Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XVIV, No. 38
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Neighbors, city officials claim northwest Carmel home operating as illegal short-term rental
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Christin Diehl wasn’t thrilled earlier this year when she began to suspect the house next door to hers in northwest Carmel was being used as a shortterm rental, but initially she didn’t consider it much more than a nuisance.
CITY NEWS
As the weather grew warmer and the house’s backyard pool opened, gatherings grew larger and her family experienced more negative impacts, she said, such as the smell of marijuana wafting into her yard and increased traffic on the once-quiet cul-de-sac.
“It’s like 24/7 spring break happening next door,” Diehl said. “The (renters) are there for a short period of time, and they’re there to party. They go hard the whole time they’re there, all day.”
Diehl said the situation escalated to a new level July 7 when first responders removed multiple renters from the home on stretchers. She described the incident as appearing to be a “mass drug overdose” discovered when a person walking a dog down the street found someone unconscious in the front yard of the home.
Tim Griffin, a spokesperson for the Carmel Fire Department, said HIPAA laws prevented him from sharing details about the incident but confirmed medics responded to the home that day.
Rebecca Carl, chief marketing officer for the City of Carmel, stated in an email that the city is “concerned about the medical emergency that occurred at a residence in our community this past weekend” and acknowledged the incident is distressing for local residents.
“The home where this occurred was operating as an illegal short-term rental as the city does not allow non-owner-occupied rentals. The city has also had multiple conversations with the owner about the illegality of this rental property prior to this incident,” Carl stated. “Further information is still being collected which may lead to additional enforcement action from the city, including reviewing our code enforcement practices.”
City code prohibits homes from being used as short-term rentals unless the property owner — who must be the primary resident of the home — receives an excep-
tion from a Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals hearing officer. The hearing officer may grant exceptions for a specified number of days per year and the property owner must apply for the exception annually.
According to Serena Burkard, whose company, Vacation Homes LLC, owns the property, the home is not intended to be rented out for less than 30 days at a time, the minimum allowed by city code without receiving an exception. Burkard told Current the home is her primary residence but that she has been out of town much of the time since purchasing it in March.
“I can’t control if (renters) stay for 30 days, but they have to book for a minimum of 30 days,” Burkard said, adding that she expects a long-term renter to sign a 10-month lease soon.
The listing for the property on the shortterm rental site Vrbo does not specify that the home must be rented for at least 30 days, and Current was able to select a much shorter time frame when going through the early steps of booking the property.
Burkard said the person renting the home when the medical emergency occurred over the weekend did not report the incident to her but only communicated that they had left the property.
“I don’t know what happened,” Burkard said. “I wasn’t there. Nobody contacted me. I didn’t find out about this until I saw it (online).”
Diehl said she has contacted the City of Carmel about the violation and spoke with a code enforcement official, who told her there is little the city can do in this scenario to enforce the ordinance.
Samantha Karn, corporation counsel for the City of Carmel, said the city can issue citations for each day an illegal short-term rental has active listings on host sites. She
said this type of citation would require a mandatory court appearance.
City Councilor Ryan Locke, who represents the Northwest District, said councilors are working with Mayor Sue Finkam to “ensure action is taken immediately.”
“The incident this weekend is abhorrent, unacceptable and should never have happened,” Locke said. “The neighborhood has a lawful prohibition against shortterm rentals under their HOA’s Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions, and the city’s ordinance does not allow short-term rentals without a city-granted special exception. Further, city code provides protections against nuisance properties, and illegal drug use is in fact illegal everywhere.”
The Cheswick Place Homeowners Association sued Vacation Homes LLC in April, asking a judge to halt the rentals. A summary judgment hearing is set for Sept. 9 before Hamilton County Judge Jonathan Brown.
Cheswick Place HOA President David Morton said the property owner did not respond to multiple notifications about the violation sent to Vacation Homes LLC before the lawsuit was filed.
For now, Diehl said her family continues to deal with the impacts of living next door to frequent large-group gatherings of strangers.
“My 7-year-old’s best friend lives five houses down. They used to run back and forth to each other’s house constantly, and now they don’t do that. They have to be supervised going back and forth,” she said. “The large groups are really intimidating for my kids. They used to play basketball in the driveway all the time and play on our toys outside, and now they won’t do that if there are people out there. It’s totally disrupting everyone’s lives in this neighborhood.”
Carmel police and medics respond to a home July 7 in northwest Carmel that neighbors believe is being illegally used as a short-term rental. (Photo courtesy of Christin Diehl)
DISPATCHES
TechHOUNDS summer camp — The TechHOUNDS summer camp is set for July 22 to 26 at Carmel High School. From 12:30 to 4 p.m. daily and 12:30 to 7 p.m. the final day of camp, attendees entering fifth through eighth grades will learn about robotics, programming and STEM-based activities. Registration is open through July 18. Fee is $300 and covers materials and access to equipment. Register at forms.gle/ykYiBZ9TPJsttNrY6.
Housing task force to gather public feedback — The Carmel Mayor’s Housing Task Force will hold a public meeting from 7:30 to 9 a.m. July 25 to exclusively gather resident input. The meeting will be held in the council chambers on the second floor of Carmel City Hall at 1 Civic Square. The task force is nearing the end of its fact-finding phase, which has occurred over the past five months during public meetings. So far, the task force has received and reviewed relevant reports, studies and data presented by subject matter experts who have shared their expertise and insights. Learn more at bit.ly/4a2IVxf.
Veterans resource fair — The Hamilton County Veterans Corp. is hosting a countywide Resource Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 20 at 1775 Field Dr. in Noblesville for military members, veterans and their families, and all Hamilton County residents. Some of the resources available at the event include providers and outreach specialists from Federal VA Benefits, Roudebush VA Hospital, County Veteran Service Officers, Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Readiness and Employment, Military OneSource, Indiana WorkOne, the Hamilton County Health Department and more.
History museum open house — The Carmel Clay History Museum will hold an information open house for potential volunteers and those wanting to learn more about the museum from 1 to 2:30 p.m. July 18 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St., in Meeting Room B. The museum is under construction on the southwest corner of 1st Street SW and Monon Boulevard. Learn more at CarmelClayHistory.org.
Family Promise reunion — Family Promise of Hamilton County will host a reunion for families and community members from 1 to 3 p.m. July 21 at Forest Park, 701 Cicero Rd. in Noblesville, in Shelter 5. The nonprofit exists to help homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence. Light food and drinks will be provided.
Supt. succession plan announced
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Carmel Clay Schools Superintendent
Michael Beresford plans to retire after the 2024-25 school year, and CCS Assistant Superintendent
months ago to give them time to select his replacement. Hiring a superintendent is among the board’s state-mandated responsibilities.
Thomas Oestreich is set to be his successor.
The succession announcement came at a school board special session July 8 at the CCS Educational Services Center. A vote to make the transition official will occur at a later date.
Beresford became CCS superintendent in 2018 after working for 25 years at Hamilton Southeastern Schools. He began his education career as a high school English and journalism teacher and has served as a school counselor, director of school counseling, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent.
By the end of the next school year, Beresford will have worked in education for 43 years. He said he has been thinking about the timing of his retirement “for a while.”
“I don’t have a particular moment, but sometimes things just become clear,” he said. “(My wife and I) thought it through, and we’ve done some soul-searching and planning, and we’ve decided it’s probably time.”
Beresford said he alerted school board members about his plans to retire a few
Oestreich joined CCS in early 2020 as the assistant superintendent of staff and student services. He previously worked for the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township as assistant superintendent. At CCS, he is responsible for managing recruitment, retention and talent development of employees and overseeing school safety and mental health initiatives.
Beresford said he “hit the jackpot” in hiring Oestreich at CCS and described him as a “good human being” and a “man of character.”
“Carmel has an opportunity to have a stable, outstanding leader for over a decade. His career is just blooming,” Beresford said. “To hand (the position) over to him is just outstanding. You don’t just hand over your baby to anybody.”
Oestreich has a bachelor’s degree in music education from Butler University and a master’s degree in school administration and a Doctor of Educational Leadership, with a minor in curriculum instruction, from Indiana University.
When Beresford was hired as CCS superintendent, he said he felt he was the “luckiest guy on the planet.” Six years later, he said he still felt the same way about the job.
Support CCS PAC makes endorsements
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The Support CCS political action committee announced July 5 it is endorsing Jon Shapiro and Kristina “Kris” Wheeler in the Carmel school board election.
CCS EDUCATION
Sarah Doty, communications director of Support CCS, said Shapiro and Wheeler were the only two candidates to apply for the endorsement. The two other candidates in the race, Dina Ferchmin and Robin Clark, have been endorsed by the Carmel Excellence PAC. Support CCS reached out to each candidate to invite them to apply for the endorsement, Doty said.
The four candidates are running for two
at-large seats in the Nov. 5 school board election. Incumbents Katie Browning and Louise Jackson are not seeking reelection.
According to Support CCS, a review committee composed of four Republicans, three Democrats and one Independent evaluated the submissions and recommended the endorsement. The committee could have recommended one, two or none of the candidates for the endorsement.
“A presidential election year can overshadow the vital importance of local elections,” stated Jennifer Cashin, chairperson of Support CCS. “However, there is no overstating how much of an impact our school board has on the future of our children and our community.”
Read the full story at youarecurrent. com/?p=245573.
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Beresford
Oestreich
County addresses building safety
By Marney Simon • marney@youarecurrent.com
The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners held a 45-minute regular session July 8. The board approved a handful of measures, including an action plan for the Hamilton County 4-H fair, the creation of a safety work group and a software contract addendum.
What happened: The commissioners approved the Hamilton County 4-H event action plan.
What it means: Emergency Management Director of Operations
Ryan Tennessen said the action plan was developed in coordination with the 4-H Council, Purdue Extension, buildings and grounds, safety and risk management, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the Fire Chiefs’ Roundtable. Per the plan, the county will provide multiple resources to the fair, including a command trailer, sign boards, portable cameras and a generator to support overall safety at the fair.
What’s next: The Hamilton County 4-H Fair is July 18 to 22. Learn more at extension.purdue.edu/ county/hamilton/ hamilton-countyfair/4-h-fair.html.
What happened: The board unanimously approved the creation of a work group to strategize ways to improve safety at county buildings.
What it means: Safety and Risk Manager Steven Rushforth requested approval to establish a temporary work group for the sole purpose of updating the emergency action plans for the judicial center and the old courthouse, as well as creating a standardized ‘approach to emergency’ action plan for facilities throughout the county. “I think this is very timely with (Emergency Management Executive Director) Chad Knecht coming over. He was previously our contact point with the City of Noblesville,” Rushforth said. Knecht, a 29year veteran of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and more recently Noblesville’s director of public safety, recently joined Hamilton County’s emergency management department.
What’s next: The work group will be selected to include individuals from several departments, including safety and risk, administration, buildings and grounds, emergency management, sheriff’s department civil division and Information Systems Services Department. The group will discuss evacuation plans for county buildings and come back to the board with a recommendation.
What happened: The commissioners approved an addendum to the contract between the Hamilton County Health Department and WizeHive, Inc.
What it means: Health department administrator Jason LaMaster said the addendum is a change to an existing contract for software services. “In August (2023), we implemented a contract with WizeHive, Inc., to help us provide software for our health sub-granting and application process, to be able to do that online,” LaMaster said. “The product has gone through a very nice upgrade, and they have a very nice, new web-based platform that we would like to convert and move over to.” Per the addendum, the contract start is amended to Sept. 1, 2024, ending Aug. 30, 2027. The contract will auto renew in one-year increments beginning in 2027 with a 9 percent subscription increase per year. The addendum includes a subscription rate of $14,000 for two programs and a flat rate onboarding fee of $2,500.
DISPATCH
What’s next: LaMaster said WizeHive, Inc. may potentially be utilized for developing the county’s nonprofit granting program in addition to the health department’s grant program.
Relay for Change – The third annual Relay for Change 6K partner relay race is set for 9:15 a.m. July 20 at Carmel High School, 520 E. Main St. Teams of two will compete, with each participant running 3K. The event is organized by Be the Change Indy, a group run by local youth that advocates for social equity. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit the Julian Center, which supports victims of abuse and other survivors Cost to participate is $25. Register at runsignup.com/Race/IN/Carmel/RelayforChange.
Welcoming Paul
State laws focus on education
news@currentincarmel.com
New laws passed during the 2024 Indiana Legislative session took effect July 1, including several aimed at boosting opportunities for Hoosier students and teachers.
LEGISLATURE
High school students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account to pursue internships, apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities. The $5,000 scholarship covers certain expenses like training, career coaching, driver’s education, certification and credentialing exams.
State Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville) authored the new law.
“All students should be able to pursue educational opportunities that prepare them for what comes after graduation,” Goodrich stated. “This program is a game changer that will help young Hoosiers achieve success, no matter their career goals.”
Lawmakers said a measure aimed at boosting reading proficiency will address
data that shows 1 in 5 Hoosier third-graders struggle to read by strengthening remediation efforts and offer more targeted classroom support in second grade. Schools also will be required to offer summer courses to help with reading beginning this year.
“Reading is such a critical skill for all Hoosier students,” State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) stated. “Providing targeted support for students who need the most help in improving their reading will better prepare these learners for future success.”
Hoosiers looking to make a career switch to education can apply for Transition to Teaching Scholarships. One-time, nonrenewable scholarships of up to $10,000 are available to applicants with a bachelor’s degree pursuing a transition to teaching certification.
A measure to provide nearly 90,000 retired public servants including teachers and first responders with a $360 pension boost to cover cost-of-living expenses also became law July 1.
To view new laws, visit iga.in.gov.
Schaibley
Miracle Fathers nonprofit launches
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
A conversation with his best friend sent Trey Brown on a mission.
GIVING BACK
“My best friend lost his dad when he was 9 years old,” Brown said. “He mentioned something that took me aback and started the thinking process. He said if he still had his dad his life would look night and day different than it does now. That started the gears moving in my head about how can we support kids who lose their dad who might feel the same way?”
profit operates out of the Carmel janitorial business his parents own. He started the organization in May.
Brown, 24, and his wife, Mishael, grew up in Carmel and have a 1-year-old daughter.
A 2021 Dads’ Resource Center report states that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 25 percent of children grow up without their biological father in the home.
Shortly thereafter, his church pastor discussed a similar theme.
“I thought it was God telling me to make a move or stop dwelling on it,” he said. “I looked and I couldn’t find a ministry like it. It was like God telling me, ‘I put this on your heart, now you have to run with it.’”
Brown recently created a nonprofit called Miracle Fathers to support children and families in fatherless homes. Brown, who lives near Pendleton, said the non-
One way Brown said he plans for the nonprofit to have an impact is an Adopt-a-Dad program where volunteer dads engage with families that don’t have a dad to provide mentorship, fellowship and a positive male role model.
Through the generosity of the people who support Miracle Fathers, Brown said he is planning to introduce scholarships for child care and K-12 faith-based education for children in fatherless homes.
Beginning in summer of 2025, Brown said Miracle Fathers is planning to host a free yearly retreat for kids involved in the nonprofit’s programming.
For more, visit miraclefathers.org.
Brown
CarmelFest celebrated Independence Day with activities July 3 and 4 in and around Civic Square. The traditional July 4 parade continued in light rain, with skies clearing in time for the evening fireworks show. Above, a Ferris wheel was a new addition to the CarmelFest lineup this year.
(Photos by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Children gather candy during the parade.
Butch Patrick, who played Eddie Munster in the TV show “The Munsters,” served as the parade grand marshal and brought the Drag-ULa vehicle.
Woofstock 5K set for Aug. 10
HSHC news@currentincarmel.com
The Humane Society for Hamilton County’s annual Woofstock 5K walk and run is set for Aug. 10 at Four Day Ray Brewing, 11671 Lantern Rd., Fishers, with the pet-friendly race starting at 8 a.m., rain or shine.
The fundraising event supports the shelter’s Survivor Program, according to the HSHC website.
“Animal welfare is difficult and heart-wrenching. Every day we see some of the worst medical cases in Hamilton County and the state,” stated Lily Darling, HSHC community engagement manager. “As an open-admission, truly no-kill shelter, our Survivor Program and the support of our community allows us to provide second chances to animals who otherwise wouldn’t have them.”
The race is a timed course that participants can run, jog or walk with the entire family, including leashed and/or in-stroller dogs. Top youth, individual, corporate and team fundraisers will be awarded different prizes as well as overall 5K winners and age-group winners.
Humane Society for Hamilton County’s annual Woofstock 5K is planned for Aug. 10 at Four Day Ray Brewing in Fishers. (Photo courtesy of the Humane Society for Hamilton County)
The first 1,000 participants who register before the race will receive finisher medals, shirts and swag bags. A virtual race option also is available. Any participant who registers to fundraise for the HSHC will have race fees waived if they raise at least $55.
Race participants also receive a free drink ticket to redeem at Four Day Ray on the day of the event.
For more and to register, visit runsignup. com/Race/IN/Fishers/woofstock.
Honoring local young advocates
Commentary by Cindy Muse
The Carmel Green Initiative recently recognized recent high school graduates Ella Lipnik and Ashlyn Walker for their efforts advocating for the environment locally and beyond. Their leadership and service have inspired Carmel youth and adults to make a difference in their communities.
ENVIRONMENT
Lipnik and Walker served as co-leaders of the Green Action Club at Carmel High School to help implement eco-friendly practices on campus. They are also CGI board members and have advocated for climate policies for our city and state. As co-leaders of the statewide student-led Confront the Climate Crisis, Walker worked with state lawmakers to craft climate legislation in Indiana. Lipnik joined CGI’s Promise Project to advocate for Carmel’s climate action plan, which was adopted in August 2022. Walker is one of two youth appointees to Carmel’s Climate Action Advisory Committee.
Walker and Lipnik have graduated from high school and are headed to college.
Walker will attend Purdue University and major in environmental science. Lipnik will attend the University of Cincinnati, majoring in art history and international business. In their own ways, they plan to continue to champion environmental sustainability wherever they may live.
Cindy Muse is a board member with Carmel Green Initiative, Inc. Contact the group at carmelgreen.org.
From left, Ella Lipnik and Ashlyn Walker. (Photo courtesy of Cindy Muse)
Students’ recipe for success
By Conrad Otto Conrad@youarecurrent.com
Three Carmel High School students preparing for the National Family, Career and Community Leaders of America cooking competition recently partnered with a local senior living facility to hone their skills. Inside the commercial kitchen at Woodland Terrace, two students worked on a dish with pork chops, quinoa and cooked veggies, while another baked cookies and cupcakes.
PARTNERSHIP
After qualifying for the national event in March, incoming senior Julie Hohne and incoming juniors Ryland Garner and Elizabeth Siders used the kitchen space at Woodland Terrace to fine tune their work for the FCCLA competition. Scout Phillips, who graduated from CHS this year, also qualified for the event but did not attend the event at Woodland Terrace.
“One of the main reasons for us being a practice site is because our kitchen is set up like a restaurant,” Woodland Terrace Executive Chef Nick Halstead said. “I know we are senior living, but we have every-
thing a commercial kitchen has.”
Woodland Terrace made accommodations for the students by relocating its cooks on staff to an upstairs kitchen.
Garner said it is exciting to compete on the national level.
“I think of it as an adrenaline rush,” Garner said.
Nick Carter, CHS culinary instructor, said he is still awaiting final results from the FCCLA competition but that none of the CHS students finished in the top 10.
Carmel High School culinary arts student Ryland Garner, at end of table, receives feedback on her dish from CHS culinary arts instructor Nick Carter, second from left, and others at Woodland Terrace in Carmel. (Photo by Conrad Otto)
Pups softball program grows
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
As a parent of two daughters who played in the Carmel Pups softball program, Nicole Potts has appreciated the countless volunteer hours Amanda and Eric Derheimer have put in as commissioners.
SPORTS
Potts said the program has been thriving since the couple took over as commissioners two years ago.
“We just love that Carmel is growing their own program and having these opportunities for the kids,” Potts said.
The Derheimers initially got involved with the softball program because their oldest daughter, Lilly, 13, played for the Pups for three years.
“Our youngest daughter was interested in playing as well, but there were no travel teams at that level,” Amanda said. “So, we wanted to give it a try and grow the program. At that time, there was only a 10U team and a 12U team.”
had 8U teams.
“We knew there is an advantage to starting and developing them when they’re young,” Amanda said.
Amanda said previously the younger girls who wanted to play travel softball were either staying in the CDC recreation league or playing for other programs.
Eric has been the head coach of the 8U team the past two years, coaching his daughter, Rosie, who recently turned 9. He will continue to coach the 9U team this fall.
There were seven teams this past season, which ended earlier this month. There were four teams in their first year as commissioners.
Eric said they knew there was potential for more teams because of the number of girls playing in the Carmel Dads’ Club recreational softball league.
Amanda said there were approximately 75 girls in the Pups program this past season. There were two 8U, one 9U, two 10U and two 12U teams. The season begins in August and ends in early summer. The main season is spring and early summer.
Eric said the goal is to eventually have one or two teams per birth year. For the 2024-25 year, there will be teams at 8U, 9U, two teams at 10U, 11U, 12U and 13U.
The Derheimers have collaborated with the Carmel High School softball program to build relationships and create player camps.
“We’ve had clinics with the high school team, and there’s been clinics for our coaches,” Amanda said. “We’re trying to build a community where girls are playing with us and then they’ll be ready to play with the high school.
“There wasn’t a program focused on developing the individual teams. It was more on the individual players,” Eric said. “One thing we’ve tried to do is focus on the program and make sure we have a pipeline of teams.”
Amanda said they knew other programs
Pups players are offered the opportunity to be “bat girls” during the CHS games. For more, visit carmeldadsclub.org.
Carmel Pups softball commissioners Amanda and Eric Derheimer with their daughter, Rosie. (Photo courtesy of the Derheimers)
A FRUITFUL HOBBY
Carmel man’s produce carvings a sweet addition at local events
By Tirzah Rowland tirzah@youarecurrent.com
Seeking a creative outlet during his three-decade career in finance, Carmel resident Jim Tanner started carving fruits and vegetables nearly 45 years ago.
“I think it started when the kids were small and we would host Thanksgiving dinner for the whole family, and I carved a little turkey out of an apple, just a little turkey that we sat with the vegetables. And that’s how it started.” said Tanner, 77. “From there, I got asked to do baby showers.”
His hobby grew into a side business completely by word-of-mouth.
“I wasn’t charging anything. I just did it because they were friends. And then I started getting requests from people I didn’t know, and that’s when it changed,” Tanner said.
Tanner started charging $100 to $500, depending on the size of the project, and soon became a go-to for birthday parties, graduations, weddings, reunions, and corporate events. He started a business called Creative Carvings while living in Anderson and worked with his sister, Margo Royer, owner of M&N Catering, also based in Anderson.
“What he can do is so over and above what I could ever dream about creating. He recently made ballerina slippers out of parsnips,” Royer said. “Everyone is mesmerized by his creations. Angels out of cabbage, flowers out of melons, turkeys out of apples, just no end to his creativity.”
Tanner and his wife, Maxine, moved to Carmel in 2023 to live closer to one of their three sons. Although he no longer operates an official business, he welcomes orders from local customers.
Maxine Tanner encourages her husband’s hobby and takes pictures of each creation.
“He’s awesome. He doesn’t accept that very well. He is awesome. And he’s very particular. He works very hard getting it right,” Maxine Tanner said.
Her favorite project was a watermelon carving for an anniversary party.
“Jim uses pictures to recreate images of people. When he was done, it looked just like them,” she said.
He prints images on transfer paper to help guide his carving.
In addition to carving watermelon, Jim Tanner uses cantaloupe, honeydew melons, oranges, lemons, radishes and grapes. But he will try any fruit or vegetable that enhances a project.
“The biggest challenge in all of this is the time you spend in your mind thinking, ‘How am I going to do this? They want a tractor theme. What am I going to make a tractor out of?’ And so that’s where you come up with an acorn squash, or a butternut squash, and then an eggplant for the wheels,” Jim Tanner said. “So, it’s not so much carving that takes the time, it’s pre-planning and
thinking through, and some stuff doesn’t work. And so, you have to think of something else.”
Although he enjoys carving different fruits and vegetables, he said he most often carves watermelons. He avoids pumpkins.
“Pumpkins are very hard to carve. As you see it on TV and these professionals, they do these big pumpkins, and carve them with ease, but I use these fine little knives for some of the detail, and the pumpkins are just too tough,” Jim Tanner said.
Although mostly self-taught, Jim Tanner learned from videos he ordered through vegetablecarving.com and the Nita Gill YouTube channel. He said he has always enjoyed watching and learning from carvers on cruises.
“I use Thai Carving Tools from Thailand. They’re very intricate, very detailed and they have special knives that are very pointed and thin and flexible,” he said.
He’s never entered his carving work in a contest.
“It’s just mainly been for my satisfaction and to help friends,” he said.
He said a typical project takes three hours.
“I’m often wishing I could do it over, but usually don’t have time. Part of the problem with this hobby is it’s not like a picture you can put on the wall and keep. It’s good for like three days and you throw it out,” he said.
Although Jim Tanner has finished many impressive proj-
ects, one of his biggest flops was a dinosaur display for a birthday party.
“I sat this watermelon on the back seat of my car, and I had to stop quick, and it rolled off the seat onto the floor, cracked all the way down,” he said. “So, I get to the people’s house, and I said, ‘Do you have any duct tape?’ And I had skewers and we patched it together. That was my biggest learning experience.”
Jim Tanner doesn’t have a social media presence or website but welcomes emails at jimfourstarpromotions@ gmail.com. He typically requires two weeks of lead time for a project.
PICKING THE RIGHT PRODUCE
Jim Tanner sources his fruits and vegetables — depending on the season and availability — from a variety of locations.
When carving watermelons, he said it’s important to select the right color.
“One of the important things is to get enough contrast so that your carvings show. In other words, sometimes you see watermelons that are kind of gray color, and you carve out to get to the white and it doesn’t contrast with the gray watermelon. You want to get a dark watermelon, if you can,” Tanner said. “Then it’s a matter of cutting away the portions that I want to keep white and leaving the rest. But it’s pretty intricate, and fine lines are hard to do with the watermelon. It gets flexible and wiggly.”
Tanner said he carves watermelons year-round but that it is much harder to find good ones when they aren’t in season.
ON THE COVER: Jim Tanner works on a watermelon-carving project in his Carmel home. (Photo by Adam Seif)
Jim Tanner carves a watermelon in his Carmel home. (Photo by Adam Seif)
Displays made of fruit created by Jim Tanner can be customized for each customer. (Photo courtesy of Jim Tanner)
‘Cats’ gets new life in Civic Theatre YAP show
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Anne Beck conducted a survey of Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program members and alumni of possible future musicals.
“Cats” was listed in the top three by all 75 participants. One reason it was listed so high is because most high schools don’t attempt to present it.
“It’s incredibly challenging,” said Beck, the YAP coordinator. “It forces them to think about character from beginning to end. The program itself is all about building people up and (the performers) have to be on the side, kind of building up the character that’s in the forefront at the time. It’s a big theme about acceptance and forgiveness and being who you are and not having to apologize for it. I love the messages and it’s great for this age group.
“They are working really hard and they’re killing it. It’s just really exciting to see they love it, too.”
The Fishers resident is direct ing the YAP production of “Cats,” which runs July 25-28 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Civic Theatre has not performed the An drew Lloyd Webber classic at any level.
Beck performed in “Cats” at the Gate way Playhouse in Bellport, N.Y., in 2012 with Ken Page, who was reprising his Broadway role as Old Deuteronomy, and director Jacob Brent, who portrayed Mr. Mistoffelees in the original video production.
“Learning it from them, I know it so well,” Beck said.
There are 30 cast members — 15 males and 15 females — from 14 high schools.
Emma Hornbecker, a Lebanon High School graduate who will attend Indiana University this fall, plays Grizabella.
“I wasn’t very familiar with ‘Cats,’’’ Hornbecker said. “I don’t think a lot of theaters around here take it on because it’s very daunting. I listened to all the music before auditions and really fell in love with it.”
This is Hornbecker’s first appearance in a YAP production. She played Liesl Von Trapp in Civic’s main stage production of “The Sound of Music ‘’ in 2023.
“I think through Grizabella I’ve learned a lot about the themes of forgiveness and compassion and I really like how she teaches that to the other cats,” Hornbecker said.
Hornbecker sings “Memory,” the musical’s signature song.
Andrew Horras, who will be a Fishers High School sophomore, plays
in Junior Civic’s “Newsies Jr.” in 2023.
Noah Greer, a 2024 Fishers High School graduate who will study dance at Ball State University this fall, enjoys his role as Mongojerrie.
“He’s very energetic, very fun,” he said. “He’s mischievous.”
Greer and Horras perform an energetic number together.
“He tumbles a lot and that’s definitely kind of taxing but it’s all a part of the process,” Greer said. “It’s very hard also doing like a five-minute number with just two people on stage. You don’t have a lot of people on stage to back you up, so it’s really important that you’re locked in for the full five minutes there.”
The chemistry comes naturally as Greer and Horras are close friends.
“I think people will enjoy just watching us get into the characters,” Greer said. “It’s very different. You have to stay in character for the full two hours. I think that it’s really just fascinating getting to watch everybody do that because you just see different things in each corner of the stage. Everybody’s doing something different. I think that’s something that audiences will really enjoy.”
Taylor Smith, who will be a Lawrence North High School senior, plays Old Deuteronomy.
“I enjoy playing a character that can really command a room,” Smith said. “That’s not something that I’ve really been able to play before. I’ve often played a comedic side character, but I don’t often get to play characters that really are about like majesty and grandeur. I think it’s really cool to try something new.”
Beck said Adrienne Conces, Civic’s resident costume designer, has done an amazing job.
“She puts a unitard on a mannequin and is hand-airbrushing all the different colors and stripes and dots for each character,” said Beck, who is designing the wigs.
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” runs through Aug. 25 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE’ Main Street Productions presents “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” at Basile Westfield Playhouse July 18-28. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Bubbles up! Let’s Celebrate Jimmy Buffett” is set for July 18; Dueling Pianos: ‘80s Music July 18; and Sweet Caroline: The Life and Music of Jimmy Buffett” July 20 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUSICAL’ Red Barn Summer Theatre presents “Young Frankenstein, The Musical” July 17-21 in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre. net.
SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE
“Best of John Williams” is set for 8 p.m. July 19-20 at Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.
DAN
+ SHAY
Dan + Shay: Heartbreak on the Map is set for 7 p.m. July 19 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
EARTH, WIND & FIRE & CHICAGO
Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago’s Heart & Soul Tour stops at 7:30 p.m. July 20 at Ruoff. For more, visit livenation.com.
DISPATCH
Broadway star set for Public Masterclass — Three-time Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry will team up with Michael Feinstein at 2 p.m. July 16 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel for the Great American Songbook Foundation’s annual Songbook Academy summer intensive to critique performances by 10 randomly selected students. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
MUSICAL
Clockwise from the top, Andrew Horras, Fishers, Austin Lizama, Zionsville, Lyra Montalvo, Fishers, and Emma Hornbecker, Lebanon. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty)
CHS student wins talent contest
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Krishaa Motycka didn’t expect to win the CarmelFest Has Talent competition.
ACHIEVEMENT
“To be honest, I was really surprised,” she said. “I thought everyone else did a great job.”
Motycka sang “Fly Me to the Moon” July 3 at the Gazebo stage to win the 13-16 age division.
prize money was the same for all three divisions.
Pack finished second for the third consecutive year. He sang “Life Goes On” by Ed Sheeran.
Motycka, who will be a junior at Carmel High School in August, will be in Ambassadors, the mixed show choir, and Select Sound this school year. She was in Accents, the all-female show choir, and Select Sound as a sophomore
This was her first appearance in CarmelFest Has Talent.
“We moved to Carmel in December 2022, and I had not heard about CarmelFest, but I did do Midtown’s Got Talent last year,” Motycka said.
Motycka earned $300 for her CarmelFest Has Talent victory. John Paul Pack, Carmel, earned $200 for placing second and Henry Martinson, Indianapolis, placed third. The
“Everyone is super supportive and the sound people are great,” said Pack, a homeschooled sophomore who trains at En Pointe Indiana Ballet in Noblesville.
Motycka’s younger sister, Saanvi, placed second in the 12-and-under division. Saanvi, 12, will be a seventh-grader at Carmel Middle School,
The group Akira and the Claras won the 12-and-under division. The piano-playing Carmel girls were Akira Rana, 7, Clara Papazian, 7, and Clara Moy, 8. Pelé Zeller, Carmel, was third.
Brionna Coats, Indianapolis, was victorious in the 17-and older division. J’Lan Stewart, Kokomo, took second and sisters Jenna and Jacey Green, Columbus, Ind. placed third.
Coats, 26, who sang the “Queen of the Night” aria from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” previously placed second in the talent contest in 2019.
Cast takes on fantasy classic
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Annalisa Schuth enjoys the camaraderie of participating in Main Street Productions’ youth plays.
PLAY
Schuth is cast as Susan in “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe,” which runs July 18-28 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. Brandi Davis is the director. The play is based on the 1950 novel by C.S. Lewis and is part of a series of fantasy books called “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
In 2022, Schuth performed in “30 Reasons Not to Be in a Play” and was in “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” in 2023.
“They’ve all been fun in different ways,” she said. “The first was fun because I was getting to know a lot of people and I had a lot of different characters. ‘Robin Hood’ was a fun cast to be with and a funny play. This one has a great cast, too.”
Susan is one of four siblings in the story.
“It’s definitely one of my bigger roles
and it’s really fun to play with my other (stage) siblings,” said Schuth, who will be a sophomore at Westfield High School. “It centers around these children who walk into a wardrobe and find themselves in a magical land. It’s an allegory of the Bible, which is kind of cool.”
Nora Gapinski-Coon, who will be an eighth-grader at Westfield Middle School, plays Mrs. Beaver.
“I like that I can portray a side character, but I still have an important role in helping the children,” she said. “It’s a fun character to play.”
Gapinski-Coon, a fan of the Narnia books, acted in “Robin Hood” last year and worked on lighting and sound the previous year.
Jack Elicker, who will be a sixth-grader at Westfield Intermediate School, plays two roles.
“I like I get multiple roles,” Elicker said. Elicker said he likes that he doesn’t have a lot of lines to memorize but has to act to express his character.
For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
Motycka
Schuth
Join us at our free, family-friendly, outdoor concert series every Thursday evening June 13 - July 18.
Foreigner to visit Ruoff
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youcurent.com
For Foreigner keyboardist Michael Bluestein, the time is right to slow down a bit.
CONCERT
“We’re in the middle of a two-year farewell tour,” Bluestein said. “We’re not saying goodbye completely but basically we’re entering a new chapter where we’ll not be traveling as extensively as we have been because it’s been about nine months a year for about 20 years. It’s going to be considerably less, so this is a full-on, going out with a bang during these two years.”
Foreigner has paused its official farewell tour concerts to perform a Renegades and Juke Box Heroes summer tour with Styx. The tour will visit Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville at 6:45 p.m. July 26. John Waite serves as the opening act.
Foreigner brought its farewell tour with Loverboy to Noblesville in July 2024, shortly after the tour started. The tour with Styx will feature a few less songs than the farewell tour, but will include all the major hits.
“It’s a leaner, meaner set,” Bluestein said. “Instead of 100 minutes, this is closer to 80 minutes.”
Foreigner will be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Oct. 19 in Cleveland as part of the class of 2024.
“It’s a buzz, for sure. A lot of people think it’s long overdue,” said Bluestein, who joined Foreigner in 2008. “It’s a thrill and it looks like we’ll all be there. It will be a nice reunion for the older members as well as newer members. It’s kind of hallowed ground and pretty amazing to be inducted to a prestigious institute. I think it’s going to be kind of a then-and-now scenario.”
Mick Jones, the band’s founder and guitarist, and former lead singer Lou Gramm co-wrote most of the band’s hit songs. Jones, the last original member, hasn’t been able to tour with the band since 2022 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
Bluestein, 55, is looking forward to spending more time with his 8-month old daughter.
“I’m a first-time dad. I’m looking forward to being a dad more full time, or at least half time,” Bluestein said.
Bluestein started playing classical music and then began performing more jazz in high school. Before joining Foreigner, he toured with Enrique Iglesias, Anastacia Lyn Newkirk and Boz Scaggs.
“Versatility is something I was shooting for to have a lot of opportunities and be employed in different situations,” he said. “It’s served me well. I’ve always loved different styles of music. Duke Ellington used to say there are two kinds of music, don’t worry about genres, there is good and bad. I feel Foreigner music is really good music.”
Bluestein, who also serves as a record producer, writes music for TV and movies. Bluestein and his girlfriend Tina Terry perform as a duo called Tina Blue.
For more, visit livenation.com.
FREE EVENT THE NOBLESVILLE STREET DANCE
Feeling strapped for cash but still want to have some fun? Each week, Current helps you find things to do without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s on tap this week:
The Noblesville Street Dance is a family-friendly community event in downtown Noblesville from 6 to 11 p.m. July 20. Admission is free. There will be a free kids zone and live music. Food vendors will be onsite with items available for purchase.
OTHER FREE AREA EVENTS
LATE NIGHT ON MAIN: The free street party begins at 7 p.m. July 20 with food and beverage vendors opening for business. The stage where the band Country Summer will perform will be located on West Main Street and Range Line Road near The Olive Mill in Carmel.
Michael Bluestein has been the keyboardist for Foreigner since 2008. (Photo courtesy of Krishta Photography)
Filmmaker ‘pedals’ documentary at Indy Shorts
By Jennifer A. Haire editorial@youarecurrent.com
Joe Rudy considers himself a community social worker. A Noblesville resident and owner of Rudy’s Re:Cycle shop in Cicero, he is a former youth pastor and property manager of Bethel Lutheran Church and is now a bicycle shop owner.
DOCUMENTARY
“He’s everyone’s friend, and he’s a person that’s always willing to lend a hand,” said 12 Stars Media co-founder Rocky Walls, noting that Rudy’s shop focuses on bicycle repair and provides the community access to affordable bikes. Rudy is featured in the documentary short film “Bike Story,” directed by Walls and produced by his Noblesville-based company, 12 Stars Media. The film’s world premiere is at 7:30 p.m. July 23 at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival. 12 Stars Media has had a film at Indy Shorts every year since 2021. The July 23 premiere is at Living Room Theaters. There will be a showing at 12:30 p.m. July 28 at The Tobias Theatre at Newfields in Indianapolis.
maybe the ‘70s,” Walls said.
Walls said he recognized there was a story to be told through the bikes and immediately thought of Rudy, who he’s known for years through their mutual community work. Rudy was also a subject in the short they were filming at the time, “Toboggan ‘Bout Town.”
“I felt comfortable with Rocky’s vision from the very beginning,” Rudy said. “My hope is when people see this film, they might feel the importance and impact they have on their own community. When we don’t feel like we have a choice in what’s going on in the world, we can put the work in, get a little grimy, learn some new things and make some new friends right where we are.”
Walls said people use “our bikes to get places or to get together with people and go on a journey.”
While filming another local short documentary in 2022, Walls — also a Noblesville resident — received a call from a friend that the new owners of the nearby Lacy building were clearing it out and might have some things he’d be interested in. Hoping to find a unique addition to his typewriter collection among the 30-, 40-year-old untouched items, Walls paid them a visit.
“While I was there, I happened to see, and it truly was like out of a movie, there was this window where this light was kind of pouring in, and it was illuminating these four bicycles hung upside down in a corner that truly didn’t look like (they) had been touched or certainly not ridden since
The film explores “the concept of bikes as a symbol of freedom and coming of age,” said Walls, emphasizing how the importance of bicycles changes throughout people’s lives. “Adolescent experiences sort of revolve around a bicycle, often being the first means you have to explore further out into the neighborhood to go do things with friends that you couldn’t before.”
As Rudy restores the bikes, Walls said the film evokes nostalgia, encouraging viewers to restore what used to bring them joy.
“It might be picking up something from your childhood and revisiting something that you used to really love,” Walls said.
Filming took place in Noblesville and Cicero on and off for two years from January 2022 to April 2024, with a crew of six to eight people.
Walls said he plans for the film to be available in the fall on the Hoosier documentary streaming platform Hoodox, which he co-founded in 2021 with 12 Stars Media co-founder Zach Downs.
Submissions due for county artists exhibit — Hamilton County artists, and those who live slightly beyond, are invited to submit work by July 26 for the 2024 Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists. The Fishers Arts Council expanded the boundary for eligible artists this year to two miles beyond Hamilton County. The top prize is $1,000 for Best in Show plus a solo exhibit in 2025 in the Art Gallery at City Hall. For more, visit fishersartscouncil.org/blog.
Country Summer is a modern country/pop party band built for fun and here for the party. Country Summer delivers an upbeat show for singing and dancing! The street party begins at 7 p.m. with plenty of food and beverage vendors. The School of Rock band performs at 7:30 p.m.
Walls
Rudy
Brewing up community, culture, connections
Commentary by Mark LaFay
For many people, coffee isn’t simply a morning ritual. It’s a way to connect with others. Making it is a craft to be mastered and a reflection of the community’s evolving tastes. Through conversations with several roasters in Hamilton County, I’ve discovered how coffee has become a cornerstone of community life here.
COFFEE
Let’s start with Indie Coffee Roasters in Carmel. In 2018, Diane McAndrews opened Indie Coffee Roasters on Main Street. Since then, it has expanded to multiple locations, including a second in Carmel at North End, at Purdue University and in Noblesville.
“Consumer interest is growing and people are getting more curious about coffee,” McAndrews said. “It is very culinary. We don’t serve food. It was our strategy from Day 1. We focus on coffee and community, knowing people.”
Jeremy Balch at Geist Coffee also emphasizes quality and community engagement. He took over an existing shop in 2018 and revitalized it. He uses beans from Utopian Coffee Roasters, known for its direct
sourcing from farmers.
“Over the past few years, customers have been asking deeper questions about coffee origins and processing,” Balch said. “Our culture is shifting from blind consumerism to educated purchasing. Farmers are now able to invest in better equipment and processing methods that truly affect quality and taste in the cup.”
Allie Commons, founder and owner of RIVET Coffee Bar & Roastery in Westfield, said she started roasting beans even before the shop opened in May 2021.
“We would roast beans in the ‘garage’ while the shop was being built out,” Commons said. “Neighbors would smell the roasting, see the activity and it built a bit of buzz prior to opening,”
The staff often encourages customers to check out the roastery. Educational cupping classes are also an interactive opportunity to teach customers about the nuances of artisanal coffee.
MOTW Coffee & Pastries, established in 2021, with locations in Carmel and Fishers, has made education a cornerstone of its business. With a foundation rooted in community and a commitment to local causes, MOTW trains its baristas to share their extensive coffee knowledge with customers.
“MOTW’s foundation has always been about community,” Nasif Rahman with MOTW said. “Our baristas go through extensive training and testing to be prepared to give guests a great experience.”
Ken Julian of Julian Coffee Roasters in Zionsville has seen the evolution of coffee culture firsthand. Founded in 2004, Julian Coffee Roasters initially operated several coffee shops but now focuses on wholesale and online retail. It ensures quality through state-of-the-art roasting equipment and direct trade relationships with farmers in Honduras.
“Coffee is similar to wine in that every coffee can have a variety of flavor profiles based on how it is processed at the farms and how it is roasted,” said Julian, noting that his shop’s subscription service introduces customers to new micro-lot coffees each month, keeping things fresh and exciting.
These personal stories reveal quite a bit about our local coffee culture. The common thread running through each roaster is their passion for education, quality and community engagement. Whether it’s offering cupping classes where consumers learn to drink and smell coffee, inviting customers into the roastery, or training baristas to be coffee educators, these shops are fostering a deeper connection between consumers and the coffee they drink.
Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4201 Millersville Rd.,
RIVET Coffee Bar and Roastery in Westfield opened in 2021. (Photo courtesy of RIVET Coffee Bar & Roastery)
Indie Coffee Roasters has two locations in Carmel and one in Noblesville and at Purdue University. (Photo courtesy of Indie Coffee Roasters)
Geist Coffee, 10110 Brooks School Rd, ephasizes quality and community engagement. (Photo courtesy of Geist Coffee)
Carmel Wahlburgers permanently closes
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Wahlburgers in Carmel has permanently closed.
RESTAURANT
The burger restaurant’s final day of business was June 30, according to a sign posted in the window of the restaurant in the Proscenium development on Range Line Road.
“Thank you to everyone who has dined with us,” the note from staff stated. “We have enjoyed serving every one of you. Stay safe and thanks again for making our jobs a little easier.”
The restaurant chain is co-owned by Chef Paul Whalberg and his brothers, actors and musicians Donnie and Mark Wahlberg. The Carmel location opened in April 2021 in a 4,000-square-foot space at 1200 S. Range Line Rd. It was the only Walhburgers in Indiana.
Wahlburgers did not respond to a request for comment.
Cambri moving, expanding
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
When Cambri Builders started to outgrow its office space on Zionsville Road in Indianapolis, customizing a new home was a no-brainer.
RELOCATION
Cambri Builders specializes in commercial development, including health care facilities, strip center and retail renovations, design/build projects and retail tenant improvements.
Cambri chief operating officer Eric McKinney and president John Vyverberg started the company in a 2,700-square-foot office space in 2017. The business is planning a move to 8,000 square feet within a newly constructed 40,000-square-foot building in Zionsville this fall. The project at 96th Street and Zionsville Road, under construction by Cambri, includes a commercial building that will house Cambri as well as multiple other tenants. The site is 80 percent leased.
“We grew pretty rapidly into a multistate commercial general contractor,” McKinney said. “We are building a new building because we’ve outgrown our space.”
Cambri’s commercial construction and renovations résumé includes some notable
projects completed across the country, including the 500th Ollie’s Bargain Outlet store in Iowa City, Iowa.
McKinney said the company was fortunate to land some clients outside of Indiana when they began but hopes to focus on local development as they expand.
“We’d like to develop more business in Indianapolis,” McKinney said, adding that, locally, Cambri has built or renovated sites from 10,000-square-feet up to 100,000-square-feet or larger.
Cambri’s notable projects include Kincaid’s Meat Market in Fishers; Helium Comedy Club in Indianapolis; Mary’s Mountain Cookies in Carmel; Chipotle, Michael’s and Five Below in Brownsburg; and its new building in Zionsville.
Learn more at cambri.com.
A sign in the door of Wahlburgers announces the closure and thanks customers for their business. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Cambri Builders is moving to a new office at 96th Street and Zionsville Road. (Rendering courtesy of Cambri Builders)
Park provides ‘passive nature’
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Rumbling traffic along U.S. 31 and Ind. 38 can’t drown out the peaceful tranquility of MacGregor Park.
A passive nature preserve, MacGregor Park is in a conservation easement, making it protected land, immune from development. The 96-acre, dog-friendly park was donated by Sheila MacGregor Beals to Westfield Washington Township in 1999. Born in 1909 in Scotland, MacGregor Beals moved to the United States following World War II and lived on the property. The preserve’s 3 miles of trails follow the regular path she took while walking the property.
Along the prairie and wetlands trails in the northern portion of the park, visitors will find a Peace Pole — a monument that displays the message “Let Peace Prevail on Earth” in four languages.
Blossoms are plentiful in the preserve, including beebalm, cone flowers, blackeyed Susans, butterfly weed, milkweed, buttonbush, false sunflowers, crownvetch, raspberry bushes, prairie roses, daisies and clover.
Visitors can bring a natural material ornament to leave on the Christmas tree near the northwest portion of the property. The origins of the tree are not fully known, only that a patron placed an ornament on an evergreen in 2004, and ever since, other hikers have added to that collection.
MacGregor Park is owned and operated by Westfield Washington Township. Learn more at westfieldwashingtontwp.us/162/ MacGregor-Park.
DOG WEDDING BRINGS SMILES TO BARRINGTON RESIDENTS
TAKE A HIKE!
MacGregor Park is at Ind. 38 and U.S. 31 in Westfield. (Photo by Marney Simon)
For months, Piper, a cavapoo, has brought joy to residents in the memory support unit at The Barrington of Carmel during weekly visits. She performs tricks, sits on laps and enjoys treats while her owner, Renee Bilgram, reads stories about dogs. The residents decided that Piper should get married to her longtime friend, Bear, also a cavapoo, and on June 7, the facility hosted a dog wedding. Above, Residents in the memory support unit at The Barrington gather to watch a dog wedding ceremony for Bear, left, and Piper. (Photos by Adam Seif)
Starting from scratch
Commentary by Mayor Sue Finkam
As mayor of Carmel, I am committed to ensuring our city’s financial health and accountability for our residents. To that end, I recently announced a bold step forward: The implementation of zero-based budgeting. This approach represents a fundamental shift from traditional budgeting methods, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and transparency as promised in my Elevate Carmel Plan. Zero-based budgeting requires us to justify every dollar spent, from the ground up, each fiscal year. Unlike incremental budgeting, where previous budgets serve as baselines, zero-based budgeting starts from scratch. This method compels departments to evaluate needs critically, prioritize effectively and eliminate inefficiencies. Our city has experienced remarkable growth and faces complex challenges. Zero-based budgeting offers a strategic advantage by aligning spending with our community’s evolving needs. It empowers departments to innovate, streamline operations and deliver better services to our residents.
CITY BUDGET
culture of efficiency and responsiveness. Transparency is another cornerstone of zero-based budgeting. This openness builds trust and encourages civic engagement as residents witness firsthand how their tax dollars are allocated and spent. Implementing zero-based budgeting requires commitment and collaboration. Working with city officials, department heads and residents, we can redefine fiscal stewardship in Carmel, setting a standard for accountability and efficiency in municipal governance.
In the coming months, my administration will work tirelessly to transition to zero-based budgeting. We will provide training and support to departments, facilitate public discussions, and ensure a smooth implementation process for this upcoming budget cycle.
Through zero-based budgeting and other financial transparency initiatives that will be released in the next several months, Carmel is positioned to be a model of fiscal responsibility and innovation. Together, we can build a brighter future for our city.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 TH , 2024
11AM to 3PM at Lucas Estate, Carmel, IN
This approach fosters accountability and ensures that taxpayer dollars are used wisely. It encourages proactive planning and prevents budgetary bloat, fostering a
Sue Finkam is mayor of Carmel. Contact the mayor at sfinkam@ carmel.in.gov.
Social media can fuel teen angst
Commentary by Jeff Worrell
Multiple recent books have linked the rise in teenage anxiety to the lack of civility in our society. Today’s teenagers are heavily influenced by social media, where conflicts and unrealistic comparisons can fuel their angst. Civility and effective conflict resolution can significantly reduce this anxiety.
CIVILITY
Teaching teenagers to communicate respectfully, listen actively and use “I” statements can create a positive online environment. Encouraging empathy and understanding can reduce misunderstandings and foster supportive interactions. Techniques such as taking breaks before responding, using private messaging for sensitive issues and knowing when to disengage are crucial for deescalating conflicts.
Parents, adult role models, and educa-
tors play a crucial role in demonstrating these behaviors and providing guidance on setting healthy online boundaries. For example, parents can use instances like a video of a parent berating referees at a sporting event or an online rant about school decisions to discuss better ways to handle such situations with their teens. By promoting civility and equipping teens with conflict resolution skills, we can help them navigate social media more confidently and reduce the anxiety it often brings. Parents who model these skills are setting an example of civility that extends beyond online conflicts and virtual name-calling.
Jeff Worrell is a Carmel City Council member and a civility proponent. To contact him, you may email jeff4civility@gmail.com.
A little harmless talk?
Commentary by Terry Anker
Born the fourth of nine siblings, Kim Wayans found fame as the recurring character Benita Buttrell on the early 1990s TV sketch comedy
ESSAY
herself wasn’t a gossip. We all got a laugh from the universality of it all. Who doesn’t know someone like Buttrell and her deserving targets?
Is all tattling harmless, even if a bit tasteless? The Supreme Court of the United States has sprung an unprecedented leak of late. Its classified discussions are not being kept so confidential and appear in the media before adjudicated. So, when does a “leak” become an intentional political tool and the secrets used to gain advantage? Sharing corporate privileged news for benefit is called insider trading and will land the gossip in jail. Martha Stewart can attest. Is there likewise a reason to cage the judicial jay birds? We all use information to gain elevated status, but when does the harm move from middle school busybody to prison jailbird? Race in-person or virtually Fundraise for PAWsome prizes
“In Living Color,” which was created and produced by older brother Keenen Ivory Wayans. Her catchphrase elevated the segments onto the national stage and into our collective vernacular. “But I ain’t one to gossip, so you ain’t heard it from me,” would naturally precede some of the most toe-curling and juicy chinwags recently overheard in the neighborhood. Ms. Buttrell made it her business intimately to know everyone else’s business. She understood how to use this information to her own advantage and did.
It was all harmless enough, even funny. The skits poked fun at the bride whose choice to wear white may not have been related to purity, or the big spender whose gold watch was likely plated. She was the voice of truth, at least a sort of veracity. Still, her reliability stood in all things except for her claims that she
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
Unique Custom Log Cabin For Sale
Beautiful custom one of kind hand crafted artistically designed square log cabin sitting on 86 acres in Switzerland county Indiana. Property is just off 129, 15 minutes from Vevay, Indiana. Cabin sits on top of the property with a pond view. Full walkout basement with 30’ x 12’ wide porch. There are 2 ponds appx ¾ acre on the property for your fishin pleasure. Creek adjacent to the roadside that you cross for entrance into the property. Half mile gravel driveway. Four wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. There are trails for riding atvs or just enjoying a hike around the property.
has an open concept style. One full bath in the main level with a Custom cedar king bed and custom cedar couch and chair. Main level overlooks a pond with multiple large windows. Living room area has a propane fireplace faced with creek rock. Poplar saw milled log floors, Full kitchen with custom hickory kitchen cabinets all on main level. Loft upstairs with a half bath.
recreational vehicles etc.
Bonus smaller cabin!!! - small hunters cabin/lodge with a 16.8 front porch with small garage appx 16 x 16.
Bonus Bonus! - electric hookups for campers at the base of the property across from the creek
This property is a must see dream home for the ones that want to enjoy the great outdoors!
Enjoy the wildlife with your morning cup of joe. Turkeys and deer visit often for your viewing pleasure. If you’re a hunter then this property is made for you as well. Permanent tree stands made within the property or just for viewing wildlife. Sportsmans paradise!
*Rising Sun Casino - 29 miles - 45 minutes FOR SALE
upon serious requests *Pre-approval before showing required *Serious inquiries only please
Nice spacious front and back covered porch 34’ x 12’.
Cabin has 3 levels with 2 full bathrooms and 1 half bath. New green metal roof December 2023. Main level
Downstairs open concept with full bath. Downstairs kitchen area has a double sink with lower cabinets and fridge. Sleeping area has a full-size custom cedar bed and fireplace with washer and dryer located downstairs. The downstairs room walks out on the back porch which overlooks the pond. Cistern water tank holds 2,000 gallons. Water is available in town for you to haul and propane furnace. 24 x 40 Barn located just off the side of the cabin for storage of large equipment,
*Attractions close by Belterra Casino 13 miles - 23 minutes
*Historic Madison IN 20 miles
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