June 11, 2024 — Carmel

Quality of life, safety top reasons for living in Carmel / P2 Volunteers sought to help youth process grief / P4

ART OF GLASS TECH FOR EVERYONE

Creator of eclipse artwork in Hotel Carmichael celebrates 20 years of niche craft / P15

Carmel-based Splenda celebrating 25 years of sweetness / P2

About us

Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XVIV, No. 25

Copyright 2023

Current Publishing, LLC

All Rights Reserved.

30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032

317.489.4444

Contact the editor

Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share?

Contact Managing Editor

Ann Marie Shambaugh at annmarie@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444. You also may submit information at currentincarmel. com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.

Share your thoughts

Letters to the editor may be sent for consideration to letters@youarecurrent.com. Letters have maximum word count of 300 words. Please include your city of residence and a contact phone number for verification. Current Publishing may refuse letters.

Advertise your business

If you’re interested in reaching the Carmel market (38,529 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Carmel advertising) or by calling 317.847.5022.

Obituaries obits@youarecurrent.com

Legal advertising legals@youarecurrent.com

Delivery questions

circulation@youarecurrent.com

Join our community facebook.com/currentincarmel x.com/youarecurrent instagram.com/youarecurrent

Opinions

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

THANKS D D

Survey says: Community most satisfied with safety, quality of life in Carmel

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam didn’t find a lot of surprises in the results of the community survey conducted earlier this year, but she was encouraged by what stood out.

CITY NEWS

Of the 7,147 people who responded to the survey, 97 percent agreed that the quality of life is excellent in Carmel, and 98 percent feel safe in the city.

“I knew public safety meant a lot to our residents, but to see that 66 percent of people move here because it’s a safe community and 72 percent stay (here) was an incredible statistic,” Finkam said.

Other positives for the city include 74 percent of respondents saying they would recommend Carmel as a place to live to friends and co-workers, and the quality of the schools and city services and the city’s appearance and design also received high marks. Roundabouts were also well-liked, with 91 percent of respondents indicating they are satisfied with them.

The results unveiled areas for improvement, too.

Only 52 percent of respondents said they are satisfied with communication about planning and zoning processes, 59 percent of respondents were satisfied with housing affordability, but only 30 percent of renters agreed. Public transportation options received low marks, with 63 percent of respondents dissatisfied with available options.

As a result of survey findings, the city wants to increase awareness of its departments and their functions to improve transparency and communication with residents. The departments will be featured during the June 8 Meet Me on Main, a gallery walk held from 4 to 8 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month in the Arts & Design District.

“We’re inviting all of our departments

The community survey concluded that the top five reasons people live in Carmel are safety, quality of the schools, quality of city services, city appearance and design and proximity to family or friends. (Image courtesy of the City of Carmel)

to have a booth set up and to educate the public as to what their department does in service for our city,” said Kelly Douglas, senior project manager of marketing for the City of Carmel.

Douglas called the survey results “overwhelmingly positive” and was encouraged that approximately 10 percent of the adult population of the community completed it.

“The amount of participation that we have had on this was incredibly high,” Douglas said. “We have a very engaged community.”

Finkam said her administration will continue to dig into the results of the survey and plans to repeat it on a smaller scale every year or two.

See more results from the survey and provide feedback at bit.ly/3RkjHTF.

MAYOR: REBRANDING AIMS TO ATTRACT THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH CARMEL

The City of Carmel passed along the results of its community survey to North Star, a marketing firm contracted to work

with the city on a rebranding process.

Although the city received high marks from residents and has been at or near the top of various national rankings, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam said the rebranding initiative is primarily aimed at those who aren’t familiar with the city.

“People who live here clearly understand the value proposition about living here,” Finkam said. “We’re trying to attract people who maybe have never even heard of us before. So, how do we put our best foot forward in presenting Carmel and all that it has to offer is why we’re rebranding.”

She said the rebranding is also meant to build cohesion among city employees and departments.

“(It’s) an internal rallying cry, and I think that’s what actually excites me more than anything. Our staff has worked in silos for so long. This gives us an opportunity to align their efforts and their focus around a rebrand and then explain that to the community,” Finkam said. “So, we give them the words to say when they’re in Cancun vacationing, and someone says, ‘Where are you from?’ It’s not Indianapolis, or a suburb of Indianapolis. It’s Carmel, and six to eight words where they can give a little elevator spiel. We need to give the community a little bit better summary of our identity.”

The city is paying North Star $85,000 for its role in the rebranding project. The new branding will be phased in on city property over time as the budget allows. Finkam said a total cost for updating the branding has not yet been determined.

“There will certainly be a cost to it, but any rebranding effort I’ve been around has always been paid back tenfold or more in your ability to attract the right type of team members, the right type of businesses and people who align with what you have to offer,” Finkam said. “I’m excited about getting to our final outcome and seeing it roll out in the community.”

136th & Meridian

Department heads announce retirements

CITY NEWS news@currentincarmel.com

Two longtime leaders of City of Carmel departments have announced they will soon retire.

Carmel Utilities Director John Duffy and Carmel Fire Department Chief David Haboush plan to step down in April 2025 and January 2026, respectively. Combined, Duffy and Haboush have worked for the city for nearly 65 years.

Duffy began working for the city in 1993 and has directed Carmel Utilities since 1996. During his tenure, the city modernized its water and sewer systems and launched recycling and renewable energy initiatives.

“Spending the majority of my professional career with the men and women who work tirelessly for the city’s utilities department, I’m looking forward to this next chapter of my life,” Duffy stated in a news release. “It has been an immense honor to lead such a skilled and hardworking team of professionals who ensure the reliable delivery of water and other vital services to our community day in and day out.”

The city will immediately begin the search for Duffy’s replacement. Duffy plans to work alongside the new director until his retirement.

Haboush has served as CFD chief since 2015 and has worked for the department for more than 32 years. He is a graduate of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute through the International Association of Fire Chiefs and chairperson for the Hamilton County Public Safety Board. In March, under his leadership, CFD was reaccredited by the Commission of Fire Accreditation International.

“It has been the honor of my life to lead the brave firefighters and first responders who risk their lives day and night to protect our community,” Haboush stated. “To the residents of our city, thank you for your steadfast support of our firefighters and first responders.”

Walk-In-Closets Reach -In- Closets

Duffy

Haboush

FINANCIAL STRENGTH THAT WORKS FOR YOU

The National Bank of Indianapolis has the financial strength to help your business grow. Our strong capital base, ample liquidity and local decision making means we’re ready to lend the money your business needs. Trust our experienced bankers to find the solution that works for you Contact our Commercial Banking Team to learn more.

Carmel girls rally to win wild state girls lacrosse title

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It was certainly not the way Carmel girls lacrosse coach Josh Miller envisioned winning.

SPORTS

The Greyhounds had lost to Guerin Catholic the previous two years but turned the tables, edging the Golden Eagles 10-9 June 1 in the Indiana High School Lacrosse Association 2A state championship in Noblesville.

“It’s not the way you want to see it as a coach, but we did it,” Miller said. “We were down, 8-2, so it was quite a comeback for the kids. They were sensational. It was a wild end to a wild game. It was awesome.”

Breckin Hare scored six goals, including the one that broke the 9-9 tie with 7:11 left in the match.

“We got the monkey off our back against Guerin,” said Miller, whose team won three straight state titles before Guerin’s twoyear run.

Juniors Hare, Avery Goehl and Sophie Mock were named USA Lacrosse All-Americans. Mock has committed to the University of California Berkeley and Hare has committed to Lindenwood University, an NCAA Division I school in St. Charles, Mo. Goehl has committed to Division II Florida Southern University.

The Greyhounds graduated three seniors, Reese Keetle, Olivia Slowey and Sophia Middleton.

“You can’t replace that leadership they brought to the team, that intensity, that patience and calm they brought,” Miller said. “They were a fantastic group.

June 11,

The CHS girls finished 19-3, with all three losses coming to out-of-state teams. CHS had beaten Guerin 11-9 in early May.

CHS BOYS FALL IN FINAL

The Greyhounds lost to Hamilton Southeastern 10-6 June 1 in the Indiana Lacrosse Association 2A state final. Carmel had beaten the Royals earlier in the season.

“We didn’t come out ready to play and had to play catch-up later in the game,”

said CHS boys coach Keith Allen, whose team finished 15-4. “The start doomed us.” Carmel was down 7-1 in the third quarter.

“We had a mini run and got it to 7-4 but we kept turning the ball over,” Allen said.

Allen said the players were likely affected because they wanted to repeat so badly to honor their late coach Jack Meachum, 31, who died in a two-vehicle crash in August 2023.

“I think some of the nerves and thinking about coach Meachum might have played a role in pressing too much or worrying about things that were out of their control,” Allen said.

Allen had been Meachum’s assistant coach for six years.

“In some cases, he was the only coach they ever had,” Allen said. “Losing him was a tremendous blow.”

Two seniors are going on to play Division I lacrosse, Charlie Marsh, Robert Morris University, and Leo Prosser, Bellarmine University.

The Greyhounds are graduating 12 seniors.

Greyhounds earn state track individual titles — Carmel senior Tony Provenzano captured the 3,200 meters in 8 minutes, 51.4 seconds in the IHSAA state track and field finals June 1 in Bloomington. The Greyhounds finished fifth in the team standings. The Greyhounds girls team also finished fifth in a tie with Brownsburg May 31 in the state girls track finals at Bloomington. The Greyhounds’ 1,600 relay team of sophomores Gabriela Grande Rosas and Sadie Foley and juniors Olivia Cebalo and Emily Norris won in 3:50.90.

From left, Carmel High School juniors Breckin Hare, Avery Goehl and Sophie Mock were named USA Lacrosse All-Americans and first team all-state. (Photo courtesy of CHS lacrosse)

Carmel transforms into SwimCity, USA

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The signs welcoming visitors and residents to Carmel will have a new look this summer.

CITY NEWS

Temporary signs designating the city as SwimCity, USA are being put up as 14 Carmel swimmers prepare for the U.S. Olympic Trials June 15-23 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

“Carmel has a storied history in swimming,” said Rebecca Carl, the City of Carmel’s chief marketing officer. “In honor of 14 qualifiers at the trials, we feel we have the chops to back it up as a city. We thought it would be a nice nod to the city and trial qualifiers.”

Carl said a search revealed no one else is using the moniker SwimCity, USA, which is in the process of being trademarked by the City of Carmel.

The signs were scheduled to go up by June 8.

Carl said Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam had the idea to celebrate the swimmers.

“She’s very innovative and constantly thinking of ways to celebrate the city and move the city forward and put us on the national radar,” Carl said. “This was one of her ideas, and we’ve taken and run with it.”

SwimCity, USA T-shirts will be available at All Things Carmel, 110 W. Main St., Suite 104.

A photo shoot with Carmel Swim Acade-

my swimmers and Finkam with the tagline “We Grow Swimmers” was scheduled for June 10.

“We’re trying to get some video on the Midtown board on the Carmel Swim Academy,” said Kelly Douglas, City of Carmel’s senior brand manager. “We’re also trying to put the prelims on the Peacock (network) when it’s events with 14 Carmel swimmers.”

Carl said the city wants to honor Carmel High School’s long history of success with its 38th consecutive IHSAA girls swimming state championship, a national record for any sport. The boys have won 10 straight state titles.

CHS graduates Drew Kibler and Jake Mitchell became the first swim Olympians from Carmel in Tokyo in 2021. They both will compete in the trials.

From left, Mary Hansen, Chuck Hansen, Joe Lazzara and Kathy Lazzara with the Lazarras’ $5,000 donation to the Evan R. Hansen Legacy Foundation. Mary and Chuck Hansen’s son, Evan, worked at Joe’s Butcher Shop and Fish Market, owned by Joe Lazzara, while a student at Guerin Catholic High School and Wabash College. Evan Hansen was a four-year football starter at both schools and took his own life early in his senior season at Wabash. After his death, he was diagnosed with CTE, a condition related to repeated head injuries. The Lazzaras personally matched funds raised through sales of the IPA braised beef sandwich, Evan Hansen’s favorite, at Joe’s Butcher Shop to make the donation. The foundation will hold a golf tournament fundraiser July 27 at Noblesville’s Pebble Brook Golf Club. Learn more at erh32. org. (Photo courtesy of Chuck Hansen)

Signs welcoming residents and visitors to the Carmel temporarily say SwimCity, USA (Photo courtesy of City of Carmel)

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2024

Jonathan Akinwande

Tahlia Alkobi

Alexandra Altenburg

Owen Ascioti

Lucille Baker

David Beaty

Leyton Bennett

William Besinger

Jackson Bledsoe

Lindsey Blocksom

Diego Bonilla

Kendall Booth

John Michael Brenner

Keira Bright

Maximilien Brown

James Caldwell

Daniel Cardwell

Alex Ciano

Liam Commons

Emily Comparini

Marie Coutant

Khari Dennis

Nettle Dill

Aiden Dorant

Davi Dutra

Avah Eckels

Addison Emkes

Elijah Facey

Alexandria Feeney

Aaron Fischer

Scarlett Fisher

Sophie Francis

Manasa Gannamaneni

Benjamin Gleason

Bryce Gray

Mark Hamby

Anna Hargrove

Ezra Holladay

Montgomery Holland

Lillian Hovda

Oliver Jackson

Lauren Janeira

Ion Jones

Zane Kampmeier

Regan Kary

Claire Kilgore

Lukas Kraft

Neiman Kumler

Emma Laborsky

Jiyou Lee

Cooper Lushell

Christopher Millen

Lindsey Millen

Elliot Muehlhausen

Maxine Mulligan

Owen Murray

Jasper Owens

Samriddhi Patankar

Sophie Peters

Catherine Pless

Kaitlyn Polston

Rishab Prakash

Joanie Pyatt

Hamza Raddad

Reid Rademacher

Joseph Rozembajgier

Robert Russell

Katherine Sampson

Owen Schellhase

Isabella Searcy

Jayden Seaton

Brian Shaw

Gabriela Sotelo

Isabelle Towns

David Walz

Kara Wang

Riley Waybright

Alonzo Weems

Maxwell Westerkamm

Evan Williams

Dawson Wingren

Steven Zhang

Advent Lutheran Church expands elementary program

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

What began as a plan to expand a preschool program into elementary school options has grown exponentially for Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zionsville.

EDUCATION

Now, with its second year in the books, the elementary school is planning for additional growth at 11250 N. Michigan Rd., on the border of Zionsville and Carmel.

Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church opened its elementary school in 2022 with a combined first- and second-grade classroom. Prior to that, the church hosted preschool and kindergarten classes for more than two decades.

“Starting a private school on the Carmel-Zionsville border is a bit of an undertaking, because people tend to move up here for the high-quality public schools,” school board chair Keith Mundrick said. “But we think we offer a product that exceeds those and is Christ-centered and offers classical education, which is not something you can get in Zionsville or Carmel public schools. It’s really an in-demand educational model that kind of goes back to the basics.”

Mundrick said classical education is a model of teaching that emphasizes critical thinking, logic, reason, the study of classic literature, history, and philosophy and the development of moral character within its curriculum.

The expansion into elementary school in 2022-23 included only five students in a combined first-and second-grade classroom. But interest in the school led to an increase in the last academic year, with 15 students in the 2023-24 from first through sixth grade. Enrollment for 2024-25 is at 30 students.

“We’re seeing huge demand,” Mundrick said. “We’re in the middle of a capital campaign to expand our school facility.”

The expansion will add 30,000 square feet on 20 acres east of the church and school. Pastor Marcus Mackay said the intention has always been to build a school to complement the church.

“We had a feasibility study, a committee that met and got the school started, they raised a lot of that initial money,” Mackay said. “Now, we only have one classroom

left that is empty. So, as we continue to grow, we’re going to be out of space within two years. Thus, the capital campaign.”

The expansion is expected to cost $7 million. So far, the capital campaign has raised $3 million. Church leaders said they are debt-free and want to limit the amount of debt they incur during expansion.

Lutheran school is the second-largest private, parochial system in the United States behind Catholic Schools. Mackay said Advent Lutheran is the first Lutheran church to open a school program on the northside of Indianapolis.

“We recognized a void in this area, and obviously a lot of Lutherans and other Christians who desire not just an excellent education, but also one that is Christian,” Mackay said. “The classical side is just a bonus. When we look at what our curriculum is going to look like, methodology for teaching, really what we’re doing is returning back to how Lutheran education really started.”

Parents said the curriculum means exposure for their children to classical literature such as “The Hobbit” and “Treasure Island,” which influences the children’s imaginations and their ability to narrate and follow the contours of a story.

“The teachers are careful with the details of a classical education with teaching penmanship, spelling and phonics but also give the kids plenty of space to explore nature and build friendships with time outside,” said Jill Duck, whose daughter recently finished first grade. “My daughter grew leaps and bounds in the ability to recite and memorize.”

For more on the church’s expansion plans and the capital campaign, visit adventlutheran.org/expansion.

Advent Lutheran Church has grown its elementary school options since its first expansion in 2022. The church is engaged in a capital campaign to build a 30,000-square-foot school addition. (Photo by Marney Simon)

Educator named Faculty of the Year

By Ken Severson news@currentincarmel.com

It didn’t take long for Sharon Drapala to make an impact.

ACHIEVEMENT

The Carmel resident, an associate professor of biology of the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne, was recently recognized as the school’s Faculty of the Year.

Since 2004, the award has been presented annually at Indiana Tech’s annual Celebration of Service for faculty and staff members. The Faculty of the Year Award recipient demonstrates excellence in teaching plus knowledge of subject matter, approachability with students, building strong relationships with students and colleagues, and creating high expectations and helping students achieve them, according to Indiana Tech.

“When they gave this award, I was in shock,” Drapala said. “For me it’s a very big honor, and it’s largely student driven. The students create the vote.”

Drapala joined Indiana Tech in 2022 to lead its health science degree program, which prepares students for an array of

W.

in-demand health careers and additional education that is necessary to pursue more intensive medical careers. Drapala’s chief disciplines are anatomy, physiology, genetics, human health and disease and nutrition.

When she arrived at Indiana Tech, the health department was there, but only in name.

“I had to create this program. The names of the courses were there, but the content and the purpose were not, so for the past two years. I’ve been nonstop working to create this program,” Drapala said.

Students win chemist challenge

By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com

A group of students from Carmel Middle School recently won the state portion of the national competition, You Be The Chemist. The challenge is a free STEMbased competition for students in fifth through eighth grades and consists of teams of three or four participants.

The winning team from Carmel Middle School was comprised of eighth-graders Anirudh Gopal, Arnav Bhatwadekar, Bryan Yu and Josh Kim.

A major portion of the competition consists of students making a video that addresses a themed prompt that’s chemistry related. This year’s theme focused on the environment.

The challenge is split into two parts: A qualifying exam consisting of 40 chemistry related questions and a video response that addresses the year’s themed prompt. As part of the competition, the team competed under the name BAJA Eco Solutions and explored green roofs.

Carmel

Middle

School eighth grade students

Anirudh Gopal, Bryan Yu, Arnav Bhatwadekar and Josh Kim present their engraved plaque for winning the state portion of the You Be The Chemist challenge. (Photo courtesy of Shelley Kim)

“The problem we had with the green roofs is that they were leaching phosphorus, which is really bad for the environment once it got out of the system,” Gopal said. “So, we came up with a type of filter that applied part of a fungi to absorb the phosphorus leakage and actually release it as a beneficial nutrient.”

Throughout their video, the students explored what green roofs are, their pros and cons, and how to stop phosphorus leaching.

Sharon Drapala, center, with Kathleen Hanold Watland, left, Indiana Tech vice president for academic affairs, and Karl

Einolf, president of Indiana Tech. (Photo courtesy of Sharon Drapala)

Add a pinch of civility

Commentary by Jeff Worrell

So, the waiter did not refill your ice water. Combine that with only four choices on the kids menu (none of them vegan), you just couldn’t help yourself. The only responsible thing to do is fire up your laptop and warn fellow citizens both near and far: You will never step foot in that disgusting establishment again and neither should they.

CIVILITY

While I see the value of customer reviews in the proper forum, there is nothing civil about unleashing a torrent of negative comments motivated simply by the need to punish, harm or to exact a price.

First, remember there are real human beings behind every restaurant or business serving our community. Owners, managers and employees are working their behinds off, especially in these unpredictable, tough economic times. Discovering empathy and walking a short distance in their shoes is a great first step to keeping things civil.

It is certainly valid to point out what went wrong, but also mention the things went right. Maybe the service was slow, but the food was amazing. Or perhaps the ambiance was lacking, but the staff was super friendly.

So, the next time you’re tempted to publicly rant that the chef’s special tasted like dishwater, try adding a pinch of civility and help the recipe become just a little more palatable.

Jeff Worrell is a Carmel City Council member and a civility proponent. To contact him, you may email jeff4civility@gmail.com.

DISPATCHES

Park impact fee to increase 70 percent –The Carmel City Council on June 3 approved raising the park impact fee by nearly 70 percent to $8,275. The increase will be phased in over five years. A park impact fee is charged for each new dwelling constructed in Carmel to expand the park system and amenities as the city’s population grows. The fee is typically paid by a developer and factored into the sale price or rent of a home.

Brooke’s Place seeks volunteers

By Mary Farucci news@currentincarmel.com

Statistically, 1 in 7 children will experience the death of a parent, sibling or a close loved one by the time they are 20. Indianapolis-based nonprofit Brooke’s Place is working to create a community where every young person living with grief feels safe, supported and understood during their journey.

NONPROFIT

One way Brooke’s Place does this is by providing weekly support groups, therapy services and community education to empower children, teens, young adults and their families to thrive in the midst of grief.

The organization is seeking more volunteers to keep its mission going strong.

Becky Hinton of Carmel has been volunteering at Brooke’s Place for nearly six years. She said she got involved with the organization when an employer sponsored it as its charity of the year.

“I went through a lot as a child,” Hinton said through tears. “I wish I would have had Brooke’s Place. I was born into a family of grief I would say. I had a sister who died

at the age of 7 before I was born, and then my dad died when I was 13. My brother died when I was 22. I just felt very alone. I had other siblings, and I had my mom still, but we weren’t a family that talked about it much.”

Cathy Gregory, also of Carmel, has been volunteering with Brooke’s Place for nearly two years. Gregory lost her mother when she was 11 and her father when she was 14.

Now, as an adult and mother herself, she wishes she had a resource like Brooke’s Place to turn to when she needed it most.

“What a great organization,” she said. “That would have been wonderful to have something like that when I was that age.”

Gregory said it’s easy for volunteers to get involved at Brooke’s Place.

“You can go online and express your interest,” she said. “I met with a volunteer coordinator (at Brooke’s Place), did a little interview and it wasn’t a big deal.”

Volunteers commit to two nights per month for a few hours in the evening.

“The more hands we have, the easier it is on the whole group,” Gregory said.

Visit BrookesPlace.org for more information on volunteering or resources.

SUMMER E-BIKE SALE!

Commentary by Shelly Gattlieb

After living all around the world, Audrey Conceicao Stitz has found her home in Carmel. She was born in Goa, India, and also lived in Pune, India. She spent several years in Dubai, Los Angeles, Chicago and Porto Alegre, Brazil. She works remotely from home as a tech consultant but travels for work as needed.

CHARACTERS OF CARMEL

It was through her job in Chicago that she met her husband, Jeremy, who is also a remote consultant. In her spare time, Stitz loves to travel and explore different places and cultures. She considers her most important role to be the mother of her 5-year-old daughter, Chloe Isabella, and feels lucky to have her husband’s parents living nearby. The Stitz family also includes Tala, a 1-year-old female labrador retriever.

Favorite Carmel restaurant: The Cake Bake Shop

Fun fact: Wedding dress was handmade by her mother, Wendy Hobbies: Gardening, cooking, makeup artistry, shopping and painting, especially

florals

Retirement plans: Artist or professional party planner

Best movie ever: “The Sound of Music” Talent: Trained athlete, with 100-meter run her specialty event

Music taste: Country

Most recent project: Making a custom Taylor Swift costume for Chloe with fringe, ombre sequins and an invisible zipper

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

Audrey Conceicao Stitz and daughter Chloe Isabella. (Photo courtesy of Audrey Conceicao Stitz)

Local educators publish ‘Making Friends at Puddle Pond’

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Pam Brettenacher of Zionsville and Jillinda Stella of Carmel have spent a lot of time teaching vocabulary words to their students at West Clay Elementary School in Carmel. But the one word that best fits the two educators is kismet.

CHILDREN’S BOOK

Brettenacher became the instructional assistant in Stella’s kindergarten classroom in 2020, and the pair had an instant connection.

“We did as much as we could to brighten it up and do a fun day of learning,” Stella said. “I think our biggest thing is, when we got together, our creativity just started sparking. What I lacked, she made up for, and we just went from there. Making the learning come alive was the biggest thing for us.”

The pair said that while it might sound cheesy, they complete each other when it comes to creating meaningful, engaging instruction for their students.

“We just have a lot of fun together, it just seemed cosmic when we met,” Brettnacher said. “She had all these bubbly ideas, and that just sparked all these images in my mind.”

Stella said frogs were always her critter of choice when it came to classroom decorations that assist in her teaching and learning process at West Clay. With Brettenacher’s background in graphic design and illustration adding personality to those decorations, the story of “Fritz the Frog,” “Birdie the Bee” and all their friends at “Puddle Pond” was born.

“I can say what I want, and she can put it onto paper (artistically),” Stella said.

The pair opened a shop on the website Teachers Pay Teachers, a resource where educators can share and sell materials such as worksheets, classroom decor and educational planners. They generated classroom papers such as worksheets and coloring pages featuring the animals of “Puddle Pond.”

“As we started going along, we realized there is something more here,” Stella said.

The result was the pair’s first book, “Making Friends at Puddle Pond.”

The book follows the story of “Birdie the Bee” as she struggles with being different

because she has no stinger. The book explores themes of friendship and overcoming obstacles as Birdie and Fritz get to know each other.

It was a labor of love for both educators, who said the process took about two years of their time and effort including multiple drafts, creating an LLC and contacting publishers. The pair eventually opted to publish on Kindle Direct Publishing, the self-publishing platform for Amazon, which included several redesigns of the book before it was finally ready to be released this past January.

“It was a little intimidating to (self-publish) for the first time,” Brettnacher said.

“I’ve done graphic design for years, so I thought if I’ve prepared files for printing before, surely we can figure this out. It was a little different to learn all their requirements and guidelines.”

Stella and Brettnacher said the book provides an avenue for learning that is also fun, and said they worked to craft a story that was different from the other story books children may have already read while reinforcing lessons taught every week in the classroom.

The pair were also able to turn their journey into self-publishing into a classroom exercise, bouncing ideas off of the students to make sure they were appealing to what the children find interesting, creative and fun while teaching them concepts of storytelling and sequencing.

The children also serve as an inspiration for the storylines for the characters of Puddle Pond.

“You’re in the thick of it every day with these kids, you get to see firsthand the struggles they have,” Stella said.

The characters of Fritz the Frog and Birdie the Bee are loosely based on authors Jillinda Stella of Carmel, left, and Pam Brettnacher of Zionsville. (Photo by Marney Simon)

City names interim director — Kim Woodward is serving as the interim director of human resources for the City of Carmel. She takes over for Lisa Hartz, whose last day was May 23. Woodward has more than 25 years of experience, most recently with Cunningham Restaurant Group. Woodward specializes in strategic human resources plan development and execution, employee relations and using metrics to measure employee success and effectiveness. She has extensive experience in human resources across various sectors.

Health is inviting the community to attend a grand opening event June 14 to celebrate the debut of Azure Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Carmel’s Clay Terrace. The event is set for 4 to 7 p.m. at the facility, 14300 Clay Terrace Blvd., Suite 200A. It will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, remarks by Riverview Health leaders, live demonstrations and free samples. Riverview Health is opening the med spa to better meet the needs of patients and the growing Hamilton County community. It will serve those who have experienced breast cancer, traumatic injuries, those looking to make a personal change and others.

CHS teacher wins pizza for a year – Michael O’Toole, a teacher at Carmel High School, won free pizza for a year from Lou Malnati’s and a $250 catered pizza party

as part of the pizzeria’s Ce-LOU-Brate teachers contest. O’Toole teaches social studies at CHS and was nominated by several students.

Design the Christkindlmarkt mug – Artists of all ages and abilities are invited to submit a design for the 2025 Carmel Christkindlmarkt mug. For the 2025 mug designs, artists can choose to stick with the signature boot mug shape or come up with a new idea. Applications will be accepted through June 30. The winner will be announced in August and be awarded $1,000 in prize money, four 2024 Christkindlmarkt mugs, and four 2025 Christkindlmarkt mugs. The mug design will be unveiled in February 2025. For more or to submit an application, visit carmelchristkindlmarkt.com/mugcontest.

Dad, don’t forget to take a timeout for yourself

Talk about health screenings with a doctor or care team who listens

Health screenings are important for all of us. Taking care of yourself means being proactive about your health. Talk with your doctor or care team about the screenings that are right for you, based on your age and family history. They may help detect complex issues early, when they are most treatable.

If you need more care, including more advanced treatment options, you are connected to compassionate care teams that are right for you. Start a conversation with a doctor or care team at ascension.org/StVincentScreenings or call 866-835-4252

Azure Plastic Surgery and Med Spa to open – Riverview

Woodward

Heat pumps provide efficiency

Commentary by Amanda Cross

When it’s time to replace your gas furnace, you might consider choosing a heat pump. I talked with Jim Grimes, a Carmel resident who recently installed a heat pump, about his experience.

ENVIRONMENT

A heat pump is an environmentally friendly appliance that replaces both your furnace and air conditioner. When it’s hot out, it acts like an air conditioner, making the indoors cooler and expelling heat outside. When it’s cold out, the heat pump does the same but in reverse. This is three to five times more efficient than an electric or gas furnace.

“We’ve been really happy with ours,” Grimes told me. He installed a cold climate heat pump that doesn’t require any backup heating elements until the temperature outside drops below 5 degrees. “For our house, it’s actually a more even heat because it runs more constantly but it doesn’t run as hard. Even when it was really, really cold, like below zero for a week in January, our house was completely

comfortable.”

The Inflation Reduction Act includes a tax rebate of up to $2,000 for replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump. Grimes installed his last year, along with upgrading his insulation, and he says he’s already received his rebate for both projects.

Not every HVAC company sells and installs heat pumps. To find someone to install the heat pump, Grimes first researched manufacturers to find the product he wanted. Then he used the manufacturer’s website to find a local installer.

“It’s still new enough that a lot of them are not selling heat pumps, or, out of a lack of knowledge, they’ll try to steer you away from a heat pump,” Grimes explained. In the past, heat pumps were not advanced enough to warm a house when outdoor temperatures fell below freezing, but the technology has come a long way.

Amanda Cross is a board member with Carmel Green Initiative, Inc. Learn more and contact the organization at carmelgreen.org.

The Zionsville, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Westfield Lions Clubs are seeking volunteers to assist with Lions 2024 fall student vision screening program. Over 15,000 students in some 70 schools will receive a free eye screening and we need your help!

LEARN MORE: ZIONSVILLELIONS.COM/VISION

TRAINING PROVIDED: ZIONSVILLE LIONS CLUBHOUSE 115 S. ELM ST., ZIONSVILLE, IN. 46077

MONDAY, JULY 15TH, 7:00-8:30 PM

CONTACT: DAN DUMBAULD, ddumbauld@outlook.com

ART OF GLASS

Creator of eclipse artwork in Hotel Carmichael celebrates 20 years of niche craft

By Jennifer A. Haire news@currentincarmel.com

During a ski trip to Steamboat Springs, Colo., in 2003, Carmel resident Pam Niccum and her husband, Doug, visited an art gallery. A fused glass piece caught her eye and she fell in love with it. Debating how to get the large, fragile art onto an airplane, her husband suggested she make her own glass art.

Soon after, Niccum enrolled in a threeday fused-glass class at Delphi Glass in East Lansing, Mich. She immersed herself in books about fused glass, attended additional classes in Chicago and practiced making glass art.

“I’m largely self-taught, but I have taken great classes from wonderful teachers,” Niccum said.

Most recently, she created a custom piece to display at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel for the April 8 solar eclipse.

Niccum works on commission and has provided multiple pieces for The Olive Mill on Main Street in Carmel.

“I have a lot of functional pieces there, bowls and platters and things that really do dovetail well into the gourmet olive oils and vinegars,” Niccum said.

Jason Crouch, executive chef and food and beverage director at Carmel’s Hotel Carmichael, was introduced to Niccum while shopping at the Olive Mill in November 2023.

“I had always enjoyed looking at the glass display pieces that are at the Olive Mill in Carmel when I would go there to get items for Hotel Carmichael,” Crouch said. “On one of these trips, I got to meet Pam, who was there to stock the store. We talked about her artwork, and I got her card. I had wanted to have her make the hotel some custom display pieces.”

In February, the Hotel Carmichael team was discussing doing something special for the upcoming solar eclipse, and Crouch suggested they commission Niccum to craft glasswork.

She immediately began brainstorming. Niccum’s father served during World War

II. While out running one day, she started thinking about the music from that era, and remembered a song her parents used to play when she was growing up called “Moonlight Serenade.”

“This whole concept of Moonlight Serenade kept coming to my mind,” Niccum said.

Ideas started flowing around how the piece could show appreciation for those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and pay homage to that generation.

Carmel is the home to the Great American Songbook Foundation, and “Moonlight Serenade” is included in the Songbook. This connection gave Niccum further direction for the sculpture. Coincidentally, the Hotel Carmichael team also found the song fitting for their event.

“I went to the Hotel Carmichael to make a presentation. And completely unbeknownst to me, the theme of their event was Moonlight Serenade,” Niccum said.

“She had incorporated so much of the

Pam Niccum created “Moonlight Serenade” as part of local celebrations for the April 8 total solar eclipse. (Photo by Doug Niccum)

Great American Songbook, and it was a match made in heaven,” Crouch said.

The piece consists of two different sized discs of glass. One disc represents the sun, the other the moon.

“The sun has the starburst or the rays extending from it to the outside edge,” Niccum said. “It is made from bright yellows and oranges and white and clear glass. The moon has more of a silvery edge that looks like the corona of the eclipse itself. I selected a deep blue glass that has almost a metallic look to it and fused it with a sliver splatter glass. The silver splatter look gives you the illusion of the surface of the moon.”

Her husband, who is a metal and woodworker, helped design a stand that would imply subtle movement when the discs are placed on it.

Niccum has no shortage of ideas for her creations.

“Everything inspires me,” she said. “It can be a thought. It can be Mother Nature. It can be a conversation I have with some-

one. It could be something I read. It could be a piece of something I hear on the radio. Everything inspires me. I never want for inspiration, ever.”

Before starting a new piece of work, Niccum spends time testing glass and various outcomes to find the right look.

“Fused glass is made just as you would fire ceramics,” said Niccum, explaining that selecting the right type of glass used in a piece is crucial. “Glass has what’s called a coefficient of expansion. All glass that you work with needs to be compatible. If it is not compatible, the glass may be unstable and break or shatter.”

“Moonlight Serenade” is on display in the lobby of Hotel Carmichael. The piece is available for sale, and if purchased over the asking price the additional money will be donated to the Great American Songbook Foundation.

Learn more about Niccum’s work at facebook.com/pamniccumglass.

ON THE COVER: Pam Niccum displays one of her fused glass art pieces. (Photo by Doug Niccum)

‘I’VE NEVER NOT DONE ART’

Niccum has a bachelor’s degree from Trine University and has an MBA from Butler University.

“I’ve had several careers, all in business, ranging from setting up a mutual fund broker dealer for an insurance company here in town to managing medical practices. I’ve been the operations manager for a small museum,” she said. “I’ve done many things, all of which gave me good background in doing art, but I have always done art. I’ve never not done art.”

Pam’s husband is also an artist, working with metal and wood rather than glass. Starting in 2004, they operate under the business name Innovative Art Works.

“This year I’m celebrating 20 years of breaking glass,” Niccum said.

Pam

Niccum

Farrell to add Buffett to list of tribute shows

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It all started with Don Farrell paying tribute to the songs of Frank Sinatra in April 2021.

CONCERTS

That success had him follow up with Barry Manilow in 2022 and tributes to Tony Bennett and Neil Diamond in 2023.

Farrell, a co-founder of Actors Theatre of Indiana who left the company in 2023, will celebrate Jimmy Buffett with “Bubbles Up!” performances at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael June 21 and July 18 with Terry Woods, Steve Greenberg and Jim Lamson. A third “Bubbles Up!” is set for Aug. 17 with the lineup not yet set.

“We’re just going to tell the stories and celebrate Jimmy Buffett, who we lost last year,” Farrell said. “I love Jimmy Buffett. As I started delving more into his life, I looked at his journey and what he took to become this kind of a latter-day folk hero. And all the entrepreneurial businesses he started after the big hit, ‘Margaritaville’ and the stories that go behind it. We’re going to try to conjure up that world of sun, saltwater and nonstop parties.”

Farrell, who runs Crossroads Entertainment LLC, said the setlist will include escapist songs, such as “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.”

Farrell said they will share the stories on how Buffett came up with his songs. Farrell describes it as a “docu-cabaret.”

“It’s all the great songs you expect,” he said. “We try to create whatever world and environment in Feinstein’s for the artists we’re celebrating. Sometimes, even aficionados walk away saying, ‘I didn’t know that.’”

The shows are launched at Feinstein’s and then occasionally Farrell and Woods take the show on the road to other sites and Georgia, where Farrell grew up.

On the third Thursday of each month, Feinstein’s has a “Don Farrell Presents” show.

“It can be bands I’m presenting or our new shows,” Farrell said.

It started in April with the music of

“Grease.”

“I had four other performers join me on stage and tell the backstory about the musical ‘Grease,’” Farrell said. “We created an environment where people were showing up in poodle skirts and leather jackets. We had a dance contest. It was a big party.”

In May, Farrell had the area band Ten Branches perform a concert. “A Thank You for the Music, a tribute to ABBA,” is set for June 20. Logan Hill, Maya Mays, Danny Kingston and Antony Winfrey will join Farrell.

Farrell will perform his Neil Diamond show July 20 with “Sweet Caroline: The Life & Music of Neil Diamond.”

Farrell will present “Simply the Best — A Celebration of Tina Turner,” Aug. 22 with Tiffany Gilliam performing Turner’s songs.

“I’m trying to find other artists who deserve a shot at the Feinstein’s stage,” Farrell said.

Farrell also will present Summer Music with Woods Band July 29 at Sugar Creek Winery in Carmel.

For more, visit feinsteinshc.com and crossroads-ent.com/team.html.

‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” runs through July 7 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

JAMES TAYLOR

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame singer-songwriter will perform at 8 p.m. June 11 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Noblesville students Eleanor Wilson and Tyler Cowan presents “Your Heart is Home” June 13, and Dueling Pianos presented by Brittany Brumfield June 15 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

DIERKS BENTLEY

Dierks Bentley’s concert is set for 7 p.m. June 14 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.

DISPATCH

Songbook Academy features area participants — From hundreds of applicants nationwide, 40 high school students from 14 states have been selected to participate in this year’s Songbook Academy, a weeklong summer intensive program that immerses young performers in America’s musical heritage and helps them develop as artists under the guidance of Broadway stars and other entertainment professionals and music educators. Among the 11 Indiana finalists are Carmel residents Sadie Cohen, Emmaline Colvin and Isaiah Henderson; Zionsville residents Izzy Casciani and Phoebe Sidebottom; Westfield residents Keegan Connor and Journee Woodley; and Noblesville resident Addie McMillan. Now in its 15th year, the Songbook Academy is the flagship education initiative of the Great American Songbook Foundation and its founder, performer and preservationist Michael Feinstein. Songbook Academy 2024 will take place July 13-20 at the Foundation’s headquarters at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Don Farrell, left, with Terry Woods from “All The Way: A Frank Sinatra Tribute.” (Photo courtesy of Don Farrell)

CSO opens summer series

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT

SAT, JUL 20 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

AVERAGE WHITE BAND:

A FUNK FINALE

SAT, AUG 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JEROME COLLINS: REWIND–

A JOURNEY TO MOTOWN & BEYOND

FRI, SEPT 13 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

VERONICA SWIFT

SAT, SEPT 14 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

CENTER CELEBRATION 2024

FEATURING CHRIS BOTTI

SAT, SEPT 21 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

NICK CARTER: WHO I AM TOUR

THURS, SEPT 26 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

LEONID & FRIENDS: THE MUSIC OF CHICAGO AND MORE FRI, SEPT 27 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DAMIEN ESCOBAR:

VICTORY LAP TOUR

SAT, SEPT 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BEN FOLDS: PAPER AIRPLANE REQUEST TOUR

THURS, OCT 10 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

#IMOMSOHARD: LADIES’ NIGHT!

FRI, OCT 11 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

SAT, OCT 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

SUN, OCT 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD

SAT, OCT 19 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

SPACE ODDITY: THE QUINTESSENTIAL

DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE

SAT, OCT 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DANA & GREG NEWKIRK’S

HAUNTED OBJECTS LIVE

SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

VITAMIN STRING QUARTET: THE MUSIC OF TAYLOR SWIFT, BRIDGERTON AND BEYOND SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

ZAKIR HUSSAIN & RAHUL SHARMA

FRI, NOV 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BONEY JAMES

SAT, NOV 2 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE MAGIC OF MICHAEL GRANDINETTI–EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC

SAT, NOV 2 AT 2PM & 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

GRUPO NICHE

FRI, NOV 8 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE PIANO GUYS

SAT, NOV 9 AT 4PM & 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BUCKETS N BOARDS SUN, NOV 17 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE STEPCREW FRI, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH LESLIE ODOM JR. FRI, NOV 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

CANADIAN BRASS SAT, NOV 23 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DIONNE WARWICK SUN, NOV 24 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES:

WWII TIKI XMAS CANTEEN THURS, DEC 5 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE FOUR PHANTOMS: HOLIDAY SHOW FRI, DEC 6 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JANE LYNCH’S A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS SAT, DEC 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2024 FRI, DEC 13 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS SAT, DEC 14 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

MAC MCANALLY

FRI, JAN 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

YESTERDAY AND TODAY: THE INTERACTIVE BEATLES EXPERIENCE

SAT, JAN 18 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE EVOLUTION OF JONI MITCHELL STARRING LAUREN FOX FRI, JAN 24 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

HEART OF AFGHANISTAN

FEATURING THE FANOOS ENSEMBLE SAT, JAN 25 AT 8PM || THE TARKINGTON

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS SUN, JAN 26 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE KINGS OF QUEEN SAT, FEB 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

PETER SAGAL: HOST OF NPR’S WAIT WAIT...DON’T TELL ME! FRI, FEB 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

FOLSOM PRISON EXPERIENCE: LEGENDARY 1968 JOHNNY CASH

CONCERT

SAT, FEB 15 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH STEVE WARINER FRI, FEB 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

KALANI PE’A: GRAMMY-WINNING SINGER, SONGWRITER SAT, FEB 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DON WAS & THE PAN DETROIT

ENSEMBLE FRI, FEB 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BROOKLYN CHARMERS:

A STEELY DAN TRIBUTE FRI, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

WELCOME BACK: THE RETURN OF EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER FRI, MAR 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DUSTBOWL REVIVAL: A LAUREL CANYON RETROSPECTIVE FRI, MAR 21 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS SUN, MAR 23 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

GRIMMZ FAIRY TALES

SUN, MAR 23 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

LANG LANG FRI, MAR 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE SAT, APR 5 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

UNITED STATES ARMY FIELD BAND & SOLDIERS’ CHORUS WEDS, APR 9 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN SAT, APR 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BACHELORS OF BROADWAY: GENTLEMEN OF THE THEATRE SUN, APR 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL THURS, APR 17 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

MICKY DOLENZ OF THE MONKEES: AN EVENING OF SONGS & STORIES FRI, APR 25 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BLACK VIOLIN SAT, APR 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

OUR PLANET LIVE: A NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY SERIES WITH DAN TAPSTER TUES, APR 29 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES THURS, MAY 1 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

CELEBRATE THE SONGBOOK: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS CHAMBER

ORCHESTRA SAT, MAY 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

iLUMINATE SUN, MAY 11 AT 4PM | THE PALLADIUM

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Anne Marie Chastain is getting her wish.

SCHEDULE

“Ever since I’ve been with CSO, I’ve heard people talk about how popular The Beatles concert was at Coxhall Gardens, how much people loved it and how beautiful it was to be in that space and hear the symphony live,” she said. “It’s been a personal goal of mine to have a summer concert series, and to do it at Coxhall Gardens is just tremendous.”

The CSO is partnering with Hamilton County Parks and Recreation to present three concerts at Coxhall Gardens’ Centerpiece Amphitheater in Carmel.

and full of so many creative ideas.”

Soprano Asako Tamura, who is from Japan, has worked with Smirnoff in the past.

“One of the numbers she is performing is Samuel Barber’s ‘Knoxville Summer of 1915,’” Chastain said. “They’ve performed that together in the past.

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will open with its Summer Solstice concert at 8:30 p.m. June 21. Principal Guest Conductor Joel Smirnoff will conduct summer favorites.

“We’ve brought Joel on board as our artistic adviser,” Chastain said. “He’s tremendous

Former CSO concerto competition winner Cooper Olsen, from Bloomington, will perform Antonio Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” The concert will end with special guest Blair Clark performing Stevie Wonder’s “You are the Sunshine of My Life,” arranged by Smirnoff.

The pre-concert starts at 5 p.m. with performances by Central Indiana Academy of Dance, Dhol Indian Drumming, Indiana Ballet Conservatory and Kathak (North Indian Classical) Dance Academy.

The CSO will return to Coxhall Gardens at 8 p.m. July 3 with Serpentine Fire, an Earth Wind & Fire tribute band.

The final CSO concert at Coxhall Gardens will feature Motown and disco music at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 23.

For more, carmelsymphony.org.

JUNE 13-JULY 18

6PM-9PM

SPONSORED BY Upland Brewing Co., Carmel Music Academy, Metronet, Current Publishing Join us at our free, family-friendly, outdoor concert series every Thursday evening June 13 - July 18.

RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

NICK CARTER

LESLIE ODOM JR.

MARTY STUART

LANG LANG

Chastain

Smirnoff

CCP season features variety

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Community Players will present some familiar plays along with some new titles.

SCHEDULE

“This upcoming season is a mix of classics and newer pieces, an ebb and flow of ‘sit back and relax’ and ‘sit up and listen,’” CCP Artistic Director Hannah Janowicz said. “We anticipate a lot of laughs and a lot of gasps.”

“Ruthless! The Musical” is a dark comedy about a sociopathic child actor. It runs April 4-13 at The Switch Theatre in Fishers.

“This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing,” a modern-day fairytale about triplets, is the season’s Rising Star Production and is set for June 13-22 at The Cat.

Janowicz

“Steel Magnolias,” which opens the season Sept. 27 and runs through Oct. 3 at The Cat in Carmel, was staged by CCP in 1999 and 2013.

“So, I look forward to hearing the story with a new vision and generation of performers,” Janowicz said.

“Clue,” a murder-mystery comedy inspired by the board game, is set for Nov. 15-24 at The Cat.

“Pride and Prejudice,” based on the classic Jane Austen novel, opens the 2025 portion of the season Feb. 28 and runs through March 9 at The Cat.

“American Son,” centers around a missing Black teenager who might have been picked up by the police in Miami, closes the season Aug. 8-17 at The Switch Theatre. His parents, an estranged interracial couple, anxiously await news.

“I’m especially eager for our season closer, ‘American Son,’” Janowicz said. “It premiered on Broadway less than 10 years ago, has a powerfully relevant script and will definitely be a strong acting challenge for its small cast. It’s always fun to explore different time periods and eras in history, but ‘American Son’ draws us right back to the present day and demonstrates the importance of education through storytelling.”

For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

Anthony’s to serve lunch

editorial@youarecurrent.com

Anthony’s Chophouse, 201 W. Main St., Carmel, has added a summer luncheon menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday through Sept. 30.

“Anthony’s is offering lunch to give the residents and businesses of Carmel more lunch options,” owner Anthony Lazzara said. “Having views of the Monon while sipping champagne doesn’t sound so bad, right? We are opening up the opportunity

for businesses to host luncheons with an affordable private dining lunch menu.”

Lazzara said guests can enjoy options such as crab cake sliders, filet sandwich and entree salads and some of the best-selling items from the dinner menu.

3UP Rooftop Lounge, directly above Anthony’s Chophouse, also has started to serve lunch on Saturdays. The extended hours from noon to midnight Saturday allow guests to dine all day.

For more, visit anthonyschophouse.com.

Riley expands at IU Health North

news@currentincarmel

Riley Children’s Health has expanded its pediatric emergency care options with the addition of dedicated space at Indiana University Health North Hospital in Carmel.

HOSPITALS

The addition brings eight pediatric patient rooms and support services within the emergency department. Services for children are provided by Riley Children’s emergency medicine doctors, nurses and child life specialists. Pediatric care is available for children from infants to the age of 18.

“The expansion of our 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Medicine program into its own eight-bed department is paramount to the care of pediatric patients in Carmel and the surrounding communities,” stated Dr. Dan Slubowski, medical director of IU Health North’s Emergency Department. “This individualized pediatric care space allows our healthcare providers to see the growing number of pediatric patients seeking emergency care.”

A ribbon cutting was held May 2.

Riley emergency medicine doctors and nurses staff the IU Health North Hospital Emergency department 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to emergency medicine,

Riley Children’s Health at IU Health North offers outpatient, inpatient and pediatric surgery services.

Learn more at rileychildrens.org/practice-location/emergency-medicine-rileychildrens-health-at-iu-health-north.

Eight pediatric emergency care rooms have been added to Indiana University Health North Hospital in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of IU Health North Hospital)

HEALTH

May

Stella Luna & the Satellites has a diverse arsenal of tunes: pop, rock, country, dance, R&B, & more. The street party begins at 7 p.m. with plenty of food and beverage vendors. You won't want to miss this fun, free community event! Bring your non-perishable food items to donate to the Carmel Summer Meals program RAYUS RADIOLOGY CELEBRATES NEW CARMEL OFFICE

JUNE 15

GRAND OPENING

SATURDAY, JUNE 15TH | 12-3 PM

THE HARBOR AT GRAND PARK VILLAGE

From the Mid $300s

18403 BOOTHBAY CT WESTFIELD, IN 46074 (KINSEY AVE SOUTH OF 186TH ST )

Our model homes are ready for their official debut! Join Beazer Homes for a food truck, music, sweet treats, & giveaways.

Enter to win a $250 YETI® Tank Cooler!*

Rayus Radiology held a ribbon-cutting ceremony

8 to celebrate its new office at 11900 N. Pennsylvania St. in Carmel. From left are Amber Huffman, Clarissa Schroeder, Kara Thornton, Tim Trzesniewski, Kayla Tucker, Dr. Shane Rose and Andrea Lewis. For more, visit RayusRadiology.com. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Flower Market

FLOWERS FLOWERS FLOWERS, HANGING BASKETS, PATIO CONTAINERS, ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, SHRUBS, TREES.

Splenda celebrates 25 years

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Market research has shown that almost everyone recognizes the yellow packets of sweetener available in most restaurants and stores as Splenda. But what many people don’t know — including in central Indiana — is that the company that owns the brand is headquartered in Carmel.

ANNIVERSARY

Splenda, a zero-calorie sweetener, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with special packaging, recipes and giveaways. Since 2015, it has been owned by Heartland Food Products Group, which employs approximately 75 people in its corporate office in Carmel’s Clay Terrace. Globally, the company has 1,100 employees.

Eddie Pellegrino, a Carmel resident and president of Heartland Food Products Group, said Splenda is used 350 million times each day worldwide, leading to trillions of calories not being consumed.

“We make it easier to reduce sugar, (leading to) healthier and happier lives, because sugar has got a lot of consequences,” Pellegrino said. “So, we consider ourselves a health and wellness company.”

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Splenda will give $2,500 to 25 families living with diabetes through its “25 Families for 25 Years” campaign. The funds canused to offset medical costs, pursue education or cover other related needs.

Applicants must be diagnosed with diabetes or live with someone who has diabetes. As part of the application process, they must share how diabetes, or its management, has impacted their life and explain how $2,500 would be of assistance. Learn more and apply at Splenda.com/25.

Splenda will also look to the past as part of its milestone celebration.

“Each month we’re recognizing a throwback recipe for the 25 years that the brand has been out there,” said Beth Ruge, Heartland senior director of consumer and health care marketing and a Carmel resident. “It’s a really fun way for people to be able to celebrate the recipes from 10 years ago and 20 years ago and remember the things they were making before.”

The business that would become Heartland Food Products Group was launched by Ted Gelov, a Purdue University graduate, in 1991. It initially manufactured food packaging, then condiments. Heartland became the first company to create a private-label

Splenda is celebrating 25 years with special packaging. (Photo courtesy of Heartland Food Products Group)

sucralose sweetener in 2004, making it a competitor of Splenda.

When it purchased the Splenda brand from Johnson & Johnson, Heartland solidified its presence in the tabletop sweeteners market. By then, Heartland had also added protein shakes, coffee creamers, liquid water enhancers and other products to its offerings.

The Splenda brand has expanded under Heartland’s ownership, with new products including Splenda Stevia, Splenda Coffee Creamers, Splenda Diabetes Care Shakes and more.

In addition to manufacturing Splenda, which largely occurs in a facility near Michigan and Georgetown roads in Indianapolis, Heartland makes store-brand products for a variety of retailers.

Heartland also owns Java House, a coldbrew coffee brand.

Learn more at Splenda.com and HeartlandFPG.com.

BY THE NUMBERS

• 75 Heartland employees based at Clay Terrace in Carmel

• 1,100 people employed by Heartland worldwide

• 15 million people are loyal users of Splenda

• 50 million uses of Splenda occur daily worldwide

• 100 billion+ yellow Splenda packets have been sold since 1991

Source: Heartland Food Products Group

New Raising Cane’s now open

GRAND OPENING news@currentincarmel.com

Raising Cane’s is now in Westfield.

The popular fast-food chicken restaurant opened May 30 at 14909 Thatcher Lane. The restaurant, on the Westfield and Carmel border at Greyhound Pass, is the third Raising Cane’s in central Indiana and the eighth in the state.

The restaurant features a wraparound outdoor patio, double drive-thru lanes, a dining room and interior decorations that pay homage to the local community.

During a grand-opening celebration May 30, check presentations for $1,000 each were made to the Westfield Education Foundation and Carmel High School Athletic Department.

“We’re excited not only to open this new restaurant in the (Westfield and) Carmel area but to be involved in the community supporting our customers beyond our box combos,” stated restaurant leader Zackery Cusimano, who began his career with Raising Cane’s at the brand’s first restaurant in Baton Rouge, La. “We look

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 30 at Raising Cane’s, 14909 Thatcher Lane. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Chamber of Commerce)

forward to serving our ‘ONE LOVE’ to the community.”

Raising Cane’s operates more than 775 restaurants in 40 states, with plans to open 100 new locations across several new markets in 2024.

The new location operates daily from 10 a.m. to midnight. For more, visit raisingcanes.com.

of Audiology expertise between us and pride ourselves on being able to give as much of our time to our patients as they need. We won’t rush you through the process like those in ENT or Retail Audiology, but we will spend the necessary and wanted time with you to help you know your questions are valuable and your patient experience is our top priority.

Meridian Audiology LLC is a small private Audiology Practice owned and operated by Dr. Alison Wyss and Kira VonBlon, M.S. We have 40 years of Audiology expertise between us and pride ourselves on being able to give as much of our time to our patients as they need. We won’t rush you through the process like those in ENT or Retail Audiology, but we will spend the necessary and wanted time with you to help you know your questions are valuable and your patient experience is our top priority.

Mention this ad and receive 10 % O F F a set of Entry, Advanced or Premium Technology hearing aids. Offer expires 9/30/24.

Mention this ad and receive 10% OFF a set of Entry, Advanced or Premium Technology hearing aids. Offer expires 9/30/24. 911 E. 86th Street, Ste 035, Indianapolis, IN 46240

Call today to set an appointment 317-731- 5 3 8 6 info@meridianaudiology.com www.meridianaudiology.com

Call today to set an appointment 317-731- 5 3 8 6 info@meridianaudiology.com www.meridianaudiology.com

Online boutique launches

By Jennifer A. Haire news@currentincarmel.com

Kerry Pochinco always dreamed of opening a women’s clothing store. In January, she decided there was no time like the present and by April launched her online boutique, Dutch Girl.

SHOPPING

“It’s kind of scary to start your own business,” she said. “There’s not really a guidebook of how you start an online women’s boutique.”

all the things that I think are the right steps to grow in the business.”

Opening a store was partially inspired by her friends, who, according to Pochinco, often compliment her outfits and come to her for advice on what to wear, which gave her the confidence to pursue her passion. They have been actively supportive of her new venture, volunteering their time to help put orders together and take photos of the clothing.

Proud of her Dutch heritage and wanting to honor her grandparents who immigrated from the Netherlands, she chose the name Dutch Girl for her business.

Pochinco, 34, works in advertising at Microsoft. With the help of her husband, she is balancing being a mother, holding a full-time job and operating a new business.

“I’m pregnant with a third and I have two little toddlers,” she said. “Basically, once they go down every day, I start my Dutch Girl shift, where I’m finding inventory and updating the website and doing social media and fulfilling orders and doing

“I have always loved fashion and looking put together ever since I was little,” Pochinco said.

Dutch Girl offers affordable, buildable basics that will last a long time, according to Pochinco.

“Whether you are going into an office or you are just running errands, I want people to feel like even if they’re wearing jeans and a T-shirt it can still be really fashionable and you can still feel like it has great quality,” she said.

For more, visit shopdutchgirl.com and follow @thedutchgirlshop on Instagram.

Pochinco

VIEWS

A league of our own

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

A small, framed photo in my office corner is more than 60 years old. It’s a picture of my All-Star Little League team from New Rochelle, N.Y., back in 1959 — all of us posed in our individual team uniforms and bound for the state championships in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. I wrote about this years ago, but doing a replay seems appropriate. Despite my love for baseball, I had not attended a major league game in many years. The other day, with my friend Joe, I went to Cincinnati to see the Reds play the Cardinals at the Great American Ball Park. Sitting there, sipping a beer, smelling the field, hearing the crack of the bat and watching players round the bases brought back memories of 1959. We were a motley crew: Jews, Hispanics, Italians, Blacks and Ryan, our Irish second baseman. Money was tight, so the city couldn’t dress us in spiffy new uniforms for the All-Star games. We couldn’t afford hotels, so the league arranged for us to stay in the homes of local residents. In the first game, I was thrown out at third base. I looked up to question the umpire’s call and

HUMOR

it was the guy whose house I was staying in.

In the first game, the score was tied in the ninth. The coach told us all to bunt, so we laid down the perfect dribbler four times in a row. It worked. We won by one run. The other team called us wimps, but the Daily News called us winners. In the final game, we lost badly. I made an incredible catch in center field, so we only lost by 10 runs.

Look at the picture on my Facebook page. See the faces of 14 boys who never considered race, religion or family heritage as an issue. We were a team. And a good one. As a result of those experiences, my guess is that most of these young men grew up free of prejudice — the kind that may someday destroy our country. That photo makes me feel better about who we can be.

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

Editor,

Discarded plastic waste is a problem

While living in beautiful Santa Fe, N.M., I discovered in the most painful way the devastating effect of plastic. I left my house for 20 minutes, and upon returning, discovered my Chihuahua, Angel, lying by the couch with an empty shredded cheese plastic bag on her head — suffocated to death. My resuscitation efforts failed. Apparently, my larger dog had pulled the bag out of the trash.

This horrific event brought to my attention the crisis this planet is in: Plastic is killing our planet, wild-

life, marine life and pets. When you think about it, it boils down to habits. I, myself, have agreed with the checkout person at the grocery store when asked “is plastic OK?” in a robotic fashion, I nod my head “yes,” as if there is no other choice. There is a choice. Small changes can make a difference.

If you’ve read the book “Atomic Habits” you will be inspired to realize that small changes in the way you do things, developing new habits, can drastically change the quality and trajectory of your life. The small habit of using reusable grocery bags instead

of robotically agreeing to the plastic can slowly decrease the effect of plastic in our world. Send an email to the grocery store you use the most and implore them to no longer offer plastic bags. In Santa Fe, one grocery store offered used boxes that people could use for their groceries if they hadn’t brought their own bags. They had no bags in the store. It worked. It can work here, too.

Emily Peak, Westfield

CARMEL/CLAY BOARD OF PARKS & RECREATION NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Project: Monon Boulevard Spray Plaza Modifications

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation will receive sealed bids for the above described Project at the Board’s Administrative Offices located at 1411 East 116th Street, Carmel Indiana 46032 on June 26, 2024 at 1:00 pm local time and, commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date, such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Conference Room of the Administrative Offices. No late bids will be accepted.

All bids and proposals shall be properly and completely executed on the proposal forms provided with the plans and specifications, which will include the non-collusion affidavit as required by the State of Indiana. The bid envelope must be sealed and have the words “BID – Monon Boulevard Spray Plaza Modifications” printed clearly on the outside of the envelope.

A bid bond or certified check in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount bid must be submitted with each bid. A one hundred percent (100%) performance and payment bond will also be required of the successful bidder. A three year maintenance bond will be required upon final completion. For bids in excess of $300,000, bidders must submit a Certificate of Qualification under Ind. Code 4-13.64 with their bid, or prior to performing any work on the Project. It is intended that actual construction of all work divisions shall be started as soon as practicable, and each bidder shall be prepared to enter promptly into a construction contract, furnish performance and payment bonds, and begin work without delay in the event the award is received.

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

The Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation is proposing to modify an existing spray plaza located south of Elm Street along the Monon Boulevard. This spray plaza was installed as part of the Phase 2 Monon Boulevard Project. The contractor shall modify existing features of the spray vaults to become a one use system instead of a recirculating system. Contractor shall install new water services, remove and replace pavers, modify spray heads, and modify features inside the existing vault tanks. All work is specified in the Construction Plans and Specifications for said project.

Contract Documents for the Project have been assembled into one bound project manual, which together with drawings, may be examined at and obtained from the office of CrossRoad Engineers, PC, 115 N 17th Ave, Beech Grove, Indiana 46107; Phone: (317) 780-1555. A digital set can be obtained by emailing David Webster at dwebster@crossroadengineers.com. The plan charge will be $100 for paper copies and $50 for digital copies. Payments and costs of Contract Documents and related supplemental materials are non-refundable.

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

A pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. local time on site at the Spray Plaza at W Elm Street and the Monon Boulevard. All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference. The pre-bid conference is not mandatory.

The Board intends to award a contract for the Project in accordance with Ind. Code §36-1-12 et seq., to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder whose bid does not exceed the funds available for the Project. The Owner shall have the right to accept any alternates in any order or combination or accept on the basis of the Base Bid alone, unless otherwise specifically provided in the bidding documents and to determine the lowest responsible and responsive Bidder on the basis of the sum of the Base Bid and any alternates accepted.

For special accommodations for individuals planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting and in need of assistance, please call or notify David Webster at (317) 780-1555x108 or dwebster@crossroadengineers.com at least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto.

No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving bids or proposals. Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation reserves the right to hold any or all bids or proposals for a period of not more than sixty (60) days and said bids or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period. Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation reserves the right to waive any of the terms, conditions or provisions contained in this Notice to Bidders or the Bid Documents or any informality, irregularity or omission in the bid process or in any bid which waiver is deemed in the Owner’s discretion to be to the advantage of Owner and which does not afford any bidder a material competitive advantage over other bidders and reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all bids, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the Board as determined by the Director.

Commentary by Terry Anker

Through a spokesman, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently issued an ominous warning to we U.S. citizens. It seems that the tenacious Ukrainians have made use of some American-made weapons that we shared in humiliating their would-be occupiers and spurring an exasperated Putin to threaten the United States with “fatal consequences” and global conflict for not standing on the sidelines as Russia expands its boundaries as and when it sees fit. Threatening planet-wide thermonuclear war may seem a bit excessive. But who is going to stop him?

ESSAY

Closer to home, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett recently reversed direction on his once-effusive support for the local professional soccer team Indy Eleven to instead pursue a more grandiose script with “undisclosed” partners for a “confidential” plan. The flip-flop is supported by a few, elicits incredulousness from many and confounds almost everyone. The move by the local politician and attorney to become a real estate mogul may seem a bit of an unexpected left turn. But who is going to stop him?

Others cheat on, or beat on, their spouses, because “what are they going to do about it?” The same is true for taking up multiple parking spaces, dishonesty in a business deal or kicking a dog. Justifica-

Just because they can?

tions might include that they”deserved” it; the car was new; it is “only” business; or the canine was in our way. They all conceal the ugly truth of our motivation. Most of us act — occasionally, anyway — not from the pious nature of our moral character but from impulse. We bully and threaten just

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

Docket No. PZ-2024-00091

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 24th day June, 2024 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd of Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:

I wish to install a metal storage building, made and installed by Millennium Buildings, on an existing concrete pad in my backyard. I currently have a small 17ft pull behind camper parked next to my front door. Due to current city code, I must have a completely enclosed building to store/park my camper, when not in use, in my backyard. I also wish to use this building to store yard/garden tools, power tools, lawn mowers, etc.

With the property being known as: 730 Altam Ave. Carmel, Indiana 46032

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2024-00091.

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Acreage 0.36 Section 30, Township 18, Range 4 CARMEL MEADOWS Section1 Lot 26

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.

Jerry Hauser PETITIONERS

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

City of Carmel, Indiana Department: Engineering Department One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032 Rental Property: 10583 Lakeshore Drive E. Carmel, IN 46033

Notice is hereby given that the Engineering Department for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, will receive bids for the lease of the above-described rental property from 10:00am EST on June 25, 2024, to 10:00am EST on August 24, 2024 NO LATE BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

The minimum bid is Two Thousand and Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500).

The rental is a four bedroom, two and a half bath, approximately 2,338 square foot property with minibarn and two car garage. Lease terms and tours of the rental may be requested by contacting Courtney Livingston at clivingston@carmel.in.gov or by calling 317-571-2472.

The property may not be leased to a person who is ineligible under Indiana Code 36-1-11-16. A bid submitted by a trust (as defined in IC 30-4-1-1(a)) must identify both the beneficiary of the trust and the settlor empowered to revoke or modify the trust. Bids are open to public inspection. A bidder may raise another bidder’s bid.

All bids may be submitted by emailing Courtney Livingston at clivingston@carmel.in.gov with the subject line “BID – RENTAL PROPERTY 10583 LAKESHORE DRIVE E.” The bid must include the bid amount, the bidder’s name, and how many people, children, and pets will occupy the rental. The winning bidder shall provide proof of income as well as a deposit of $2,500.

The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all bids when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body.

Questions may be directed to Courtney Livingston by emailing clivingston@carmel.in.gov or by calling 317-571-2472. For special accommodation(s) needed by handicapped individuals please call 317-5712472.

Jacob Quinn Clerk

because we can. Do we enjoy the rush we get from the exercise of power, imagined or otherwise, more than we care about the dissolving social and institutional restraints on our desires? If we cannot stop bullying, all of us lose.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

Docket No. PZ-2024-00082

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 24th day of June, 2024 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers,1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Special Use application to:

Petitioner, Forrest D & Charlotte M Lucas, Trustees of the Lucas Living Trust, requests approval to install a private recreational facility, namely, a baseball field with an artificial surface for the infield, netted backstop, and dugouts. The private use is for the use of the Petitioner’s family and guests, and in any event, without monetary renumeration. The proposes baseball field is for the intended use for the minor members of the family to play baseball. The field will be substantially set back and screened from neighbors and the road. The baseball field will not feature any lights or public address or similar loudspeaker system.

With the property being known as: 11303 Ditch Road, Carmel, IN 46032.

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2024-00082.

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Hamilton County Tax Parcel 17-13-03-00-00-028.132

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.

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

Docket No. PZ-2024-00080

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 24th day of June, 2024 a 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:

Seeking approval to add a metal accent roof to deck of side porch. Porch is located on north side of house facing 2nd Street NW. The accent roof is similar to others in the neighborhood and only represents less than 5% of the roof.

With the property being known as: 140 1st Ave NW Carmel,IN 46032

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2024-00080.

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows:16-09-25-12-01-013.000.

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

Al 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.

Jay Brammer

PETITIONERS

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

Docket No. PZ-2024-00093 V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 24th day of June, 2024 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Caucus Rooms (1 Civic Square, 2nd Flr, Carmel, IN 46032) will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Seek the following Development Standards Variance approval to Encroach 6.6-ft into the Minimum 10-ft setback from the side lot line to build an outdoor entertaining space to include a swimming pool and patio retaining wall in the VOWC PUD Section 6.1 and UDO Section 5.02.C(7).

With the property being known as: 12737 Parsons Gate

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2024-00093 V.

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Acreage .36 Section 28, Township 18, Range 3 VILLAGE OF WESTCLAY Section VO2-B Lot 303 Irregular Shape. 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.

Philip Ennis

PETITIONERS

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

Docket No. PZ-2024-00079

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 24 day of June at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Fir., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: I am seeking approval for a detached garage. I am requesting 92% of ground floor area. The allowed amount is 75%. I am also requesting the garage to be placed 21 ft from the front of home. The allowed is 26 ft. I am also requesting space between home and garage is 9.5 ft. where the allowed is 10 ft.

With the property being known as: 10611 Jordan Rd. Carmel, IN 46032

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2024-00079

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: 10611 Jordan Rd. Carmel, IN 46032 Lot 47 Jordan Woods

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.

Scott Krouse

Petitioners

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

Blueprint for Improvement: Bold basement in Carmel

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 2016 in the Village of West Clay, this home’s finished basement provided ample space but lacked intention. Our team got to work, transforming the layout to include distinctive spaces and purpose.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Wall-to-wall carpeting was replaced with luxury vinyl plank flooring, providing the look of natural wood with added durability and minimal maintenance.

• Poplar cabinetry stained a deep indigo, paired with glossy porcelain tiles in the same shade, makes a bold and stylish statement.

• With a dishwasher, beverage fridge and microwave, the new wet bar provides everything needed for effortless entertaining.

• Indigo wood paneling not only helps to protect the wall from errant darts, but also makes a style statement that hits the bullseye.

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

After

Before

38. State agency in charge of highways, airports and railroads, briefly

39. “___, Brute?”

40. French water

41. Pun reaction, perhaps 42. Wicker material

43. Lose weight

45. Daniels School of Business deg.

46. Mapmaker ___ McNally

47. Maine’s capital

51. Churchill Downs event

54. Corroded

56. “___ the season...”

57. ISO woodwind

58. Ice cream treat at Indy Zoo

60. Tra-___

61. Frequently

62. Apt anagram of “evil”

63. Third largest city in France 64. Unemotional

65. Rapper-turned-actor Down 1. Prepare to “Wander Indiana”

2. Butler frat letter 3. Northside reservoir 4. Indiana tax ID 5. Shallow water hazards

6. Big name in insurance

7. Mirror image?

8. Generational development studied by Darwin 9. Sleep acronym

30. Learning method 31. Guided trip 32. Honey bunch 33. Spoken

Hawaiian island

35. Winter road blocker

38. Crooked Stick golf club

39. Jacob’s twin

41. Aussie’s greeting

42. IU Health delivery doc

44. Comic British character who rarely speaks

45. “___ on the Bounty”

47. Colorado ski resort

48. Showing no emotion

49. Owner’s document

50. Thing of value

51. Barbie or Ken

52. Where a signed copy of Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse Five” sold for $240

53. Caramel-filled candy

55. ___ no good

58. Two, in Tijuana

Roman 506 Answers on Page 31

shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com

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, good-natured 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