October 11, 2022 – Carmel

DISPATCHES

Correction — In the Oct. 4 edition of Current in Carmel, a photo of the ribbon-cutting celebration at Meadowlark Park incorrectly identified Clay Township board member Matt Snyder. Snyder is in the center of the photo.

Voter registration deadline Oct. 11 — Indi ana’s voter registration deadline is Oct. 11. Register to vote at IndianaVoters.com or by visiting the county election administrator’s office. In-person early voting begins on Oct. 12 and is open until Nov. 7. All registered Indiana voters are eligible to vote early in-person. A valid photo ID is required to vote. Early voting is available in Carmel at Mercy Road Church, 2381 Pointe Pkwy., and the Jill Perelman Pavilion, 3000 W. 116th St. Early voting hours in Carmel are 2 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 28 and 29, 2 to 7 p.m. Nov. 2 and 3, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 4 and 5.

Best Small Cities — Carmel ranked No. 2 in WalletHub’s list of 2022 Best Small Cities in America. The personal finance website compared more than 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 across 43 key indicators of livability, rang ing from housing costs and school system quality to restaurants per capita. Zions ville and Westfield also made the Top 10. View the full report at wallethub.com/edu/ best-worst-small-cities-to-live-in/16581.

Civil War roundtable — The Hamilton County Civil War Roundtable will meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at Carmel City Hall, 1 Civic Square. Historian and author David Finney will present “Crisis at Fort Sumter: Charleston, South Carolina, November 1860-April 1861.” Finney is a Carmel resident and member of the Hamilton County Civil War Roundtable who has spoken to the group a number of times over the years. The event is open to the public.

Synergize benefits Indiana Health Fund — Synergize raised more than $3,300 for the Indiana Health Fund at its latest 4:30 Meet up, an event at 3Up in Carmel that allowed group members to build friendships as they supported local families in need. Indiana Health Fund helps negotiate and pay off medical debt for Hoosiers in need. Once the debt is gone, the fund also provides finan cial planning services and counseling to those they serve. Their goal is to eliminate the personal and financial stress caused by debt, which can be suffocating when piled on top of medical issues.

Walk-In-Closets

Council approves comprehensive plan, developer-backed bonds

Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel City Council on Oct. 3 approved the city’s com prehensive plan, held a public hearing on the proposed 2023 budget and voted to issue developer-backed bonds for two mixed-use redevelopment projects. Read about other mat ters discussed at the meeting at YouAreCurrent.com.

What happened: The council unanimously approved the city’s comprehensive plan.

What it means: Updated approximately every 10 years, the plan provides nonbinding guidelines for development through out Carmel. Final amendments proposed and approved Oct. 3 included reducing the maximum building height to one story in residentially zoned areas along the White River.

What’s next: Learn more about and view the plan at car melcomprehensiveplan.com.

What happened: The council approved maximum sal aries for employees of the clerk’s office, city court, executive branch and for elected officials.

What it means: The employees and elected officials will re ceive a 6 percent raise and 2 percent bonus, the same rate proposed in the 2023 budget for other city employees. The council approved the ordinances on their first reading.

What happened: The council held a public hearing on the proposed 2023 budget. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.

What it means: Since presenting the proposed $177.4 million budget at workshops in late September, Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard adjusted it to include a 6 percent cost-of-living adjustment for city employees and a 2 percent one-time bonus to help keep pace with inflation.

What’s next: The council will vote on the budget later this month. Read more about the proposed budget at youarecur rent.com/?p=219286.

What happened: The council voted 5-3 to approve the issuance of $76.5 million in developer-backed bonds to finance improvements to support a mixed-use development at 111th and Pennsylvania streets.

What it means: The $700 million project, developed through a public private partnership with the CRC and Pedcor, is set to be built in phases over several years. It includes 912 multi-family units, office space, two parking garages and a public plaza. Councilors Tim Hannon, Tony Green and Laura Campbell voted in opposition of the bond issuance.

What’s next: The Carmel Plan Commission will review de tails of several aspects of the project.

What happened: The council unanimously approved the issuance of $18 million in developer-backed bonds to finance improvements to support a mixed-use development on the northwest corner of Range Line Road and City Center Drive.

What it means: The CRC is partnering with developer J.C. Hart on the $100 million project, which is set to include more than 350 multi-family units, two parking garages and office space in the north half of the now-vacant Monon Square retail center.

What’s next: The Carmel Plan Commission will review de tails of several aspects of the project.

What happened: The council approved the establish ment of a tax increment financing allocation area for the Flora development.

What it means: Flora, a new subdivision developed by Pitt man Partners and Onyx + East on Spring Mill Road just north of I-465, will have 129 dwellings that include townhomes, duplexes and single-family homes on 18 acres. CRC Director Henry Mestetsky said that the percentage of TIF funds go ing to the developer is still being negotiated and that spe cific uses for the TIF funds are yet to be identified, although a portion will go toward Flora infrastructure. Green and Hannon voted against establishing the allocation area.

What’s next: Flora construction is set to begin this fall.

West Park set to reopen soon

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

cess with remediation efforts but decided it wasn’t worth the cost.

Boutique Memory Care

Boutique Memory Care

When the playground and splash pad areas in West Park closed in late summer 2020 for renovations, Carmel Clay Parks & Rec reation officials expected them to reopen by summer 2021.

“At the end of 2020, once the winter weather came in, we had to let the hill set instead of doing construction over the win ter months into the spring,” Klitzing said.

RECREATION

But more than a year after the target opening date, those portions of the park at 2700 W. 116th St. remain closed, thanks to supply chain disruptions, soil conditions and other issues.

“This has been my most frustrating proj ect I’ve been involved with, simply because it’s taken longer than what seems reason able,” CCPR Director Michael Klitzing said. “I definitely empathize with the public that is ready to use what has always been a wellloved and well-used park. There is no one more frustrated in this community than me that this park isn’t open. We’re doing every thing possible to make sure it gets opened safely and as soon as possible.”

The $6.2 million project, funded primarily through the Clay Township Impact Program, experienced delays nearly from the outset with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting sup ply chains and leading to worker shortages for the project contractor and subcontrac tors, Klitzing said. The issues have contin ued throughout the project to some extent.

Early in the construction process, CCPR realized it would need to pause work on the new playground, which is being built into a man-made hill, for three to six months to allow the hill’s soil to fully settle. If con struction continued too soon, shifting soil could move infrastructure and lead to other problems. CCPR could have sped up the pro

As the project progressed, Klitzing said he realized the contractor — Indianap olis-based Alderson Commercial Group — wasn’t as efficient as coordinating subcontractors as other companies CCPR has worked with, leading to several more months of delays.

“The timeliness of getting the work done has not met our expectations and is a big factor as to where we are today,” Klitzing said.

CCPR’s contract with Alderson does not include penalties for missed deadlines, Klitzing said, and despite the many delays, most aspects of the project remain within budget. Alderson was also the contractor for the recently renovated Meadowlark Park, which opened approximately three months behind schedule.

Current reached out to Alderson for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Klitzing said he is hopeful that West Park will reopen by mid-October. CCPR doesn’t expect to hold an event to officially cele brate the renovations until mid-2023, when it can begin to operate the splash pad, which includes a waterfall and a streamlike experience.

“The most spectacular part of the renova tion project is the new splash pad,” Klitzing said. “It is a splash pad like none other I’ve ever seen anywhere.”

Learn more at carmelclayparks.com/ parks/west-park.

West Clay location

New West Clay location

CARMEL

Project: Roundabout, multiuse path construction

Location: The intersection of 106th Street and College Avenue is closed for construction of a roundabout. The multi-use path is under construction along 106th Street from Pennsylvania Parkway to College Avenue. 106th Street is not expected to be closed during construction of the path.

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Location: The Monon Greenway is closed from north of west Smoky Row Road to the Hagan Burke Trail. Expected completion: End of the year

Project: Range Line Road reconstruction

Location: 116th Street to Carmel Drive. A roundabout is under construction at 116th Street

Expected completion: Fall Project: New roundabout

Expected completion: November Project: Culvert reconstruction

Location: E. Main Street and Lexington Boulevard

Expected completion: Fall

Project: Widening and improvements along Smoky Row Road

Location: Between the Monon Greenway and U.S. 31. The road will be fully closed during the project. The Monon Greenway is closed until later this month.  Expected completion: Late summer

WESTFIELD

Project: New roundabout

Location: The intersection of 191st Street and Grassy Branch Road is closed. Expected completion: Due to delays with utility relocation, the estimated

completion date is Oct. 8.

Project: Reconstruction of 151st Street

Location: A section of 151st Street from Towne Road to Buchanan Lane is closed for reconstruction. The intersection of 151st Street and Towne Road will remain open during construction.

Expected completion: Oct. 8. Project: Reconstruction of 151st Street from Towne Road to Buchanan Lane

Location: A section of 151st Street from Towne Road to Buchanan Lane is closed for reconstruction.

Expected completion: Officials anticipate the project will be completed this month.

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The Carmel High School girls golf team pauses with its championship trophy. Front, Sophie Mock, Ava Nguyen, Sophie Cassidy and Claire Swathwood; back, coach Kelly Kluesner, Maya Ber glund, Caroline En zor, Kamryn Williams, Michaela Headlee and assistant coach Dan Patane. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

CHS girls golf team captures 3rd state title

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Carmel High School girls golf coach Kelly Kluesner, winning the state title was just a matter of stick ing to the game plan in the IHSAA state finals.

“We knew it would be good enough (to win) if we all just played our best game, and that’s what we ended up doing,” Headlee said. “We just stayed confident with our own game and not let everything around us affect how we played.”

ACHIEVEMENT

The No. 1-ranked Greyhounds won by 14 strokes with a team total of 629, ahead of Center Grove and Castle, which finished tied for second with a 643 total Oct. 1 at the IH SAA state finals at Carmel’s Prairie View Golf Club. After leading the first round early, Car mel started the second round three shots behind Center Grove.

“Maybe we got a little ahead of ourselves on some of the holes on the back nine and learned,” said Kluesner, a former CHS golfer who is in her seventh year as coach.

Kluesner said the conditions in the sec ond round were very tough.

“This course is a tricky one. The layout is hard, and then you add in the wind and great competitors, and it becomes a tough test of their abilities quickly,” Kluesner said. “We just said after (the first round) we had to reset and go back to our game plan, which is just simple golf, fairways, greens, two putts, and move on. They did a great job of it. They stayed patient all day.”

Junior Claire Swathwood was low for the Greyhounds, finishing in a tie for sixth among individuals with 80-75 for a 155 total. Sophomore Sophie Mock was tied for 10th among individuals with 81-75 for a 156 total Junior Micaela Headlee was one shot be hind, scoring 82-75 for a 157 total.

Headlee said the team didn’t play its best after the first round.

Ava Nguyen, the only senior in the start ing lineup, and junior Kamryn Williams each had a 165 total. Williams’ score was counted in the second round and Nguyen’s score was counted in the first round. The top four scores of the five golfers from each round make up the final total.

It was the Greyhounds’ third state title in girls golf, with the others in 1980 and 2013. Fittingly, Martha Foyer Faulconer, who played on the 1980 state championship team and was a three-time state individual champion, assisted in the medal ceremony.

The Greyhounds finished third in the 2021 state finals.

“As a team, we’ve really grown our bond the past couple of years,” Swathwood said. “We came in as a team and really wanted to win as a team. I think it helped us.”

Swathwood said the team will be ready to contend again next season.

“It’s great to win this one and we’ll be in a great spot again next year,” Swathwood said. “Getting two in a row after only having two in the entire high school history (before this year) would be pretty special.”

Swathwood, Headlee and Mock all were named to the all-state team. It was the third straight year Headlee has earned allstate honors.

“Michaela and Claire are great friends, but they challenge each other, which is always fun to see,” Kluesner said.

WHS sophomore’s golfing skills continue to grow

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School sophomore Addi Kooi has only played competitive golf for three years, but she is rapidly developing on the girls golf team.

“She’s had an incredi ble season,” Shamrocks coach Josh Bryant said. “Her game is blossom ing before our very eyes. She plays tennis on West field’s team. We love having multiple-sport athletes. She’s a competitor.”

Kooi finished in a two-way tie for fourth place with a 154 total in the IHSAA State Finals at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. She shot 79 in the Sept. 30 opening round and 75 in the Oct. 1 final round.

Kooi battled windy conditions in the sec ond round.

“The front nine was a challenge. We had a few shots that didn’t go our way,” Kooi said. “You have to work for every shot out here, and being patient really helped.”

Kooi said she learned some things from

MEET ADDI KOOI

Favorite athlete: Roger Federer

Favorite subject: Science/math

Favorite TV show “The Office”

the first round, as far as where to place the ball.

“I definitely could have shot lower (than 75),” Kooi said. “I made a few mistakes.”

Bryant said she handled adversity very well during the state finals.

Kooi said she has improved the most in her short game.

“It saved me a lot of strokes getting up and down,” Kooi said.

Addi Kooi finished tied for fourth Oct. 1 in the IHSAA state finals. (Photo courtesy of Addi Kooi)

Kooi’s teammate, junior Samantha Brown, was one shot behind with a 78-77 for a 155 total. Westfield finished seventh as a team. “(Brown) pushes me so much,” Kooi said. “This is the first time I’ve ever beaten her.

She’s made me such a better player to see how she works and (how) she hits the ball. She’s a phenomenal player. It’s definitely impacted my play and got me to this level.”

Brown, who has committed to play for Purdue University’s women’s golf team, and Kooi both earned all-state honors from the Indiana State Golf Coaches Association.

“Sam was the leading all-state points getter,” Bryant said. “The crazy thing about Sam is, she was 14-under par for the season cumulatively.”

Kooi has been playing tennis since she was little. She played No. 3 varsity singles for the Shamrocks as a freshman last season.

“I’m leaning more toward trying to play golf in college,” she said. “But I love tennis and I will play throughout high school. I think I’ve gravitated more to golf, and it is more of my passion now.”

Kooi’s mother, Keri Grossman, played college tennis at the University of Southern Illinois and her father, Jeff Kooi, played basketball at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa.

“My dad started golfing when he was young and he taught us all,” Kooi said.

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Kooi

house

open house

White River Rugby Club fosters friendships as it grows sport

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For White River Rugby Club member Nick Balentine, rugby is more than just a sport. It has provided him with friend ships and a strong support system.

“We share the pitch with the Carmel High School Rugby Club, which is coached by Leo Romero, one of our players and a very well-respected referee in our conference,” White River coach Jeff Russell said.

SPORTS

“I moved to Indianapolis right after col lege and I did not know many people,” the Carmel resident said. “This team, and rugby, in general, consists of social and support ive individuals. This is a place where you can find friends that last a lifetime. When I joined this team, I instantly became part of that culture which allows me to not only stay active but gives me a place where I can be myself.”

Balentine said the team, founded in 1999, has members of all ages, backgrounds and skill sets.

“But we all share that camaraderie and passion for the game and the sport’s cul ture,” he said. “I found great friends on this team, and I look forward to every practice, match and event, where I can just forget about work or daily problems and just play a sport I love with friends that feel the same way.”

The club plays its home matches on the field behind the American Legion Post 155, 852 W. Main St., Carmel. The team’s final home match of the fall season is set for 1 p.m. Oct. 15 against the Columbus Rhinos. Columbus is the only other in-state confer ence opponent. A social gathering with both teams follows the match.

Russell, a Whitestown resident and Zions ville Community High School graduate, start ed playing for Zionsville Rugby at age 16.

“Being accepted unconditionally into my rugby team meant that I stayed out of trou ble and ultimately was set on a path of rel ative success in life,” Russell said. “Keeping the club running requires funding and ad ministrative help. So, even if you don’t play on the pitch, we have a spot where anybody can contribute.”

There are 33 players on the White River Club with 15 playing per side in a match.

“We are rebuilding the team after the (COVID-19) pandemic,” Russell said. “We are in Year 1 of a three-year club development plan. We would like to see the count of our registered players exceed 50 by then. We have seven players who are playing their first year mixed in with experience levels exceeding 20 years.”

Russell said team members reside throughout the Indianapolis area. The club has players who hail from South America, Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Italy, Ger many and the U.S.

“My coaching philosophy and our team culture are centered around positive re inforcement and mutual improvement by keeping each other accountable to give maximum effort,” Russell said.

EXPLORE

The White River Rugby Club plays its home games in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Nick Balentine)

Nativity scene sale — The Knights of Colum bus, in partnership with the Catholic Business Exchange, are again this year offering their “Keep Christ in Christmas Outdoor Nativity Scene.” Made of all-weather, heavy-duty white plastic board that never needs painting, the four-piece silhouette style display assem bles easily and includes all instructions and hardware. Cost of the display is $110 with net proceeds benefitting the Womens Care Center and other Knights of Columbus Pro-Life Ministries. Deadline to order is Oct. 11. To order online, visit bit.ly/3BUigD5.

Princess Program applications — The 500 Festival is accepting applications for the 2023 500 Festival Princess Program. Appli cations are available at 500Festival.com/ Princess. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. Jan. 8, 2023. The program provides 33 wom en from Indiana colleges and universities with the opportunity to make an impact during their college years as ambassadors of the 500 Festival.

CHS grad to conduct song — Mason Kniola of Carmel conducted “Chof ki” by Chickasaw composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate at the Manchester Symphony Orchestra’s 84th season opening concert Oct. 9. Kniola is majoring in vocal performance at Man chester University. He is a graduate of Carmel High School.

Smart Outdoor Living

Salvation Army volunteer opportunities — The Salvation Army of Indianapolis is looking for volunteers for the Coats for Kids event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Families who wish to register to receive coats for their kids can visit centralusa.sal vationarmy.org/indiana/coats-for-kids. Any one interested in volunteering can contact Kathy Dalla Costa with the Salvation Army at kathy.dallacosta@usc.salvationarmy.org.

Christkind essay contest — The 2022 Carmel Christkindlmarkt Christkind essay contest is officially open for the 2022 mar ket season. The contest provides a unique opportunity for a female high school or college student to participate in the Carmel Christkindlmarkt as the iconic Christkind, and winners are also awarded scholarships. The essay question and qualifications can be found at carmelchristkindlmarkt.com/ christkind-contest. Applications are due by Oct. 11 at 11:55 p.m.

4 vie for CCS District 1 seat

Compiled by AnnMarie Shambaugh • AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Sheldon Barnes, Jenny Brake, Kristin Kouka and Stephanie Flittner are running for the District 1 seat on the Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees. The seat generally encompass es the area of Carmel east of Ditch road and north of Main Street.

Sheldon Barnes

Education: Bachelor of science in business administration

Occupation: Associate director at Eli Lilly and Co. President of Barnes Residential LLC and Carmel Realty LLC.

Age: 40

Length of time in district: 12 years

Immediate family: Wife and four children Website: sheldonbarnes.com

Previous political experience: Precinct Committeeman and I ran for Hamilton Coun ty Council District 1 in 2018.

Why do you want to run for school board? I am running for the school board to provide better people leadership to our community. I believe our school board can benefit from a transformational leader like me who can inspire and motivate others to be more engaged and involved in the educa tion of our children. I am running to provide the leadership we desperately need to unite our community.

What are your qualifications for this office? My diverse experience includes our armed forces, the financial services industry, the pharmaceutical industry, marketing and technology startups, youth sports, nonprofit boards, and running our family’s real estate businesses. This includes leading teams to deliver complex projects within scope and budget. My most important qualification is my demonstrated ability to bring people together and get them to focus on areas of agreement. This will be pivotal for working with Support CCS, Carmel Youth Assistance, Moms for Liberty and other advocacy groups.

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? Ensuring we maintain our excellent schools within our fiscal constraints. Increasing our engagement with our stu dents, parents and community.

Ensuring we are doing our best for our students who have a disability.

What do you see as strengths at Carmel Clay Schools? Our students, teachers, par ents, administrators and our engaged com munity. The greatest of all is our teachers, of which 99.6 percent are rated “effective” or “highly effective.” Our teachers continue

to be dedicated despite the divisiveness of our time.

What do you see as areas of improve ment at Carmel Clay Schools? Parental and community involvement. These people pay the taxes to provide the funds to pay our debt, secure our schools and fund the oper ations to educate our children.

How do you believe public school dis tricts should address diversity, equity and inclusion matters? First, schools should define the problem they are trying to solve and establish measurable outcomes. Carmel Clay Schools’ DEI program overemphasizes race, which is a very narrow view. We should teach strong values such as respect for people, academic excellence and strong work ethics. We should teach our children that there is nothing we can’t do when we are united as “One Nation, Under God.”

How can public schools help student test scores reach pre-pandemic levels? We must come to terms with how disrup tive the pandemic was to our lives. This resulted in all types of waivers for students and schools, including SAT and other stan dardized tests and federal education waiv ers that allowed states to determine how to hold schools accountable under our No Child Left Behind law. We will need patience and a focus on parental involvement and aca demic excellence for test scores to reach pre-pandemic levels.

How do you feel about Carmel Clay Schools’ efforts to address student safety? What changes, if any, would you like to see made? Our voters approved the safety referendum that resulted in a school resource officer in every school. We should be careful about being gripped with fear. We live in a safe city. I am unaware of any reports of parents harming children in schools. We should continue to allow par ents, to safely visit our schools.

What nonprofit, social clubs, volunteer groups, PACs or other organizations are you involved with? My volunteer expe rience includes volunteering for Hoosier Veteran Assistance Foundation, Gleaners Food Bank, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, the TOPSoccer program for disabled athletes,

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Barnes

THE

ANGÉLIQUE

Education: Educated in Carmel from elementary to graduation (1975), Indiana University and John Herron School of Art (1975-1980)

Occupation: Previously an administrator of a local homebuilding business, then director of guest ser vices at a large local church until 2020.

Age: 65

Length of time in district: Since 1978

Immediate family: Husband, Ron (also a Carmel High School graduate), and two adult children. My daughter and her husband are raising their children in Carmel.

Previous political experience: I was a State Convention Delegate in 2020 and 2022. Website: ccsboardcandidates.com

Why do you want to run for school board? I have a grandson (from Haiti) who is a freshman at Carmel High School. I deeply care that he is learning to his full potential, excels in academics, flourishes in his athlet ic, literacy and art skills.

What are your qualifications for this office? I strive to be a good listener and I always approach problem-solving by seek ing to be proactive rather than reactive. Living in Carmel for nearly 60 years, I have personally experienced the highly regarded tradition of excellence in the Carmel com munity and the school system. My plan is to ensure that those traditions and values are promoted and protected.

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on?

1. Transparency of all policies, programs and curriculum

2. Academic Excellence to improve profi ciency scores

3. Parents’ rights in education

What do you see as strengths at Carmel Clay Schools? The families in the Carmel community are the biggest asset to the school system, along with the rich history of academic and athletic excellence and the district’s efforts to ensure the physical safety of all students.

What do you see as areas of improve ment at Carmel Clay Schools?

We need:

1. Purposeful recommitment to those tra ditions and values that have made Carmel Clay Schools great.

2. Preservation of the excellence that placed CCS as a leading model for other

Has your campaign received any endorsements? I am running an independent campaign aimed at bringing everyone together.

schools to emulate.

3. Prevention and avoidance in following other schools who may have embraced “group identities” often at the cost of sacri ficing a successful time-tested foundational curriculum.

How do you believe public school districts should address diversity, eq uity and inclusion matters? Carmel stu dents are better served when valued as an individual American, not relegated to a po litical ideology or a collective group identity based on ethnicity, race or gender.

How can public schools help student test scores reach pre-pandemic lev els? Our test scores were slipping before the pandemic, starting in 2014-2015. This is a nationwide problem requiring complete transparency to understand where we fit on the trend line. We also need to track our recovery dollars so that we know our funds are being used effectively and responsibly.

How do you feel about Carmel Clay Schools’ efforts to address student safety? What changes, if any, would you like to see made? Having a school resource offi cer at each school brings such a confidence and assurance of safety to Carmel families. Although I appreciate the anonymous re porting app, STOPit, continued collaboration with the Carmel Police Dept. is required to ensure proper use of the app and that the associated disciplinary action is appropri ate. It is unclear to the public how the $40 million dollar tax increase is being utilized outside of the SROs.

What nonprofit, social clubs, volunteer groups, PACs or other organizations are you involved with? I am currently a deacon at my church.

Has your campaign received any en dorsements? Indiana Family Action PAC

Something most people don’t know about you? I was on Carmel High School’s first girls’ varsity high school basketball team.

Something you want people to know about you? I have lived in Carmel since grade school days and have seen a lot of changes. Change can be positive as long as that change is tethered to its foun dation so as to never pull away from the virtues, values and truth from where it originated.

Jenny Brake

Brake

and the Special Olympics Indiana bocce ball tournament.

Kristin L Kouka

Education: Bachelor of Arts in speech pathology and audiology from Ball State University, master of arts in speech-language pathology from Ohio State University

Occupation: Pedi atric speech-language pathologist

Age: 43

Length of time in district: More than three years (we lived in District 2 for 12 years)

Immediate family: Husband, Eric; Sons: Liam, Davis, Ben

Previous political experience: N/A Website: kristinforcarmel.com

Why do you want to run for school board? I firmly believe in public education and serving in my community. My parents were public school teachers, and I am a product of a public school education. Both my grandfather and father were on my hometown school board. I want to ensure that CCS continues to be one of the best schools in the state and country.

What are your qualifications for this office? I am a mom with two sons attend ing Carmel Clay Schools. I have previously worked in schools (IPS) and I work with chil dren/students and their families every day. I am a successful small business owner in the Carmel community.

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? The first is com munication. Many community stakeholders would like to see better communication from CCS on such issues as curriculum, di versity and safety. The second focus of my campaign is on students, that each student at CCS deserves to have the individual level of support in order to be successful in the classroom. The third issue is school safety. CCS must continue to make the necessary changes and evolve to keep our children safe.

What do you see as strengths at Carmel Clay Schools? CCS has excellent, top-rated schools. The teachers at CCS genuinely care about each student and want to see stu dents succeed. Our schools have active Par ent Teacher Organizations that help to create family-like environments, especially at the elementary school level. Programming like performing arts and AVID offer enrichment beyond standard academics to help prepare students for life beyond the classroom. CCS has school resource officers at every single school to keep our students safe. These SROs

form relationships with students and are integral parts to each school.

What do you see as areas of improve ment at Carmel Clay Schools? Community members have expressed that communica tion from CCS could be more clear. CCS has curriculum information, its strategic plan and other resources available to the public, but parents and Carmel residents seem to have limited knowledge of this content.

How do you believe public school districts should address diversity, equity and inclusion matters? I believe we need to focus on student needs first and fore most. Students should have a safe learning environment with the level of individual support they need in order to be successful. Public school district focus on equity should be within the lens of understanding that equity is equal treatment of all, but that the treatment must be differentiated for each student.

How can public schools help student test scores reach pre-pandemic levels? Standardized test scores are not always the best indicators of what students have learned. Too many variables influence each student. Raising test score levels after a global pandemic and major interruptions to in-person learning and life at home will require flexibility, a focus on retaining and hiring the most qualified teachers and re storing trust to let teachers do their work to the best of their abilities.

How do you feel about Carmel Clay Schools’ efforts to address student safe ty? What changes, if any, would you like to see made? CCS is working closely with Carmel police and has stepped up to focus on school safety in recent years. We now have highly trained school resource officers in every single school. CCS has established itself as a leader in school safety efforts and I hope we continue to adjust and make improvements.

What nonprofit, social clubs, volunteer groups, PACs or other organizations are you involved with? I have volunteered with Gigi’s Playhouse for multiple events, includ ing their 3.21 Fun Run and gala. At Carmel Elementary, I served in the media center and as chairperson of the Maker Space area. I actively volunteer at my church, St. Luke’s United Methodist, in their Kids Ministry and Special Needs Ministry.

Has your campaign received any en dorsements? I have been endorsed by the Support CCS PAC.

Kouka

Cheftacular

Education: Bachelor of Science of engineering (industrial and operations engineering) – University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Juris Doctorate – Indiana University McKinney School of Law

Occupation: Lawyer and risk manager

Age: 37

Length of time in district: 3.5 years.

Immediate family: Husband: Andrew, children: Michael, 6, Margot, 3

Previous political experience: None Website: stephanieflittner.com

Why do you want to run for school board? I am a mother of two young children and believe that a public education based on a strong academic focus is the best choice for my children. I moved to Carmel to ensure that my children have a great public education. I am troubled by the shift in fo cus from education to politics.

What are your qualifications for this office? Lawyer, engineer, risk manager, public school educated, mom of two young children, one currently in CCS, one future CCS student, president of the Junior League of Indianapolis, experienced nonprofit and corporate board member

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? Strong academics, fiscal responsibility, safety

What do you see as strengths at Car mel Clay Schools? CCS is a top system in Indiana. We are where the best of the best come to be among the best. Whether it’s sports, academics, or arts — we attract the top talent and develop them into the best they can be. We also do an outstanding job of identifying students that struggle and providing resources to help them succeed.

What do you see as areas of improvement at Carmel Clay Schools? Most par ents I’ve talked with are eager for more communication and more opportunities to be involved in their child’s education. We should consider bringing back school board liaisons for each school — this might help parents and teachers feel heard. There is a lot of suspicion around school boards in our country right now and Carmel needs to set the example for putting children at the center of every decision and involving par ents and community members to enhance student learning.

How do you believe public school dis tricts should address diversity, equity, and inclusion matters? All children in

Carmel Clay Schools deserve a safe and nonthreatening learning environment. If we fail to educate our children about diversity, they will be unprepared for the global world we live in. I am pro-diversity education and pro-teaching about respect and inclusion of others. I am troubled by the confusion between teaching about diversity and CRT. As a parent and community member, I am against CRT in schools because I believe that children should not be told what they will become or who they are due to any de mographic factor. I do believe that students benefit from learning about diverse views and ways of thinking. Teach children how to think, not what to think.

How can public schools help student test scores reach pre-pandemic levels? We must keep our students learning in person and make the focus of our school strong academics. Teaching math, science, history and language arts must be the first focus of our school system. Teachers must be viewed as partners by parents. We should support our teachers and supple ment these basics at home. Public schools should not be used to push any political agendas – they should be a place where students learn the basics to become suc cessful adults.

How do you feel about Carmel Clay Schools’ efforts to address student safe ty? What changes, if any, would you like to see made? I am thrilled that every school in Carmel has an assigned school resource officer! This is a fantastic step forward. I’d also like to see metal detectors in every school and better perimeter security. Mental health is a key component of school safety — but parents need to be a part of mental health services and must be partners in mental health interventions and support. I also think every student should have bus service made available to them.

What nonprofit, social clubs, volunteer groups, PACs or other organizations are you involved with? I am the president of the Junior League of Indianapolis. I serve on the Indiana Wish board of directors. I am a member of the Hamilton County Republican Women’s Club. My son plays Carmel Dads’ Club sports and my husband, and I regularly sponsor CDC

Has your campaign received any en dorsements? No. I question whether we should allow candidates in a nonpartisan election to receive endorsements or money from political parties or PACs.

Stephanie Flittner

Flittner

Meet county prosecutor candidates

Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh • AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Democrat Jessica Paxson and Republican Greg Garrison are vying to be elected Hamilton County’s next prosecutor. Garrison defeated incumbent Lee Buckingham in the May primary. Election Day is Nov. 8.

Jessica Paxson

Party: Democrat

Education: B.A. in crimi nal justice and criminology, Ball State University, 2006; J.D., Indiana University Rob ert H. McKinney School of Law, 2008.

Occupation: Deputy prosecutor, Hamilton Coun ty Prosecutor’s Office City: Noblesville

Age: 38

Immediate family: Single Previous political experience: This is my first campaign for political office. Website: PaxsonForProsecutor.com

Why do you want to run for office? Car mel, Fishers, Westfield and Noblesville are all ranked in the top seven safest cities in the state of Indiana. To keep it that way, we need leaders who have been working daily in this community with a focus on public safety.

What are your qualifications for this of fice? I have spent the last seven years serv ing as a deputy prosecutor in the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s office, largely focusing

on violent and sex crimes. Prior to returning home to serve Hamilton County, I served in the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office as a deputy prosecuting attorney. I spent two years in private practice.

What are the top issues that your cam paign will focus on?

Aggressively prosecuting violent and ha bitual offenders

Establishing a Special Victims Unit fo cused on domestic violence and sex crime cases

Continuing the relentless pursuit of red flag law cases to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals whom law enforcement has identified as experiencing mental health crises

Partnering with law enforcement agen cies to develop training programs for new officers and prosecutors

What sets you apart from other candi dates for this office? I am and have been a prosecutor working in the courts consis tently for over 11 years. It is important to be consistently practicing law to stay at the top of the field.

J. Gregory Garrison

Party: Republican Education: IU Blooming ton, Social Studies B.S. ed, 1970. IU School of Law, J.D. 1973.

Occupation: Lawyer

City: Fishers

Age: 74

Garrison

Immediate family: Wife, Phyllis, seven children, 15 grandchildren

Previous political experience: None Website: garrisonforprosecutor.com

Why do you want to run for office?

The prosecutor of Hamilton County must be focused at all times on the protection of the citizens. Currently, there are violent crimes within the county that are going unprosecuted. As we are seeing more and more crime coming from Marion County, the priorities of the prosecutor’s office need to change now. It starts with putting the vic tim first. The prosecutor should work hand in hand with law enforcement to build the case. Finally, the prosecutor should train and trust his deputy prosecutors to find

the appropriate resolution, whether plea or trial, for each case.

What are your qualifications for this office? Approximately 50 years of experience in the prosecution of felonies across Indi ana. I have tried high-profile death penalty murder cases as well as successfully prose cuted Mike Tyson for rape in Marion County. I am not afraid of the hard work involved in such cases and therefore, I will not limit myself to only pursuing “perfect cases.”

What are the top issues that your cam paign will focus on?

1. Protecting citizens from violent crimes

2. Build a rapport with law enforcement to prepare stronger cases for prosecution

3. Train the next generation of deputy prosecutors to leave a legacy for the next generation.

What sets you apart from other candi dates for this office? My entire legal career has been dedicated to criminal prosecution, from simple felonies to capital murder. I won’t back down from a tough case.

The

Paxson

WHAT IS TMS?

Meet Indiana House of Representatives District 32 candidates

Compiled by Taylor Dixon • Taylor@youarecurrent.com

Fred Glynn

Education: B.S., Embry-Riddle

Occupation: Loan officer

City: Carmel

Age: 47

Immediate family: Wife, Beth, and daughter, Jayda.

Republican Fred Glynn and Democrat Victoria Garcia Wilburn are running in the Nov. 8 election to represent District 32. Read more at youarecurrent.com/2022election. Glynn

Previous political ex perience: Finishing up my second term on the Hamilton County Council.

Website: fredglynn.com

Why do you want to run for office? I can provide leadership on key issues affect ing our community just like I have on the county level.

What are your qualifications for this office? I’ve been involved with and serving this community for a long time. Most of that time has been spent volunteering for can didates and organizations that also serve the community. I have served as a policy leader for the 2012 governor’s campaign

and am serving my second term on the county council. My leadership on the county level has resulted in a AAA bond rating, an efficiency study of county departments, and purchasing land to build a domestic violence shelter.

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? Education, support for law enforcement in the era of defund the police, and property tax assess ments on homeowners that have gotten out of control.

What sets you apart from other candidates for this office? I am the only candi date with proven leadership skills pertinent to this community. I have a proven track record of standing up to special interests under immense pressure when protecting my constituents and will do the same at the Statehouse. I am the only candidate with hands-on private sector work experience.

How long have you lived in your dis trict? 20 years

Victoria Garcia Wilburn

Education: Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, 2005; Master of Health Science, University of Indianapolis, 2012; Doc tor of Health Science, Uni versity of Indianapolis, 2014

Occupation: Indiana University, Indianapolis, School of Health and Human Sciences Dept. of Occupational Therapy City: Indianapolis Age: 40

Immediate family: Christopher, husband; Isabella, daughter; Anya, daughter; Jude, son

Previous political experience: First-time candidate Website: wilburnforindiana.com

Why do you want to run for office?

Through my work as a community-engaged researcher and a university professor in health and human sciences. We can and must do better for all Hoosiers, and it will take leadership and public health expertise

in the Indiana Statehouse to solve these problems, which is what led me to run for House District 32.

What are your qualifications for this office? I bring a deep level of experience in working alongside community members to improve Hoosier public health outcomes. This practice requires collective listening, gathering evidence and data, and seeking broad input from stakeholders, which are the same skills and ethics that I’ll bring to the job of representing the constituents of House District 32.

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? Public health, ed ucation, safety and well-being

What sets you apart from other can didates for this office? Everything I have achieved in life is because I work hard, I keep my word, I ask for help, and I listen to others when they feel I am on the wrong path.

How long have you lived in your dis trict? 9 years

Wilburn

Republicans a no-show at LWV forum

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The League of Women Voters of Hamilton County’s Oct. 4 forum featuring candidates for Indiana Statehouse races became a one-sided affair after all five Republi can invitees decided not to attend.

The event at Carmel City Hall was de signed to allow voters to hear from Republi can and Democratic candidates in the races for the District 21 and 29 Senate seats and District 24, 32 and 39 House of Representa tive seats, which primarily cover western Hamilton County.

Instead, voters only heard from the Dem ocratic candidates: incumbent Sen. J.D. Ford (District 29), Senate District 21 candidate Josh Lowry, House District 24 candidate Joellyn Mayer, House District 32 candidate Victoria Garcia Wilburn and House District 39 candidate Matt McNally. They are running against Republicans Alex Choi, incumbent Jim Buck, incumbent Donna Schaibley, Fred Glynn and incumbent Jerry Torr, respectively.

The Republicans weren’t primarliy absent because of scheduling conflicts. Rather, Hamilton County Republican Party Chair Mario Massillamany said that he told the Republican candidates not to attend.

“I feel like in the past, we’ve been treat ed unfairly,” Massillamany said Oct. 5. “In the past, candidates have been attacked. I thought that it’s more important for us as Republicans to be knocking on doors and engaging voters one-on-one.”

The LWV, which describes itself as a nonpartisan, grassroots organization work ing to protect and expand voting rights,

presented the questions to the candidates ahead of time and allowed them to respond in writing so that their answers could be posted online, even if they didn’t attend the forum. Some Republican candidates re sponded with written answers.

Massillamany said he felt some of the questions were designed to favor Demo crats, although he didn’t specify which ones when asked. He also said that he doesn’t believe the LWVHC is as neutral as it claims to be.

After the Oct. 4 forum, LWVHC President Lisa Dick said she was disappointed that the event didn’t provide a more balanced presentation. She said the league invited candidates in both parties and that she does not recall a previous forum hosted by the group that only had participants from one side.

“I did every single thing I could think of in my power to make sure that tonight was as nonpartisan as we could do, but I don’t have control over which candidates choose to attend. There were candidates that weren’t

FORUM QUESTIONS

Questions asked at the Oct. 4 League of Women Voters of Hamilton County candidate forum were:

• Can you describe what a healthy economy would look like? What should be done to grow and main tain the economy?

• What changes to gun policy if any would you support? Would you per sonally want to propose any new legislation?

• As an elected official, what would you propose legislatively to safeguard democratic institutions

in our state?

• What is your stand on the legalization of recre ational marijuana?

• What is your position on energy resources and usage in Indiana?

• Where do you stand on reproductive health ac cess, including abortion?

• What do you feel is the best use of Indiana’s budget reserve?

• What effect has the pan

demic had on our econ omy and what steps do you expect or would you like to see the general assembly take?

• What special skills do you bring to the office?

• What are the top three priorities you would like to accomplish when elected?

• Is there anything else you’d like to add before closing statements?

here tonight that have been at every can didate forum I’ve been to in the past,” said Dick, who joined LWVHC in 2016. “I think it really is important for people to have the ability to hear the candidates talk to each other about their positions.”

Andy Downs, director emeritus with the Michael Downs Center for Indiana Politics, said there have been times all candidates from a party have declined to attend a fo rum or similar event in the past but that, anecdotally, it seems to be more wide spread this year, a trend that may continue with social media making it possible for candidates to communicate more broadly and effectively online.

The internet has led to other reasons a candidate might skip a forum, he said.

“The ease with which a person can record and distribute video, images and quotes also has made events like this one a larger potential liability. A slip of the tongue or intentionally objectionable statement can be spread quickly,” Downs said.

Watch the Oct. 4 forum at bit.ly/3CdgKMq

Visit Vote411.org to view questionnaire re sponses submitted by the candidates.

RE-ELECT MARY

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LWVHC President Lisa Dick describes the format for the Oct. 4 forum at Carmel City Hall. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

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“The better choice to hear YOUR voice!”

PA I D FO R B Y E C KAR D FO R CL AY T OW N S H IP

Torr, McNally vie for District 39 Schaibley, Mayer run for District 24

Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh • AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Incumbent Republican Jerry Torr is facing a challenge for the Indiana House of Repre sentatives District 39 seat from Matt McNally, a veteran and airline pilot.

Jerry Torr

Party: Republican

Education: Attended Hanover College, gradu ated from the Musicians Institute in California

Occupation: National account manager, Near North Title Group

City: Carmel

Age: 64

Immediate family: Twin brother John Torr, younger sister, Janet Jayne, and fa ther, Ken Torr

Previous political experience: I’m proud to be the current state representative for my district.

Website: Jerry Torr for State Representa tive on Facebook.

Why do you want to run for office? To continue the progress we’ve made moving Indiana and Hamilton County forward as the most attractive place in the Midwest to live, work and raise a family.

What are your qualifications for this office? In my time serving this district, I have a strong record of building coalitions

Party: Democrat Education: The Citadel Military College, B.A. in history

Occupation: Commer

cial airline pilot

City: Westfield

Age: 44

Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh • AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

State Rep. Donna Schaibley, a Republican incumbent, is facing a challenge for her Dis trict 24 seat in the Nov. 8 general election from Democrat Joellyn Mayer.

Donna Schaibley

(often bipartisan) to enact legislation. My relationships at the Statehouse and in our community have helped me be an advocate for Hamilton County.

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on?

Ensuring Indiana continues our record funding increases for our public schools and empowering even more parents to choose the right education opportunity.

Addressing the spread of crime and drugs in our communities, keeping violent offenders behind bars and making Indiana a national leader in treating mental health.

Working to fight inflation and ensure Hoosiers keep more of their hard-earned dollars.

What sets you apart from other can didates for this office? I have twice been named Government Leader of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce for my work to improve Indiana’s business climate.

I have supported repeat record increases for K-12 education while also voting to reduce government debt and to return over $1.5 billion of their own money to taxpayers.

Matt McNally

and present member in our neighborhoods.

Education: Purdue Uni versity, BA in education and political science

Occupation: State rep resentative for District 24

City: Carmel

Age: 68

Immediate family: Hus band, John Schaibley, two children, three grandchildren

Previous political experience: I have served as State Representative for District 24 since 2015.

Website: schaibleyforindiana.com

Why do you want to run for office?

During my service as state representative, I have worked hard to advocate for my con stituents and I pledge to continue this.

What are your qualifications for this office? As a state representative, I have authored and sponsored numerous bills which have been enacted into law, in cluding returning over $1.5 billion in state funds to Hoosier taxpayers, protecting rape victims by expanding the legal definition of rape, protecting victims of violence by

strengthening protective order effective ness, and expanding the rights of violent crime victims to compensation.

What are your top three campaign is sues? I will work to further increase health care price transparency to enable Hoosiers to compare health care prices. Also, I will work to increase school transparency and encourage academic excellence and to protect the most vulnerable children in our foster care system.

What sets you apart from other can didates for this office? Since 2015, I have routinely met with constituents, commu nity groups, school and business leaders, mayors, city council members and state government officials in my continuing ef forts to be informed about the concerns of the people of District 24.

What other organizations are you in volved with? I am a member of the Carmel Rotary Club, a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and am active with the Hamilton County and Boone County Republican party, and various women’s organizations.

Joellyn (Joey) Mayer

McNally

Immediate Family: My wife, Brooke McNally, our two teenage children, Isabella and Aidan, and our rescue bulldog, Luna.

Previous political experience: I have a long history of government experience. My military experience was quite varied.

Website: mcnallyforindiana.com

Why do you want to run for office? As someone who has spent all my life serving my country, I am very excited about this opportunity to serve my community. The position of state representative is one that has a tremendous effect on the everyday lives of Hoosiers. In addition to being a voice for the Caramel and Westfield com munities in Indianapolis, I believe that our state representative should be an active

What are your qualifications for this office?I believe my military experience has prepared me in many ways to represent this community. I had a fairly diverse ca reer that included budgeting, government acquisitions, policy writing, and working with government officials throughout the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? Women’s Health Care. Indiana has the third highest maternal mortality rate in the country.

Supporting our Public Education. This year, we are facing a 3,000-teacher short age. To remedy our teacher shortage, we must pay teachers more.

Hoosier Veterans. Indiana has seen an increase in veteran homelessness of 16 percent over the last two years. Our state must do more to support the troops and their needs when they leave the service.

What sets you apart from other candi dates for this office? As a 22-year veteran, I believe I bring a very different perspective to this race.

Education: BGS from Indiana University

Occupation: Small busi ness owner/IT consultant/ IT broker

City: Westfield, IN Age: 53

Immediate family: My husband, Matt, and I live in Westfield with our daughter and rescue pit bull.

Previous political experience: No formal political experience Website or best way for voters to reach you: votejoey.net

Why do you want to run for office? I am concerned about Indiana’s race to the bottom in every measurable statistic re lated to education, quality of life, environ ment, gun sense and economy. I am par ticularly concerned about our underfunded public education system as our youth are our greatest investment.

What are your qualifications for this office? My entire career has been built on finding solutions to business problems and

cutting wasteful spending, where everyone walks away satisfied. Often, government de cisions are made without examining the full and/or long-term impact on both spending and people. This is what I do successfully every day. I will bring that same experience and sen sibility to government and my constituents.

What your top three campaign issues? Promoting quality public education, restor ing reproductive healthcare freedom and focusing on fiscal responsibility

What sets you apart from other can didates for this office? I have a proven track record of fiscal responsibility and community engagement and representa tion before I even considered running for elected office. I am not a career politician; I am a politician with a career.

What other organizations are you in volved with? I am one of the founders of Westfield Parents for Change, work with Moms Demand Action, Foster Fairies, and was a previous Board Member of Indiana Youth Services Association. I am also a proud graduate of the Shamrock Academy inaugural class.

Mayer

Schaibley

Torr

Million Meal Marathon returns

By Jillian Kurtz news@currentincarmelc.om

For the 12th year, Hoosiers will come to gether for a day of volunteering at the Mil lion Meal Marathon — the signature event of the Million Meal Movement, founded by Carmel residents Nancy and Dan Hintz.

GIVING BACK

From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 25, thousands of volunteers of all ages will gather at Gain bridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis to prepare meals for Indiana residents in need.

The movement began nearly 20 years ago. When Nancy and Dan Hintz moved to Carmel in 2003, they wanted their children to have experience volunteering and helping others to develop that into their adult lives.

“I was looking around for organizations that I could serve with my kids, and in terms of organizations that have hands-on experiences, there are few of those as it is, and I couldn’t find any for children,” Nancy said. “One evening, I saw on the nightly news there was a feature of people making a difference in another state, people of all ages and abilities were coming to serve their community.”

Nancy was inspired by the segment and looked to see if there was anything similar in Indiana. When she discovered that there wasn’t, she gathered some information, and after talking with her husband, they created the Million Meal Movement.

The movement launched in 2007 with a two-fold vision: feeding the hungry and teaching the importance of volunteerism.

“It’s incredible, because you have ev eryone from CEOs to young students and everyone in between,” Nancy said.

There are multiple ways to help reach the million meal mark this year. Anyone can sign up for a shift and pack meals, but those unable to make it Oct. 25 can make a monetary donation to help cover the cost of ingredients.

After the marathon, packed meals will be distributed across the state to food banks and pantries.

For more about sponsoring a packing table and enrolling a group to volunteer, visit millionmealmovement.org/events/ million-meal-marathon.

POLKAMOTION PERFORMS AT OKTOBERFEST

Pack the Pantries

Indy Polkamotion performs at the Sept. 30 Oktoberfest at Carmel City Center. The festival celebrat ing the arrival of autumn also included German-inspired food and drink options and specials at City Center shops. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Volunteers pack meals at 2021 Million Meal Marathon. (Photo courtesy of the Million Meal Movement)

GSCA authorizes Valor’s charter

By Ann Marie Shambaugh

AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Valor Classical Academy still doesn’t have a building, but as of last week it has a charter.

on Valor and its charter application. GSCA, which is affiliated with Grace College in Winona Lake, is also the authorizer for four other charter schools in Indiana.

CHS looks to add AP classes

Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh • AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees met Sept. 27 to review proposed course addi tions at Carmel High School, hold public hearings for proposed 2023 budgets and recognize two groups of students.

EDUCATION

Grace Schools Charter Authority on Oct. 3 voted unanimously to authorize Valor’s charter. As its authorizer, GSCA will be responsible for ensuring Valor follows the standards and commitments set forth in the charter.

“Starting a charter school is a monu mental task. Our board invested many long hours researching and writing this proposal. We couldn’t be happier with Grace’s decision and are eager to deliver this valuable option to Hamilton County. We’ve received such a warm welcome here, evidenced by our growing interest list from volunteers, students and teach ers alike,” stated Holly Wilson, a Valor co-founder. “Our next big milestones include hiring our head of school and rais ing significant funding to cover building expenses.”

The approval came less than two weeks after GSCA organized a public hearing in Carmel to gather feedback from the com munity and Carmel Clay Schools officials

CCS officials urged GSCA not to approve the charter at the public hearing. After the GSCA vote, CCS Supt. Michael Beresford stated that “the decision does not impact our commitment to the amazing students, staff, and families of Carmel Clay Schools.”

Valor aims to open for the 2023-24 school year. It has sued CCS for use of the former Orchard Park Elementary building, which Valor officials believe state law requires to be offered to charter schools for $1 because it is no longer operating as a school campus. CCS officials have said they are still using the building for training, storage and other purposes and thus aren’t required to offer the building to charter schools. A judge is expect ed to rule on the matter by the end of December.

Valor aims to become the first tui tion-free, K-12 classical charter school in Hamilton County. It is part of the Barney Charter School Initiative, a program affil iated with Hillsdale College that provides curriculum and other non-financial sup port to charter schools.

OBITUARY

John Willits Freed, 78, Carmel, Indiana, passed away Thursday, September 8, 2022, at IU Health North. John was born on September 6, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Edwin Alfred and Elveda (Brick) Freed.

John attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, PA, from the fall of 1962 to the summer of 1964. He then joined the U.S. Navy from October 1964 and respectfully served until July 1970. He was on several ships, including the USS Constellation. He spent time in Spain, and the Philippines, as well as Italy. John worked as a field engineer for the Naval Aviation Engineering Service Unit from July 1971 to August 1988. He was also an electronic technician at the Naval Air Warfare Center and Aircraft Division from 1988 to 1997. He then became employed at Raytheon and worked there until he retired.

John had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tell stories of being on the naval ships as well as the time spent abroad. His display of patriotism was always in full force. John will be greatly missed by his friends

and family. He is survived by his daughter, Katie Parkins (husband, Gary Guarino); son, Jon Mink (significant other, Lynn Walters); his granddaughters, Lexie Parkins and Libby Parkins; and his grandson, Nick Guarino.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carolyn Freed; and wife, Sharon (Tyler) Freed.

A Memorial Visitation was held October 1, 2022, at Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Home, Carmel, where the service followed with the Rev. Loral Tansy officiating. Inurnment was held at Ridge Lawn Cemetery, Martinsville, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to a patriotic organization of your choice.

Stillinger Family Funeral Home – Hendryx Chapel was honored to assist John’s family and friends during their loss of an amazing man. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www. stillingerfamily.com Many thanks to Flanner & Buchanan for its hospitality.

What happened: The board reviewed several programs of studies course changes presented by Amy Dudley, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment.

What it means: CCS plans to begin offering criminal justice among its career and technical education pathways. Students currently travel to the J. Everett Light Career Center in Indianapolis for courses. CCS also plans to add AP Music Theory and will find out this month if it will be selected to participate in a pilot program to add AP African American Studies.

What’s next: The board is set to vote on the proposed changes this month.

What happened: The board held public hearings on the proposed 2023 budget, bus replacement plan and capital projects plan.

What it means: Michelle Ball was the only speaker during the public hearings. She questioned the board on why it is using school safety referendum funds to pay for the diversity, equity and inclusion officer position, a use she said was not included among how CCS would use referendum dollars before it went to the public for a vote.

What’s next: The board will vote on the budget at a future meeting.

What happened: The board honored students selected as College Board National African American Recognition Program Scholars and College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars.

What it means: To be recognized, stu dents must achieve a qualifying score on the PSAT taken during October of their junior year and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher by the middle of their junior year.

What’s next: The program aims to create pathways to college for students from un derserved communities by awarding them with academic honors and connecting them with universities across the nation, accord ing to the program website.

INTEGIRLS to hold competition

By Chloee Kline news@currentincarmel.com

Registration is open for the INTEGIRLS

Indianapolis chapter’s annual Fall Math Competition, set for Oct. 29 at Sycamore School.

MATH

INTEGIRLS is a nonprofit found ed in 2019 dedicated to bridging the gender gap in STEM through competitive problem solving, according to INTEGIRLS Events Di rector Katherine Ke, a sophomore at Carmel High School.

The organization’s name comes from the calculus term “integral,” meaning “neces sary to make a whole complete.” A national math competition is held in Washington, D.C., each year, with winners from local chapters advancing. Fifteen global chapters have been established since the organiza tion’s foundation.

The Indianapolis chapter’s fall competi tion is open to female-identifying or nonbi nary individuals between the ages of 10 and 18 years old. In-person and online options are available, and each participant will re ceive a prize or gift for competing. Individu als from all math backgrounds are welcome.

The in-person competition will consist of individual rounds, team rounds and Kahoot/ buzzer-style rounds. There will be an online testing option for students who do not live near Indianapolis or are not able to make it to the in-person contest. Out-of-state or international students are also allowed to compete in the Indianapolis competition.

Volunteer roles are available for parents and may be viewed at registerintegirls. carrd.co.

Register for the event and learn more about the Indianapolis chapter at indyinte girls.org.

Keep current on electric vehicles

Commentary by Amanda Cross

Electric vehicles are hot right now. Feder al legislation is incentivizing EV ownership, and the local govern ment is making EVs easier to own. You might even know someone who recently got one. At the end of 2021, there were 919 EVs registered in Carmel, compared to only 193 in 2017.

ENVIRONMENT

than fill up the tank. We’re all accustomed to visiting our local gas station and learn ing something different can feel daunting. Any new car has new features to learn and getting to know them can also be exciting. Charging EVs has become quite simple. My 93-year-old neighbor charges hers without a problem!

Recent federal legislation, in the form of the Inflation Reduction Act, includes tax credits for EVs. To qualify, new EVs must have American-made batteries, which none of the automakers yet offer. However, if you’re in the market for a used car and you can find an EV under $25,000, you’re in luck. Pre-owned EVs that cost less than $25,000 can qualify for up to a $4,000 tax credit.

Closer to home, the Climate Action Plan the City of Carmel recently adopted includes plans to add EV charging stations in cityowned parking lots and garages. It also requires new commercial development to offer charging stations moving forward. Carmel already has 50 EV chargers within city limits, and more are coming, potentially paid for by the Inflation Reduction Act and other federal funds.

People who are new to EVs can be intim idated about having to charge a car rather

If you’re worried about being able to find a charging station, there are resources to help. EVs have a range of 200 to 300 miles, so you have plenty of time to find a place to recharge. Check out the Plugshare web site at plugshare.com to easily find nearby charging stations. Although the information is crowdsourced, the City of Carmel regular ly checks to make sure that the entries in our town are accurate.

The positive impact EVs have on the envi ronment is substantial because transporta tion is the biggest source of greenhouse gas in our area. The City of Carmel analyzed green house gas sources and found that transpor tation accounts for 40 percent of them. If you want to make a big difference in the environ ment, getting an EV is a great option.

COLUMNIST SHARES LAUGHS WITH NEWCOMERS CLUB

From left, columnist Dick Wolfsie joins Newcomers Club of Carmel board mem bers Sally Ulrich, Cindy Garloch and Barbara Needleman at the club’s Sept. 15 luncheon. Wolfsie, whose work appears in Current and is syndicated in other media outlets, spoke to the club about laughter. The Newcomers Club of Carmel is a nonprofit social club open to those living in Car mel and surrounding com munities, whether they are new to the area or are long time residents looking to meet new friends. It offers dozens of group activities and holds monthly coffee meetings for prospective members and a monthly luncheon with a featured speaker. Learn more at Car melNewcomers.com. (Photo courtesy of the Newcomers Club of Carmel)

Amanda Cross is a volunteer with the Carmel Green Initiative.

Mini golf course spotlights

Squirrel Stampede’

By Taylor Dixon taylor@youarecurrent.com

The City of Fishers is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the time squirrels ran amok through Hamilton County in what became known as “The Great Squirrel Stampede.”

To commemorate the event, and as part of the city’s ongoing celebration of the 150th anniversary of its founding, Fishers is offering a free four-hole mini golf course at the Oct. 12-15 Fall Festival at the AgriPark in Fishers. The course, which debuted late last month at the Fishers Farmers Market, will make appearances at other sesquicentennial events throughout the year.

The free course illustrates the 1822 event when thousands of squirrels migrat ed across Hamilton County and trampled crops, caused mass destruction and left chaos in their wake as they continued

south.

The mini golf course is part of Fisher’s ongoing 150th celebration that started in June and will run through next year. There are also opportunities for residents to participate in the celebration by visiting the Fishers Sesquicentennial Trail, contrib uting to a community time capsule and reading blog posts, listening to podcasts and purchasing apparel. For more, visit thisisfishers.com/fishers150.

“We’re so excited to partner with Visit Hamilton County on ‘Squirrel Stampede Mini Golf’ as part of Hamilton County’s bi centennial and Fishers’ 150th birthday cel ebration,” said Stephanie Perry, assistant director of communications for Fishers.

“The course is a fun way for residents of all ages to engage with and learn more about this unique piece of local history as they join the squirrels on their journey across central Indiana.”

The mini golf course schedule can be found at thisisfishers.com/squirrelgolf.

KFC FOUNDATION AWARDS $10K GRANT TO THE O’CONNOR HOUSE

The KFC Foundation has granted Carmel-based nonprofit The O’Connor House, which provides a Christian home for single, pregnant, homeless women, a $10,000 Kentucky Fried Wishes grant to make a project on their wish list come true. The organization was nominated by the KFC team in Carmel, which is locally owned and operated by McKenzie Foods, Inc. The O’Connor House has pro vided immediate critical resources including shelter, food, clothing, transportation and counseling to more than 500 women and babies since 2005. (Photo courtesy of McKenzie Foods)

Why We Are Running for School Board

There was a golden time in education when the role of schools was to give our children the basic tools to engineer their futures instead of becoming the tool to engineer our children. But during the past decade, there seems to have been an almost unexplainable seismic shift in philosophy. In the eyes of some school administrators, parents have become an obsta cle to education instead of ingrained partners in the process. Some schools have shifted their focus from prioritizing academics and have attempted to assume the role of social activists intent on imposing their belief systems onto our children.

We believe the vast majority of teachers share our philosophy and—when not under the pressure to conform and the watching eyes of activism—the best of the best are saying to us, “Enough is enough.” Unfortunately, these teachers are fleeing for the green pastures of private education or sadly leaving education altogether.

We know them—they are reaching out to us, they, too, are fed up with having to become

gender guides, diversity monitors, sex educa tors, and mental health counselors. When, for the most part, they just want to teach how chlorophyll converts sunlight to energy, how The Gettysburg Address is a great American speech, how Martin Luther King had a dream, how you change a tire, hold a saxophone, find the angle of a triangle, learn to code, or use aperture and shutter speed to capture that perfect photo.

Schools used to focus on elevating our children by teaching them facts and objective skills, paving the path to dreams of futures and lasting friendships. They didn’t create problems or sow division, or propose and create societal cures in search of overemphasized and often manufactured disease.

Starting slowly and now moving more quick ly, our schools have begun to slip. And while we as a Carmel community have much to be proud of with respect to our public school system, we believe the current pathway will lead to a steady decay if not addressed. As increasing numbers of our citizens began to have similar

observations and discuss their concerns, many discussions led to a grass-roots effort to put together a slate of candidates for Carmel Clay School Board with one primary objective: to ensure that the steady slip we were seeing didn’t lead to a disastrous fall. We no longer are content to sit back and observe this decline. We are running on three pillars: Academics and Physical Safety First, full transparency, and parents’ rights. As citizens who care about the future of our schools and community, silence and inaction are no longer viable options. We hope to motivate you to do the same, and to have your voices heard on November 8.

Why Did We Choose to Run as a Slate of Candidates?

It’s simply not enough to take one or two seats; to effect change, you must have the majority. We are running three candidates with complementary skills who care deeply for Carmel, who will make certain CCS schools thrive, and who will ensure all of our children have the opportunity to acquire the needed

skill sets to serve them into their futures. We believe education starts at home and that we as a community are fortunate to have parents who are able to be highly engaged in their children’s education. It is what has made CCS so successful through the years. As potential future school board members, we believe more

parental involvement, communication, and decision making regarding education is always good and should always come first. There are great teachers everywhere, in every school in America . . . but great schools require great community support and involvement, and that starts at home, with the parents.

wellbeing ic events everyone’s need commend this placency we children’s pandemic, sis involvement simply ical root suicidality

always that

We Trust in Parents

We trust our parents, and we believe they have the right to be the ultimate drivers and influences when it comes to all aspects of their children’s lives, including education. An involved parent is the single greatest gift in any child’s life.

A school board that does not trust parents to know what is best for their own children and that does not have at the forefront of its policymaking the role of the parent, is a school board that does not have the family’s best interest at heart. As potential policies are being discussed and debated, a diverse group of opinions from all parents must be considered. Parents should know exactly what the CCS administration and the board are proposing and be allowed adequate time to comment before the board votes on any new policy. Closed-door com mittee meetings do not create an environment for open and robust public debate. We are extremely

fortunate to have parents in CCS who want to be active and involved. The school board should always be looking for opportunities to foster and grow such participation, not stifling with an attitude of “We Know Better.” Public and open discussion should never be obstructed.

Parents know their children best.

They are more than capable of instilling moral and social responsibility in accordance with their own belief systems. This is their role and their right. It should never be usurped by anybody, including public education. An educator’s role is to provide fact-based learning, not to parent or to indoctrinate our children into their own social, political or ideo logical belief systems.

The CCS board should be accessible to all parents via multiple channels. All school board votes should be open and transparent.

Physical, Data and Privacy Safety

Our top priority before anything else is the wellbeing and safety of all children. Trag ic events across the country have opened everyone’s eyes to the unfortunate, but real, need for physical security in our schools. We commend the efforts that CCS has made on this front. This need will not go away. Com placency leads to catastrophe, and if elected we will focus intently on always ensuring our children’s physical safety comes first. Our

community has allotted forty million dollars in increased taxes to ensuring our children remain safe and this money should always be allocated first and foremost to the physical safety of our children.

We also believe that digital and person al privacy is imperative to fully protect our children in our technology-driven society. CCS contracts with third-party data collec tion platforms, such as Panorama, to collect

Mental Health

There is no question, coming out of the Covid pandemic, our children have a mental health cri sis that needs to be addressed with deep parental involvement and partnership. It will not be solved simply through survey data or by insourcing med ical services. It will be solved by getting to the root of what is causing the level of stress, anxiety, suicidality and depression in our youth.

Schools cannot do this this alone. It is not their

core competency. However, they can work closely with medical and mental health professionals and parents. We believe that pragmatic solutions will go a long way and that we can create an environ ment that promotes mental health and well-be ing, while also giving our children the tools to learn resilience and coping skills to serve them beyond their years of education.

survey information from our children. Our priority is ensuring not only the IT platforms used by CCS are 100 percent secure, but that any third-party platforms are safe and that parents are fully on board with the collected data and its purpose for use by CCS, and if it will be sold or shared with any person or organization outside of CCS.

Sexualization of Children

Responsible sexual education should be our goal irrespective of any child’s sexual identity or orientation and should always embrace parental involvement. It is far too easy for children to become confused and inadvertently influenced casualties of the system if we don’t include par ents who know them best. Those who lack the skill set and experience to guide a child’s feelings regarding their identity at a young age should not be the primary council to children seeking

answers regarding their sexual identity. Children lack the maturity, experience and perspective along with being highly impressionable. Affirma tion of natural emotions irresponsibly provided can have long-lasting implications leading to mental illness, drug abuse, depression and even suicidality. Parents who know there children best must be an integral part of any discussion regarding identity and sexual orientation. This is not the role of public education outside of the

prevue of and without close collaboration with the parents.

To be clear, we are not advocating that chil dren at young ages don’t experience emotions in our hyper-sexualized society that they may need to express. It is the role of the parents and guardians, not the teachers, to discuss and work with their children regarding their emotions. Schools can offer social service support but only at the behest of and in partnership with parents.

Diversity, Equity and inclusion

School is for learning fact-based knowledge. Recently there seems to be a shift toward supporting “in vogue” political ideologies, and promoting the ever-changing social issues of our time. Not that these aren’t important for children to be exposed to so as to deepen their understanding and develop their opin ions, but navigating those issues is the domain of the parent and becomes a distraction to quality education. When ideologies become entrenched and promoted above academics in the classroom, our children suffer. When these controversial subjects are discussed, a respect ful discourse of diverse and balanced perspec tives must be encouraged, free from educators inadvertently or even purposely marginalizing some opinions over others.

The primary role of public schools is to provide our children a curriculum focused on learning the skills that will aid them to be successful, self-sufficient adults. Their political ideologies will be their own choice as they ma ture and as they have life experiences.

We are concerned that the well-inten tioned DEI programs that CCS is infusing into all aspects of the education experience are not well-established and proven methods of achiev

ing their stated goals. Attaching these labels haphazardly does not consider the potential detrimental impact they may have, potentially sowing real racial division.

We all want a diverse, inclusive and fair ed ucation experience, but these policies run the risk of causing the very problems they purport to be addressing. DEI is a value system first embraced by academics at the collegiate level and now is being strongly advocated for in the public schools. Usually under the justification of safety, this ideology is being infused into every aspect of curriculum, athletics and social norms. We do not believe this is the right di rection for CCS. We run the risk of division and discrimination in the name of diversity, inequity in the name of equity and children feeling as if they are being marginalized in the name of inclusion.

Another focus of voters has been Critical Race Theory. Our position is that we oppose any thesis, policy or ideology that differentiates any person based on his or her heritage or race, and such ideologies are themselves racist by definition. A fundamental principle echoing from the eternal words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he stood on the steps of the Lincoln

Memorial:

“They will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

We are all Americans. Focusing on our differences rather than our common ideals not only is unproductive, it is destructive and unhealthy for our children. We are fortunate to have citizens that represent all religious, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds in our commu nity. This enables our children to be exposed to a wide range of perspectives and cultures. Our focus is on respecting everybody and providing an environment where there is no tolerance for discrimination of any kind.

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“They talking educational as do ucational in public While broad incumbent decide maturity when matter.

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There were of socialization, the goal learning, ships.

Student Flight

with emotions and work only parents.

There is a broad national shift occurring wherein students are leaving public education in large numbers and choosing alternative edu cation options. CCS is not immune to this trend, and we have lost about 700 students during the past few years despite being a growing commu

nity and touting the successes of our system. It is important to ask ourselves why this is hap pening. Why are hundreds of families pulling their students out of our schools? Why are they unhappy with the education their children are receiving and the experience their children are

having? This exodus, in time, will lead to a hol lowing out of the public education system and ultimately hurt most those who don’t have oth er options, especially our poorest families and at-risk students. There will be less funding, and educator talent will be at risk of being drained.

The Books

“They want to ban books” is a common talking point when anyone discusses access to educational supplements. We simply believe, as do most reasonable people, that the ed ucational materials provided to our children in public school should be age appropriate. While we want our children to be exposed to a broad range of material and ideas, it is incumbent upon CCS to ensure that parents decide the levels of psychological and physical maturity that is appropriate for their children when it comes to access to certain subject matter.

There has been heated debate from par ents specifically about materials that they say

they believe are overtly sexual in nature— which, of course, raises the question: Are all books appropriate? Would we be okay with books that are blatantly anti-Semitic, racist or espousing white supremacy, instruct chil dren to build bombs, promote pedophilia, or teach how to commit suicide? Our campaign does not support material in our schools that espouse or endorse hatred, radical ideologies, or graphic sexual content. In our data-accessi ble modern world, these subjects will always be accessible to anybody (including children) who seek them out, but it does not mean they need to be recognized by, endorsed, and pro actively made accessible in our schools.

The Beauty of Innocence

There used to be a time when schools were a shelter, a safe place to learn skills of socialization, critical thinking, and act as the launching point of dreams. This is our goal for CCS: to be a place for enrichment, learning, growing and building quality friend ships. We believe this still is achievable, but

we must not be distracted or diverted from these goals. THIS is why we are running for school board, because we believe robbing our children of the innocent exploration of childhood is a theft we can no longer sit idly by and support.

NOV. 8, VOTE FOR Brake, Brown and Sharp.

Schools

Franki Henriques, right, a volunteer handler with Mas sachusetts-based Search Dogs North east, and her blood hound, Diamond, work with Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Nate Biddle to follow the scent of a person hiding in the woods during a Sept. 27 training exercise. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Bloodhounds descend on Hamilton County for training

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Let’s get a dog!

Commentary by Kelly Kolodkin

Choosing a furry friend is easy, right?

What size dog do I want and why?

Have I researched the inherent breed traits of my potential new pup?

How big is my home and do I have a fenced yard or park nearby?

PETS

Some like to think so because it is an adoption or purchase of the heart. Thus, how can our choice potentially be a wrong one?

Well, unexpected consequences can arise when good thought and research is not considered in your decision. Behav ioral problems, separation anxiety and regret can be some of the major problems that arise after an impulse pet addition.

Do I have the time to put in at least two walks a day (with a yard) and three-plus walks a day (without a yard) for proper exercise?

Do I want a lap dog or a more adventur ous canine?

Do I want to potty train in the winter months or during more pleasant weather months?

Do I have the time to put into puppy training in the most formative puppy months?

Can I be patient and consistent with training and not give up on my dog?

Do I have the monetary means for a dog?

in some states (although Indiana is not one of them). For those reasons, they are often used to follow trails of missing people or suspects on the run.

As a dog trainer and former veterinary technician, I have seen my share of pup pies, adolescent, adult and senior dogs. I have heard a wide variety of reasons as to how a dog came to be part of a family, from shelter adoptions to strays found along the road. The common denominator in all the stories, simply, is the tender heart of a person who wanted to add a furry friend to their family.

Clear skies and crisp fall air in central In diana provided just the right conditions for Michael Sarvich to enjoy a week off from his job as an Amazon delivery driver.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

He spent the time away in Hamilton County with his search-and-rescue partner, Joey, a 4-year-old bloodhound.

“People who don’t do this, they go on cruises, or they’re over in Europe,” Sarvich said. “My vacations are spent in a car with a dog in the woods.”

Sarvich and Joey, who live in Indianapolis and volunteer with the North Star Interna tional K9 Training Association, were among 15 teams from across the nation that partic ipated Sept. 25-29 in the second bloodhound seminar organized by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. During the week, the teams visited several sites throughout the county to practice trailing techniques and gathered in the evenings for dinner and discussion.

HCSO held its inaugural bloodhound semi nar in 2021 after COVID-19 restrictions closed a similar event held in Virginia to out-ofstate handlers. Indiana’s COVID-19 measures were not as strict at the time, allowing teams to attend from across the nation.

Neal Hoard, a HCSO deputy and seminar host, said the inaugural event went so well that HCSO plans to continue hosting it for the foreseeable future.

Bloodhounds have more scent receptors in their noses than any other dog breed, and their trailing work is so reliable it is permitted to be used as evidence in court

“They’ve been bred for this. They’re very ef ficient,” Hoard said. “They’re not agile. They’re made for straight lines and long distances.”

Hoard and his bloodhound, Maudie, are one of the few in central Indiana employed by a law enforcement agency. Some of the seminar participants work in law enforce ment, including a team from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Hoard said, but the majority — like Sarvich — are volunteers.

Most volunteer bloodhound handlers purchase their own dogs, and they continue to fund expenses related to their care and training. They’re typically on call 24 hours a day and must be willing to head out to a case at a moment’s notice.

It’s not always easy, Sarvich said, but it’s worth the effort.

“We show up at someone’s house at probably one of the worst moments of their lives. Their family member is missing, and they don’t know what’s going on,” he said. “We show up to try to help.”

Franki Henriques, a volunteer with Search Dogs Northeast, traveled 15 hours from the Boston area with her 7-year-old bloodhound, Diamond, to attend the seminar. They also participated in 2021, and Henriques said the experience was “priceless.”

“We actually get to work alongside law enforcement, so we are training exactly the way they would train,” said Henriques, who works full time as a pet groomer. “When we are deployed, we can follow the same pro tocol and procedures that law enforcement would want us to take.”

There are many questions to consider when you’re deciding to adopt or pur chase a dog:

Is there a breed I am passionate about and why?

Kelly Kolodkin is owner of Kelly’s Kanine Pet Services, which offers dog training, daily walks, pet sitting and pet photography. Learn more at kellyskaninepetservices.com.

Dog walkers gear up for sixth annual Strut 2 Save Lives

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Indiana Donor Network will host the sixth annual Strut 2 Save Lives 1K dog walk Oct. 16 at Dr. James A. Dillon Park, 6001 Edenshall Ln., in Noblesville.

EVENT

The event, which was rescheduled from its original date of Sept. 11 because of inclement weather, will begin at 10 a.m. with registration followed by a welcome at 10:45 a.m. by Mayor Chris Jensen, event founder and organizer Diana Clauson, and Indiana Donor Network COO Steve John son. The 1K dog walk will begin at 11 a.m. The cost to participate is $25 for adults, $12 for children ages 12 and under, while families up to five participants is $65. All proceeds benefit the Indiana Donor Network Foundation’s Bryan Clauson Legacy Fund, which provides financial and counseling support for Hoosier organ transplant recipients, their families and the families of donor heroes.

A live DJ will provide music at the event until 1 p.m., while a professional photogra pher will be available at no charge.

Anyone who registered for the Sept. 11 date but can’t attend the Oct. 16 event can receive a refund. Individuals are asked to contact Savannah Scott by emailing sscott2@INDonorNetwork.org or call 317-222-3448.

For more on the event, visit indi anadonornetwork.org/events/strut/.

Walkers and their dogs participate in the Indiana Donor Network Strut 2 Save Lives in 2021 at Dr. James A. Dillon Park in Noblesville. (Photo provided by Indiana Donor Network)

Hvítserkur, also known as the Troll of Northwest Iceland, is a 49-foot tall basalt rock stack protruding from Húnaflói Bay.

Grant helps Clay Middle School teacher travel to Iceland to capture landscape’s beauty

By Sammy Bredar news@currentincarmel.com

Clay Middle School teacher Brian McGuckin is already see ing the benefits of his July visit to Iceland in his classroom.

The Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program, part of the Lilly Endowment, funded the three-week trip, during which McGuckin lived out of a campervan and took photos of the island’s sweeping landscapes.

“From waterfalls, to geysers, to sea stacks, to fissures, to volcanoes, to sheep randomly walking down the middle of the streets all over the country, my camera and I were over whelmed by the beauty of Iceland,” McGuckin said. “Iceland is a photographer’s playground, and I came back with so many photos and stories to go with them.”

The trip has generated discussion and interest with stu dents in his social studies classes.

“Over the years, I’ve learned that children recall the sto ries I share better than they recall what they read,” McGu ckin said. “My classroom walls are filled with photos from most of the 25 countries I’ve visited, all of which are part of the curriculum I teach. It excites me to share with my students, and it has instilled a desire for many of them to experience the world on their own.”

For Judith Cebula, Lilly Endowment communications di

rector, that’s a big part of what the fellowship program is all about. The fellowship program began issuing grants to teachers in 1987.

“The Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program promotes lifelong learning for educators by enabling them to pursue their dreams and passions, explore new areas of interest, expand existing talents and develop new ones,” Cebula said. “Our hope is that these experiences will reinforce their commitment to teaching, and thereby benefit their students and schools as well.”

McGuckin, a Carmel resident, decided to apply for the pro gram after a co-worker recommended it. He received his first grant in 2013 and used it for a photography trip to Europe.

“I photographed many of the ruins and landscapes and interviewed locals on how those things impacted their lives and ultimately their local economy,” McGuckin said.

When he travels, McGuckin prefers to immerse himself in the local culture.

“Although comfy hotels and fancy resorts sound nice, I prefer eating at authentic restaurants and getting to know what life is like for the people that live there,” he said. “These experiences, along with my camera, give me great stories and beautiful images.”

McGuckin said the fellowships were transformative for him.

“Experiencing other cultures shapes who you are and who you become. This fellowship has not just changed me, but also my students and my family,” he said. “It has rejuve

nated me both times, making me excited to share about my experiences with my students and anyone willing to listen.” McGuckin is sharing photos and videos from his Iceland trip on his website, brianmcguckin.com.

ON THE COVER: Clay Middle School teacher Brian McGuckin vis its Studlagil Canyon. (Photo courtesy of Brian McGuckin)

HOW TO APPLY

Clay Middle School social studies teacher Brian Mc Guckin has twice been a recipient of a grant through the Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program. He has used the funds to travel overseas to focus on photography.

He encourages other Indiana teachers to apply for the fellowship program.

“I’m blown away by the amount of teachers that do not take advantage of this great opportunity,” he said. “Everyone has dreams, and whether it involves traveling or not, this fellowship does an amazing job of supporting Indiana teachers.”

Most full-time education professionals are eligible to apply for the fellowship program. Visit lillyendow ment.org/for-grantseekers/renewal-programs/teach er-creativity to learn more about the program and its eligibility requirements.

McGuckin

Kirkjufell, in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, is one of the most photographed locations in Iceland. (Photos by Brian McGuckin) A puffin in the Westfjords Peninsula.

ESSAY

Ready to roll?

Commentary by Terry Anker

On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, United Airlines Flight 93 did not arrive at its des tination. Most Americans recall without prompting the events of that day. Ag grieved radicals, making a point of their dissatisfaction with our society, decided to teach us a lesson in the form of mass murder. With most tragedy, there are tales of heroism. There are stories of the best of us to counter the obvious exam ples of the worst. In coming to know that their lives were surely to be soon taken, a group of daring passengers refused to go silently into that good night. They refused to allow the villains to reap the full pleasure of their heinous acts. In rushing the cockpit, they’d either take control of the guided missile upon which they found themselves or drive it into the open fields below. Their sacrifice might allow others to survive.

Even as he headed to his own execu tion, Todd Beamer entreated the cellular operator to call his young wife and say that he loved her. It must have resem bled an epic moment from a modern re make of “Romeo and Juliet.” At home, Lisa Beamer must have clung to their young sons, 3-year-old David and baby Drew. Leading the resistance, Todd dropped the phone and was last heard to proclaim, “OK, let’s roll.”

Life is filled with many moments of both importance and inconsequence. They come to us as we are — ready or not. Sure, not having our car keys in hand as we walk through a darkened shopping center parking lot is likely inconsequen tial. Or it may predict our demise at the hand of an armed robber. Can we prepare after the fact, or do we have to be ready to roll when life demands it? What is the price if we choose not to be?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK POLICIES

— WILLIAM JAMES

HUMOR

Gravely behind in decorating

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Oh, it’s on. I drove by my neighbor the other day as she was setting up Halloween decorations in her front yard. With weeks to go before the greatest and most perfect holiday of the year, she’s already fooling around with purple twinkle lights, Styrofoam tombstones, and what looked to be a new inflatable. How dare she! I have not yet mentally nor physically prepared for my own elaborate display of zombies, witches, a pumpkin-head man and various incar nations of demon-possessed Regans and Carol Annes. But now she’s thrown down the gauntlet. I cannot have her house up and ready while mine still bears the boring décor of fall mums and pretty green September grass.

I’ll have to start with the big-ticket items, which means hauling close to a dozen life-size animatronics and skele tons from our basement room of horrors up the stairs, out through the garage and onto the lawn. I’ll then spend an hour or so on each “tableau,” arranging them in either unsettling or humorous scenes involving cauldrons, lawnmow ers and spider-infested tea parties to eventually construct a veritable wonder land of evil. Next up is the arbor entry way, a cheap metal apparatus held to gether only by duct tape and my sheer force of will. The electrical comes last, which, depending on the weather and if I can locate enough splitters, extension cords, and green floods, could take any where from one day to several. I’m not that far from Lowe’s, but each trip takes precious time!

My gung-ho neighbor may have gotten the jump on me this glorious Halloween season, but not for long. Be cause it’s on.

Peace out.

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Danielle

The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.

Smashing tale of a lost cellphone

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

On my way to pickleball last Saturday, I realized I didn’t have my cellphone with me. I panicked, but as I admitted in a previous column, my phone is never really lost, it is simply — to coin a new application for a perfectly good word — “unfounded.”

I knew when I arrived home it would be exactly where I left it, which is usually where you find things.

I remembered load ing the car with my stuff: gym bag, sun glasses, hat, paddle and … the phone. It must be in the car, I thought. I pulled over, got out, and looked between the seats, under the seats and in all the side compartments.

has a magnet on the back of the case) on the car’s roof and sped away. Your watch tracked the phone as you drove. The phone remained secure until you hit a pothole at 111th and Westfield. In a nanosecond, it was dislodged and bounced into the street.”

After I thanked Sherlock, I left to buy a new phone.

I showed the destroyed phone to the salesman.

“Isn’t the protective case guaranteed?”

“It was completely smashed to smithereens. I retrieved it and went home, clueless as to how this had all happened.

– DICK WOLFSIE

I said.

“Yes, 100 percent guaranteed.”

“But the phone is smashed.”

“Sir, we guaran teed the case, not the phone.”

I explained how embarrassed I was.

I got back in the car and headed for the gym.

At the first stoplight, I activated the “Find My Phone” app on my Apple Watch. It said the phone was at 96th and Lantern Road. So was I! When I turned west, the watch said the cell was at 96th and Gray Road. Me, too! A few minutes later, we were both at 106th and Westfield.  Obviously, the phone was in my car. But where?

The last time I checked the app, it said the phone was at 111th and Westfield. I played my pickleball games and bee-lined back to that address afterward. Sure enough, there was my phone — smack dab in the middle of the street, and except for the protective case, it was completely smashed to smithereens. I retrieved it and went home, clueless as to how this had all happened.

My wife’s analysis: “Loading the car with your hands full, you placed the phone (which

Flower

“Oh, don’t be,” he said. “I’ve had several customers who drove over their phones.”

I said, “I did not run over my own phone. Someone else did it for me.”

The tech guys shared other cellphone misadventures.

“Years ago, I had a customer,” said one employee, “who forgot he had set his phone in the freezer while he needed both hands to retrieve a stuck ice cream container from the back.”

That made everyone laugh. Except me. It was a very painful memory. I searched for hours to find that cellphone. And my screen was frozen the rest of the day.

Check my Facebook page for photo of my phone.

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

Owner plans to retool space after Main Street Poke closes

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Main Street Poke served its final cus tomers Oct. 2, but owner Dave Tang is not finished serving Carmel restau rant customers at the location.

“We have really enjoyed serving the Carmel community the past five years but have struggled to make ends meet with rising food and labor costs this past year,” Tang said. “It was very touching the past week for so many of our regulars and fans who made sure to come by for one last time and to also say thanks to our staff. I know they appreciated those visits very much.”

Tang said he has time left on Main Street Poke’s lease at 110 W. Main St., Suite 106.

“I am looking to bring a different concept to that same space as I believe the location on Main Street is a great one,” he said. “(I am) looking forward to announcing future plans soon.”

Tang said he developed Main Street Poke from scratch based on poke restaurants he enjoyed in the San Francisco Bay Area. Poke is a diced raw fish dish from Hawaiian cuisine.

Tang owns the Vitality Bowls franchise at Sophia Square in the Carmel Arts & Design District. The company is based in Danville, Calif.

“In 2015 when we opened, we were the first non-California location in the country,” he said. “I am the sole owner of Vitality Bowls, and after renewing my Vitality Bowls fran chise agreement and also extending my lease at Sophia Square, I intend to continue operating Vitality Bowls for the next decade.”

Prior to moving to Carmel full time in 2018, Tang and his wife, Irene, lived in San Ramon, Calif., outside San Francisco. They raised two daughters who are now in their own careers.

In California, Tang was a practicing real estate broker for 25 years with an empha sis on residential real estate investing for clients.

“In 2010, I began looking for out-of-state opportunities, and after researching various cities was convinced the Indianapolis area had tremendous potential for above-average growth and began coming out to Indiana more and more frequently,” he said. “Today, I build primarily new construction homes in downtown Indianapolis as well as a few in the Meridian Kessler and Broad Ripple areas.”

TOTAL WINE & MORE OPENS ON 146TH STREET

Tang

State’s first Cinnaholic vegan bakery now open in Carmel

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Sanya Strawser was seeking an invest ment of some sort, but not necessarily a franchise.

DESSERT

Then while in Westfield, N.J., she and her husband, David Strawser, parked across the street from a Cinnaholic bakery. They were in stantly sold on the concept of the plantbased, allergen-friendly cinnamon rolls and other desserts.

“The name was attractive. We went in and found out it was 100 percent vegan, which means no dairy, no egg,” Sanya said.

“We have some allergies. We tried it, and it was spectacular. So, I reached out to them. Fourteen days later, we signed up, and that was an investment. Eight-and-a-half months later, here we are open.”

The first Cinnaholic in Indiana opened Sept. 30 at 1350 S. Range Line Road in Car mel. The Strawsers, who live in Fishers, co-own the franchise with their neighbor, Manjit Kaur, who owns several area gas stations. David is a director of engineer sup port for Carmel-based Bastian Solutions.

“I will definitely give the store my time and do a shift here and there,” Sanya said. “There is a lot of back-end management I do myself. I will not be hiring anyone. I will be doing the business part of it. Right now, I’m very plugged in because, first of all, we are brand new, and I have to get a handle

on what the business is, and second, there is just an immense shortage of workers, so we haven’t been able to get fully staffed.”

Strawser owns People Factor, an orga nization development consulting firm. She is working on finishing her doctorate from Grand Canyon University in Arizona.

Cinnaholic’s cinnamon rolls have more than 20 frosting flavors and more than 20

topping choices. Other desserts include ed ible cookie dough, brownies, cookies, “Cin nacakes” and Dole’s signature gluten-free, dairy-free soft serve.

“This just became the perfect opportu nity. It checked out all of my boxes,” Sanya said. “I didn’t want to go every 2 miles and there’s (a store). That was not a goal.”

Cinnaholic, based in Atlanta and has

grown rapidly the past two years with more than 70 stores in the United States and Can ada and more than 30 more in development. Fifty more are anticipated to open in 2023.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Event aims to dispel myths about hiring people with disabilities

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

sooner, information about resources to fund accommo dations and networking opportunities with recruitment agencies.

“There are so many places hiring right now,” she said. “They need good people, and we have good people.”

An event set for Oct. 27 in Carmel aims to connect businesses feeling the effects of the worker shortage with a segment of the population sometimes overlooked and ready for employment.

WORKFORCE

The “Who’s Your Next Great Hire?” work shop will provide information for business owners about hiring people with disabili ties to fill open positions. The session is set for 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at BraunAbility, 645 W. Carmel Dr. The workshop is being organized by the City of Carmel’s Advisory Council on Disability, BraunAbil ity, OneZone Chamber of Commerce and Abound Community Services. It will include remarks from Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard and Indiana Lt. Gov. Su zanne Crouch, stories from local employers about why they wish they’d started hiring people with disabilities

Freeman

“Our goal is to educate employers about hiring people with disabilities. There are some tax credits available, and there is help with physical accommodations if those need to be made in the workplace. We want to set up employers for success,” said Laura Campbell, a Carmel city council or and founder of Carmel’s Advisory Council on Disability.

Kara Critchlow, executive director of employment services for nonprofit Abound Community Services, said she often encounters misconceptions from em ployers about hiring people with disabilities, such as that they are unreliable performers or that they may be absent from work more often than other employees. She hopes the event will help dispel these myths and others and connect businesses with great employees.

Kellie Freeman, Carmel Clay Schools transition coordi nator, facilitates two programs that focus on vocational training for people with disabilities. She is part of the Ad visory Council on Disability and has been helping plan the workshop.

Through her work at CCS, she’s seen the benefits of help ing people with disabilities find a good job — both for the worker and employer.

“There are so many amazing businesses in Carmel that have worked with our program. These businesses work with our job coaches and give individuals with disabilities an opportunity that is life changing,” Freeman said. “The pride and maturity we see in our workers/students when they have a job and get a paycheck is undeniable. It shows the importance of having a purpose each day.”

Those interested in attending the workshop, which is being held during Disability Employment Awareness Month, should RSVP by Oct. 14 at surveymonkey.com/r/CYXXBZQ or by emailing Megan.Wegner@braunability.com.

Campbell Crithlow

Cinnaholic sells vegan cinnamon rolls, edible cookie dough, brownies and other sweet treats. (Photo courtesy of Cinnaholic)

Customers wait to order cinnamon rolls and other goods at Cinnaholic during its grand opening Sept. 30. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

Fayrouz Grill opens on Main Street

By Chris Bavender news@currentincarmel.com

Main Street has another food option for those looking to enjoy everything from ke babs to gyros to falafel.

fect location for his restaurant, but he need ed a partner. That’s where Boo stepped in.

RESTAURANT

Fayrouz Grill opened Sept. 15 at 20 W. Main St. and is owned and operated by two longtime friends, Ahmed Abukhamsa and Aissar Boo.

“We are both originally from Palestine and are the same age and were in nursing school together,” Boo said. “I came to the U.S. four years before he did, and I live in Columbus, Ohio, and (Abukhamsa) is in Carmel.”

Abukhamsa attended cooking school in Palestine and opened his own restaurant there. When he moved to Indiana, he contin ued to work in food service, but his dream was to own his own place.

“I told him that if you don’t think about your future, you will stay a co-worker and you need to think about that,” Boo said. “I told him to save up a bit, be open minded, look at areas to see if they had this type of food, and look for spaces.”

When the space on Main Street became available, Abukhamsa knew it was the per

“I know how he makes food, and I trust how he cooks and the meals he makes, so it made sense,” Boo said. “He is the one who cooks, and I handle stuff such as billing and taxes.”

Fayrouz employs one other staff member, while Boo works remotely from Ohio, trav eling to Indiana when there are events in downtown Carmel that bring extra traffic to the store.

“People have been liking it so far and are posting reviews with pictures and saying the new place in Carmel is good and you should try it,” Boo said.

Although the menu will mostly remain the same, Boo said they will tweak it and are already working on new ideas.

“We want people to enjoy the food and tell friends and family about us and come back or order online,” Boo said. “We hope to spread the word, and, in the future, if this location does well, we may look at opening a second location. You never know.”

For more or see the Fayrouz Grill menu, visit https://bit.ly/3SJ1L3E.

DISPATCHES

Four Quadrants Advisory hires — Car mel-based Four Quadrants Advisory, a concierge financial planning firm for en trepreneurial dental practice owners, has welcomed three new team members to help grow the company’s trajectory. Adam Mormile and Ben Line have been added to the team as dental sales representatives, and Katie Davenport has been hired as lead generation specialist.

County bond rating affirmed — S&P Global Ratings recently affirmed its AAA long-term

rating of Hamilton County, which is the highest rating that can be given. In addition, the agency assigned its AAA rating to the county’s bridge improvement bonds that are scheduled to close this month. The outlook is stable. The bond proceeds will be used to finance a new bridge project over the White River. This will be done in conjunction with the City of Noblesville. This is the second year the county has received a AAA rating. Hamilton County is the only county in Indi ana that holds a AAA rating from S&P.

Fayrouz Grill opened Sept. 15 at 20 W. Main St. in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Fayrouz Grill)

Ivy Tech to begin School of Nursing program in January

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Ivy Tech Community College’s Hamilton County campus in Noblesville will launch its School of Nursing in January, officials have announced.

EDUCATION

The community college, which announced plans for the School of Nursing Sept. 29, said it was approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing earlier in the month and will mark the college’s 19th nursing location.

“We heard from our community that cre dentialed nurses were a tremendous need in our area,” said Stacy Atkinson, chancellor of Ivy Tech Hamilton County. “We are ex tremely proud to help address the public health crisis by adding more credentialed nurses into the pipeline.”

Ivy Tech’s School of Nursing will admit 20 students for the upcoming spring semes ter and 20 students for the following fall semester, with increases in seats to come. The college has also partnered with Com munity Health Network to provide fully paid scholarships for 15 Ivy Tech Hamilton County students to assist with tuition, course ma terials and clinical resources as part of its Scholars Program.

Other health care partners, including Indi ana University Health, have also supported the School of Nursing with donations to increase nursing enrollment, according to Ivy Tech.

“Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Atkinson and her team, we will educate even more highly skilled nurses that will meet the

workforce demand in the Hamilton County region and the state of Indiana,” said Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech Commu nity College.

In the fall of 2021, after approval of Ivy Tech Hamilton County’s campus board and Ivy Tech’s state board of trustees, the col lege committed $1.75 million to the Hamilton County campus to begin construction on a state-of-the-art health care lab space that will now also permanently house its CNA and medical assisting programs.

According to Ivy Tech, by 2025 it will increase the number of nursing students enrolled by 600 and is the largest associate degree in nursing program in the country. It graduates more than 1,300 annually, offi cials said.

For more, visit ivytech.edu/nursing/index. html.

DISPATCHES

Nursing scholarship awarded The Indiana Health Care Foundation has announced the winners of its spring 2022 long term care scholarship cycle. During this cycle, IHCF awarded nine scholarships totaling over $23,000 to assist Hoosiers who want to ad vance their health care education and work in long term care. Scholarship recipients include Olusola Bakare of Rose Senior Living in Carmel, who received a $5,000 scholar ship to study nursing.

Get started running — Want to start run ning but are so out of shape you don’t know how to begin? Couch to 5K is a free app that takes you through an eight-week program

designed to build up your endurance and stamina. It’s a great way to get started if you’ve never tried running. Available for iOS and Android.

Source: Greatist.com

Natural appetite suppressant — Research shows that a spinach extract, called Ap pethyl, can significantly reduce cravings and snacking. A teaspoon per day was given to women in the study and they lost 43 percent more weight than women in the placebo group. Appethyl is available online as spinach extract in powder or capsule form.

Atkinson stands outside of Ivy Tech Community College. (File photo)

Carmel Community Players ready to set off ‘Tick, Tick … Boom!’ musical

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Dominic Piedmonte, the theme of “Tick, Tick… Boom!” immediately had an impact.

‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’

“The Addams Family” runs through Nov. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianap olis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘RENT’

MUSICAL

At first, the Indianapolis resident was unfamiliar with Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical.

“A friend told me about the auditions the day before I auditioned, and so I did a deep dive the night before and fell in love with the show immediately,” Larson said. “I was 29 and turned 30 the week after auditions, so I was incredibly connected to what Jonathan was feeling at the time of my audition.”

Piedmonte will play the role of Jon in the Carmel Community Players’ production of the musical Oct. 14 to 23 at The Switch Theatre, 10029 E. 126 St., Fishers. Larson went on create the musical “Rent” before dying of aortic dissection at age 35 the day of the off-Broadway preview in 1996.

“I really try to capture Jon’s mannerisms in the show, but also a bit of myself since a lot of what this show is talking about is turning 30 and having that feeling of not having done enough with the time that is given to us,” Piedmonte said. “That’s some thing everyone over 30 has experienced at one time or another.”

The biggest challenge for Piedmonte is mastering the lines.

“I’m on stage the entire time and have several monologues that are tricky in their wording because they are literally the writings of what was going through Jona than’s head when he encounters the feel ing of failure, realizations that the world around him feels dystopian, that everyone around him is so much more successful by the societal standards of the ‘90s,” he said. “Being a musician and artist myself as well as a full-time teacher, time just is something I never have enough of it seems. This show honestly really helped me process through some of the turmoil I was struggling with turning 30, and I

really am grateful that I’m given the oppor tunity to share this wonderful show that Jonathan Larson created.”

Like Piedmonte, Ervin Gainer is per forming for Carmel Community Players for the first time. Gainer said what he enjoys about the role is that he can relate to the character in some ways.

“I know what it feels like trying to achieve a dream that just doesn’t pan out in your favor,” said Gainer, who plays Michael. “I know what it feels like to settle for a job that isn’t your dream job/career, but it pays the bills and keeps a roof over your head. I know what it feels like to want love, have a family and be financially secure. Michael wants to live his ‘American dream,’ but it does come with challenges.

He is an openly gay male in corporate America who happens to find out that he is HIV positive at a time where folks left and right were dying of AIDS. To most, getting an HIV positive diagnosis meant a death sentence. You could be alive and well one week but gone the next week.

That is a major struggle for the character throughout the show and it weighs heavy

on his heart. I know how it feels to be openly gay and HIV positive because that is my life. I am thankful that nowadays getting an HIV positive result doesn’t mean a death sentence with all of the HIV medications that are out today.

“I love that this subject matter is touched in the musical. It’s so import ant. HIV stigma is still alive and well, unfortunately.”

Kathleen Horrigan, a Fishers resident, is directing with CCP for the first time. Horri gan said the biggest challenge is also serv ing as a director for the Lawrence Central High School play “You Can’t Take it  With You,” which is set for Nov. 11-13. She is the director of theater for Lawrence Central.

“I directed ‘Rent’ in Indianapolis for Footlite Musicals about 10 years ago and became quite a fan of Jonathan Larson,” Horrigan said. “Then my high school stu dents told me about the movie version of ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ and once I watched it, I was hooked then. Then I started reading a book about Jonathan Larson’s life and really wanted to direct it.”

For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

Civic Theatre’s production of “Rent” will be presented Oct. 22 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘POSTMODERN JUKEBOX’

Scott Bradlee’s “Postmodern Jukebox: Life in the Past Lane” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘MY NAME IS NOT MOM’

Internet stars Tiffany Jenkins, Meredith Masony and Dena Blizzard will present “My Name is NOT Mom” at 8 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘VOICE OF ROMANCE TOUR’

Johnny Mathis will visit with his ‘Voice of Romance Tour’ at 8 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Palla dium at the Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

EDWARDS TWINS

The Edwards Twins present “The Ultimate Variety Show: Vegas Top Impersonators” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more fein steinshc.com.

Candlelight Theatre hosts ‘Haunted States’

The Candlelight Theatre will present “The Haunted States of America” at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site this month. The actors include Geist resident Donna Wing, who is the Candlelight Theatre creative di rector. The show is set for three weekends, Oct. 14-15, 22-23, 28-29, at the Harrison Pres idential Site, 1230 North Delaware St., India napolis, For more, visit: bhpsite.org/events/ hauntedstatesofamerica/.

From left, Dominic Piedmonte, Margaret Smith and Ervin Gainer appear in “Tick, Tick … Boom!” (Photo courtesy of Carmel Community Players)

Naraine’s art described as ‘bold’

Commentary by Randy Sorrell

Absolutely one of my favorite local artists is Janie Naraine, known in the art commu nity as JD Naraine. Perhaps that’s why we have several of her pieces confidently hanging on our walls! Her work is very bold and suggestive and can be well described as abstract figurative.

ARTIST

Naraine has been painting all her life and has a degree in fashion design from the University of Cincinnati and loved several classes in the fine art department. For years, she focused on portraits and transi tioned to her present mode about 15 years ago. Most of her work is completed with a live model and then finished back in her studio. Predominantly working in oil and pastel, Naraine also enjoys mixed media influences. She notes, “I play with color and shape and composition, capturing a bit of the essence of the model but also striving for a complete and finished painting.”

I fell in love with her style and work when my design studio was in the Indiana Design Center. Diane Wright featured her work at Coats Wright Art & Design there and now at her new place at 1057 East 54th St., C3, in south Broad Ripple. Her work also is available at galleries in Naples, Fla.

Naraine mentioned how affordable her art is and that she is witnessing a strong movement of people wanting original art. That’s a trend I have experienced as well.

Randy Sorrell, a Carmel artist, can be reached at 317-6792565, rsorrellart@gmail.com or rsorrellart.com.

“Face of Many Colors” is dis played at CoatsWright Gallery in the Indiana Design Center

CHS graduate shakes off nerves to earn spot on ‘The Voice’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Morgan Taylor Koontz began performing in musicals when she was 9.

Nashville. “The excitement really got to me.

ACHIEVEMENT

The 2019 Carmel High School graduate has sung solo in public numerous times — such as at CarmelFest Has Talent and at Urban Vines — through the years and was selected as a Songbook Academy finalist in 2019.

But her blind audition performance for “The Voice” was another level of challenging.

“Personally speaking, I don’t think there is any amount of performing I would have done to prepare for the amount of nerves you feel when you go on that stage,” Koontz said. “Especially when you know it’s been recorded and in front of these incredibly talented and well-known artists right in front of you. The more you do it, the easier it gets, but that first time was really a dif ferent experience performing.”

Koontz, who performs as Morgan Taylor, shook off the nerves and earned a spot on Season 22 of “The Voice” on NBC with her rendition of Lizzo’s “Cuz I Love You.” The performance was taped a few months ago but it aired Sept. 26.

Blake Shelton quickly turned his chair around to indicate support, followed by the other three judges, Gwen Stefani, John Leg end and Camila Cabello.

All four celebrity judges made a pitch to have Koontz on their team.

“When (Shelton) turned around, it was so early on, I felt that I did a double-take,” said Koontz, who majors in commercial music and songwriting at Belmont University in

I think that showed in my performance, because in that moment what would you be doing if you weren’t singing? You’d be screaming to yourself. There’s a lot of adrenaline. There was one bit where I thought about what I was doing, and I had to reel myself back in and finish strong.”

Koontz said it is “super weird” to describe the feeling she had unless one had been in that position.

“You can’t even imagine it until you are there,” said Koontz, who is in an ensemble group at Belmont.

Koontz, who views her genre as soulful pop, chose Legend as her coach because he best fits her style.

“I wanted to go with John from the getgo,” she said. “But I won’t lie, I really recon sidered my choices because of all of the arguments, I was reconsidering all of them.

I’m happy I chose John in the end because I really like working with him. But I think you can’t go wrong with any of them, honestly.”

Koontz said musically speaking, Legend’s style is the closest to what her original mu sic sounds like.

“Vocally, he has the most to offer, but genre-wise, he also made the most sense,” she said.

Koontz submitted audition tapes and was invited to Los Angeles for the blind audition.

“The rest is history,” said Koontz, who was a three-year member of the Ambassa dors, the mixed show choir at CHS.

The taping was a few months ago, so she had to keep her selection a secret. Her par ents, Angela and Scott Gallagher, attended the audition.

BOOK, MUSIC, AND LYRICS BY JONATHAN LARSON

Morgan Taylor Koontz performs during the blind audition of “The Voice.” (Photo courtesy of Tina Thorpe/ NBC)

Creepy sound of onomatopoeia

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Most people know what onomatopoeia is, but I’d bet most of them couldn’t spell it! Just ask me. Onomatopoeia, of course, is the naming of a thing based on the sound it makes. I can’t think of a better season to discuss onomatopoeia than Halloween. The word onomatopoeia is a Greek word meaning “the making of a name or word.”

instance of a word formed by the sound it makes. If you give out the “Krackel” candy, you’re likely to be one of the more popular houses on the block.

GRAMMAR GUY

We’re all wary of things that go “bump” in the night. Is “bump” an example of ono matopoeia? The answer is: probably. Bump first shows up in the late 16th century as an English word meaning “a protuberance caused by a blow.” We can pretty safely assume that “bump” came from the dull noise made that causes the bump itself. Obviously, there’s the noun “bump” and the verb “bump” as well. Bump’s cousins include thump and thud.

What about the sound a nice bonfire makes? The fire crackles, as we say. The word crackle is another good example of onomatopoeia in action. The word “crack” showed up first, and it’s yet another great

You’ll want to be careful about mysteri ous creatures rustling in your bushes. The word “rustle” means what it sounds like: to emit soft, rapid sounds when in motion. Does anyone have creaky basement stairs? I do, and they come complete with complimentary cobwebs. Creak shows up in the early 14th century, meaning “to utter a harsh cry.” By the end of the 16th century, the definition evolved to what we think of today — the sound of rusty hinges and old basement stairs.

Keep your ears open this season for spooky things that make creepy noises from which we get imitative, soundalike words. After all, onomatopoeia could be lurking around every corner.

Curtis Honeycutt is a national award-winning, syndicated humor writer. Connect with him on Twitter (@curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.

A visit to Boston’s Old Town

Commentary by Don Knebel

Advertisement For Bids

Sealed Bids for the TriCo Regional Sewer Utility Project 2207 – Lift Station 26 Parallel Forcemain project consisting of approximately 5,215 LF of 20” HDPE forcemain installed by horizontal directional drilling, terminating forcemain connections together with all related appurtenances as specified and shown on the Drawings will be received by the TriCo Regional Sewer Utility, Zionsville, Indiana at their office located at 7236 Mayflower Park Drive, Zionsville, IN 46077 until 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, and then at said office opened and publicly read aloud. Bids received after such hour will be returned unopened.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 10:00 a.m. (local time) on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at the TriCo Regional Sewer Utility, 7236 Mayflower Park Drive, Zionsville, Indiana 46077. Attendance at the PreBid Conference is encouraged for all prospective bidders, but not mandatory to submit a Bid. Each bidder is responsible for inspecting the project site(s) and for reading and being thoroughly familiar with Bidding Documents. The failure or omission of any Bidder to do any of the forgoing shall in no way relieve any bidder from any obligation with respect to its bid.

The Bidding Documents may be examined at the following locations:

TriCo Regional Sewer Utility GRW Engineers, Inc. 7236 Mayflower Park Drive 9001 N. Wesleyan Road, Suite 200 Zionsville, IN 46077 Indianapolis, IN 46268

Phone: 317-873-0564 Phone: 317-347-3650 (by appointment only, no walk-ins) (by appointment only, no walk-ins)

Dodge Data & Analytic (online plan room) Construction Market Data (online plan room) 2860 S. State Hwy 161, Suite 160, #501 30 Technology Parkway South Grand Prairie, TX 75052 Norcross, GA 30092 Attn: dodge.docs@construction.com docprocessing@cmdgroup.com

Today, returning from Cape Cod, we visit Boston’s Old Town, so successfully combin ing the best of our past and present that I was induced to “dance” in public.

TRAVEL

In 1630, Puritan settlers established Boston, named for an English coastal town, on an 800-acre peninsula extending into Massachusetts Bay. By 1710, Boston, capi tal of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, was the largest city in the 13 colonies, with a population of 9,000. In 1713, the colonial government constructed a brick building near the waterfront for meetings of the Massachusetts General Court. Now known as the Old State House, the brick structure replaced a building destroyed by fire. In 1742, Peter Faneuil, a wealthy Boston mer chant and reputed slave trader, built a mar ket house nearby, which he donated to the city. Despite its origins, Faneuil Hall became known as the “Cradle of Liberty” because Samuel Adams, James Otis and others made important speeches in the building support ing independence from England. In 1762, Otis made a speech in the Old State House that inflamed Bostonians against the English. On March 5, 1770, the Old State House was the site of the so-called “Boston Massacre,” in which British troops opened fire on an un ruly crowd, killing five.

Today, the restored Old State House houses a museum. A cobblestone marker in front remembers the Boston Massacre. Nearby, Faneuil Hall, along with Quincy Market and two other markets, constitute Faneuil Hall Marketplace, one of the nation’s earliest and most successful urban renewal projects. Since its opening in 1976, street performers have helped make the Market place area one of Boston’s most popular destinations, attracting 18 million visitors a

year. When I was there, five multi-talented African American performers, looking for “seven rich white guys” to teach to dance, pointed to me. What followed was not really dancing, but it was a lot of fun.

Copies of the Bidding Documents must be obtained at the office of GRW Engineers Inc. (the “Issuing Office”), through their Digital Plan Room at https://www.grwplanroom.com upon payment of $50.00 per set. Said cost includes one (1) full-size paper copy set and one (1) digital (.pdf) copy set. Payment is not refundable. Bidding Documents shall be shipped via UPS Ground service (digital files will be shipped with paper copy). Overnight delivery via UPS or FedEx of the Bidding Documents shall only be made using recipient’s billing account number. Bids from anyone not on the Issuing Office’s Plan Holders List will be returned unopened.

Bids shall be accompanied by a bid bond in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the Bid to insure the execution of the contract for which the bid is made. In case the Bid is not accepted, the bid bond will be returned to the Bidder, but if the Bid is accepted and the Bidder shall refuse or neglect to enter into a contract with the Owner within ten (10) days after the time Bidder has been notified of the acceptance of its Bid, the said bid bond shall be forfeited to the Owner as liquidated damages for the failure to do so.

Approved performance and payment bonds guaranteeing faithful and proper performance on the work and materials, to be executed by an acceptable surety company, will be required of the Successful Bidder at the time Bidder executes the contract. The bonds will be in the amount of 100% of the Contract Price and must be in full force and effect throughout the term of the Construction Contract plus a period of twelve (12) months from the respective date of substantial completion. Also, upon Final Acceptance, a three (3) year 10% Maintenance Bond of the overall contract price shall be provided.

A conditional or qualified Bid will not be accepted. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible Bidder as determined in the sole discretion of the Owner

Don Knebel is a local resident. For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2022-00195V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 24th day of October, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Caucus Rooms (1 Civic Square, 2nd Floor, Carmel, IN 46032) will hold a Public Hearing upon a Devel opment Standards Variance application to: UDO Section 5.39.H. 1 sign allowed, 2 requested.

With the property being known as (address): 12430 Clark Street, Carmel, IN 46032

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2022-00195V

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Tax ID Parcel No. 16-09-3600-02-003.000

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.

Be Well Family Care c/o Doug Staley, Jr. Staley Signs, Inc.

Bids shall be properly and completely executed on forms included in the Specifications. Bids shall include all information requested by Indiana Form 96 (latest revision) included with the Specifications. Under Section III of Form 96, the Bidder shall submit a financial statement. The Owner may make such investigations as deemed necessary to determine the ability of the Bidder to perform the work and the Bidder shall furnish to the Owner all such information and data for this purpose as the Owner may request. The Owner reserves the right to reject any bid if the evidence submitted by, or investigation of, such Bidder, fails to satisfy the Owner that such Bidder is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Agreement and to complete the work contemplated therein.

No Bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty (60) days after the time scheduled for the receipt of bids.

The Bidding Documents do provide for a liquidated damages clause to insure timely completion of the Project.

The Owner reserves the right to accept any Bid, to reject any or all bids, to reject bids that do not meet the qualifications outlined in the Bidding Documents and/or to waive any formalities or irregularities in the bidding process or bids received where such acceptance, rejection or waiver is considered to be in the best interest of the Owner as determined by it in its sole discretion. The Owner further reserves the right to reject any Bid where evidence or information submitted by the Bidder does not satisfy the Owner that the Bidder is qualified to carry out the details of the Bidding Documents. The Owner further reserves the right to reject all bids should the Owner determine in its opinion, based on bids received, that the contemplated construction costs is not economically feasible.

All requirements as indicated in the Bidding Documents shall be met by successful bidders.

GRW Engineers, Inc. Project Administrator, Vee Carter, can be contacted at (317) 347-3650 or vcarter@ grwinc.com for questions about ordering Bidding Documents. GRW Engineers, Inc. Project Manager, Alex White, P.E., can be contacted at (317) 347-3650 or awhite@grwinc.com for technical questions about this Project.

By: TriCo Regional Sewer Utility Wesley J. Merkle, P.E., Engineering Manager

Faneuil Hall in Boston, Mass. (Photos by Don Knebel)

Columnist Don Knebel dances at Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER

Docket No.

PZ-2022-00197 V, PZ-2022-00198 V, PZ-2022-00199 V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 24TH day of October, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Caucus Rooms (1 Civic Square, 2nd Flr, Carmel, IN 46032) will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:

1. UDO Section 3.64.A.1 – Maximum 45% lot coverage allowed, 70% requested.

2. UDO Section 3.64.A.2 – Minimum 5 ft. setback required, 1 ft setback requested in front yard (1 of 2-south)

3. UDO Section 5.09 – Maximum 42” tall fence in front yard (1 of 2 - south) allowed, 6’4” requested.

Also, minimum 1 ft setback from sidewalk required, 3” setback requested.

With the property being known as (address): 510 2nd Ave NE, Carmel IN 46032 (CW Weider’s Addition, Lot 34A)

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2022-00197 V, PZ-2022-00198 V, PZ-2022-00199 V

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel NO 16-10-30-05-02-015.001

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.

Keith and Mary Hinkebein, PETITIONERS

NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS REGARDING A DECISION OF THE CITY OF CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The taxpayers of the City of Carmel Redevelopment District (the “District”), are hereby notified that on September 21, 2022, the City of Carmel Redevelopment Commission (the “Commission”), adopted a resolution (the “Resolution”) determining that the Commission will take all actions necessary to enter into a lease agreement (the “Lease Agreement”) with the City of Carmel Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”), which in turn will allow the Authority to issue bonds (the “Bonds”), payable from the lease rentals received from the Commission pursuant to the terms of the Lease Agreement. The Bonds may be issued in one or more series or issues, in an original aggregate principal amount not to exceed $63,000,000, for the purpose of procuring funds to pay for all or a portion of the costs of the Program, as defined and fully described in the Resolution. The Authority adopted a resolution on September 28, 2022, approving the form of the Lease Agreement and authorizing the execution thereof. Following the public hearing and approval of the form of the Lease Agreement by the Commission, the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, adopted an ordinance on October 3, 2022, approving the Lease Agreement, the Bonds and matters related thereto.

Rental under the Lease Agreement shall be payable at a rate not to exceed $10,750,000 per year in semiannual installments. The maximum term of the Lease Agreement shall not exceed twenty-two (22) years from the date the first series of Bonds are issued, provided however, that the lease rental schedule allocable to any given series of the Bonds may not exceed twenty (20) years.

Dated this 11th day of October, 2022.

CITY OF CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

NOTICE OF EXECUTION AND APPROVAL OF LEASE BETWEEN THE CITY OF CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND THE CITY OF CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

The City of Carmel Redevelopment Commission (the “Commission”), the governing body of the City of Carmel Department of Redevelopment (the “Department”) and the Redevelopment District of the City of Carmel, Indiana, has executed a Lease Agreement, dated October 4, 2022 (the “Lease”), with the City of Carmel Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”), as lessor, and the Commission, as lessee, providing for the lease of certain existing street and road right-of-way located in, and currently owned by, the City of Carmel, Indiana (the “City”), as more particularly described and identified in the Lease, which in turn will allow the Authority to issue one or more series of revenue bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $63,000,000 (the “Bonds”), payable from the lease rentals received from the Commission pursuant to the terms of the Lease.

After a public hearing on the proposed Lease held by the Commission on September 21, 2022, at which all interested parties were provided the opportunity to be heard, the Commission adopted a resolution which, among other things, authorized and directed the President or Vice President and the Secretary of the Commission, on behalf of the City, to execute and deliver the Lease in substantially the form presented at the meeting and found that the rental payments to be paid by the Commission are fair and reasonable and that the use of the leased premises throughout the term of the Lease will serve the public purpose of the City and is in the best interests of its residents. The Common Council of the City adopted an ordinance approving the Lease and the issuance of the Bonds on October 3, 2022, and the Authority adopted a resolution approving the Lease and the issuance of the Bonds on September 28, 2022.

Rental under the Lease shall be payable at a rate not to exceed $5,700,000 per year in semiannual installments. The maximum term of the Lease shall not exceed twenty-two (22) years from the date the first series of Bonds are issued, provided however, that the lease rental schedule allocable to any given series of the Bonds may not exceed twenty (20) years. The Lease further provides for terms concerning the use, maintenance, repair, indemnification and insurance, destruction of the premises, defaults, remedies, option to purchase and miscellaneous other matters.

The Lease is open to public inspection at the Office of the Department, located at 580 Veterans Way, Suite 100, Carmel, Indiana 46032.

Dated this 11th day of October, 2022.

CITY OF CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

TRICO REGIONAL SEWER UTILITY ZIONSVILLE, INDIANA

PROJECT NO. 2202 – LIFT STATION 8 RECONSTRUCTION & FORCEMAIN EXTENSION

General Notice

TriCo Regional Sewer Utility (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project: Project No. 2202 - Lift Station 8 Reconstruction & Forcemain Extension

CEI Project #S22053

Bids for the construction of the Project will be received at the TriCo Regional Sewer Utility located at 7236 Mayflower Park Drive, Zionsville, IN 46077, until Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. local time. At that time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read.

The Project includes the following Work:

The project includes but is not limited to removal and replacement of existing Lift Station 8 and installation of approximately 2,000 LF of new 14” forcemain via horizontal directional drilling together with all other work required for the completion of the project.

Bids are requested for the following Contract: Lift Station 8 Reconstruction & Forcemain Extension Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be as shown in the Bid Form.

Obtaining the Bidding Documents

The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Commonwealth Engineers, Inc., 6325 Digital Way, Suite 101, Indianapolis, IN 46278. Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below. Prospective Bidders may also examine the drawings via the Web-based service of Commonwealth Engineers, Inc. at www. commonwealthengineers.com

Bidding Documents also may be examined at the TriCo Regional Sewer Utility located at 7236 Mayflower Park Drive, Zionsville, IN 46077, on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Contract Documents, Specifications and Drawings will be provided via the web-based service of Commonwealth Engineers, Inc. at www.commonwealthengineers.com. The plan holder will receive an email link to the PDF downloadable documents upon payment of a non-refundable fee of One Hundred Fifty and 00/100 Dollars ($150.00) plus 7% sales tax, per project division desired

One set of printed Contract Documents, Specifications and Drawings may be obtained upon payment of an additional non-refundable fee of Two Hundred Fifty and 00/100 Dollars ($250.00) plus 7% sales tax, per project division desired, via the web-based service of Commonwealth Engineers, Inc. at www. commonwealthengineers.com. Requests for Contract Documents and Specifications and Drawings must also include a return street address; post office box numbers are not acceptable.

Contract Documents will not be sold separate from the web-based service (i.e. All plan holders will be required to purchase through the web-based service). Partial sets of Contract Documents, Specifications and Drawings are not available. Questions pertaining to this project shall be submitted directly to Darren Wells, P.E., BCEE, at Commonwealth Engineers, Inc. via https://login.procore.com Additional questions concerning access to the website may be directed to Commonwealth Engineers, Inc. at (317) 888-1177.

All addenda, which may be issued for this Project, will be issued to each plan holder via email. For those whom also purchase printed Contract Documents, printed addenda will be provided as well. All plan holders shall note, the printed documents are provided as a courtesy and do not preclude the plan holder from relying upon the web/email based materials (i.e. delays in mail delivery will not be considered relevant due to all contract document holders access to materials via web/email).

No refunds will be issued for this project.

The OWNER reserves the right to reject any bid, or all bids, or to accept any bid or bids, or to make such combination of bids as may seem desirable, and to waive any and all informalities in bidding. Any bid may be withdrawn prior to the above scheduled time for the opening of bids or authorized postponement thereof. Any bid received after the time and date specified shall not be considered. NO bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for at least sixty (60) days.

Bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.

Pre-bid Conference

A pre-bid conference for the Project will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. local time at 7236 Mayflower Park Drive, Zionsville, IN 46077. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is encouraged but not required.

Instructions to Bidders

For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.

This Advertisement is issued by:

Owner: TriCo Regional Sewer Utility

By: Wes Merkle P.E.

Title: Engineering Manager

Date: October 11, 2022

WILL DO BOBCAT WORK

Locally

Mr. Handyman of

Zionsville, Carmel and Fishers

1950 E. Greyhound

Christopher Rogers Owner/Operator

Office

Classifieds

NOW HIRING: PAINTERS

We are in need of painters with or without experience Please Call (317) 397-9389 for info

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR SKILLED CARPENTERS!

Looking for job security? Simpson Construction Services has so much work that it must hire five people for residential remodeling NOW. The skilled carpenters we select will have strong abilities in bathroom remodeling, but also with respect to kitchens, decks, basements, wood and tile flooring, doors and windows, interior and exterior painting, drywall, plumbing and electrical, siding and room additions. Again: Only skilled carpenters need apply.

For immediate consideration, call Gary Simpson at 317.703.9575.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, goodnatured work environment.

The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net.

We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays.

To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net 40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net

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