ing re-creation of the

Nativity experience from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 4780 E. 126th St. Although there is no price of admission, a donation of canned goods for a local food pantry will be accepted. For more information, call 846-4912 or visit www.stmarkscarmel.org/holywalk.

Celebration of Lights Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, 6 Municipal Dr., will offer holiday celebrations, light con-cessions and a story from Santa Claus

starting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6. Arrive early to catch a special guest appearance

by Lauren Lowrey with Ashton Wolf, and stick around for a performance by the Fishers High School Choir. Children can enjoy visiting with reindeer, stopping by local business booths and enjoying hot chocolate and cookies while Santa Claus reads The Night Before Christmas. For more information, visit www.fishers-chamber.com.

The 12 Houses of Christmas Noblesville Preservation Alliances will kick off its

annual event on Dec. 5. The event is 6 to 9 p.m. through

Dec. 31. This fun and engaging holiday driving tour will focus on the exterior of 12 showcase homes, each from one of Noblesvilles historic neighborhoods. For more information, call 426-1672 or visit www.noblesvillepreservation.com.

Westfield in Lights The annual Christ-mas celebration in downtown Westfield

includes the city tree lighting, Santa House, live nativity scene,

horse drawn carriage rides, gingerbread house display, live music and entertain-ment, a live reindeer and marketplace with food and boutique vendors. The event is 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 6. For more information, call 804-3000 or visit www.westfield.in.gov.

A Christmas Carol The performance by the Zionsville Radio Players is a mock

radio broadcast in which actors play multiple characters

and sound effects, will be performed live at 8 p.m. Dec. 5, and 3 and 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. It is approximately 75 minutes and suitable for families. For more information, call 339-8797. Cost is a $5 suggested donation.

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T H I S W E E K

This holiday show is naughty and nice

THEATEr

Van Howe

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson Westfield Playhouse, 1836 Ind. 32 West 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14 Cost: $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens 896-2707 www.westfieldplayhouse.org

Beth Bradley (Leah Kerkhoff), left, and Alice Wendlekin (Audrey Duprey) get in a heated argument about the Herdmans behavior in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

By Robert Herrington [email protected]

Westfield Playhouses upcoming holiday-themed performance, The Best Christmas Pag-

eant Ever, has eight families sharing the

local theaters stage.The show is wonderful for

families and this is the time people do things as a fam-ily, said director Bobbi Van Howe. Most of the kids in the cast have a parent or older sibling in the show. I try to make it a family thing, especially around Christmas.

The McConnells of Westfield had no idea they would share the stage together when they first came to tryouts.

They brought their son to audition, I asked them to read and then they had parts, Van Howe said.

Instead of driving their son, C.J., to rehearsals, Chris and Nikki McConnell of Westfield are acting alongside him.

We havent been in a play since high school, Chris said

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December 2, 2014