October 3, 2023 — Carmel

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Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XVIII, No. 50

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Opinions

The views of the columnists in Current in Carmel are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

Year after relocation, some former Monon Square tenants face new challenges, uncertain futures

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Union Brewing Co. owner Nathan Doyle knew it wouldn’t be easy moving his business to a new spot, especially since relocating wasn’t his choice.

REDEVELOPMENT

The pub was one of several businesses still operating in Monon Square when the aging shopping center on the northwest corner of Range Line Road and City Center Drive closed in mid-September 2022 for demolition to make way for a higher density mixed-use redevelopment project.

Now, the former Monon Square site sits empty while Doyle adjusts to operating in what he described as a less-visible building that also is likely to be redeveloped in the not-too-distant future. But that’s not his only concern.

Since moving, Doyle said Carmel Redevelopment Commission officials — who previously helped connect him with the building owner of his new location at 202 Gradle Dr. — have left him on his own, forcing him to pay for an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalk connecting to the Monon Greenway to be permitted to open an outdoor patio space and refusing to allow him to display an exterior Union Brewing sign that hung on the Monon Square building, among other issues.

“It just seems completely unnecessary to make this small business incur those costs when this is all going to be torn out (for redevelopment) anyway,” Doyle said. “(It has cost) just shy of $250,000 moving a super-successful business to a less-successful location. It’s hard to expect a small business that has less than 10 employees to be able to incur something like that and still survive.”

Aaron Vaughn, owner of Versed Skateboard Shop at 10567 N. College Ave., said he also felt city officials offered “empty promises” to assist businesses forced out of Monon Square. He said the previous owner of Monon Square — who sold the center to the CRC for $15 million in 2018 — also owns the building where he relocated and offered the space when the previous tenant left. Vaughn said he loves the new location, which has better visibility on an intersection corner than his former site.

Vaughn previously operated his shop,

then known as Minus Skateboard, at Monon Square from February 2019 to September 2022. He said it’s becoming increasingly difficult for small business owners to find affordable space in Carmel.

“It seems like a lot of the small businesses are getting driven out of Carmel,” Vaughn said.

CRC Director Henry Mestetsky said the city allowed Monon Square tenants to stay in the building for below-market, month-to-month rates for years; hired a broker to assist in business relocations; and “did its best to ensure that the vast majority of the businesses transitioned to other locations in Carmel.” He said 15 former Monon Square tenants are operating in other locations in the city.

“Ultimately, the city does a lot for its small businesses. Our redevelopment areas such as City Center, Midtown and the Arts & Design District are filled with thriving locally owned, non-large-chain independent businesses that pay market rents in these high-desirability areas,” Mestetsky said. “We appreciate the unique character that our local merchants bring to our city. While there are challenges associated with a growing city, we try to draw attention to these vendors through community events and other programming.”

Dr. Hillary Hushower, owner of Rangeline Chiropractic, said the CRC was “very helpful” in allowing the business to relocate before its lease expired and assisted in finding a

new site. Hushower purchased the former Chipotle building on Keystone Way in Merchants’ Square in late 2019 and began operating there in 2020.

“We love the (new) space,” Hushower said. However, Hushower said that her business was in a unique position compared to many other small businesses facing forced relocation.

“I don’t think it’s easy for small businesses,” she said. “We were just lucky to be able to purchase a building, but I wouldn’t say that’s the norm for small businesses.”

Like Doyle at Union Brewing, Vaughn said he expects the site of his new location to eventually be redeveloped. But he plans for his shop to remain in Carmel as long as possible.

“I really do hope for the sake of all the actual small businesses in Carmel that the city does start to take some sort of interest in wanting to keep us in Carmel,” Vaughn said.

Doyle said Union Brewing moved into its new spot with another relocation in mind, purchasing a cooler housed in a shipping container so it can someday be moved again. Originally, he had hoped to return to the same spot, but now he’s not even sure he will be able to remain in Carmel.

“The hope was always that we’d be able to move back to the old space,” he said. “It’s just a vacant, empty lot to this day, so those hopes are sliding away.”

Union Brewing Company moved from Monon Square to 202 Gradle Dr., where it was required to install an ADA-compliant sidewalk from the Monon Greenway to be permitted to use its patio.

(Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

5 more police officers, second shop among ’24 budget proposals

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel City Council held workshops Sept. 21 and 22 to review the proposed 2024 budget and present questions, concerns and feedback to city department leaders. The proposed $208.8 million budget includes a 7 percent increase in the general fund, which covers most city services.

ers may be at higher risk of developing. CFD Chief David Haboush said the technology already helped diagnose cancer for one of the department’s employees.

CITY NEWS

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, who leaves office at the end of the year after seven terms, said the proposed budget is a “fairly straightforward plan” that is similar to the one approved by the council for 2023. Highlights include a 3 percent costof-living adjustment for city employees, technology upgrades, five additional police officers and a second All Things Carmel store planned for the Carmel Clay Historical Society museum.

The council is set to hold the first public hearing on the proposed budget Oct. 4.

PROTECTING A GROWING CPD FORCE

The Carmel Police Department is seeking a 9 percent increase from its 2023 budget — which was $32.4 million — to add five police officers and two civilian employees, increase funds available for overtime pay and purchase gear to protect officers from rifle cartridges.

Some of the personnel growth is related to the expansion of CPD’s headquarters, a project expected to be complete this fall. The increased overtime funds will help CPD staff a growing schedule of city events.

CPD Chief Jim Barlow is also proposing to spend $200,000 to purchase rifle plates, as he said officers’ current body armor isn’t designed to stop shots from firearms more powerful than a handgun.

“(Law enforcement locally and nationwide are) taking a lot of rifles off the streets, and these plates can be deployed quickly in certain situations and can stop rifle rounds,” Barlow said.

PROMOTING FIREFIGHTER HEALTH

The Carmel Fire Department is requesting a 6 percent increase in its 2023 budget, which was approved last year at $33.7 million.

The 2024 proposed budget includes adding ultrasounds as part of physical exams to help detect certain cancers that firefight-

“We were able to proactively catch that, and the firefighter is making a full recovery,” he said.

The budget also includes using the ambulance fund to purchase electronic stair chairs to reduce the risk of back injury for first responders transporting patients.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Department of Community Relations and Economic Development is requesting a 9 percent increase in its budget, which was nearly $4.5 million in 2023, for efforts that include diversifying advertising of the city and its events, programming new Palladiscope shows, expanding Sister City partnerships and and providing inventory and staff for a new All Things Carmel shop at the Carmel Clay History Museum, which is under construction at Monon Boulevard and 1st St. SW.

A few councilors questioned the need for a second All Things Carmel store and requested more information about the success of the location on Main Street.

“I’m hesitant to approve a new position like that with a new mayor coming in. A new mayor does not want to come in and let somebody go if this doesn’t align with their vision. Right now I’m pretty hesitant about adding a second manager for All Things Carmel,” Councilor Adam Aasen said.

Department director Nancy Heck said she would prepare additional information for councilors on the city’s involvement with the store, which is run by the Promote Carmel nonprofit, and asked them to consider it as much more than a shop.

“The purpose of this entity isn’t to be a retail establishment and make money, it is to be our visitor center on Main Street,” Heck said. “We’re not just looking to sell shirts, we’re trying to help people get engaged in the community.”

TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES

The proposed budget includes adding 50 security cameras throughout public areas of the city, including some that use technology to scan license plates.

The city has approximately 450 cameras already, and Brainard said they have been helpful to local law enforcement.

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Proposed office building size reduced in Conner Prairie Carmel expansion

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Plans for the expansion of Conner Prairie into Carmel continue to be refined.

Project: Concrete pavement restoration

CONNER PRAIRIE

The Carmel City Council’s Land Use and Special Studies Committee met Sept. 26 to review the latest iteration of a planned unit development rezoning ordinance that would set development guidelines specific to the site.

Conner Prairie, a living history museum, owns more than 1,000 acres that straddle the White River south of 146th Street, with all existing development east of the river in Fishers. Plans in Carmel include a ticketed exhibit area north of a White River Ecology Center, ecolodge, office building and more.

The most significant change made to the proposal since the last public meeting is reducing the size of the office building from 70,000 to 55,000 square feet, limiting its height to two stories and shifting it north. Decreasing the size of the office building will also lead to the elimination of two parking lots and expansion of a landscaped buffer area between the Conner Prairie property and nearby neighborhoods.

With the office building height reduced, Conner Prairie is requesting the White River Education Center be permitted to be two stories tall instead of one. Other new updates include limiting special events in the exhibit area to 52 days per year and rerouting a public pathway that connects with existing trails.

“(Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation) would like some additional frontage along the riverfront, and we feel this is a good way to accomplish this and still allow for flexibility for development to occur in a coordinated way,” said Aaron Kowalski, a planner with MKSK involved with the project. “This also allows for the trail to come close to the front door of the White River Ecology Center.”

Councilor Sue Finkam, whose district includes the proposed expansion site, asked project officials for a commitment to not construct buildings other than those outlined in the PUD without coming back to the council for approval, adding flashing beacons at a proposed crosswalk and committing to clean up trash along River Road adjacent to the property.

The committee is set to reconvene at 5 p.m. Oct. 16 to continue discussing the proposed expansion. The city council must vote on the PUD by Oct. 25, otherwise the version approved by the Carmel Plan Commission will go into effect.

Location: Michigan Road at 96th, 106th and 116th streets. Closures are scheduled from 9 p.m. Fridays through 5 a.m. Mondays. Look for message boards at Zionsville and Shelborne roads for message boards with the latest information.

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Expected completion: Oct. 23

Project: Improvements to 3rd Ave. SW

Location: 3rd Ave. SW is closed between Autumn Drive and 2nd Street SW. Access to businesses will be maintained.

Expected completion: Early 2025

Project: Multi-use path construction

Location: Gray Road from 106th to 116th streets. The project is not expected to result in a full closure of the road.

Expected completion: Fall

Project: Reconstruction of 3rd Avenue SW

Location: 3rd Avenue SW between Autumn and Industrial drives

Expected completion: Winter 2024

Project: Reconstruction of N. College Avenue

Location: N. College Avenue between 96th and 106th streets. Utility work is under way with construction beginning in the fall

Expected completion: Spring 2025

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Q&A: West District council candidates

Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Two political newcomers are vying for the West District seat on the Carmel City Council.

“best place” livable cities lists because of sustained vision and sound planning resulting in great infrastructure, public safety, schools, neighborhoods, parks, amenities and events.

ELECTION

Republican Loren Matthes, a retired municipal financial advisor, is facing Dr. Anita Joshi, a pediatrician, in the Nov. 7 general election. Incumbent Miles Nelson, a Democrat, is running for mayor.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE CAMPAIGN ISSUES?

Joshi:

Safety — A safe community fosters care and respect between citizens, first responders and city officials.

Transparency — We work hard and expect that our money is being spent wisely.

Sustainability — Carmel deserves a healthy and prosperous future through infrastructure maintenance, nurturing the environment and creating job opportunities attracting and retaining young talent.

Matthes:

Public safety — Ensure our police and fire departments are fully staffed, trained and equipped to continue Carmel’s record as one of the country’s safest places to live.

Fiscal responsibility — Utilize my professional expertise in public finance to ensure responsible budgets, capital planning, low taxes and sound finances.

Quality of life — World-class amenities, safety, infrastructure, schools; responsible development; protect neighborhoods and home values; welcoming to all.

WHAT ARE CARMEL’S GREATEST STRENGTHS? HOW CAN IT IMPROVE?

Joshi: Carmel has an amazing school system, nationally recognized parks and great amenities. It is imperative for Carmel to maintain our status as one of the best places to live in the country while we continue to innovate and build on this strong foundation.

As for improvement, we need to ensure that we have the funds to maintain current infrastructure and build for the future. We need to invest in environmentally friendly building practices. This will help to keep our children and grandchildren in Carmel, keep our economy strong, and attract new young talent to the city.

Matthes: Strengths: Carmel tops many

Improvements: Tight fiscal management, keeping taxes low, community collaboration on a five-year capital projects and funding plan, housing study to guide future development, preserve green space, improve mobility and access.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE CARMEL’S FINANCIAL HEALTH?

Joshi: Concerning. Carmel needs to maintain the amenities we love while keeping costs reasonable for our residents. The current debt and infrastructure costs are a challenge. We must work to get our bond rating back to AAA status and fortify our financial future while being transparent with Carmel residents and taxpayers.

Matthes: Carmel maintains a balanced annual operating budget along with a surplus fund for emergencies. The city has a strong “AA” credit rating from independent agencies. Carmel has wisely invested in its infrastructure, parks and downtown through long-term financing. This economic strategy has attracted high quality businesses and residential growth, which, in turn, continues to grow the city’s tax base, repays debt, and keeps taxes low.

WHAT SHOULD BE THE CITY’S ROLE IN SUPPORTING ITS SENIOR CITIZEN RESIDENTS?

Joshi: Our city should create a senior-led task force to identify and address their needs. In listening to my senior neighbors, they have suggested shuttle transportation to large city wide events and making roundabouts easier for residents to navigate, enabling seniors to fully participate in the life of the city.

Matthes: Support accessibility and active aging via PrimeLife Enrichment; provide senior discounts to Carmel recreation and arts venues; tax breaks for seniors; incentivized housing options; city grants to improve sidewalks and lighting; improve transportation options for seniors and caregivers. Include seniors in city planning conversations.

HOW CAN VOTERS LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU?

Joshi: dranita@joshiforcarmel.com

Matthes: lorenmatthes.com or email campaign@lorenmatthes.com

Matthes

Joshi

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Torr to retire at end of term

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

State Rep. Jerry Torr announced Oct. 3 he will retire from the Indiana General Assembly when his term ends in 2024.

POLITICS

The Republican from Carmel was first elected in 1996. He said serving the constituents in District 39, which covers portions of Carmel and Westfield, has been “an honor of a lifetime.”

“During my time as a state representative, we’ve made Indiana one of the most attractive places in the country to start and grow a business, and our local communities continue to reap the rewards through record growth in population, development and opportunity. And our future remains bright,” he stated. “I’m thankful for the privilege to represent the voices and values of our area at the Statehouse, but

I’m looking forward to concentrating fully on my career working in title insurance.”

Torr, 65, is the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, vice chair of the House Joint Rules Committee and a member of the House Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee.

Among Torr’s accomplishments in office was sponsoring a bill in 2005 that led to Indiana moving to daylight saving time. He authored the state’s “right-to-work” law in 2012 and in 2015 authored legislation to repeal the Common Construction Wage.

In his last reelection bid in 2022, Torr defeated Democrat Matt McNally by earning 52 percent of the vote. McNally announced in May that he would run for the District 39 seat again in 2024.

Torr, who grew up on a farm in Putnam County, has lived in Carmel since 1987.

Board members: Boost sub pay

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Some members of the Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees are asking district officials to consider forming a plan to increase pay for substitute teachers.

“It’s fine that (other school districts) are paying what they’re paying, but I think we should be paying more,” Jackson said. “How do we make our district the destination district?”

EDUCATION

The request came during a presentation on district staffing presented by CCS Assistant Supt. Thomas Oestreich at the Sept. 26 school board meeting.

During the presentation, Oestreich compared substitute teacher pay at CCS, which begins at $80 per day, to nearby districts. He said subs in Zionsville also make $80 per day, while those in Westfield make $85, in Hamilton Southeastern make $90 and in Noblesville make $95.

Part-time CCS substitute teachers are eligible to earn a bonus for working a minimum number of days each semester, which Oestreich said helps the district stay competitive with market rates.

School board members Louise Jackson and Greg Brown, however, said they don’t believe the pay is enough. Jackson described the rate as “not livable” and said she would like CCS to be proactive and “set the bar” in this area.

Brown suggested increasing substitute pay by 25 percent but said it should not be done by taking funds away from teachers in set classroom positions.

Oestreich said the district spends more than $1 million on substitute teacher pay each year, meaning CCS would need to reallocate $250,000 to accommodate Brown’s request.

“(Paying substitute teachers more) is something we’re continually looking at,” Oestreich said. “We have finite funds, so if we pay substitute teachers more, who do we pay less?”

Oestreich said administrators will continue to review district funding to determine if substitute teacher pay can be adjusted.

Also during his presentation, Oestreich said the district’s efforts to recruit and hire instructional assistants, especially for special education classrooms, have been successful. He said the district received more than 50 applications within two days of using social media and email communications to alert the CCS community about the staffing shortage.

Torr

Oestreich

Former councilor remembered for devotion to county

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carter was already on it.

Beaver, a Noblesville resident, is a heating and air conditioning contractor.

IN MEMORIAM

To Hamilton County Republican Chairman Mario Massillamany, Meredith L. Carter was a beloved member of his party and a devoted Hamilton County Council member.

A Carmel resident, Carter died Sept. 5 at age 87 surrounded by family. Carter began his 32-year stint on the Hamilton County Council in 1983, serving District 1, part of Clay Township.

“He spent over 30 years helping the Hamilton County Republican Party and Hamilton County Council,” Massilamany said. “He made contributions in making Hamilton County one of the best places to live. He was (one) of the people who had the idea of developing Hamilton County from a sleepy little bedroom community to the vibrant community it is today. One of the county’s big jobs is to make sure there is infrastructure in some of these areas. He was one of the first people to champion sewers and utilities into areas that would allow it to grow. He has done a lot to ensure Carmel has been successful over the years.”

Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman served with Carter as a council member for six years in the ’90s and worked with him when she became a commissioner.

“Meredith was always a champion of protecting the underserved in the county, whether insisting that public defenders were adequately funded to assure a fair trial or that those who might have developmental disabilities had opportunities to succeed with securing consistent county funding for Janus Developmental Services,” Altman said. “He was a strong and fair public servant and will be missed.”

Carter served as the vice president/ chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis from 1983-2004. He had been named the academic dean of Ivy Tech in 1971.

Councilor Brad Beaver joined the county council more than two decades ago after

“After I knew him a little bit, I said, ‘Meredith, years ago I went to Ivy Tech and learned the heating and air conditioning trade,’” Beaver said. “He went back and looked up my records. I was two classes away from graduating, and he kept encouraging me to go back to school and graduate with an associate degree. Either you know how to fix stuff, or you don’t. He always wanted everyone to do the best they could. We became fast friends. He was a good guy and a good public servant.”

Beaver said Carter never had a political agenda.

“He always had the best interest of Hamilton County at heart,” Beaver said. “I didn’t find him to be particularly political.”

Beaver said the toughest time for Carter was during the Great Recession in 2008-09 when county employees had to be laid off.

“That was the toughest thing Meredith had to do,” Beaver said. “He was president of the council. He struggled with it, and he could just not bring himself to do it. I was self-employed and had been in business for a while. While it was tough to lay off employees, when income comes down, something has to give. He struggled with that more than anything I’ve seen. Everything else, he would go through the facts and determine what he felt was right. That year troubled him more than anything I can remember.”

Carter was the first of 14 children born to Leona and Cleon Carter. Born in Cutler, Carter, nicknamed “Stretch,” received a scholarship to play basketball at Butler University. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Butler and earned his doctorate in educational administration from Ball State University.

He was honored with many awards, including Sagamore of the Wabash by thenGov. Frank O’Bannon.

Carter was married to Nellie for 60 years. He also is survived by three sons, Chad, Todd and Michael, seven grandchildren and nine siblings.

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Carter

“He always had the best interest of Hamilton County at heart.”

– COUNCILOR BRAD BEAVER

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ENVIRONMENTALLY

New pastor no stranger to congregation

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

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Daniel Fugate is quite familiar with Pilgrim Lutheran Church.

FAITH

“It’s a great congregation. I know that because I’ve actually been a member. I joined when we moved here,” Fugate said.

Fugate, 59, began his job as pastor at the Carmel church Sept. 6 with his first service Sept. 10. He previously worked as assistant to the bishop of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for nearly seven years.

Bishop William O. Gafkjen will officially install Fugate during a service at 3 p.m. Oct. 15 at the church, 3650 W. 106th St.

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“I’m involved in our denomination at the national level with a variety of children, youth and family ministry organizations,” Fugate said. “I’m excited to work and revitalize our children and youth ministry efforts at Pilgrim Lutheran. I’m also excited because it’s a strong congregation that is really dedicated to serving the community. Service has always been an important part of my ministry. I also like Pilgrim because it’s a place that welcomes people and people can really belong.”

There are services at 8 and 10 a.m. each Sunday.

“Like all congregations, COVID created some challenges because there was a period of time where the congregation was worshiping online,” Fugate said. “We have maintained an online presence.”

Fugate’s wife, Karen, is a teacher at Westfield Middle School. They have two sons. Jason is an associate pastor for Children, Youth and Family Ministries at Gloria Del Lutheran Church in Crestview Hills, Ky., and Brent works at Conner Prairie in Fishers.

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Prior to moving to Carmel, Fugate served as associate pastor for Children, Youth and Family Ministries at Trinity English Lutheran in Fort Wayne for 10 years. Fugate, who is from the Detroit area, also served congregations in Michigan and Ohio.

Fugate

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

Clarification — In the Sept. 26 edition of Current in Carmel, a questionnaire answer from Carmel City Council at-large candidate Rich Taylor did not appear for the question “What do you want readers to know about you?” because of a technological error. Taylor’s response is: “I want to ensure that Carmel remains one of the best places to live in the country. My wife, Lauren, and I have lived in Carmel for 18 years and have been blessed with two beautiful children, aged 8 and 4. As a husband and father, I want my family to live in a safe community and for my children to have access to some of the best schools in the state and country. Carmel has done a tremendous job of providing this for me and my family, and I will work to ensure that our city continues to thrive for years to come.”

Community block party — Genesis Church, 13200 Old Meridian St., is hosting a community block party from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 7. The free event will include food, bounce houses and other activities for children and adults. Learn more at GenesisChurch.me.

Inaugural Fall Spectacular — The Midland neighborhood will host the inaugural Fall Spectacular at the Station from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 7 at 17361 Ackerson Blvd. in Westfield. The free event will include pumpkin picking, face painting, live music, bounce houses, food and beverage trucks and more. Learn more atnd reserve a spot at bit. ly/3ZAQ2bR.

Aviation Hall of Fame inductees — The Carmel-based Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame will induct its Class of 2023 at a banquet set for Oct. 7 at 502 East Event Centre in Carmel. This year’s honorees are:

• Boyd L. Ashcraft, Maj. Gen. USAFR (Ret.), distinguished military and airline pilot

• Paul Frank Baer, 1st American ace of World War I Thomas Q. Carney, Ph.D., Purdue University professor emeritus and pilot

• Robert A. Duncan, pilot, FAA examiner, Indianapolis airport director, and aviation lawyer

• Dave Gevers, pilot, inventor, patent holder, educator, mechanic and EAA leader

• Matthew D. Hagens, pilot and Indiana aviation entrepreneur

• Margaret Hamilton, pioneering NASA software engineer, National Aviation Hall of Fame Member

• Lewis A. Jackson, Ph.D., pilot, designer, FAA examiner, educator, Tuskegee trainer Learn more at inahof.org.

Westfield QB makes strong strides in 1st year as starter

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School football coach

Jake Gilbert has watched his senior quarterback make great strides in his first year as starter.

That makes Gilbert doubly proud since the player is his son Jackson.

“Jackson has had an amazing year and has really stepped into the role he was hoping for all these years,” Gilbert said. “I think his play has been great, but above all he has been clutch. The amount of comeback wins he has led and the amount of third-and-long conversions he’s produced have been pretty special. He’s done a fantastic job as a leader, getting us off to our best start ever.”

The Shamrocks won their first five games for the first time in Gilbert’s 13-year tenure before losing Sept. 22 to unbeaten Brownsburg.

“Playing as a backup behind Max Webster as a sophomore and then behind Cole

MEET JACKSON GILBERT

Favorite movie: “The Dark Knight”

Favorite athlete: Tim Tebow

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite genre of music: Christian

Ballard as a junior was very helpful for my development,” Jackson said. “During those seasons I was able to practice at a high level on the varsity side while being able to play JV games against less-fierce competition, which allowed those games to be much more slow and calm. I have made the most improvements in my throwing timing and accuracy, (which are) probably my biggest strengths.”

In the first six games, Jackson completed 79 of 125 passes for 1,028 yards with 10

touchdowns and five interceptions.

Jackson, who wants to play at the collegiate level, said he began taking playing quarterback seriously in fifth grade.

“I fell in love with it and have worked

hard to be where I am today,” Jackson said. He also loves playing for his father.

“He is certainly a coach on the field and dad at home,” Jackson said. “He is exceptional at fulfilling both those roles in my life.”

Although Jackson said the 5-0 start was a blessing, there is more work to be done.

“The end goal is to win the state championship,” Jackson said. “We won some exciting close games, but my dad and I are both hungry for more.”

The Shamrocks reached the Class 6A state championship in 2020 and 2021, losing to Center Grove each time.

Coach Gilbert said the family took a mission trip to El Salvador as part of Northview Church.

“I believe he came back the strongest version of himself I have ever known.” Gilbert said of his son.

Jackson said the mission trip made an impact on him.

“We distributed clean water filters and shared our faith with poor citizens of El Salvador,” he said. “I was able to develop relationships and my eyes were opened to a more expanded image of the world.”

Senior quarterback Jackson Gilbert got off to a strong start in his first season. (Photo courtesy of Marci Yochum)

Gilbert

Guilded Leaf author luncheon features variety

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation Director Elizabeth Hamilton is enthused about all the visiting authors for the annual fundraising luncheon, but there is an extra buzz around one of the books.

FUNDRAISER

Nina Simon’s “Mother-Daughter Murder Night” got a boost by being named Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club Pick of the Month for September.

The Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation’s Guilded Leaf Book and Author Luncheon is set for Oct. 19 at Ritz Charles in Carmel.

“These are all authors we’ve never had before because we bring new authors,” Hamilton said. “Last year was our year of World War II, and this year is more about family relationships. Each of their books are very interesting and have a different twist. There is something in this group for everyone.”

Hamilton said author Terah Shelton Harris is a librarian whose debut novel is “One Summer in Savannah.”

Stephen P. Kiernan’s book, “The Glass Chateau,” was inspired by the life of artist Marc Chagall in post-World War II France.

Kiernan was scheduled to appear in 2020 before the event was canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mother-Daughter

Annabel Monaghan’s “Same Time Next Summer” is a romance novel.

“It’s getting rave reviews,” Hamilton said. “It’s a little bit of a lighter read.”

Hamilton said Thao Thai’s “Banyan Moon” gained a great deal of attention over the summer.

“It’s an amazing story from 1960s Vietnam to Florida present day,” Hamilton said. “It’s about relationships between mother and daughter.”

The sixth author is Tracey Enerson Wood’s “The President’s Wife,” about a first lady who clandestinely assumed the presidency. The historical fiction is based on President Woodrow Wilson’s wife, Edith.

The Oct. 18 evening session has sold out, but there is a waitlist.

Hamilton said the luncheon, with a capacity of 500, is close to being sold out.

“We’re excited our community is embracing these six authors and want to hear them speak,” Hamilton said.

The luncheon begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 1:15 p.m. Tickets are $70 per person and $1,200 for a corporate sponsorship table. For more, visit carmelclaylibrary.org.

DISPATCHES

Oktoberfest returns to City Center — The City of Carmel’s Oktoberfest is set for 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 6 at Carmel City Center on the southwest corner of Range Line Road and City Center Drive. The free event will feature live music by Der Polkatz, food and beverage vendors, shopping and more.

Crooked Stick to host championship — Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel has been announced as the site of the U.S. Senior Open Championship in 2028, an event it last hosted in 2009. The U.S. Senior Open is open to professional golfers and amateurs with a handicap index not exceeding 3.4 who are at least 50 years of age by the start of championship play. The field of 156 players will compete in two rounds of stroke play, after which the field will be reduced to the low 60 scores and ties for the final 36 holes.

Learn about Toastmasters — The Polished Brash Toastmasters Club will hold an open house from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 18 at Delta Faucet, 55 E. 111th St. in Carmel, to provide information about the organization for anyone interested in furthering communication and leadership skills. Attendees (in person and virtual options available) will observe a meeting and have the opportunity to ask questions. RSVP or request more information by emailing vpm-9666@ toastmastersclubs.org.

Simon

Murder Night” by Nina Simon. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Hamilton)

State of the City address — Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard will present his final State of the City address at 5 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Palladium, 1 Carter Green. Tickets for the event, which is presented by OneZone, are $40 and may be purchased at bit.ly/3ZDCADZ.

Road project wins award — The City of Carmel has won the Safe System Approach Roundabout Project award from the Institute of Traffic Engineers for the Main Street Corridor project. The project, completed earlier this year, features two new roundabouts and corridor improvements in front

of Carmel High School. It was designed to make Main Street safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Operation School Bell — The Assistance League of Indianapolis is seeking donations to support its Operation School Bell program, which provides apparel and shoes for thousands of underserved students in Indianapolis. Each student receives a duffel bag that includes a winter jacket, socks, shirts, pants, toothbrush and more. Learn more and donate at alindy.org/operation-school-bell-mailer.html.

Carmel City Councilor Jeff Worrell, left, and Mayor Jim Brainard attend a Sept. 22 ceremony to unveil three sculptures by J. Seward Johnson recently installed in the Arts & Design District. “Shaping Up,” shown here, features a woman jogging and can be found south of 1st Street SW near the Monon Greenway. The other sculptures are “Wine, Food and Thou,” installed in front of Savor restaurant on west Main Street, and “Strolling Professor,” installed in front of Woody’s Library Restaurant on east Main Street. (Photo by Edward Redd)

Conner Prairie celebrates 40 years of Headless Horseman

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Over the past four decades, thousands of people have come to Conner Prairie to be chased by a headless man on a horse — some go every year and bring their families along to share the thrill.

EVENT

The Headless Horseman Festival celebrates 40 years of thrills this year. Senior Manager of PR and Communications Holly Pasquinelli said that represents generations of people coming out to enjoy the annual event.

“We always say it’s central Indiana’s most beloved fall festival and truly it is,” she said. “We welcomed a record-breaking number of guests last year — well over 50,000 people through that time — and we’re really excited because a lot of work goes into this. As soon as it ends, the crew starts planning for the next year.”

Pasquinelli said this year’s event offers the traditions people have come to expect and some new features. One new offering is a special beer by Sun King Brewery called Conner Scary. And although the corn maze isn’t new, it has a new twist.

“The maze is such a big draw every year. It’s been voted in the top-10 corn mazes in America in years past,” she said. “And they go all out. It’s a really fun design. If you’re up in our balloon or you’re flying over, you’ll notice it kind of looks like crop circles and maybe some alien spaceships. That kind of gives away the theme.”

The story told to participants before they enter the maze builds each year on the previous year’s story, she said. And the maze is on the scary side, but there’s an option for the faint at heart.

“We have the scary version where they have scares in there that will jump out, and that one’s a really large maze, and then we have the not-so-scary one that’s smaller and there aren’t any scares in,” Pasquinelli said. “So if you have little ones, I wouldn’t take them to the scary maze but would take them into the smaller portion that doesn’t take as long to go through and it doesn’t have any of the frights along the way.”

The festival also features rides, a bounce house, a barrel train for kids, the scarecrow contest and the Bizarre Bazaar, a mini-museum experience that’s all about the Headless Horseman festival.

“We’re focusing on pulling photos from the past to kind of see his evolution,” she said. “There are also some photos that have been sent for us. We put some requests out on Facebook and social media saying, ‘Hey, send us your photos from the past 40 years of Headless Horseman to put into this museum and to share out.’”

The Headless Horseman part of the festival is a hayride that goes through Prairie Town, the outdoor living-history museum where it’s always 1836. For the festival, though, the village offers a few scares as the hayride comes through.

“They’ll have the headless horseman at the end chasing you through, but you’ll meet some different characters along the way as well, and that can be a little bit scary,” Pasquinelli said. “My suggestion would be if you have little ones, to go in the early hours when it’s still light out. Because obviously when it’s dark out, it can be a little bit scarier when you just hear that horse come running to you, but you don’t see it yet.”

She added that the wagon holds quite a few passengers, and there’s safety in numbers.

Tickets for the Headless Horseman hayride are sold ahead of time, she said, and the ride lasts about 15 minutes. She suggests booking a ride early.

The Headless Horseman Festival is every Thursday through Sunday in October, starting Oct. 5, at Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. For more, visit connerprairie.org/ explore/things-to-do/headless-horseman.

Conner Prairie is celebrating its fourth decade of the Headless Horseman Festival during the month of October. (Photo courtesy of Conner Prairie)

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CARMEL INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL FILLS MAIN STREET

The Carmel International Arts Festival filled the Arts & Design District Sept. 23 and 24, featuring more than 100 artists exhibiting and selling their work in a variety of mediums. The annual event also included live music, food and more.

Artist Stephanie McDairmant of Warsaw applies paint and blows it across the canvas to create the pieces she displayed at the event.

Jerry Mannell of Carmel displays his oil on canvas paintings at the festival.

John Alvarado performs classical guitar music.

Carmel residents Caiqing Mo and Eugene Zhen present a dragon from the Indianapolis Chinese Community Center, Inc.

Rodene Gosselin of Carmel walks past a towering metal sculpture.

Crowds filled Main Street for the two-day festival. (Photos by Adam Seif)

SHARING THE SPORT

Carmel woman’s fundraising efforts bring basketball court to African orphanage

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

Laura Long of Carmel saw her dream of starting a basketball program in the Democratic Republic of Congo come true this summer.

It all began in 2012 when she adopted her son, Crosby, who was a year old at the time, from the DRC. As a physician assistant for Ascension St. Vincent, she had been volunteering in the African nation as a medical evaluator for the Fishers-based Global Orphan Foundation for two years before the adoption.

GOF is passionate about providing orphan care and placing them in loving families, according to the organization. But in 2015, international adoptions were no longer permitted from the DRC, so GOF changed its focus and built an orphanage called Bolingo Village near the capital city of Kinshasa.

Long supported GOF as it built the orphanage but didn’t want her efforts to end there.

“We wanted to give something to the orphanage in honor of our family,” she said. “We couldn’t bring all the kids here that needed a home. Maybe we could bring some activities from Indiana to the Congo.”

So, she envisioned a basketball program. At about the same time, Dikembe Mutombo, a retired NBA player from the DRC, was one of many investors supporting the formation of the Basketball Africa League.

Although the Basketball Africa League isn’t directly involved in the project at Bolingo Village, Long said the timing was perfect.

“They’re trying to make basketball more popular in Africa,” Long said. “So, it just worked out.”

In 2021 and 2022 Long held a fundraiser called Basketball for Bolingo, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Funds went toward building a basketball court at Bolingo Village.

“The first fundraiser, I raised half of the money,” Long said. “It was only enough to build half the court.”

The second fundraiser raised enough to finish the court.

“What makes me so proud of this basketball court was how the people of Carmel came together and showed up to support my vision of sharing the sport of basketball and all the joy it has brought to our family,” Long said.

Carmel resident Steve Edwards said his family helped Long with the fundraiser. He met Long through coaching her son, Brodey, in basketball.

“My entire family grew up in Carmel and basketball has always been part of it,” Edwards said.

In July, Long and her family traveled to Bolingo Village to celebrate the completion of the court. They took basketball equipment to the orphanage and arranged for an on-site basketball clinic. The children of Bolingo Village received jerseys provided by the Carmel Dads’ Club that sport the Indiana Pacers’ logo.

With the basketball court complete, Long plans to continue growing the program. She hopes the children at Bolingo Village can use the court to learn how to play the sport and eventually invite other children to join.

“I would love to take groups of people over there to help run some camps for them,” Long said.

A LOVE FOR THE GAME

Laura Long is a physician assistant at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis. She enjoys celebrating all holidays, running and playing yard games, such as cornhole. She studied biology at Indiana University and studied to become a physician assistant at Butler University.

She’s the mother of two boys, Brodey, 15, and Crosby, 12. Brodey had always been a big basketball fan, which led to Long becoming a fan as well. When Bolingo Village was built, she believed a basketball court would be something special to build in the place where Crosby was born.

The basketball court in a way symbolizes the Long family. It shows their passion for the sport and extends Long’s love to the children of Bolingo Village, introducing them to a new activity they can enjoy playing together.

“I feel very proud that we could make this happen,” Long said. “I’m hopeful that it can grow.”

ON THE COVER: Brodey Long, left, with children at Bolingo Village on the basketball court recently installed at the orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Photo courtesy of Laura Long)

From left, Crosby, Brodey and Laura Long in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Photo courtesy of Laura Long)

Children at the Bolingo Village orphanage take turns shooting baskets on the new court. (Photo courtesy of Laura Long)

Carmel couple’s new shop aims to beautify, build community

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

What started as an idea in 2018 for Christy and Joel Kempson gained steam during the pandemic shutdowns in 2020 and came to fruition in mid-June on 10 acres the couple already owned at 3200 Sheridan Rd. in Noblesville.

come as a “third place.” You have your home and your work, but where is that “third place” where you can build relationships and meet with people? We have seen some really cool (connections) happen so far.

What has the community response been to the business concept?

NOW OPEN

Originally envisioned as a nursery and garden store, the concept grew to include a coffee shop, home decor retail offerings, gathering spaces, walking trails, dog park and more.

Providence Home + Garden Center launched with approximately half of the envisioned features available. The shop plans to hold a grand opening celebration Oct. 28, with the final amenities — including the walking trails with nature play areas and dog park — set for completion in 2024.

The center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays. The cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with homestore hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at providencehomegarden.com or by emailing info@providencehomegarden.com.

Christy Kempson, a mother of three who previously worked as a nurse and decorated homes for sale, answered the following questions about the new business. Beyond your family’s background in landscaping and home decor, what inspired the creation of Providence Home + Garden Center?

We love going places where our kids can do their own

thing and we can relax. So, we started dreaming up this place that would fit your typical family. (There is) something for the dad to do, and something for the mom to do and something for the kids, where everyone could find their little thing and it felt comfortable.

One of your goals is to offer a space where people can build community. What do you mean by that? We wanted people to feel like they have a place they can

It’s been incredible. It’s been amazing. There are definitely things we still need to figure out, but for the most part (the community has) been so grateful that we made a space like this. They say it’s so nice to have something on this side of town, because most everything is in downtown Noblesville.

Why did you expand and renovate an existing house on the site to serve as the main building for the business rather than construct something new?

We want a place where people can feel peaceful, at rest and comfortable. That’s why we structured the store to be set up like a home. We wanted it to feel like you are coming home, in a place that was organized yet inspiring, bringing beauty and creativity back.

Is there anything else you want the community to know?

A lot of small businesses in Noblesville have been crazy supportive. They want to cheer you on and share about you, and that’s been so humbling. I went in thinking we’re in this on our own, and it’s not been the case at all. That’s been a very humbling feeling, and it makes you want to support other people, too.

Christy Kempson co-owns Providence Home + Garden Center. The shop is still building out its nursery area and will offer expanded garden offerings in 2024. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

SMC Corp. president to speak at Eggs & Issues

news@currentincarmel.com

OneZone has announced that Kelley Stacy, president and CEO of SMC Corp. of America, will be the October Eggs & Issues presenter.

has developed a strong reputation for innovation and customer development globally throughout her 30-year career.

PRESENTATION

The Eggs & Issues breakfast event will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Oct. 13 at the FORUM Events Center.

SMC Corp. of America is in Noblesville and is a subsidiary of SMC Corp. in Japan. The company is a comprehensive manufacturer of components for the automation, controls and process industries, according to the OneZone announcement. As Noblesville’s largest private employer, SMC develops eco-friendly automation products.

“In her role, Stacy sets the strategic direction of the company, promotes SMC’s employee-driven culture and ensures the sustainable growth and value of SMC’s diverse portfolio of products,” the announcement stated. “Under her leadership, SMC has achieved both record sales and the distinction of a Best Managed Company by the Wall Street Journal and Deloitte.”

According to the announcement, Stacy

“She strives to cultivate an environment of excellence by investing in the long-term success of employees, customers and industry trendsetters in order to promote the continued progress of SMC,” the announcement stated.

Attendees will hear Stacy discuss the impacts of sustainability, projects that SMC Corporation of America has launched and ways to collectively leverage the power of businesses to advocate for sustainable practices and incentives throughout the county and state.

The program will be moderated by Jack Russell, president of OneZone and Northern Hamilton County Chamber.

“SMC has always been an industry leader and their work around sustainability is another example of the impact they make to our county, state and around the world,” Russell stated. “We are excited to welcome Kelley Stacy to share with our members the incredible work her team does each and every day.”

For more, visit onezonechamber.com.

DISPATCHES

OneZone retirement — Patty Steffen has announced her retirement from OneZone after 16 years. She worked for the Carmel Chamber of Commerce before it merged with the Fishers Chamber of Commerce in 2015, becoming OneZone. Steffen worked as the director of investor relations.

Pickle on Penn hires — Pickle On Penn, a new pickleball-focused country club set to open later this year, announced the addition of Ryan Atkinson as general manager and director of pickleball and Ryan Sunderland as head chef. Atkinson comes to POP from Broadmoor Country Club. Sunderland helped transform several restaurants before most recently launching Social Cantina at Midtown in Carmel.

Synergize ownership changes — Shaun and Tiffany Goodyear, founders of Indy Facets Private Jeweler, have become part owners of Synergize, a Carmel-based so-

cial-professional organization. The Goodyears have been members of Synergize since late 2021. Indy Facets Private Jeweler has been a corporate sponsor of the organization since mid-2022. Those wanting to learn more about recent changes to the organization are invited to The Synergize Experience, a free event set for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at Bar Louie, 1111 W. Main St., Suite 140, in Carmel. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Franchise Rock Star — Joe Sunderman, a Penn Station East Coast Subs multi-unit franchise owner, was recently named a 2023 Franchise Rock Star. Penn Station honored Sunderman, who owns the restaurant in Carmel, in the Millennial category in Franchise Business Review’s annual Rock Star awards. The award highlights Sunderman’s leadership, business sense and commitment to community engagement.

Stacy

Brain Bolt 5K set for Oct. 7

By Shelly Gattlieb news@currentincarmel.com

Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine will present the eighth annual Brain Bolt 5K Oct. 7, with the course starting at the gazebo at Carmel Civic Square.

FUNDRAISER

Proceeds support treatment and care for patients with spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. In addition to the 5K, there will be a survivor’s course, which is approximately 1 mile in length.

The event will also include music, children’s activities and food trucks on the gazebo lawn. In addition, an interactive inflatable MEGA brain exhibit will be on display. Guests may walk through the exhibit and learn about neurological injury prevention from regional trauma specialists.

Dr. Richard Rodgers is a neurosurgeon at GCBS and looks forward to the event each year.

“If you actually attend the event, you realize it’s a day for anyone who is involved with Goodman Campbell but also for all of our survivors and their families to have a great morning and a fun get together, and it’s a great way for us to honor our survivors,” he said.

This year’s featured patient is Dylan St. Clair, who looks forward to meeting others at the event who can relate to his experience.

“I feel for others that are in my shoes or had very similar circumstances, whether it be brain injury or brain illness, so I have respect for others who are recovering from that,” St. Clair said. “I also majorly have respect for Goodman Campbell for being willing to do the studies they do and work

on patients like myself who needed to stay alive.”

Rodgers said the event is an opportunity for medical professionals to connect with patients outside the office.

“It’s nice for us to see them back and see how they’re doing and to give them a place where they can showcase their recovery but also a time for us to help honor them,” he said. “It helps at least to bring some level of awareness that patients with injuries like this are out there and can return to meaningful activities and be a part of the community.”

Those interested in participating should register in advance. Registration includes a T-shirt, bib, medal and race bag with additional items. Registration fees are $35 per person. Booths will open at 9 a.m., with the opening ceremony at 9:45 a.m. and the race beginning at 10 a.m.

To learn more or register to participate or volunteer visit goodmancampbell.com/ about/brain-bolt-5k.

DISPATCHES

Vaccines available — Kroger Health is offering vaccinations for flu, RSV and COVID-19 at Kroger grocery and Little Clinic locations, including in Carmel at 1217 S. Range Line Rd. and 10679 N. Michigan Rd. While customers can choose to walk-in to receive vaccines, they are also welcome to make an appointment. To learn more or to make an appointment, visit kroger.com/ vaccinations.

Ben’s Ranch Foundation receives grant — Carmel-based Ben’s Ranch Foundation has received a grant of $97,660 from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish schoolbased programs, expand small group pro-

gramming and serve more Central Indiana teens struggling with mental health. Ben’s Ranch Foundation operates and supports programs designed to connect teens who have mental health challenges to jobs on farms and at stables and equine therapy facilities.

Blue Hope Bash – The Blue Hope Bash is set for 6 p.m. Nov. 4 at Ritz Charles, 12156 N. Meridian St. in Carmel. The fundraiser for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance will include a cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment and dancing. Learn more and purchase tickets at bit.ly/3rxOQti.

Runners compete in a previous Brain Bolt 5K. (Photo courtesy of Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine)

READERS’ VIEWS

Importance of the operating referendum

The upcoming operating referendum impacts every Carmel resident, whether you currently have children attending our schools. It pertains to the heart of what makes Carmel exceptional: the commitment to excellence in education.

First, let’s start with the fact that the operating referendum rate is not changing. The 19 cents per $100 of assessed value is not a new tax or an increase. It’s a continuation of the support that has fostered our growth and success since the operating referendum first passed in 2010. Your vote ensures we can maintain the high standards of education that have become synonymous with Carmel Clay Schools.

The community support for our kids is undeniable. Two things keep me up at night, however. One is the complexity of the ballot question. To some, it could appear the tax rate has increased or is new. Please visit our website to better understand the ques-

tion before voting.

The second culprit in my sleepless nights is the fear of apathy. There are some scary stats on voter participation. Don’t assume others have it covered. Those who are against things always vote! So please support CCS on or before Nov. 7.

Lastly, please reflect on the broader implications of this referendum. It gives our dedicated educators the tools and support needed to continue their invaluable work. As the nation faces a critical teacher shortage, we must sustain the current level of funding to recruit and retain the best educators for our students.

Let us stand as a united community in support of our children. By doing so, we ensure that Carmel Clay Schools remains a beacon of educational excellence and a place that instills pride in us all.

Michael Beresford, superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools

Value person over party in general election

Editor,

I’m a lifelong Republican-leaning voter who has never pulled the “straight ticket” voting lever. I value the person over the party.

Republicans Sue Finkam for mayor and Jeff Worrell for councilor-at-large have earned my support for the Carmel Nov. 7 general election, but I’ll be voting for Democrat Jeremy Eltz rather than Republican Adam Aasen for the Southeast District city council seat.

When I speak to a potential district councilor, I want them to look me in the eye and

pay attention to what I’m saying. I want them to engage with me. That was not my experience with the Republican candidate. Jeremy Eltz actively listened to my community concerns. Jeremy’s a family man and Ph.D. educator who wants to represent all people across the political spectrum in the Southeast District.

I hope my Republican friends in the Southeast District will consider putting the person over the party when they vote in the upcoming general election.

Mike Kuhfeld, Carmel Editor,

Thanks to BMV for supporting registry

Do you have a heart on your driver’s license?

Then you’re among 4.3 million Hoosiers registered to be organ donors — 99 percent of you made your decision while conducting a transaction with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Donate Life Indiana has a longstanding relationship with the Indiana BMV and is grateful for everything BMV employees do to save Hoosier lives by asking one simple question, “Would you like to be an organ donor?”

For eight straight years, Indiana’s donor

registry has grown and the Indiana BMV has helped drive that growth. We are incredibly thankful for our longstanding relationship with the Indiana BMV. All Hoosiers should be, too.

More than 105,000 Americans are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Tragically, 17 people in the U.S. die each day waiting. More registered donors are needed to end the wait. If you’re not registered to be an organ donor, please consider saying “yes” the next time you’re doing business with the BMV.

Tim Clauson, chair, Donate Life Indiana

A false ‘profit’ narrative?

Commentary by Terry Anker

From the early days of the pandemic, we came to appreciate those of us working while others stayed home. This fine world would become a very different place if the infamous toilet paper shortage had lasted for years instead of months. But so many, from farmers to shelf stockers, and everyone in between, produced, manufactured, delivered and retailed the necessary rolls so that we all could remain in comfort.

quality in ways that would have been unacceptable just a few years ago. Have our expectations been lowered along with the value presented?

ESSAY

On the positive side, the echo of all that we endured in 2020 through today is that we continue to express gratitude to those who do show up. There is a bit more grace for slow service, failed delivery and missed deliverables. Shouldn’t our frustration be aimed at those refusing to get off their couch to work or businesses exploiting a false narrative to profit?

On the negative side, we find ourselves routinely confronted with limited or no customer service. Capacity used to mean available tables — now it means available staffing. We tolerate long lines and poor

Even so, what should we anticipate? Can a server be held to account for an understaffed kitchen? Can an airline employee be blamed for the attributes of the airport staff — or vice versa? What is the role of the parent for inferior educators? Of educators for down-market parents? If no one is responsible, our current system will fail to function. Yet, if we criticize too much, who will remain to fill the roles? Is it too easy to avoid obligation? Hiding is a pernicious but effective way to deflect the incumbent discomfort of labor. Working is not always easy, but still, we must hold ourselves accountable to deliver our best effort.

OK, so I skipped school

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Friends, I did something the other day that is a tad unusual for me. I took an afternoon off! And I am so glad I did. Let’s examine.

decision to pull the trigger on a last-minute self-care moment, but if I’ve learned anything in my half-century of living, it’s that occasionally I must put myself first. YOLO, right?

HUMOR

This time of the year for teachers can be tough. We’re well into the grind, knee-deep in grading, and the nearest break is still weeks away. But we can’t really afford to miss school. Most of us are barely keeping our heads above water, and a sick child, or god forbid, COVID-19, could send us straight to the deadly depths of the academic Pacific. You may think I’m exaggerating here but ask any educator and they’ll tell you they’d much rather come to school with acute projectile vomiting than make extensive sub plans — only to learn there are no substitutes and that their students have been sent to study hall. Talk about falling behind and drowning. “Just put a trash can near my desk. I’ll be fine!”

All this is to say that it wasn’t an easy

– DANIELLE WILSON

And, dear readers, it was magical. I actually did schoolwork, but something about the comfort of my kitchen table, sipping coffee and the dog at my feet, made it enjoyable. I was able to ignore the guilt and embrace the quiet. Those few hours helped me regain perspective and get my head right again.

Will I be taking “me-time” again soon? No. One must ration PDs like water in a desert. Still, I’m glad I did.

Peace out.

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

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

“Ask any educator and they’ll tell you they’d much rather come to school with acute projectile vomiting than make extensive sub plans — only to learn there are no substitutes.”

What kind of clown buys pie insurance?

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

This ad was online the other day. I am not making this up.

HUMOR

“As a clown, you help people celebrate special occasions, making sure everyone has a laugh. Your work is a business, and like any business, there are things that can go wrong. To protect yourself from professional risks, please let us help you with a clown liability policy.”

Word was that this warning saddened many clowns. But it was hard to tell because many clowns already have sad painted on their faces. When I was voted class clown in my senior year of high school, nothing went wrong. I certainly never hurt anyone, and I can assure you that no one died of laughter.

Clowns International, an organization dedicated to the clown profession, is recommending to all their clown members that they sign up for what has now been coined Pie Insurance. While no one has ever sued a clown for getting hit by a pie, it’s just a matter of time before some nut case who is allergic to pecans slaps a clown with a tort. Or is that a tart?

If a clown did get sued, what’s the most a judge would throw at him? Another pie? How about community service? I’m sorry, community service for a clown is not punishment. That’s what they do. They make people in the community laugh.

“Bozo, you have been found guilty of throwing a high-cholesterol projectile. I sentence you to three months of not making people laugh. And wipe that smile off your face.”

“OK, your honor, but I need some tissues and cold cream.”

Several years ago, a good friend got me interested in clowning. I took a few classes

and acquired a complete wardrobe and instructions on how to prepare for my first few appearances. My wife and I had a total role reversal. One night before my personal appearance at a charity event, she came in the bathroom and said, “Dick, you are going to be late.”

“Don’t rush me, Mary Ellen. You know how long it takes me to put on makeup. Do you think I just wake up every morning looking funny? Don’t answer that.”

“You were late for your last event, as well.”

“I forgot to allow extra time for walking in clown feet.”

Now, suppose I was sued for doing some harm as a clown.  I can hear the judge now: “Mr. Wolfsie, this is a serious offense. And as an officer of the court, I forbid you from squirting any more water in my face. The jury doesn’t like it, either. And you missed juror No. 6.”

For you aspiring lawyers, there is a great deal of potential work out there. You might not think so but watch a little cable news and you’ll see just how many clowns you could represent.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given oncemonthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

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

“When I was voted class clown in my senior year of high school, nothing went wrong. I certainly never hurt anyone, and I can assure you that no one died of laughter.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Heartland set for premiere of ‘Art & Soul’ documentary on Nancy Noel

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Following Zionsville artist Nancy Noel’s death in 2020, her son Alex Kosene and Sami Mustaklem made a Celebration of Life short film for the Indianapolis Children’s Museum in 2021.

Geist resident and film producer Amy Pauszek suggested it be made into a full documentary.

“She was instrumental in getting it going,” said Kosene, who is the director. “I thought it was going to take me a while to do all the necessary things. Amy said we should do this now. It put us on a different timeline. Through her social media, it showed there was an appetite for it.”

“Art & Soul: A Portrait of Nancy Noel” will have its premiere in the Heartland International Film Festival at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at The Toby at Newfields in Indianapolis. There will be additional screenings at 7:45 p.m. Oct. 12 and 4:45 p.m. Oct. 13 at Emagine Noblesville.

Kosene, who grew up in Zionsville, and business partner Sami Mustaklem took about eight months to create the documentary.

“We had a blueprint from the short film for the Children’s Museum,” said Mustaklem, the film’s editor and a producer. “One of the benefits of what Alex and I do is we always have to work fast. With this project, we knew the story we wanted to tell. Obviously, very few people knew Nancy like Alex does.”

Mustaklem was still putting the finishing touches on the film last month.

“We wanted this to be the perfect tribute to Nancy Noel,” Mustaklem said.

The film features interviews with people from around the area.

“There’s quite a bit of an interview I was able to do with her shortly before she passed,” Kosene said. “That is a lot of what you are hearing when you hear Nancy’s voice in the film.”

Kosene said he conducted a three-hour interview on a day she was feeling a bit better.

“Mother was in her usual form of straightforward and honest,” Kosene said. “We had a great conversation. Even though she gave a lot of interviews over the years to news outlets or podcasts, it wasn’t the same as having a frank conversation with my own mother. I was asking her unique questions that others maybe didn’t know her well enough to ask.

She was more candid with me, even more than interviewers that she had known for a long time. It was a unique interview and adds a unique dimension to the film.”

Noel died after a two-year battle with cancer at the age of 74 at her Zionsville home.

“Her story of her becoming N.A. Noel from childhood to well-known artist is shown here more interestingly than it had been about Nancy before,” Kosene said. “It shows her journey in a unique way with a lot of images that might not have been seen before.”

The documentary also examines how Noel approached her artwork. She created more than 1,000 original works, sold millions of prints, published eight books and established Noel Studio.

“You’re going to get to see more intimate things from her personal life you’ve never seen before,” Kosene said. “But the focus is really Nancy’s relationship with her work and the artistic legacy she left.”

Kosene said Mustaklem, who grew up in Indianapolis, is the perfect person to edit because he knew Noel well. Noel enjoyed dining at Mustaklem’s parents’ Zionsville restaurant, Zorba’s, which has since closed.

“You have to know what Nancy would have approved of and what she would like and what’s true and not true,” Kosene said.

Pauszek is the film’s producer and executive producer.

“This story is important because Nancy Noel touched so many people locally and globally,” she said. “She was real. Saying no to her ideas or adventures was not an option, but mostly this is special because my parents gifted me an original (Noel) painting of an angel boy after my best friend Joe died a tragic death over 10 years ago. Her painting reminds me that my friend is still present in my life when I hear a song or pass an arts event we experienced together. Her work touches the soul.”

‘GRUMPY OLD MEN’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Oct. 5 to Nov. 19 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘THE PROM’

Civic Theatre’s production of “The Prom” is set for Oct. 6-21 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS

The Righteous Brothers will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

MASTERWORKS 1

Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s first Masterworks concert of the 2023-24 season is set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. For more, carmelsymphony.org.

‘REIMAGINING

OLD FAVORITES’

Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Reimagining Old Favorites” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

‘AS YOU LIKE IT’

Mud Creek Players’ production of “As You Like It,” in partnership with Indy Bard Fest, is set for Oct. 6-15 at Mud Creek Barn Theater in Indianapolis. For more, visit mudcreekplayers.org.

DISPATCH

Indy Opera Ball set — “Indianapolis Opera Ball: Celebración de España!” Is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis. The fundraiser will be a celebration of music, opera, art, and in the spirit of the upcoming production of “Carmen,” set for Nov. 10-12 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel there will be Spanish cuisine, live music and flamenco dancing. There also will be a specialty silent auction and casino games. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Alex Kosene on the documentary set. (Photo courtesy of Amy Pauszek)

A poster for “Art & Soul: A Portrait of Nancy Noel” (Photo courtesy of Amy Pauszek)

NIGHT & DAY

NHS student returns to ‘Joseph’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Kate Boice îs returning to one of her favorite shows at the same venue.

PUZZLE ANSWERS SPONSORED BY SHEPHERD INSURANCE

The Noblesville High School sophomore and Avon resident Eli Neal are the choir captains for all the performances of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s presentation of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which is set for Oct. 5 to Nov. 19. She appeared in the same show at Beef & Boards in 2017.

MUSICAL

“Being in ‘Joseph’ for the first time was absolutely magical,” Boice said. “My sister (Ali) and I were in it together, and we were in awe of the entire production. I always loved the movie growing up and would watch my favorite songs over and over on repeat. The costumes, choreography and music are like a never-ending dance party. I am honored and thrilled to be a part of this show again and get to be in the whole run.”

Boice said she is excited to be a part of one of her favorite numbers, “Song of the King,” as a cow alongside the adults.

“As choir captain, I ensure the children in the choir make it onstage and in their spots on time and ready for their cues,” Boice said. “I am available to answer their questions, offer encouragement and help them with any challenges. I enjoy working with kids and watching them gain a love for theater and grow.”

Boice played Jane Banks in Beef & Boards’ production of “Mary Poppins” in 2022.

“The cast was so kind, encouraging and versatile,” she said. “It was truly a dream come true. I absolutely love working with the directing and production team, crew and talented actors. To add on, one of my favorite aspects of the Beef & Boards stage is how interactive it is. The closeness of the stage to the audience allows the actors to make deep connections with the audience and fellow castmates. I feel so grateful to be in a professional atmosphere where I feel valued and can grow myself both as an actor and as a person. It is one of the most supportive environments where everyone is kind, encouraging and hardworking.”

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Fish: BASS, CARP, COD, PERCH, PIKE, TROUT; Cars: CHEVROLET, GMC, HONDA, SUBARU, TOYOTA; Countries: FRANCE, GREECE, ITALY, SPAIN; Flavors: JAVA CHIP, MINT, TOFFEE CRUNCH; Musi-

MUSIC BY MATTHEW SKLAR

BOOK BY BOB MARTIN & CHAD BEGUELIN

LYRICS BY CHAD BEGUELIN

Wind Chamber concert set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

“Reimagining Old Favorites” is the theme for the Indiana Wind Symphony’s Wind Chamber’s first concert of the 2023-24 season.

MUSIC

The concert features Adam Gorb’s “French Dances Revisited,” which the IWS helped commission in 2004 and presented in 2005.

IWS Music Director Charles Conrad said Gorb reimagined the music when he wrote it.

“We’re reimagining it 18 years later, seeing if we can find anything new or different about it,” Conrad said.

The IWS concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“French Dances Revisited” is from music written in France in the 1600s and 1700s.

“But it’s completely reworked in an early 21st-century style,” Conrad said.

Another piece will be “and the swallow” by Caroline Shaw, which Conrad said was

originally a vocal piece.

“In the last couple of years, (Shaw) has really come to prominence as a contemporary American female composer who is doing a lot of good things,” Conrad said. “It’s a slow, soft piece. It’s very calm with nice melodies.”

Conrad said another significant piece of the concert is “Folk Suite No. 2” by William Grant Still, a Black composer who died in 1978.

Conrad

“It primarily features harp, which you don’t usually hear in a Wind Chamber concert,” Conrad said.

The entire second half of the performance will feature “Sinfonietta” by Joachim Raff, who was a mid-19th century composer.

“He was kind of a second-tier composer, but he wrote a couple of outstanding works,” Conrad said. “This is one of the top Wind Chamber pieces that was written in the 19th century and it’s a big-four movement, full half-concert piece, and we just love playing it. This will be the second time we’ve played it as well.”

Elite pianist to make CSO debut

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Janna Hymes has been eager for Gabriela Martinez to share the stage with the orchestra.

CONCERT

“I have not worked with Gabriela before, but she has been on my radar for quite some time now,” Hymes said. “She is playing one of Mozart’s most beautiful piano concertos.”

Martinez will be the guest artist for CSO’s 2023-24 season opener with Masterworks 1 at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“I love the ‘Mozart Piano Concerto No. 20’ and am thrilled to be bringing it to life (with the CSO),” Martinez said. “It was the first concerto Mozart wrote in a minor key, so it is full of pathos and dramatic, striking feeling. It begins with a stormy first movement full of urgency. It is followed by the second movement — a romance which truly feels like the respite after the storm. It has a sublime melody which really showcases Mozart’s lyrical genius. The third movement is a wonderful rondo which continues to explore the push and pull of conflicting

modalities, but it ultimately ends in a triumphant major key, symbolizing the triumph of lightness over darkness.”

The CSO’s opening piece is “Take Me Home Clouds, Take Me Home” by Caroline KyungA Ahn.

“She is extremely talented and someone I have wanted to bring to our audience since I heard of her a few years ago,” Hymes said. “The piece is brilliant and brings together her thoughts of family, community as well as anxiety about flying. Caroline is a dedicated mother and wife, as well as an accomplished academic, serving as artistic director at Anderson University. The piece is thrilling and a wonderful opening to our season.”

For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

BASED ON AN ORIGINAL CONCEPT BY JACK VIERTEL

Pianist Gabriela Martinez will perform with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. (Photo courtesy of Gabriela Martinez)

NIGHT & DAY

Gala raises more than $550,000

editorial@youarecurrent.com

Highlighted by a headlining set by singer-songwriter Amy Grant, the annual Center Celebration

FUNDRAISER

2023 presented by Ice Miller raised more than $585,000 to support the mission of the Center for the Performing Arts.

The Palladium concert hall was transformed into an elegant ballroom for the Sept. 23 occasion, which included guests such as Gov. Eric Holcomb and first lady Janet Holcomb. After the First Merchants Bank Red Carpet Arrival and Cocktail Reception, attendees were seated for dinner and welcomed with a brief performance by Michael Feinstein, the Center’s artistic director.

A live auction featured five packages, including luxury getaways and NFL experienc-

es. In total, including proceeds from table reservations, partnerships, direct donations and a raffle, the event raised $585,199 in support of the Center’s arts and educational programming, which includes main stage performances by national and international artists, children’s concerts and camps, vocal and instrumental music classes, visiting speakers and reading clubs.

“We receive such wonderful ongoing support from our patrons, donors and corporate partners, but it’s especially gratifying to bring them all together once a year to celebrate and advance our mission,” Center President/CEO Jeffrey C. McDermott stated.

The Center Celebration 2024 is set for Sept. 21 at the Palladium and will feature a performance by Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and composer Chris Botti. Information and table reservations are available now at thecenterpresents.org/gala.

DISPATCH

Tribute to Tony Bennett set — Don Farrell and the Terry Woods Jazz Quartet will present a “Because of You … A Tony Bennett Tribute” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Farrell and Woods will follow with a tribute to Neil Diamond at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at Feinstein’s. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

Put some ‘mussel’ into your

Commentary by Mark LaFay

I recently had the pleasure of spending a few days with some good friends celebrating the impending nuptials of one of our good friends. We spent two days in Illinois doing a bit of fishing and cooking. We cooked over wood on Friday night, making pizzas in a pizza oven (crust recipe to come soon). We also made mussels that were out of this world and worth sharing!

FOOD

Mussels are a great meal. I enjoy them particularly in the cool and cold months, mainly because I like to cook over fire or hot coals and not sweat buckets. Get a nice hot bed of coals going, preferably with hard wood, and while your fire is burning down to hot embers, follow this recipe:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1-2 pounds of mussels

• 1 bulb fennel (you will use half a cup of dice)

• 2 large shallots

• 1 bulb garlic

• 1 16 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes

• 1 lemon

• 1 cup dry white wine

• 12 oz. dry Spanish style chorizo

DIRECTIONS:

Go through your mussels and remove any that are open. Remove beards (this is seaweed, kelp, etc. that the mussel clamped down on). Medium-dice fennel and chorizo. Set aside, peel and finely dice shallot and half of the bulb of garlic. Place all diced ingredients into large cast iron pan and place over the coals. Cook until chorizo has rendered a bit of fat and is slightly brown. You also want the fennel, shallot and garlic cooked down but not brown. Deglaze with white wine, add tomatoes (juice and all), allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Squeeze in your lemon, add 1-2 pounds of mussels. Allow to simmer until all the mussels are wide open and steaming. Serve with crispy bread for dipping in the sauce. Enjoy!

CAROLINE & MICHAEL GARVEY

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4201 Millersville Rd., Suite 19, Indianapolis

Commentary by Larry Greene

Blueprint for Improvement: Spa-inspired bathroom in Geist After

The primary bathroom in this Geist home in Indianapolis, built in 1992, was stuck in the past and ready for a revamp. We helped our clients bring their vision to life, creating a sleek and modern oasis.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Goodbye glass block! The new zero-entry shower features a sleek, frameless glass enclosure that gives the room a modern feel and allows light to permeate the space.

• A freestanding soaking tub adds a touch of luxury while freeing up floor space that was once dominated by a deck-style tub.

• Marble tile in a leaf motif on the vanity wall adds texture and movement to the neutral palette, offset by deep wood tones of the cabinetry.

• Rectangular LED integrated mirrors flank the vanity helping balance the curved design in the accent tile and tub.

Carmel Clay Public Library presents

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CITY OF CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2023-00236 V

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer will conduct a meeting on the 23rd day of October, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at the Carmel City Hall, Council Chambers, 2nd Floor Caucus Room, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, to hold a Public Hearing regarding an application identified by Docket Number PZ-2023-00236 V (“Request”). The property that is the subject of the Request is located at 518 Almond Creek Drive, Carmel, IN (Jackson’s Grant on Williams Creek Subdivision, Lot 330) and per the Office of the Auditor of Hamilton County, Indiana, has a Tax Parcel Identification Number of 17-09-34-00-17-013.000 (collectively, the “Real Estate”).

The Real Estate is zoned per the Silvera PUD, Ordinance No. Z-553-11, including any applicable amendments thereto, including Z-652-20, the Estates/Northvale planning area and the Applicant is seeking the below described development standards variance in order to construct a custom residential home on the Real Estate that will include a swimming pool and pool deck.

1. Silvera PUD, Section 5.2 and UDO Section 5.02 (C) (7) (a) Private Swimming Pool Minimum Rear Yard Setback – Minimum rear yard setback for swimming pool/pool deck to be 3’ from any Easement; requesting rear yard setback for swimming pool/pool deck to be 0’ from an Easement. The Petition may be examined at the Carmel City Hall or via the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laser Fische.

A live virtual workshop

Thursday, October 12 | 7–8:30pm

Uncover the secrets of choosing and getting into your dream college, tips for getting more merit scholarships, and what to know before going to college.

Presented in partnership with Exclusive Private Tutoring

Get more details and register at carmelclaylibrary.org/events .

All interested persons desiring to present their views on the proposal, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Written comments filed with the Department of Community Services prior to or at the Public Hearing will be considered, and oral comments will be heard at the Public Hearing. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time as may be found necessary.

CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA

Joe Shestak, Secretary, City of Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer

Carmel City Hall

One Civic Square

Carmel, IN 46032

Phone: (317) 571-2417

Email: jshestak@carmel.in.gov

ATTORNEY FOR APPLICANT PAUL AND AMANDA HANNA

Jim Shinaver, Attorney

Jon Dobosiewicz, Professional Land Planner

Nelson & Frankenberger, LLC

550 Congressional Blvd., Suite 210

Carmel, IN 46032

Phone: (317) 844-0106

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

Docket No. PZ-2023-00205

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 23rd day of October, 2023 at 5 p.m. in the City Hall Caucus Rooms,1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr, Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Wanting to add a covered porch with landscaping. Minimum 20 feet rear yard building setback allowed, 15 feet is being requested.

With the property being known as 1009 Domino Dr. Carmel, IN 46032.

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2023-00205.

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: 1009 Domino Dr. Jackson’s Grant on Williams Creek Subdivision, Lot 145

The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche.

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

Adam Garvey PETITIONERS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

HEARING OFFICER

Docket No. PZ-2023-00222 V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 23 day of October, 2023 at 5 p.m. in the City Hall Caucus Rooms, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032 will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:

UDO Section 2.08, minimum 10’ side yard building setback allowed, 7’ requested.

With the property being known as 877 Bridle Ct. Carmel, IN 46032.

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2023-00222 V

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Hunter’s Creek Village Subdivision, Lot 42 and is zoned R1/Residence. Parcel No. 17-09-24-01-01-042.000

The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.

Stephen S. and Sarah M. Greenberg, owners. PETITIONERS

Notice of Self Storage Sale

Please take notice Prime Storage - Fishers Ford Dr. located at 12650 Ford Dr., Fishers, IN 46038 intends to hold a sale to sell the property stored at the Facility by the below list of Occupants whom are in default at a Auction. The sale will occur or otherwise disposed as an online auction via www. storagetreasures.com on 10/18/2023 at 12:00pm. Rahmel Freeman units #884 & #942. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details.

Notice of Self Storage Sale

Please take notice Prime Storage - Fishers Britton Park Rd. located at 13323 Britton Park Rd., Fishers, IN 46038 intends to hold a sale to sell the property stored at the Facility by the below list of Occupant who is in default at an Auction. The sale will occur or otherwise disposed as an online auction via www.storagetreasures.com on 10/18/2023 at 12:00PM. Gary Childers units #G32 & #O5; Nicole Broderick unit #J78. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details.

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

Docket No. PZ-2023-00226V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 23rd day of October, 2023 at 5 p.m. in the City Hall Caucus Rooms, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:

Construct an accessory building which exceeds the maximum 18-foot requirement to a requested maximum of 23-feet (UDO. Section 2.03) in the S1/Residence Zoning District.

With the property being known as 11120 Queens Way Circle Carmel, IN 46032.

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2023-00226V

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Lot Numbered 3 in Queen’s Manor, Section One.

The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.

Jeremiah & Nessa Hamman, PETITIONERS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY OF CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (CITY CENTER EXPANSION)

Notice is hereby given that the City of Carmel Redevelopment Commission (the “Commission”), being the governing body of the City of Carmel Department of Redevelopment (the “Department”), on April 11, 2023, adopted a Resolution (the “Declaratory Resolution”) making certain amendments to (i) the previously established Carmel Downtown Economic Development Area (the “Carmel Downtown EDA”) and the Carmel Downtown Allocation Area No. 1, and (ii) the previously established City Center Redevelopment Area (the “Redevelopment Area”). The Declaratory Resolution (i) amends the Carmel Downtown EDA by removing certain area from the Carmel Downtown EDA and the Carmel Downtown Allocation Area No. 1, (ii) adds the area so removed from the Carmel Downtown EDA and the Carmel Downtown Allocation Area No. 1 to be part of the Redevelopment Area (such addition, the “2023 Expansion Area”), (iii) designates the 2023 Expansion Area as a redevelopment area within the meaning of Indiana Code 36-7-14, and (iv) approves a redevelopment development plan for the 2023 Expansion Area (the “Plan”).

The Commission will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. (Indianapolis time), in the Council Chambers of the Carmel City Hall, located at One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana, to receive and hear remonstrances and objections from all persons interested in or affected by the proceedings pertaining to the proposed projects for the Redevelopment Area and other actions to be taken under the Declaratory Resolution. The Commission will determine the public utility and the benefit of the proposed projects and other actions to be taken under the Declaratory Resolution.

Maps and plats have been prepared and, along with the Plan, can be inspected at the office of the Department, located at 580 Veterans Way, Suite 100, Carmel, Indiana 46032. CITY OF CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

Going aboard presidential planes

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing visits to places within easy driving distance of Indianapolis, we make the first of three stops at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, on the grounds of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. The museum, which began in 1923 as an engineering study collection, is now the world’s largest military aviation museum. More than 350 airplanes and missiles and thousands of related artifacts are displayed in four connected hangars, providing 19 acres of indoor exhibit space.

TRAVEL

The William E. Boeing Presidential Gallery, one of the museum’s most popular exhibits, features 10 airplanes used by American presidents, four of which visitors can walk through. A Douglas VC-54C Skymaster, nicknamed “Sacred Cow,” was built for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the first president to fly while in office. It included an elevator enabling Roosevelt to enter in his wheelchair. Roosevelt used the plane only once before he died, going to and from the Yalta Conference in February 1945. Pres-

ident Harry Truman then used the Sacred Cow until he received a modified Douglas DC-6, which he named “Independence” in honor of Independence, Mo., his hometown. A Lockheed VC-121E was built for President Dwight Eisenhower, who named it “Columbine” after the state flower of Colorado in honor of his wife, Mamie. A Boeing VC-137C, named “Air Force One” when the president was on board, was first used by President John F. Kennedy and painted as specified by his wife, Jacqueline. Lyndon Johnson was sworn into office on the plane after Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas. A plaque near the front of the plane explains where Kennedy’s body was placed for its return to Washington. The plane was subsequently used by Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton before being retired in 1998 after 36 years of service.

The airplane Sacred Cow, used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The airplane Independence, used by President Harry Truman. (Photos by Don Knebel)

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

Across

1. Miss Indiana accessory

5. Handle 10. IU grad

14. Tiny particle

15. “Grrr!”

16. In ___ straits

17. Kind of code

18. End

19. Floral neckwear

20. Indiana bird

22. Indiana bird

23. Slager of the Indiana House 24. Elderly

38. Glass squares

39. Dixie pronoun

40. How titles may be written

42. Indiana bird

43. IND org.

44. Indiana bird

45. Writer Rand

46. Dole (out)

47. Tall tale

48. Texter’s “I think”

31. Run in neutral

32. Give up

33. Caterer’s containers

34. Largest of a septet

35. Easily deceived

36. Sport Graphics primary color

38. Whodunit story line

41. Yemeni port

42. Spotted

45. Apple earbud

46. Like some toothpaste

47. Shirt size

48. Dentist’s handiwork

49. Sends a letter

50. Classic tune on WNAP

51. City Barbeque offering

52. Popular cookie

28. Indiana bird 29. WHS subj.

32. Indiana bird

53. “___ in the USA”

54. Walking stick

55. Dust jacket ID

57. FHS yearbook section

58. Indianapolis Indians stat

51. Indiana bird 54. Indiana bird 56. Crooked Stick club 57. Like a good chef’s knife 59. Lost traction 60. Comedian Kreischer 61. Fab Four drummer 62. Indonesian island 63. PlayStation creator

Knight’s mount 65. Where Eli Lilly is LLY Down

1. Carmel Racquet Club kill shot

2. Major artery 3. Pilfer

4. “Now ___ this!”

5. Italian island

6. Revise

7. Online ‘zine

8. BSU profs’ aides

9. Dedicated poem 10. Wing it 11. Bank claim 12. Acid type 13. Intertwine

Dawdle 22. Counterfeit

Wise guys

Hole punchers

Official decree

Therefore

For men only

Indiana Women’s Prison unit

Porter

Indiana’s Largest Stamp Show! (50th year)

The Indiana Stamp Club will host the INDYPEX 2023 Stamp Show Oct. 6-8, 2023 at the Hamilton Co. 4-H Fairgrounds and Exhibition Center, 2003 Pleasant Street, Noblesville IN 46060.

Hours will be 10-5 on Fri., 10-5 on Sat., 10-3 on Sunday.

Exhibits and 35 dealers as well as beginner/youth tables, a U.S. postal station, information tables for the Indiana Stamp Club and the Indiana Postal History Society. Website: www.indianastampclub.org

TIRED OF CLEANING YOUR GUTTERS?

CALL JIM WEGHORST AT 317-450-1333

FOR A FREE ESTIMATE ON THE #1 RATED GUTTER PROTECTION SYSTEM

CALL TODAY

317-450-1333

Stewart's Tree Service

Classifieds

LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING

Locally owned/operated over 42 YRS

• SPRING CLEAN-UP

• MULCH

• MOWING

• FERTILIZING

• TEAR OUT / REPLACE FREE ESTIMATES CALL 317-491-3491

C&H TREE SERVICE

FIREWOOD SALE

Topping – Removal

Deadwooding – Landscaping

Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES CALL STEVE 317-932-2115

GROUNDHOG STUMP REMOVAL

Professional & Economical

WILL MOW LAWNS WILL DO BOBCAT WORK

Trim/Remove trees & shrubs

Building Demolitions

Build Decks

Painting inside or Outdoors

Clean Gutters Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED

Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com

NOW HIRING

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

LOVE DOGS?

NEED PART TIME JOB?

HUNT CLUB IS HIRING Part time Kennel

WATERSTONE NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALE

Tons of homes participate.

Make sure you get to all four neighborhoods!

Designer clothing, furniture, housewares, kids’ stuff, and incredible deals!

This sale is too good to miss!

Waterstone is east of Gray Road between 116th and 126th

Entrances to neighborhood are at 116th, 126th, and Gray Road

Includes Bayhill, Brookfield, Stonewick and Windpointe.

Thursday Oct 5th Friday Oct 6th

Saturday Oct 7th

From 8:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m daily

Remove tree stumps, ugly tree roots, stumps in and around chain link or wood fences. We also remove tree stumps that are protruding up onto sidewalks and around sidewalks. We grind them and/or remove. Please Call & Text at 816-778-4690.

ROLL OFF DUMPSTER SERVICE

CALL 317-491-3491 FOR INFO/DETAIL

Assistant : responsible for the daily care of dogs, kennel upkeep, and other tasks related to keeping our guests happy and comfortable. Hours are from 7 AM to 12 PM or 3 to 8 PM with potential for 18 - 35 hours per week. Part-time Front Desk Assistant: responsible for corresponding with clients through emails ,phone, and in- person as well as various computer tasks. Hours are 8:30 to 11:30 AM or 4:30 to 7:30 PM and as needed. Applicants should have availability on weekdays as well as occasional weekends and holidays. Interested? Have questions

Email:huntclubkennel@gmail.com

you change filter and fill softener salt

*You pay $200 per month or also pick up pasture of manure for full trade

*Farm/tractor or horse experience helpful

*Rural Zionsville

*Apartment for ONE adult. Not suited for couples or family CALL 317 509 1781