Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XIX, No. 22
Copyright 2023
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Review: Promote Carmel misused donated funds
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Promote Carmel, a city-affiliated nonprofit that ran the All Things Carmel store on Main Street, used funds donated for a new garden to bail out a struggling festival, failed to keep detailed records and helped fund several of the previous mayor’s events, according to an attorney who reviewed the organization’s governance and financials.
CITY NEWS
Marilee Springer, a partner at Faegre Drinker who specializes in nonprofit law, presented findings of a review of Promote Carmel at the March 27 Affiliate Review Committee meeting at City Hall.
That same year, Promote Carmel was asked to “financially assist the Carmel JazzFest event which lost a substantial amount of money and was unable to pay its bills,” the letter states. It does not identify who asked Promote Carmel to cover the shortfall, and Springer said she did not know who made the request.
The review found that Promote Carmel operated at a loss every year since its creation in 2020 and relied upon taxpayer subsidies from the city to remain operational. Between 2020 and 2024, the city provided $1.2 million in subsidies through grants to Promote Carmel. It also found that the nonprofit received more operational guidance from city officials than its board of directors.
Nine days before the city shuttered All Things Carmel in August 2024, self-appointed Promote Carmel spokesperson Dan McFeely penned a letter to the nonprofit’s board outlining a dire financial situation. The city had given the nonprofit half of its grant funding for the year but had not yet provided the rest. In the meantime, shop vendors were going unpaid.
In 2022, Promote Carmel had partnered with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation to secure a $50,000 donation to fund creation of a Chinese Peony Garden near Carmel Elementary School. However, Promote Carmel used the funds to bail out the Carmel JazzFest. Promote Carmel intended to repay the funds the following year. Springer said that did not occur. Members of the committee, which includes Mayor Sue Finkam, said the city plans to give Promote Carmel another grant to ensure the donor’s funds are repaid.
“This is not the city’s largesse bailing out this organization, this is taxpayer dollars that are paying these debts,” said Tim Hannon, a committee member and Carmel City Council member from 2019-2023.
McFeely was president of The Carmel Jazz Festival, Inc. at the time the donation was used to cover JazzFest expenses. His wife, Sue McFeely, was executive director of Promote Carmel and made $66,000 per year. Springer said Promote Carmel did not have a conflict-of-interest policy in place.
The review found that Promote Carmel paid more than $27,000 in expenses on behalf of former Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, Sue McFeely and others, including:
• June 7, 2021 – $365 for Luxury Worldwide Transportation to the mayor’s home after a conference
• July 16, 2021 – $475.50 for flowers, staffing and cleaning for the IMCL board dinner
• May 18, 2023 – $15,648.15 travel reimbursement for Sue McFeely
• Aug. 21, 2023 – $3,323.04 for beer and wine at a mayor’s reception
• Dec. 19, 2023 – $6,855.71 for the mayor’s Christmas party
After the meeting, Dan McFeely issued a statement regarding his role with Promote Carmel. He said he served as Brainard’s liaison to the nonprofit and assisted in overseeing All Things Carmel store as part of his role as an independent contractor for the city. He described the store as a visitor’s center that welcomed guests to Carmel.
“We love our City and enjoyed our time helping visitors discover all that we have to offer. Everything we did at the store and for other purposes related to the promotion of the City was at the direction of Mayor Brainard and his Community Relations and Economic Development office,” McFeely stated. “I would also like to clarify that I was not the president of the board of the Carmel Jazz Festival in the first two years of its existence but was asked to join the board after it accumulated debt in order to help its financial condition.”
In the letter, McFeely, who worked as a contractor in the city’s department of community relations and economic development, stated that in 2023 the nonprofit faced “new challenges” when the previous mayoral administration asked it to expand its funding responsibilities to include travel expenses to and from Carmel’s Sister City in Latvia and alcohol-related expenses for visitors from Carmel’s Sister Cities, as well as other projects.
Springer said Promote Carmel funded travel costs and alcoholic beverages for certain city-related events, which she said is not unusual for a nonprofit to cover, However, typically, the costs are covered by a different type of nonprofit, not one that is primarily funded through city grants. City policy prohibits using taxpayer dollars on alcohol.
“The problem here was that (Promote Carmel) was operating at a loss, so the subsidy paid for something with taxpayer dollars that wasn’t permitted to be paid for in the city budget,” Springer said.
Brainard declined to comment.
Finkam and her team began reviewing Promote Carmel’s finances and structure soon after taking office in 2024. Concern grew when a financial consultant flagged a lack of financial controls and inventory counts at All Things Carmel, Springer said.
Carmel Chief Financial Officer Zac Jackson said the city has paid more than $116,000 in costs related to Promote Carmel since the All Things Carmel closed. The city expects to pay at least $30,000 to outstanding creditors, but other liabilities may still be discovered.
Springer
Dan McFeely
Fired professor’s homes searched
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
FBI and Indiana University officials remain tight-lipped about a recent search of homes in Carmel and Bloomington owned by a professor who specializes in cybersecurity.
INVESTIGATION
The homes are owned by XiaoFeng Wang, formerly a director with the Center for Security and Privacy in Informatics, Computing and Engineering at IU in Bloomington. In Carmel on the morning of March 28, FBI agents, with assistance from the Carmel Police Department, searched a home on Shakamac Drive owned by Wang and his wife, Nianli Ma, who worked as a library analyst and programmer at IU.
Jason Covert, an attorney representing Wang and Ma with respect to the search of their homes, provided an update on their status.
“Neither Prof. Wang nor Ms. Ma have been arrested and both are currently safe. Further, there are no pending criminal charges as far as we are aware,” Covert stated April 2. “Prof. Wang and Ms. Ma are thankful for the outpouring of support they have received from colleagues at Indiana University and their peers across the academic community. They look forward to clearing their names and resuming their successful careers at the conclusion of this investigation.”
An IU spokesperson declined to comment on the investigation or employment status of Wang or Ma. But a March 31 letter from the executive committee of the Bloomington chapter of the American Association of University Professors to IU Provost Rahul Shrivastav states that Wang, a tenured professor, was terminated from his position without due process.
According to an online biography, Wang had worked at IU for 20 years and was a James H. Rudy Professor at IU; director of IU’s security program; and co-director of IU’s Center for Security and Privacy in Information, Computing and Engineering. He received a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.
Wang
Owners shutter group home
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Owners of a planned group home for elderly residents in Carmel shut down the business before any residents moved in and have listed the house for sale.
REAL ESTATE
Manor of Carmel was set to house up to eight residents in a renovated home on Horseshoe Drive in the Woodland Springs neighborhood. It was designed for those needing assistance with daily activities but not requiring as much care as offered in a typical nursing home setting.
Co-owner Jennifer Piccione said other groups have expressed interest in purchasing the home for a residential assisted living concept.
“We are going to sell as either a single-family home or (residential assisted living), whatever comes first,” Piccione said, adding that Carmel doesn’t appear to be a community ready for this type of facility. “We have just decided that there are other communities where we would rather help out.”
A new owner would need to receive approval from the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals before using the house as a group home. The Carmel City Council is expected to vote on changes to the group home approval process at its April 21 meeting.
Piccione purchased the property in 2022 and renovated it from five to eight bedrooms, added a fire suppression system and made the building wheelchair accessible. The home is listed for $600,000.
Piccione said interested residents were referred to Story Cottage and that no residents had moved into Manor of Carmel.
Piccione said her group is looking to open a residential assisted living concept on the east or west coasts or in the south.
The home on Horseshoe Lane once set to open as Manor of Carmel is for sale. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Constituents deliver boos to Spartz at Westfield town hall
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz wants to have a conversation.
POLITICS
That was the overarching sentiment of the congresswoman — who represents Indiana’s 5th District — as she faced down more than 300 residents during a town hall meeting March 28 at the IMMI Conference Center in Westfield.
The rowdy crowd was mostly unfriendly toward the Noblesville Republican, now in her third term, during a two-hour question-and-answer exchange on topics including President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, the Department of Government Efficiency, the Department of Education, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the budget, taxes, immigration, tariffs and the war between Russia and Ukraine. The majority of the crowd booed and jeered throughout the session as Spartz answered questions.
Spartz began the discussion talking about the budget. She said the 2024 budget includes a $2 trillion shortfall — one that cannot be fixed unless and until Congress learns to work together. Spartz said the success of the nation depends on members of both sides of the aisle coming together for a conversation.
“No one wants to work with President Trump,” she said. “Democrats do not want to work on (bipartisanship). We must keep promises to people — that’s what has to happen.”
Although Spartz took several questions throughout the town hall, she offered few solutions, instead leaning back into the message that Congress cannot function properly while hopelessly divided.
On health care and the potential for Trump to close the CDC, Spartz said the agency was caught unprepared during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We need to make sure (agencies) are held accountable and that is no longer the case anymore,” she said.
When asked about the deportation of undocumented immigrants or noncitizens with legal status, Spartz’s answers became impossible to decipher when the crowds’ boos drowned her out after she said those who break the law would face consequences.
Asked if she would support an independent judiciary, Spartz sidestepped the question to reiterate that Congress needs to focus on working together. She said although she’s not always in favor of President Trump’s executive orders, until Congress can work together, the orders are one of the few ways things can get done.
“My oath is to the Constitution and I take it very seriously,” Spartz said. “A lot of things that President Trump does, I do not like. But Congress (is) a broken system.”
Members of the audience were briefly in agreement with Spartz as she chastised Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. But things changed quickly when she expressed support for Trump dealing personally with Vladimir Putin.
More than 100 protestors stood outside the IMMI center with signs chanting “do your job” as Spartz spoke inside. Dozens of people stood up and walked out about halfway through the town hall.
The Westfield Police Department was on hand at the event, where there were no disturbances outside of the jeers of the crowd.
Around 100 protestors stand outside a town hall hosted by U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz in Westfield March 28. (Photo by Marney Simon)
University’s postseason run ends in close state final loss
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com.
University High School coach Justin Blanding didn’t see his team’s postseason performance as a Cinderella run.
BASKETBALL
His Trailblazers were 14-9 entering the postseason.
“We expect to be here,” Blanding said of the IHSAA state championship finals. “We worked hard to get here and we got here. We’re going to continue to compete and continue to do what we have to do to hopefully get back here.”
Ethan Hendrix and Gavin Betten scored 21 apiece to lead Class 2A No. 4 Manchester to a 59-54 victory over University in the 2A state championship game March 29 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
“Those guys made plays,” Blanding said of Manchester. “We got to the basket a couple of times (late) and couldn’t convert.”
Junior Blake Gray scored 20 and senior Max McComb had 16 points for the Trailblazers (20-10). There were 11 lead changes, and the game was tied 10 times.
The Trailblazers will lose McComb, who averaged a team-high 15 points per game, and Zien Bland to graduation.
“I’m definitely going to miss those guys,” Blanding said. “They’ve been tremendous for our program and our school. You cannot replace guys like Max McComb and Zien Bland. But they’ve set a precedent, which has trickled down to our team.”
Blanding thanked McComb and Bland for their “blood, sweat and tears, their leadership and the effort they bring every day to our school.”
McComb said his teammates found him
in the right spots to score.
“It helps when you have teammates that care about you like that,” he said.
Bland said he is certain the returning players will keep working to meet the coach’s expectations.
“As a team, we’re just so strong,” Bland said. “We love the game of basketball. We come together and we play together, it’s just fun. We won this year and we’re going to win a lot in the future.”
McComb said the team wasn’t afraid of anyone.
“When we step between the lines (on the court), numbers don’t matter, stats don’t matter, rankings don’t matter, we’re going to go, and the better basketball team is going to win,” McComb said.
Blanding, a Westfield resident in his second year as boys coach, said the team has set a standard.
“We have a lot of experience coming back with a lot of good kids we have,” he said.
The top returning scorers are junior Faisal Mohamud (9.8 points per game) and sophomore Josh Henderson (7.1 ppg).
“This offseason we are losing two good players, but the rest of us will be working to improve our game during the spring and summer,” Henderson said. “Now that we have experience in the state tournament, I have no doubt that we can get back to the championship in 2026.”
A Carmel resident, Henderson’s father, Alan Henderson, played for Brebeuf Jesuit in the 1991 state title game in the single-class system, losing to Gary Roosevelt. Alan Henderson went on to play for Indiana University and in the NBA for 12 seasons.
The University High School boys basketball team was runner-up in the IHSAA Class 2A state final.
(Photo courtesy of the IHSAA)
Storm brings tornado, high winds to Carmel
By AnnMarie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
A thunderstorm with heavy winds and a tornado that traveled through Carmel April 2 damaged several structures but didn’t cause any major injuries, according to the Carmel Fire Department.
A tornado was spotted near West Carmel Drive and the Monon Greenway.
Firefighter Tim Griffin said CFD crews responded to several reports of damage caused by winds and falling tree limbs.
“(There are) some buildings with some pretty significant damage, but no buildings down, just facade or brick torn off,” he said. “Some of the more aluminum or structured buildings (have) roofs peeled back or pushed in or peeled off. I’ve heard a few homes (were damaged), and one apartment had some damage.”
Griffin said the storm didn’t lead to many reports of fires caused by lightning strikes.
CFD worked with other local public safety agencies to respond during the storm. Griffin said community members generally heeded warnings to shelter in a safe place.
(Above) An April 2 thunderstorm with high winds severely damaged an office building on 3rd Ave. SW. (Photo by AnnMarie Shambaugh) (Inset) Cellphone video of an apparent tornado near west Carmel Drive and the Monon Greenway was shared on the Carmel Reddit.
An April 2 thunderstorm with high winds damaged the roof of an office building on 3rd Ave. SW. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Damage to a home and fallen trees near Harrison Drive and East Main Street. (Photo courtesy of Gary Simpson)
Multiple trees were damaged and uprooted during the storm. These trees were near Hazel Dell Parkway and Blackfoot Trail. (Photo by Marney Simon)
DISPATCHES
City names utilities director — Lane Young has been named the director of utilities for the City of Carmel. He previously served as executive director of Evansville Water and Sewer Utility and as campus director at Christian Union at Columbia. A native of Evansville, Young holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Indiana University and a master’s degree from Wheaton College. A veteran of the United States Army, Young served as a field artillery officer. His first day with the city was April 2, and he will assume director duties April 18. He will fulfill the role held by John Duffy, who is retiring this month, following 33 years of service to the city.
CCS appoints assistant superintendent – Carmel Clay Schools has appointed Holly Herrera as the next assistant superintendent of staff and student services, effective July 1. She will succeed Tom Oestreich, who will assume the CCS superintendent role on the same date. Herrera has served as the CCS director of human resources for the past two years. In her new role, she will oversee staff recruitment and retention, student support services and district compliance with state and federal education policies. She holds a PhD in educational administration from Indiana State University and a master of arts in educational administration and supervision from Ball State University.
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Waters remembered for her dedication, determination
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By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts President/CEO
IN MEMORIAM
Jeffrey C. McDermott viewed
Rosemary Waters as a consummate community volunteer, especially in the arts world.
Waters, a longtime Carmel resident, died March 24 at age 72 after a short illness.
Monon Depot open house — The Carmel Clay History Museum will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 26 to celebrate the restoration of the Monon Depot, which is now part of the museum. Brief remarks will be given at 11 a.m. The event will take place at 211 1st St. SW in Carmel. Learn more at carmelclayhistory.org.
National Day of Prayer — A National Day of Prayer annual observance will take place from noon to 1 p.m. May 1 at Carmel City Hall, 1 Civic Square. The 2025 theme is “Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled.” Learn more at nationaldayofprayer.org.
Enjoy family time, but also take advantage of nurseries, kids’ clubs and teen clubs for a spa day or date night.
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“I had the pleasure of serving with Rosemary among the Center’s founding board members back in 2010, and she was secretary to the board for several years,” McDermott said. “She was instrumental in guiding us through the early years and setting us up for the success we enjoy today. She has left a remarkable legacy of service.”
Carmel City Council member Jeff Worrell began working with Waters on the Carmel International Arts Festival in 1998 at Civic Square. The two-day CIAF expanded under Waters’ leadership.
“She really built it and grew it and got it on Main Street,” Worrell said. “What I remember most about Rosemary is she never gave up. She wanted it to be the best it can be. She would do whatever it took to make it happen. I loved working with her.”
Waters was honored with the Pillar of the Community Award in 2015 for her extraordinary contributions to Carmel.
“Rosemary was an exceptional leader with a kind heart and sweet smile that made others want to get involved,” said Jill Gilmer, president of the CIAF board. “The arts community, and this great city, will forever be grateful for her dedication, hard work and infectious personality that brought so many others to work alongside her.”
Waters also had positions with the Carmel Clay Historical Society, Carmel Arts Council and a stint on the Actors Theatre of Indiana board.
“She was just a ball of fire,” former ATI Executive Director Jim Reilly said. “She had a lot of ideas, ‘Have you considered this or that?’”
Waters
Young
Herrera
CHS team heading to nationals
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carmel High School senior Adam Madni is optimistic about having an even better showing at this year’s National Science Bowl.
SCIENCE
Madni and sophomore Edward Chen are the returnees from last year’s team that went to nationals. Chen is the captain. Madni was the team captain last year. Others on the regional winning team were senior Aayush Singh, sophomore Riva Jain and junior Allen Qian.
“This team I believe is quite stronger than last year,” Madni said. “I believe that our ability to have specialized players for each subject makes us quite a strong contender at NSB.”
Carmel’s A team topped Park Tudor’s A team with a score of 128 to 88 in the regional in February. That allowed Carmel to advance to the National Science Bowl April 24-28 in Washington, D.C.
“In 2024 and 2023, we placed top 24 overall, with last year’s match for top 16 ending in an extremely close loss for us,” Madni said. “Taking this into account, I
hope we can place in the top eight.”
CHS teacher Kira Hansen, who is in her first year as the club’s sponsor, said the science bowl team meets regularly to conduct question-and-answer sessions based on the categories of chemistry, physics, energy, earth/space, math and biology.
Carmel has represented Indiana multiple times at nationals and has made an appearance each year since 2016, Hansen said. Madni said the best finish at the national level was in 2021 when CHS placed in the top eight.
From left, Carmel’s regional championship team of Aayush Singh, Edward Chen, Adam Madni, Riva Jain and Allen Qian. (Photo courtesy of Kira Hansen)
Eagles softball pitcher a hit at mound and plate
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Community High School junior softball player Leah Helton’s talent as a pitcher was evident at a young age.
“When I was younger, I didn’t hit that often,” she said. “When I got to high school, I developed more as a hitter and that led into travel softball, too.”
Helton hit .429 last season, but it’s her pitching that still draws the most attention. She has already accepted a scholarship to play for Indiana University.
“She’s been working a ton on her individual strength and endurance as well as her pitch development,” Eagles coach Mike Garrett said. “She’s been pitching since her freshman year. Last year, we were able to give her offense to back up her pitching. That turned our record around. We’ll be a very competitive team with her arm leading the way. We have the bats now and upperclassmen in the lineup to give her
LEAH HELTON
Favorite subject: English
Favorite TV show: “Gilmore Girls”
Favorite musician: SZA
Favorite vacation spot: Cancun
some run support.”
Last season, the right-handed Helton had a 9-3 record with a 1.52 earned run average and 155 strikeouts. She allowed only 22 walks.
“She has great control,” Garrett said. “We’ll try to keep her fresh for conference games and the postseason.”
Helton said she has worked hard in the weight room.
“I definitely got a lot stronger than I was
Zionsville Community High School junior pitcher
Leah Helton has committed to Indiana University. (Photo courtesy of ZCHS athletics)
last year,” she said. “I definitely prioritized weightlifting and I’ve seen that help my game a lot.”
Strength training has enabled Helton to hit for more power.
“For pitching, I feel like I’ve been able to change speeds better than last year,” she said.
The 5-foot-9 Helton said she is optimistic about the team’s improvement this season, too.
“Having a lot of seniors puts you in a good position because everyone is used to the speed of varsity (play),” she said. “I’m looking forward to competing against a lot
“You can’t just put it off.”
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of teams and upholding the reputation we created last year. Our defense is a lot more experienced than last year. If there is a year to get far (in the IHSAA Class 4A tournament), I think it could definitely be this year. A goal for us would be to win state. I think we have the potential to beat any team in Indiana.”
Helton started playing softball at age 7. She played several sports, but softball and cheerleading were her main activities.
“I quit cheer after elementary school to focus on softball,” she said. “In middle school, I did cross country for a year. But I decided I liked practicing for softball a lot more.”
Helton, who plays club softball for the Indiana Magic Gold 16-and-under team, committed to play for IU in October 2024.
“I really liked that IU was close to home, so my parents could watch me play,” she said. “I also really clicked with the coaching staff. I liked how high energy they were because that’s something important for me.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
Helton
OPEN HOUSE
ICPYAS fundraiser set
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
One of the nation’s most prominent advocates for child sexual abuse prevention education will be in Carmel this month.
NONPROFIT
Thirty-eight states, including Indiana, have adopted a form of Erin’s Law, named after Erin Merryn, whose story of survival was the driving force behind the legislation that mandates the education in schools.
“We know that early education and intervention can save lives,” Peregrin said. “So, if we can reach our fundraising goal, we can expand our programs and protect more youth across the state of Indiana.”
The agency serves 11 central Indiana counties and 115 schools each year. In the 2023-24 school year, Peregrin said ICPYAS presented information to 89,000 students.
Peregrin said that one in 10 children experience some form of sexual abuse prior to their 18th birthday, and the rate for girls is 1 in 4.
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Merryn will serve as the keynote speaker at the 14th annual Rise Up for Kids Breakfast set for 7:30 to 9 a.m. April 24 at Ritz Charles in Carmel. The event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide, a statewide organization based in Carmel dedicated to empowering youth and adults to recognize, prevent and respond to child abuse and suicide.
ICPYAS Executive Director Melissa Peregrin said the goal of the breakfast is to have 200 people attend and raise $30,000.
“Just like you teach your kids to put a helmet on when they ride a bike, we teach them how to keep their bodies safe,” Peregrin said.
Erin’s Law requires schools to implement programs that teach students in grades K-12 techniques to recognize child sexual abuse and the proper way to disclose that information.
For more on the Rise Up for Kids Breakfast or to become a sponsor, visit indianaprevention.org/events.
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Merryn
Bourbon raffle to benefit Tri Kappa
By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com
Tri Kappa, an Indiana-based philanthropic sorority, is selling tickets for its fifth annual Bourbon Raffle.
FUNDRAISER
The sorority will raffle off 10 bourbons, sponsored by Holly Package Liquor. All proceeds will support Hamilton County residents in a variety of ways, including student scholarships, programs addressing food insecurity and fine arts initiatives.
“Scholarships are a big portion of what we use our fundraising for,” said Nanette Foster, president of Tri Kappa Carmel. “The scholarships will go to high school seniors that are within the Carmel or Westfield system.”
Bourbon Raffle tickets are $75 per ticket, and winners will be drawn April 25. The grand prize is a bottle of Pappy Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year. Other bourbons include Old Forester King Ranch; Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Premium Whisky; Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Barrel Strength; Regions 5 Straight Bourbon Single Barrel; Mattingly Legacy of Love Private Barrel Select; Circle City Whiskey Company Double Oaked; and Region 5 Single Barrel.
The raffle debuted in 2020 when the sorority needed a fundraiser that didn’t involve in-person interaction. Before the bourbon raffle, its fundraising mainly included bingo or poinsettia sales.
Bourbon raffle tickets are available to purchase through Zelle at Carmelepsilonmu@trikappa.org. Tickets are also available for purchase via check by contacting nanette.r.foster@gmail.com. Only 300 tickets will be sold.
Learn more at trikappa.org.
The lineup of bourbons that will be raffled off at the Tri Kappa Fifth Annual Bourbon Raffle. (Photo courtesy of Nanette Foster)
A LESS TAXING APPROACH?
Carmel embraces benefits of TIF for major redevelopment efforts
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
It’s no secret that Carmel’s landscape has dramatically changed in recent decades, especially in its central core.
The transformation of sprawling fields and a quaint downtown into vibrant multistory mixed-use developments didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of years of planning, fueled by a long-term commitment to tax increment financing, or TIF, which Carmel has used more than most Indiana municipalities.
TIF uses the increase in property taxes generated by improvements within an area to pay down the debt acquired to fund them. It’s been used in Carmel to help build the Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel City Center, Midtown and the redevelopment of downtown Main Street, among other projects.
“We use it very effectively in the City of Carmel,” said Nick Weber, executive director of economic development for the City of Carmel. “The results speak for themselves, but TIF is a tool that can support a community’s goals, a community’s vision. You’re getting the development you desire, but you’re able to curate that development or shape that development in such a way that it matches your community and the needs of your community.”
The Carmel Redevelopment Commission focuses much of its efforts on establishing and managing TIF areas, although it handles other duties, too. CRC Director Henry Mestetsky said TIF has led to more than a dozen free parking garages and other projects in Carmel, all without raising taxes on individuals.
“We’re not going out to every neighborhood and raising people’s taxes to create these amenities,” Mestetsky said. “They come from the commercial base that we have built because of TIF, which is why our taxes are lower than other places that don’t have the same amenities.”
But TIF isn’t without its detractors. Cali-
fornia, the first state to implement it in the 1950s, revoked it decades later (it’s allowed now under certain conditions). TIF was introduced in Indiana in the 1970s, and since then the state legislature has tweaked laws governing its use to minimize impact to overlapping taxing entities.
When TIF is used, taxing entities — such as cities, school districts and townships — receive property taxes at a baseline assessed value of the allocation area throughout the life of the TIF, which can last for up to 25 years in Indiana. As improvements to the parcel cause its assessed value to rise, property taxes generated above the baseline are captured through TIF to pay down construction debt or related costs. So, assessed values are frozen for up to 25 years for all taxing units, not just the one that created the TIF. Advocates of TIF claim that property values wouldn’t have risen without it, an argument that aligns with the state’s requirement that taxing units use a “but for” test to determine if a project qualifies for TIF in the first place. The test determines that TIF can be used if the development it is funding would not have occurred “but for” the implementation of TIF to pay for it.
However, no one — other than a municipality seeking to use TIF — evaluates whether the “but for” test is met, according to Larry DeBoer, a Purdue University
professor who studies state and local government public policy.
“I suppose you could sue, and then the courts would have a say,” DeBoer said. “But not only is there no oversight on it, there’s really no way to know (if the but-for test was met). If you ask both the TIF-ing unit and the recipient company, ‘Was TIF necessary?’ they’ll both say yes.”
But if used correctly, DeBoer said TIF is a “win all around.”
TIF SHORTFALL COMING
State law requires the establishment of new TIF areas to receive approval from several local governing bodies before going into effect. The first and last entity to vote is a redevelopment commission.
Carmel established the CRC in 1989, but commissioners weren’t appointed to fill it until 1996, two years before creation of the city’s first two TIF districts (Amended 126th Street and City Center), according to Mestetsky.
When Carmel first began using TIF, it combined multiple parcels in an allocation area and collected the TIF funds in a single pot, often referred to by city leaders as “the big TIF.”
“A lot of these (big TIF) areas were created when the Palladium and the Center for the Performing Arts were created,”
TIF allocation areas are prevalent throughout central Carmel but also exist on the east and west sides of town. Generally, they are not permitted in residential areas. (Map source: Carmel GIS)
Mestetsky said. “So, you have a big obligation in the bonds for the Center for the Performing Arts and Palladium, and then you have a lot of allocation areas that capture TIF to pay that bond.”
Debt for the $180 million Center for the Performing Arts campus, which includes the $130 million Palladium, has been refinanced by the city several times and combined with debt on other projects.
The city has approximately $182 million in principal remaining on the refinanced debt, Mestetsky said, with major payoffs expected this year and in 2032 and 2037.
For years, the city has been preparing for a three-year period beginning in 2035 when TIF revenues are not expected to be enough to cover outstanding obligations. Mestetsky said the CRC has “ample reserves” set aside to cover the shortfall when it occurs.
“We knew when certain areas were going to run out. We knew what our revenues were going to be. We know where our obligations are, and so very smartly, instead of spending a million dollars of excess cash every year, we tucked it away to this account so that, as always planned, we would have the money necessary,” Mestetsky said.
Continued on Page 15
Weber
Mestetsky
Continued from Page 14
THE FUTURE OF TIF
Once a TIF area expires, all taxing entities receive property taxes at their established rates for the entire assessed value of the site. Mestetsky and Weber said municipalities can set a new TIF allocation area on the same site, but its baseline assessed value will reset and freeze at the site’s current assessed value when the new allocation area is approved. This could occur in Carmel in expiring TIF areas with large parking lots, such as the office buildings along U.S. 31, Mestetsky said. Those TIF districts are set to expire in 2035, and because the city is looking to redevelop or infill that area, it might make
(Source: Indiana Gateway)
sense to start new TIF areas there, he said. It wouldn’t work in an area like Midtown, however, where dense development — designed to last for 50-plus years — has recently occurred.
Carmel Clay Schools, the largest taxing entity in Carmel affected by the city’s TIF districts, declined to comment for this story on the impact of TIF. Although the amount of regular property taxes it collects is impacted by TIF, its property taxes collected through referendums are not captured by TIF and thus grows in real time with assessed value. ON THE
In Carmel, many tax increment financing projects are built on land with C zoning, which is used for mixeduse developments. According to the Carmel Redevelopment Commission’s ChooseCarmelIN.com website, C zoning “streamlines development to save developers (and their corporate tenants) time and money” by removing the need for extensive variances and allowing “almost any mix of uses.” It also speeds up the approval process for architectural design, lighting and signage (also known as ADLS).
This means that for many of Carmel’s most transformative projects, variance requests and ADLS approval are reviewed and decided by a single hearing officer rather than the five-member Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals and nine-member Carmel Plan Commission, respectively.
But that doesn’t mean C-zoned projects receive less scrutiny, according to
DEVELOPMENT”
CRC Director Henry Mestetsky.
“There is a more streamlined hearing officer process, because we’re discussing projects that have been out in the discussion for years, oftentimes,” Mestetsky said. “Because these are such public, transparent, visible projects, I’d say C zoning or CRC projects probably have 10 more opportunities for people to discuss and speak than your standard (single-use building).”
While the CRC may spend years working with a developer on a project before it is announced, those discussions generally happen behind the scenes, not during a public meeting. Typically, the proposed project is unveiled at a city council meeting when the CRC asks the council to approve the issuance of developer-backed bonds to fund the project. Once the council votes on the bonds, it is often the last time it will weigh in on the project.
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VINE SOCIETY
Foods that fight illness
By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com
Trinity Free Clinic is piloting a program to connect people who have a chronic illness with food to meet their specific nutritional needs.
NUTRITION
The Food RX pilot program launched in February at the Carmel clinic, which provides free health care to uninsured, underinsured or low-income Hamilton County residents. Through the program, clients meet with a dietician, who recommends food options they can pick up at the adjacent Merciful HELP Food Pantry.
“It is geared to patients who have chronic illness like Type 2 diabetes,” said Cindy Love, Trinity Free Clinic deputy director. “When they go to food pantries, they get a standard box of food, and if it doesn’t match what is within their diet to control their illness, then it isn’t food that is healthy for that patient. We have a volunteer dietician, Kristine Grider. She meets with our patients that have chronic illnesses and help them plan what their dietary intake should look like.”
Once a month, the clients check in at the clinic.
“The first month they received some spices and got some more education on what to do with this food, how to prepare it, why this particular diet is important for their disease that they have,” Love said. “The second month they will meet with a podiatrist here. We provide specialty care here also who will talk diabetic foot care and educate them on proper foot care for the disease they have. The third month they will have their eyes examined. Then the fourth month they’ll have another education on nutrition and then the fifth month they’ll have measurements of their blood sugars to see if this program has actually helped improve and decrease their sugar levels and improve their health.”
The effectiveness of the program will be evaluated at the conclusion, and depending on the results, it may expand and accept more patients.
“By July, we’ll be able to measure the outcomes of these patients, and then we’re hoping by that point that we will launch it for all of our Type 2 diabetic patients or patients with high cholesterol or hypertension that need low-salt diets and low-fat diets,” Love said.
Learn more at trinityfreeclinic.org.
More than a fashion statement
even forms of eyelid and conjunctival cancer.
VISION
We all know about the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful UV rays, but so often our eyes are forgotten when it comes to preventing damage. Just like our skin, our eyes need year-round protection.
There are three types of UV rays. Fortunately, the most dangerous type, UV-C, gets filtered out by the ozone layer and does not pose a threat to our vision. UV-A rays are longer wavelength and penetrate to the back of the eye, called the retina, which can ultimately contribute to macular degeneration. UV-B rays are shorter wavelength and dangerous to the clear outer layer of our eyes, called the cornea. Excess exposure to UV-B rays can lead to photokeratitis, like a “sunburn” of the eye, resulting in substantial irritation, watering, light sensitivity and redness. Other longterm ocular effects of chronic UV exposure include growths on the conjunctiva (the white portion of our eyes), cataracts, and
If you’re wondering how to protect your eyes from this potential damage, look no further than a good quality pair of sunglasses. To provide adequate protection, sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation. Keep in mind that UV protection is not directly correlated to the sunglass tint, so darker does not always mean better. In addition, the sunglass frame should sit close to your eyes and contour to the shape of your face to block as many UV rays as possible.
Sunglasses are more than a fashion choice. They are essential to keeping our eyes protected and healthy. Don’t neglect your eyes and be sure a quality pair of sunglasses are on your packing list.
Dr.
Commentary by Dr. Hannah Wilson
Indoor pickleball facility to open
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.con
Rick Witsken became a pickleball proponent 15 years ago.
RECREATION
Witsken, 54, is the top-ranked all-around 50-and-over men’s player nationally. The Zionsville resident now co-owns 3rd Shot Pickleball Indy at 4400 W. 96th St. near the Zionsville/Carmel boarder.
“These are dreams being realized for what the sport deserves in our city,” he said. “I’m not trying to be narcissistic, but most people call me the OG (original gangster) of Pickleball in Indianapolis.”
The grand opening for the facility, which has 15 indoor courts, is set for April 26. Witsken said being located near the west side of Carmel and northern Indianapolis and should be convenient for players from many areas.
There is a self-serve 30-tap beer wall.
“We have a three-way liquor license, so there will be margaritas and daiquiris,” Witsken said. “There is a conference room and lounge where kids can come and study.”
Witsken said tennis lessons for younger children and pickleball lessons will be offered at the facility.
“Sometimes, pickleball and tennis don’t mesh, but in my world they do,” he said.
A longtime tennis instructor, Witsken was a two-time IHSAA state singles champion (1987-88) on the Carmel High School boys tennis team. He played tennis at the University of Alabama.
“I’ll be running clinics and giving private lessons,” Witsken said. “I’m an owner of the professional National Pickleball League and we are going to have the first league event Sept. 19-21 at 3rd Shot Pickleball.”
For more, visit 3rdshotpickleball.com.
Black Orchid Barbers blossoms
By Les Morris news@youarecurrent.com
Travis Moore spends a lot of time on the phone talking to real estate brokers marketing commercial spaces in Hamilton County. That’s what happens when you are the owner and founder of a thriving business looking to grow and expand. And not just any space will do. Moore’s Black Orchid Barbers has found a niche in small “pocket” spaces of 500 to 1,000 square feet in unorthodox locations, like next to a bar (“Beers and beards,” Moore jokes). He has five locations, four of them along a north-south spine from downtown Indianapolis’ Mass Ave. to Carmel, and he wants more in high-growth areas like Westfield and Fishers.
EXPANSION
plagued by rapid movement. Moore may spend a lot of time on the phone, but don’t try to make an appointment at Black Orchid on one — online reservations only.
Moore, a Carmel resident, is attempting to turn the staid business of haircutting on its head, so to speak. His 19 barbers are employees with a matching 401(k) plan, not booth renters. Moore said that at least five of those employees earned more than $100,000 in 2024. They travel from shop to shop. Turnover is low for an industry
Black Orchid grew revenues by 30 percent in 2024 from the year prior, according to Moore, and is on pace to match that mark so far this year. The latest Black Orchid to open was in December in the Keystone at the Crossing area, and that store has already seen business above projections.
“I think I could have two or three locations in Carmel, we’re that busy,” Moore said.
Learn more at blackorchidbarbers.com.
A view of the 3rd Shot Pickleball courts. (Photo courtesy of Rick Witsken)
Clients get a haircut at Black Orchid Barbers in Broad Ripple. (Photo courtesy of Travis Moore)
Dolenz to share songs, stories of The Monkees
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Micky Dolenz makes certain the legacy of The Monkees lives on.
Dolenz, the last surviving member of the group formed for a 1966 TV series, will perform his show “Micky Dolenz of the Monkees: An Evening of Songs and Stories” at 8 p.m. April 25 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“Some things always remain constant. I always sing the great big Monkees hits in their entirety,” Dolenz said. “You kind of have an unspoken contract with the audience when you are in my position. They want to hear those hits. Once they know they are going to get those hits, you can go on and do all kinds of things. Over the years, I’ve done deep album cuts. I’ve done other artists’ material. That changes up a lot.”
Dolenz, 80, said he has learned that people love to hear stories of his experiences.
“I tell stories of Stephen Stills, Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles,” said Dolenz, who was The Monkees’ drummer and colead singer. “I find if I tell these stories and then follow it with a song that’s appropriate, a punchline if you will, that ties into the story.”
But the stories are only a part of the show.
“It’s a flat-out rock ‘n’ roll concert,” he said. “I have a five-piece band plus my sister who sings with me.”
Some of The Monkees’ biggest hits include “I’m a Believer,” “Daydream Believer,” “Last Train to Clarksville” and “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You.”
Dolenz pays tributes to his late bandmate with photos. Co-lead singer Davy Jones died in 2012, followed by bass guitarist and keyboardist Peter Tork in 2019 and guitarist Michael Nesmith in 2021.
“It was like one blow after another, but in a way it’s like they are still there because of all the songs I sing and all the photographs,” Dolenz said.
TV reruns of “The Monkees” have
sparked interest in different age groups of fans.
“It’s quite common to have two or three generations because of the resurgence in 1986 and then again in 2006,” Dolenz said.
Dolenz said he gives credit to all the great songwriters each show. The band had songs written by Neil Diamond, Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Neil Sedaka, Carole Bayer Sager and Tommy Boyce/ Bobby Hart.
“It was an enormous stable of writers,” Dolenz said. “But there was also the television show and the writers of that and the producers and directors. It was not a band created for a TV show. It was a television show about a band that was an imaginary band that didn’t exist except on the television show.”
But Dolenz said the producers knew the actors would perform because they cast the show like it was a musical.
“You had to be able to sing, dance, act and play an instrument,” he said.
Dolenz said all the pieces fit together.
“At a certain point, the whole became greater than the sum of its parts,” Dolenz said.
Dolenz said sometimes he performs 100
or more shows a year.
“When I lived in England in the 1970s and ‘80s, I didn’t do any touring,” Dolenz said. “I was just directing and producing television shows.”
He resumed performing in 1986 with a Monkees’ 20th anniversary tour.
Dolenz, who was a child star in the TV show “Circus Boy” in the 1950s, said the break from performing probably kept him from burning out.
“During the second season of ‘The Monkees,’ I was already thinking about moving on and getting into production and directing,” he said. “I went to England and got lucky directing for the BBC and some films. It came at a very opportune time.”
Dolenz joked that what keeps him going is that a moving target is tougher to hit.
“It’s what I do,” he said. “It’s my day job. It is my business, show business.”
Dolenz said he will keep performing as long as it’s profitable and rewarding.
“It’s like someone throwing you a birthday party every night because the songs engender so much affection from so many people,” he said. “The songs are so great, it’s hard to go wrong.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘JERSEY BOYS’
“Jersey Boys” runs through April 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘SPIDER’S WEB’
Main Street Productions presents Agatha Christie’s “Spider’s Web” through April 13 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Comedy Night is set for April 10, followed by Dueling Pianos April 11 and Divas of the Songbook April 12 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three performances are set for 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
WORLD VOICE DAY
World Voice Day is 8 p.m. April 10 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Singers will sign up on arrival and must bring sheet music. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL’
Carmel Community Players presents “Ruthless! The Musical” through April 13 at The Switch Theatre at Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy in Fishers. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will perform at 8 p.m. April 12 at the Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCH
Heartland Film fundraiser set — Cinemania, Heartland Film’s signature fundraiser, returns with the theme “A Tribute to Dance Films of the 80s.” Presented by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co., it is set for April 11 at The Crane Bay Event Center in Indianapolis. The celebration is inspired by classic films like “Flashdance,” “Purple Rain,” “Fame,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Footloose” and “Xanadu.” Sponsor and party-pack tickets are good from 6 to 11 p.m. and premiere tickets are good from 7 to 11 p.m. For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.
CONCERT
Micky Dolenz is the last surviving member of The Monkees.
(Photo courtesy of Micky Dolenz)
NIGHT & DAY
Choirs end on high note
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel High School show choirs completed their season with a flourish.
COMPETITION
“It was a very successful season with both Ambassadors and Accents taking home three Grand Championships out of the five contests they attended and placing in the top three in the other two,” said Kathrine Kouns, CHS’s director of choirs. “New Edition took home one Grand Championship in the Festival Mixed Division and Allegro had a great time performing at Brownsburg High School. Isaiah Henderson was awarded Best Soloist in the Varsity Mixed Division three times and Annabelle Kim was also awarded Best Soloist in the Varsity Treble Division three times.”
The competition season concluded March 20-22 with Ambassadors and Accents competing at the Show Choir Nationals competition in Nashville, Tenn., where both performed at the Grand Ole Opry. The Ambassadors were champions, and the Accents placed second. Kouns was awarded the Sandra & Allen Chapman 2025 Director
The Ambassadors were Grand Champions at the Show Choir Nationals competition in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo courtesy of CHS choirs)
Appreciation Award of Excellence.
The show theme for Ambassadors, the mixed show choir, was “The Journey To El Dorado,” based on the search for the lost city of gold. Kyle Barker was the director and Kouns was the assistant director. Dwight Jordan was the choreographer.
“This year has been incredibly special as our group felt very connected to this set theme, because for many of us, we found our own ‘gold’ through being in choir,” said Ellie Andrews, one of three co-presidents of the Ambassadors. “Performing at the Grand Ole Opry was so surreal.”
Symphony on the Prairie set
editorial@youarecurrent.com
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Kroger Symphony on the Prairie schedule opens with Fleetwood Mac and ABBA tribute acts in the final weekend of June.
CONCERTS
The schedule runs through August at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Gates open at 6 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.
June 27 — Tusk: The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute. Featuring the ISO
June 28 — Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA. Featuring the ISO
July 3 - 5 — Kroger Symphony on the Prairie presents the Star-Spangled Symphony with the ISO with conductor Alfred Savia and guest jazz trumpeter Byron Stripling.
July 11 - 12 — Disney in Concert: Once Upon a Time. Conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly
July 18-19 — Celebrate the music of iconic composers John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Alan Silvestri, and more as Everly and the ISO bring to life music from legendary film scores
July 25 — Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston. Singer Belinda Davids will perform “The Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston,” with Lopez-Yañez and the ISO.
July 26 — EagleMania — The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band. Featuring Lopez-Yañez and the ISO.
Aug. 1-2 — Let’s Sing Taylor: An Unofficial Live Tribute Band.
Aug. 8 — Dark Star Orchestra. Recreating a Deer Creek Grateful Dead concert experience.
Aug. 9 — Face2Face. A Tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel
Aug. 15 — One Night of Queen. Featuring Gary Mullen & The Works
Aug. 16 — Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute
Aug. 22 — Neil Forever. The music of Neil Diamond
Aug. 23 — A1A. The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show
Aug. 29 — In-Vincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson.
Aug. 30 — Voyage. Celebrating the Music of Journey.
A mother’s story of fighting hate, antisemitism
Commentary by Karina Rosenthal
My family didn’t just decide to immigrate — we fled. Being Jewish in Ukraine meant being marked. Quotas limited access to higher education. Jews were barred from many professions. We endured slurs, harassment and violence.
We arrived in Indianapolis with one suitcase each and $72 per person. The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis helped us find an apartment, furnish it, and drove my parents to job interviews.
I was bullied for being poor, for wearing the wrong clothes, for being an immigrant. These scars built me. They sharpened my voice. That voice, today, is loud — because it has to be.
Earlier this month, I attended the International Festival at Smoky Row Elementary with my husband and children. What should have been a joyful celebration of culture became a deeply unsettling experience.
My fears were confirmed when I saw the Palestinian display, which included these lines:
• “The Jews plotted to crucify Issa.”
• “The Children of Israel have always been a difficult nation.”
• “Did the Jews kill Jesus?”
Hundreds of families likely walked past that display — most probably didn’t read it closely. I later learned the same display had been used the year before.
That kind of silence — and lack of accountability — leaves a second wound. One the Jewish community knows too well.
That night, my 9-year-old daughter asked, “Why do they hate Jews?” Then, “We didn’t kill Jesus. That’s a lie.”
Try answering that — when your family once fled simply for being Jewish.
Antisemitism isn’t a distant issue. It’s here.
At Carmel High School last month, the Israeli flag was stolen — a hate crime reported by a brave student. In our middle schools, Jewish students have faced Nazi salutes, Holocaust jokes, hate speech and bullying.
This isn’t just about one display at a school fair — it’s about a broader pattern. One that demands awareness, accountability and action.
CONSUME
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We are living in an increasingly uncertain world — one where the lines between right and wrong are being tested, and the stakes feel impossibly high.
I believe in the work being done with the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Carmel Clay School Board. Their March 27 message condemning antisemitism and committing to policy updates and education is real progress. But policy alone isn’t enough.
Change starts at home — around dinner tables, in quiet moments when our children ask hard questions. Teach them what the Holocaust was — not just as history, but as warning. Talk to them about hate — and where it leads. Help them understand
the war in Israel, the hostages still underground, the Gazans protesting Hamas — and the human toll on all sides.
Now more than ever, we need their chutzpah — their fire — to stand tall in the face of hate, and lead with conviction.
Let’s raise children who can stand in that narrow space between love and hate — with pride, with clarity, and with courage.
READER’S VIEW
Concerned by growing USPS problems
Editor,
Over the past eight to 10 years, there has been a noticeable decline in the United States Postal Service. Mail delivery times can vary greatly from one day to the next. The incidence of getting someone else’s mail has risen.
Then there’s the matter of delayed or missing mailed items. The weekly newspaper I have a subscription for rarely arrives on time, and in at least a handful of cases never arrives at all. I recently had a birthday and found that at least three people mailed me cards that never arrived. Within the last several months, I have had two incidents where mailed personal checks have never made it to the intended recipients. The latest lost check only needed to travel a couple of miles within our ZIP code. It isn’t just the expense and inconvenience of having to stop payment on
lost checks and pay late fees for missing due dates. It is also embarrassing to have a business contact you expressing concern that you are not able to pay your bills. Last week, my wife visited our Carmel Post Office to mail our federal and state income tax filing. She waited in line, and when it was her turn, she asked for mailing labels. The postal clerk pointed at the self-help kiosk and told her she could find the labels there. Upon searching this kiosk, my wife found that the appropriate labels were unavailable. She got back in line and when she indicated that those labels were not there, the clerk then handed her the labels that she needed. This was certainly not a customer-friendly approach. Is this an issue that others find concerning?
Rick Place, Carmel
Karina Rosenthal is a business owner, nonprofit board member and mother of three daughters in Carmel Clay Schools. A former refugee from Ukraine, she is committed to championing safer, more inclusive spaces for all children.
LIFESTYLE
1. Book jacket promo
6. Disfigurement
10. Fishers Event Center convention freebies
14. Gung-ho
15. Well-ventilated
16. “Doggone it!”
17. Colorful Kosciusko County place
19. Lo-cal
20. Half of hex-
21. Tom Wood inventory
22. Takes the bait
23. Guitar kin, briefly
24. Indiana Senate staffer
25. Fixate
28. Elegant and stylish
30. Less diluted
31. ___ and Caicos Islands
33. Sock part
35. Polo rival
36. Old Testament book
37. Go sightseeing
38. Immediately
39. Purse handle
40. Westfield HS prom outfits
41. Hoity-toity
43. Quite a crowd
45. Fastener
46. Tin Man’s need
47. Fencing sword
49. Mooring site
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2025-00058 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 28th day of April, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to allow an additional 3-ft in height for a pool house: UDO Section 2.04: Maximum 18-ft accessory building height allowed; 21-ft requested
With the property being known as: 10819 Ditch Road Carmel, IN 46032
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2025-00058 V
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Acreage 3.92, Section 3, Township 17, Range 3, Parcel # 17-13-03-00-00028.005
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
John and Norma Reeder
PETITIONERS
52. Slugger’s stat
55. Tater
56. Colorful Hancock Coun-
ty place
58. Infamous fiddler
59. In the vicinity
60. Current edition
61. USMC rank
62. “Do ___ others...”
63. Short letters Down
1. Top-rated
2. Hibernation spot
3. Citrus hybrid
4. Gun an IndyCar engine
5. Word after heart or circuit
Notice of Public Hearing before the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer
Docket No. PZ-2025-00060 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 28th day of April 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application for an additional sign for 1st Source Bank. UDO Section 5.39(H)(2)(a): one sign allowed, 2 requested.
With the property being known as 10570 N Michigan Rd
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2025-00060 V
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Acreage 1.27, Section 7, Township 17, Range 3, WESTON PARK, Lot 3, Irregular Shape. Parcel No.: 17-13-07-00-18003.000
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Steve Depositar, Art Works Sign Co.
PETITIONERS
6. Pretzel topping
7. “Arrivederci!”
8. Torah chests
9. Shapiro’s loaf
10. Side in eight-ball
11. Colorful Boone County place
12. Poker stake
13. Attends
18. Regrets
22. View with a skew
23. Second-hand
24. ___-Seltzer
25. Greek liqueurs
26. Colorful Hendricks County place
27. I-Team 8 news feature
28. Moved cautiously
29. Indiana’s senior US Senator
30. Noblesville HS wrestler’s win
32. Patriotic chant
34. IU Health trauma centers
36. Web address starter
37. Level or bevel
39. Fly high
40. Mythical beast that’s half lion and half eagle
42. The letter E, in Morse code
44. Westfield Marching Band instrument
47. Indiana tax IDs
48. Indy Zoo beasts
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