Column: Into the future we go: Welcome 2025

Dear readers,

Look, look, we have all arrived in 2025. As Bob Dylan, poet laureate and Nobel Prize winner, famously said, “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” 

Shelbyville’s brand, “Next door, Next level,” is now picking up speed. I didn’t just sit around in my pajamas and make silly New Year’s resolutions or predictions like I usually do. I took a walk around the neighborhood to see what our town Shelbyville is looking like at “Next level.”

Near The Helbing, I noticed some people moving into the new apartment complex "The Mill." I wandered over and looked around. I didn't know what to expect, but I saw the future. Maybe not for George Jetson and his family, but very upscale and definitely “Next level.”

On the ground floor, in addition to the parking garage, there is an area for tenants to wash their dogs. Not just a water spigot with a garden hose, but a special dog tub/shower.

Spa day for Fido, anyone?

Near the dog spa, there's a room complete with cable locks for tenants to lock up their Schwinn after a ride. Maybe next spring, I can recruit a few new riders for Team Schwinn.

Between the two five-story buildings is the swimming pool. Near the pool is an area for grilling food and picnics. 

Standing at the pool caused me to become unstuck in time for a moment.  It isn’t located too far from the Porter Pool of my youth.

Porter Pool was a public swimming pool donated to the city by Enos and Louella Porter. A small monument at the pool had the inscription, “To the children and citizens of Shelbyville, may it bring much happiness.”

I have always wondered what happened to that monument.

I was snapped back to the present by a voice. Melissa, the manager of The Mill, had caught me admiring the property or trespassing, depending on one’s point of view.

“My grandmother was a Worland,” I stated emphatically. My new 2025 go-to line when meeting people. It replaced the question, “What’s your sign?” a salutation I had been using since the 1970s disco era.

I came up with my new salutation after looking through a book in the genealogy department of the local library titled “One Man’s Family.”  I discovered that any family living four generations or more in Shelby County is related to the Worland family.

Melissa wasn’t a Worland so there was no family discount in the offing, but she did give me a tour of the property. The apartments range from studios to three bedrooms with a mix on each of the five floors.

When touring the apartments on the upper floors, I mostly looked out the windows. No matter the direction, I enjoyed viewing all the local landmarks from the elevated view. 

Melissa was a wonderful tour guide. Along with the view, the apartments all come with very upscale appliances and at no extra cost that “new” smell.

Like most old-timers, I still miss Porter Pool, but its time passed years ago. The Mill is a wonderful addition to Shelbyville. It is definitely “Next level.”

Just like Porter Pool, I’m sure it will bring much happiness to the children and citizens of Shelbyville who are moving in to start 2025 with a view.

Now, so as not to disappoint my long-time loyal readers, here are a few New Year’s predictions. You are responsible for your own resolutions.  Enjoy!

Predictions for 2025:

1. The Helbing will be relocated, taking it to the “Next level.”
2. Within a month of the relocation of The Helbing, an Elvis sighting will be reported by a tourist.
3. John DePrez will retire from the practice of law. The following day, DePrez will announce the reopening of the J.G. DePrez Co. Known as the “Big Busy Store.” Proving once again everything comes back if you wait long enough.
4. In the autumn, corn king legacy, Mark Fischer, will erect a giant corn shock in the center of the public square. Fischer Farms will bring back the famous “Corn Festival.”
5. As a special treat for GIANT fm listeners, Johnny McCrory will announce a special “View From My Schwinn” radio program.

 See you all next week, same Schwinn time, same Schwinn channel.