November 29, 2022 — Carmel

Current in Carmel currentincarmel.com

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Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XVIII, No. 6

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Meridian

New council district boundaries approved

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel City Council met Nov. 21 to dis cuss new boundaries for council districts, a rezone along 1st Ave. SE, a tax rate cap and more.

What happened: The council voted 7-1 to approve new boundaries for council districts.

What it means: State law requires mu nicipalities to redistrict two years after a U.S. census to balance populations in each district. According to state law, the new districts should be comprised of contiguous territory, be reasonably compact, avoid splitting precincts and balance populations as equally as pos sible. Councilor Tony Green, who lost two precincts in his dis trict and whose district was most altered in 2018 redistricting, voted against the new boundaries.

a a

This map shows proposed council district boundaries set to take effect in 2023. See current boundar ies at carmel.in.gov/government/city-council/council-district-maps. (Map courtesy of the City of Carmel)

What’s next: The boundaries will determine representation for candi dates in the 2023 municipal primary election. Current councilors will continue to represent existing districts until their terms end in Janu ary 2024.

What happened: The council voted 8-0 to rezone four parcels along the west side of 1st Ave. SE between 1st Street SE and Supply Street from residential to C2/Mixed-Use District.

What it means: Parcels on the west side of the block are already zoned C2, and the proposed ordinance would lead to the entire block being zoned for mixed-use. The Carmel Redevelopment Commission is working with developers on a plan for the site, which includes a three-story mixed-use development on the west side anchored by 1933 Lounge.

What’s next: Councilors said some nearby residents have been concerned about parking when the project is complete and that the council will revisit the issue if it becomes a problem.

What happened: The council unanimously approved a resolution capping the city’s property tax rate for 2023 at .7877 cents per $100 of assessed value.

What it means: The council requested the resolution during a committee meeting discussion about an ordinance increasing the property tax levy limit by up to $420,000 in 2023. The council also approved the levy limit ordinance on Nov. 21, and the rate cap resolution ensures Carmel tax payers won’t see their property tax rate rise because of the levy increase.

What’s next: The Indiana Dept. of Local Government Finance will de cide whether to allow the levy limit to increase.

What happened: The council introduced an ordinance amendment that more clearly defines “public art” and what will be subject to review by the Carmel Public Art Advisory Committee.

What it means: The amendment states that the committee will only review permanent (installed or displayed for two years or more) art and that public art “does not include the purchase of techno logical equipment used to display content that could be construed as art, including, but not limited to, television screens, speakers or projection systems.” The clarification was requested after ques tions arose about whether the committee would review a light show planned on the exterior of the Palladium.

What’s next: The council’s fi nance committee will discuss the amendment in greater detail. A meeting date had not been an nounced as of press time.

Council OKs CRC purchase of home on Main Street

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel City Council voted 8-0 Nov. 21 to give the green light to the Carmel Rede velopment Commission to purchase a home at 311 W. Main St. for $346,000. The purchase will be made through the 2021 tax increment financing bond, which requires council approval for all CRC land purchases that are greater than $50,000. The CRC does not have a specific project proposed for the site but plans to aggregate adjacent single-family parcels as they be come available so redevelopment can occur in the future.

CITY NEWS

“This is clearly a property that is import ant to a continuation of our Arts & Design District,” CRC Director Henry Mestetsky said. “It’s one of those things that a private developer is not likely to spend the effort and time that it takes to aggregate multiple

velopment commission could do.”

The CRC is working with landowners to purchase the parcels and will not consid er eminent domain, Mestetsky said. The $346,000 purchase price is the average of two appraisals on the property, which Mestetsky called “a really good deal” for the city.

Late tissue donor to be featured on Rose Parade float

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Carmel native McKenzie Leichtnam un derwent a heart transplant as a newborn in 1990, and when he died 20 years later, he donated tissue to help save and heal other lives.

CITY NEWS

Leichtnam will be honored and remem bered with a floragraph portrait displayed on the 2023 Donate Life float in the annual Rose Parade, set for Jan. 2 in Pasadena, Calif. A floragraph uses organic materials, such as spices, seeds and flowers, to create a portrait. The float, themed “Lifting Each Other Up,” will contain 44 floragraphs fea turing people from across the nation who have donated organs or tissues upon their death.

The Carmel City Council heard a presen tation at its Nov. 21 meeting about Leicht nam, nicknamed “Kenz,” and the float from Corinne Osinski-Carey, community outreach coordinator and registry specialist with the Indiana Donor Network.

“He was a tireless defender of underdogs,

and I think that really speaks to his story,” Osinski-Carey said.

Leichtnam graduated from Carmel High School in 2009 and completed two years at Vincinnes University. He was planning to transfer to Indiana University but died unexpectedly in his sleep at home after a campus visit in July 2011. His family still re sides in Carmel.

His sister is a hospital liaison for the Indi ana Donor Network, which helps coordinate transplants.

The floragraph will be displayed in Carmel before being transported to California for the parade.

A floragraph of McKenzie Leichtnam will be displayed on the Donate Life float in the Rose Parade. (Photo courtesy of the Indiana Donor Network)

Hamilton County, Indiana

City moves ‘Morning Sun’ sculpture 2 miles north

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Carmel’s most infamous piece of public art recently made a move.

PUBLIC ART

The City of Carmel relocated “Morning Sun,” a $209,000 sculpture by artist Brad Howe, from the roundabout at Range Line Road and Executive Drive 2 miles north to the roundabout at Range Line Road and Lowe’s Way.

City of Carmel spokesman Dan McFeely said the relocation will allow for a “series of traditional and coordinated art pieces and fountains” in Range Line Road roundabouts at 116th Street, Carmel Drive, Executive Drive, City Center Drive and Walnut Street. None of the other roundabouts currently contain public art.

In September, the mayor’s office asked the Carmel Public Art Advisory Committee to weigh in on the move, which cost $50,000 to cover new infrastructure at the Lowe’s Way roundabout to support the sculpture.

The committee voted 7-0 against the proposal. Its members generally weren’t opposed to relocating the sculpture, but they didn’t want to see additional taxpayer dollars be directed toward a sculpture that much of the community dislikes.

“The committee voiced strong, unanimous objection to spending additional public funds (approximately 25 percent of the orig inal cost of the art project) to relocate, giv en their past advice regarding this piece,” the committee’s response to the proposed move stated. “Also, given the substantial negative public input/reaction on the art itself and mindful of good stewardship of public funds, the committee suggests the City sell the piece or relocate using private funds. The committee also wants a clear record that it did not advise the City as to the acquisition of this art.”

The committee’s responsibilities include reviewing proposed public art purchases and locations and submitting a written recommendation to the mayor’s office. The recommendations are advisory only, and the mayor has full and final authority to pur chase public art and select its location. The committee was only tasked with reviewing locations at the time the city purchased “Morning Sun.”

Julia Saltsgaver, CPAAC co-chair, said the committee had previously proposed the

roundabout at Range Line Road and Lowe’s Way as a location for the sculpture, as it lo cates “Morning Sun” nearer to Howe’s other two sculptures in Carmel: “Cyclo” at Range Line and Smoky Row roads and “Reckon” at Range Line Road and Elm Street.

“The thinking was to have sort of a succession of placement,” Saltsgaver said. “After discussion and input, the city decid ed — and they’re well within their purview — (they were) going to put it (at Range Line Road and Carmel Drive).”

McFeely said the mayor’s office “always appreciates” the committee’s advice and will “carefully consider it.”

“But it’s important to understand that it is the responsibility of the elected mayor and his staff to decide how to handle city financial matters,” McFeely said.

Saltsgaver said the committee has not received information about the series of public art installations envisioned along Range Line Road.

McFeely said the city is hiring an art con sultant to help seek submissions from local and national artists for future public art pieces. The Board of Public Works on Nov. 15 approved a $48,000 one-year contract with California-based CAST Inc. for public art con sulting services.

The City of Carmel installed “Morning Sun” in the roundabout at Range Line Road and Lowe’s Way earlier this month. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Noblesville fullback gets boost from added size, strength

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

At 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds, Noblesville High School junior Logan Shoffner is still an undersized fullback. Shoffner has put on 20 to 25 pounds since his sophomore season.

“I feel like in the off season I got a lot stron ger, and this allowed me to power for some extra yards and allowed me to get a little faster,” Shoffner said. “The hits didn’t hurt quite as much, and it helped me get some extra hard-fought yards. I feel I was playing with more confidence.”

This season, Shoffner rushed for 1,414 yards on 189 carries and nine touchdowns for the Millers (4-7). As a sophomore, he ran for 1,270 yards on 148 attempts with four touchdowns. He set the school single-game rushing record with 347 yards against Mt. Vernon in the opening game of his sopho more year.

“Logan has a drive to be great, not only in football, but also in the classroom,” Millers

MEET LOGAN SHOFFNER

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite athlete: Jonathan Taylor

Favorite types of music: Country and R&B

Favorite movie: “Grown Ups.”

football coach Dave Sharpe said. “He is a model citizen, great leader and incredibly hard worker.”

Sharpe said Shoffner has special qualities as a running back.

“He does not lose speed while making subtle cuts,” Sharpe said. “His vision and processing of information is the best I’ve

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ever seen from the fullback position.

He contortions his body to burst through small running lanes. His balance is un matched. He just doesn’t go down on the first tackle attempt. He always gets that extra yard or two after contact.”

Sharpe said Shoffner is an even better blocker than he is a runner.

“He is definitely a complete football play er and will be our captain and leader as we head into this offseason,” Sharpe said.

Although fullback is his primary position, Shoffner said sometimes when the offense rotates to other formations, he’s a halfback.

“Through elementary school, I was a run ning back,” Shoffner said. “In middle school, I shifted away from running back and played cornerback on defense. But I’m glad I went back to (running back).”

Noblesville improved to 4-7 in 2022 after finishing 2-8 in 2021.

“I feel like we are working on chemistry,” said Shoffner, who wants to play football in college. “We lose some offensive linemen, but we have a lot of returning starters that will help us take that extra step.”

Shoffner also plays baseball for Noblesville.

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Noblesville junior fullback Logan Shoffner rushed for more than 1,000 yards for the sec ond consecutive season. (Photo courtesy of Dave Sharpe)

Shoffner

Indoor pickleball facility approved

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

DISPATCHES

Changing economic conditions are resulting in a new facility housing eight pickleball courts coming to Penn sylvania Street in Carmel rather than two office buildings, as origi nally planned.

DEVELOPMENT

Last month, the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a use variance to allow the 25,000-square-foot building to be constructed on 3.7 acres at 11565 Pennsylvania St., as a commercial recreational facility is not a use automatically permitted in the area.

The site previously received approval for three office buildings, with the first already constructed to house the office headquarters for SC Bodner Co., a development and property management firm. SC Bodner was set to develop the other two office buildings and petitioned the BZA for the variance. The two buildings will share a parking lot.

“The recent global pandemic caused a seismic shift in the office market generally and has negatively impact ed tenant prospects for the previously approved office buildings at this location,” Kevin Buchheit, an attorney representing SC Bodner, said at the Oct. 24 BZA meeting.

The pickleball facility is set to occupy approximately the same footprint as the previously planned office buildings. It will have four pickleball courts on each side

An eightcourt pickle ball facility is planned at 11565 Penn sylvania St. (Image from documents filed with the City of Carmel)

of the building separated by a central area with an en tryway and locker rooms on the first floor and food ser vice and a pickleball viewing area on the second floor.

SC Bodner did not respond to a request for more infor mation, including the timeline to build the new facility, as of press time.

The BZA received more than two dozen letters ex pressing support for the project and one expressing concerns.

Mark Cannon, who works in Carmel, urged the BZA to approve the variance.

“Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for the last three years. As of last year, almost 5 million people play pickleball, and at the current growth rate, that should double in the next three to four years,” Can non said. “There is a great demand for a facility to play pickleball.”

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County parks officials honored — Three Hamilton County officials were honored at the Indiana Park and Recreation Association’s annual Awards of Excellence Banquet held Nov. 16 at Union Station in downtown Indianapolis. Steve Schwartz, Hamilton County councilor and parks liaison, was named Elect ed Official of the Year; Terry Prather, Hamilton County Parks Board president, was named Distinguished Citizen; and Al Pat terson, past Hamilton County parks director, received the Dis tinguished Life Member Award. Hamilton County Parks Director Chris Stice accepted the Clark Ketchum Conservation Award, an honor given to a parks department that has achieved a standard of excellence in conservation stewardship.

Sister city logo designs sought — The Carmel-Cortona Sister City Committee is seeking logo submissions that exemplify both cities. The selected logo will be used on all official Carmel-Corto na Sister City Committee documentation. The deadline for sub missions is Dec. 2. Submit designs to CortonaCarmel@gmail.com and include your name, address and telephone number.

Christkindlmarkt nominated — The Carmel Christkindlmarkt has been nominated for Best Holiday Market in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2022. The Market won #1 Best Holiday Market in two previous years, 2019 and 2021. Contestants are nominated from all over the nation by a panel of experts and 10Best editors. The public can vote for their favorites in each category once per day through noon Dec. 5. Winners will be announced Dec. 16. Learn more at 10best.com/ awards/about-usa-today-10best-readers-choice-awards.

The Perfect Retirement

COUNTY ELECTION BOARD CERTIFIES GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS

From left, Hamilton Coun ty Election Board mem bers Ray Adler, Kathy Kreag Williams (who is also county clerk) and Greg Purvis review absentee ballots with missing signatures or other problems left unre solved by voters who did not respond after county officials alerted them of the issues. The review is part of the normal process of certifying election results, which occurred Nov. 18 at the Hamilton County Judicial Center. The unresolved ballots did not count toward voting totals. View the final election results at secure2. hamiltoncounty.in.gov/ Elections/2022G/results/ index.htm. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Old Courthouse lit green

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The Old Courthouse in downtown Nobles ville has been lit green as part of a new initiative between Hamilton County and three orga nizations meant to show support for veterans and raise awareness of the challenges they face.

VETERANS

The initiative, known as Operation Green Light, is between Hamilton County, the In diana Association of Counties, the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Offi cers, according to the organization.

Operation Green Light’s mission is to show support for veterans of all military conflicts, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many vet erans and their families and the resources that are available at the county, state and federal levels to assist them.

“By shining the green light, we’re ex pressing our profound gratitude for the sac rifices and contributions our veterans and their families made on the battle at home,” said Steve Dillinger, president of the Hamil ton County Commissioners. “At a time when our country is faced with so many issues, we can all agree that those individuals who risked and sacrificed their lives to protect

An aerial view of the Old Courthouse in down town Noblesville, which has been lit green as part of an initiative known as Operation Green Light that is meant to show support for veter ans and raise awareness of the challenges they face. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County)

our country and our way of life deserve our support. I encourage everyone to join us in displaying a green light.”

County officials encourage the public to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home to a green bulb, which can be an exterior light that neighbors and those driving by can see, or an interior light inside one’s home. Although Operation Green Light is focused around the week of Veterans Day, the public is encouraged to continue shining the light year-round.

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Project: Roundabout, multi-use path construction

Location: The intersection of 106th Street and College Avenue is closed for construction of a roundabout. The multiuse path is under construction along 106th Street from Pennsylvania Parkway to College Avenue.

Expected completion: Road expected to reopen in December, with full and partial closures planned in the spring to finish the project.

Project: Culvert reconstruction

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: New roundabout

Location: E. Main Street and Lexington Boulevard.

Expected completion: The project is set to conclude with median reconstruction between Lexington Boulevard and Richland Avenue in 2023.

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.

Expected completion: The road is expected to reopen in December with closures planned in the spring to complete the project.

Project: Widening of the Monon Greenway

Location: Between City Center Drive and Carmel Drive

Expected completion: November

Project: 1st on Main construction

Location: North Range Line Road is closed just north of Main Street to accommodate construction of the 1st on Main mixed-use development.

Expected completion: The road is expected to reopen in January 2023.

Project: Storm water work

Location: Along 116th Street and Washington Boulevard near the intersection with Pennsylvania Street. Closures are not expected, but lane restrictions may be in place.

Expected completion: December

See Santa THREE Saturdays in December before he makes his way back to the North Pole for Christmas Eve

December 3, 10 & 17 2-5 p.m.

Visit Santa’s House in the Indiana Design Center parking lot and let him know what you’re hoping for this holiday season.

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CARMEL

Fall grants fund story walk, TSO founder visit

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

• Thomas Gerow; College Wood Elemen tary; Elementary Pickleball

• Kristen Piron; Creekside Middle School; Learning Through Play

• Jenny Tucker, Anastasia Volk-Maroney; Creekside Middle School; Light the Way!

EDUCATION

The Carmel Education Foundation cele brated recipients of the fall 2022 Great Idea! Grant awards at a Nov. 9 reception at Carmel Clay Schools’ Educational Ser vices Center. Grant recipients, schools and projects are:

• Allie Powell; Carmel Elementary; Loving Literature – Helping Our MLLs Love Reading!

• Adam Havice, Ryan Osborn, Josh Cole; Carmel High School; Alcohol and drug awareness and the impact they have on driving and decision making

• Carmen Smith; Carmel Middle School; visit and performance with Mark Wood, founder of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

• Bri Miller (Carmel Middle School), Hilary Machemer (Clay Middle School), Jenny Berju (Creekside Middle School); Out door Ed Curriculum in a Digital Age

• Sarah Morris, Tara Stob, Betsy Rhoades; Cherry Tree Elementary; Innovative and Intensive Interventions

• Julie Walker; Clay Center Elementary; Equipment for Growing Orff Ensemble

• Stephanie Croaning; Clay Center Ele mentary; Reading With Your Ears

• James Hambley, Susan Fulp, Sean McVey, Laura Ward; Clay Middle School; Measuring Weather

• Shannon McClintock; Forest Dale Ele mentary; Snap To It

• Elizabeth Silvey, Rachael Taylor, Jenni fer Douce; Mohawk Trails Elementary; Direct Instruction through Student Innovation

• Ana Woods; Prairie Trace Elementary; Snack cart

• Sara Harding; Prairie Trace Elementary; Twisting with Reading and Science

• Tracy Henry, Taylor Brune, Sam Gaw, Lauren Tobin, Rhonda Cruz; Prairie Trace Elementary; Taking a Transdisci plinary Approach to Teaching

• Rachel Green, Mackenzie Clark, Lyle Loogman, Lindsey Porter, Claire Black; Prairie Trace Elementary; Building Reading Confidence with Decodable Readers

• Lila Jay, Brooke Adams, Elizabeth El liott, Tammy Dillon, Lauren Kramer, An gie Towle, Karena Mercer; Smoky Row Elementary; StoryWalk

• Doug McCreary, Christina Ruch, Lau ren Walton, Tyson Smith, Emily White, Heather Banks; West Clay Elementary; Creating Math Toolkits

Learn more at ccs.k12.in.us/foundation.

Recipients of fall 2022 Carmel Education Foundation grants pause at a Nov. 9 reception. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

CHS grad selected as White House Fellow

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Dr. Harrison Hines recognizes how special this opportunity is for him. The 2008 Carmel High School grad uate was selected from thousands of applicants to be one of 15 people named as a 2022-23 White House House Fellow.

industries. Key to being selected as a Fel low is evidence of leadership skills and a commitment to public service. Medicine and theology are simply the avenues by which those attributes have manifested in my career.”

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ACHIEVEMENT

“Envisioned by John Gardner and enacted by a 1964 executive order by President (Lyndon) Johnson, the White House Fellows program offers emerging leaders with a dedication to service an opportunity to work at the highest levels of the federal government,” Hines said. “As a neurologist with a passion for advocacy and policy development, this program is an unparalleled gift. I view my selection as a White House Fellow as a blessing meant for me to give back to my community and to our country, both of which have invested so much in me.”

Hines attended Duke University as a Robertson Scholar, majoring in chemistry and religion. He received his medical degree from Stanford University and a master’s degree in theological studies from Duke Divinity School.

Hines’ fellowship started in late August and will conclude in August 2023. He was placed on the Domestic Policy Council.

“Getting to know the class of fellows I serve alongside has been one of the most meaningful early components of the pro gram,” Hines said. “I am inspired and hum bled by them, their energy, the hurdles they have overcome, their desire to give back and their persistent faith in the power of government to positively impact the lives of individuals. They energize me to make the most of every aspect of this year as a fellow.”

Hines said his medical and theological training help frame how he thinks about health and social ethics.

“In that way, my background developed in me a desire for service which makes the White House Fellowship a good fit for my career trajectory,” he said. “However, every fellow is unique. Some come to service through careers in the military, business, legal work, health care and a litany of other

Hines said the Domestic Policy Council drives the development and implementation of the president’s domestic policy agenda. Hines said he had some state level experience with policy development through working in the California State Assembly.

“I am eager to continue that work now at the federal level,” Hines said. “I am exploring long-term career plans post-fellowship, but I hope to continue advocacy through work ing directly with patients and integrating some government/public service work at some level.”

On Sept. 28, President Joe Biden hosted the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health.

“The conference brought together Amer icans from across the country to discuss how we can end hunger, increase healthy eating and increase physical activity by 2030,” Hines said. “I served on the team gar nering more than $8 billion in commitments from organizations in the conference’s call to action. On the day of the conference, I had the privilege of moderating a small focus group of participants brainstorming ways to continue working toward the con ference goals after the event ended. I am grateful that the conference was my first project at the Domestic Policy Council. It allowed me to dive in and contribute to a landmark event for a pressing cause.”

Hines took two years of chemistry with Deborah Haire at CHS (honors chemistry and AP chemistry) and was awed by its simplicity.

“Ms. Haire was deft,” Hines said. “She introduced us to the power of chemical bonds to structure the atomic world, then its complexities with how atoms combined to create new molecules. Finally, she em powered us by showing us that we could master the laws governing chemistry, that we could use it to hypothesize and predict. Chemistry’s order captured my intellect, and its beauty moved my spirit. Science at CHS led me to major in chemistry and religion in college which, in turn, led me to medicine.”

Hines

Blog simplifies Carmel outings for parents

By Chris Bavender news@currentincarmel.com

tions are what you will find on my blog.”

When Chelsea Kopelman left her job as a brand marketer in 2019, she quickly found out she was “terrible at being bored,” and so were her children. So, for the last three years, they have explored Car mel and surrounding areas looking for kid-friendly activities, events, restaurants and businesses. But taking her small children out could be daunting at times.

PARENTING

Kopelman said in her experience, having that type of information ahead of time increases the likelihood parents will try a new adventure and “feel confident that it will be a fun time for both them and their kids.”

KeepingUpINCarmel is managed during any spare time the mom of three has.

“You don’t always know what to expect when you get there, how your kids will act, if it’s a safe space for them to show big emotions, etc.,” she said. “After learning from many outings with my own kids, I re alized that if you have the right information before checking out a new activity with your kids as a parent, you feel more confi dent and excited about sharing these new experiences with your family and therefore more willing to try out some of these local establishments.”

That led Kopelman to launch her blog, “KeepingUpINCarmel,” in July.

“I started ‘KeepingUpINCarmel’ with the goal of generating awareness for these local activities and establishments that are friendly for families and equipping parents with the right information they need to feel confident taking their kids to visit them,” Kopelman said. “If you are looking for real-life information about visiting that specific park, things like, does it have mulch or rubber flooring? Is it safe for toddlers, babies and big kids? Is there good visibility for watching multiple kids at one time? Do you need to pack a change of clothes and a towel for your kids? Answers to those types of ques

“My ‘9-5’ is spent with my kids, and I am so grateful for that oppor tunity,” she said. “I weave sharing activities on the blog or (Instagram) into our days because we really are out and about at these activities all the time, which makes it easy to share.”

She also works part-time as the market ing lead for a financial services group in Indianapolis and runs her photography busi ness, Chelsea Kopelman Photography.

Kopelman, who is married to Peter Ko pelman, can’t say how many hours a week she spends on the blog because she said it doesn’t feel like work, and the family is doing the activities anyway.

“Instagram is where I can share real-time snippets into what adventures we are up to and connect in real time with my audience,” she said. “The website allows me to share more in-depth content as well as exclusive offerings to only my subscribers.”

Kopelman wants to grow the blog, both on traditional platforms and social media.

“I will keep looking for new ways to make memories as a family in and around Car mel and sharing the ins and outs parents will want to know about trying out these adventures for themselves,” she said. “It’s not always as easy hopping in the car and walking out the door.”

The blog can be found at keepingupincarmel.com.

DISPATCHES

Holiday Lights Recycling Drive

Ice skating tickets available — Tickets for the Ice at Carter Green are on sale. The rink

be open through Feb. 26, 2023. Skate sessions last 90 minutes, unless noted on the skate session calendar. The cost per session on all days is $10 for adults and youth 11 and older, $8 for children 10 and younger. Skates may be rented for $4 per person. Buy tickets and learn more at the iceatcartergreen.com/tickets.

Kopelman

– Carmel

Clay Schools’ Green Teams, City of Carmel Utilities, the City of Carmel, Tech Recyclers and White’s Ace Hardware are working together to offer a Holiday Lights Recycling Drive. Residents can recycle used and un wanted holiday lights through Jan. 20, 2023, at White’s Ace Hardware, 731 S. Range Line Rd. Since the start of the collaborative pro gram, more than eight tons of holiday lights have been recycled.

will

Christmas on the Prairie returns through Dec. 22

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Conner Prairie’s property.

ACHIEVEMENT

The fourth annual A Merry Prairie Holiday festival at Conner Prairie has returned to celebrate the sea son throughout the grounds of the living history museum. Featuring Christmas lights, a carousel and much more, the event has become a local favorite for many.

Conner Prairie spokesperson Holly Pas quinelli said festival planning begins as soon as the previous festival ends, which gives staff plenty of time to organize and perfect the next celebration. Setting up for A Merry Prairie Holiday begins as soon as the Prairie’s Halloween event, the Headless Horseman Festival, ends.

When determining the centerpiece event for the festival, Pasquinelli said it depends on who attends.

“If you have small kids, you might be drawn to the Polar Bear Plunge slide and meeting Santa,” she said. “If it’s you and your spouse or a group of friends, you may want to hang out in the Winter (Wonder land) Stroll and just enjoy the grounds with

all the lights. (The festival) has something for everyone and every interest.”

The event will feature a transformation of the William Conner House, which will host a 3D projection-mapping holiday show de signed to “capture the feel and nostalgia of

the holidays.” The presentation will feature “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” to trans port guests 198 years back into the story.

Attendees can also skate on real ice at Frosty’s Skating Rink and explore the Reyn olds lights, with new displays set up across

Prairietown will feature actors in his torically accurate clothing and holiday traditions from the 1800s. There also will be a “Holidays From Around the World” old-fashioned crankie show at the Potter Shop Kiln Shed. Kids will have the chance to take a selfie with Santa and meet Mrs. Claus and the elves as they get ready for the big night.

Pasquinelli marvels at Conner Prairie’s holiday display.

“I am really looking forward to seeing the grounds at night with all the lights,” she said. “When most people visit, it’s during the day when the grounds are open. You can come here during the festival and have a totally different experience. It’ll be covered in Christmas lights, and the inter preters in Prairietown will be dressed in traditional Christmas costumes.”

A Merry Prairie Holiday is open Friday through Sunday each weekend from Nov. 25 to Dec. 18. During the week of Christmas, the festival will be open Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 for those looking to celebrate closer to the holiday.

For more, visit connerprairie.org.

Early detection. Made easy.

An annual mammogram is an essential part of your health routine and gives you the best chance for early detection.

With Community, it’s easier than ever to schedule an appointment online. And with multiple, convenient locations, you’re sure to find something close to home.

The new Winter Wonderland Stroll at A Merry Prairie Holiday. (Photo courtesy of Conner Prairie)

Shop earth-friendly gifts

Commentary by Meredith McCutcheon

it from Frangipani Body Products

A full list of vendors is available at car melgreen.org.

Duke Energy employees aid Good Samaritan Network

Looking for ways to make your holi day shopping a little greener and more earth-friendly? From 1:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1, the Carmel Clay Public Library will host the Carmel Green Initiative’s “Green Gift Shop,” along with the library’s Holiday Showcase. At the gift shop, guests can purchase items that are local, organic, natural, recy cled, reused, or repurposed. Pick up prod ucts from more than 30 vendors, such as:

LIBRARY

• Handcrafted, reworked vintage jewel ry from Earth Rocks

• Handmade felted wool handbags, mittens and scarves from Felt Sew Good

• Flowers and mosaics made of bottle caps from Kaps For Kids

• Children’s clothing made from used clothing by That’s Sew Martha

• Wood items handcrafted using re claimed wood from WoodWorx

• Rare and common houseplants from The Re/Sprout

• Essential oils for body, mind and spir

Along with the gift shop, visitors can check out holiday-themed library mate rials. The Carmel Clay Public Library has hundreds of books and audiobooks filled with heartwarming holiday stories, mon ey-saving ways to spruce up your holi days, simple to elaborate crafts for gifts and mouthwatering recipes.

The library’s audiovisual department has holiday classic movies and new re leases, as well as CDs from your favorite artists.

The event is sponsored by Carmel Green Initiative and the Carmel Clay Public Library. It is free, and registration isn’t required.

a

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Fifteen Duke Energy employees who work in Hamilton County recently stepped up to help a local nonprofit that provides food and other ser vices to individuals in need.

RUNNING

The employees, who work for Duke En ergy in Carmel and Noblesville, volunteered their time Nov. 15 to assemble 500 boxes of food for Good Samaritan Network inside the llama barn at the Hamilton County Fair grounds. The Fishers-based nonprofit works with 268 agencies, 280 churches, 43 food pantries, 69 schools and five hospitals to serve Hamilton County residents, according to its website.

Mark LaBarr, government and community relations manager at Duke Energy, was among the 15 employees who came to gether to help Good Samaritan, which also received a $50,000 check from the Duke Energy Foundation. LaBarr said the founda tion invests more than $2 million in Indiana communities that it serves, noting that the investment involves doing volunteer work for organizations like Good Samaritan Network.

“We’re here to get together to support folks who need assistance,” LaBarr said.

Duke Energy employee Dwight Watkins was also among those contributing their time and said he particularly enjoys being able to give back, especially this time of year.

“I like to make sure everyone’s got a meal on their table,” Watkins said. “Duke Energy, they give me the opportunity to volunteer several times a year and it makes me feel good trying to give back.”

Nancy Chance, founder and executive director of Good Samaritan Network, appre ciates Duke Energy’s efforts, saying that volunteers like Duke Energy “are the life blood of our organization.”

Chance said Good Samaritan Network has seen an overwhelming demand for services this year, including almost 400 Energy As sistance Program applications for Hamilton County. That number so far represents about half the total number of applications Good Samaritan Network saw in comparison to the 790 families it served from Nov. 1 to April 15 a year ago, Chance said.

“That’s unprecedented, it’s huge,” Chance said.

Besides energy assistance, Chance said her organization is also seeing an increased demand for food assistance and clothing across Hamilton County. Good Samaritan has also provided rent assistance through its grant programs as well, she added.

“All of our (food) pantries and agencies are getting a lot of requests for resourc es,” she said. “It’s been tough all the way around.”

Meredith McCutcheon is

member of the Carmel Green Initiative. Learn more about the group at carmelgreen.org.

Duke Energy employees from Hamilton County pack food boxes Nov. 15 for Good Samaritan Network. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT READIES FOR SEASON

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt held a VIP and preview day Nov. 16. New offerings this year include a Werkstatt for demon strations, chimney cakes, Ger man-style soups, a candy shop and Carmel-branded wearables. The holiday market runs Nov. 19 through Dec. 30 at Carter Green. Visit CarmelChristkindl markt.com to learn more.

Glühwein Gallop 5K returns Dec. 3

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Runners will once again be able to toast the end of their race at the second Glüh wein Gallop 5K. The German word Glüh wein translates to “glowing wine.” It is a mulled wine or a hot, spiced wine drink.

Carr said there were approximately 800 participants last year, and he anticipates more than 1,000 this year. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes.

RUNNING

The Glühwein Gallop 5K Run/Walk, which debuted last year, starts at 9 a.m. Dec. 3 at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt at Carter Green. The race is conducted by Tuxedo Brothers. “The first year we had a great crowd and a very fun-filled event,” said Don Carr, Tuxedo Brothers owner and president. “We know that this event can grow to be much larger. It’s a great addition to the already popular Christkindlmarkt. Having the postrace Glühwein, beer and hot chocolate was

popular.”

Although still starting and finishing at the Christkindlmarkt, the course has changed slightly from the first year. Participants will run on the Monon Greenway, Range Line Road and along Main Street.

The Christkindlmarkt opens at 11 a.m. on race day, which Carr said should be just in time for the end of the 5K.

“Quite a few people did dress up, making it very festive,” Carr said. “We offer some awards to the best dressed, so we expect to see more this year. Participants are en couraged to get as creative and crazy as they’d like.”

Medals are guaranteed to the first 1,000 finishers, with age-group awards presented to the top three per group.

Participants are encouraged to pick up their packets from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at Runners Forum, 620 Station Dr., Carmel. Pick up is from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Dec. 3 at the Christkindlmarkt.

To volunteer, visit tuxbro.com/volunteer. html. For more on the race, visit runsignup. com/Race/IN/Carmel/GluhweinGallop.

Runners compete in the first Glühwein Gallop 5K last year. (Photo courtesy of Tuxedo Brothers) very

Alphorn players perform classic tunes. (Photos by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Carmel Christkindlmarkt CEO and Market Master Maria Murphy welcomes guests to the event.

The Bavarian Sweet Shoppe, which offers European candies, chocolate and German Lebkuchen hearts, debuted at this year’s festival.

The Glühwein Pyramid sells warm mulled wine and other beverages.

Meet Franci Fealk

by Shelly Gattlieb

Born and reared in Tucson, Ariz., Franci Fealk is licensed to practice law in Arizona and Indiana. She spent more than 10 years as a litigator but for the past 5 years has worked with security companies in mergers and acquisitions at Marc P. Katz, LLC. She represents buyers and sellers on deals ranging from $100,000 to millions of dollars.

CHARACTERS OF CARMEL

Fealk attended Washing ton University in St. Louis. She is married to Michael Skolnick, director of individual philanthropy at Newfields. They have one beautiful daughter, Molly Samantha, who is almost 2 years old. The couple’s wedding venue was the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, in the ballroom where the Great Gatsby wedding took place.

The Fealks are also part owners of Au thentic, the thoroughbred who, in 2020, won the Kentucky Derby and the Breeder’s Cup, where he set a new Keeneland track record.

Siblings: younger brother, Marc, and younger sister, Michelle

Inspirational hero: Eva Kor — Michael and Franci were friends of Eva and traveled with her to Poland to test out the audio tour of Auschwitz, based on Eva’s testimony

Attended: Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law

Honors thesis: Freedom Suits, in which enslaved people were suing for their freedom

Enjoys: attending concerts and plays, traveling, and spending time with family

Clerked for: Judge Patricia Orozco, Arizo na Court of Appeals

Favorite time of year: Autumn

Studied abroad: Madrid, Spain

Favorite drink: Flat white wine with cin namon powder

Pregnancy craving: Chocolate cake

Message to others: Good things come to those who wait.

Do you know an interesting character who lives, works or worships in Carmel? Send suggestions to sgattlieb. currentincarmel@gmail.com

Commentary

Fealk

Researcher seeking treatment for pancreatic cancer becomes survivor, stresses early diagnosis

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Martin D. Hynes III understands his good fortune. An early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer helped save his life.

During November, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, the Carmel resident — whose pre-diagnosis career included researching a treatment for the disease — shares his story to help others.

“Given that early diagnosis is key to the treatment of pancreatic cancer, I’ve been working with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to increase awareness,” Hynes said. “We’ve been doing this by speaking to a variety of groups around the Carmel and Indianapolis areas.”

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is highlighting the importance of research, launching a nationwide fundraising and public awareness campaign focusing on “Research for All of Us.” According to the research, pancreatic cancer is one of the nation’s deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of only 11 percent.

Hynes, 72, was diagnosed in mid-January 2021.

“I was working from home on that day because of the pandemic,” Hynes said. “Af ter having lunch with my wife, she noticed that I had become jaundiced. I immediate ly called my primary care physician, Dr. Shelagh Fraser.”

Hynes also had epigastric pain in his stomach.

Fraser told Hynes to come to the office as quickly as possible. Several blood tests were run, indicating a serious condition. He was sent to the emergency room for a scan, and by 5:30 p.m. that day, he was diagnosed with a pancreatic tumor.

“Because of the location of the tumor as well as the quick action by my primary care physician, I was diagnosed early,” he said

Fraser said Hynes and his wife are very observant people who are able to read med ical literature and understand it.

“Lynn suggested he call me, and him com ing in that day was really important,” Fraser said. “Once anyone (is showing) symptoms of pancreatic cancer, they already have the disease. That’s why it’s important to devel

op better screening options for pancreatic cancer.”

Fraser said of all her patients, Hynes is among those most focused on a healthy lifestyle.

“It made him more attuned to the symp toms,” said Fraser, from Carmel-based Pri orty Physicians.

Hynes received six rounds of chemother apy, followed by a Whipple procedure, which involved his surgeon, Dr. Michael House, removing the tumor from his pancreas, gallbladder, distal bile duct, regional lymph nodes and duodenum. After a five-day stay

in the hospital, Hynes was sent home to recover. Approximately one month after sur gery, his oncologist, Dr. Anita Turk, restart ed chemotherapy.

“It’s interesting to note that the average age of diagnosing pancreatic cancer is 71,” Hynes said. “I had just turned 71 when I was diagnosed.”

Hynes is in a program where he has a blood test every three months at the Schwartz Cancer Center at Indiana Universi ty Health North in Carmel.

Hynes, whose professional career in volved developing a treatment for pancre

atic cancer, was recruited to Eli Lilly after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology in Nutley, N.J.

“I spent nearly 36 years working at Eli Lilly & Co.,” he said. “All of those years were within Lilly Research Labs. In fact, I was the director of clinical research for Lilly Japan (from 1987 to 1990) and led the clinical trials on Gemzar in Japan. Gemzar is a drug that is utilized to treat pancreatic cancer.”

Hynes lived in Carmel for several years prior to moving to Japan. He returned to Carmel after his assignment in Japan. He and his wife, Lynn, have two daughters, Katie Hynes, Carmel, and Amy Schultz, Iowa City, Iowa.

ON THE COVER: Martin Hynes, a Carmel pancreatic cancer survivor, pauses with his wife Lynn. (Photo courtesy of Martin D. Hynes III)

FINDING A TREATMENT FOR EBOLA

As a research scientist with Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Martin Hynes III visited Africa for three weeks to work on clinical trials for ebola treat ments in 2017.

“We were manufacturing monoclo nal antibodies for the treatment of ebola,” Hynes said.

The group also conducted trials in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He said during the trials a number of patients were treated and some recovered from the disease, which has an average fatality rate of 50 percent but has been even more deadly during some outbreaks.

“Later clinical trials didn’t look quite as successful as we wanted it to be,” Hynes said. “We tried to treat as many people as possible given it’s such a horrific disease with such a high mortality rate.”

Hynes said he worked on ebola treatments until he was forced to retire when he developed pancreatic cancer.

Martin Hynes visited Africa for three weeks in 2017 as a researcher with Mapp Biopharmaceutical working on a treatment for ebola. (Photo courtesy of Martin D. Hynes III)

ESSAY

Stating facts

Commentary by Terry Anker

We identify those in the room we believe to be prevaricating and, as if we are honor bound to do it, call them out for their transgression. “Not true,” we exclaim, demanding a fact check — at least one that is confirming. Those who stand accused strike back, pointing the finger of deceptive conduct right back at us. The “facts” — those concrete arbiters of reality — can be surprisingly fickle. Any first-year law student will tell you that whosoever frames the case will eventually win it. Laying claim to data by showing that it supports our point of view is a powerful first-mover advantage. By the more nuanced second year of study, that same would-be attor ney can effectively argue the identical evidence with multiple possible out comes. Could the same data be used to prove diametrically opposed positions? Experience answers with an unequivo cal affirmation.

Now, more than ever, it is easy to find supporting information to prop up our “facts.” The internet delivers study after study dedicated to building — and then destroying — the accepted under standing of what is happening in our world. Some directly use propaganda to lead us down the primrose path. Others, assured in their intellectual superiority, use their position of legitimate or in fluenced authority to prevent disagree ment with their perspective. Many with draw entirely, not thinking, reflecting, or learning past some point of saturation that may have passed decades ago. As such, who is to be believed? And does it really matter?

Most of us hope it does. We innately seek veritas but get fatigued in pursuit. Perhaps our journey to find certainty would be improved with a few simple rules: Don’t intentionally intend to mis lead; don’t assert as truth what is likely an opinion; and don’t use our mouths to tell your lies — asserting your presump tive knowledge of our view.

CURRENTOON

‘Tis the season for tension

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

It’s that time again, friends, when a major holiday throwdown is almost in evitable in my household. Will it be over tinsel? Perhaps, though 2022 is clearly marked as a year for the most glorious sparkly adornment ever created by man. No, my money’s on the tree itself. Real or fake?

Normally, we hold a forced-family out ing to Ace or Lowe’s where we choose the tallest, fattest fir in the lot. My hus band, Doo, will struggle to get it tied to the minivan, and I’ll nearly forget I have it atop the car when I pull into the ga rage, and then we’ll wrangle that sucker into the living room and pray to all that is holy that we won’t be yelling “timber!” or “fire!” anytime soon.

But last December, we headed over seas and decided on scaled-down deco rations, including a 12-foot fake Frazier that came in seven separate parts, each of which folded up like an umbrella. I ba sically assembled it by myself, no fuss, no mess. A veritable Christmas miracle in my book, though everyone else im mediately dubbed it “The Imposter” and accused me of essentially ruining their lives.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

— MAHATMA GANDHI

POLICIES

Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to info@youarecurrent.com. Writers must include a hometown and a daytime phone number for verification. Guest columns: The policy for guest columns is the same as the aforementioned, but the allowable length is 240 words. Guest columns should address the whole of Current’s readership, not simply special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

I suppose it’s no real surprise then that 5 of 6 Wilsons polled said there is no way on god’s green earth that my perfect plastic tannenbaum will ever see the light of day. I’d argue, of course, that a happy mom is a happy home, and that a little artificial foliage is a small price to pay for Yuletide peace and goodwill.

‘Tis the season for tinsel and tension, with a real-versus-fake tree throwdown clearly on the horizon. We shall see!

Peace out.

is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.

Danielle Wilson

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@ youarecurrent.com.

“Where there is love there is life.”

What a difference a year makes for new Carmel resident

Commentary by Joe Molina

This week marks a year since my wife, Beth, and I arrived from Los Angeles and landed at an Indianapolis airport with two cats in tow and a whole new world of Midwest horizons. It was 5 a.m. and we were so beat, but excitedly pre pared ourselves to meet a massive moving van and a separate transporter of collector cars that we would soon be driving on Car mel streets.

VIEWPOINT

relations agency of 43 years, and not want ing to deal with the unbelievable traffic, unpredictable massive fires and evacuation plans, plus the droughts and a general de clining quality of life, we left LA. We were done. We wanted a life — not a lifestyle. After many trips to the Indianapolis area to visit family and friends, we discovered exactly what we were searching for in Carmel!

ple are content in Carmel. It’s kinder, gen tler here. The little things matter in positive, joyful ways.

And to me, here in Carmel, there’s no aw ful traffic jams like I was used to experienc ing on the West Coast. I can get from our home in Carmel to downtown Indy in less than 25 minutes (an impossible feat in LA!).

and Mayor Jim Brainard for his vision that helped bring Carmel to a charming reality.

Thank you, Carmel. Although we just met, we already know we will be very happy to gether for many years to come.

I lived in Southern California for more than six decades, and my wife, a transplant ed Hoosier, happily introduced me to a new world called Indiana. After selling my public

We fell hard for Carmel, immediately. We loved the enchanting Christkindlmarkt, the Palladium, WestClay and Jackson’s Grant. We love that people wave to each other and give us thumbs up on Sunday drives. I discovered the four seasons that I had only seen in magazines and books. We find peo

READER’S VIEW

USPS prepares for holiday season

Editor,

The U.S. Postal Service has been hard at work preparing for the holiday season since January. Rest assured, we’re holiday ready and well prepared to deliver fast and reli able service to every address in Carmel and across America.

USPS has made significant investments to ensure your holiday greeting cards and packages reach their intended destination on-time. We’ve added 249 new package sorting machines across the nation, which will allow us to process 60 million packag es per day. This new equipment is part of $40 billion in new investments made under Delivering for America, our 10-year plan to achieve financial sustainability and service excellence.

Additionally, we have the space we need to manage all packages and mail when they reach us. We’ve strategically expanded our footprint by 8.5 million square feet through out the country to augment space short ages at existing postal facilities and we’ve deployed new technology on our workroom floors to make sure we can track and move mail and packages quickly and to get them on their way.

The 650,000 men and women of the U.S. Postal Service pride ourselves on playing an important role in delivering the holidays for the nation. We’ve had more than 100,000 part time employees convert to full time positions since January 2021. And there is still time to join our team for the holiday season. Open seasonal positions are posted at usps.com/hiring.

Thank you for continuing to support the Postal Service. Our Carmel Postal Service team wishes you a wonderful holiday season.

Jeff Jarrett, Carmel postmaster

We continually thank those who took the time to show us the highlights of Car mel, like radio legend Kristi Lee, Sherrie Roizen (our patient Realtor and tour guide)

LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC ELECTRIC VEHICLE FAST CHARGE (EVFC) RATE

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around December 2, 2022, Duke Energy Indiana, in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10, will submit a request to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (Commission) to update its Electric Vehicle Fast Charge (EVFC) tariff, Rider 28, under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. The tariff revision will be an update to the EVFC rate based on the revised statewide average, as of November 2022, for EVFC charging offered by individual fast charge stations in Indiana that charge a consumption-based fee, are greater than 50KW in charging capacity and are available 24 hours a day. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or Randall C. Helmen with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission - PNC Center 101 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 Telephone: 317-232-2703

Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor - PNC Center 115 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204 Telephone: 317-232-2494

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC By: Stan Pinegar, President

Josh Kaufman • Leah Crane

TapZ from Expressenz Dance Center Indianapolis Children’s

Beth and Joe Molina are enjoying life in Carmel after their recent move from Southern California.

Now (I) hear this

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

what I did, until this week. Here’s what I discovered:

•  The turn signal makes a clicking noise when you hit the lever.

HUMOR

This week, I purchased a good pair of hearing aids. My wife has bugged me for a long time to do this. Hearing loss runs in my fam ily. My grandmother was born nearly deaf. When she finally got hearing aids, they did little more than raise the vol ume of sounds. “Don’t speak louder, speak slower” she would say. At dinner, she would constantly ask us to repeat things. But when she said something to annoy my father, he’d whisper under his breath to my mother, “What a pain in the butt Mildred is tonight.” Then Grandma would glare at him and say: “You’re a pain in the butt, too.”

When I give a presentation about humor, I tell this joke: A man reports to his doctor that his wife is in denial about being hard of hearing. The doctor tells him to go home and see how close he has to get to her for her to hear him. That night, he calls from the front door, “I’m home, honey. What’s for dinner?” No re sponse, so he tries calling from every room. “Honey, I’m home. What’s for dinner?” Noth ing. He goes into the kitchen and screams near her ear, “Honey, I’m home. What’s for dinner?”

Wife: “For the fifth time, Edward, pot roast!”

This joke is particularly funny to older women with stubborn hubbies who refuse to face reality about their hearing, claiming the loss is just a part of aging and noth ing can be done about it. That’s kind of

• Leaves do rustle when you step on them.

• At night, rain on the roof can wake you up.

Just joking, of course. My loss was eas ily corrected with the appropriate devices. Severe hearing loss, though, is devastating and life-altering. Helen Keller once said, “If you are blind, you are cut off from things. If you are deaf, you are cut off from people.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

I once did a story about a racecar driver born deaf. He had never experienced the roar of the engines — or the roar of the crowd. After he had a surgical procedure to repair the congenital issue, I took a camera crew to tape his first trip back to the track to watch (and hear) trials at the Indy 500. Oh, the ex pression on his face that afternoon.

I’ve been bragging to everyone about how great my hearing aids are. I took one out of my ear and showed it to my friend Bob.

“What kind is it?” he asked.

“About 4:30,” I told him.

It was a very old joke, but I’ve waited my whole life to find a way to use it.

P.S., did you know bacon makes a sizzling noise when you fry it?

PORCH

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

Helen Keller once said, “If you are blind, you are cut off from things. If you are deaf, you are cut off from people.”

By Chris Bavender news@currentincarmel.com

Just Tacos Time celebrated a grand open ing Nov. 15 to introduce the community to the new eatery. The restaurant opened Oct. 19 at 1315 S. Range Line Rd.

Owner David Abebe, who also owns a commercial cleaning ser vice, is new to the restaurant business and is involved in its day-to-day operations. He chose the Range Line Road location because of its high-traffic volume and proximity to residential and commercial areas.

“So far, we have heard very positive re sponses from the customers,” Abebe said. “We have had customers come again to the restaurant.”

Just Tacos Time is decorated in tradi tional Mexican decor with brightly painted walls featuring birds, sombreros and a large guitar. It can seat 25 people and has a mix of high- and low-top tables. A staff of five employees keeps the restaurant running smoothly.

Abebe said he wanted to keep the menu simple and focus on tacos, burritos and breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Just

several

as well as vegetarian and vegan items, and a children’s menu.

Prices range from $5 to $10.

“There is no special dish. I just encourage everyone to try everything,” Abebe said. “Most customers like our tacos best.”

For now, Abebe has no plans to add spe cialty items to the menu.

“I just want to focus on the tacos,” Abebe said. “The plan is to introduce more of the Carmel community so they can come experi ence fresh and fast tacos.”

Organization names new CEO

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Invest Hamilton County has named Mike Thibideau as the organization’s president and CEO.

LEADERSHIP

Thibideau was promoted Nov. 8 by the board of directors for the Hamilton County Economic Development Corp. to the top lead ership position of the organization and began his new role earlier this month. He had served as vice pres ident of workforce strategy since 2021 for Invest Hamilton County, which focuses on workforce development and quality-of-life priorities within the community.

Before joining Invest Hamilton County, Thibideau served as director of Indiana Workforce Recovery at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Invest Hamilton County is staffed through an operating partnership with Hamilton County Tourism, where he will continue to also serve as vice president of workforce strategy.

The board of directors also updated its

mission and vision for the organization, according to a news release. Its mission will be “to empower the economic vitality of the residents, businesses and communities of Hamilton County by attracting, retaining and supporting talent,” the release said.

The organization’s vision, accord ing to the board, is that “Hamilton County is a community that com petes for top-tier talent on a nation al scale, supports and retains its employers and workforce and ranks as one of the best places to live and work in America.”

Since Thibideau joined the Invest Ham ilton County staff last year, some new programs the organization has introduced include mental health education and re sources for local businesses, facilitation of broadband expansion within the communi ty, a new AI-driven Career Explorer, innova tive research and training programs for the local hospitality industry and the launch of Hamilton County’s new career and technical education district known as The Pursuit Institute.

Stop in to browse at Carmel’s independent bookstore, MacArthur Books, offering a wide selection of new books for adults, kids and teens. Join our email newsletter list (info@macarthurbooks.net) for information on author events, book clubs, and new releases, or visit our website for ordering anytime.

Thibideau

Tacos Time offers

protein options,

Just Tacos Time is now open at 1315 S. Range Line Rd. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Shop offers weekly flavors

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Tyson Barrett first became acquainted with Crumbl Cookies when he was living in Utah.

CRUMBL

His brother, who has an ambulance business in Indi anapolis, suggested opening a franchise in Indiana.

“I moved from Salt Lake City once we bought into the brand,” Barrett said. “The thing that drew us is (at the shop) there would be lines of people until 11:30 at night.”

The state’s newest Crumbl Cookies opened at 9873 N. Michigan Rd., Suite 130-B, Carmel, in October. The hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. The store is closed Sunday.

Barrett, 28, and Spencer Hanks, who is based in California, are the primary co-own ers. Barrett’s brother, Chad, is a silent part ner. Barrett, who lives in Fishers and Co lumbus, Ohio, runs operations for stores in Indiana and Ohio. Previously a store opened in January at 2446 E. 146th St. in Westfield’s in Cool Creek Commons, which borders Car mel. The partners also own stores in Fish ers, Indianapolis and Greenwood, and three stores in Ohio.

“The rotating menu is the most unique thing, as there are five new flavors every

Crumbl Cookies offers five new flavors each week. (Photo courtesy of Crumbl Cookies)

week,” Barrett said. “You are tuning in every Sunday (on Instagram) to see what flavors will be next week. You go every week to make sure you don’t have the fear of miss ing out on one flavor.”

Chocolate chip cookies are standard offerings. The shop offers five other cookie flavors each week. Barrett said there are 200 flavors on the menu that Crumbl Cook ies rotates through.

“There are some flavors we do once and they are never on the menu ever again,” he said.

For more, visit crumblcookies.com.

Laser Flash celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special event Nov. 9 for current and for mer employees. The company opened at 617 3rd Ave. SW in 2002 and plans to move into a new 50,000-square-foot facility in Westfield. A relocation date has not been announced. Above, from left, Laser Flash owner Peter Murphy and former employees Amy Lanuti, Armando Lanuti and Jeff Colver pause at the celebration. Amy and Armando met while working at Laser Flash and later married. Colver and Amy Lanuti are siblings. (Photos by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

opens in Merchant’s Square

By Chris Bavender news@currentincarmel.com

Ashleen Sharma has worked in retail for many years but fell in love with boutiques because of the one-of-akind items she would find that no one else would be wearing. She knew one day she wanted to create a unique experience of her own.

In 2020, shortly before the pandemic hit, Sharma’s dream came to fruition when she opened her online shop, Levidy Boutique. The name is a combination of her grand mothers’ names.

When the pandemic began, Sharma and her sisters, Ashley and Alicia Sharma, took a break because their vendors weren’t open.

“We rebranded and created a whole new vision of what we want the boutique to be,” Sharma said.

That vision included a brick-and-mortar store. Sharma, 27, opened Levidy Nov. 10 in the Merchant’s Square Shopping Center in Carmel.

“I understand that online shopping is ‘where it’s at,’ but we need stores that are like boutiques to get the young and older generation out shopping. It’s one big way to grow and gain that traffic and audience,” Sharma said. “I was very picky when I was looking at spaces. I always knew I had to be up north in Hamilton County. I believe Mer chant’s Square gave me a chance because

they believed in me and my vision. They knew my boutique could grow and be suc cessful in the shopping center.”

Levidy’s decor features beige and pink with gold wall racks and white and gold tables.

“I really wanted warm and girly vibes,” Sharma said.

The boutique provides a wide range of clothing and styles that cater to its mission.

“Our goal is to stick to a wide variety of styles so women with any background or comfortability can find something they feel powerful in. “We try to stay away from one type of clothes, so all women feel included,” Sharma said. “We want our customers to feel beautiful in the items they bought. We want them to know that they are beautiful and can conquer anything.”

For more, visit levidyboutique.com.

DISPATCHES

Merchants Mortgage hires – Merchants Mortgage, a division of Carmel-based Mer chants Bank of Indiana, has hired Mark Harvey and Kate Vanderpool as mortgage loan origina tors. Harvey joins Merchants Mortgage with several years of mortgage origination experience throughout Indiana, most recently having served as the regional producing manager for GVC Mortgage in Pendleton. Prior to joining Merchants Mortgage, Vanderpool most recently served as an insurance claims adjuster for Chicago-based Combined Insurance.

Densborn Blachly LLP has been named a Best Law Firm in 13 practice areas by U.S. News & World Report in partnership with Best Lawyers. With this recognition, the Carm el-based law firm surpassed the milestone of being ranked as a Best Law Firm for a decade. The Best Law Firms rankings are based on a combination of client feedback, peer review from leading attorneys in the field and evaluation of information provided by the law firm.

honored

J.D. Byrider plans layoffs – Carmel-based J.D. Byrider is planning to layoff 43 employ ees by Dec. 30 in response to changing economic conditions. The company, whose services include car sales, notified the Indi ana Dept. of Workforce Development of the planned layoffs on Oct. 31.

Levity Boutique owner Ashleen Sharma pauses at her new shop. (Photo courtesy of Ashleen Sharma)

Densborn Blachly

–

Vanderpool Harvey

Should I buy glasses online? Rumble Boxing now open

Commentary by Dr. Jeremy Ciano

What is the difference between buying glasses at your local optometrist versus buying them online?

This is one of my favorite questions to answer, because the answer isn’t obvious — at first.

to achieve the most precise prescription possible. Simply put, your prescription needs to be centered perfectly for you to see your best. And the prescription bullseye is not the center of your lenses.

By Chris Bavender news@currentincarmel.com

VISION FITNESS

The single-biggest misconception pa tients have when requesting their prescrip tion is assuming that all the information is in the simple three numbers provided by your doctor, but this baseline only accounts for a portion of your final vision. It’s the equivalent of getting a shoe size only, but not taking into account if you are a tennis player, ballet dancer or in need of hockey skates. These three numbers aren’t all the information you need for an accurate fitting and overall visual experience.

Most online opticals have their own version of how to guesstimate the rest of the information needed to properly fit you. They use combinations of generalized as sumptions and various at-home measuring techniques that are not the most accurate. Your local optician takes very precise and accurate manual and digital measurements

Measurements aside (and they are huge), you also are left to the online retailer’s lens design. This is the equivalent of buying the cheapest tires you can find. Black, round, rubber, they are all the same, right? Not at all! Glasses are customized to your individu al wearing style, visual needs and the frame you select. Choosing off-the-shelf lenses is the equivalent of watching a movie on VHS versus digital Blu-Ray.

So, the next time you are looking for a new pair of glasses, keep in mind that if you want the most accurate prescription, with the best fit and personalized lens design, you should find a trusted local optician to consult with you on the best individualized decisions.

Dr. Jeremy A. Ciano, an international lecturer and published author, is a Current Publishing columnist. For more information or to ask a question, he may be emailed at DrCiano@ Revolution-EYES.com.

Rumble Boxing North Indy will celebrate its grand opening at 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at its first Indiana location at 4825 E. 82nd St., Suite 100. The gym opened earlier this month.

Billed as an “edgy new boutique gym,” Rumble Boxing is a group fitness concept delivering a mix of boxing-inspired circuits and resistance training.

“We glove up together, no matter your fitness level or skill, to reveal your inner fighter. The experience is a 45-minute, 10-round, full-body cardio and strength workout crafted around specially de signed water-filled, teardrop-style boxing bags,” said Kaelyn Mason, general manag er. “The best part is the end result, leaving packed with adrenaline from throwing punches and vibing out to the custom playlist under the lights.”

Every workout is conducted in a night club environment, which Mason said is motivational for the boxers.

“The workout is first and foremost fun,

and then it’s also tough,” Mason said. “The beat drops and black lights hit at just the right time to give an extra bit of motiva tion in each workout.”

The workout can be done every day, no matter the client’s fitness level, Mason said.

“This is a total body workout, but it’s also customizable,” she said.

The 2,500-square-foot studio can train up to 48 boxers in each class. There are five certified Rumble instructors and classes are offered seven days a week. The first class is free.

For more, visit rumbleboxinggym.com/ location/north-indy.

Holiday Porchfest

Rumble Boxing features workouts centered on water-filled, teardrop-syle boxing bags. (Photo courtesy of Rumble Boxing)

‘Holiday Pops’ to feature variety of performers

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Leah Crane, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Holiday Pops” show will be a special showcase.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

“It’s a Wonderful Life” runs through Dec. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianap olis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

ORCHESTRA

“The tunes I’m doing are really great pieces,” said Crane, who is a singer with Pavel & Direct Contact. “I love holiday music. Most people do. I’m just excited to be a part of a show that has so many different artists and a dance group involved, and the India napolis Children’s Choir and Josh Kaufman is incredible. I feel it’s going to be a great revue of Indianapolis talent.”

The CSO “Holiday Pops” performances will be at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“This will be Leah’s third time with the CSO in a year,” CSO Artistic Director Janna Hymes said. “Because she is a crossover artist, meaning she sings classical, pops and Latin music, she has fit into many of our programs. Leah knows many of the other artists, which makes for a nice mu sical experience.”

Crane performed with Pavel & Direct Contact in a Latin music celebration in a Masterworks concert in October. She previously performed with CSO at Cedar Creek Winery and Brew Co. in Martinsville in 2021.

For the holiday concert, Crane will sing two songs arranged by Chicago-based arranger/producer Paul Langford.

“He helped me to produce and arrange an album this year, so I got to release my first solo album with him,” Crane said. “He’s a great friend and fabulous arranger.”

Crane will perform arrangements of “O Holy Night” and “The Christmas Song.”

“(Langford arranged ‘The Christmas Song’) specifically for me to do for a couple of years with Anderson Symphony Orches tra, and it has a bossa nova feel to it,” Crane said.

Crane will sing two duets with Kaufman, performing on “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas,” which she will perform for the

first time.

“Josh has such a soulful voice, and he has really incredible range,” Crane said.

Crane said she and Kaufman did some caroling gigs, where the singers dressed in madrigal costumes.

“Before he won ‘The Voice,’ maybe the year before is the last time I’ve done any thing with him,” Crane said.

Kaufman was the winner of the sixth season of “The Voice” in 2014.

“It’s always great to be backed by a full orchestra and the Carmel Symphony Orchestra is phenomenal,” Kaufman said. “I really like a lot of the slower, softer, tradi tional carols, too, but for a show like this you tend to want more of the high-energy stuff.”

Kaufman said he likes performing classic soul pieces like Donny Hatha way’s “This Christmas” and “Someday at Christmas.”

This is the first time Kaufman has per formed with the CSO.

“I was rooting for him, on ‘The Voice,’”

Hymes said. “When I came to work in Car mel, I was happy to learn Josh lived here. I went to the Jazz Kitchen to hear him a few years ago and we met at that time. The rest is history.”

Hymes said each year she tries to pro gram a concert that features Indianapo lis-area talent.

“Often, audiences know these artists and seem to appreciate the collaborative effort,” Hymes said. “Having younger performers, such as NZ TapZ and ICC, is a wonderful way of bringing them onstage to work with professional musicians and also to introduce them to our audience. I enjoy working with young people and this is often a highlight of the concert.”

Hymes said the show usually has a vari ety of new numbers each year.

“We play ‘Sleigh Ride’ every year and that is always a hit,” Hymes said. “When we arrange music especially for a concert, I always enjoy bringing it to life for the first time.”

For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

The Live at the Center series will feature the Marrialle Sellars Band at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Studio Theatre at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $5 for in-person. To register for free livestream, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘A

CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL’

Civic Theatre presents “A Christmas Story, The Musical” from Dec. 2-24 at The Tarking ton at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘HOLIDAY & MORE’

Ashley Nicole Soprano’s “Holiday & More” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

‘THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT’

Mud Creek Players will present “The Christ mas Spirit,” a holiday comedy, from Dec. 2-17 at Mud Creek Theater, 9740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis. For more, visit mudcreekplay ers.org.

‘ALL

IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914’

“All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’

The Belfry Theatre presents “The Sound of Music” through Dec. 4 at the Ivy Tech Audi torium, 300 N. 17th St., Noblesville. For more, visit thebelfrytheatre.com.

“HOLIDAY POPS”

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will hold “Holi day Pops” concerts at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Palladium at the Center for the Perform ing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmel symphony.org.

‘A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS’

“A Motown Christmas” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Vocalist Leah Crane will perform in the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concert. (Pho to courtesy of CSO)

Senior embraces show’s traditions

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

One tradition that Carmel High School senior Audrey Hockins loves about “Holiday Spectacular” happens before the show. She is part of an a cappella group that carols in the lobby be fore each performance.

PERFORMANCES

“I am fortunate enough to be in my second year in this group and I just love getting to see all of the audience’s excitement before those doors open for the show,” Hockins said. “Everyone gets so happy when they walk through those doors and see a group of performers in their Dickens costumes, acting as though they’re going door-to-door singing carols. Before I was a member in this group, I loved waiting in line when I was younger to get my seat and being able to hear live music that made me feel like I was back in time.”

The “Holiday Spectacular” runs Nov. 30 through Dec. 4 at the Carmel High School Auditorium.

“My second favorite tradition is how

everyone in the choir program gets to sing three songs together at the end for the big finale,” Hockins said. “It really shows that we may all be in different choirs, but we’re all a part of the same program and we should all come together to sing and celebrate the season.”

Hockins is part of the mixed show choir, which appears in the Act 1 finale, “Turkey Lurkey Time.”

“It is just the type of song that you can’t watch and not smile,”

Hockins said. “It’s a big party on stage that involves an amazing, choreographed number, interaction be tween the performers and the audience, funny faces, and ends in an even bigger party with almost all of the choirs joining in for the last part. Everyone comes on stage to finish the song and choreography to gether and show the audience that ‘Holiday Spec’ is about smiling and having fun during the holiday season.”

The performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 3 and 2 p.m. Dec. 4.

For tickets, visit bit.ly/3ULruts.

Hockins

CHS senior gets dream role

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

This dream has come true for Allie Hanning.

DANCE

“As a young dancer in the role of a tiny unicorn watching the Sugar Plum Fairy, I knew I wanted to take on that role so badly but never thought my dream would become a reality,” the Carmel High School senior said. “Growing up and watching her perform was always such a magical experience.”

Hanning will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Carmel-based Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s G2 company’s performanc es of “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Rd., Indianapolis. The dancers are from G2, the pre-professional GHDT company for ages 13-19 and students from The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre.

“The first dancer (Abigail Lessaris) I saw in that role in 2013 is now coaching me on the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, which makes my experience even more special,” Hanning said. “I hope to be that inspiration

Allie Hanning, left, and Leigh ton Metcalfe will perform in Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s G2 company’s presentation of “The Nut cracker.” (Pho to courtesy of GHDT)

to the young dancers as she was to me when I was just a unicorn.”

Hanning has been performing in GHDT’s production of “The Nutcracker” since she was 8 years old.

“My favorite part of this role is getting to play such a delicate part,” Hanning said. “I love feeling like a princess when I’m danc ing, and not only does the costume reflect that, but the movement does as well.”

For more, visit gregoryhancockdancethe atre.org.

Meyer to perform at Feinstein’s

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For more than 13 years, Craig A. Meyer has been portraying Elton John in a tribute show.

Eve with Elton & Me: My Life As Elton John” show. The performances are at 7:45 and 10:45 p.m. Dec. 31.

The 1981 Carmel High School graduate, who is based in At lanta, finally brought the act home in March, appearing at the Palladi um at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

PERFORMANCES

“It’s going to be different than anything I’ve ever done with the show because I won’t be performing as Elton John,” he said. “I’ll be performing as my self, telling my life story with the music of Elton John and a few other people. I’ll be wrapping my story up with those great Elton John songs and how they have impacted my life.”

“The March show was great fun, and it was so great to be back in the arms of such dear friends and play to the hometown crowd,” Meyer said. “It was a lovely evening. I was even more excited when I got a call from Michael Feinstein’s manager, who runs his clubs. He said Mi chael had heard about how well the show had gone at the Palladium and wanted to know if I was interested in performing in some of his clubs.”

Meyer will make his Feinstein’s club debut at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Car michael in Carmel. Meyer will not wear his usual Elton outfits during his “New Year’s

Meyer

Meyer will perform by himself on piano.

“The terror that I felt about that was pret ty high,” he said. “It’s subsiding now that I’ve got a feel for where the project is and how it’s going to pan out and flow.”

Meyer said he’s happy the first appear ance with the format will be in Carmel because his family will be the first ones to see it.

Meyer said there has been a lot of laughs and tears as he worked through the show on his life.

For more, visit feinsteinshc.com. For more about Meyer, visit almosteltonjohn.com.

Current Publishing Electronic Tear Sheet | Publication: Current in Carmel | Date: November 29, 2022 | Page: 32

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY BENJ PASEK AND JUSTIN PAUL 12/2-12/24 ACS Ad for The Current.indd 1 11/10/2022 1:33:07 PM

Westfield country singer River James, center, continues to write and perform music after being diagnosed with anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastocytoma, a form of brain tumor that occurs most frequently in children and teenagers, in March. He is set to start his second round of chemotherapy in early December. (Photos courtesy of River James)

Westfield country singer perseveres despite brain tumor

By Mike Beas editorial@youarecurrent.com

County flavor.

The scenario that sculpted the name James Will Watson has used the past eight years could be mistaken for lyr ics to a country song: Young guy in a Corpus Christi bar ordering a drink; attractive young lady serving him doesn’t hear his name correctly because of the loud music playing; mispronounces it; and River James it is.

MUSIC

A Dallas native who grew up mostly in Wills Point, Texas, a town of 3,500 tucked away in the state’s northeastern corner, the 32-year-old now resides in Westfield, where he writes and plays country music.

James, who aspires to eventually use his talents on an acoustic guitar to entertain and inspire larger audiences with his brand of outlaw and folk country, understands the importance of a positive attitude to achieve his objective.

If the past eight months are any indica tion, he’s well on his way.

In March, James was diagnosed with an aplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, a brain tumor that occurs most frequently in children and teenagers.

“During the scans, they discovered a tumor,” said James, who said the tumor is on the right side of his brain. “I did have the chemotherapy and radiation starting back in July and finished it in August. My dad passed away 17 years ago of a brain tumor. They were on the hunt for his medical re cords but have kind of hit a dead end.

“I haven’t once gotten down about it. I’ve got the Big Man upstairs on my side.”

James has lived in Indiana since 2017, his years here carrying a very distinct Hamilton

James worked as a barn hand in Sheridan prior to his chemo treatments, formerly lived in Noblesville and is now in Westfield. He used to paint houses and perform other tasks to earn a living, all while continuing to write and perform music. The latter is a love born from a lifelong love of country music, and his Uncle Dave’s rather unique instruction.

“When I was 18, he heard me singing and said, ‘You need a guitar in your hands,’” James said. “He told me I needed five beers before I would even pick up a guitar. He thought that would keep me loose and from getting frustrated.”

Five Keystones later, James was hooked on concocting lyrical hooks.

On Oct. 1, the Benefit for River James con cert was performed in Carmel, raising ap proximately $2,000 to help with his medical bills while away from work.

He begins his second round of chemo therapy in early December.

James, who through age and circum stance, admits he has mellowed greatly from the man he was in his shot-glass-raising 20s.

At the same time, he wants to musically give Indiana a taste of Texas.

“This has made me a more spiritual per son,” James said. “I have an appreciation for the ground I walk on. I’ve been given a second chance. I have a spark beneath me, and I won’t settle for second. I’ve made some good connections here in Indiana, and they’ve helped me get back on my feet.”

James, whose single “Ballad of a Drinkin’ Man” is available on Spotify, is determined to make the most of it. For more, James’ Facebook page contains covers of other songs.

Koz to perform holiday show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Dave Koz never expected to have a 25th anniversary tour.

Peter White, Keiko Matsui and vocalist Re becca Jade.

Koz said a new album, “Dave Koz & Friends: Christmas Ballads,” is a companion piece to the tour.

CONCERT

“This started out in a very small way, never thinking it would last this long,” Koz said. “We were just doing it in the beginning to go out and play some shows. We’ve managed to be here for a long time. We’ve seen people bring their kids and now their kids bring their kids.”

Dave Koz and Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour concert is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Palladium at the Center for the Per forming Arts in Carmel.

Saxophonist and bandleader Koz has regularly brought his high-energy Christmas show to Carmel.

The show’s opening act will be bass play er Bethany Robinson and vocalist/keyboard ist Sarah Scharbrough McLaughlin. Both are Noblesville residents. Robinson is the jazz band director at Noblesville High School.  Joining Koz will be musicians Rick Braun,

Koz

Koz’s friend David Benoit, a jazz pianist, had the idea for the tour.

“We both lost a parent within a few weeks of each other,” Koz said. “I was interviewing him for a radio show I host. He just said it as an idea to go out and play some Christmas shows and deal with our emotions that way.”

Koz said one thing that keeps the tour fresh is the lineup changes every year.

“You’re not necessarily seeing the same people every year,” Koz said. “It gives people a chance to see different combinations and different artists. The songs we get to play have so much meat on the bones, we can do so much with them.”

Koz said the concert will be a mix of songs from the album and traditional favorites.

“We do a Hanukkah medley every year,” Koz said.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

From our bar to yours. The ready-to- pour St. Elmo Old fashioned is now available! Formally known behind our bars as the “Pop’s Old Fashioned,”

This libation can now be enjoyed in the comfort and convenience of your home or anywhere you choose to indulge. Now available in Indi ana grocery and liquor stores.

To see a video of this drink being mixed, scan this QR code.

(Photo

courtesy of Huse Culinary)

BEHIND BARS: ST. ELMO READY-TO-POUR OLD FASHIONED

Blueprint for Improvement: Modern kitchen makeover

After

Built in 1956 in Indianapolis’ Crooked Creek neighborhood, this kitchen was raising its hand for a glow-up. The space not only needed a cosmetic overhaul, the function and flow also no longer met this family’s needs. The owners sought more room to store, prepare and entertain while also incorporating Mid-centu ry-inspired modern style, honoring the home’s history.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Clean lines throughout the design — from the custom cabinetry to the minimalist hardware and sleek appliances — make all aspects intentionally constructed to make the space feel larger and provide doses of Mid-century style.

• Relocating the appliances improve the room’s flow and function, while the new island adds work and gathering space.

• Removing the soffit makes the room feel open and airy while also creating space to extend the upper cabinets, increasing both the room’s visual height and storage space.

• The statement backsplash provides the perfect accent to the room’s neutral palette, providing bold color pops with modern appeal.

Before

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

Commentary by Larry Greene

Visiting Keeneland, Claiborne Farms

Commentary by Don Knebel

In our second day in Lexington, Ky., we visit two of the world’s most fa mous thoroughbred racing establishments.

TRAVEL

As we noted last week, in the first half of the 19th century, Henry Clay raised champion thoroughbred horses on his Ashland estate outside Lexington. Lexington recognizes horse racing’s debt to Clay in the Ashland Stakes, run annually at the Keeneland racecourse, opened in 1936 by Jack Keene, son of a wealthy thorough bred owner. Each year since, Keeneland has hosted some of the nation’s most mem orable races and has become one of the nation’s most recognizable racing venues.

Keeneland hosted Queen Elizabeth in 1984, and most of the scenes of the movie “Sea biscuit” were filmed there.

Keeneland is also famous for the four auctions it holds each year, where own ers from around the world bid millions of dollars on horses they hope will become champions. Many of those champions have been bred or raised at Lexington’s Claiborne Farms, established near Lexington in 1910. Its owner imported breeding stock from Europe and quickly became among the nation’s most successful horse breeders.

Claiborne Farms stallions and their progeny have won 22 Kentucky Derbies, 20 Preak nesses and 22 Belmont Stakes. Twenty-two members of racing’s Hall of Fame have been foaled and/or raised at Claiborne Farms.

Secretariat, the famous 1973 Triple Crown winner who stood stud at Claiborne Farms, is buried there.

and Claiborne Farms offer

guided tours of their facilities. The Keene land tour allows visitors to get close to the track, where hopefuls often work out. The Claiborne Farms tour includes a visit to the stallion barns and breeding shed, where mares are bred with Claiborne Farms’ stal lions, with a fee of up to $100,000 or more for a 10-minute encounter.

Today, Lexington is the unquestioned cen ter of the thoroughbred industry in the Unit ed States, with hundreds of horse farms.

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

Docket No. PZ-20022-00234 V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 13th day of December 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Caucus Rooms, 1 Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032 will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:

Seeking a variance in UDO 5.28 for driveway materials. We would like to use a mixture of standard concrete, pavers, and natural stone.

property being known as (address): 2049 St. Andrews Circle Carmel IN 46032.

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ2022-00234 V.

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows:

Parcel # 17-13-04-00-00-025.000

Acreage 1.30 Section 4, Township 17, Range 3 CROOKED STICK ESTATES Section 2 Lot 28

All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.

Steve Stein, Blue Door Builders LLC.

PETITIONERS

Embracing idea nouns

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

In elementary school, we learn a noun is a “person, place or thing.” Rabbit. Cere al. Toilet. Especially toilet. Words like “toilet” make Mad Libs a hit with my kids when we take road trips.

GRAMMAR GUY

However, at some point down the line, we learn that an “idea” is also a noun. I don’t know which governing English lan guage body decided this or at what point it became part of the school curriculum, but I’ll bet it was met with the same backlash as Pluto being relegated to a lower-level planet.

Yes, ideas are nouns, and they’re my favorite types of nouns. These ideas were the ones the Founding Fathers often capi talized, and that the Bible extols: joy, hon esty, freedom, loyalty, wisdom, truth and friendship. Sam the Eagle would be proud. Pride — there’s another one.

The above examples were all positive words (except “pride,” depending on context). What about some negative idea nouns? I’m all too familiar with disap

pointment, failure, misery, sadness and underachievement. I find these negative idea nouns as real mood-lifters in the Mad Libs road trip game: It’s time for your summer failure; don’t forget to pack dis appointment and plenty of misery in your suitcase!

You can’t have idea nouns without “-isms,” which, again, are great Mad Libs head-scratchers: communism, antidis establishmentarianism, totalitarianism, fascism, absolutism, materialism and even patriotism: It’s time for your summer fas cism; don’t forget to pack communism and plenty of materialism in your suitcase!

Although idea nouns can change the trajectory of a Mad Libs game, they do share a common characteristic: Idea nouns aren’t concrete nouns. Idea nouns are abstract nouns. You can’t touch “peace,” but you can experience it.

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

Keeneland

Grave of 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat at Claiborne Farms in Lexington, Ky. (Photo by Don Knebel)

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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.

T O T A L D A M S A U N A A C U R A I R A K A R E N C H R I S T M A S S E A S O N T E N D E R H E W A N A S R I I M T I R E D P I C T U R E F R A M E S M O O D Y M A D E R E S P O N D P U L S A T E O G L E D O N E E W O R L D G O N E W I L D S E R R A T E E P A A L L C O B L E G M A N B I O L O G I C A L C L O C K B R O O D T U B H O T E L R A N G E S P A O B E S E Current Publishing Electronic Tear Sheet | Publication: Current in Carmel | Date: November 29, 2022 | Page: 39

Dennis O’Malia 317-370-0749 YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE! PRESCHOOL TEACHING ASSISTANT Seeking

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