Here is the video version of my podcast with author Sonali Dev.
Here is the video version of my podcast with author Sonali Dev.
The Hamilton East Library is holding a special event Saturday, September 30, 2:30-4:30pm, at the Forum Events Center. Three authors will be on hand to talk about their books and sign books as well.
One of those authors is Sonali Dev, a prolific writer. She will be discussing her book “Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors.” The library arranged for me to record a podcast with Sonali Dev. Listen at the link below, I think you will enjoy the conversation.

The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board is once again featured on the front page of the Indianapolis Star, this time in the Monday morning edition. The story is all about a proposed contract with Bondry Consulting and the board’s interactions with Chief Financial Officer Katy Dowling.
I have reported previously on all this, but reporter Rachell Fradette does a deeper dive into the story. It all revolves around HSE School Board Member Ben Orr’s desire to have outside financial advice and Dowling questions why he needs that since that is her job as CFO.
Orr endorsed the work Dowling is doing for the school district, but reporter Fradette reminds her readers that Dowling’s contract did not receive the 2-year renewal that had been traditional previously.
There is a lot more to read in the IndyStar story, which you can access at this link. (NOTE: Access to this story may be limited if you are not an IndyStar subscriber. Online subscriptions are relatively inexpensive. Once again, please, subscribe to your local media!)

At the September 20 Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board meeting, the public was introduced to the HSE High School ESports team. What is this thing called ESports? It is basically competition among schools all about computer gaming.
Students have competed in games such as Overwatch, Rocket League, Super Smash Brothers, Valorant, League of Legends and Chess. This past summer, students playing Valorant were crowned National Champions at the Electronic Gaming Federation (EGF) competition. Additionally, HSE Esports placed third in Overwatch and two HSE Esports players competing in Super Smash Brothers placed as individual finalists.
While speaking before the board, the team and Coach Keaton Squires said the team has pitched-in to buy the technical equipment needed in order for the team to practice and prepare for upcoming competitions.
Mr. Squires told the board his team needs $15,000 to buy the equipment needed. He wasn’t asking the board for money, he was asking for the community to help the team.
It was a matter of days and a Go Fund Me page was established for the team. The early contributions as of Sunday evening total just over $4,200.
If you would like to contribute to the HSE High School ESports team, use this link.
Another week brings another update on road construction and other projects in and around Fishers.
Here is the update, as provided by the City of Fishers:
Continue reading Fishers road construction update for the work week starting Monday, September 25
Howard Stevenson served on the Hamilton Southeastern School Board and is currently President of the Fishers Plan Commission. He now is a candidate for an at-large seat on the Fishers City Council. He talks with Larry Lannan and Mike Fassold in this podcast episode.
Jocelyn Vare was one of two Democrats elected to the Fishers City Council 4 years ago. She is seeking another term as an at-large Councilor. She joins Larry Lannan and Mike Fassold in this podcast episode.
As part of my Fishers City Council Candidate podcast series, this episode features at-large Councilman Todd Zimmerman, who is seeking another term on the council. Mike Fassold joins Larry Lannan in the discussion.
As I begin my series of podcasts featuring candidates for Fishers City Council, this episode features at-large incumbent Council Member Cecilia Coble. Retired Fishers Junior High School Teacher Mike Fassold joins Larry.

The artistic talent of Hamilton County is taking center stage at the Fourth Annual Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists, a collaborative effort between the Fishers Arts Council (FAC) and Jiffy Lube of Indiana. This year’s exhibit boasts 41 talented artists from Fishers, Noblesville, Carmel, Westfield, and Cicero, showcasing an array of captivating painted mediums. The event is hosted at the “FAC Hub Gallery” located within the Collaboration Hub at Hamilton County Community Foundation, 11810 Technology Drive in Fishers.
Visitors to the exhibit will be treated to an eclectic mix of artworks, spanning landscapes, portraits, abstracts, and florals, as well as other categories. Awards will be presented in various categories, including Best Landscape, Portrait or Figurative, Abstract, and Floral or Other. The prestigious title of “Best in Show” carries a $1,000 cash prize and the opportunity for a solo exhibit in the gallery in January 2024.
The judging panel for this year’s exhibit is led by Rena Brouwer, a well-known artist with both Indiana and national recognition. Rena, a Delphi resident and accomplished watercolorist, holds a prominent position as part owner of the Opera House Gallery of Contemporary Art in Delphi. Her artistry extends beyond painting, as she is an instructor and entrepreneur who has won international awards for her watercolor creations. Rena’s unique contemporary style and passion for nature are evident in her work, which has gained recognition worldwide. With a career spanning over four decades, Rena has not only exhibited her art but also shared her knowledge at national art conventions, colleges, museums, and community venues across the nation.
Rena’s deep appreciation for nature and the preservation of our natural resources is reflected in her art, making her a significant voice in the artistic community. Her commitment to educating future generations about the importance of heritage and the environment is truly commendable. Rena is also affiliated with several prominent art organizations, including being an Indiana Artisan, a member of The Brown County Art Guild, Indiana Artists Club, Hoosier Salon, Indiana Plein Air Painters Association, and a Cardinal Fellow member of the Watercolor Society of Indiana.
However, the excitement doesn’t stop with the judges. The community is invited to participate in the MashCraft People’s Choice Award. Visit Facebook.com/FishersArt to view the entire 2023 Juried Exhibit photo album and cast your vote by simply clicking the “like” button for your favorite artwork. Alternatively, attendees can cast their votes in person at the gallery during the Second Friday reception and awards ceremony on September 8. Voting will be open from 6 pm to 7 pm, with the award announcements following at 7:15 pm.
The Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists is open for public viewing from September 5 through September 29, with gallery hours on Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm. On Fridays, viewing is by appointment with the Fishers Arts Council. Second Friday receptions are a monthly highlight, taking place from 6 pm to 8 pm and welcoming art enthusiasts of all ages. September’s Second Friday will feature live music by Jasmine White from Indianapolis, sponsored by the Fishers Arts + Culture Commission.
To schedule your gallery viewing or for more information, please contact the Fishers Arts Council by email at info@FisherArtsCouncil.org or by phone at 317-537-1670. The Fourth Annual Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists is a celebration of local artistic talent, offering a unique opportunity to experience the creative spirit that thrives in Hamilton County.