December 27, 2022 — Carmel

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From all of us to all of you... Have a happy & healthy New year!

Blake joins race for Central District seat

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Jonathan Blake, an urban planning professional, has announced that he will run for the Central District seat on the Carmel City Council.

Blake said, if elected, his priorities would be investing in infrastructure and public safety, increasing government accountability and transparency, and improving public engagement in city planning.

ELECTION

Blake, a Republican, is the administration and planning director with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation. He has experience in land use and long-range planning, economic development and public engagement that he believes would serve him well as a city councilor.

“I have always had a passion for public service, and I am excited by the opportunity to use my professional experience to serve the residents of Carmel,” Blake stated.

“Civic engagement is critical to the success of any community to ensure accountability and transparency, address neighborhood issues, build community consensus and promote better planning,” Blake stated. “I am committed to improving public engagement through town hall style meetings, attending neighborhood meetings and open lines of communication with Central District residents.”

opment Commission and as a precinct committeeman and delegate to the Indiana Republican Convention. He serves on the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association board of directors and is a member of the Indiana Leadership Forum’s Class of 2023. Blake is also a small business owner and commercial real estate broker. He moved to Carmel in April 2021.

He earned a degree in design technology from Ivy Tech Community College and a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Purdue University. He is working to earn a Master of Business Administration from Butler University.

In addition to Blake, Republicans Leah York, Teresa Ayers and Chuck Ford have launched campaigns for the Central District seat.

Learn more at BlakeforCarmel.com.

Retired teacher, coach seeks council seat

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

A native of Brownsburg, Blake has served on Brownsburg’s Advisory Plan Commission, as president of the Brownsburg Redevelwant at that scale.

Not only is Ford, 72, concerned about the size of some of the city’s redevelopment projects, but he also believes the increase in apartment units many of them bring will lead to problems in the future.

In addition to more openness and balance in city government, Ford’s campaign priorities include improving resources for Carmel’s senior citizens.

ELECTION

Chuck Ford has long been interested in politics, but his career as a teacher, coach and other positions kept him too busy to become deeply involved for many years.

Even after retiring, Ford didn’t plan to run for office, but that changed after city officials approved construction of a six-story mixed-use development adjacent to his neighborhood, despite remonstrance from many nearby residents. So, Ford, a Republican, launched a campaign for the Carmel City Council’s Central District seat in the 2023 municipal elections.

The seat is held by Bruce Kimball, who hasn’t attended a council meeting since suffering a stroke in late 2020. Ford said he believes the “rubber stamp” council’s vote not to replace Kimball has left the Central District without a dedicated voice and contributed to massive redevelopment in the district that many of its residents don’t

“When you get apartment dwellers in large numbers, it changes the culture of the city from being a relatively comfortable-sized town and family-oriented to one that is geared more toward the 20-somethings,” he said. “Us old folks don’t mind the 20-somethings, but we don’t enjoy the same things. We have a different culture from the 20-something people who want to change our city even though they’re not going to live here very long.”

Ford, a husband, father and grandfather, grew up in La Porte but moved to Carmel in 1983 to teach at Carmel High School, where he also served as the varsity wrestling coach. He retired from teaching in 2006 and since then has worked at Miller Auto Care and as a senior account associate at Keltner, Inc., and served on the board of directors at the Tri-County Regional Sewer Utility.

“My dream is to have a senior center that is second-to-none in the country, and this community can afford it,” Ford said.

Another campaign priority is to oppose “attempts to force a woke culture on city employees,” according to his campaign website. Ford is against the hiring of an equity manager, a position the city filled in 2022 but has remained open for several months after the employee’s firing. Ford believes those types of positions open doors to “a woke culture that the majority of Americans are against,” his website states.

“Tomorrow they’ll be telling us what we can say, and then they’ll be telling us what we can’t think. Is that where we’re at now? It is. That’s exactly where we’re at,” Ford said. “I don’t want the City of Carmel paying $90,000 to some guy to tell firemen and policemen how to use pronouns. That’s where it ends up.”

Learn more about Ford and his campaign at ChuckFordForCityCouncil.com.

Blake

Ford

Funding for Palladium upgrades approved, council officers elected

By Ann Marie Shambaugh • AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel City Council met Dec. 19 to approve a plan to upgrade the sound and lighting systems at the Palladium, elect officers for 2023, discuss a resolution to pay off a bond early and more.

What happened: The council voted to add upgrades at the Palladium to a list of projects eligible to be funded through 2021 redevelopment district bonds.

What it means: Eligible projects include an overhaul of the Palladium’s sound system, improvements to its lighting system and a digital sign to be placed along City Center Drive. The projects replace $1.5 million in the bond originally allocated for a light show on the Midtown water tower, but that project has since become a $2.2 million light show on the exterior of the Palladium to be funded by the Carmel Redevelopment Commission. The sound and lighting system upgrades are the top priority, with additional funding likely needed to cover the full cost of the sign and its enclosure.

What happened: The council elected officers for 2023.

What’s next: The sound and lighting upgrades are expected to occur in July 2023.

What it means: Jeff Worrell will serve as council president and Laura Campbell as vice president. Adam Aasen will serve as the council’s representative on the Carmel Plan Commission.

What happened: The council introduced a resolution to pay off 2013 Redevelopment District Bonds that funded the Illinois Street project.

What it means: By paying off the debt early, the city would save $1.3 million in interest payments. The bonds mature in 2035. Councilor Sue Finkam requested the matter be sent to the finance committee for further review, specifically regarding how paying off the bond would affect the structure of payments to the debt service reserve fund.

What’s next: The finance committee will review the resolution before sending it back to the full council for a vote.

What happened: The council approved a resolution creating a tax increment financing allocation area for the Concourse project.

What it means: The Concourse is a $55 million mixed-use project developed by Pedcor and set to include 99 luxury apartments (including workforce housing), 23,000 square feet of office and commercial space and a 229-space public parking garage to be constructed along the Monon Greenway south of the water tower in Midtown. The allocation area sets boundaries for where TIF funding will be used to help pay for the project.

What happened: The council made reappointments to several boards and commissions.

What it means: The council reappointed Dave Bowers and Jeff Worrell to the Carmel Redevelopment Commission, Alana Shane to the Carmel Police Dept. Merit Board, Gary Dufek to the Carmel Fire Dept. Merit Board, Mike Kuhfeld to the Carmel Ethics Board, and Melissa Keyes and Tim Paramore to the Advisory Committee on Disability.

What’s next: The terms go into effect in early 2023.

What happened: The council recognized Jim Blanchard, building commissioner, for his service to the city.

What it means: Blanchard is retiring after working in the Dept. of Community Services for 37 years. He was hired in 1986 as a building inspector and became building commissioner in 2005. On behalf of Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, who was not at the meeting, Council President Kevin “Woody” Rider proclaimed Dec. 19, 2023, as Jim Blanchard Day in Carmel.

Callahan nears end of 50 years of service to city, township

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

After 50 years of service to Carmel and Clay Township, Doug Callahan is ready for a change of pace.

RETIREMENT

Callahan, 69, who has been Clay Township trustee since 2007 and worked for the Carmel Fire Dept. for 34 years before that, will retire from public service when his term expires at the end of the year.

“I want to thank the community for allowing me to serve 50 years here. This community is so wonderful,” Callahan said. “I raised my family here, my kids went to school here, and the City (of Carmel) and the township was so good to me and my family.”

When Callahan joined CFD in January 1973, it was the final Carmel Town Council that approved his hiring. The following year, Carmel began transitioning to a city form of government, and the first city council was installed in 1976.

In 1996, Mayor Jim Brainard promoted Callahan to CFD chief, a position he held until his first retirement in 2007. That same year, he became Clay Township trustee.

During his tenure as trustee, some of the township’s efforts shifted as the city annexed all township land not already within its borders and took over some of its responsibilities, such as managing the fire department. This helped free up the township to focus on other efforts, such as the funding improvements at several parks, building the Carmel Dads’ Club fieldhouse, helping build a museum for the Carmel Clay Historical Society and installing a fiber optic ring to improve communication and safety throughout the city.

Through all the changes, the township remained responsible for providing assistance to struggling residents, either by paying bills or connecting them with resources or nonprofits that could help. Callahan, who grew up on a farm with 14 siblings and worked with four of them in the fire department, said one of his goals as trustee has been to make sure every child in the township has access to basic necessities.

“Growing up, I know what my parents went through living on a farm. It was rough going,” he said. “For me to get into this position as township trustee, it was important to take care of the kids. It’s not those kids’ fault why the parents are in the positions

they are in. I’ve always said no kid is going to go hungry or not have a place to sleep at nighttime.”

Paul Hensel, a Clay Township Board member who will succeed Callahan as trustee, said Callahan kept the office running smoothly and he does not anticipate making any major changes in how it operates.

“(Callahan) has put his time and effort in, and he’s done a wonderful job,” Hensel said.

Brainard, who is stepping down as mayor at the conclusion of his seventh term at the end of 2023, thanked Callahan for his many years of service to the city and township.

“He is thoughtful, always a bridge builder and has probably done more as township trustee than any township I’m familiar with anywhere,” said Brainard, who also credited Callahan with ensuring the city maintained an accredited, professional fire service during his tenure as chief.

In retirement, Callahan expects to remain in Carmel and continue his volunteer efforts. He may consider searching for a parttime job after he’s had a few months off, he said. He is looking forward to having more time to devote to his family, which includes his wife, Luann, three daughters and several grandchildren.

Doug Callahan’s term as Clay Township trustee will conclude at the end of the year. (File photo)

Man found dead in Carmel pond

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

A Carmel man was found dead Dec. 20 in a pond behind the assisted living center where he resided.

assisted living facility.

“It’s our understanding he was able to come and go as he pleased and would not have been considered a ‘walk away,’” CPD Lt. Tim Byrne said.

POLICE

The Carmel Fire Dept. removed the body of Marlowe Offitt, 60, from the pond behind ManorCare Assisted Living of Summer Trace, 12999 Pennsylvania Pkwy., shortly after 9:10 a.m. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. According to the Carmel Police Dept., Offitt did not live in the secure area of the

Foul play is not suspected. The official cause and manner of death is pending an autopsy and toxicology tests.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Nathan Carter at 317-571-2500 or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477. Reference CPD case number 22-80901.

DISPATCHES

Miler Series registration open — The 2023 500 Festival Miler Series running/walking events will start at a new location: Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis. The series features courses at 3-mile course on Feb. 11, a 6-mile course on March 4, and a 10-mile course on April 1 to help participants prepare for the organization’s Mini-Marathon, which is 13.1 miles, in May. Registration for the series is open at IndyMini.com/Milers.

Bicentennial kickoff — The Hamilton County Bicentennial will open the county’s 200th year with a free, family-friendly event at 3 p.m. Jan. 22, 2023, at the Palladium in Carmel. Tickets for this seminal event are free but must be reserved in advance at thecenterpresents.org/tickets-events or by phone at 317-843-3800.

Kelly to retire from Current post effective Dec. 31

news@currentincarmel.com

be overly envious … and he knows it.”

MILESTONE

CarmelFest 2005 had just wrapped up about nine hours prior, when Carmel resident Steve Greenberg made a call to Brian Kelly, also of Carmel. At the time, each was working on a plan to launch a weekly newspaper in Carmel, but neither of them knew the other was on the same track.

It was at CarmelFest, where Greenberg ran across Ron Carter, the former longtime city councilor. Carter asked how Greenberg’s plan for the paper was coming along, and Greenberg, a career journalist and marketing specialist, said it was developing fairly well, although distribution was kind of a sticking point. Carter asked, “Do you know Brian Kelly? He’s working on the same plan as you are. You ought to give him a call.”

So, at 8:45 a.m. the next day, Greenberg called Kelly, whose career exclusively has been in publishing, and after a short conversation it became readily apparent to both that combining strengths and “going for it” was the wiser move.

Now, more than 17 years later, after launching their dream, Kelly has opted for retirement at the ripe young age of 64. His last day at Current will be Dec. 31. Soon, he and his wife, Maggie, a former media and marketing executive who also is concurrently retiring as bookkeeper for Current, will have no need to set an alarm clock.

Kelly will be succeeded as a co-owner, president and publisher by Carmel resident Ben Weir, who joined Current in September 2020.

“Brian shared heavily in the development of Current, and I believe we’re in a good position for future growth. His retirement is well earned,’’ Weir said.

Greenberg will remain as co-owner and executive vice president with no plans to retire as of now.

“My role still is to serve my customers and help the staff however I can while also helping to further Ben’s development at Current, not that he needs much assistance, believe me,” Greenberg said. “He is the future here, which is exactly what Brian and I wanted.”

What became evident led Kelly to his decision.

“Ben joining us made my decision not only easier, but he made it possible. Maggie and I have been talking about retirement for a handful of years, but the timing just didn’t seem right. Now, it is,” Kelly said. “Ben has brought a lot of energy and new ideas that

have resulted in a lot of growth the past two years, so the timing is perfect.

“We’ve been working on the transition, really, since March of this year. There are a lot of moving parts, but the process has gone quite well. A lot of that is the result of an outstanding staff. It may sound cliché, but it is absolutely true: Current would not be where and what it is without the brilliance of the people I’ve been so fortunate to work with.”

Meanwhile, back to the beginning, Kelly and Greenberg traipsed through the customary startup minefield, always managing to put, collectively, one foot in front of the other. After 16 months of business formation; a capital raise; legal, accounting and logistics work; and hiring a staff, the pair was off to the races, signing landmark advertisers, whose initial commitment to Current never will be forgotten, they said.

“It was pedal to the metal for both of us back then,” Greenberg said. “As late-stage entrepreneurs, it was either success or failure, and the latter never was an option.

I recall a former Gannett publisher telling me, ‘Good luck. You’ll be chewed up and spit out within six weeks.’ I told Brian what was said to me, and, after our respective blood pressures came back to normal, it was ‘go like hell’ from then on. It worked out well, I’d say.”

Joining forces proved to be a successful pairing of strengths.

“The partnership with Brian worked well, just as it will with Ben, because we both brought different attributes to the company. Complementary, I’d say, and perfect for a business with seemingly a billion moving parts,” Greenberg said. “Brian was strong on fiduciary experience and distribution/ operations, while I had heavy newsroom experience and years of sales behind me. Brian could sell, too, and often we paired for ‘four-legged’ sales calls. Suffice it to say, we slept in our spare time. I’m extremely proud of what we built. And if anyone could turn a penny into a spool of copper, it’s Brian. If he and Maggie end up on a beach in St. Somewhere, I’ll be happy for them, but, no lie, I’ll

Kelly said the “cast of characters” made Current the best stop of his accomplished career. Both founders recognize and appreciate that the accomplishments they’ve enjoyed through the years never would have been possible without the team they assembled way back when and have grown since then. It’s a colorful troupe at Current — and it always has been — so much so that Kelly often would say, “That belongs in the movie,” or “That belongs in the book,” and always preceded by, “Man, I love this place.”

Three of Kelly’s longtime Current colleagues are Mark Ambrogi, Night and Day editor; Dennis O’Malia, senior advertising sales executive; and Zach Ross, art director. Ambrogi actually was a childhood friend of Kelly’s in Cincinnati. Ambrogi is a veteran of central Indiana media. O’Malia was hired before Current even had a business address, and Ross came along in Year 2.

“I can’t say enough about Ambro, Dennis and Zach. You could say we’ve pretty much been through it all,” Kelly said. “I’m amazed at the detail and amount of work they each process week in and week out, year after year, and the same goes for the rest of our team. And speaking of outstanding talent, I can’t say enough about Maggie’s contributions to our company. She’s the best bookkeeper in town!”

Terry Anker, a Current Publishing board member, founding investor and weekly essayist who owns Anker Consulting Group, said, “As a longtime Hamilton County resident, Brian Kelly knew firsthand of the lack of a local journalistic perspective on events affecting our communities. When we were talking about the idea of a new concept in local news that would include print editions, it would be an understatement to say that not everyone supported the concept. Now, almost two successful decades later, Brian and Current have unequivocally proven to me and everyone else that newspapers work, especially the ones that he helped to found. Kudos to him on a well-deserved break from the daily action — but let’s hope he doesn’t go too far. The tireless work he and his bride, Maggie, have done for the not-for-profit community and as an advisor and friend to countless of small business owners and young people just starting their careers is more important now than ever.”

Fellow Current board member and founding investor Ersal Ozdemir owns Keystone Corp. He offered Kelly “heartfelt congratula-

Brian Kelly, co-founder, president, publisher and co-owner of Current Publishing, will retire from his roles on Dec. 31. (File photo)

tions” on his pending retirement:

“Seventeen years ago, Brian co-founded Current Publishing and set in motion several important local publications that helped fill a void in coverage in Hamilton and Boone counties,” Ozdemir said. “Over the years, Current’s publications have become valuable resources to residents and local businesses. This would not have been possible without Brian’s dedication and vision, and I am proud of what he has achieved and has done for so many communities. I am glad to call Brian a friend and wish him the best.”

Long before Current was even an idea, Kelly sold advertising for the Indiana Daily Student while attending Indiana University. Upon graduation from IU’s Kelley School of Business with a Bachelor of Science degree, he joined Gordon Publications, a national trade magazine company. After stints at Gordon’s Tustin, Calif., and Chicago offices, and later, the home office at Randolph, N.J., he was promoted to publisher of Software Retailing magazine at the ripe young age of 28. Later, he would help launch NUVO Newsweekly, and he was the founder of Kelly Publications, Inc., publisher of The Greenwood Gazette, The Greater Greenwood Business Journal and Business Update. He later sold KPI to Central Newspapers, Inc. (now Gannett). He also previously served as publisher of Thomson Newspapers’ niche division in Indiana, launching Indy Curiocity, which was distributed in more than 1,700 Indianapolis-area classrooms, and Image Newspapers, a group of weekly newspapers in Hamilton County.

Kelly also is the recently retired chief executive officer of Grow Local Media, publisher of The Southside Times, Hendricks County Business Leader, Hendricks County ICON and Center Grove ICON.

“I’ve been very lucky in life, to say the least,” Kelly said. “I married the woman of my dreams and had a great career in an industry I absolutely love, and always will. The partners I’ve had; the outstanding people with whom I work; the wonderful communities we’re fortunate to serve; and our wonderful customers and readers, many of whom have become great friends through the years … it’s all to be valued. I treasure these relationships, and that’s why Maggie and I will continue to call Carmel home. We’ll be doing some traveling and I’ll be indulging in my favorite pastime, reading. I’m looking forward to the challenge in my next stage in life, but I know I’m going to miss a lot of the day-to-day action in the office, and the people, of course.”

Senior leader wants Greyhounds to get defensive

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Sam Orme knows one way his Carmel High School basketball team can improve.

“I feel like we can be a lot better defensively as a team right now,” Orme said. “We haven’t got there yet.”

Orme said the Greyhounds have taken some big steps.

“We have a long way to go in becoming our best,” Orme said.

The 6-foot-9 senior is Carmel’s most experienced player. Orme was averaging 16.6 points and 7.5 rebounds as of Dec. 21 for the Greyhounds (6-3). Orme averaged 11.8 points and 5.5 rebounds as a junior.

“He’s a leader by example, more so now,” Carmel coach Ryan Osborn said. “We graduated seniors last year that were naturally leaders, and these (current seniors) have stepped into the role.”

Osborn said Orme is coachable and engaged in practice.

“He’s always willing to do whatever (is

MEET SAM ORME

Favorite subject: History

Favorite movie: “Fight Club”

Favorite TV show: “Breaking Bad”

asked), and that goes a long way when your best player is one of your hardest workers,” Osborn said. “He’s turned the page from leadership perspective with his effort with practice every day and showing up to games ready every night.”

Osborn said Orme is the team’s anchor defensively.

“He has a high basketball IQ,” Osborn said. “His confidence exudes to everybody else.

I’M BACK TO LIVING A NORMAL LIFE.

For Jay, the thing that pained him most wasn’t his back, it was living within the limits his back pain set for him. Skipping workouts. Contorting to pick up a shoe. Avoiding playing with Agnes. Now that Goodman Campbell physicians treated not only his pain, but the underlying spine issues that caused it, Jay is back to living the life he loves.

Learn more about Jay and his story at GoodmanCampbell.com.

”

R., Goodman Campbell Patient

He passes with either hand and finishes with either hand. He’s efficient offensively for us.”

The Greyhounds won the Class 4A state title Orme’s sophomore year. He averaged 5.8 points in that 2020-21 season. Last season, Carmel lost to Westfield in the sectional final.

“It was a tough one, but we’ll be back,” Orme said.

Orme’s biggest growth spurt came when he grew about five to six inches to 6-foot-6 the summer before his freshman year.

Orme chose NCAA Div. I Belmont over Miami (Ohio) University to continue his playing career.

“Belmont was the right fit for me in the end with the coaching staff and style of play,” Orme said.

Orme said the style of play is similar to Carmel offensively.

“They play a little faster, put up a lot of shots, which is going to be fun,” said Orme, who plans to major in finance.

Jay

Carmel senior Sam Orme is the Greyhounds’ leading scorer. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Osborn)

Orme

Storen to join hall of fame

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Although Drew Storen seemed destined for the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame, it was still nice to get the news.

BASEBALL

The Carmel resident was recently selected by the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association as a member of the class of 2023.

“It’s quite the honor,” said Storen, a 2007 Brownsburg High School graduate. “I’ve always said Indiana is such a sneaky baseball state. To be lumped in with the Scott Rolens of the world is never bad company.”

Rolen, a seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star, played baseball at Jasper High School.

Storen, who pitched eight seasons in the majors, will be honored at a Jan. 13 reception in Indianapolis.

Storen, 35, will likely be joined in the hall of fame by former Brownsburg teammates Lance Lynn and Tucker Barnhart, both still playing in the majors.

“In the last decade-plus, there have been a lot of guys doing great things in this state,” Storen said. “I can hold it over Lance and Tuck’s head. I made it to the Hall of Fame. It might be because I’m done playing and they’re still playing. But those are details.”

Another member of the five-mem ber 2023 class is Jeff Smardzija (Val paraiso High School), who pitched 13 years in the majors. Smardzija was also a standout wide receiver for the University of Notre Dame.

Storen had a 9-0 record as a soph omore on Brownsburg’s 2005 unbeaten Class 4A state championship team. Storen, who had a prep career record of 28-2, also had a 3-0 record for the 2004 state runner-up team. He said the success of previous Indiana play ers likely helped him receive a scholarship offer from Stanford University.

Storen was taken in the first round in the 2009 MLB Draft by the Washington Nation als. He had a 29-18 record and 99 saves with a 3.45 earned run average in the majors.

Storen has helped with Zionsville Commu nity High School pitching staff the past two seasons.

County coroner’s term expiring

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton County Coroner John Chalfin’s final day in office is Dec. 31 because of term limits.

But Chalfin said his proudest moment was overseeing the building of a new morgue in 2018.

“If we hadn’t built the morgue when we did, we would have been sunk, especially when COVID hit,” Chalfin said.

PUBLIC SERVICE

Chalfin, who was first hired as a part-time deputy for the coroner’s office in 2008, won the first of his two elections in 2014.

“It’s been an honor to serve the people of Hamilton County and help them in some of their darkest hours,” Chalfin said.

Chalfin and his team investigate nearly a quarter of the county’s deaths and are responsible for tending to suspicious and unattended deaths, primarily homicides, suicides, and accidental deaths.

“We owe it to people to treat their loved ones with dignity. Anything we can do to provide them with more comfort and decency, we want to do,” Chalfin said.

Chalfin said under his tenure, he has done his best to keep pace with Hamilton County’s growth. The department’s caseload has increased 200 percent in the past decade.

Chalfin, who will be 79 in March, has no plans to slow down. He plans to attend either auctioneering school or apply to law school, he said.

“I certainly won’t miss being on call 24/7, but I still want to do something that allows me to give back,” he said. “I feel as long as I’m alive, it’s my God-bound duty to do something to make the world a better place.”

Jeff Jellison, who is the chief deputy at the coroner’s office, will take over Chalfin’s position Jan. 1 and has spent the past six years working as a part-time deputy coroner with Chalfin.

“John is a tremendous mentor,” Jellison said. “He carries a ton of wisdom and has been a father figure to many of us. He will easily go down as the best coroner this county has seen.”

Chalfin

DISPATCHES

Tree recycling event — Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation will hold a Holiday Tree Recycling event from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 2 at Westermeier Commons in Carmel’s Central Park. To participate in the drive-through event, community members can bring their live, decoration-free holiday tree to the Westermeier Commons parking lot. CCPR staff and volunteers will unload the tree, and it will be donated to Tiffany Lawn and Garden to be mulched. Learn more or register to volunteer at the event by emailing volunteer@carmelclayparks.com.

Best Holiday Market — The Carmel Christkindlmarkt has been voted Best Holiday Market in the USA Today 10Best competition for the third time. The holiday market candidates from across the U.S. were selected by a panel of experts and 10Best editors, followed by the public voting for their favorites. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt will remain open through Dec. 30.

Essay contest — Conner Prairie is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2023 by inviting students to write an essay in which they reflect on this year’s MLK Day theme: love. The contest is open to students in third through 12th grade. Entries should be submitted to beloveessay@connerprairie. org by Jan. 6. The winning essays will be published on Conner Prairie’s website and displayed at Conner Prairie’s MLK Day celebration on Jan. 16. Winners will also receive a Conner Prairie Plus membership.

Synergize raises funds — Synergize closed out a year of local impact by supporting the Carmel Police Dept.’s initiative to bring a therapy dog to Carmel. This therapy dog could have many uses, including support for students in local schools, de-escalation of crisis situations, breaking down stigma around treatments for mental health and connecting officers to those in the community. Synergize raised $2,100 to support the initiative. Learn more at synergizeindy.com.

Toastmasters open house — Polished Brash Toastmasters, a local Toastmasters International club, will hold an open house from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 18, 2023, where guests can learn more about the benefits of being a Toastmaster, meet members and observe a meeting. The group meets each Wednesday at noon at Delta Faucet, 55 E. 111th St. RSVP to the open house at vpm9666@toastmastersclubs.org.

A HOME DESIGNED FOR THE GOOD LIFE

The best way to celebrate the new year is with a fresh, amazing new home — built for daily living in an exciting community that’s packed with fun things to do! This featured Chamberlain floorplan at Osborne Trails has a flex room, rear covered patio and a luxurious owner’s suite with walk-in closet!

Don’t forget our Everything’s Included® package of extras including quartz countertops in kitchens and baths, stainless steel appliances (including the fridge!), hard surface flooring in main living areas and much more.

Chamberlain is the perfect complement to Osborne Trails living.

Located at 193rd and Springmill

180 acres with proposed 3 miles of walking/biking trails

An abundance of outdoor living with front and rear covered porches available Stunning clubhouse with soaring 2-story fireplace, lounge area, fitness area, pool and multiple gathering spaces

Full schedule of fun-filled events and activities

Quartz

permitted under the Fair Housing Act. This

There

minimum

requirements for other

in

a certain

housing, and comply with HUD’s rules for age verification of residents. In other communities, all residents must be age 62 years or older (with limited exceptions). You are encouraged to review community documents and disclosures for applicable restrictions before purchasing. Please consult with a Lennar New Home Consultant regarding any questions regarding this community’s age policies. Features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, and designs vary and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Items shown are artist’s renderings and may contain options that are not standard on all models or not included in the purchase price. Availability may vary. Plans to build out this neighborhood as proposed are subject to change without notice. Please see your New Home Consultant and/or home purchase agreement for actual features designated as an Everything’s Included feature. Sq. ft. and acreage are estimated; actual sq. ft. and acreage will differ. Garage/bay sizes may vary from home to home and may not accommodate or be accessible to all vehicles. Models/lifestyle photos do not reflect racial or ethnic preference. Scenes may be of locations or activities not on a Lennar property. All product and/or company names are trademarks TM or registered trademarks ® of their respective owners, and use of these marks does not imply any sponsorship, endorsement, support, or affiliation between the trademark owners and Lennar. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2022 Lennar Corporation. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Everything’s Included and the Everything’s Included logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. Date 12/22 LNIND1197

Book highlights silver linings

By Chris Bavender news@currentincarmel.com

An annual weekend scrapbooking session catching up with friends gave Carmel author Deanne Persinger the idea for her book, “Seeking the Silver Lining: Finding Fortune in Misfortune.”

“Five years ago, when we were together, we noted that many of us had terrible events or illnesses in our families over the past year. My friend, Jill, started asking with each complicated story, ‘What was the blessing in that?’” Persinger said. “We began to brainstorm together to find the good that came from the adversity we faced. It got me thinking after our time together about how good it was to point out the positives in our hardships so we cannot get stuck in a negative mindset about what we have endured.”

Persinger decided to try to write stories along those lines. When she told a friend about her potential project, the friend asked if she could share her story with Persinger.

“And that is how it started,” Persinger

said.

She began to spread the word on social media that she was looking for stories of finding the silver lining. She began to sit down with people at local coffee shops to hear their stories.

“I only got about 10 stories done when COVID hit. I thought my book would never get finished because I would no longer be able to meet people to hear their stories,” she said. “Then along came Zoom and the world opened up to me. I posted once again on my social media and did interviews with people from all over the United States and one from England. That was a huge silver lining in the pandemic for me.”

The book was completed in November 2021 and published in October by Christian Faith Publishing. Persinger hopes the book will allow readers to look for the good in their own challenges.

“Seeking the Silver Lining: Finding Fortune in Misfortune” retails for $19.99 in paperback and $9.99 for the eBook and is available online on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, i-Tunes and Cokesbury.

CURRENT Q&A

Get to know Stephanie Perry

Q: What is your best habit, and what is your worst?

A: When my husband and I are both home in the morning, we have family breakfast with our kids and a cup of coffee together before work. I’m not a morning person, so it’s a great motivator to wake up and spend time together before the craziness of the day begins.

My worst habit is procrastinating, although I’ve gotten much better with it over the years. Breaking projects into smaller, more manageable pieces has been a lifesaver for me.

Q: Do you have a favorite podcast?

A: I’m a big “Crime Junkie” fan. True crime is my go-to podcast genre. When I need to feel inspired, it’s “The Lazy Genius” or “The Simplified Podcast” with Emily Ley.

Q: How do you exercise?

A: I love to run! I’m part of the Fishers Running Club and enjoy running on the Nickel Plate Trail, especially the southern portion near Cheeney Creek. I love the half marathon at Carmel and Indy Monumental, and we always do the Wishbone 5K on Thanksgiving at the Fishers YMCA. It’s one of my favorite holiday traditions!

Q: Favorite local meal?

A: Red curry chicken from Thai Kitchen on Allisonville Road is my ultimate comfort meal. I also love The Weekender breakfast from The Roost, especially after a long run.

AUTHOR

Stephanie Perry is the assistant director of community and public relations for the City of Fishers. What follows is a Q&A with Perry, part of a new series of Current Q&A interviews.

Persinger

Bike Share program expands

By Edward Redd news@currentincarmel.com

Carmel’s Bike Share program shuttered in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the nation, but since reopening a year later, it’s continued to expand.

TRANSPORTATION

The program, which has a fleet of bicycles available to rent at stations across the city, has grown from 22 bikes at two stations in 2015 to more than 50 bikes at seven stations. All the bikes were recently replaced with new ones.

The City of Carmel spends $90,000 each year to fund the program. Bikes can be rented through the Movatic app on a smartphone. Cost is $1.50 per half hour with a cap of $24 for up to a 24-hour period. Monthly and annual accounts are also available.

Bike Share locations are:

• Central Park on the Monon Greenway

• Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square (southwest corner of parking lot)

• Carter Green and Monon Greenway (east of 3 Carter Green)

• City Center Drive and Range Line Road

(southwest corner)

• Midtown Plaza, 365 Monon Blvd. (just north of Elm Street)

• Main Street and the Monon Greenway (In front of Bazbeaux Pizza)

• 37 E. Main St. (in font of Visit Hamilton County offices)

For more, visit bit.ly/3VhXlBs.

OBITUARY

James (Jim) Vento died in the presence of his loving wife of 54 years, Diana, on December 9, 2022. Born in 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio, Jim was the son of first-generation Italian American parents. He lived the American dream, becoming the first person in his family to attend and graduate college. He received both an undergraduate and graduate degree from Kent State in speech and hearing.

Jim was a speech therapist in Pennsylvania, but his skills and abilities soon lead him to the leadership of Easters Seals centers in Pennsylvania and then Youngstown, Ohio. He was named the Ohio Easter Seals executive of the year in 1976. In 1980 he became the president of Easter Seals Crossroads Rehabilitation Center in Indianapolis and served in that role for 33 years. Crossroads moved from its then small location to its present location at 52nd and Keystone, the annual budget growing from $2 million to $15,000,000 under his leadership. Thousands of lives in Ohio and Indiana were impacted by his work. He said once in an interview, “We try to ensure that people with disabilities can do the things that they might not otherwise be able to do –creating solutions, changing lives.”

His work was continually recognized with dozens of awards and appointments, including the James Pauley Lifetime Service Award, INARF Professional of the Year, the National Easter Seals Madders’ Award and a Sagamore of the Wabash. He worked with Democrat and Republican administrations. He was proud of this, recognizing his tireless mission to help others was more important than political labels.

Jim retired for what seemed like less than a

day. He began volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul, and served a term as President of the allvolunteer officer corps. His efforts helped those in need in Indianapolis until his death.

His was a life of dedicated service to the betterment of humankind. He was beloved by his co-workers and board members for his tireless dedication, sense of humor and kindness.

Jim’s love of his work was surpassed only by his love for his wife and family. He was the proud father of three sons and “Papa” to his grandchildren. When Jim did sit down, it was on the beach. He loved family vacations there, and would often bring something to sand or whittle, of course. He loved to garden and tinker around the house. His grandchildren gave him the greatest joy. At this time of year, he will be fondly remembered for pasta, cookie and cannoli making with his children and grandchildren. No one has or will make a better cannoli shell.

Jim was survived by Diana, his sons, James, Matthew (Ginger), and Andrew (Laura), his grandchildren, Elena, Fiona, Dominica, Thomas, and Felix and his brothers Mario Vento and Frank Vento. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to Easter Seals Crossroads, St. Vincent de Paul, Little Sisters of the Poor and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on December 28 at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 10655 Haverstick Rd, Carmel, Indiana 46033, with refreshments to follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.

leppertmortuarycarmel.com for the Vento family.

The Carmel Bike Share Program has expanded to 50 bikes available at seven locations. (Photo by Edward Redd)

Diving club enjoys national, statewide successes

By Chris Bavender news@currentincarmel.com

For the last four years, members of the Fishers Diving Club have had the opportunity to work with head coach Jimmy Russ, who started his own accomplished diving career in 2004, earning awards such as MVP, All-Conference, All-American Honors and All-State Honors during his high school and college careers in Grand Rapids, Mich.

ACHIEVEMENT

Thanks to Russ, a Carmel resident, and instruction from assistant club coaches Trevor Herzog, Courtney Leslie and Maddie Folta, the Fishers Diving Club has collected several wins and placements at various regional, state and national competitions.

“I grew up being an outdoor kid, always on the move. I naturally played every sport throughout the years. My athletic career in diving was the (1-meter) springboard in high school,” Russ said. “I was recruited my freshman year by a senior in my study class. I quickly fell in love with the sport.”

At the Fishers Diving Club, Russ works with about 50 male and female athletes ranging in age from 6 to 18. He has coached IHSAA state meet finalists, including twotime IHSAA state champion Morgan Casey from Fishers High School, and USA and AAU National finalists, including several USA and AAU Diving national champions.

The club trains at the Fishers High School Natatorium.

“The mission of the Fishers Diving Club is to introduce the sport of diving in the Fishers community and cultivate exceptional diving talent while teaching meaningful skills to all our athletes from lessons to national champions and beyond,” Russ said. “Fishers’ athletes have always been so well-mannered, they work hard, are very respectful and their families are truly amazing.”

One of the divers Russ works with is 16-year-old Jacob Schade, a sophomore at FHS. He started his sports career in gymnastics at age 3 and transitioned into diving in 2017, utilizing many of the same basic skills.

Through the course of his four years of diving, Schade has won several medals, in-

cluding gold medals for 1-meter springboard, 3-meter springboard and 1-meter springboard synchro in the 14-year-old AAU age group as well as a bronze medal for 14-15 boys’ platform at the 2020 AAU Nationals in Noblesville. At the 2022 AAU Nationals in San Antonio, he won two medals in the 16-yearold boys’ 1-meter springboard and 3-meter springboard events.

Ellie Orman, 11, a sixth-grader at Clay Middle School, is also coached by Russ. Orman has been diving for nine months.

“Coach Jimmy Russ keeps it fun but pushes me to do more and do better,” said Morehouse, whose goal is to qualify for the Olympics. This year, he won gold medals in the 1-meter, 3-meter springboard and 5-meter platform at the AAU Nationals.

Like Schade, Orman’s background in gymnastics has benefited her diving.

“I learned how to flip well and also (developed) good air awareness, technique and form,” Orman said. “All these things have helped me a lot in my diving.”

Russ said diving is a “phenomenal sport” that helps athletes reach their goals, whether recreationally or in college athletics.

“It is also a sport that can teach life skills such as self-discipline, self-confidence and the importance of being a good teammate, just to name a few,” Russ said.

To learn more about Fishers Diving Club, visit fishersdivingclub.com.

Ellie Orman prepares to dive during a competition at Fishers High School’s natatorium. (Photos courtesy of Fishers Diving Club.)

Russ

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The year 2023 is shaping up to be a busy time in Carmel, with redevelopment projects underway throughout the city and all municipal offices on the ballot. The year will see the addition of roundabouts throughout town, trails near the White River and new members on the school board.

MUNCIPAL ELECTIONS

The year 2023 is a municipal election year, meaning the offices of mayor, city court judge, clerk and all nine city council seats will be on the ballot.

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard announced in September that he will not seek an eighth term, and as of press time three city councilors have announced campaigns for mayor.

Kevin “Woody” Rider and Sue Finkam will face off in the Republican primary on May 2, and Miles Nelson, a Democrat, will run against the winner in the general election on Nov. 7. Other candidates could enter the primary races through Feb. 3, when filing ends.

Several candidates — all Republicans as of press time — have announced campaigns for city council. They are:

• AT-LARGE: Rich Taylor and incumbents

Tim Hannon and Jeff Worrell

• CENTRAL DISTRICT: Leah York, Teresa Ayers, Jonathan Blake and Chuck Ford

• SOUTHEAST DISTRICT: Incumbent Adam Aasen

Brainard, who has been Carmel’s mayor since 1996, said he’s had several people ask him to reconsider his choice to step down, but he remains confident the timing is right. “It was an agonizing decision to make, but once I made it I felt very good about it,”

Brainard said. “I never intended to run this many times.”

REDEVELOPMENT SPREADS

It’s not unusual for construction to be underway on multiple redevelopment projects in Carmel in a given year, but in 2023 much of the work will move beyond the city’s core, where it’s been focused in recent years.

“I get to drive around the city and see

CARMEL CITY CENTER

eight or 10 cranes up at the same time all over the city,” said Henry Mestetsky, director of the Carmel Redevelopment Commission. “That’s the magic. That’s the special thing, that so many people are going to get the benefit of these redevelopment projects.”

Highlights include:

• THE CORNER — Exterior work on the $69 million mixed-use development on the southwest corner of 116th Street and Range Line Road should substan-

tially conclude in 2023.

• 1ST ON MAIN — Construction on the $40 million mixed-use project on the northeast corner of Main Street and Range Line Road is expected to be complete in 2023. Tenants, including a restaurant on the first floor, are expected to be announced soon.

• MAGNOLIA — Construction on the condominium buildings is expected to

Redevelopment, roundabouts, municipal elections in store for 2023

Nelson

Rider

Finkam

THE CORNER

1ST ON MAIN

•

continue in 2023. The city continues to work with developers on the design of the multi-family building on the southeast corner of Range Line Road and City Center Drive, and it is unknown when construction will begin on that phase of the project.

• CARMEL CITY CENTER — Exterior construction on the final two buildings in Carmel City Center — the Wren and Windsor — should be complete in 2023. Interior work will continue into 2024.

• PROSCENIUM II — Work is expected to begin on Proscenium II, which will be constructed where the former Walgreen’s building once stood on Range Line Road north of Kroger. The project includes luxury apartments, condos, office and retail space and a parking garage.

• LOR/1933 LOUNGE — Construction is expected to begin in 2023 on a three-story building at 111 S. Range Line Rd. that will be anchored by 1933 Lounge. The adjacent townhomes are not likely to be built in 2023.

FORMER AT&T SITE REDEVELOPMENT

— The former AT&T building at 210 3rd Ave. SW will likely be demolished in 2023, and some preliminary work on the six-story mixed-use development replacing it could begin.

• THE SIGNATURE — The five-story building on the northeast corner of Old Meridian and Main Streets with luxury apartments, condos and first-floor retail should be complete in 2023.

• MÉLANGE — Construction of Mélange, which includes luxury townhomes and flats at Veterans Way and Monon Green Boulevard, should be complete in 2023.

• HAMILTON CROSSING — Phase 1 of a $500 million project that will ultimately relocate Republic Airways’ headquarters to Meridian Street in Carmel should be complete in 2023. Mestetsky said he expects the hotel and training center to be finished next year.

PARKS PROJECTS

After years of patience and planning, work is set to begin in 2023 to increase access and connectivity along the White River corridor. Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Director Michael Klitzing said this has been a goal of the department since its founding in 1991.

“Just the fact that we’re going to be making progress on such a major greenway network along the community’s most sig-

nificant natural resource is really exciting,” Klitzing said.

Work should begin to construct a trail near and along the White River from 146th Street to Tall Timber Run, where it would connect with an existing trail. The northern portion of the expanded trail will be on an easement through property owned by Conner Prairie. The project also includes a new trailhead with parking and restrooms and two river overlooks. Another trail expansion will begin at River Heritage Park and connect to the existing perimeter trail along River Road that currently ends just south of 122nd Street.

Once complete, the trail system near the White River will stretch 5.4 miles, making it longer than the Monon Greenway that runs through central Carmel.

Other CCPR projects planned for 2023 include expanding the trail in Central Park to complete a loop around the lagoon, replacing of some of the MCC fitness equipment, renovating the MCC indoor waterslide tower, adding more cabanas to The Waterpark, building three new shelters and adding trails in West Park, adding benches and other upgrades in Meadowlark and River Heritage parks and adding AED stations in parks and at trailheads.

Also in 2023, CCPR plans to present a proposal to Carmel Clay Schools to use land the school district owns near Main Street and River Road for a dog park and community garden.

Klitzing said work could begin in 2023 to construct an indoor playground at the Monon Community Center, although it is unlikely to open next year.

“To be able to provide an indoor experience, especially on cold days, I think will be incredibly well-received,” Klitzing said.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION

Several road projects are slated for 2023 throughout Carmel.

In the spring, the city expects to work on a roundabout on Smoky Row Road and North End Drive, a roundabout at Main Street and Lexington Boulevard and a roundabout at 106th Street and College Avenue.

By summer, work will be underway on 3rd Ave. SW from 2nd Avenue to City Center Drive to complete road reconstruction and add a multi-use path. The city also expects to build a roundabout at City Center Drive and Veterans Way after the Carmel Marathon and have it completed before CarmelFest.

In the fall, College Avenue is set to be reconstructed between 96th and 106th streets, and a roundabout is planned at 106th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway.

The city expects to release a more detailed schedule of road projects in early 2023.

OTHER PROJECTS

An expansion of the Carmel Police Dept. headquarters is set for completion in late 2023. The new building will triple the capacity of the existing CPD headquarters and add space for Carmel City Court and the City Clerk’s Office.

The new Carmel Fire Dept. headquarters building is also expected to be complete in 2023. The project includes a museum, community gathering space and a safety village experience for children.

Officials are aiming to break ground in the spring on the Carmel Clay Historical Society Museum. The three-story, 15,000-square-foot building is set to have space for galleries and exhibits, community

meeting space, public restrooms, archives, a gift shop and a rooftop garden.

CARMEL CLAY SCHOOLS

New school board members Kristen Kouka and Greg Brown will take office in 2023, and incumbent Jennifer Nelson-Williams will begin her first full term.

Construction will continue to expand the Carmel High School natatorium, a $43 million project set to be complete in mid-2024. The project will add a 50-meter competition pool, diving well and therapy pool. Once work is complete on the new structure, CCS will upgrade the existing natatorium.

Work is set to begin in the spring on the Greyhound Activities Center, a $9.5 million pre-engineered structure north of the CHS football stadium. The building is set to provide indoor practice space for the marching band and winter guard, with athletics and other student groups expected to use it, too. The project is expected to be complete in 2024.

Another project set for 2023 — pending school board approval and the outcome of a lawsuit — is transforming the former Orchard Park Elementary building into an Edu-Care site. The district aims to have the project complete by the end of 2023.

Also pending school board approval is a 14,000-square-foot Polytechnic addition to CHS. If approved, work is set to begin in the fall of 2023 and be complete a year later.

ON THE COVER: Redevelopment projects will be under construction throughout Carmel in 2023. (Photos by Ann Marie Shambaugh and Millie Shambaugh)

Kouka

Brown

Nelson-Williams

The indoor playground planned at the Monon Community Center. (Photo courtesy of CCPR)

The 12-acre site of the former Orchard Park Elementary campus is proposed to be used for Edu-Care, storage area and green space. (Image courtesy of CCS)

ESSAY

Friendly with the enemy?

Commentary by Terry Anker

The Wicked Witch of the West famously warned Dorothy, “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too.” The erstwhile Kansan, at that moment, was under the protection of the most powerful sorceress in the Land of Oz, Glinda, The Good Witch of the South, and far beyond harm’s way. But true to her wicked word, the evil enchantress spent the rest of her life chasing and tormenting the youngster and her pet. Getting even for the accidental killing of her partner in crime, the Wicked Witch of the East, became an overwhelming obsession.

The Hatfields and McCoys battled for decades. Hamlet fought to the death. And Richard Nixon famously kept lists — all to ensure that the score stayed even. Likewise, the Book of Exodus demands “an eye for an eye” in retaliatory consequence. But does it all really do any good? Are we able to extract anything close to justice by tit-for-tat attacks? Or is our effort to find equilibrium creating a hopelessly unstable arms race, sure to collapse like a stack of Jenga?

Political leadership seems especially fond of vengeful action. We have come to expect all manner of investigation, special prosecution, and congressional hearing from one election to another — as if our newly elected majority representatives are the Horsemen of the Apocalypse arrived to right all wrongs perpetrated by the unholy who had ruled just before. Perhaps it’s inseparable from power, this desire to punish those who would challenge or resist us. If so, can we break the cycle? Those in charge would have to show restraint. We’ve done it before with nuclear arms treaties signed by our government. But as the Russians once again maraud, is armed détente more prudent? Still, could a little kindness to our foes impede vengeance from generational reproduction?

CURRENTOON

Finally spoiling for a fight

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Longtime readers know that I am highly conflict adverse. I’m terribly uncomfortable with emotional displays, particularly anger, and avoid hard conversations like they’re large gatherings in 2020. But no more! My New Year’s resolution is to woman-up and learn to engage with friends and family in a healthy, productive manner when the proverbial poo hits the fan. Basically, I’m embracing “Fight Club.”

And I’ve started early. My husband Doo and I have been at each other for a few weeks. The stress of holidays, work and parenting four young adults has led to neither of us sleeping particularly well and numerous stupid but hurtful squabbles. Normally, I run for the hills (i.e., hide in my bedroom) at the first sign of an impending confrontation, but this time I decided to put my big-girl pants on and dive headfirst into the fray.

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

QUOTE OF THE WEEK POLICIES

– TERRI GUILLEMETS

After 30 minutes of neither of us really hearing each other and both of us pretty upset, we hit the pause button. I was honest and told him I needed to cry (privately, of course!) and blow dry my hair (which was on the verge of becoming a frizzy monstrosity). I felt better afterward, and when Doo offered to run errands with me, I assumed we were good.

We were not. The next morning, Doo announced he was still mad, and I had to force myself once again to step into an argument. I was anxious and uncomfortable, and we didn’t entirely resolve the issue, but at least we are now on the same page. And more important, I did it!

So welcome, “Fight Club 2023.” I embrace thee!

Peace out.

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.

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

Thanks for the memories – Part 1

snore?”

“I get a lot of complaints from the neighbors.”

HUMOR

Every year about this time I look back at the previous 12 months and express appreciation for the people, places and things that have made their way into my weekly columns. So, thanks to:

• My old roommate from college who called me after 55 years. He reminded me we hadn’t spoken in 55 years. I told him it was 57, if you count the two years we lived together.

• My wife’s mother, Margaret, gave an original copy of the “The Joy of Cooking” to Mary Ellen to read. Not to cook anything, just to read. In the poultry and game chapter, here is a summary of its advice: “Draw out the entrails, cut the neck close to the body, remove the windpipe end then chop off the feet.” As you can tell, this book was also a big hit with serial killers.

• My physical therapist, who helped me through rehab. For several months I was encouraged to do Kegels. There is a specialist for that at Community Hospital, but she was out one day, so I asked a question of another therapist who was not trained in the procedure.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Wolfsie, that’s a little over my head.”

“Then you are doing it wrong,” I told her.

• The folks at the Sleep Center at Community Hospital, where I participated in a sleep study. They had lots of questions:

“Does your wife say you snore?”

“She has no idea because she sleeps in another room … maybe because I snore.”

“Mr. Wolfsie, then how do you know you

• My wife, who wanted to try a new Chinese restaurant, found one online and ordered the food. I called back because I wanted to know how long it would take to get there. “Where do you live?” I was asked.  I told him the northside of Indianapolis.

“Oh, about six hours. Sir, you are calling a Chinese restaurant in Canton, Ohio.”

“That’s OK,” I said. “I love Cantonese food.”

• The researcher at Ohio State University found that the average couple kisses about 25,000 times in a marriage. Were we keeping up with the Joneses, the newlyweds down the street? I told Mary Ellen how beautiful she was, how good dinner was, and how hot she looked in her jeans. I was hoping that kissing up counted.

• My brother-in-law, Tom, who gave me an Apple Watch for Christmas last year. I called him in Oregon and admitted I was overwhelmed by how complicated it was to operate.

“Come on, Dick. You just think you are out of your league. Relax. Don’t be nervous. And don’t be intimidated like so many others have.”

“Tom, that is exactly the same advice you gave me when I married your sister.”

I’m not done. More next week.

TOM WOOD SUBARU PARTNERS WITH ‘ADOPT A CLASSROOM’

Tom Wood Subaru believes that all students deserve an equal and fair opportunity for a quality education. Through our partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, all Subaru retailers combined, have supported more than 300,000 students nationwide and are proud to be their largest corporate supporter!

Millions of students in high-needs schools lack the supplies and learning materials they need to be successful in the classroom. In fact, 92% of classrooms have students whose families cannot afford to purchase any school supplies for their children, often requiring teachers to purchase resources using their own money. We find these teachers just absolutely, amazing individuals!

My old roommate from college who called me after 55 years. He reminded me we hadn’t spoken in 55 years. I told him it was 57, if you count the two years we lived together.

Here at Tom Wood Subaru, we celebrated Subaru Loves Learning by providing teachers with flexible funding to purchase the school supplies and resources they need to help their students thrive in the classroom, through Adoptaclassroom.org. They believe that every child deserves the tools and materials they need to learn and succeed in school. With the help of sponsors such as Tom Wood Subaru, they’ve helped to equip classrooms with the supplies students need to learn and thrive. Since 1998, AdoptAClassroom.org has raised $57 million and supported more than 5.8 million students across the U.S........So amazing!

Our selected school for the last several years has been Edison School of the Arts. Principal; Amy Berns and

her team have been so amazing to work with and they sent us some amazing photos and videos to share with you! English Teacher; Mrs. Buchanan was so grateful for the new headphones and glue gun she was able to purchase for her classroom. Another teacher sent us a great video of her opening many items she ordered to help calm and destress the children in her class. She opened each box with joy, in amazement that these items were purchased for her classroom!

Edison is still really in need of so many more items though. How can you help you ask........well let me tell you! The teachers have created a wish list of items they are really in need of: https://docs.google.com/ document/d/1lL_vrJ65EzMKqgRXuuE1xmc-cy1GRbNfbyki3DSwVHY/ edit?usp=sharing

If you go to this link, you will be directed to a list of each individual teacher, with the link to their needs included. We would like to thank Subaru and Adoptaclassroom, for providing these great resources to the children in our community!

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

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

MONON SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER DEMOLISHED

DISPATCHES

Veracity partnership — Veracity IIR has added retired United States Secret Service agent Roger Goodes and his firm, Goodes Security, as a new partner. Prior to joining the private security industry, Roger spent 26 years with the USSS. While there, he provided executive protection at the highest levels, including the Presidential Protective Division. Learn more at veracityiir.com and goodessecurity.com.

Governor’s Fellowship — Applications will be accepted through Jan. 31, for the 2023–24 Governor’s Fellowship, which provides a unique experience in Indiana state government by placing fellows in various state agencies on a rotating basis throughout the year. The program is open to college graduates who receive a bachelor’s degree in the summer or fall of 2022 or spring of 2023. Fellows are paid, full-time employees who participate in the day-to-day activities of state government. Apply at in.gov/gov/governors-office/ governors-fellowship-program.

Student Leaders internship program —

The 2023 application for Bank of America’s Student Leaders paid internship program is now open through Jan. 13. Selected students will participate in an eight-week paid

internship at a local nonprofit organization to learn first-hand about the needs of the community and the critical role nonprofits play. They will also attend a leadership summit to learn how government, business and the nonprofit sector work together to address critical community needs. Learn more and apply at bit.ly/3UFHsV9.

Holiday Lights Recycling Drive — Carmel Clay Schools’ Green Teams, City of Carmel Utilities, 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 unwanted holiday lights through Jan. 20, 2023, at White’s Ace Hardware, 731 S. Range Line Rd. Since the start of the collaborative program, more than eight tons of holiday lights have been recycled. Recycling inoperable or inefficient holiday lights keeps those items out of landfills, which reduces the long-term carbon impact on the environment.

Silver Pen writing competition — The Stratford is accepting essay submissions through Feb. 10, 2023, for the 10th annual Senior Living Communities Silver Pen writing competition. The Stratford will award three local high school seniors with cash prizes up to $2,500 to assist with their post-graduate plans. Award recipients will be announced in the spring. For the full rules and to submit an essay, visit Silverpen-SLC.com.

Goodes

A demolition crew works Dec. 21 to tear down buildings on the southern end of the former Monon Square shopping center. Plans for the site include a $100 million Monon Square North redevelopment project on the north portion of the land with office and retail space, multi-family units and a public parking garage. The city has not yet unveiled plans for the southern part of the site. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Retired nurse helps save patient

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

A retired nurse, who is being lauded as a “good Samaritan,” helped save the life of a Community Heart and Vascular Hospital patient Dec. 8. Barbara, whose family requested her last name not be published, collapsed because of a cardiac event as she walked through the entrance of the hospital for an appointment. Carmel resident Stephanie Schwebach, 68, a retired nurse, performed CPR on Barbara for about 30 seconds before caregivers got her to the emergency room. Barbara said the quick response helped save her life.

GOOD SAMARITAN

“If someone hadn’t saved me like she did and then they did, you know, it wouldn’t have been good,” Barbara said.

Afterward, Barbara sent out a public plea to find the good Samaritan who helped her. On Dec. 16, she reunited with Schwebach.

“I never expected to see (Barbara). I didn’t know if she was still alive,” Schwebach said. “I could not get her out of my mind. I thought and prayed about her for the whole

week, and I was glad we were coming back for one of (Schwebach’s husband’s) appointments, because I was like, ‘I’m going ask them. As soon as I walk in that door, I’m going to find out what happened to her.’ And when they said she was alive, I just praised the Lord for that, and I had to have the privilege of meeting her and her husband. It was lovely.”

The two exchanged phone numbers, and when Barbara leaves the hospital, they plan to meet again.

County to end COVID-19 testing

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County Health Dept. has announced that it plans to end COVID-19 testing at its Noblesville office.

PANDEMIC

Testing will cease at the Noblesville office, 18030 Foundation Dr., Suite A, on Dec. 29, officials said. Residents are asked to call 211 or visit coronavirus. in.gov for other testing sites after that date. According to the health department’s Facebook page, the agency is encouraging residents to pick up free in-home tests while supplies last.

Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded the use of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months to age 5. Children in that

age range who previously completed a Moderna primary series are eligible to receive a Moderna bivalent booster two months after their final primary series dose, according to the CDC.

Children 6 months through age 4 who are completing a Pfizer primary series will receive a Pfizer bivalent vaccine as their third primary dose, officials said.

“Updated COVID-19 vaccines are formulated to protect against some of the more recently circulating viruses,” CDC officials said in a statement. “Most importantly, COVID-19 vaccines are critical to providing ongoing protection as immunity wanes and the virus continues to mutate.”

The federal agency also said that parents should talk to their child’s healthcare provider to ensure that their child is up to date on their COVID-19 and other vaccines.

Free COVID-19 tests — Genepace Solutions in Carmel is giving away excess COVID-19 testing kits that expire on Dec. 31. The business at 316 S. Range Line Rd. has been providing COVID-19 testing throughout the pandemic but does not expect to be able to use the tests it has on hand before they expire. The tests are the Carestart brand manufactured by AccessBio. Each box contains two tests. The free tests may be picked up at Genepace Solutions. Learn more by calling 463-999-9877 or at genepacesolutions.com.

OrthoIndy.com

288 East 175th Street

Barbara, left, and Stephanie Schwebach meet after Schwebach performed CPR to keep Barbara alive after her collapse. (Photo courtesy of Community Health Network)

currentnightandday.com

Beef & Boards 50th season starts with ‘Clue’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

‘CLUE’

“Clue” will be presented from Dec. 28 to Feb. 5 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘DECEPTION’

PERFORMANCES

For Jeff Stockberger and Suzanne Stark, it’s only appropriate that the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre regulars appear in the first show of venue’s 50th anniversary season

Stockberger and Stark will perform in “Clue,” which will be presented Dec. 28 to Feb. 5 at the Indianapolis venue.

Stockberger estimated he has appeared in 75 to 80 Beef & Boards productions as an actor.

“If you add in all the shows that I either directed, stage managed, or backstage managed, that number goes up significantly,” he said.

His first show was “Peter Pan” in 1996 when he portrayed Noodler, the pirate.

“I’ve been a part of the second half of the 50 years, especially the last 20 years, and it’s been amazing to watch this theater continue to thrive in this difficult business,” Stockberger said. “Beef & Boards is one of the few remaining Equity (Actors’ Equity Association) dinner theaters in the country. (Owner) Doug Stark and the whole Stark family have proven that you can have a successful business while treating all employees with respect.

“There is a reason there has been so many people that have worked for Beef & Boards for 20 to 30-plus years. We’re family.”

Stark, the former wife of Doug Stark, has regularly performed in Beef & Boards shows through the years.

“I am terribly grateful to Beef & Boards every time they ask me to be in a show,” Suzanne said. “This year, especially, it really is special. Fifty years is remarkable for any business, and I know that many of the employees have been a part of the operation for a good number of those years. I am blessed to have been a part of the story.”

Stark has never seen “Clue” performed live, but said she loved the movie when it first came out (in 1985).”

“I really do love these comedy ensemble pieces,” Stark said. “To know we’ve made

an entire audience let loose and laugh for an evening is really satisfying as a performer. The waves of laughter are a bit addictive.”

Scot Greenwell plays the role of Mr. Green in “Clue.”

“I love ‘Clue,’ the film, which I’ve seen innumerable times, so I have to put that aside because the play is different in some places,” Greenwell said. “And trying not to break character will be a big challenge with this hilarious cast. I love being part of an ensemble, and I haven’t done a mystery like this, so I’m excited. I enjoy Agatha Christie plays, as well as sendups like the film ‘Murder by Death.’ Like those others, ‘Clue’ will be a fun escape for the audience.

Greenwell has performed for several theaters.

“I’ll perform wherever they’ll hire me,” he said. “I’ve acted at Indiana Repertory Theatre, the Phoenix Theatre, Civic Theatre, and Actors Theatre of Indiana. I’ve worked in the galleries of The Children’s Museum, and even outside the (Indiana) Statehouse, playing the father of gerrymandering.”

Greenwell said he wanted to act since he was a child.

“I loved school programs and singing with the church choir,” said Greenwell, who grew up in Loogootee. “I did high school musicals, alongside community theater, then went to the University of Evansville with broader theatrical interests. In 2004, I remembered how much I loved acting, and I’ve been doing so ever since.”

When not doing a play, Greenwell said he works as a standardized patient, “helping health care professionals and students hone their skills.”

Standardized patients are independent specialists who are trained to portray patients in realistic scenarios to help students learn.

Greenwell had an interesting internship with the NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives” when he was in college.

“I’d watched ‘Days’ since I was quite young, when my mom watched it,” Greenwell said. “So, in 1999, I lucked into an internship there, and it was thrilling. I learned about the soap industry and rubbed elbows with Deidre Hall, Ali Sweeney and Jensen Ackles. I wrote previews for magazines and attended an awards show.”

David Ranalli’s “Deception: An Evening of Magic & Lies” is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘NYE WITH ELTON & ME’

Craig A. Meyer’s “NYE with Elton & Me: My Life as Elton John” shows are set for 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

DISPATCHES

Songbook Academy accepting applications

— High school students with a passion for singing and the stage can learn directly from Broadway performers and other arts and entertainment professionals at the Great American Songbook Foundation’s annual Songbook Academy, which is now accepting applications for its 14th national summer intensive July 15-22, 2023. Only 40 students nationwide are selected each year to attend the weeklong intensive at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Candidates may apply at app.getacceptd.com/songbookacademy. The application deadline is March 26, 2023, with an early bird discount available through Feb. 26.

Crash Test Dummies set to perform – Canadian rock band Crash Test Dummies, best known for their 1990s hit “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm,” will perform March 11, 2023, at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Opening the show will be Carleton Stone, an Americana and pop singer-songwriter from Nova Scotia, Canada. Tickets starting at $40 are on sale at the Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office, online at thecenterpresents.org and by phone at 1-317-843-3800. The concert is part of the Faegre Drinker Encore Series and the 20222023 Center Presents Season, presented in partnership with Allied Solutions.

Beef & Boards acting regulars Jeff Stockberger and Suzanne Stark appeared in “Shear Madness” at Beef & Boards’ first show of the 2022 season. (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)

After more than a decade, we arrive back in the world of Pandora, where Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) have started a family and are raising their three children. Life is good until the Sky People invade, led by Col. Miles Quaritch (Stephan Lang) and his troops, who attempt to capture and retrieve Jake.

To protect his family, Jake relocates them to the islands of Metkayina, where the Reef People offer them sanctuary. The tribe introduces the family to their rituals and how they coexist with nature and animals.

In “Avatar: The Way of Water” — the sequel to director James Cameron’s 2009 blockbuster “Avatar” — the audience is treated to a journey alongside the natives as they lead the children through the new aquatic habitat. You’ll need to remind yourself that what you’re watching isn’t real as the ocean floor and its creatures come to life!

Chaos erupts when Quaritch locates Jake and launches a military attack, kidnapping

his children. The Reef People join Jake and Neytiri in a battle to save their kids and protect the “Great Balance” of their world.

A suspenseful battle aboard a warship ensues with thematic and visual elements of “Titanic,” Cameron’s epic, action-packed film.

There are a few hiccups with the story: a rocky road into Pandora at the film’s beginning, and Quaritch’s obsession with tracking and capturing Jake is never really explained.

But for its hitches, this long-awaited sequel grabs the audience with stunning special effects and wholesome themes.

“Avatar: The Way of Water” is a flight of imagination showing that family isn’t just who you start with but those you connect with along the way.

During the past 14 years, Julieanna Childs has worked as a film studio representative, contracting for all the major Hollywood studios, including Marvel, Disney, Sony, Netflix, Universal, Paramount, Columbia, and Warner Bros. Her

can be found at TheJujuReview.com. She is a Hamilton County resident.

The Izzy Spritz features Exotico reposado tequila, aperol and grapefruit soda

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

Commentary by Julieanna Childs

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

BEHIND BARS: IZZY SPRITZ

Blueprint for Improvement: Mid-century modern master bath

After

Built in 1957 in Indianapolis’ historic Crow’s Nest neighborhood, this home’s primary bathroom had seen its fair share of renovations through the years. The homeowners were ready for a fresh revamp — looking to update the dated aesthetic while staying true to the home’s historic roots.

THE BLUEPRINT

• The floorplan was redesigned to accommodate a larger shower, a soaking tub and a master closet.

• The custom wall treatment and floating vanity feature clean lines and warm wood tones, adding a touch of mid-century modern flair that honors the home’s roots

• Matte black plumbing fixtures and a quartz countertop elevate and modernize the space while minimizing maintenance.

• The curves on the soaking tub, vanity mirror and vanity pendants balance the room’s clean lines for a sleek appeal.

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.

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Commentary by Larry Greene

In the ear of the beholder

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

words like “moist,” “slurp,” “bulbous,” “pus,” “phlegm,” “mucus,” and the like.

But today we’re not focusing on “moist” and its legions of blech; we’re going to take a “meh” word and make it marvelous by using euphonyms.

GRAMMAR GUY

There’s a subreddit page I like to visit called r/eyebleach. It essentially gives your eyes a break from scrolling through cynical and often disturbing Reddit entries by showing photos of kittens, baby otters and puppies doing funny puppy things. The page has 9.4 million subscribers.

Our eyes and brains all need a respite from bad news, polarized politics and 2 a.m. doomscrolling. But, what about our ears?

There’s a term I love for synonyms that sound more pleasant than similar words: euphonyms. A euphonious word is a word that is pleasing to the ear. C.S. Lewis posited that the most pleasant-sounding term was “cellar door.” Others have their preferences, but I like cellar door.

On the other hand, many people have unofficial list of their least-favorite words. My friend Jeff has an official list in a Word document. The term for avoiding icky terms is called “word aversion.” By employing word aversion, we can avoid

Euphonyms allow neutral or negative-sounding words to seem more pleasant. We take “moist,” and it becomes “dewy.” “Supple” (one of the words on my “ick” list) becomes “limber.” We can replace “orifice” with “aperture.” Pleasant-sounding synonyms can really save a sentence.

You may be reading this and wonder, “Could a euphonym have a different definition?” Yes! We can consider an alternate application for this pleasing prose.

Personally, I’m fond of the sound of former Major League Baseball pitcher “Goose” Gossage.

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA ORDINANCE No. Z-679-22

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, meeting on the 9th day of January, 2023 at 6:00 o’clock p.m., at their regular meeting place in the Council Chambers, Second Floor, City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana 46032, will hold a Public Hearing to consider a request for approval of the “2022 Legacy PUD Amendment Ordinance”, Ordinance Number Z-679-22.

The subject real estate consists of approximately 30 acres, is located at the southwest corner of 146th Street and Community Drive in The Legacy community and is a portion of the property that is identified by the Auditor of Hamilton County as Tax Parcel Identification Number 17-10-23-00-00-001.003 (collectively, the “Real Estate”)

The 2022 Legacy PUD Amendment Ordinance seeks to amend certain provisions of the original Legacy PUD Ordinance Number Z-501-07 (as amended), pertaining to: the Use Blocks; the Maximum Unit Limitations; removing units from the future use of the existing Amenity Area within the Legacy; and, providing site design, architectural and amenity standards for the development of the subject Real Estate

The proposal details are on file at the Department of Community Services, Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, telephone 317/571-2417, under Docket No. Docket Number PZ-2022-00147 OA and may be viewed Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Copies of the proposed request are also on file for examination at the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, telephone 317/571-2414.

Interested persons appearing at the hearing for this matter shall have the right to be heard or may file written comments prior to the hearing. In addition, the hearing may be continued by the City Council as it may find necessary.

Clerk of the City of Carmel

Sue Wolfgang

This notice prepared by: James E. Shinaver, Attorney and Jon Dobosiewicz, Professional Land Planner Nelson & Frankenberger, LLC, 550 Congressional Blvd., Suite 210, Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: (317) 844-0106.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

City of Carmel, Indiana Department Board of Public Works and Safety

One Civic Square

City of Carmel, Indiana 46032

Project: Gray Road Multi-Use Path (Project #16-ENG-97A)

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana will receive sealed bids for the above described “Project” at the office of the Clerk, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana (City Hall) until 10:00 a.m. EST on January 18, 2023 and, commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date, such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted.

All bids and proposals shall be properly and completely executed on the proposal forms provided with the plans and specifications, which will include the non-collusion affidavit as required by the State of Indiana. The bid envelope must be sealed and have the words “BID – Gray Road Multi-Use Path #16-ENG-97A”

A bid bond or certified check in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount bid must be submitted with each bid. A one hundred percent (100%) performance and payment bond will also be required of the successful bidder. It is intended that actual construction of all work divisions shall be started as soon as practicable, and each bidder shall be prepared to enter promptly into a construction contract, furnish a performance bond, and begin work without delay in the event the award is made to him.

The Project consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:

Construction of a multi-use path between 106th Street and 116th Street along Gray Road.

Contract Documents for the Project have been assembled into one bound project manual, which together with drawings, may be examined at the following locations:

City of Carmel

Department of Engineering - 1st Floor

One Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032

(317) 571-2441

Copies of such drawings and project manuals must be obtained from Reprographix (Reprographix.com). Payments and costs of Contract Documents are non-refundable.

Bidders shall assure that they have obtained complete sets of drawings and Contract Documents and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets of drawings and Contract Documents.

This Project will be funded by the City of Carmel.

A pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on January 4th 2023 at 10:00 AM Eastern in the Caucus Room on the 2nd Floor of City Hall (One Civic Square). All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference. The prebid conference is not mandatory.

For special accommodations needed by handicapped individuals planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting, please call or notify the city of Carmel, Engineer ’s Office, at (317) 571-2441 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto.

No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving bids or proposals. The Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to hold any or all bids or proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said bids or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all bids, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2

Sue Wolfgang Clerk

Israel’s Tel Dan Nature Reserve

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, as we begin our trip through Israel and Palestinian territories, we stop at one of the area’s most scenic and historically significant sites. Tel Dan Nature Reserve is a 120-acre park in the far northeastern corner of Israel, about 100 miles from Jerusalem. The Dan River, fed with runoff from Lebanon’s nearby Mount Hermon, runs through the park. Trails along the river, the most important source of the River Jordan, pass through lush forests, including 60-foot-tall ash trees.

TRAVEL

The park also includes Tel Dan, a large archeological mound that has produced many important archaeological discoveries. The oldest structure uncovered in Tel Dan is a mud-brick gate from Laish, a city established by the Canaanites about 4,000 years ago. The gate includes the oldest known arched opening, an invention once incorrectly attributed to the much later Romans. According to the biblical Book of Joshua, members of the Israelite Tribe of Dan conquered Laish from the Canaanites. Archaeologists have unearthed stone gates and walls from the period of Israelite occupation of Dan, which formed the northern boundary of the United Monarchy established by King David. Visitors can also explore an excavated “high place” the Bible says King Jeroboam built when the northern Kingdom of Israel split from the southern Kingdom of Judah after the death of David’s son Solomon. Dan’s high place, originally featuring a golden calf, competed for worshippers with the Temple in Jerusalem.

During excavations at Tel Dan in 1993 and 1994, archaeologists discovered pieces of a broken stele (monument), probably erected by King Hazael of Aram-Damascus in the

late ninth century B.C. Aramaic writing on the stele boasts of capturing Dan and killing Israel’s King Jehoram. Most scholars now believe the writing also says the king killed Ahaziah, “son of (a king) of the House of David,” the first non-biblical evidence of David’s existence.

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

Jeroboam’s “high place” in Tel Dan Nature Reserve. (Photos by Don Knebel)

Don

Reconstructed Israelite wall.

Canaanite gate in Israel.

Dan River in Israel.

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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

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

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

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

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